Ekalavya: Beyond Immortality

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The arena in Hastinapur buzzed with anticipation. 

All eyes focused on Arjun and Karn, ready for the showdown. 

The sun bathed the scene in gold, casting a warm glow. 

Arjun stood tall, bow taut, on his royal chariot. Even though Karn stood barefoot, his momentum was no less than Arjun's, who was on his chariot. 

"Battle start!" 

Acharya Drona's gesture marked the beginning. 

Arjun was the first to make his move as his chariot surged ahead, his horses pounding the earth. Arjun knocked an arrow onto his bow, but Karn wasn't slow either. He met Arjun's arrow head-on with his own lightning-fast arrow. 

"Thwack!" Both arrows collided mid-air, creating a loud vibration. 

The crowd held its breath, watching the exciting showdown. 

Arjun smirked. "Impressive, Karn. But let's see if you can keep up!" he taunted. However, his hands weren't idle. Arjun knocked another arrow, this one much sharper and faster than before. 

Karn shot back in response to Arjun's taunts. "Oh, I intend to, Kunwar Arjun. Brace yourself!" 

Arjun's hands moved like a blur as he kept shooting arrow after arrow, each faster than the last. Karn matched Arjun's pace, his hands equally swift. 

Whenever their arrows clashed, the air itself trembled, and the spectators in the arena felt the vibrations in their bodies. 

"Clanggg!" 

A gasp rippled through the spectators. 

Karn's voice cut through. "You're good, Kunwar Arjun, but not as good as they say!" 

Arjun retorted, "We'll see, Karn. Actions speak louder." 

Arjun's arrows grew more dangerous by the minute as he kept his aim fixed on Karn. Karn's responses were swift, his arrows slicing through the air to meet Arjun's and destroying them with ease, making Arjun clutch his bow tightly in frustration at not gaining an advantage over Karn. 

"Swish!" "Thud!" 

The arrows collided, their sound resonating through the arena. 

"Thud... Thud... Thud!" 

The battle danced on, arrows in flight. The sun climbed higher, casting long shadows. 

"Crack...!!" 

A breathless moment as their arrows met. The arena erupted with cheers mingling with gasps of awe. 

Arjun's patience was wearing thin. His expression hardened as he started using more dangerous-looking arrows. He notched an arrow, and Karn mirrored him. 

"Whoosh, whoosh!" 

Their arrows danced in the sky above the arena, a mesmerizing display. 

As the sun rose higher, the crowd's roar intensified. 

After some time had passed, Arjun took a deep breath, calming himself before lowering his bow. Karn, who was paying full attention to Arjun, also lowered his bow. Their eyes locked in mutual understanding. 

"Respect," passed between them, a shared nod. 

"Ohhhhhh!" 

Cheers erupted again, a testament to the thrilling spectacle witnessed. 

Standing in the midst of the crowd, Ekalavya stood alongside Acharya Vyasa, marveling at the warriors' remarkable skill. 

"Hahaha! Guru Vyasa, watching their match made my blood boil! I feel like grabbing a bow and shooting arrows myself!" Ekalavya laughed heartily, his excitement evident. 

Watching Arjun and Karn battle made him marvel at their great control and mastery over their archery skills. He knew fully well that neither was serious about the fight—they were merely trying to gauge each other's true abilities with the bow and arrows.

"Now, now, calm down. We both know this feeling will pass soon," Acharya Vyasa said, his hand on Ekalavya's shoulder in a comforting manner. Vyasa knew well that Ekalavya lacked talent in archery.

Ekalavya's mouth twitched, and his brow furrowed as he thought, 'Can't you just go along with it, Guru Vyasa? And why the comforting look?'

"With the match finished, it's time we head out," Ekalavya suggested, shaking his head, realizing there was nothing else left to see in the arena.

"Hmmn, let's go," Acharya Vyasa agreed, giving a final glance towards Dronacharya, who nodded in return as he had long since noticed Acharya Vyasa's presence. 

Both left from there and continue on their path.

"By the way, Guru Vyasa, you never told me why you came here," Ekalavya's curiosity got the better of him as he inquired about Acharya Vyasa's reason for visiting Hastinapur.

"Oh, you're right. I should have mentioned this earlier. I'm actually here on an invitation from one of my Shisya (students). He requested my presence to assist in establishing a small statue of Lord Shiva at his home," Acharya Vyasa explained.

"Ah, I see," Ekalavya nodded in understanding.

"I can see that your curiosity about Hastinapur is bubbling up, but I'll let you explore - just not today," Acharya Vyasa said, noticing Ekalavya's eyes wandering with curiosity.

"Really? You're not joking, right?" Ekalavya asked, his eyes shining with anticipation as if he had been waiting for this moment.

"Yes," Acharya Vyasa nodded, assuring Ekalavya that he truly would get a chance to wander around Hastinapur by himself and enjoy the sights.

"Yeah!" Ekalavya exclaimed with joy and excitement, unable to contain his happiness.

Ekalavya wasn't just excited about sightseeing; he was looking forward to some time alone. 'I can discreetly trade my handmade ornaments for the tools I need,' Ekalavya thought, a cunning smile forming on his lips.

He had to be careful not to let Acharya Vyasa catch on. He couldn't reveal any knowledge about the trade or other things he shouldn't know about.

Following that, Acharya Vyasa guided him to an glamorous palace, where they were welcomed with honor and ushered inside.

"Who is this family, Guru Vyasa?" Ekalavya inquired, his curiosity piqued.

"Ah, if I recall correctly, my Sishya (Student) mentioned that his grandfather served as a Mantri (Minister) at one point," Acharya Vyasa responded, his expression contemplative.

'Certainly makes sense. Observing this lavishly decorated palace, anyone could deduce that only a Mantri family could afford such opulence,' Ekalavya thought silently. 

He took in the scene: swords and shields adorned the walls, while the doors gleamed with golden plating.

"Welcome to our humble abode Guru Vyasa. We are truly delighted that you've chosen to honor us with your presence!" An elderly man and two middle-aged men, accompanied by two middle-aged women, a young man, and a girl, stood there, extending a warm welcome.

Each of them bowed respectfully and assumed a prayerful stance as they greeted Acharya Vyasa.

"Kalyanam Astu(May there be wellbeing)," Acharya Vyasa offered his kind wishes with a smile.

"Please, this way, Acharya Vyasa!" the elderly man gestured, guiding them into a spacious hall dominated by an Agni Kund—a sacred fire pit—accompanied by Acharya Vyasa's Asana (seat).

"Sishya, gather your family and take a seat with them. Let us commence the ritual," Acharya Vyasa instructed, addressing the old man and indicating for his family to join around the Agni Kund.

"As you wish, Guru Vyasa," the old man agreed with a nod. 

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