Chapter 27: A Grand Honor for Karna in Kuntala

                                    

                                          
Not only did the Royal family grow closer to Karna, but the people of Kuntala also admired him as they learned about his valor, humility, and generosity. Known as "Daanaveera," he never said no to anyone in need, always helping with what he had, even if it meant giving away something he needed. This earned him great respect and admiration. When they learned that he had saved the life of their Princess Ira, their fondness for him only deepened.
During this time, Karna played a significant role in uprooting corrupt officials and implementing Ira's ideas, such as night patrolling and establishing a separate office to collect complaints and provide solutions within three months. He eagerly learned new things from anyone who could teach him.
Ira and Karna often discussed ways to improve the lives of the people. Some of Ira's ideas made Karna rethink his views of the world. He had always been jealous of the sons of kings, believing they had it easy while he had to work hard. His jealousy towards Arjun had increased when Guru Drona promised to make Arjun a great archer, refusing to teach Karna. He had always blamed Arjun for his own struggles and had wandered in search of a guru. But now, he realized he should thank Guru Drona for not accepting him; otherwise, he wouldn't have found such a sister, a guru, and a family who accepted him for who he was.
This acceptance allowed him to be himself without hiding his thoughts. He gained the recognition he had always desired and earned the respect of the people, irrespective of his caste.
As the bond between them grew closer, Maharaja Chandrahasa thought it was the right time to honor Karna for his valor. He discussed this with his family members and his confidant, who all fully supported the notion. When Ira heard about it, she said, "I have already chosen the state; it just needs your approval." The others responded, "In Karna's hands, no matter the land, it will flourish."
The Maharaja decided to make an important announcement to the people and called for a gathering in the Raja Sabha, which was now filled with righteous individuals. As it was deemed important, everyone attended. Five minutes before the Raja Sabha commenced, the Royal family arrived with Karna. Upon seeing them, the people said in unison, "Hail Maharaja Chandrahasa, Hail Maharani Vishaya, Hail Rani Champakamalini, Hail Yuvaraj Makaraksha, Hail Rajkumar Padmaksha, Hail Rajkumar Chandran." The chant grew even louder, "Hail Rajakumari Irawathi."
Hearing this, Ira smiled and waved her hand towards them. Then, what they said next shocked Karna and warmed his heart: "Hail Daanaveera Aditya!" In gratitude, Karna joined his hands towards the people.
Afterwards, they entered the Raj Sabha, where the Audit Ministry presented their findings on the budget spending and the works completed as per the king's directives. Ira then addressed the people, asking if they had any issues with any projects and inviting them to voice their concerns so modifications could be made accordingly. The people replied that there were no such issues at the moment, but they would inform them if anything arose.
Ira then said, "Now, let's proceed to the reason why the King has called all of you here. This will be answered by our beloved Maharaja Chandrahasa himself." She then sat on her seat near Karna and gave him a subtle look.
Karna, overwhelmed with emotion, felt deeply accepted by the people of Kuntala and was proud of Ira for speaking boldly in the Raj Sabha at the age of eight. He knew Ira had been participating in the Raj Sabha since she was six months old. When he first attended the Raj Sabha, he saw her speak against a corrupt official who tried to falsely accuse others. Even Karna initially thought Ira, being a child, might have made a mistake. But Ira nullified all the accusations with evidence and even suggested the official try acting in drama shows because he was so good at pretending. Karna witnessed her mastery with words, making the official confess his guilt through her clever arguments.
Afterwards, Karna asked Ira how she managed to do it. With a longing look, she replied that she had learned from a good friend who could do anything for her. Seeing the look, Karna realized she missed this person deeply and asked her where he was. She replied in a sad voice that she would never be able to see him again, and her eyes watered. The memories of her previous life were imprinted in her mind. Although she badly wanted to ask Krishna about them, she never did because he had assured her that they would be fine and he would take care of them.
When Karna suddenly asked about it, all her thoughts about her friends and family came rushing back. Seeing her expression, Karna thought he had reminded her of a deceased person and apologized. Understanding his thoughts, Ira simply smiled and didn't reply. From that moment onwards, Karna became even more protective towards her.
As Karna reminisced about his memories with such a good sister and her family, who made him feel truly one of them, he missed the subtle look given to him by Ira. However, the people of Kuntala did not miss it. They knew the look of their Princess well, having watched her grow up. That look meant she would make it happen no matter what, and looking at Karna, they understood it also included him. So, the people listened carefully as Maharaja Chandrahasa stood from his throne. As everyone tried to stand, he motioned for them to remain seated and began to speak.