In the previous episode, we had witnessed Utthara Kumara shaking with fear as he sees an ocean of people standing in front of him, including the likes of Bhishmachaarya, Guru Dhronachaarya, Sage Kripachaarya, Duryodhana, Karna, etc. Upon seeing all of them, Utthara Kumara realizes his folly of being highly over-confident and even though Brihannala has a lot of advice and motivation for him, he is not in a mood to listen to even a single word from Brihannala. Instead, Utthara Kumara doesn’t even have the maturity to stand and put up a valiant fight to save his kingdom! Hence, he decides to quickly get down from the chariot and run away from the battlefield! Utthara Kumara does so and this leaves Brihannala in a state of shock! He did not expect this cowardly act from Utthara Kumara! Even though Brihannala gives a chase, but Utthara Kumara is not someone who is going to come back to the battlefield anymore!
Moving on further thus, as these things keep happening, Guru Dhronachaarya is keenly observing from the other end! Upon seeing the way in which Brihannala is getting down from the chariot and running towards Utthara Kumara, he figures out that this Brihannala is not merely a transgender, but a great warrior! By looking at Duryodhana, Guru Dhronachaarya explains thus, “Oh Duryodhana! Look at the way how that transgender charioteer is running towards Utthara Kumara! I have a doubt whether this person is really a transgender or not! By looking at the body structure and by looking at the way this person is walking, it doesn’t seem to me that this person is a transgender at all! This person should be a great warrior! By having a closer look, I feel that this person is none other than Arjuna himself! Only a Guru knows in and out of his student, isn’t it? Hence, my understanding is that, this transgender charioteer is none other than Arjuna himself!”
As Guru Dhronachaarya says thus, Duryodhana fumes with anger! He replies thus, “Oh Guru! You always keep doing this – You are physically on my side, but mentally and emotionally you are always supporting Arjuna’s and the Paandavas’ cause! You’re eating my food and drinking my water every day, but you are not loyal to me even for a single day! Will you please stop heaping praise on Arjuna for a moment atleast and focus on the task in hand? I had called you to fight, not to sing praises!” As Duryodhana fumes thus, Karna intervenes – “Oh Duryodhana! Oh Guru Dhronachaarya! Irrespective of whoever is the enemy, we are here to fight! Even if it is Arjuna, so what? It is good for us, isn’t it? Let us take this opportunity to kill Arjuna in this battle itself and let us send a strong message to Yudishtra as to not to meddle with us anymore in future!”
As Karna says thus strongly, Duryodhana gets his smile back! He appreciates Karna for his attitude and all of them get ready for the fight! Meanwhile, Brihannala is continuing to give a chase and finally catches Utthara Kumara by his hair! Brihannala explains to Utthara Kumara thus, “Oh prince! If you are not ready to fight, it doesn’t mean that you will leave the kingdom at stake and run away! If you are not having that courage, pass on the mantle to me. I shall put up my best show of strength and give a tough fight to these guys! Now, you sit on the charioteer’s place and let me take over the mantle from you!” As Utthara Kumara hears thus, he couldn’t believe his ears for a moment! He asks back to Brihannala thus, “Oh Brihannala! Do you really know what you are talking about? Are you even aware of the skills that are required for warfare? Look at those enemies! They seem to be highly accomplished warriors! How are you even going to stand in front of them for five minutes? You do not know what kind of commitment you’re giving! Please think before you talk!”
As Utthara Kumara says thus, Arjuna replies back, “Oh Utthara Kumara! Yes I know what I’m talking! My strategy is a thousand times better than yours – Atleast I’m willing to put up a fight, unlike you, who is only interested in running away from the battlefield! Now please give me the mantle! I shall take over!” As Brihannala replies firmly thus, Utthara Kumara is confused! Now what does he do? Does he accept Brihannala’s assurance and go forward? Or, is he only going to continue running away from there? An interesting accord awaits us tomorrow! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 