Starting with a Lie

The sun blazed overhead as Karna walked the winding path to Parashurama's ashram. His feet ached, his throat was parched, but his heart burned brighter than the midday sky. Every step he took was another step away from his past, from the life of a charioteer's son, and toward his destiny as a warrior.

As he approached the secluded ashram, hidden deep within the forest, the scent of burning wood and herbs filled the air. The distant sound of chanting echoed through the trees.

Creak.

The wooden gates groaned as Karna pushed them open, stepping into the hallowed ground of the great sage.

Parashurama stood in the center of the courtyard, his back straight, his presence commanding. His sharp eyes, burning with the intensity of a storm, turned toward Karna. The young man felt the weight of that gaze but did not falter.

"Who are you?" the sage's voice was like thunder-deep, unwavering, powerful.

Karna bent his knee, bowing low. "O revered guru, I am Karna," he said, his voice steady. "I have come seeking your guidance."

Parashurama studied him, his expression unreadable. "Karna," he repeated, tasting the name. "And what is your lineage?"

Karna's breath hitched for the briefest moment. He knew the truth would seal his fate before his journey could even begin. His father's voice echoed in his mind—Parashurama despises Kshatriyas. He will never accept you if he knows the truth.

He swallowed hard, lowering his gaze. "I am a Brahmin, revered one."

Silence stretched between them, thick as the heat in the air.

Thump. Thump.

Karna could hear his own heartbeat pounding in his ears. He dared not look up, fearing that the great sage could see through his lie.

Parashurama exhaled slowly. "A Brahmin, you say? And why do you wish to learn from me?"

Karna raised his head, meeting the sage's gaze with determination. "Because I wish to be the greatest archer this land has ever seen. I wish to master the art of war, to wield weapons with the precision of the gods themselves."

The sage's lips curled slightly...a smirk? A test? "Ambition," he murmured. "A dangerous thing. And yet, your eyes burn with it."

He turned away, pacing slowly, his robes trailing behind him. "The knowledge I hold is not for the weak. It is not for the hesitant, nor for the undeserving. I teach only those who are willing to pay the price for true power."

Karna's hands clenched into fists. "I will pay any price, Guru."

Parashurama stopped. He turned, his piercing gaze locking onto Karna's. "Even if that price is pain? Even if it is suffering?"

Karna did not hesitate. "Even if it is death."

For a long moment, Parashurama said nothing. Then, finally, he nodded. "Then rise, Karna. From this moment, you are my disciple."

Karna's chest tightened with relief, with triumph. He had done it. He had crossed the threshold. The path before him was set.

But deep within, buried beneath his determination, a whisper of doubt stirred.

He had lied.

And one day, lies had a way of catching up to the ones who spoke them.