In the previous episode, we had witnessed the Sahuni-Duryodhana duo creating a huge vicious plan to somehow outsmart Yudishtra through the game of gambling (Dyutam). The plan was that, Yudishtra and Co. would be called for the gambling game, for which, Yudishtra wouldn’t object. He would come with all his interest and take part in the game. However, Sahuni would play on behalf of Duryodhana by rolling the dice and would ensure that Yudishtra would not be able to win even once. It should be noted here that Sahuni has the unique expertise of rolling the dice which not many people had. Whatever number Sahuni wants the dice to show up, would come. Yudishtra does not know this masterclass of Sahuni as he is going to accept the game offer. We shall discuss this in detail later. However, now the stumbling block was King Dhridiraashtra and the question here is how to convince him to accept for the game to be played, as it is an illegal affair. Sahuni had ideas for that as well. He wanted Duryodhana to go and “emotionally appeal” to King Dhridiraashtra to grant permission for the game to be played. We shall now witness how this emotional appeal takes place and how Duryodhana secures permission for the same.
Moving on thus, Sahuni and Duryodhana approach King Dhridiraashtra. Sahuni initiates the conversation here thus: “Oh King Dhridiraashtra! I came here to clear the air on an important issue. Ever since Duryodhana went for Yudishtra’s Raaja-Suya Yaaga, he seems to be extremely upset. For the past few days, I’ve been observing his behaviour and he seems to be completely out of sorts. Hence, please enquire with him as to what’s happening!” As Sahuni lights the matchstick thus, King Dhridiraashtra was concerned. What would have happened to his son? He asks thus, “Oh Duryodhana! What happened to you? Why are you sad? In what ways have I not made you happy? You have your own Hastinapura territory to rule. You have all the luxuries of the kingdom, don’t you? Hence, what is the reason that you’re completely upset? Everybody does whatever you like isn’t it? You have a beautiful wife. You have all the possible wealth in the world. Yet, what is making you sad?”
As King Dhridiraashtra asks thus, Duryodhana gives a straightforward answer here. He says thus, “Oh father! I do not have any problems with all what I have. However, there is one enemy who is threatening me all the time! That enemy is the one who makes me upset. As per the “Dharma-Shaastra”, if there is an enemy, he should not be left alive! However in our case, there is a big enemy who is having a meteoric rise over time, and is also ruling one part of our own territory! Rather than destroying the enemy, we are only fanning his growth multifold! Hence, unless and until this enemy is destroyed completely, I would not be able to get proper sleep!” As Duryodhana describes thus, King Dhridiraashtra initially couldn’t understand anything. He replies thus, “Oh Duryodhana! Who is your enemy? Whom are you talking about like this at length? Which enemy has undergone a meteoric rise in recent times? Who is that person threatening you?” Duryodhana answers back thus, “Oh father! You’re talking as if you do not know anything! This is the biggest problem with you! The enemy whom I’m referring to is none other than Yudishtra! He, along with his Paandava brothers are extremely threatening. I had gone to attend the Raaja-Suya Yaaga at Indraprastha. It was such a grand event and for this, he is getting all the appreciations and accolades worldwide. He’s having a meteoric rise and his name and fame are witnessing an exponential growth. This is a huge threat to all of us! At one stage, Yudishtra would gain all the popularity and all of us would have to become his servants if we leave him unchecked like this! My stomach and heart burns upon seeing Yudishtra’s exponential popularity! I do not like him getting all the fame and name! I want to somehow stop him! For this, Sahuni uncle has devised a beautiful methodology! Please listen to him!”
Saying thus, Duryodhana hands over the mike to Sahuni uncle! Now Sahuni is going to spill the beans to King Dhridiraashtra! How does he do it? What was King Dhridiraashtra’s reaction? Let’s wait till the next episode to find out! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 