The Path of Reverence

Karna and Vrushali left Hastinapur on their horses as the morning sun bathed the city's gates in golden light. Karna cast one last look at the entrance, the towering structure that had guarded him through his formative years. With a deep breath, he turned away, his resolve firm, and nudged his horse forward to follow the path his father had outlined.

As instructed by Adhiratha, they followed the gentle stream of the Ganga River, its waters shimmering under the sun's embrace. The steady rhythm of hooves on soft earth was accompanied by the gurgling of the river, which offered a soothing melody to their journey.

After two pahars (approximately six hours), they paused by the riverbank to rest. Karna tethered the horses while Vrushali unpacked the simple meal Radha had prepared.

At the River

Karna: "Vrushali, we'll need to think about how to introduce ourselves to Guru Dronacharya. We can't just walk in unprepared."

Vrushali (nodding as she pours water from the pouch): "You're right. A proper introduction is important. But more than that, what will we offer as a token of respect? Radha ma always said that when we visit someone's home, especially a guru's, it's tradition to bring something meaningful."

Karna (thoughtful): "You're right, Vrushali. Without a gift, our visit may seem improper. Let's think about this as we continue our journey."

They finished their meal, washed their hands in the cool river water, and resumed their journey.

By evening, they arrived at a small town near the Ganga River, their clothes damp with sweat and their bodies weary from the day's ride. After asking the townsfolk, they learned that Guru Dronacharya's ashram was close by.

Vrushali: "We've been traveling all day. Let's rest tonight and visit the ashram in the morning."

Karna (agreeing): "Yes, and we should also find something to present to the guru before we go."

After bathing in the Ganga River to cleanse themselves of the day's weariness, they settled near the forest edge, resting beneath the shelter of a large tree.

The next morning, refreshed after their morning bath and prayers, Karna and Vrushali ventured into town, looking for work to earn something for a gift. However, no opportunities presented themselves, and there were no chariot workshops in the locality where Karna's skills could be useful.

As they walked through the streets, they noticed a milkman struggling under the weight of heavy milk pots.

Karna (concerned): "Why are you carrying so much weight? The pots might break, and the milk could spill."

Milkman (wiping his brow): "The sweet shop owner ordered extra milk for a big order today, and I promised to deliver it. But I didn't realize it would be this heavy."

Karna: "Let us help you."

Vrushali (smiling): "I'll go to your cowshed and help draw more milk if needed. Karna can assist with the delivery."

The milkman, though hesitant at first, accepted their offer. Vrushali went to the cowshed, her deft hands expertly drawing milk, while Karna helped distribute the milk to the sweet shop and other customers.

As the sun climbed higher, reaching Sangava Kaalam (mid-morning), their work was complete.

Milkman (grateful): "You've both helped me immensely. Please, take this pot of cow milk as a token of my gratitude."

Karna: "There's no need for that. It was our duty to help."

Milkman (insisting): "I can't let you leave empty-handed. Please, take it. It would honor me if you did."

Reluctantly, Karna and Vrushali accepted the milk, knowing it would make an appropriate gift for the ashram.

Carrying the pot of milk, they followed the directions given by the townsfolk. As they neared the ashram, they saw a young boy playing near the entrance.

Karna (calling out): "Young one, can you tell us where Guru Dronacharya's ashram is?"

Boy (curious): "Why do you wish to go there?"

Karna: "We wish to become his shishyas and learn the art of shastras and astras."

The boy nodded and led them to the ashram. As they walked, Karna suddenly stopped and turned around, his gaze scanning the trees behind them.

Vrushali (concerned): "What happened, Radheya?"

Karna (shaking his head): "I thought someone was following us, but there's no one. Let's keep going."

As Karna and Vrushali approached the entrance of the ashram, they noticed a woman busy with household chores, her hands moving gracefully as she worked. The woman was absorbed in her task, but as the footsteps grew louder, she glanced up and saw the two travelers nearing the entrance. She paused and walked toward them with a warm yet curious expression.

Karna, always the one to take the lead, turned to the boy who had guided them so far.

Karna (softly): "Who is she? Is she the one we should speak to for our request?"

The boy smiled gently, his gaze following his mother as she approached them.

Boy: "She is my mother, Kripi. I am Ashwatthama, the son of Guru Dronacharya."

Vrushali, still a bit unsure, nodded politely as Kripi came closer.

Kripi (smiling warmly): "Welcome, travelers. What brings you to our humble ashram?"

Karna stepped forward, his voice respectful yet firm.

Karna: "We have come seeking the guidance of your husband, Guru Dronacharya. We wish to become his disciples and learn the ways of the shastras and astras." As he handed the milk to her says "Please accept this small token of respect"

Kripi (smiling warmly): "You didn't need to bring anything. But this milk is truly a blessing today. Just yesterday, my son Ashwatthama asked me for milk, and we didn't have any to give him. Now, thanks to you." As she places her hand on the head of ashwatthama she says "he will have his very first taste of milk." Ashwatthama becomes very happy listening to her mother.

Karna (Surprised): "Truly? Then we are grateful that this small gift can bring joy to your son. My mother always said that it's important to bring something when visiting someone's home."

Kripi (thinking): "It seems the gods sent you at the right time. Ashwatthama will have cow milk today."

Just then, Dronacharya returned from his bhikshatana (seeking alms).

(Bhikshatana:- The man cannot ask what he need from the people he just goes to the house and says "Bhikshaam Devi" and people will give what they have.

The one who do Bhikshatana don't ask common people what he needed, because people may or may not have it this will make uncomfortable, so he just takes what people offered. If he needs things that are important for him then he will go to the king and ask them as they will have power to prepare needs for them.)

Dronacharya's Pov

The previous evening, Dronacharya had been engaged in a conversation with his son, Ashwatthama, who had asked a simple yet curious question.

Ashwatthama (innocently): "Father, why do my friends drink milk every day? They say it helps them grow stronger and become warriors like you. Can I drink milk too?"

Dronacharya had chuckled softly at the innocence in his son's voice.

Dronacharya (teasing): "Strength doesn't come from milk, my son. It comes from hard work, perseverance, and discipline. If you wish to grow stronger, work harder in your training and be diligent in your studies."

Ashwatthama (pouting): "But they drink it every day..."

Dronacharya (smiling): "If they think milk makes them strong, let them. You'll see soon enough that true strength lies in your actions, not in what you drink."

But despite his words, Dronacharya couldn't help but wonder if can provide his son what he wants. He had thought about getting some, but the evening had been too busy, and he hadn't had the time.

Now, as Dronacharya was returning home from his daily bhikshatana (alms-seeking), he noticed something strange. Two young travelers, a boy and a girl, were following Ashwatthama. He paused, curiosity piqued. His keen eyes caught sight of them moving along the path towards his ashram.

Staying out of sight, Dronacharya followed them, his steps light and quiet. He watched from the shadows as the two walked, their heads bent in conversation, their demeanor respectful and calm. The boy appeared focused, while the girl moved with grace and strength, as if they were already accustomed to hardship. Dronacharya noted how the boy had a certain air of determination about him.

As they walked, something caught Dronacharya's attention. The boy, Karna, suddenly turned his head back, as though sensing something, but his gaze landed on nothing. Dronacharya not wanting to be detected hided himself. The boy merely glanced around before turning his attention forward again. This momentarily surprised Dronacharya, but he dismissed it and continued to follow them.

The group neared the ashram, and as they approached the entrance, Dronacharya remained in the distance, listening intently to their conversation.

He could hear the boy, Karna, speaking to his wife at the door of his home. He introduced himself and the girl, Vrushali, explaining that they had come to seek his guidance, to become his disciples and learn the arts of shastras and astras. His voice was clear, humble, and full of sincerity.

Dronacharya's eyebrows furrowed in surprise. He had not expected anyone to come to him for such an important request without a formal introduction. Yet, their words spoke of a deep respect, a commitment to learning. Karna had brought a token of gratitude—a pot of milk, a gesture he found both humble and thoughtful.

As his wife expressed her gratitude for the milk and the boy's respectful demeanor, Dronacharya stepped forward, making his presence known. His voice echoed with authority as he entered the room.

Dronacharya: "I heard your words, young ones. You seek to be my disciples?"

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Aswatthama's age is 6 years now

(According to the ancient India the day is divided into 8 parts called 8 kaalas or kaalams. The day is divided based on the moments of sun. Those Kaalas are as follows:

Brahma Muhurta (ब्रह्म मुहूर्त) – Early Morning

Time:- 2:30AM to Sunrise

Description: This time is considered extremely auspicious for spiritual growth, meditation, and learning.

Pratah Kaala (प्रातः काल) – Morning

 Time:- Sunrise to 9:00AM

Description: This is the early morning time and is considered highly auspicious for spiritual practices, prayers, and meditation.

Sangava Kaala (संगव काल) – Mid-Morning

Time: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Description: This time is used for education, meetings, and intellectual pursuits.

Madhyahna Kaala (मध्यान्ह काल) – Midday

Time: 12:00 PM to around 2:30 PM.

Description: Midday is when the sun is at its highest point. It is considered the peak of activity and is a time for work and meals.

Aparahna Kaala (अपराह्न काल) – Afternoon

Time: 2:30 PM to around 6:00 PM.

Description: This time is good for winding down work, relaxation, or light activities. It leads into the evening period.

Saayam Kaala (सायं काल) – Evening

Time: 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM.

Description: This is the time for evening prayers, lighting lamps, and preparing for rest. It is considered auspicious for spiritual practices.

Ratri Kaala (रात्रि काल) – Night

Time: 8:30 PM to 12:00 AM.

Description: The night is for rest and sleep. It is also considered a reflective period for introspection or study in silence.

Nishitha Kaala (निशीथ काल) – Midnight

Time: 12:00 AM to 2:30 AM.

Description: This is the quietest time of the night. It is an ideal time for deep meditation and spiritual practices for sages and yogis.

)