In the previous episode, we had witnessed an intense argument between King Dhridiraashtra and Duryodhana, wherein King Dhridiraashtra finally showed some spine against his son. He tries to make it clear to Duryodhana that he could not be taken for a ride every time, and that Duryodhana should obey the rules of the “Raaja-Dharma”. King Dhridiraashtra angrily blasts at Duryodhana for his misconduct towards Draupati and emphasizes that he has no rights to talk further on this! Fueled by this outburst from his father, Duryodhana walks out angrily and straightaway goes to Sahuni uncle again! As Duryodhana explains the stance that his father has taken “against” him, he asks Sahuni for the next course of action to be taken. Duryodhana is steadfast in his stance that Yudishtra should somehow be shown the door out of Indraprastha. He is very firm that he would somehow abduct all of Yudishtra’s wealth. There is no going back on this at any cost!
It is at this point, Sahuni comes up with a new idea. Sahuni proposes his thought process to Duryodhana thus, “Oh Duryodhana! This is the point wherein you should have a check on your anger and think deeply as to what your father said – He never said a “No” for the gambling game (Dyutham) isn’t it? If that is the context, we shall again call Yudishtra for another round of gambling. But this time, the rules would be different – Whoever loses this gamble, would have to go on an exile for a period of twelve years, plus one year of “Agnyaatavaasam” (Living secretly at a place wherein nobody would be able to spot you). There is no need to involve anybody else in this. Draupati would never be part of this gamble. If things go this way, your father might accept. Ultimately what is important here? Your future and making Yudishtra a popper without shedding a single drop of blood, isn’t it? Let us stick to our agenda and let us not deviate from it here and there. This was the mistake that you did last time. Had you not insulted Draupati, things would have been much smoother. Nevertheless, let us not waste this opportunity!”
As Sahuni says thus, Duryodhana is confused a bit. He asks back to his uncle thus, “Oh Sahuni uncle! What are you trying to tell me now? Should I call Yudishtra once again for another round of the game? Should I go and convince my father once again for this? Even if my father agrees, will Yudishtra come back? He has been insulted once already. Moreover, during the previous round of the game, he never won even once! So what would be the guarantee that he would come again?” This is a legitimate question that Duryodhana has, and even for this, Sahuni uncle has an answer readymade! Sahuni uncle is now going to give Duryodhana some important lessons on human psychology and how one should target the “weakness” of the other to succeed! Of course, this is on a wrong note, but the idea behind this might be an important input for modern-day leaders and managers! He says thus, “Oh Duryodhana! This is where you’ve to understand the psychology of people! Please understand two important things here – Firstly, Yudishtra has taken a firm pledge of not hurting anybody through words or action. If you go and call him, he would not turn your request down, because he thinks that you would be hurt if he turns you down! So he would definitely come. Secondly, and most importantly, Yudishtra has an addiction towards gambling. No matter how many times he loses, he would still opt to participate in the game! This is where you’ve to capture – Until what I’ve observed in Yudishtra, he would definitely not turn down your request! Hence, firstly, go and convince your father with regards to the second round of gambling, and secondly, send an invite to Yudishtra again!”
Sahuni continues further as Duryodhana listens to him keenly thus, “Oh Duryodhana! Please remember one more thing – You should act swiftly here. Now it is only an hour or so since Yudishtra and Co. have started making their way towards Indraprastha. Before they reach their kingdom, you’ve to extend the invitation, so that they would turn back and come to Hastinapura. The moment they reach Indraprastha, it might not be a guarantee that Yudishtra will opt to come back! Hence, your swift action is the need of the hour!”
As Sahuni says decisively thus, the plan is made! Duryodhana would now go and quickly convince his father for another round of gambling and with this, he would call upon Yudishtra immediately to turn back and head towards Hastinapura. This time, the rules of the game are different. So now, the important question that needs to be clarified here is, will Yudishtra come back. Will the wounded Yudishtra accept Duryodhana’s proposal? Even if Yudishtra accepts, will Bheemasena and the others let him go back? An important accord awaits us tomorrow! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 