Everyone stilled on hearing Karn . Neither Kauravas nor Pandavas or the courtiers could believe their ears.

Karn choosed Yudhishthir as Yuvraj? Before anyone could digest the first shock Karn gave another shock....

Everyone knows about the debate of right on throne based on who's birthed first. Suyodhan first came in Mata Gandhari 's womb but Yudhishthir was first born . If we go by what everyone believes Yudhishthir is elder , he should be crowned but....

If we go by the tale of how Dev and Daityas were born to Mata Aditi and Mata Diti solely based on the time they took place in their mother's womb , Suyodhan is elder.

Mata Satyavati has put her trust on me , therefore I won't be partial to anyone. Giving up everything to Yudhishthir will be unfair to Suyodhan..

Therefore I....The King of Anga , in presence of everyone as witness , with my wish, present the throne of Anga to Suyodhan, as my successor.

All the terms and conditions stated for Anga will be upheld only the King will change.

If the first shock wasn't enough, the second one definitely threw everyone off-guard. Satyavati and Dhritarashtra weren't pleased. For Satyavati, it was disturbing. Not having any kingdom of his own would be unfair to her Karn. With even a small Kingdom as Anga , she was sure her son would outshine all the mighty Kingdoms but having none would be a waste of his abilities, skills and sacrifices. Satyavati did want Suyodhan to shine but not at the expense of Karn.

For Dhritarashtra, it was matter if ego, insecurity and false pride. He wasn't happy because at the end , Anga was small Kingdom with less potential. The fact that his son would rule over a small Kingdom whereas the Pandavas would enjoy the lavish lifestyle of Hastinapur unsettled him.

Gandhari was shocked for the second decision. It's true that she didn't ever give equal time to all her children but the thought of separating from them was heartbreaking for her. Kunti was beaming... the thoughts that caused hopelessness in Dhritarashtra, bringing joy to her. Yudhishthir knew whatever Karn reasoned was true... If he goes by the tale of Aditi and Diti then only Suyodhan would be the rightful heir and not him. Therefore he kept mum. Bheem , Nakul had mixed feelings happy for their Jyesth and sad for their punishment ..Arjun didn't really care for what happened to Suyodhan. The fact that his brother would be the next king-in-line for Hastinapur was too pleasing for him. Sahdev was still trying to figure out everything.

In Kauravs, some were confused, some were angry for the same reason as Dhritarashtra and some were happy for their brother.

Only two people understood Karn's decision- (Guess)

Although tensed for the separation of his kul , yet Devrat couldn't help admiring the man who could think so aptly and so ahead of time. Devrat always trusted Karn to be the smartest and Karn never has disappointed him.

He knew Karn's this move would not only give higher status and independent powers to Suyodhan, just as Suyo wanted; but at the same time would ensure peace in everyone's life & Kingdom. Moreover, he was sure , with Karn's guidance , Suyodhan would change the small Kingdom of Anga into a powerful empire. Therefore, he was okay with the decision. The second to know the motive behind Karn's decision was...(guess??).

The silence of the court was broken by Satyavati...

Satyavati: Karn ... Anga is ur Kingdom.U can't just give it to Duryodhan. I agree whatever u said is right and for that I can give another Kingdom to Duryodhan to rule but..

Karn: Mata , I had no intention of ruling Anga , I was and am satisfied with what I have. Moreover it isn't the first time someone has given up Kingdom and his younger brother has ascended it. I have given up the kingdom with my wish and Suyodhan being my younger brother and more than capable to manage Anga & its issues , has a right on the throne.

From the start , he has been helping in solving people's problems and addressing their worries. The people of Anga connect with him and he too connects with them. I think he will be a fit King for Anga.

But if he doesn't want to rule on Anga , he can choose another place to establish his Kingdom. I will support him no matter what.

Karn's proclamation of Suyodhan being his younger brother and his love for him to even give up the throne of a King, made Suyodhan and Gandhari emotional. They were happy to finally have someone who would love them unconditionally. Gandhari's eye cloth was wet for all the tears she was shedding witnessing Karn's love for Suyodhan, even after the past he shared with Hastinapur . Suyodhan stood in awe of the man who was ready to give up a Kingdom for him. Unconditional love wasn't something he knew or believed in... Yes he heard about it but never thought about how it would feel. Simply he never expected someone to do something so exceptional for a tagged evil omen.

All eyes turned to Suyodhan, expecting an answer from him. It was unusual for him to be quiet for so long... But Suyodhan was too overwhelmed to answer... Feeling his emotions, Ananya budged in...

Ananya: I think it would be better if we give him some time to think about it. Being a King is a big responsibility & Karn announced it so suddenly.... Moreover the past 2-3 days were full of chaos and travelling so it's better to let him rest & think about this with a fresh mind.

Devrat although hadn't paid much attention to the Kauravs earlier but now after confrontation with Amba was trying to change. No doubt he still had many troubles with Kauravs but somewhere he started to look deeper into what , how and why they do the things. His warrior eyes didn't miss the overwhelming emotions in Suyodhan's eyes and therefore he supported Ananya's decision. Satyavati and Dhritarashtra too eagerly agreed. Satyavati wanted a short break from everything so as to think and reflect whereas Dhritarashtra wanted Suyodhan not to give into Karn's demand. He wanted his son near him. He was ready to give the nearest and biggest Kingdom in Kuru empire to Suyodhan to rule but he didn't want him to be away.

The court ended and everyone retired for the day...

The lunch went in complete silence except for the chit chat of Pandavas and Kunti. Duryodhan, Karn and Ananya skipped lunch. Dhritarashtra, Gandhari and Satyavati pecked like birds. The atmosphere was deathly silent which irked Kunti furthermore.

This is it!! Do they even care for my son's? Today my Yudhi was selected as the crown prince and everyone instead of celebrating his success is sitting in mourning for god knows what. Duryodhan is barbaric , unruly and uncouth yet he is getting a Kingdom to rule & that too on mercy of my eldest son. What mistake should I complain about ? When my eldest is the biggest mistake and complain of my life. I wish he had invested half of his tries for Yudhi ... My Yudhi would have been crowned King now ...

Why is this Vidur not suggesting for any celebrations nor Mahamahim or someone else. I don't get it y everyone is so neglectful of my sons and their happiness? Don't they want to celebrate crown prince?

Did son Duryodhan, Karn and daughter Ananya had their meals?

No Maharani... They said they don't have any appetite now...

Oh!! Hmm.. Here's the reason for all my sons worries... Karn & Ananya.

I truly blame myself for my foolishness of calling Suryadev. If I hadn't called him , then Karn wouldn't have been here to create troubles for me and my sons. He has proved to be nothing than a menace. & That misbehaving insolent Princess of Kashi is another thing...so frustrating and full of herself ... She is after my sons happiness always... First Kalapradarshan and now here too... I don't get it y none says anything to her.

During the duel with Tathshree , I was worriedly sure Karn would get himself killed but... he shockingly won.

It was the day I knew about his prowess. If I had known he would be so powerful, I would have been in touch with him. I had the perfect plan to get him by my side but....

I thought to talk to him & reveal myself as his original mother and urge him to keep this secret to safeguard my honor & help his brother in securing his place on throne. I have a feeling , he would have agreed seeing how emotional he is .... But Jiji and Rajmata never left him alone & when they did, the Kauravas flocked him. To make matters worse , Bheem , Arjun and Nakul developed enmity with him.

I still can manipulate and emotionally blackmail him but only if the Princess isn't around. God knows what magic she did on everyone. I can't help but be irritated by her ....

I still don't get it y everyone is bearing up with her... Just an order and she would be history , yet everyone treats her as almighty , especially that foolish eldest son of mine.

& the way everyone kept mum when she insulted me .... Mahadev!! None has ever talked to me like that. How dare she insult me? Me? The daughter of Yadavas , the Princess of Kuntibhoj , the queen and soon to be Queen mother of Hastinapur.... I will make her pay for this. She will be the biggest hurdle on my way to Karn. If I have to get Karn on my side , I will have to manipulate Ananya first..& that doesn't sound easy. But she must have a weakness... I have to find it so as to strike her down.

U shouldn't have insulted me Princess... because now u are in great trouble.

A lot of things are happening. The growing influence of Meghdutt in Ananya's life The rift between northern & southern panchal as well as growing powers of Jarasandh are all concerning but more disturbing is the politics in Kuru family.

I was wrong ..so so wrong ... I thought after the show in Kalapradarshan the people would stop being irrational but no... These people are so deeply rooted in fake dharma , favouritism and blind belief that they have abandoned basic sense of reasoning. The lack of proper administration and foresight has led this kingdom to ruins. I'm not sure if this kingdom can be resuscitated. I asked Maharaj to issue a decree of equality for everyone a month and half ago and it's still in work ...so u can imagine the condition of this kingdom.

I feel guilty for what I did with Suyo. I know he aspires to rule over Hastinapur but only if he knew his own worth... He deserves something far better than Hastinapur & that's why I selected Yudhishthir as the crown prince. He sits fit for the throne of Hastinapur, blind belief and mugging up books on dharm is his dharm. He needs to improve a lot and that can be done in the tenure of him being crown prince.

If Suyodhan would have become a king & stayed here , he would have got nothing but restrictions and tags of being adharmi , evil , unruly, barbaric and what not. His progressive views would never have been accepted. He although would have become a king but never would have been in peace. Moreover, the admirers of Pandavas are still numerous. They would have tried to sabotage his rule and cause him harm. The tussle of power would have never allowed him a wink of sleep. The negativity of the surrounding would have taken a toll on him & others too.

I wish he understood what and why I did ....

Ananya: He would understand only if u make him understand...

I caught u off-guard right?

Karn: U entered through the window and tried to tiptoe ur best but as I have said..... u have horrible warrior skills...

Ananya: Ughhh!!! No. I have good skills it's just u are too good warrior for my liking..hmph!!!

Karn: Enjoyed Hastinapur?

Ananya: Even more than I would have enjoyed narak (hell)...

She and her sarcasm...

I kept looking at the sun which will set in sometime, reminding me that I have to go for my evening pooja...and also arrange for daan. I was about to get up when ....

Ananya: Don't go...

I quirk an eyebrow at her ...

Ananya: The best daan u can give is knowledge & guidance . Suyodhan needs both of it now.... He is still confused. He doesn't doubt ur love but he is unable to understand why u did this... Make him understand before he falls in anyone else's word & ruins everything...

I avert my gaze not willing to give her an answer now .... I really don't want to face Suyo now ... I won't be able to meet his eyes knowing I hurt him ..

Ananya: For heaven's sake stop feeling guilty...U haven't taken the responsibility of keeping everyone happy, satisfied & protected.

Karn...U are an amazing elder brother. Trust me. If not you can go and ask anyone & they would say the same. U and I can't change the past but we can shape a better future. Whatever you did today was better for everyone...so don't think much.

Karn: How can I not Ananya...how can I not think about it ? I had failed Shon and today I failed Suyo. Initially when he didn't want to accompany us , I thought it was due to dislike for Pandavas and their praises & sour relationships but never did I think about the cause of sour relations. It wasn't only neglect but also all the blames and suspicions thrown his way. I thought his arrogance and thirst for power is due to the lack of care, understanding and proper teaching but no it's a pretense to save him from getting hurt and appearing weak.

His bloodshot eyes held in all the pain and made it appear as anger. How couldn't I see it ? I , the Shaiva who could see through any ploy ,any motive , anything.. didn't see it?

Ananya: Karn .. everyone has different methods to deal with issues. Suyodhan's method is very different from urs. U keep the hurt in u, meditate it away and forgive the person. U have attained that level of higher consciousness but everyone doesn't need to do that... I, for example keep the hurt in me and return it with double force when the time comes...so it's fine.

& Coming to y u couldn't see it... Because.. u aren't Shaiva but Karn.

Shaiva didn't have any relation, any attachment ...he solely believed in justice & compassion. He wanted to make the world better for everyone. He was a free bird. Although u share the same ideologies but u have relations and attachments & attachment makes a person weaker. Shaiva understood &, related to people and their problems but was practical all the way whereas Karn is emotional.

U have to become Shaiva again .... But this time u have to inculcate him in Karn... U have to mix their characteristics in such a way that maintains a balance between both ur identities and help u become Shaivaraj Karn.

I never thought that being Karn would affect my qualities of Shaiva. It's true... From the time I have returned, I have been too consumed in my feelings, attachments and relations to pay attention to anything else.

Hey Mahadev!! Mata Shakti!! Please forgive me for I have tarnished ur teachings for letting my emotions get better of me... Forgive me or punish me whatever u decide would be acceptable to me ... & I promise you I will do everything to bring justice to the title of Shaivaraj.

In Kailash:

Mahadev: Don't worry Karn. Everyone in the stage of life has undergone undeniable attachment to things, places and people. I was too attached to Sati for which I oversaw the universe. Even as a god I'm attached to my devotees and at times have ensured protection to even the evil doers.

Even Narayan goes into the yognidra when Devi Lakshmi gets away from him. He has protected Daksh and oversaw many crimes of Pandavas in Mahabharata for his attachment to devotees and relations.

And the most bhakt-vatsal among all the gods and goddesses is ur Mata Shakti known for her love and attachment to her devotees.

If I , the one who is above every attachment can get attached , the protector of the universe Narayan & the nurturer of multiverse Devi AdiShakti can get attached then it's not a big deal for u to get attached. What's important is to realise and get over the unhealthy attachment soon.

I heard voice of Mahadev in my head and him saying it's perfectly alright to get attached but one should realise and get over unhealthy attachments.

Ananya: Karn... The time for Suryapuja would pass if u sit like this ... Come . Then we will go & talk to Suyo okay?

I nod and move for my puja.

The setting sun is swallowing the never ending sky in hues of orange and red. The birds are chirpingly returning to their nests...a place where they can finally have peace after a bad day ... Sometimes I feel jealous of them. Other than having unlimited freedom , they also have a place to return to...a place of peace and happiness ... I don't have these basicities. Freedom, peace , happiness have never passed by my doors in Hastinapur, forget respect , understanding and love.

The choice Bhratashree Karn has provided me is very difficult. I know he has my best interest in heart but then he could have simply taken my name for Yuvraj's position...y did he not do that? He could simply make me the Yuvraj of the most diverse empire of Aryavrat then y? Does he really think Yudhishthir is more capable than me? I'm so confused.... The fact that he is willing to give up his title of King and throne to ensure justice is served. I don't doubt his love for me...but I can't understand what's going on in his mind...

I was consumed in thoughts when I heard , Sushasan, Ashwatthama, Yuyutsu , Chitrasen and Vikarn on knocking my door for the umpteenth time... My other brothers have already tried their best to convince me but one command and they went back. I know they all love and care for me but sometimes I need space.

Only if these stubborn lads would be appreciative of personal space like my other brothers.

Mahadev!! I'm not a kid they're are so worried about. Suddenly all of their knocking and pleading goes silent...

Karn: Suyodhan open the door now....

Bhratashree!!And he sounds angry... Did I do something? Am I in trouble? I rush to open the door... I might be a very good warrior but I really don't want punches on my face .... I open the door and without giving me a look they all just enter ...and occupy my bed?? Aren't they concerned about me? Especially Sush , Ashwat and Yuyu who were knocking the door down.... Y this sudden change?

I feel like a deer caught in headlights by Bhratashree's gaze...

Ananya: Close the door and sit here ...

What have I done? I was in my room the entire time .... I swear upon my life... Mahadev y do they look this furious!!! Save me !!!

I do as instructed. From the corner of my eye I see Ashwat picking up an apple and munching on it ... What the? What sort of friends do I have?

Ananya: Eyes here . Y have u locked yourself in ur chambers ? U even skipped ur meals. If u had trouble understanding something then just come up and ask... Coming tomorrow u will become a king... Is this how u conduct yourself? Seriously I don't get u men ... U guys are so silly ...