[Karna, Trials for Indrajit's Bloodline is going to start in a few minutes. You should find a safe place to go through it.]
Karna's heart raced as he processed Artemis's message. He realized that the smoke was a result of the trials that were about to begin. With a quick decision, he guided the celestial chariot to a safe and secluded spot, away from any potential harm.
Taking a deep breath Karna steered the chariot toward the forest, finding a concealed area where he could confront the trials in privacy and safety. As the chariot touched down, Karna stepped out and willed the chariot to disappear, returning it to its celestial abode until he would need it again.
[Karna, You should lie down near that tree, But before that just imagine Shaurya being in front of you and say his name.]
Karna followed Artemis's guidance and imagined Shaurya standing before him. With heartfelt sincerity, he spoke his friend's name, "Shaurya."
A flash of light engulfed the spot Karna imagined Shaurya to be and suddenly, there stood Shaurya, as real as ever. Karna was taken aback, his eyes widening in surprise and joy.
"Shaurya! How...?" Karna's voice trailed off, unable to comprehend the miraculous sight before him.
[You can summon your familiar to you in cases of emergencies like now every month.]
Karna's heart swelled with gratitude towards Artemis for this incredible ability. He embraced Shaurya, feeling a renewed sense of comfort and strength in his friend's presence.
Shaurya was confused, "What just happened, Karna? How did I appear here?"
Karna explained to Shaurya about the trials, and the ability to summon.
Shaurya listened attentively, absorbing the information. "So, you can summon me whenever you need help or in times of danger. That's incredible, Karna!"
Karna nodded with a smile. "Indeed, it is."
Shaurya glanced around, taking in their surroundings. "So, what are these trials you mentioned? and what should I do in it?"
"I alone have to take this trial..."
As Karna spoke about the trials, Shaurya listened with a mixture of concern and curiosity. He understood that these trials were significant for Karna and that he had to face them alone. Despite his eagerness to support his friend, Shaurya respected Karna's decision to confront the challenges on his own.
"Karna," Shaurya said, "I may not be able to accompany you in these trials, but I'll be here waiting for you."
Karna smiled at Shaurya's unwavering support. "Thank you, my friend. Your presence alone gives me strength."
With Shaurya's understanding and well-wishes, Karna prepared himself mentally and emotionally for the trials ahead. He lay down under the shade of the tree as Artemis had instructed, closed his eyes, and focused his thoughts on the trials.
Suddenly faint and muffled screams of a woman started sounding from one direction in a foggy hall which Karna found himself to be in the illusionary form.
As the muffled screams echoed in the foggy hall, Karna's senses sharpened, and he could feel intense energy surrounding him. He knew that these trials were not going to be easy, and he steeled himself for what lay ahead.
Taking a deep breath, Karna stepped forward, following the direction of the screams. The fog seemed to twist and churn, obscuring his vision, but he pressed on, guided by an inner resolve.
After crossing the hall the fog cleared, and Karna saw a huge bed at the center of the grand chamber. Many elderly and middle-aged women surrounded the bed from where the screams were coming.
"Your Highness, just push some more. I can see the head of the child. You must give it your all," one of the women urged.
"I-I am t-trying to give it my all," the woman on the bed replied, her voice strained with exhaustion and pain.
"Mandodari, it's going to be alright. You're doing great," A voice filled with immense pride and care echoed throughout the chamber from across the hall.
Karna's heart skipped a beat as he recognized the voice. It was Ravana, the demon king of Lanka. He must be witnessing the birth of his son, Indrajit.
"But where is he? when his wife is going through this much pain?"
Karna's mind was filled with conflicting emotions. He knew that Ravana, as a father, had every right to be present during the birth of his child. Yet, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of concern for the well-being of Mandodari, Ravana's wife, who was experiencing immense pain and distress.
As Karna observed the scene, he noticed that the women surrounding Mandodari were skilled midwives and attendants, doing their best to assist her through the birthing process. Mandodari's strength and courage were evident in her determination to bring her child into the world.
Karna couldn't take any more and started walking in the hall again following Ravana's voice.
As Karna continued to walk through the foggy hall, he felt a mix of emotions swirling within him. He couldn't help but wonder why he was witnessing this particular moment from Ravana's life. He knew that these trials were meant to test his resolve and character, but the significance of this scene remained unclear.
As he followed Ravana's voice, the fog seemed to grow thicker, making it difficult for Karna to see his surroundings. The screams of Mandodari echoed in his ears, and he couldn't shake the feeling of concern and empathy for her.
Finally, the fog started to clear, revealing a different scene. Karna found himself standing in a large throne room with Ravana seated on a majestic throne. Surrounding him were his ministers and advisors, Everyone was silent waiting for their queen to give birth.
Ravana's expression was a mixture of anxiety and excitement, as he awaited news of Mandodari's condition. The air in the throne room was tense with anticipation, and Karna could sense the weight of responsibility on Ravana's shoulders.
But there was something odd as Karna observed the scene, he noticed the presence of the eight human bodies on each step of the staircase leading up to the throne, with one under the feet of Ravana. The sight was disturbing and puzzling, But the next moment Karna's faced transformed into shock and fear.
"Artemis, Are they really the ones I think they are?"
[Yes Karna, They are all the nine Navagrahas (The Nine Planets) and the one who is under the feet of Ravana is Shani Dev.]
Karna's heart sank at the realization that the human bodies on the steps were none other than the nine Navagrahas, the celestial deities governing the planets in astrology.
"So this is the ironic moment of 'Ramayana' birth of Meghnad"
The moment Karna was witnessing was the birth of Ravana's son, Meghnad, also known as Indrajit, a significant event in the epic Ramayana. The presence of the Navagrahas in the scene added a layer of symbolism and irony to the moment.
For those who might not be familiar, the Navagrahas are nine celestial beings representing different planets in Hindu astrology, including the Sun (Surya), Moon (Chandra), Mars (Mangal), Mercury (Budha), Jupiter (Brihaspati), Venus (Shukra), Saturn (Shani), Rahu, and Ketu. These celestial bodies are believed to influence human lives and destinies.
As Karna stood there, witnessing the birth of Meghnad and the presence of the Navagrahas, he felt a deep sense of awe and realization. He understood the profound significance of this moment and the irony it held.
Suddenly roars of thunder filled the throne room, and Karna felt a surge of energy in the atmosphere. He knew that this was no ordinary thunder; it was the celestial powers of the Navagrahas manifesting in response to the birth of Meghnad. Each deity's power was making its presence felt, adding to the intensity of the moment.
Ravana's ministers and advisors looked on in astonishment, aware of the significance of the celestial beings surrounding their king.
The birth of Meghnad was an event of great importance, and the manifestation of the Navagrahas further emphasized the uniqueness of this occasion.
The cries of the newborn Meghnad echoed in the throne room, blending with the thunderclaps caused by the celestial energies. Ravana's face lit up with joy and pride as he used his power to send Shani Dev to prison while freeing other Grahas.
Ravana's actions in imprisoning Shani Dev while freeing the other Grahas showed his determination to control his son's destiny and protect him from potential adversities. However, Karna also recognized that destiny could not be completely controlled, and each action had consequences.
As the thunderclaps subsided, the atmosphere in the throne room settled. Ravana's ministers and advisors congratulated him on the birth of his son, acknowledging the extraordinary nature of the event.
After which Ravana ran toward his chambers where Mandodari was recovering. He couldn't contain his excitement and eagerness to see his newborn son.
Holding the child in his arms, Ravana's heart overflowed with love and pride. He named his son "Meghnad," meaning "the one with the thunderbolt," in reference to the celestial energies that accompanied his birth.
"MEGHNAD, THE CROWN PRINCE OF LANKA!"