60.Karna arrives at Hastinapuri stadium

Even as the preparations were in full swing in Hastinapuri stadium, one bright handsome young archer was rushing to that city. It was a question of life and death for him to reach there in time. Of course he was not sure if he would be allowed to take part in the show. He was told that chances were bleak. The competition was restricted to the princes. He was fhe son of a charioteer. Was his hope very unrealistic? Could be. But Karna did not want to be bothered by any negative thought. He was brimming with confidence. He felt, none of the princes could compete with him on merit. So, he liked to think, how could mere formalities restrict an archer of his calibre from showing his talents to the royalty, elites and masses of Hastinapuri? Probably he also thought that his showing at such an assembly would fetch him a royal assignment-, one that would wipe out all kinds of financial distress of his parents!

With all the money in hand, Karna had hired a chariot. The charioteer was rushing his horses. Their hooves hit the soil hard and left trails of dust-storm behind. Hastinapuri was still a few miles away. Karna was impatient. He implored the charioteer to drive even faster knowing fully well that the horses were overworked. By the time Karna’s vehicle reached the main gate, the tournament just started