"Yedhi mitra hote toh meri Mata ke samman aur mere aastitwa ka iss prakar samasta Hastinapur mein parihas nehi urate. ( If you were my friend then you wouldn't have made fun of my mother's honour and my existence like this in the whole Hastinapur.)"

Karna said removing Duryodhan's hands from his shoulders. Duryodhan glared at him in anger.

"Main toh tumhe nyaay dilwane ka prayas kar raha tha. Aur parihas main nehi, swayam tumhari Mata ne banaya hai tumhara.
(I was only trying to give you justice. And it's not me, your mother herself has made fun of you.)" He said pointing at Kunti angrily.

"Nyaay?!!! Konsa nyaay, aur kaisa nyaay?
Maharaj Dhritrastra ko adhikar hai ki woh aapne kul ki Kulvadhu se prasna puche. Parantu eyu? Bhari sabha mein bulakar aapradhi ki bhati sabke samaksh khara kar ke? Kya yeh hai Kuruvansh ki parampara? Ki apne ghar ki bahu se prasna puchne ke liye bhi sabha bulayi jai?

(Justice?!!! What justice, which justice?
Maharaj Dhritrastra has full right to question the daughter-in-law of Kuruvansh. But like this? By calling her in a court filled with people and standing right in the middle like a culprit? Is this the tradition of Kuruvansh? That you call a session of the court to even ask your daughter-in-law a question?"

Karna asked in agitation. Maharaj Dhritrastra didn't reply. Yes. He had the right to call Kunti if the issue threatened the prestige of Kuru dynasty. But he hadn't talked to Kunti once before starting this session. And you did not drag matters of the family without consulting family members first. The issue that could have been solved inside four walls was being discussed in front of the whole Kingdom.

"Aur Gandharraj aap? Kya aarop hai apka? Ki ek Kshatriya ko Soota ka jeevhan jina para inke bajese? Toh mujhe yeh bataiye, ki ek Soota ka jeevhan aisa hota hi kyu hai ki ek Kshatriya ko uska jeevhan jine par aapmanit hona pare?

(And you Gandharraj? What accusations are you throwing? That she forced a Kshatriya to live like a Soota? But tell me something. Why a Soota's life is as such that a Kshatriya has to face humiliation leading that life?)"

Karna asked turning to Gandharraj Shakuni.

"Maharaj Dhritrastra! Aapne kaha ki meri Mata k karan mera aapman huya hai. Unhone karwaya hai aap logo se mera aapman. Parantu main yeh samajhne mein asamarth hu, ki kya meri Mata ne yeh niyam banaya tha ki ek Soota sastra nehi utha sakta? Ki use gyaan prapt karne ka adhikar nehi?
Yeh niyaam aap logo ka banaya huya hai. Niyaam aap logo ne banaya, aapman bhi aap logo ne kiya, par aarop meri Mata pe laga rahe hai?! Yeh kaisa nyaay hai!

(Maharaj Dhritrastra! You said because of my mother I was insulted. She forced you to my insult. But I'm unable to fathom, was it my mother who made the rule that a Soota cannot learn weaponry? Was it my mother who mother who decided Sootas shouldn't have the right to gain knowledge?
This rules were made by you all. You made rules, you insulted me, but you are blaming my mother?! What justice is this!)"

Kunti's eyes became teary looking at her eldest supporting her. Yudhisthir, Arjun and Nakul also felt elated at his gesture.

"Kunti ne yedhi humain satya bata diya hota toh- (If Kunti had told us the truth then- )" Maharaj Dhritrastra started to say, but Karna stopped him asking,

"Toh? Toh kya aap Soota o ke saath ho raha aannay ko rokh dete? (Then? Then would you have stopped the injustice happening to Sootas?)" Karna had just insulted Maharaj Dhritrastra by stopping him in middle while he sat on the throne.

"Yeaha prasna soota o ka nehi, tumhara hai. (This is not about Sootas, rather you.)" Maharaj Dhritrastra ignored the insult for now and replied gritting his jaw hard.

"Arthat nehi. Phir toh mijhe iss sabha mein nyaay nehi mil sakta Maharaj. Shama kare. Kintu mere dristi mai bastabik apradhi koyi hai, toh yoh hai, yoh ved bhao jo Soota o ke saath kiya jata hai. Yoh ghrina joh kebal Soota sabd ko sun kar hi logo ke mukh pe aa jata hai. Yedhi nyaay karna hai toh ush apradhi ka kijiye, meri Mata ka nehi.

(That means no. Then I cannot get justice in this court Maharaj. Forgive me. But in my opinion the real culprit is the discrimination that Soota's face. That hatred that appears in peoples face even hearing the word Soota. If you want to do justice then stop that, don't punish my mother.)"

Karna said surprising a few. Karna had always wanted respect and recognition for himself. Always counted the injustice done to him. Taken Arjun as a competitor, so he could prove himself the best. But today everyone saw a new Karna who instead of caring for what was done to him, was standing for the common deprived people. Rather than counting the disadvantages he had, was seeing what others didn't get. Today in lieu of proving himself best, he was dedicating his strength to the enervated ones.

"Maharathi Karna ka tark uchit hai Maharaj. Rajmata Kunti pe lagy gaye aarop nyaay sangt nehi. Unhone apni bibasta mein vul kiyi hai. Aur iske liye unhe dandit nehi kiya ja sakta.
(Maharathi Karna's point is valid Maharaj. Rajmata Kunti is blamed wrongly. She has done a mistake in a powerless situation. And she can't be punished for that.)"

Mahamantri Vidur said, finally breaking his silence. Maharaj Dhritrastra contemplated the situation. Duryodhan and Shakuni had suggested that Kunti should be punished severely for her crime. Otherwise it would seem as a grave humiliation of Kuruvansh. She should be sent to exile for tainting their dynasty. Karna's sufferings should meet with justice. But Karna himself seemed to have forgiven her. Dhritrastra was in a dilemma now.

"Maharaj." Gandharraj Shakuni came forward with folded hands. "I also agree with Mahamantri. Maharathi Karna's arguments are valid. If he himself doesn't consider his mother a culprit, than we should accept it. But what about the crime he committed just now?"

"You're right mamashree. And also Bhrata Yudhisthir, Arjun and Nakul are also guilty of raising weapon in the court." Duryodhan added glaring at them. Karna only gave a snort glancing at him.

"Samajh mein nehi aata, mamashree jate hai yeah girgit aata hai unke pass siksha lene. (I don't understand, either mamashree goes to chameleon or it comes to him for tuition.)" Nakul muttered to Arjun who barely controlled his smirk.

Shakuni knew it wouldn't be fruitful to accuse Kunti anymore when Karna himself was defending her. So he drew attention towards the offence Karna just committed by trying to choke Rajkumar Durdharsh. In his opinion, if your own dog started barking at you, it's better to finish it off.

"Usse pehle yeh toh tai kar lijiye mamashree, ki hamari Mata ka aapman karne wale ko kya dand denge. Waise Hastinapur ki nyaaysastra k aanusar iss aapradh ka dand to mrityu dand hi hai Maharaj.
(But before that let's decide what punishment to give to the one who insulted our mother. Hastinapur's law book says death penalty to be given for such an offence Maharaj.)"

Yudhisthir said this time. Maharaj Dhritrastra and Shakuni both understood Yudhisthir's calm and collected words well. If he wanted to punish Karna even saying he should have waited for Maharaj to give punishment instead of reacting, he ultimately would have to punish his son for insulting Kuru Kulvadhu too. Also even though Dhritrastra differentiated between his and his brother's sons, that didn't mean he would allow his sons to insult his late brother's wife.

"He has already gotten his punishment Putra Yudhisthir. But you four are still due." Shakuni said turning to Yudhisthir with slightly narrowed eyes.

"I don't see how mamashree since he is standing very much alive in front of us." Yudhisthir countered smiling at him.

"Enough! I have taken my decision. I release Kunti from all allegations and as for punishment of Durdharsh, Karna, Yudhisthir, Arjun and Nakul, then Durdharsh had crossed his limit and he got his punishment too. The rest four cannot be blamed for defending their Mata. I expect an apology from all five of you though. From Kuntiputras to me for raising weapon in an active court and Durdharsh," Maharaj Dhritrastra stopped for a breath and ordered angrily gritting his jaw hard,
"Apologise to Kunti touching her feet in front of everyone."

Duryodhan was going to object, but Shakuni held him back. Dhritrastra wasn't going to mindlessly follow them after he had already secured the throne for Duryodhan. Seemed Shakuni needed to stroke the fire of dislike for Pandavs again.
Durdharsh glanced at Duryodhan for support, but getting Duryodhan's sign to follow through, he went near Kunti and bent to touch her feet.

"Forgive me, Kakishree." He said with downcast eyes filled with anger.

"I forgive you son. Bless you." Kunti said keeping a hand on his head. With this Yudhisthir also asked for forgiveness from Maharaj Dhritrastra. Arjun, Nakul and Karna followed him.

Maharaj Dhritrastra was about to dismiss the court, but stopped hearing a voice.

"Sabha samapt karne ka samay nehi aaya hai Putra Dhritrastra. Abhi kuch ses hai. (It is not time to end the court son Dhritrastra. There is still something due.)" Gangaputra Mahamahim Bhishma said. He had remained silent during the whole session till now.

"What is remaining now Tatshree?" Dhritrastra asked him in confusion.

"This is clear to everyone now that Karna is Kunti's son. Kunti did what was demanded of her at that time. Karna has no allegation against her nor do we. But now that we all know the truth, it will be only right to give Karna his equivalent rights and respect." Mahamahim Bhishma said confusing everyone.

"Say clearly what you want to say Tatshree." Maharaj Dhritrastra requested.

"Maharaj, Karna is the eldest son of Kunti. When Kunti became the daughter-in-law of Kuruvansh, she accepted our family as her own. Our blood, our reputation as her own. And now it's our turn, we do the same. I know if Pandu was alive, he would have done the same." Mahamahim Bhishma said in his grave tone. "I, as the patriarch of Kuruvansh, want to give Karna the recognition of a Kuruvanshi."

Silence descended on the Raj sabha with his announcement. Gandharraj Shakuni's eyes widened in shock whereas Kauravs were angry, well most of them were. Pandavs were happy thinking their brother would get his due respect now. Maharaj Dhritrastra himself was shocked and baffled by this.

"What are you saying Tatshree? How can this happen? This is not possible." Maharaj Dhritrastra objected.

"Why not? Kunti and Karna both have suffered enough. Now it's high time we do what is right." Mahamahim Bhishma said with determination.

Shakuni thought fast. This buddha was going to ruin them. Adopting Karna as a Kuruvanshi would mean he would be the eldest son of this generation. They had removed Pandavs from Hastinapur saying Yudhisthir was not fit for the throne. But what if this buddha was planning to unite Hastinapur again by announcing Karna the heir. No. That seemed unlikely. Then why would suddenly Mahamahim Bhishma was feeling the need for this?

"If that is the case Pitamah, then as the eldest brother, Karna should rule Indraprasth, not bhrata Yudhisthir." Duryodhan said taking the chance. Friend or no friend, Karna was still bound to him by his promise. If Karna became the King, he would have the leverage that Yudhisthir wouldn't provide.

"I agree with Duryodhan." Yudhisthir said quickly. "Jyesth Karna has the first right on Indraprasth. He should be announced the King of Indraprasth along with adoption as a Kuruvanshi."

Kunti caught the eye of Tatshree Bhishma as he also glanced at her.

'Khatre mein toh pura shetr bhi hai. (The entire area is in danger too.)'

In Indraprasth :

Devika was not feeling really well today. So, Draupadi and Drisana had strictly restricted her from doing anything. Draupadi was cutting fruits for her sitting beside and Drisana was reading a book to keep her entertained.

"Drisana, what do you think? The way Maharaj Dhritrastra called Mata, is there going to be some problem for her?" Devika asked tentatively. Since they left for Hastinapur, Devika was tensed.

"No. There'll be no problem. Maybe Maharaj will scold her a little for hiding the truth. Nothing else." Drisana said smiling warmly at her. Draupadi gave her a side glance knowing Drisana didn't want to worry Devika. But she was sure trouble would follow them in Hastinapur.

"I'm not as intelligent as you Drisana, but I do understand a few things." Devika said returning the smile sadly.

"Do you think I'll lie to you Devika Jiji? Mata Kunti's four sons are there. They'll let nothing wrong happen." Drisana said assuring her.

"Yes, Jiji. The four are enough to shake entire Hastinapur. You don't worry." Draupadi added too smiling.

"You just take proper care of yourself or bhrata Yudhisthir will shake us after coming back." Drisana said jokingly with rounded fearful eyes, making Devika laugh.

As they continued to cheer up Devika, Drisana remembered something.

Flashback

The evening of Shishupal's drama in the family court:

"Parnipat, Tatshree." Kunti greeted Bhishma. He blessed her. He had been absent from the court today. But later heard what happened and was delighted at the way it was handled. With Drisana going at Indraprasth, he was sure there would be major changes in Indraprasth too. He was looking forward to see Indraprasth flourishing under Yudhisthir's rule.

"Tatshree, I have come for a very important discussion." Kunti finally told him in a grave tone.

"What's it, Putri?" Bhishma sensed the seriousness reflecting in her voice.

"Tatshree, years earlier before marriage I made a very crucial mistake. I want to rectify that now." Kunti said.

"What mistake are you talking about, Putri?" Bhishma asked her in confusion.

"I abandoned my first son." Bhishma froze in place hearing her. Then Kunti told him everything.
"It's true Tatshree. Yudhisthir is not my eldest."

"Putri, I understand why and in what conditions you did that. But now years later why are you telling me this? There is no point in digging out buried corpse." Bhishma asked trying to understand the point of this discussion.

"My son is going through misery because of my that decision. But not anymore. I want to reveal to everyone that he is my son and I want you to accept my first son. I want him to be known as the eldest Kuruvanshi." Kunti said with determination.

"That's not possible, Putri. If you want to reveal your truth, I cannot stop you. Though my suggestion would be not to do so. This will only bring shame to you and your sons. And your son will be known as a Kauntaye. He is not a Kuruvanshi nor will he be accepted as that. Pandu never knew or acknowledged your son. So he will never be a Kuruvanshi or Pandav." Bhishma said firmly.

"But you can give him that recognition. I know with Arya no longer with us, he won't be a Pandav, but if you accept him as a Kuruvanshi, none will question you." Kunti said.

"I can't do that. Pandu is not alive. Either he would have accepted your son or not, will always be a maybe. I cannot simply declare him as such. And he was born before your alliance with the Kuruvansh. Thus, he has no claim in our dynasty." Bhishma said unwavering.

"He is not claiming anything. It is me, his mother who is only asking for recognition. My son don't need the throne or any wealth, he only needs acceptance, Tatshree. He has suffered a lot till now. I don't want him to suffer more. Even though he is Suryaputra, he will be considered a Sootputra only. Please give my son acceptance, Tatshree." Kunti pleaded. She knew the consequences that would follow if Karna was not accepted as a Kuruvanshi. He would still be known as his foster father, Adhirath's clan. Meaning, he would always be addressed as Sootputra. Everyone knew Pandavs had different spiritual fathers, but they were recognised by Pandu's name and clan. She wanted the same for Karna too.

"I understand Kunti. But -" Bhishma said suggesting.

"Tatshree, I never asked for anything to you. You said you'll protect my sons when Bheem was poisoned, but those words got burned in Varanavat's fire. Hastinapur got divided and my sons got thrown out without any fault of theirs. But I accepted everything silently. This I ask for my sons. Please don't refuse me." Kunti said folding her hands.

"If this truth comes out, not only your reputation will be tarnished, but the balance of both Hastinapur and Indraprasth will be in danger." Mahamahim Bhishma reminded her ominously. "Karna is bound by his oath and friendship with Duryodhan. And Pandavs are bound by their Dharma. They will follow Karna and Karna will follow Duryodhan. I have not much hope remained for Hastinapur. But this will extinguish Indraprasth's new rising sun too."

"If Karna keeps following Duryodhan, I won't be able to help you. You will probably be punished after this. And then an attempt to make Karna, Indraprasth's king will follow. No way will I let that happen Kunti." Mahamahim Bheesmh said again with finality.

"I don't want that too. If that happen, my rest five sons will suffer. I worry for them too. The enemity between Pandav and Kaurav is not hidden from anyone and my sons lives are in danger. Neither I want them to follow adharm nor I want them to hate Karna. That's why I want you to protect all my six sons." Kunti replied contemplating the situation.

"How do you expect me to do that?" Gangaputra asked frowning.

"I know Karna has no desire for Kingdom anyways. I want you to make sure Indraprasth doesn't go to him. Renounce him as the King of Anga. He can't be the King of both vassal Kingdoms. This way he will get his right and no injustice will fall upon my other sons too." Kunti proposed stiffly. "And please Tatshree, don't try to defend me or say anything in my defence. Let Maharaj Dhritrastra decide my punishment. Then only you'll have full control on the later situation."

Mahamahim Bhishma stared at Kunti for sometimes and then said with a heavy sigh,
"I will consider it."

Drisana was right outside Mahamahim Bhishma's chamber hearing everything through a half closed window.

Yes. She was eavesdropping.

Coincidentally she came to meet Mahamahim Bhishma that evening. But when the guard outside told Rajmata Kunti was inside, she felt she shouldn't interrupt and instead went around. Finding the half closed window, she couldn't stop herself from peaking. She met Pitamah right after, greeting Kunti on the way, giving no indication of what she heard.

Kunti later understood Drisana had heard them somehow that day.

'Jab aap apne putro ka vagya sunischit karne ka prayas kar rahi thi, taab waha main bhi thi. (When you were trying to determine your son's fate, I was there too.)'

'And I have full faith Pitamah, that you will not let any injustice fall upon anyone under this magnificent dynasty and treat everyone according to their competence."

At the Raj sabha of Hastinapur :

"That is not possible Putra Yudhisthir. Because Karna has to take responsibility of what he himself organised. As far as I know him, he is not one to run away from responsibilities leaving the people depending on him in distress." Mahamahim Bhishma said looking at Karna.

"Forgive me Pitamah. But what are you saying? Which responsibilities?" Yudhisthir asked confusingly. Karna was frowning too.

"The responsibility of Anga." Mahamahim Bhishma replied. "Karna had taken out Anga from a ruinous condition. Because of him there exists law and order now. The people were able to breath freely because they had him as their King. They trusted him, depended on him. Have you given a single thought Karna, what those people will do without you when you went away leaving everything?"

Karna thought about his words and said,

"I'm sorry Mahamahim. But I cannot accept it back. It was given to me as a charity and I don't wish to burden myself more under it's weight. As for Indraprasth, I have always struggled to get recognition based on ability not birth. My brothers made Indraprasth with their abilities. That's the fruit of their hardships. How can I have any claim on that?" Karna said surprising even Mahamahim and Yudhisthir.

"But Jyesth -"

"No, Yudhisthir. If you truly consider me your brother, don't insult me by offering Indraprasth." Karna said interrupting him. Yudhisthir stared at him for a while and then nodded with downcast eyes understanding his point well.

"As for being a Kuruvanshi, it is a matter of great respect for me that Gangaputra Mahamahim Bhishma considered this. But forgive me, Mahamahim. I cannot accept that. I know I'm Mata Kunti's son. But this is also true that I'm Radha maa and charioteer Adhirath's son too. They brought me up with love, affection, support and care. How can I leave them? How can I leave the identity that they gave me? No. I cannot do that. I'm a Sootputra and I'll always be Soota Adhirath's son." Karna said to Mahamahim Bheesmh respectfully. Kunti looked at him astonished.

"But Putra, all your life you have to hear taunts because of this. Now, you can stop those who humiliated you calling Sootputra. Who didn't give you respect or rights to show your ability, will have to do so. Do not refuse Tatshree, Putra. Is this because you're angry with me?" Kunti tried to convince him.

"No, Mata. I have no complaints against you or my brothers. All my life I heard taunts, but all my life I got Radha maa's love, Pitashree Adhirath's affection too. I want respect and rights not for myself only, but for Soota clan too. And I have well understood one thing, that respect and ability is not dependent on others thoughts of me. Please Mata, let me remain Sootputra Radheya Karna along with Kauntaye." Karna said softly. Kunti nodded after a moment wiping her tears.

"But Karna, you have to accept the responsibilities of Anga. Not as a charity, but given to you because of your capabilities and prowess." Mahamahim Bhishma said being truly pleased and impressed with Karna's thinking.

"You can not do that Pitamah. That right lies with Maharaj only." Duryodhan said angrily.

"I'm sure Maharaj will agree with me since I did so too when he was doing justice." Mahamahim Bhishma reminded Dhritrastra that keeping silence he let him conduct Kunti's trial, now it was Dhritrastra's turn. Maharaj Dhritrastra also saw no problem in this.

"Of course. Tatshree is right. I do agree and I, right now in this moment, renounce Karna as the King of Anga pradesh." Maharaj Dhritrastra declared before anyone could say anything.

'Jab bipaksh ka raja hi bacab karne lage, toh parajay ka vay nehi hona cahiye. (When the opponent king is in our defence, then we shouldn't be afraid of failing.)'

😧😧😧😧😧😧😧😧😧

This chapter is a mess. I kinda lost interest in writing this one. Why?

Well, I've been noticing since the last few chapters that in a few hours of publishing the views ups instantly with lesser votes. Like, in the last chapter after one to two hours, it was 132 views with 17 votes.

That really ruined my mood. If this is not worth a vote why will you click on it as soon as I update?????

It's not like you're trying a new story and will decide either to vote or not after reading a few chapters.

I got so upset, I considered unpublishing.

Then I thought I shouldn't do that to the ones who do vote and appreciate my efforts.

However, let me know if you have any confusions or questions. I do love to hear from you...❤❤❤