Chapter 1: The Secrets of Blood

In the heart of ancient times, where legends were born and battles were waged, a special presentation echoed through the halls of history. It was a time of war and wisdom, where leaders were compared to the great Shukracharya, the master of strategies. In these turbulent times, a grandfather was entrusted with the leadership of the mighty Kaurava army. A promise echoed through the air: all five of his sons would remain alive. If Arjuna fell, the leader would stay; if he perished bravely, Arjuna would remain until his defeat. Each day, he vowed to slay 10,000 Pandava soldiers.

This was the era of the Mahabharata, an eternal epic penned by the sage Vyasa. Many scholars, like Haridas Siddhanta Bagish, Kaliprasanna Singha, and Rajshekhar Basu, translated this grand tale into Bengali. From these interpretations, a simple version of the Mahabharata play was crafted, just for entertainment.

In the royal court, Krishna faced insult at the hands of Duryodhana's schemes. Despite the wise counsel of Dhritarashtra, Gandhari, and others, Duryodhana plotted to bind Krishna with the help of his allies. But at that moment, Krishna revealed his universal form, a sight that left everyone in awe.

Meanwhile, on the journey back to the city of Virat, Krishna unveiled a secret to Karna about his true birth and invited him to join the Pandavas. The peace proposal having failed, Krishna returned, and Duryodhana began preparing for war with fervor. Vidura brought this news, and a shadow of worry crossed Kunti's brow. The queen mother, who often advised Yudhishthira to follow the path of righteousness through Krishna, now found herself anxious.

Kunti's concern was centered on Karna, whose nature was fierce and whose hatred for Arjuna burned intensely. She feared what schemes Karna might concoct against the Pandavas alongside Duryodhana. Yet, the more Kunti pondered Karna, the more an unexpected affection blossomed within her.

From the day of the grand weapon exhibition, when she first laid eyes on Karna, Kunti felt an invisible bond with him, a connection to the son from her maiden days. This bond made her both emotional and restless. Over the years, she had never confronted Karna directly, choosing instead to watch him from afar, her heart aching with longing. Shame and helplessness shadowed her every step, for even though she was his mother, she could not claim him as her Kshatriya son. To the world, Karna remained the son of a charioteer.

Kunti sat quietly, her heart heavy with worry, while Vidura, unaware of her inner turmoil, went about his duties. Once Vidura left, Kunti seized the moment. Every morning and noon, Karna worshipped the sun by the river. Away from prying eyes, Kunti made her way to the riverbank, her heart pounding with anxiety. In the distance, she heard Karna's voice, reciting prayers. He stood facing east, arms raised, chanting under the harsh midday sun.

Kunti waited patiently for Karna to finish his prayers. After what seemed like an eternity, Karna completed his chanting and turned around. He was taken aback to see Kunti standing there, calm and composed under the blazing sun by the tranquil riverbank. Bowing his head with respect, Karna spoke in a gentle voice.

"I am Karna, son of Radha and Adhiratha," he said, his tone respectful. "I greet you with respect. Why have you come to see me, dear lady? What can I do for you? Please tell me."

And so, under the vast sky, a mother and son stood, their destinies intertwined, as the world awaited their next move.

Chapter 2: The Unveiling

Karna stood silent, absorbing the shocking revelation. His eyes, so often filled with determination, now reflected a storm of emotions. Kunti, with her gentle yet firm voice, continued, "No, Karna, you are not the son of Radha, nor is Adhiratha your father. You are not a charioteer's son. You are the son of Kunti and a prince by birth."

She paused, allowing the weight of her words to settle in the air between them. Karna's heart raced as he listened, each word reshaping his very identity. "Listen to your birth story from me, Karna," Kunti urged, her voice softening with maternal affection. "You were born in the house of King Kunti. As a young girl, I carried you in my womb. Your father is the Sun God. With his blessing, you were born with armor and earrings in my father's house, Karna."

Karna's breath caught in his throat. The truth, so long hidden, now lay before him like a path he had never seen. Kunti continued, her eyes pleading. "Without knowing your true brothers, you have been serving Duryodhana. Karna, this is not right. Listen, my son. True duty is to keep your father and loving mother happy. Follow this duty, Karna. Take back the kingdom that Arjuna once won from Duryodhana. Let Karna and Arjuna unite like Rama and Krishna. You are not a charioteer's son, Karna; you are a noble warrior."

Karna's face hardened, and he shook his head slowly. "Mother of the Pandavas, Kunti," he began, his voice steady but filled with a lifetime of hurt, "I do not respect your words. I do not see your request as just. The way you treated me, no mother would treat her own child. Your behavior towards me as a newborn was very harsh. In my eyes, it was wrong."

He paused, the pain of his past evident in his eyes. "Because of your actions, my fame and honor have been lost. Despite being born into a warrior family, I did not receive the upbringing of a warrior because of you. What greater harm could there be?"

Kunti's eyes filled with tears, her voice trembling with emotion as she implored, "No, no, my son, don't say such things. If you are not a Kshatriya, then who is? When it was time to speak up and recognize my Kshatriya blood, you did not. Now, the Kshatriya mother comes to guide me on the path of duty."

Karna's resolve remained unshaken. "Lady Kunti, even the greatest warriors, Krishna and Arjuna, fear combined strength. If I listen to you now and go to the Pandava camp, the world will call me a coward. I don't want that. I was once the Pandavas' fierce enemy, and if I become their brother now during the war, the warriors of the world will mock me."

"Karna, Karna," Kunti pleaded, "Yudhishthira will not let you be insulted. And Janardana, he will give you a royal throne. Karna, who has the power to mock a mighty emperor like you?"

Karna shook his head again, his voice firm. "Kshatriya mother, you have not come for my well-being. You have come for your own benefit, for your own good. But I have firmly decided that I owe everything to the Kauravas, especially Duryodhana. They have shared their wealth with me according to my happiness and taste. They trust me. They are planning war strategies with me at the center. They respect me. How can I break ties with them? A person who lives by a king's grace and honor and leaves him in need is left with nothing in this life or the next."

Kunti looked at her son, her heart heavy with the weight of his decision. "Mother Kunti, you have disappointed me," Karna said softly. "Son, will I return empty-handed? Oh Kshatriya mother, forgive me. Even though your words are well-intentioned, I cannot follow your command. With manly compassion and bravery, I will fight for Duryodhana."

He paused, his voice softening. "But your effort will not be in vain. Except for Arjuna, even if I have the power to defeat your four sons, I will not do so. I will only fight Arjuna with all my skills. All your five sons will live. If Arjuna is killed, I will remain; if I fall, Arjuna will remain. This is my promise to you."

Lady Kunti nodded, accepting his decision with a heavy heart. "Karna, what you have said will happen. The clan will suffer. Fate is powerful. You have spared your other four brothers besides Arjuna. Karna, remember your promise, my child."

Karna bowed to Kunti, and she blessed him, her heart aching with a mixture of pride and sorrow. Then, with the sun casting long shadows on the riverbank, they both turned and went their separate ways, each bound by their own destiny.

Meanwhile, in the Pandava camp, Krishna had returned from Hastinapur. The air was thick with anticipation as the Pandavas and other warriors gathered around him. Yudhishthira, his eyes filled with hope and concern, was the first to speak. "Keshav," he said, addressing Krishna with respect, "are all the elders in Hastinapur and our mother doing well? What did the wise ones in the Kuru court say in response to your peace proposal? Keshav, I am very impatient to hear everything from you. Greetings to you, Janardana."

As Krishna prepared to share the news, the tension in the air was palpable, each warrior eager to hear what the future held for them all.

Chapter 3: The Path to War

King Yudhishthira listened intently as Krishna began to speak, the words carrying both comfort and concern. "King Yudhishthira," Krishna said, his voice steady and calm, "everyone in Hastinapur is well. Mother Kunti has sent you all her special messages and blessings."

A small smile flickered across Yudhishthira's face at the mention of his mother, but it quickly faded as Krishna continued. "However," Krishna added, his tone growing serious, "Duryodhana did not respect my peace proposal at all."

Yudhishthira's heart sank, but he remained silent, allowing Krishna to continue. "I ignored Duryodhana’s arrogance and tried to intimidate Karna and Shakuni. I criticized the incident of the dice game a great deal. I even told Duryodhana that you always follow the orders of Dhritarashtra, Bhishma, and Vidura, and that he should allow you to govern your own kingdom. I pleaded with Duryodhana to heed the wise advice given by the elders of the Kuru family. I also suggested that at least five villages be given to you five brothers."

Yudhishthira leaned forward, hope flickering in his eyes. "Keshav, did Duryodhana give any response to your beneficial proposal?"

Krishna shook his head slowly, the weight of his words heavy in the air. "No, King, he did not. I applied the three principles of peace, charity, and division in the Kuru court for your sake. But all of them were in vain. King, now there is no other path open except for the fourth principle of punishment. Duryodhana will not give you the kingdom without a fight."

The warriors around Yudhishthira exchanged grim looks, the reality of the situation settling in. Krishna's voice broke through their thoughts. "The warriors on the Kaurava side are now waiting for destruction, King. Their end will come at Kurukshetra."

Yudhishthira nodded solemnly. "There is no other way. The faint hope for peace and agreement has now vanished. Brothers, you have all heard Keshav's words. Now I see no other way forward except war. When the Almighty wills it, so it shall be."

"We have gathered seven divisions of soldiers on our side," Yudhishthira continued, turning to his brothers. "First, it is necessary to organize these troops, King. This task is very important. It cannot be done without a wise person."

He looked towards Krishna, his eyes seeking guidance. "Keshav, we have seven leaders for our seven divisions—Virata, Chekitana, Shikhandi, Satyaki, and Bhima. But how will we organize such a large army? Who will divide them? I rely on Sahadeva to consider this matter. I hold Sahadeva's role as a decision-maker in high regard."

Sahadeva, thoughtful and measured, stepped forward. "Brother, King Virata of Matsya is suitable for this job. He is sincerely sympathetic to us. And King Drupada of Panchala is worthy of being the commander. He is superior in age and family honor. He is a disciple of Bharadvaja. Only he has the courage to fight against Dronacharya and Grandfather Bhishma."

Yudhishthira nodded appreciatively, then turned to Arjun. "King, if you permit, I would like to say something."

"Go ahead, Arjun, you are the core of our strength," Yudhishthira encouraged. "Have you thought of anyone to be the commander, Savyasachi?"

Arjun spoke with conviction. "King, due to the power of penance and the blessings of the sages, a divine warrior emerged from the sacrificial fire. That warrior, Dhrishtadyumna, is worthy of being the commander."

"You are right, Dhananjaya," Yudhishthira agreed, his confidence in his brother's judgment clear.

Then, Bhima, ever fierce and bold, added his thoughts. "The wise say that Drupada's son, Shikhandi, was born to defeat Bhishma. He cannot be killed with weapons. Shikhandi is worthy of being the commander."

Finally, all eyes turned back to Krishna, their guide and protector. "Krishna, you are the reason for our victory and defeat, our joy and sorrow. You are our guide. You are the creator and protector of the world. Tell us, Keshava, who will be our commander?"

Krishna's gaze was steady as he addressed them. "King, all the names mentioned so far are worthy of being commanders. You can plan your army without fear, King. The Kaurava warriors will seem insignificant before you. I want to entrust the responsibility of the Pandava army to Dhrishtadyumna, King."

Yudhishthira, with a sense of resolve, declared, "Keshava, with your blessing, Dhrishtadyumna will be our commander. Tomorrow morning, we will begin our journey to battle with a worship of weapons and the tying of protective threads."

In the Pandava camp, preparations for battle began. There was a great commotion among the seven divisions of the army. The sounds of elephants and horses, the rumbling of chariot wheels, and the loud blaring of conch shells filled the air. The clashing of armor, the twang of bows, and the clanging of swords created waves of sound in that vast sea of soldiers. Yudhishthira, seated in his chariot, stood in the middle of the army. A wave of joy swept through the great ocean of soldiers, as they braced themselves for the battle that was to come.

As the great army surged forward like an unstoppable tide, the land of Kurukshetra loomed ahead, ready to host the epic clash. Alongside the warriors marched an entourage of doctors, attendants, and countless courtesans, all essential to the grand endeavor. Servants and maids bustled about, carrying loads of ornaments, clothes, weapons, and provisions, ensuring the army's every need would be met.

However, not everyone joined this march. Draupadi, the queen of the Pandavas, remained behind in the city of Virata, alongside the other queens. Her heart, though distant from the battlefield, was deeply entwined with the fates of her husbands.

Upon reaching Kurukshetra, Bhima turned to his elder brother, Yudhishthira, with a pressing question. "King," he said, his voice steady and filled with purpose, "we need a very large area for this vast army to stay. We must also construct suitable tents for the kings. Please decide which part of Kurukshetra is most spacious for our camp."

Yudhishthira, thoughtful and wise, replied, "Avoid cemeteries, temples, the hermitages of great sages, and pilgrimage sites. Those paths are for gaining full merit, and our camp will not be there. Look for a flat area with plenty of grass and wood. There should also be an endless supply of water, honey, barley, and rice. Find such a place, Bhima. Let the work of setting up the camp begin there."

Following his brother's guidance, Bhima scoured the terrain and found a suitable location. By the sacred Hiranyavati River, the Pandavas began constructing their camp. Krishna, ever resourceful, arranged for the kings' tents to be set up. Artists and healers flocked to the camps, bringing their skills and medicines, while the grounds filled with large cannons, arrows, bows, shields, armor, and other weapons.

Despite the meticulous planning and the bustling activity, a shadow of sadness clouded Yudhishthira's face. The memories of hardships, pain, and suffering from their time in the forest lingered, and he pondered the grim reality before them. "How can we kill our dear elders and teachers?" he wondered aloud. "How can we celebrate victory over the bodies of our elders, the old, and our relatives?"

Krishna, wise and compassionate, reassured him. "King, you must not do this. Not fighting would be an act of wrongdoing," he said. Arjuna, standing firm beside him, added, "King Yudhishthira, there are no relatives on the battlefield. There are only enemies or friends. So, forget your sorrow and think about the battle, King. Appoint your commander."

Heeding their counsel, Yudhishthira chose seven commanders to lead their forces. Among them were King Drupada, Prince Dhrishtadyumna, Prince Shikhandi, and the King of Magadha. Dhrishtadyumna was appointed as the chief commander, while Arjuna and Krishna were chosen as the leader and charioteer. Just as the Pandavas were finalizing their army leaders, a notable presence entered the tent.

The tall, lion-like Balarama, clad in blue robes, strode in with his strong arms and noble bearing. He was accompanied by heroes like Gada, Samba, Pradyumna, and Uddhava. Upon seeing Balarama, Krishna, the Pandavas, and other allied kings quickly stood up, their respect evident. The elderly kings, like Virata and Drupada, bowed in reverence to Balarama.

Yudhishthira personally led Balarama to a golden throne, ensuring he was seated comfortably. Once all the allied kings were gathered around, Balarama spoke with gravity. "Yudhishthira, a fierce and terrible loss of life is about to occur. I accept this as the will of fate. Humans cannot change it. I hope to see you and your friends safe and unharmed after the war. The time for the Kshatriya warriors to pass has come, and the earth will be soaked with their blood. This war is truly in the hands of fate, I am certain."

Turning to Krishna, Balarama continued, "But Krishna, please listen, elder brother. Haven't I told you many times in private that we have equal ties with both the Kauravas and the Pandavas? Especially since you are very close to Duryodhana through marriage. Didn't I tell you, Krishna?"

Krishna nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Yes, elder brother, you did tell me. Shouldn't we help those who are equally related to us? I asked you to help Duryodhana too. Hasn't Duryodhana come to you as often as Arjuna has? Hasn't he asked for your help, Krishna?"

The tent was filled with a heavy silence as the words hung in the air, the weight of their decisions pressing down on them all.

Chapter 4: Decisions and Preparations

The tent was filled with a tense silence as Krishna bowed his head slightly, acknowledging the truth in his elder brother Balarama's words. "You speak first, elder brother," Krishna said softly, his eyes somber. "You are right, Duryodhana did come to me. But what did you do? What did you do other than show favoritism, Krishna? Your affection and love for Arjuna overshadowed your duty towards Duryodhana."

Krishna took a deep breath, his voice steady yet filled with sincerity. "Please forgive me, elder brother. Your accusation against me is not correct. I gave Duryodhana the Narayani army. In battle, they are as strong as I am. King Yudhishthira," he turned to the eldest Pandava, "Krishna did not listen to my advice only because of you. For your sake, Krishna is helping Arjuna in every way. Not just helping, Krishna is fully committed. Wherever Krishna dedicates himself, victory is certain. You will win, Yudhishthira, I am sure of it."

Yudhishthira nodded, absorbing the weight of Krishna's assurance. "Brother Balarama," he asked, his voice calm but hopeful, "will you stand with us in this battle? Bhima's mace owes a lot to you."

Balarama shook his head, his expression firm. "No, King Yudhishthira, I cannot go against Krishna. I cannot take a different path. I cannot focus on anyone other than Krishna. So, I will do what Krishna wants. In the mace fight, both Bhima and Duryodhana are my students, and I care for them equally. I cannot watch the Kauravas be destroyed. So, I will go to the Saraswati pilgrimage."

A heavy silence settled over the Pandava camp. Balarama, his voice filled with emotion, stood up, and everyone in the assembly rose in respect. The younger ones bowed to him, acknowledging his wisdom and stature. Then, Krishna himself followed Balarama's path out of the tent. After walking a little, Krishna stopped and bowed to his elder brother. With a silent nod, he turned back and returned to the Pandava camp, ready to face the challenges ahead.

No sooner had Balarama departed than Rukmi, the fierce son of Bhishmaka, arrived with a formidable army. His bow, as powerful as Arjuna's Gandiva, glinted in the sun, a testament to his skills and strength. Rukmi, a mighty warrior, approached Arjuna with a bold challenge. "Arjuna," he called, "are you scared? The Kaurava army is much larger than the Pandavas'. Are you afraid of losing? If you're worried, ask for my help. No god, demon, or spirit can stand against me. Humans are no match. This vast army you see, like an ocean, can achieve anything. I don't need anyone's help. I can win your kingdom back on my own."

Arjuna smiled, his confidence unwavering. "I am a Kshatriya, and I don't know what fear is. I have learned the best battle skills from the heavens. I have Gandiva, a gift from Lord Shiva. I possess all divine weapons. My leader is Yudhishthira, the son of Dharma. Above all, Lord Krishna is on my side. I will not fear, King Rukmi. I can win this great battle myself. I don't need your help."

Meanwhile, in Hastinapur, after Krishna's peace mission had failed, he returned to the Pandavas with anger simmering beneath his calm exterior. Remembering Krishna's anger, Duryodhana felt a chill of worry. He turned to his loyal friend Karna, his voice urgent. "Friend Karna, the situation favors war. Though Krishna came as a peace messenger, he actually wants war. From here, he will go to King Virata and encourage Bhima and Arjuna to fight. The Pandavas listen to him. King Virata, King Drupada, and others will join them. I already have enmity with King Virata. No, Karna, make sure our preparations for war are flawless."

Karna nodded, his resolve firm. "Don't worry, my friend. We will create a defense like no one has ever seen. In Kurukshetra, we must ensure the enemy cannot block the paths to our camp where food, drinks, and weapons are brought."

In the Kaurava camp, preparations for war began in earnest. As night gave way to morning, Duryodhana set about organizing the eleven divisions of the Kaurava army. Then, with folded hands, he approached his grandfather, the venerable Bhishma. "Grandfather," he said respectfully, "there is no warrior as brave and skilled as you on this earth. You are as wise in battle as Shukracharya. I entrust you with leading the Kaurava army, Grandfather."

Bhishma looked at Duryodhana with a mix of affection and resignation. "Duryodhana," he replied, "I see no difference between the Pandavas and the Kauravas. But I will fight for you as promised. Except for Arjuna, there is no other warrior on the Pandava side who can match me. But Duryodhana, defeating the Pandavas will be very difficult for me."

The air was thick with anticipation as the Kaurava camp buzzed with activity, preparing for the inevitable clash that loomed on the horizon.

Chapter 5: The Gathering Storm

Bhishma turned his gaze from Duryodhana to the horizon, where the first light of dawn began to paint the sky. "Please don't hesitate, Grandfather," Duryodhana implored, his voice carrying a mix of desperation and determination. "I ask you, until I am defeated by the enemy, I will defeat 10,000 Pandava soldiers every day."

Bhishma sighed, a heavy weight settling on his shoulders. "Duryodhana," he said, his tone gentle yet firm, "I believe Karna should be the commander, not me. Karna might be much more skillful than I am. As long as Bhishma is alive, I will not take up the role of commander, nor will I fight against Arjuna."

The sound of conch shells and other instruments suddenly filled the air, signaling the start of something monumental. The Kaurava army, under Duryodhana's leadership, began its march towards the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Yet, even as they set off, ominous signs appeared in Hastinapura—a reminder that war was rarely without consequence.

As both the Pandava and Kaurava armies gathered by the banks of the Hiranyavati River in Kurukshetra, a messenger was dispatched. Shakuni's son, Uluka, approached Yudhishthira, following the advice of Duryodhana and Karna. With a respectful bow, Uluka greeted the eldest Pandava. "Greetings, noble Yudhishthira," he announced. "I come as Duryodhana's messenger. I will read the message he has sent for you."

Yudhishthira listened intently as Uluka continued. "Yudhishthira, you offer safety to all creatures, yet why do you pursue such a cruel course that could lead to the world's destruction? You, wicked Yudhishthira, have deceived your relatives like a cunning cat. You asked for five villages, but I refused. Do you know why? Because I want you to be angry and fight us. And as for Krishna, the illusion he showed in Hastinapura may have scared others, but not me. After all, you are Kansa's servant, so no king fights with you."

Yudhishthira remained calm, though his brothers bristled at the insults. Bhima clenched his fists, but Yudhishthira placed a calming hand on his brother's shoulder. "Duryodhana is bold indeed," Yudhishthira said, his voice steady. "He insults both me and Lord Krishna. But, Brother Bhima, do not be angry with Uluka; he is merely the messenger. Listen, Uluka, tell Duryodhana that we have received his message. What he desires will now come to pass."

With that, Uluka returned to the Kaurava camp, relaying the Pandavas' response. Both sides began to count their warriors, preparing for the battle ahead. Among the Kauravas stood mighty heroes such as Bhurishrava, Shalya, Kripacharya, and Dronacharya. Bhagadatta, Satyavan, and Alambusha were formidable warriors, and all the grandsons of King Dhritarashtra were ready for the fight.

On the Pandava side, Draupadi's five sons, Drupada, and Virata stood strong. Abhimanyu, Satyaki, Dhrishtadyumna, Drupada's son Satyajit, Ghatotkacha, and Purujit were all great warriors. Bhima alone was equal to eight warriors. And then there was Arjuna, supported by Lord Narayana himself, beyond any count.

The stage was set, the warriors assembled, and the winds of destiny began to swirl around the plains of Kurukshetra. The great battle was about to begin.