Unyielding karna

Several more years passed, and Karna's quiet determination only grew stronger. Though the village boys mocked him, calling him "Suta Putra" and belittling his dreams of becoming a warrior, Karna never wavered. Each insult only hardened his resolve, and his practice became more intense.

By now, Karna had grown into a youth, tall and strong for his age. His archery skills were far beyond those of the other boys, though few acknowledged it. They preferred to pretend that a charioteer's son could never be a true warrior.

But Karna didn't need their validation. He had bigger dreams. Dreams of a world where merit, not birth, determined a person's worth.

---

The Arrival of Kripa

One day, a group of Kuru soldiers arrived in their village, led by the royal teacher, Kripacharya. Word spread quickly, and a crowd gathered to see the famous guru and his entourage.

Karna stood at a distance, watching intently as Kripa addressed the villagers. He spoke of the upcoming contest in Hastinapur—a test of martial skills where young boys from across the kingdom would compete to prove their prowess. The winner would gain the attention of the royal court and be trained by the great teacher, Drona.

Karna's heart raced. This was it. This was his chance to prove himself, to step out of the shadows and into the light of recognition.

"Will you allow me to compete?" Karna asked, stepping forward with confidence.

Kripacharya turned to him, his gaze scanning the young man. He saw the strength in Karna's posture, the calm intensity in his eyes, and the undeniable hunger for greatness. But then Kripa's gaze fell to Karna's simple clothes, the markers of his low birth.

"What is your name, boy? And what is your lineage?"

Karna's jaw tightened, but he held his composure. He knew this moment would come, and he had prepared himself for it.

"My name is Karna, son of Adhiratha, a charioteer," he replied, his voice steady.

A murmur went through the crowd. The villagers exchanged glances, some shaking their heads. A charioteer's son wanting to compete alongside the Kshatriyas? It was unheard of.

Kripa's expression darkened. "This contest is for warriors, not for those born to the lower castes. You may be strong, boy, but you are not of the Kshatriya blood. You cannot compete."

Karna's hands clenched at his sides. He had expected this, but the sting of rejection still burned deeply. He wanted to shout, to demand his right to compete based on his skill, not his birth. But he knew that would only push Kripa further away.

"I understand," Karna said quietly, bowing his head in false submission. "Thank you for your time."

He turned and walked away, the whispers of the crowd following him. But inside, Karna's determination only grew stronger. If the path to recognition was barred by the chains of birthright, he would find another way.

---

A Quiet Resolve

That night, Karna sat by the river, watching the moon's reflection ripple on the surface of the water. He felt the familiar surge of anger rise in his chest, but he forced himself to calm down. His years of discipline under his adoptive parents had taught him patience. And he knew that losing control of his emotions would only harm his cause.

He closed his eyes, remembering the moments from his past life—the lessons of the Mahabharat, the mistakes Karna had made, and the ways he could change the future.

"I will not let them control my fate," Karna whispered to himself. "I will not bow to their rules."

But how? How could he break through the wall of caste and birthright that kept him from the recognition he deserved?

As he pondered, the memory of one name came to him: Parashurama.

---

The Legend of Parashurama

Parashurama, the great warrior-sage, was known for his unmatched prowess in battle and his hatred of Kshatriyas. It was said that Parashurama had vowed to train only Brahmins, believing the Kshatriya class had grown corrupt and tyrannical. But Karna remembered the stories—Parashurama's immense knowledge of celestial weapons, his mastery of warfare, and his hatred of privilege.

If Karna could find Parashurama and convince him to train him, his birth would no longer matter. Parashurama cared little for social hierarchies. If anything, he despised them.

---

The Decision to Leave

The next morning, Karna made up his mind. He would seek out Parashurama, no matter how far he had to travel or how long it took. He gathered his meager belongings, preparing to leave the village.

Before he left, he stood before Adhiratha and Radha, his adoptive parents, his heart heavy with gratitude.

"I must leave now," Karna said softly. "There is a path I must follow."

Radha's eyes filled with tears. "Where will you go, my son?"

"To find my destiny," Karna replied, his voice resolute.

Adhiratha placed a hand on his shoulder. "Remember, you are always our son, no matter where you go."

Karna bowed to them both, feeling the weight of their love and support. But he knew that his journey was one he had to undertake alone.

---

The Journey Begins

With a final farewell, Karna set off on his journey, walking away from the village that had been his home for so many years. The road ahead was uncertain, but his resolve was unshakable. He would find Parashurama, and he would become the warrior he was destined to be.

As the sun rose higher in the sky, Karna's mind was filled with the possibilities that lay ahead. He knew his path would be difficult, but he welcomed the challenge. This time, he was armed with more than just skill. He had knowledge—knowledge of the future, of the mistakes to avoid, and of the enemies he would face.

And with that knowledge, Karna would not allow himself to be bound by the fate of the original epic. He would forge his own path.