In the previous episode, we had witnessed a set of turning points that is taking place at Hastinapura, wherein Duryodhana is steadfast in abducting Indraprastha from Yudishtra. Even though King Dhridiraashtra had sent back Yudishtra and Co. with their kingdom as a measure of dosing down the tension between the two camps, Duryodhana is completely unwilling to give up. His ego hurt him very badly when his father took a decision against his will amidst the public. He thus strategizes with Sahuni uncle to come up with a revised agenda – To once again play the gambling game with Yudishtra, but with a different set of rules. If one loses the game, he would go on a twelve year exile, followed by one year of “Agnyaata-Vaasam”. As the plan is made, both Sahuni and Duryodhana rush to King Dhridiraashtra once again and propose this to him.
As King Dhridiraashtra listens, Duryodhana explains thus, “Oh father! I deeply apologize for all that happened in the courtroom a while ago. Now I’ve come up with a different plan – Let us call Yudishtra back for another round of gambling. If he wins, I would go to the forest for a twelve-year exile, followed by the thirteenth year of “Agnyaata-Vaasam”. Whereas, if I win, Yudishtra and Co. have to do this same exercise for the next thirteen years. This seems like a decent plan, isn’t it? Here we would not go to any extent of insulting anyone personally. We shall just play the game, announce the winner and the action will be immediately executed by the loser!” As Duryodhana says thus, Sahuni is quick enough to intervene in the middle to emphasise an important point – “Oh Duryodhana! Oh King Dhridiraashtra! Please remember one more thing as well – The one who loses would go on a twelve-year exile and the thirteenth year on “Agnyaata-Vaasam”. But as per the rule, if he is spotted somewhere during the thirteenth year by the winner of the game, the loser should again go on a twelve year exile and one year of “Agnyaata-Vaasam”. This is actually very little and a simple one to execute. I just thought I would add it and make myself clear!”
Thus, as the Sahuni-Duryodhana duo propose this plan, King Dhridiraashtra did not have any other option. On one hand, he knows that Duryodhana is paving the road for another round of disaster, but on the other hand, Duryodhana is blackmailing him emotionally that if this chance is lost, he would have to become a servant to Yudishtra. King Dhridiraashtra doesn’t want his son to be a servant to anyone! Hence, he favours Duryodhana’s proposal and immediately calls for Yudishtra and Co. to reassemble at Hastinapura. As King Dhridiraashtra is about to pass the orders, Gaandhaari tries to intervene in the middle. Till now she had been a mute spectator to all what was unfolding at Hastinapura and now she is agitated beyond words. Gaandhaari sees this as an opportunity to express herself thus, “Oh King! We’ve somehow made a “patch-work” just now, haven’t we? Already tensions are simmering between both the camps. Duryodhana’s behaviour towards the Paandavas and Draupati was implorable and disgusting. Today as a mother, I feel extremely bad and sorry for having such a son who dared to insult a woman in the public. What does he think about himself? Just because he is a prince, can he do anything and everything? If he has so much arrogance in him, how will he be an able and efficient king in the future? How will he administer the kingdom and his subjects? As a father, you are a mute spectator to whatever Duryodhana is doing! You never ask him anything and you’re giving him a free hand to do whatever he wants! This is totally absurd! Hence, please stop this second round of gambing from happening. I see a huge disaster in front of us if this takes place another time. Already, we’ve ignited a huge fire in the first round and this would only flare up in the future if the second round happens! Hence, King Dhridiraashtra! I request and plead to you that we should stop this from happening!”
As Gaandhaari requests thus, Duryodhana tries to pacify his mother. He tries to convince her that this time, the game is neutral – Whoever wins would rule the kingdom and whoever loses would proceed to the forest. The rule is very simple! So for today, let us understand up to this point, and we shall witness how Duryodhana convinced his mother in the next episode! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 