In Hastinapura,

Ashwathama grinned widely and immediately went forward to give Karna a tight hug.

"That was amazing!!" said Ashwathama beaming happily to everyone's shock, "You never told me from whom you completed your training!!" He squinted at him, giving a stern look, "Are you trying to hoard the information Karna?"

Karna rolled his eyes, "Everyone knows my teacher, Drauni. Where do you get such ideas?"

"I would like to know the same," interrupted Kripa, who had been watching the duo suspiciously and confused at their interaction. Suspicious due to his darling nephew's antics and confused at their behaviour with each other. He came down to meet them, while some of the royals and Dronacharya looked on curiously.

Ashwathama shot his lovely māmashree a pure angelic smile, "Māmashree, meet my friend." He turned towards Karna, who raised an eyebrow at Ashwathama's sugary voice, hiding his laugh at his friend's antics, listening as Ashwathama continued, "Mitra Karna, this is my Māmashree, the most revered Kripacharya."

Karna smiled, joining his hands respectfully and bowing his head in slight reverence, "Pranam Āchāryavar."

"Āyuṣmān bhāva child," blessed Kripa with a gentle smile, as he turned towards Ashwathama with a raised eyebrow, "Why haven't you answered my question yet, son?"

"What question?" asked Ashwathama back, with a confused look before understanding dawned, as he answered, "You can blame Mitra Karna, Māmashree, if you don't want to blame Mitra Suyodhana. He is one of my best friends, after all."

Duryodhana scowled at Ashwathama, while Karna let out a soft chuckle, not being able to stop himself. Kripacharya hid his smile too, while the Pandavas watched bemused and curious.

Bhishma entered the arena, coming to stand beside Kripacharya as he gave an assessing glance at the newly introduced Karna, who happens to be Ashwathama's friend. Drona also neared along with the Pandavas and Duryodhana, a bit confused at his son's knowledge of the challenger.

Ashwathama smiled excitedly when he noticed Bhishma, turning to do the introduction again, "Mitra Karna, this is His Excellency, the Revered Bhishma, the illustrious son of the holy Jahnavi" Drona gave an exasperated glance at his son when Ashwathama said nonchalantly, "-and that is my glorious pitashree, whom you have already met."

Karna, who had already felt the cold, sharp gaze of the Shantanava, faced the two great personalities with a polite smile and joined hands. Bhishma and Drona both formed the abhayamudrā for blessing him, but did not say anything in words, unlike Kripa.

Bhishma turned towards the Pandavas, as he said, for a few seconds neglecting everyone else, "My sons, please visit your mother. She had fainted a few moments back and perhaps in frail health. I will be arriving there soon."

Yuddhisthira's mocha brown eyes widened, as he glanced at his brothers, all of whom looked worried, " Yes pitamaha."

Before anyone could move, an arrow stuck itself right in front of Karna's leg, forcing everyone to scatter aside. Everyone's eyes widened as a black horse arrived in front of them.

A pair of kohl-lined doe eyes, sparkling with a soft glimmer of impassiveness, stared back. The silhouette on the horse was that of a female, which was apparent with the dhoti-styled antariyā, the colour of a night forest leaves and a sṭānapaṭṭa, the colour of the dewy bark. The only way the identity was not completely revealed was due to the dark green uttariya covering the head, shoulders and face. Another twin coloured uttariya hung casually across the upper body covering the chest and stomach, held together by an intricate gold waist chain.

Karna's eye widened as he recognized the person immediately, "Shivi?"

Bhishma turned to face Karna, eyes narrowing slightly while everyone looked confused. Ashwathama blinked a bit at the unknown female.

"Karna-" said the female, making everyone curious, "-Mother had summoned you back. Here is the letter."

She threw a letter right at Karna who caught it. He unfurled it and read through it quickly. He sighed, as he rolled the letter back.

"Everything alright?" asked Ashwathama, looking at Karna inquisitively.

"Yeah," nodded Karna, looking at him regretfully, "I apologize, Ashwathama. I have to cut the visit short. I cannot ignore Mother's summon."

Ashwathama frowned, before nodding resignedly, "Alright. Subh yatra!"

"Dhanyavad," responded Karna with a small smile, as they both hugged, "Perhaps, we would meet soon."

"If Mahadeva wishes," said Ashwathama, while Karna nodded. The Ambāsuṭ did a polite 'pranam' to the others before calling forth his own horse.

Bhishma watched as both Karna and his female friend disappeared through the arena gates. He felt that he would meet this stranger again.