The Parting

The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows over the small home of Adhiratha and Radha. Inside, the air was thick with tension.

Karna stood in the center of the hut, his fists clenched, his jaw set. Across from him, Adhiratha's face was lined with worry, his hands gripping the wooden table so tightly his knuckles turned white.

"You cannot go," his father said, his voice heavy. "You are my son, a charioteer's son. Your place is beside me, not in the battlefield."

Karna's breath came sharp. "Why, Father? Why must I accept this fate? Who decided that I am unworthy of a warrior's path?" His voice rose, shaking the walls of their home.

Thud!

He slammed his fist against the table. "I was born with a bow in my hand, with fire in my heart! How can I turn away now?"

Radha flinched at his outburst, her hands trembling as she clutched the edge of her sari. Her eyes glistened with unshed tears. "Karna, my son," she whispered, "please… don't fight with your father. You are all we have."

Karna's heart ached at the sight of his mother's tears, but his resolve did not waver. "Mother, I love you," he said, his voice softer now, "but I cannot live a life of regret. I cannot spend my days polishing another man's chariot when my hands were meant to wield a bow."

Adhiratha exhaled sharply. "This is madness," he muttered. "You went to Dronacharya and he turned you away, didn't he? He rejected you because you are my son! The world does not change, Karna. It will never see you as more than a suta."

Karna's blood boiled at the reminder. The laughter, the whispers, Dronacharya's cold dismissal, it all burned inside him. He took a step forward, his eyes blazing. "If Dronacharya rejects me, then I will find a greater teacher! Someone who values skill over birth! I will go to Parashurama!"

Adhiratha's eyes widened in horror. "Parashurama?" His voice cracked. "You speak of the sage who despises Kshatriyas? The man who has sworn vengeance upon warriors? Karna, he will kill you if he learns the truth!"

Radha gasped, covering her mouth. A fresh wave of tears streamed down her face. "No, no, my child, please! Don't leave us for this dangerous path."

Karna turned to his mother, his expression softening. He reached out, cupping her hands in his own. They were warm, trembling. "Mother, I swear to you, I will return one day. When I do, I will be a warrior, a man you will be proud of."

She sobbed, gripping his hands tightly. "I am already proud of you, Karna. I only fear for you."

Adhiratha shook his head, his shoulders slumping in defeat. "You are stubborn, just like the sun that watches over you," he murmured. "Nothing I say will stop you, will it?"

Karna looked at him, his heart heavy yet determined. "No, Father. This is my path. I must walk it."

A long silence stretched between them. Finally, Adhiratha sighed. He stepped forward and placed a hand on Karna's head, his touch rough yet full of unspoken love. "Then go. But never forget...you will always have a home here."

Karna swallowed hard, nodding. He turned to the door, his feet feeling heavier with each step. As he stepped outside, the wind howled around him.

Whoosh.

The sky rumbled.

Boom.

It was as if the heavens themselves recognized the weight of this moment.

Without looking back, Karna took his first step toward his destiny.

Toward Parashurama.