Saturday, September 20, 2014

66. Arjun enters, Karna's eyes freezes on him



The day so far was interesting. But, his wait had not ended. A few days back, when he sought his mother’s blessings when he was leaving for the capital, he was reminded the demonstration was not an open one. This one was for the princes, the royal heirs. Being the son of a charioteer was not an obstacle for him. It was because of his parents, he was whatever he was. They had encouraged him when he left home seeking the warrior saint. And even today, they did not stop him – they merely reminded him.

Karna for the past so many years with the single pointed mind of an ascetic had steadfastly pursued archery. Today he saw many shining examples of martial mastery. An eagerness to participate was difficult to subdue. While so many different thoughts fleeted his mind, the arena suddenly, it seemed, grew quite. He heard a few men enter into whispered conversations – it was now Arjun’s turn it seemed. Arjun’s reputation had escaped the fences of the Guru's ashram when he was still a young student. Many today, had just come to see him. Karna’s eyes froze on the white robes, the silver armour, and the huge frame – probably his own height.

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