Shakuni was burning with jealousy. Vasudev Sri Krishna came to give an invitation for the Rajsuye Yagna to Dhritarashtra. From his spies, he came to know about Indraprastha, the most beautiful city after Dwarka. Shakuni was planning how to make the life of the Pandav a living hell. Now they had the support of hundred kings and it would be difficult for the Kauravs to get hold of the entire Aryavart as long as the Pandavas were there. 

Shakuni, 'I need to find a way that would instigate Duryadhana's jealousy for the Pandavas. Maybe the beauty and prosper of Indraprastha will develop some jealousy in him.'

Dhritarashtra decided that Shakuni, Aswatthama and Kauravas would go there. Vidur and Bheesm also decided to send Karna with them as if anything happened there Karna could stop the fight between the brothers. Avantika was also going as a bodyguard of the royal ladies.

Bheesm and Vidur asked Karna for a private meeting. Bheesm, 'Putra, I am giving the princes responsibility to you. You and only you can stop them to behave like mad bulls in the flower garden.'

Karna laughed, 'Mahamahim you have quite a faith in your grandchildren.'

Bheesm looked at Karna with admiration. At first, he was suspicious about his motive. But after he knew from Vidur that how he protected Pandavas from Varanavat, he started liking him. He also admired his knowledge, problem-solving skills, keen observations of administration works, decision-making ability and most importantly his fighting skills. He thought if Karna was Kshatriya and a member of Kuru family, then it would be easy for all as he had all the ability to be a king. Yudhishtir was good but he was too righteous for a king as a king should know to protect himself and his kingdom from cunning enemies. While Duryodhana was too volatile.  But Karna's presence made him more sincere and responsible. Karna was like a barrier between Kauravs and Pandavas. 

Karna, 'Don't worry I will do my best to keep everything in control. I will not let them tarnish Hastinapur's name, that's my promise to you.'

Vidur, 'But Karna be careful, that Shakuni and Chediraj Shishupal will also be there and it will create problems.'

Karna, 'I know, in fact, if this time Shishupal does anything, then I promise on the name of my Guru, I will show him his place.'

Bheesm remembered the day.

Chediraj Shishupal came to Hastinapur a few weeks back to discuss some matters. However, his main plan was to find some entertainment there. During his stay he drank wine, gambled, went to the courtesan's house with Dusshasshan. The palace maids were also afraid of his lustful behavior but because of Avantika ad Karna he could not do anything. Bheesm tried to give him subtle hints but he was too arrogant to listen. Then at one night he saw Meenakshi, Dusshasshan's wife and tried to misbehave with her. Dusshasshan never loved or respected her and often abused her. Shishupal tried to pull her saree but hearing her scream Avantika and Karna came to the scene. Actually, their marriage was fixed and they went to meet Gandhari to invite her for the engagement. While returning they decided to go and share the news with Meenakshi as well, as both Bhanumati and Avantika took her under their wings. When they rushed into her chamber they saw Shishupal was trying to r**e her. Karna immediately jumped on him and remove him from her. Then he beat him black and blue. Hearing the noise Bheesm and Vidur came, they wanted to take him to the court but Meenakshi requested them not to inform anyone as people would think bad about her as well.

Bheesm was happy that Karna again saved the honor of Kuruvansh. He was like a shield to their family. He thanked almighty for sending him. Now Bheesm also realized that the laws and caste systems should be changed. One should be recognized based on their talent not for their birth. In Hastinapur they reformed many laws like everyone should be given basic education, free health care was given to the poor, now the teachers could not discriminate among the students based on the caste. Some teachers like Dronacharya tried to stop this but when Avantika invited Sage Vashishta, Devi Arundhati, Sage Ved Vyas, Sage Viswamitra and Lord Parshuram, Guru Brihaspati and Shukracharya for a debate competition all the prejudiced teachers accepted their defeat.

 All these great teachers and sages visited Karna and Avantika's house as well for their engagement. Krishna, Balram, Rukmini and Revati also came from Dwarka. The citizens of Hastinapur were surprised to see that those renowned people preferred to stay at Adhirath's and Sarthak's house than the royal palace. On the engagement day Suryadev, Devi Sangya, Devi Chaya, Devi Yamuna, Dharmraj Yama, Shanidev and Aswinikumars also came disguised themselves as Brahmins to bless the newlyweds. Karna immediately recognized them and was overwhelmed to see his entire family there. Mother earth also disguised herself as a white holy cow and came to Avantika''s house to bless her. Both Dyuroadhana and Bhanumati also came to congratulate them. Dyuroadhana hugged Karna tightly and said, 'Mitra, now we are on the same boat. Your days of freedom are gone.'

Krishna also befriended Avantika and called her Sakhi. Krishna, 'Sakhi, today you find your true soulmate. I am proud of you. Both of you came to the earth to accomplish great tasks. Whatever happened, stay together. Your unity is your strength.'

Avantika, 'I know you Prabhu. I remember everything now. Please bless me Narayan, so that I can help my love and support him in every stage of our life.'  

All these started a change in perception among the citizens of Hastinapur. Everyone was happy with the new system except Drona, Aswatthama and Shakuni. They knew that somehow they had to take Duryadhona back to their confidence again.

Indraprastha

The Kauravas along with their wives  Shakuni, Aswatthama, Karna and Avantika came to Indraprastha. Everyone was astonished to see the beauty and the magical structure of the palace. The entire palace was like a maze. 

Shakuni, 'See that Baccha, those Pandavas made this city more beautiful than Hastinapur. Now the entire Aryavart will praise them.'

Duryodhana, 'Yes mamashri, they created such an illusionary palace. I just can't believe it.'

Karna was super excited to see the architecture. He was observing everything with childlike awe. He praised the beauty of the kingdom. Duryodhana was irritated, 'Why are you praising the Pandavas?'

Karna, 'Come on mitra, what's the harm in praising their hard work? Pandavas built everything from scratch. We should appreciate them for their hard work.'

Duryodhana (irritated), 'You are the most complicated man I have ever seen. You are praising those who always misbehave with you.'

Karna, 'Mitra, I don't mind their words. I always appreciate others' talent.'

Shakuni and Dusshashan continuously pouring poison into Duryadhana's mind against Pandavas. Duryodhana was agitated but he remembered his friend's words before the travel.

Flashback

Duryodhana was instructing the servants for the journey then Karna came there. 

Karna, 'Mitra, I have something to say to you.'

Duryadhana, 'What is it mitra? Why are you looking tensed.'

Karna, 'Mitra, I want to ask something from you. Please don't deny me.'

Duryadhana, 'Mitra what is it? Please tell me. It's the first time you asked me something. I will do anything to give you that.'

Karna, 'I want a promise Mitra. That you will not fight with the Pandavas there. Mitra, you are the crown prince of Hastinapur, you will represent your kul in front of all the kings. Please don't give them the chance to point fingers at your reputation. Please promise me.'

Duryodhana with tears in his eyes, 'Karna for the first time you asked for something and that is also for my reputation. Who are you, Karn? What good thing I did in my life to have you as my friend? I promise you, I will never fight with them there.'

Karna smiled, 'Thanks!'

Present time

Duryodhana was angry with the Pandavas. The way they were showing off their kingdom boiled his blood. And Draupadi, her arrogance was touching the sky. She still did not forget how Kauravas said her marriage was a sin. So she was just trying to show them their wealth and property now.

Duryodhana, 'Mamashri I promised my mitra, so I cannot do anything. But I cannot tolerate their attitude.I just want to destroy the yagna '

Shakuni, 'Don't worry, I will think of something.'

Shakuni knew if he tried to do anything Karna would surely stop him. So he observed everything keenly to find something to create problems in the yagna.

Karna met Krishna and they were talking in Krishna's luxurious room , 'Keshav, how are you? How is everything in Dwarka? Congratulations for your sister's marriage. I am happy that she chose Arjun instead of that wretched Dusshshan.'

Krishna smiled, 'You are the first person from Hastinapur who congratulated them. Otherwise, Maharaj Dhritarashtra and Dusshshan saw this as an insult to Kurufamily.'

Karna, 'I always support what is right. That Dusshashan was the most rotten person here next to Shakuni. BTW Keshav I am having a bad feeling about all this. As if I am sensing an impending danger.'

Krishna, 'You are the God of Dharmyudh. You can easily sense upcoming war.'

Karna, 'Here these people are trying to escalate the war. They don't even have any idea what danger is lurking over them by the Asurs. Here the Pandavas are showing off their wealth. Keshav, jealousy is very dangerous. By showing off Pandavas are inviting dangers on them.'

Krishna, 'I know whom you are meaning. Be careful Karna. Don't do anything  that causes destruction for humanity.'

Then Pandavas and Draupadi with Kunti came there, Yudhishtir  'Pranipat Keshav, I hope everything is comfortable for you.' They were purposefully ignoring Kara.

Karna stood up and Said, 'Prnaam Maharaj, Pranaam Pandav princes. Pranam Devi Panchali, Raajmata. How are you?'

Krishna, 'Yudhishtir, you asked me but not Karna. He is also a guest here and it is your duty to take care of all guests equally.'

Bheem, 'Madhav, I know he is comfortable. We gave him a guest room with Prince Duryodhana, instead of a servant quarter. I know he never thinks in his wildest dream that he can stay in such a royal chamber. After all he stays in a small hut.'

Listening to this Arjun and Nakul started laughing. Kunti felt very bad but remained silent.

Karna also felt very bad specially in his mother's silence but did not show it. He just said, 'Yes prince Bheem, thank you for your generosity.'

Krishna (thinking), 'Pride is the downfall of men. Very soon you will also experience how will it feel to stay in a small hut.'

Karna took their leave and went out of the room. While going out he heard Arjun saying, 'I don't know what he was thinking when he competed for Draupadi's hand? Draupadi is intelligent that she chose us otherwise she will also have to stay in a hut.' Karna left the place hurriedly.

Now Kunti said, ' Stop it, my sons you are crossing your limit.'

Sahadev, 'Bhrata, what happened to you? Why do you hate him so much?'

Yudhishtir, 'Anuj insulting a guest is a sin. He always respects us, then why do you believe like this with him?'

Now Priyamvada, Kunti's maid and sakhi said, 'But Maharaj they are saying the truth. One should stay within their limit.'

Little did Kunti know that it was Priyamvada who always instigate the Pandavas against Karna. Priyamvada from the first day hated Karna. She was very overprotective of the Pandavas and considered Karna as the bane of their life. If anyone came to know about him it would destroy Kunti's and Pandavas reputation so she always tried to separate Karla from Pandavas and say bad things against him. Pandavas were also blinded by their ego believed in her.

Krishna (dryly), 'Arjuna you are insulting my best friend. What enmity do you have with him?'

Arjun (irritated), 'Madhav why do you always call him your best friend. We are also your friend. He is nothing but a petty sutputra who is wasting his time on us.'

Krishna, 'Parth first of all friendship does not see caste, color, birth or race. Our friendship is pure because he has no expectations from me and he completely devoted to me. Secondly, he is far better than all of you. He has all the qualities that all of you possessed together. And please stop insulting others without proper reason. I know the only reason you hate him because even in your mind you know that Karna is better than you but you don't want to accept it.'

Draupadi was shocked. Every day she thought about her decision in the Swyamvar. What would happen if she accepted him? Maybe she had a simple life, but now it's too late. She came to know that Karna was also engaged with Avantika. She saw her with Bhanumati as she was her bodyguard. In the evening when all the guests were resting, Draupadi saw Karna and Avantika in the palace garden talking to each other. Seeing them together Draupadi felt a stab in her heart. The way Karna looked at the girls, she could clearly see the love, respect and longing in his eyes for her. None of her husbands ever looked at her like that.  When Arjun returned from the exile she also felt betrayed as Arjun get married to three more women and he also brought Subhadra to Indraprastha. Her eldest husband even ordered her to welcome her. No one tried to understand her pain, agony. But she could not understand why she felt so bad seeing Karna and Avantika together. 

She was also livid when she saw her talking to Krishna and Krishna called her 'Sakhi.' Burned with jealousy she went to Krishna and said, 'Sakha why are you talking to that shudra girl. She is  not of your standard.' 

Krishna, 'Draupadi what happened to you? You are not that rude. Then why are you saying bad about her? Please calm down. Change your attitude Sakhi. What is gone let that be gone. He can never come back to you. So why you are torturing yourself?'Saying that he left. 

While Duryodhana was also jealous. He was angry about Pandavas' prosperity. Shakuni had a plan, he went to Shishupal's chamber and asked him to misbehave with Draupadi. The Pandavas could not kill a guest or do anything against him as their Yagna would be ruined. So according to the plan when the Pandavas were busy with their guests, Shishipal went to Draupadi's room when she was alone and tried to misbehave with her. But luckily Bhanumati and Avantike came there. Avantika started beating Shishupal while Bhanumati ran and called Karna and Pandavas. They rushed to the room and saw Avantika was beating Shishupal. Shishupal though a Kshatriya was not good at fighting. Bheem almost killed him with his mace but Krishna stopped them.

After the Yagna, on Shakuni's insistence, Shishupal again insulted Krishna. So according to the prophecy after his 100th sin, Sri Krishna evoked his Sudarshan Chakra. Shishupal ran and tried to hide behind every king but seeing Sudarshan chakra coming towards them, every king ran away to save their life. Karna went out of the ceremony hall during this event.  When Shishupal ran towards the door, Karna entered and Shishupal hid behind him. To everyone's astonishment, Sudarshan Chakra came in front of Karna and his armor appeared and Sudarshan chakra was stopped in front of him.  Shishupal thought he was saved and started laughing. Even Duryodhana asked him to protect Shishupal. 

Karna just folded his hand in front of Sudarshan Chakra and stepped aside.

Duryodhana, 'Karna what are you doing? Save Shishupal.'

Karna, 'Sorry mitra, I cannot insult Narayan's Sudarshan chakra. It is the weapon of my aradhya. It was evoked to kill Shishupal and I have to respect his wish. After all the sins this Shishupal had committed this ending was inevitable.'

Saying that he moved away from Shishupal and the Chakra beheaded him.  

Duryodhana was angry beyond measure. He took his mace to start a fight, seeing that Arjun took out his 'Gandiv' and 'Agnivan'. But Karna came in front of Duryodhana. Then he said, 'Samrat I did not protect Shishupal but don't think for a single second that I am not going to protect my Mitra here. If you dare to even touch a single hair on my friend's head, I will bring such bloodshed that no one can stop. And if I raise my 'Vijaya' bow here then no one can stop me, not even myself.' 

Yudhishtir calmed Arjun down, but as a punishment for taking out his mace he took Duryadhana's weapon from him on Draupadi's insistence. Duryodhana was angrily going out from the sabha, but Karna tried to stop him.

Karna, 'Mitra please calm down, you are the crown prince of Hastinapur. You are their representative. Please don't do anything that will allow everyone to question the sanskar of Kuru family.'

But Duryodhana was too angry to listen to anything. He angrily jerked Karna's hands-off and stormed out from the hall. But there was a pool outside which he did not notice. So fell on the pool and seeing that Draupadi started laughing. She said, 'He is truly a blind man's son.' Duryodhana was furious beyond measure. He went out of the sabha along with the Kauravas.

Karna and Avantika stood there helplessly. They both could an upcoming storm but could do nothing to prevent it. Krishna also came to Karna.

Avantika, 'Sakha what happened today is not good. Today the first foundation of a huge catastrophe was laid. Please ask your Sakhi to control her actions and words. Words are like arrows, once it was released, they will surely hit. Every man is not Radheya that even after getting insulted, still forgives others.  Whatever happened today is the starting point of a Mahayudh.'

Shakuni was happy as his plan was successful. Now Duryodhana would never forgive his humiliation and the war was inevitable. 'Karna you tried everything to stop the was but now surely the war will start. And the best part is I don't need to do anything. It is the Pandava's arrogance and Duryodhana's ego that did the job,' thought Shakuni. 

Krishna was also angry on the Pandavas. So he also decided to leave Indraprastha.Hearing that all Panadavas rushed to meet him.

Yudhishtir, 'Keshav, why are you leaving so soon. If we did any mistake to you I apologize for our mistake.

Krishna (clamly), 'No Samrat, you did not commit any mistake to me but to others. You called yourself Dharmraj but you insult your guests in your yagna.'

Bheem, 'But we did not insult any honorable guest here. That Shishupal and Duryodhana got what they deserved.'

Krishna, 'Shishupal..yes..but Duryadhona, no. I know what he did was wrong for taking out his mace, but Karna handled everything. Still, you took away his weapons as a punishment. You insulted a Kshatriya' pride.'

Yudhishtir, 'But that's the Dharma to do what is right. Taking out weapons in yagna is a sin.'

Krishna, 'And what about the sin your brothers had committed by insulting Karna without any reason? Did you punish them for that...No..you just admonished them a little and then forgot about it? Did you punish your wife for insulting your uncle, who is a king of Hastinapur? If you want to do justice then you will punish every wrongdoer equally. But here you are biased about your brothers.'

Draupadi, 'But Sakha, what they did was wrong.'

Krishna (little irritated), 'Panchali, today you forced your husband to do that mistake. You did not think about justice here...what you were doing was taking revenge for calling your marriage a sin. Panchali this game of revenge will be going too far. I can sense that. But what hurts me most is all of your prejudice, arrogance and foolish blindness in following Dharma. I tried to teach you all many times but you are so blind that even Lord Suryadev himself cannot show you the light. Arjun.. you are the husband of my sister and I promised her to protect her always from every danger. That's why I will try to help you if you all are in danger by any Asuras or magical powers. But don't expect any other help from me unless you guys came out of your fake superiority complex.'

Saying that Krishna left. Sahadev, 'I have never seen Dwarkadhish so angry. Brothers, I think you all did a grave mistake today.' 

Next: Karna- Duryidhana fight. Karna placed a condition before Krishna.