Karna was beside himself with grief. When the news of the fall of Bhishma reached him. His sorrow was immense. He was overwhelmed with grief and tears were rolling down his cheeks. Bhishma was his kin and best disciple of Parashurama, his guru. Then Duryodhana came and he was sobbing uncontrollably. Karna consoled him, suppressing his own grief. Now the times had come when he would have to face his brothers in the battlefield. Duryodhana went away. But Karna sat long time thinking. The night had advanced.
Karna’s steps were quick and silent as he walked towards the field when the ancient Kuru had fallen. Karna reached there and then stood at Bhishma feet. His tears fell on Bhishma’s feet. He asked that who was there shedding so hot tears. These tears sting me more than the arrows in my body.
Karna said in his voice choked with tears, "My lord, I am Karna. I have come to pay respects to you. It has been my great misfortune that I could never win your love and affection. I waited for the night to advance as I was afraid you may not like my presence and say some harsh words. I did not want to hear those words in presence of others." Bhishma's voice was full of love and compassion. He said, with his eyes full of tears, "No my child, you could not understand me. You are the greatest warrior and archer on the earth. You are the best pupil as by blessed guru Parashurama. No one, except Krishna, can excel you. I was harsh to you, as I wanted to ensure that you do not become too proud. I also did not like too much devotion to Duryodhana’s cause. He is not on the path of dharma. But do not harbour the notion in your mind for a moment even that I do not like you. You are my grandson and you are as dear to me as Yudhisthira or Duryodhana." Saying this Bhishma embraced Karna like a favourite child. Karna was amazed at Bhishma’s knowledge about his birth. He asked, "Grand father how do you know about my birth? For how long did you know about it?", Bhishma said, "I knew it for a quite a long time. Sage Vyasa had told me. Vidura too knew it but my lips were sealed. Fate had been unkind to you. She made you suffer so much for no fault of your. The Pandavas are your brothers join them. You shall have the kingdom of the earth. Brothers like Yudhisthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahdeva. Krishna will be there to guide you. Let my death be the cause of the end of the enmity between the Kauravas and the Pandavas. You are the perfect bridge for this. No one is there in both the side who would not listen to you."
Karna said, "My dear grandfather, if only it could have been possible to obey your command. The fate has dictated a different course than we would wish to see. I have promised to Duryodhana to do anything for him. Relying upon me, he embarked upon this war. I can give whatever I have for Duryodhana. Duryodhana will not stop. I have to fight for him and die in the battle. Despite the kind words your revere self has used for my skills in warfare the Pandavas are under the protection of Krishna. Where Krishna is there is Dharma, there is victory. No one can conquer them. Krishna is the supreme lord he has sealed our fates. Let me die a brave’s death in the battlefield. I want nothing except my fair name. I have said so many harsh words to cause pain to your blessed self. I beg your forgiveness for all the things. I said against you. The great should forgive the small and the ignorant."
Bhishma embraced Karna and said, "Go in peace my child. How can a grandfather be angry with one’s grandchild?, I bless you whole heartedly. Do your duty as a Kshatriya and die a heroes death in the war. You will get what you want. Your name shall last forever on this earth as the greatest warrior and the greatest giver and the noblest of heroes. I shall join you in heaven. I have to wait for the coming of Uttarayana."
Karna touched the feet of his grandfather and said, "Grandfather, I have to ask you a boon." What it is my child? Just tell me, said Bhishma. "Kindly do not tell the Pandavas about my birth", said Karna.Bhishma said, "Yes, I will tell Duryodhana only so that he may know the extent of your love and affections for him. I will ask him to keep it a secret." Karna returned to his tent. Tomorrow, was going to be a terrible day.
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