Embedded Files
“Today is going to be a very exciting day,” said Dhritarashtra to his wife Gandhari. Gandhari could sense the excitement in her husband’s words. Even though she had a blindfold over her eyes to respect her husband’s inability to see, she could still read people’s behavior. The palace court was in mayhem, as the servants were trying to prepare all the arrangements for the tournament that was to take place in a couple of hours. The princes were in their rooms preparing for the battle, while a crowd began to enter the arena. It wasn’t as big as the palace, but it had marbled floors with flowers that adorned the arena. People gaped as they entered the hall; it could hold thousands of people. As people began to take their seats, gossip was going around as there was talk about who the best warrior was going to be. Many believed that it was going to be Arjuna as he was known to be one of the most skilled warriors in the land, particularly in archery. There was no doubt among the people that the protege of Drona was going to win; however, little did they know that Arjuna was about to meet his match.
It was almost time for the tournament to begin when Karna entered Hastinapura. He had already had been cursed by Bhudevi, the goddess of earth, as he had accidentally insulted her. Well, this is a great start to the day. Who knows what else is going to happen? As he was wondering what his next step should be, he accidentally bumped into the man walking in front of him. Oh boy, not again. “I’m really sorry. I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going. Please forgive me.” Karna was prepared that the man was going to be upset with him, but he was surprised.
The man simply smiled at him and said, “That’s no problem. It’s a very busy day today especially with the big match, so that’s understandable.” Karna was stunned.“What match?”
The man looked at him surprisingly. “My good man, have you not heard. There is a tournament at the palace of Dhritarashtra today. All the princes will be participating.” Karna was amazed. What luck! A tournament is taking place on the day that I enter the city. The favor of the Gods must really be with me today. The man, still smiling at him, asked, “Would you like to join me?” Karna enthusiastically nodded his head. “Absolutely, please lead the way. “ The two men headed towards the arena.
It was time for the tournament when Duryodhana entered the arena. The servant threw an assorted color of rose petals and hibiscus flowers at his feet to pay their respects to him. Duryodhana smirked as he walked past the people seated in aisles. He made his way to the front of the arena where the king and queen were seated. As he touched the feet of his mother and father, his mother whispered into his ear. “Please be on your best behavior today. Don’t get into a fight with anyone and embarrass the king.
Duryodhana rolled his eyes. “Oh mother, when have I ever done that!” Gandhari pursed her lips together indicating her displeasure in her son's statement which made Duryodhana’s face softened. He touched her hand. “Of course, mother, for your sake.” Gandhari smiled and patted his hand.
Duryodhana made his way to his seat overlooking the arena and handed his long blue velvet cape to one of the servants. He motioned the servant to come closer and asked him, “So who are the people thinking is going to win.” Then men around him chuckled as the servant answered. “Your majesty, the people are very hopeful that Arjuna is going to win?"
Duryodhana’s face changed as he motioned the servant away. It was no secret that Duryodhana despised his cousins, the Pandavas. Moreover, it infuriated him that the people adored them more than him or his brothers. I can’t believe this. They live in my kingdom and love my cousins. Anger spilled into his eyes and Drona, who noticed the change in
Duryodhana, asked him, “Why are you so upset? It is no surprise that Arjuna will win as he is the most skilled and talented.” Duryodhana turned to face his guru. “I assure you that even though the people believe he will win, your precious Arjuna will not. There are plenty of talented warriors in this kingdom, including my brothers.”
Drona chuckled. “I did not say that there weren’t other talented individuals. I just said that there is not any competition worthy of Arjuna.” Duryodhana turned away from Drona and focused on the arena. I've go to do something about this old man once I become king. Maybe I’ll throw him in the dungeon or feed him to the lions. He smirked at the thought of the respected master fighting against lions.
The bugles sounded and the tournament began. It started out with a wrestling match and once the match finished, the next sport began. Duryodhana yawned as he watched the men battle it out with each other. How are people excited by this? Finally, it was the last match, archery. Duryodhana’s eyes sparkled as Arjuna walked out into the arena in all his attire. He had his pack of arrows on his back and gingerly held the bow in his hand. Drona stood and addressed the audience, “It is known that Arjuna is one of the best warriors in this kingdom.”
Duryodhana rolled his eyes and placed his hand on his face. Not again! Someone shut this man up. Duryodhana couldn't help himself from stifling a moan and Drona shot him a look and then continued. “As I was saying, Arjuna is very talented and I don’t believe that there is a man here who can match his skill.” As Drona was finishing his sentence, a voice rose among the crowd. It was Karna, who made his way to the arena. “Forgive me for my intrusion, but I believe I am as talented as the warrior you are talking about.” Drona stood shocked as Duryodhana stood up next to him. “Young warrior, please come forward and state your name.” Karna made his way forward and stood next to Arjuna. “My name is Karna, the son of Adhiratha.” Duryodhana smirked. “Well, take your place and we will begin the match.” Drona began to open his mouth, but Duryodhana interrupted him. “Let’s see if this man is all that he says he is.”
Arjuna took his place and drew out three arrows. “Let’s see if you can do this.” He placed the arrows between his fingers and strung the bow. The three arrows flew in the air and hit the target placed across the arena right in the middle. Karna walked up to his place and drew out his arrows. He closed his eyes and drew a deep breath. When he took his shot, people gasped. The arrows collected right in the middle of the target, exactly like Arjuna's shot. As Drona had a bewildered expression on his face, Duryodhana calmly whispered into his ear. “I think we found a match.”
Author’s Note:
In R.K. Narayan’s version of the story, we don’t get much background story on the tournament that takes place in palace. We only know that this is the first time that Duryodhana sees Karna in the story. Also, this is the first time that Karna shows his skill as a warrior. Based on the readings, we know that Arjuna is the favorite of the people and especially Drona. Drona even gives Arjuna special training as he believes him to be the best among the brothers. I wanted to showcase this sentiment in my story through Duryodhana and Drona’s conversation. Also, I wanted to add more character to Duryodhana. In the Mahabharata, he is seen as a very angry and jealous person, so I wanted to add some softness to his character in my story. I did this by showing his to be very caring towards his mother and valuing her word. I know in Narayan’s version, it is mentioned that Gandhari is one of the few people who can calm down Duryodhana, so I wanted to stay true to this. Also, I wanted to make Duryodhana seem like a laid back and comical character. I thought that this would be a very interesting take on this character.
Bibliography:
1) R.K. Narayan, Mahabharata: A shortened modern prose version of the Indian epic, 1978.
2) Karna
Image: Archery, Source: Pixabay
Google Sites
Report abuse