Chapter: 40 Pandavas' Ponder and the Missing Princess

                                    

                                          
Later that night, with the help of his parents, Karna got ready as they also began preparations for their move to Anga. They decided to move after Ira left Hastinapur. Karna asked Shon to stay vigilant for any rumors related to Ira and to inform him immediately if he heard anything.
On the other side, Rajkumar Yudhishthira and Arjuna were deeply immersed in their thoughts, not paying attention to the bickering of Rajkumar Nakula and Bheema. Seeing his elder brothers in deep thought, Sahadeva asked what was on their minds. Arjuna replied that the newly appointed Angraj, Karna, did not initially seem interested in being a king, as it was clearly shown on his face. But after Lord Parashurama said something to him, Karna's demeanor changed drastically, as if his life depended on it. Arjuna wondered what Lord Parashurama had said to cause such a transformation and how Parashurama had appeared there, as he rarely left Mahendra Giri.
As they were talking, a dasi (servant) informed them that Rajamata Kunti had fainted during the duel and was now resting in her room. The brothers rushed to their mother's room. When they arrived, Bheema picked her up, claiming he was the only one deserving of her blessings first. Nakula countered, saying Bheema needed to put her down first. When Bheema complied, Nakula quickly took her blessing first. They shared a heartwarming moment and proceeded to discuss the events that had occurred at the Gurukul. Seeing her sons happy and united made Rajamata Kunti happy, but she also wished Karna could be present with them. She decided she would talk to Karna later.
After that, the Pandavas decided to move towards their common room, while their Mata proceeded to check on the details of the evening function. However, in reality, she went to search for Karna, her eldest son. Nakula, after taking a seat, asked the das about the number of kingdoms that had arrived and requested detailed information, emphasizing the importance of friendly relations for growth and peace now that their Jyesth (eldest) about become Yuvaraj (crown prince).
As they skimmed through the names, Sahadeva suddenly said, "I think I know why Lord Parashurama may be here." His statement captured everyone's attention. He proceeded to reveal that it could be because of Rajkumari Irawathi. He placed the name list in the center of the table. Bheema asked, "What does Lord Parashurama need Rajkumari Irawathi for? Did he come all this way because he was impressed by her actions?" Sahadeva replied, "Lord Parashurama is said to be an avatar of Vishnu."
Arjuna continued, "Rajkumari Irawathi happens to be a blessing of the Tridev, which includes Lord Vishnu." Everyone exchanged glances, and Nakula called the das inside to ask the burning question, "Do you know where Rajkumari Irawathi is?"
The das replied, "According to the letter, she should have been here by this afternoon, but she has not arrived, and there is no news about her so far." Hearing this, Sahadeva's face turned pale. "I don't think it's good," he said, requesting the das to return to his duties.
Seeing Sahadeva's distress, the Pandavas asked what the matter was. He explained, "Lord Parashurama is known for his anger. We saw his wrath at the Rangbhoomi. If anything happens to Rajkumari Irawathi, we will face his fury." Yudhishthira tried to calm him, saying, "Don't make wild assumptions. Let's go to the function area; by now, everyone will be there."
Meanwhile, near the entrance, Kunti met Karna. As Karna recalled how he had welcomed her the first time she entered Hastinapur with a lotus flower, he placed a lotus in front of her while speaking. However, Kunti's thoughts were elsewhere, remembering how she had placed her child in a basket and floated it down the river.
Noticing that Rajamata Kunti was not responding, and her face was getting paler, Karna moved closer and asked how she was feeling. Kunti finally replied, "Do you think you can accept me as your mother?" Karna, smiling, said, "You are everyone's mother, aren't you? Since you are Rajamata, my mother told me that Maharaja and Maharani are like parents to their subjects." He had already noticed the presence of the Pandavas nearby.