KARNA THE EMPEROR OF HASTINAPUR EPISODE 10

 

Episode 10…..

Balarama arrives……only to prevail…..

         Balarama who was away on a mission assigned calculatedly by Krishna, now returns to Hastinapur, only to know the Kurukshetra battle entanglement. Dhritarashtra and Gaandhaari briefs him and prays him to prevail upon the thin-skinned Duryodhana.

         Balarama proceeds to Duryodhana’s camp. He was told that Duryodhana has gone into a hiding and that his whereabouts are unknown. Balarama being his Guru knows fully well the plausible places of hiding. His intuition takes him to the pond. Knowing that it was a hideout, pushes his plow into the pond. A void created lets Balaraama in and helps him join the team in deep planning.

         Duryodhana takes a deep sigh of relief and hugs his Guru. For a moment it was like more than winning the battle for him. Even before he could open his mouth, Balarama signals that he is aware of all that has ensued. Duryodhana tries to impress upon Balaraama by stating that he has learned and hence executes more maneuvers than Bheema if a direct mace fight is arranged between them. And that will clinch the cliff-hanger in his favour.

         After all, Balarama was Krishna’s affectionate brother and knew the mind of Krishna. How could he belittle Krishna’s plan? Balarama also was aware that Duryodhana was on the side of Adharma. But at present, was his student, thanks to the guiles of late Shakuni Maama. He had to find a way out. He just visualised the precarious situation. He very well knew the weakness or rather honourableness of Duryodhana. Duryodhana will never defy him being the Guru. Balarama put his arms around the neck of Duryodhana and told,” Duryodhana, it is true that you are in no way inferior to Bheema in the art of using the sacred weapon. Remember Krishna is on the sides of Bheema. Krishna was the main factor in Arjuna winning over Karna. The story could be repeated. Moreover, I taught you the tricks and trades of armory not to use it on your own kiths and kins. If you use it now against Bheema, the ill effect will be little your asset.”  

         Balarama prevails upon Duryodhana to end the war and seek an amicable settlement. This he said will enhance his reputation at this juncture. Karna and Kripaachaarya nod their head in consent. However, Ashwattaama begs to differ. He is yet to digest his father’s death.

Episode to be  continued…..11