Chapter 1: The Calm Before the Storm

The battlefield of Kurukshetra lay under the somber sky, its air thick with tension and the echoes of past battles. The sound of drums and flutes faded as Mirchi introduced a special presentation of "Times of Music Legends." The air was charged with anticipation and a promise of fierce combat. Somewhere in the distance, a voice declared, "Today, we will unleash countless sharp arrows for Duryodhana's victory. I will avenge King Drupada's death." These words, spoken by Dronaputra, were meant to inspire Dharmaraj to defeat Karna. News came swiftly, like the wind: Bhima had slain Ashwatthama. "Congratulations to you," the voice continued, resonating with the sound of destiny.

The Mahabharata, an eternal epic penned by the great sage Ved Vyasa, had been translated into Bengali by scholars like Haridas Siddhanta Bagish, Kaliprasanna Singha, and Rajshekhar Basu. It stood as a testament to the timeless struggle between duty and desire, brought to life by Projotional Entertainment in a simple play for all to understand.

Upon hearing of young Abhimanyu's tragic death, Arjuna, grief-stricken, made a terrible vow. Krishna, his divine charioteer, stood by to ensure that vow was fulfilled, shaking the very foundations of the world. The Kauravas were left bewildered by the sudden demise of Jayadratha. As night descended, the battle between the Pandavas and their teacher's forces raged on without pause. The soldiers, weary from the relentless fighting, struggled to stay awake. They could no longer distinguish friend from foe in the darkness, their hands trembling, their spirits waning.

In their exhaustion, some soldiers dropped their bows, while others stared blankly at the chaos around them. Charioteers fumbled with the reins, unable to control their steeds. Seeing this, Arjuna called out to both armies, his voice carrying through the night, "Soldiers, you are all tired. Your horses and elephants are exhausted and thirsty. If you wish, you can rest here on the battlefield for a while. When the third part of the night passes, the battle will resume."

The Pandava soldiers, grateful for the respite, lay down their arms. The Kuru army, too, sought permission from Duryodhana and Karna to rest. For a brief moment, the field of Kurukshetra was silent, as if the world itself held its breath. The moon rose, casting its gentle light over the weary warriors. As the soldiers rested, the air was filled with a rare peace.

Yet, in the quiet, Duryodhana approached Dronacharya, his voice tinged with frustration. "Teacher, none of our enemies deserve mercy. But when they were resting, I didn't harm them because I thought of you. They are dear to you, so I spared their lives. Teacher, after resting, the Pandavas have become strong again. With your support, their arrogance has also grown. Look at our side; danger is surrounding us from all directions. We don't have anyone like you with divine weapons..."

Dronacharya listened, his expression calm yet firm. "Duryodhan," he replied, "I never fear for my life. I am not worried about any danger to myself. Even though I am old and weak, I am fighting with all my strength. King, you know this, yet you keep blaming me. Listen, Duryodhan, if I have to do lowly, unethical deeds to win, I will do them. I am ready to do what you want. I promise, Duryodhan, even if one Panchal remains alive in this war, I will not stop fighting."

The moonlit night soon gave way to the dawn, and the battlefield awoke once more to the call of war. The army split into two: one part followed Dronacharya into battle, while the other remained with Duryodhan and Karna. As the sun rose, Dronacharya launched a fierce assault against the Panchals. King Virat of Matsya and King Drupad of Panchal, united in purpose, led their soldiers like a tidal wave, ready to engulf the mighty Dronacharya.

The battle resumed, fiercer than ever, as the sun watched over the valor and turmoil below.

Chapter 2: The Unstoppable Storm

Dronacharya moved across the battlefield like a storm unleashed. His presence was like a blazing fireball, and his arrows flew with such speed that even lightning seemed sluggish. Invisible to the naked eye, his arrows found their targets among the Pandava soldiers, causing chaos and despair. The Pandava forces, overwhelmed and outmatched, were saved only by the timely intervention of King Drupad and King Virat.

Yet, tragedy struck as three grandsons of King Drupad fell in battle, their lives taken by the relentless assault. Anguished by their loss, King Drupad fought with renewed fury, his heart burning for vengeance. Together with King Virat, he led their vast army against the indomitable Dronacharya. But even their combined might could not overcome the old warrior, who shattered the ranks of the Kekaya, Matsya, and Srinjaya forces with terrifying precision.

As the battlefield echoed with the clash of steel and cries of the fallen, the two old kings, now bereft of soldiers and strength, faced Dronacharya alone. The scene was grim; Dronacharya stood like a tempest, his arrows sharp and fierce, bringing the end ever closer for King Virat and King Drupad. Silence fell over the battlefield, broken only by the cheers from the Kaurava camp. In stark contrast, the Pandava side was as quiet as a graveyard.

Breaking this silence, Bhima's voice rose, filled with challenge and defiance. "Is there no warrior left in King Drupad's family?" he shouted, his voice echoing over the field. "Do the descendants of the Panchal king wish to become monks now? Is there any hero alive in the Panchal kingdom?"

Bhima's anger and determination were palpable. "I have not forgotten my duty. Brother, I will avenge my father, King Drupad's death. You stay calm. I will find peace only after avenging the death of our great Pandava commander, Dhrishtadyumna."

He turned to his comrades, frustration in his eyes. "Even after witnessing the death of your father and brothers, do you feel no urge for revenge?" he demanded. "You have mastered all weapons. You were born in the enemy's lineage for a special purpose. Yet, you forgive your greatest enemy even after seeing him with your own eyes."

His voice lowered, filled with resolve. "Fine, if you cannot avenge King Drupad's death, I will. I will kill that deceitful Brahmin, Dronacharya."

Meanwhile, across the vast expanse of Kurukshetra, two childhood friends and Satyaki were locked in fierce combat. On another front, Bhima and Dhrishtadyumna charged into the enemy troops like raging elephants. Despite their formidable strength, they could not withstand Dronacharya's assault. The old warrior roared, his presence a force of nature as he decimated the Pandava army. The Kaurava leader's battle cry spurred his soldiers to fight back with renewed ferocity.

Arjuna, wielding his divine weapons, found himself powerless against Dronacharya. Seeing his friend's struggle, Krishna, ever wise and calm, spoke up. "You cannot kill that powerful Brahmin, Arjuna. As long as Dronacharya holds his bow, he can even defeat the king of gods, Indra. He is invincible. Arjuna, you cannot defeat him unless he lays down his weapons."

Arjuna frowned, confusion etching his features. "But why would the enemy leader lay down his weapons on the battlefield, Madhava? Is that even possible?"

Krishna's eyes were thoughtful. "No, he won't give up his weapons willingly. We have to make him do it. I don't understand, Krishna. What should I do? Please guide me, Janardana."

"If you focus on righteousness and justice, you cannot defeat Dronacharya, Arjuna. He will kill all of you before he stops. So, find a way to defeat him now, or there will be great danger. We must tell Drona some news that will make him drop his weapons. That's the only way to disarm him."

Arjuna was puzzled. "What is the news that could make Acharya Drona lay down his weapons? I don't understand, Keshav. Please explain it to me."

Krishna's voice softened, filled with understanding of human nature. "Even though Guru Drona is the greatest warrior on earth, he is still a father who loves his son dearly. This is human nature, Parth. I believe that if Dronacharya hears news about Ashwatthama, he will stop fighting. So, unless someone tells him this bad news, the mighty Drona will not be stopped today. Arjun, let someone he trusts the most tell him this news."

The plan was set, and the fate of the battle hung in the balance, waiting for the truth to be revealed.

Chapter 3: The Weight of Deception

Arjun's heart was heavy with doubt as he looked towards Krishna, his charioteer and guide. "Do we really have to tell such a big lie to Guru Dronacharya to win the battle?" he asked, his voice filled with hesitation. "Is this the right thing to do, Madhav? Should I lie to Guru Drona, who taught me how to wield weapons with love and care?"

Krishna's eyes were steady as he replied, "Arjun, those who stand against you in battle are neither your teacher, friend, nor relative. They are all your opponents. On the battlefield, there are no loved ones, Parth. If you hold on to memories, grief, or friendship with the enemy, you will become weak and unable to defeat them."

Arjun listened intently, his mind a whirl of conflicting emotions. Krishna continued, "If the Kauravas had followed the path of righteousness, this battle would not have happened. Arjun, showing weakness in battle is the same as cowardice. There is only one way to defeat Dronacharya, or else the Pandavas will surely face defeat."

Hearing Krishna's advice, Arjun bowed his head and fell silent, wrestling with the inner turmoil. Around him, Bhima, Nakula, Sahadeva, Dhrishtadyumna, Satyaki, and the other great warriors felt a surge of excitement at Krishna's words. Yet, Yudhishthira, the eldest Pandava, remained silent, his head bowed like Arjun. Finally, with Krishna's assurance and the desire to win the battle, Yudhishthira agreed to Krishna's plan, though his heart was heavy with the burden of the choice.

Meanwhile, in the midst of the Kaurava army, a fierce battle raged between Dronacharya and Dhrishtadyumna. The old teacher's every weapon was being blocked by the Pandava commander. Dhrishtadyumna, burning with anger and a thirst for vengeance over his father Drupada's death, attacked with swords and other deadly weapons. On the other side of the battlefield, King Indravarma of Malwa, with the elder Pandava's approval, killed an elephant named Ashwatthama with his mace.

Then, standing boldly in front of Dronacharya's chariot, Bhima shouted loudly, "Ashwatthama is dead, Ashwatthama is dead. Dronaputra Ashwatthama has been killed by Bhima. Congratulations to you!"

Dronacharya's eyes flashed with disbelief and fury. "Don't waste time with lies, Dhrishtadyumna. I know my son's bravery. Fight with me. Today, I will destroy the entire Pandava army. None of the great Pandava warriors will escape my hands. Fight, Dhrishtadyumna, fight!"

In a terrible rage, Guru Drona began to shower arrows continuously, his fury unrelenting. His arrows destroyed Dhrishtadyumna's chariot and horses. Bhima, quickly pulling Dhrishtadyumna onto his own chariot, urged him, "Dhrishtadyumna, no one but you can defeat Acharya Drona today. The responsibility of defeating Dronacharya rests entirely on you. Quickly, defeat him. If you don't, this Brahmin warrior will destroy all our soldiers."

"Don't worry, Bhima," replied Dhrishtadyumna with determination. "Today, I will send my father's killer to the afterlife."

Guru Drona's final moments seemed imminent. Overcome with anger, Dronacharya lost his sense of direction and forgot all the rules and principles of divine weapons. In a desperate attempt to protect his own interests and hasten Duryodhana's victory, he unleashed the Brahmastra. The impact of the Brahmastra caused a great disaster, wiping out countless soldiers and animals.

Meanwhile, a great disturbance spread through the heavens and the sky. Seeing the Earth's distress, wise Brahmarshis and Maharshis became anxious. To restrain the war-loving, weapon-loving Dronacharya, these enlightened beings arrived on the battlefield of Kurukshetra in subtle forms. Among them was Gautama, his heart aflame with concern.

Brahmarshis like Vashistha, Jamadagni, Vishwamitra, Garga, Angira, and Bhrigu were present. Rishi Vishwamitra and Brahmarshi Bhrigu spoke with solemn authority, "Dronacharya, you have acted against righteousness. You have not fought on the path of justice. You used the Brahmastra to destroy inexperienced soldiers. Dronacharya, there is no forgiveness for your sinful act. In front of us, lay down your weapons immediately, or a greater danger will arise."

Chapter 4: The Last Stand of Dronacharya

Dronacharya stood amidst the chaos of battle, his heart heavy with the words of the Brahmarshis. Their judgment echoed in his ears: "Dronacharya, you are a learned sage. Abandon the cruel act of killing humans. Practice self-restraint. Prepare yourself, for today is your last day in the world of humans." The weight of their anger pressed upon him, and with a sigh of resignation, he withdrew from the battlefield. His thoughts turned to his beloved son, Ashwatthama, and a deep longing filled his heart.

As he retreated, he spotted Yudhishthira standing solemnly on his chariot. Hope flickered in Dronacharya's eyes as he approached. "Dear Yudhishthira," he called out, his voice trembling with desperation, "is what Bhima says true? Has Ashwatthama really been killed? I trust your words more than anyone else's. Yudhishthira, tell me, is Bhima speaking the truth? Say it, say Ashwatthama is dead, Ashwatthama is dead. My son, has my son truly met a hero's end? Tell me, Yudhishthira, tell me, tell me."

Yudhishthira stood silently, his gaze fixed on the ground. The air was thick with tension as Krishna descended from Arjuna's chariot and approached Yudhishthira. In a worried and soft voice, Krishna urged, "Your Majesty, if Dronacharya fights for even half a day more, all your soldiers will be destroyed. If you tell the truth, the Pandavas will not be saved today. Telling a lie to save lives is not a sin, Your Majesty. Agree with Bhima's words. With this small lie, we can defeat the mighty Dronacharya. Listen to me, Your Majesty, only you can save us now. Speak, Your Majesty, Guru Drona is waiting eagerly for your answer."

Yudhishthira knew the truth of Krishna's words. If Dronacharya was not stopped, the battle would surely end in defeat for the Pandavas. Even the mighty Arjuna could not contain Drona's fierce power. With a heavy heart, Yudhishthira resolved to speak a half-truth. Encouraged by Krishna and urged by Bhima, he declared, "Ashwatthama is dead... the elephant Ashwatthama."

Dronacharya's face fell as he heard Yudhishthira's words. "Yes, my son, what have I heard? Oh God, what punishment are you giving me?" he lamented, his voice breaking. The mystical chariot that had always floated above the ground now touched the earth, a silent testament to Yudhishthira's deviation from truth.

Tears welled in Dronacharya's eyes, and his hands trembled, unable to hold his weapons. Sensing his vulnerability, Dhrishtadyumna saw a terrible opportunity. Dronacharya, the world's greatest weapon master, stood confused and defenseless, unable to recall any incantation that could save him.

Bhima, standing beside his chariot, whispered harshly, "Lowly Brahmins, instead of being satisfied with their duties, learned the art of war. If they had not participated in the battle, this war would not have happened. Acharya Drona and the destruction of the Kshatriya clan would not have occurred. The soldiers here are fighting according to their duties, but you have acted against dharma. Dronacharya, by taking up the profession of non-Brahmins, you are killing hundreds of people for just one son. You are so greedy, so cruel. You still hold weapons, Dronacharya. Aren't you ashamed? Your son is lying on the battlefield, do you understand?"

With a heavy heart, Dronacharya made his decision. "You, Karna, Duryodhana, Kripacharya, fight the Pandavas with all your strength, and may you be blessed. At this moment, I am giving up my weapons and will never fight again."

He left his weapons in his chariot and sat down, closing his eyes to the world. With a serene expression, he began to meditate, focusing on Vishnu. Chanting the sacred Om mantra, he meditated on the supreme being, Narayana. His soul took on a divine, radiant form and swiftly departed for the heavenly realm. Only five people bore witness to this eternal journey: Krishna, Yudhishthira, Arjuna, Sanjaya, and Kripacharya.

"Hari Om," they whispered in reverence, marking the end of an era.

Chapter 5: The Aftermath of Dronacharya's Fall

The battlefield lay silent, the air thick with the echoes of a once thunderous clash. Dronacharya, the revered guru, sat motionless, his body stained with the marks of battle. Dhrishtadyumna, eyes gleaming with a fierce resolve, leaped from his chariot, sword gleaming in his hand. The soldiers from both sides shouted in protest, but their cries were lost on him. He charged towards Dronacharya's lifeless form, unheeding.

"Bring Guru Drona as he is; do not cut off his head!" Arjuna's voice boomed across the field, desperation tinged with anger. "I will avenge my father's death today. Dronacharya, I was born to defeat you. Today, no one can save you from me, the slayer of my father. Here is your punishment."

But Dhrishtadyumna, driven by a singular purpose, did not pause. With a swift, decisive swing, he beheaded Dronacharya and hurled the severed head towards the Kaurava soldiers. Bhima, witnessing the act, embraced Dhrishtadyumna with a triumphant roar. Fear gripped the Kaurava soldiers at the sight of their guru's head, and they fled, panic-stricken.

Meanwhile, Ashwatthama, Dronacharya's son, was locked in a fierce battle with Shikhandi, far from the unfolding tragedy. When he noticed the Kaurava soldiers retreating in disarray, he turned to Duryodhana, bewildered. "What has happened, King? Why are your soldiers running away like this? Has a great warrior fallen? Why do you look so defeated? Tell me, tell me, King, what has happened? Why aren't you speaking, Duryodhana? How can a great hero like you be so disheartened?"

Duryodhana stood silent, his spirit crushed by the loss of their greatest warrior. It was Kripacharya who, with a heavy heart, spoke the devastating truth. "Who is the greatest warrior you speak of, uncle? The world's greatest weapon master cannot answer you now."

"The Pandavas' and Kauravas' teacher, your father Dronacharya, left his body through meditation after hearing of his demise. The vengeful Dhrishtadyumna has severed his body."

Ashwatthama's face contorted with grief and fury. "My death? What are you saying, Uncle? What are you talking about, Uncle? Who would want to kill me? I don't understand anything you're saying." His voice trembled with a mix of sorrow and rage.

"Dying in a fair battle is honorable," Ashwatthama declared, his voice rising with determination, "but I will completely destroy that deceitful Yudhishthira who forced my father to give up his weapons. I have a powerful weapon that no great warrior knows about. It never returns without destroying the enemy. My father received this weapon from Lord Narayana himself. Today, I will use it. Duryodhana, the sinful Dhrishtadyumna who killed my teacher, will not be spared today."

Duryodhana nodded, his hope rekindled. "Yes, Ashwatthama, use that Narayanastra that Dronacharya obtained. Now is the right time." The Kaurava soldiers, hearing Ashwatthama's fierce resolve, rallied around him. The sound of conch shells and war drums reverberated through the camp, signaling their renewed determination. With Ashwatthama leading them, they formed their battle lines once more.

Across the battlefield, Yudhishthira heard the renewed battle cries and turned to Arjuna, confusion written on his face. "Why do we hear such a battle cry from the camp that was in darkness after Dronacharya's fall? Arjuna, who is bringing them back? Who is roaring like Ashwatthama in the Kaurava camp now?"

The answer lay in the heart of the battle, where Ashwatthama, fueled by vengeance and armed with the mighty Narayanastra, prepared to deliver a reckoning. The Pandavas' actions had set the stage for a confrontation that none could escape. The weight of their choices hung heavily in the air, as the echoes of war drums signaled the approach of a storm.

Chapter 6: The Roar of Ashwatthama

Arjuna stood amidst the chaos of battle, his heart heavy with conflict. His friend and ally, Dhrishtadyumna, spoke passionately, eyes blazing with the fire of righteousness.

"Arjuna, why do you speak as if you are a wandering sage?" Dhrishtadyumna demanded, his voice echoing above the clamor of war. "Did the Kauravas not commit injustice? How did they take away the kingdom from the righteous Yudhishthira? Was there any justice in that? What did they do to the Panchalas? Did you find any justice there?"

Dhrishtadyumna's words were like arrows, sharp and piercing. "We are taking revenge for all the wrongs done by the Kauravas. Why are you so worked up, Dhananjaya? You four brothers stop fighting. I alone will destroy that wicked Ashwatthama with my mace. You, Partha, threw Jayadratha's head into the land of the Nishadas. I am disappointed because I couldn't show such a feat with Dronacharya's head."

Arjuna's anger simmered, but Dhrishtadyumna continued, undeterred. "Arjuna, you think of him as a Brahmin. He destroyed the Kshatriya clan by abandoning his duty. I was born to destroy him. I have no regrets for punishing that sinful wrongdoer, Partha. If the fall of the world is not a sin, then Drona's death is blameless. You have forgotten the Kshatriya duty, Arjuna. Listen to Dhrishtadyumna."

Arjuna, the great warrior, was filled with anger. He raised his weapon, ready to charge at Dhrishtadyumna. But Krishna, Yudhishthira, and Bhima intervened, calming him down with soothing words and gentle restraint. Together, the Pandavas prepared to face the wrath of Ashwatthama.

Ashwatthama, like the god of death, wreaked havoc on the Pandava army with relentless fury. Yudhishthira, seeing his soldiers weary and afraid, addressed them with a heavy heart.

"Listen, soldiers," he called out. "Stop fighting. Return to your kingdoms. I will fulfill Arjuna's wish by entering the fire with my brothers. I have wronged Abhimanyu and remained silent during Draupadi's humiliation. I helped Duryodhana by protecting him. Ashwatthama has unleashed a powerful weapon. Lay down your arms and surrender, as there is no other way to stop it."

But a voice rose in defiance. "Never!" Bhima shouted, his spirit unyielding. "Do not lay down your weapons. I will stop Ashwatthama's weapon. Let’s see how brave he really is."

Following Krishna's wise counsel, the Pandava soldiers and warriors put down their weapons and bowed their heads. Only Bhima remained standing on his chariot, firing fierce arrows into the sky. Ashwatthama's terrible weapon moved towards him with menacing intent. In a swift motion, Krishna and Arjuna pulled Bhima off his chariot. Like an injured snake, Bhima stood with his head bowed, his fury momentarily subdued.

Finally, Ashwatthama's weapon was stopped. After Drona's departure to the heavenly realm, Duryodhana appointed Karna as the new commander, following Ashwatthama's advice. The next day, as the sun rose, the battle resumed with renewed ferocity. The Kaurava army, led by the formidable Karna, fought with relentless vigor. Karna, fueled by burning hatred and anger, showed no mercy to the Pandavas. His chariot, adorned with a white flag, bristled with weapons, and he wielded them with deadly skill.

Seeing Karna at the helm of the Kuru army, Yudhishthira turned to Arjuna. "Dhananjaya," he said, "the greatest warriors of the Kaurava side are no more. Only a few weaker fighters remain. Now, Karna is their best archer. You have defeated him several times before. This time, too, defeat him and be victorious, my child, be victorious."

Arjuna's eyes blazed with determination. "I have been waiting all this time to destroy Karna, the son of a charioteer, in battle," he declared. "I was eager for this day, O King. Very soon, I will cast that son of a charioteer into the fire of this war."

With fierce resolve, Arjuna attacked the Kaurava army, his arrows raining down like a storm. On the battlefield, the great warrior Pandava King fell to Ashwatthama's skillful attacks. Nakula, with his crescent-shaped arrow, struck down a son of Angaraj. When Sahadeva's arrow rendered Dushasana unconscious, his charioteer whisked him away to safety.

But Nakula's courage was soon tested. Karna faced him and gradually wore him down with a relentless barrage of arrows and other weapons. He destroyed Nakula's flag, horses, and chariot, sending him back to the Pandava camp with a broken bowstring around his neck. Though Karna could have ended Nakula's life, he honored his promise to Kunti not to kill any Pandava except Arjuna.

The battle raged on, the air thick with the clash of weapons and the cries of warriors, as the Pandavas and Kauravas fought for honor, justice, and survival.

Chapter 7: The Battle of Pride and Promises

The battlefield was a storm of clashing weapons and the fierce cries of warriors. Shakuni's son, Uluka, and Bhima's son, Sutasoma, fought valiantly alongside Dhritarashtra's son, Yuyutsu, and Nakula's son, Shatanika. The air trembled with their fierce combat.

In the midst of this chaos, Trigarta King Susharma launched a vicious attack, injuring Krishna's left arm. The reins of the chariot slipped from Krishna's grasp, sending a wave of panic through the Pandava ranks. Seeing this, Arjuna's eyes burned with anger. With swift and deadly precision, he released a volley of sharp arrows, striking down Satyasena and his brother Chitrasena.

Meanwhile, Yudhishthira found himself engaged in a fierce battle with Duryodhana. Yudhishthira's arrows flew true, killing Duryodhana's charioteer and horses. With no choice left, Duryodhana leaped from his chariot, gripping a mace tightly in his hand. But Yudhishthira's powerful weapon struck him hard, leaving him unconscious on the ground.

Bhima rushed to his brother's side. "O King," he said urgently, "if you kill Duryodhana now, my vow will remain unfulfilled. The one who is your enemy is not mine to defeat."

Yudhishthira nodded solemnly. "Bhima, I will not break your vow. You shall be the one to kill Duryodhana."

Though Duryodhana was spared, the Pandava warriors continued to answer Karna's arrogance with their own might. The Kauravas struggled to withstand the combined forces of Krishna, Arjuna, Yudhishthira, and Bhima. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the strength with which Karna had begun the battle waned. Both sides declared a ceasefire and retreated to their camps.

In the quiet of their tent, Karna and Duryodhana nursed their wounds like injured tigers, plotting their next move. Karna turned to Duryodhana, determination in his eyes. "Listen, King," he said. "The bow that Parashurama used to conquer the world has been given to me. It is mightier than Arjuna's Gandiva. Even without the divine weapon given by Indra, I surpass Arjuna in bravery and skill. Yet, I lack a divine bowstring, endless arrows, an unbreakable chariot, the swiftest horses, and a charioteer like Govinda. In the art of horses, King Salya of Madra is Krishna's equal. If he becomes my charioteer, victory will be ours."

Duryodhana nodded, resolute. "Karna, whatever you need, I will provide. I will personally ask Salya to be your charioteer."

With great effort and respect, Duryodhana approached the noble King Salya. He persuaded him to agree, on the condition that Karna and Duryodhana must heed Salya's counsel without argument. Once they accepted his terms, King Salya took the reins of Karna's chariot for the next day's battle.

The Kaurava soldiers cheered for Karna, their hopes reignited. "Show us what Bhishma and Drona could do," they chanted. "Capture Yudhishthira or destroy the Pandavas and their army. For Duryodhana's victory, unleash your arrows!"

Karna smiled, his confidence restored. "Today, I will crush the pride of the Pandavas. Arjuna will witness my strength. For Duryodhana, I will rain down thousands of sharp arrows."

However, Salya cautioned him. "Karna, do not boast. When the Pandavas unleash their mighty arrows, even the sky darkens. You wish to defeat Arjuna, but his strength knows no bounds. Even if he falls, Lord Krishna will destroy the entire Kuru army. None can escape him. Drive the chariot, King. I am eager to face Arjuna. With this chariot, crafted by the great Parashurama, I will either defeat Arjuna or meet my end."

Salya's words were sharp, cutting through the air like arrows. "Remember, when the Gandharvas captured Duryodhana and the Kauravas, it was Arjuna who freed them. Why did you flee then, Karna? When Arjuna single-handedly defeated all the Kauravas during King Virata's cattle raid, why did you not stand against him? There is no comparison between you and Arjuna."

Karna listened, his resolve hardening. The next day promised another fierce battle, where pride and promises would be put to the ultimate test.

Chapter 8: The Battlefield's Cry

Karna stood before the king, his eyes ablaze with determination. "Your Majesty," he declared, "you are my enemy. That's why you wish to discourage me. In truth, you do not desire the Kauravas' victory, nor do you respect my strength."

The battlefield roared to life as Bhima clashed with Dhrishtadyumna, Ashwatthama, Yudhishthira, Duryodhana, and Kritavarma. Amidst the chaos, Arjuna's arrow found its mark, striking Ashwatthama unconscious. As Ashwatthama's charioteer whisked him away, Bhima's fury turned towards Duryodhana. In a storm of arrows, five of Duryodhana's brothers fell.

Dhrishtadyumna rushed to Bhima's aid, his weapons shattering Duryodhana's chariot. Duryodhana, undeterred, quickly mounted another chariot. Meanwhile, Karna advanced to face Dhrishtadyumna. The Panchala army trembled under Karna's might, prompting Shikhandi and Nakula to step forward.

Yudhishthira, alongside Sahadeva, Draupadi's sons, and Satyaki, moved to halt Karna's onslaught. Yet, Karna stood undaunted, overcoming these great warriors and wounding Yudhishthira. With a swift arrow, Karna knocked Yudhishthira's helmet to the ground. Injured and bleeding, Yudhishthira was swiftly taken back to the camp.

Upon hearing of Yudhishthira's injury, Arjuna left Bhima on the battlefield, rushing to his brother's side. But Yudhishthira's anger flared when Arjuna arrived. "You are afraid, Arjuna," Yudhishthira accused. "You fear Karna, leaving Bhima alone to seek my shelter. You fear the man who insulted Panchali. I trusted you most, yet you fail me. Aren't you proud of your Gandiva bow? Give it up, Arjuna. You are unworthy. From today, do not touch this Gandiva."

Arjuna's heart ached at his brother's words. "Your Majesty, what is happening? Why have you drawn your sword? There is no enemy here. Whom do you intend to kill, Partha?"

Krishna, ever wise, intervened. "Arjuna has a promise, Krishna," Arjuna murmured. "I vowed that anyone who asked me to surrender my bow, Gandiva, would not live. Now, must I harm my elder brother, Yudhishthira, the son of Dharma? Why make such a promise like a foolish child, Arjuna? Have you not learned from the wise?"

Krishna's voice was steady, a calming presence amidst the turmoil. "Yudhishthira spoke only to spur you to defeat Karna. He meant no harm. You misunderstood, Arjuna. I have made a terrible mistake, Krishna. How can I keep my promise and spare the king's life, Madhava? I seek your guidance. Have mercy, Krishna, have mercy."

"Listen, Arjuna," Krishna advised. "When the truth causes harm, a lie can be as noble as the truth. Understanding right from wrong is delicate. Do not act rashly. Speak to the king with harsh words. Insulting an elder is like causing their death. Thus, you keep your promise and save Yudhishthira. If guilt troubles you later, praise yourself as punishment. This way, you free yourself from guilt and return to the battlefield."

Meanwhile, Karna, weary and wounded, sought Arjuna's mercy one last time. Compassion stirred within Arjuna, and he lowered his weapon. But Krishna remained resolute, his words as sharp as a blade.

What would Krishna say? What did Karna truly desire? The answers awaited in the next chapter. Stay tuned to the unfolding saga of the Mahabharata.