In the previous episode, we had witnessed the proceedings of Day Eight, wherein there were a few marquee events that took place. Initially the day starts with Bheemasena running rampage over the Kaurava army yet again single handedly and killing several of Duryodhana’s brothers. Subsequently there’s a fight between Iraavaan and Alambusha, wherein Alambusha kills Iraavaan and with this, the Kaurava army draws first major blood in this war. Subsequently, with the entry of Ghatodgaja, the scenario quickly changes as he creates utter chaos amidst the Kaurava army. Whoever comes in front of Ghatodgaja is just crushed and thrown apart! Nobody was able to withstand Ghatodgaja’s fierce onslaught and with this, Bhishmachaarya decides that the day has to be concluded, so as to avoid further loss of lives. Thus, day eight slowly drifted towards the Paandava army’s favour – Thanks to the heroics of Bheemasena and Ghatodgaja.
As the eighth day proceedings come to a close thus, Duryodhana is not satisfied with the outcome. Eight days have passed and still there’s no considerable movement in the status quo of the war. All the five Paandava brothers are still alive, along with their key “Senapathis” emerging more and more powerful every passing day. Whereas on the other side, Duryodhana is ending up losing several of his brothers and he himself is getting thrashed almost every passing day. Moreover, we’ve seen Duryodhana having a chat with Bhishmachaarya earlier about the war proceedings and he also knows that Bhishmachaarya is not having a positive thought about the outcome of this war. Hence, Duryodhana thinks of a different plan. He approaches Karna for some suggestions.
Thus, during the night time, Duryodhana and Karna sit in a corner together and have a chat. Duryodhana says to Karna thus, “Oh my dear friend! I do not know what is happening with Bhishmachaarya. He is full of negativity these days and seems to be least interested in fighting this war and winning over the Paandavas. Eight days have passed by and till now, there’s nothing that has gone in favour of our side. Even though Bhishmachaarya is invincible in nature, something is preventing him from fighting for us with his full potential. I’m not really satisfied with the way he is fighting and leading the army. So, can you come into the battlefield from tomorrow onwards?” It should be remembered here by the readers that Karna and Bhishmachaarya are not in good terms with each other. On one hand, Karna has taken a pledge that if Bhishmachaarya is in the battlefield, he would not enter it and stand shoulder to shoulder to fight the war. Similarly on the other hand, Bhishmachaarya too has taken a pledge that unless and until he is in the battlefield and is able to fight, Karna should not enter at any cost! As Duryodhana asks for such a favour, Karna replies back – “Oh my friend Duryodhana! I do not have any problem coming and fighting for you. But Bhishmachaarya’s presence in the battlefield will not allow me to enter. Hence, do one thing – You go and talk to Bhishmachaarya and suggest to him that he should rest for a day or two as he has been on the battlefield for more than a week now. If he’s willing to sacrifice his position on the battlefield, I can enter and fight for you! WIth this, I shall ensure that all the five Paandava brothers will be killed by me tomorrow itself and thus, the war will come to an end tomorrow itself!”
Hearing this from Karna, Duryodhana doesn’t think any further! His stupidity knows no bounds! He straightaway marches towards Bhishmachaarya’s tent with this idea of giving him rest and allowing Karna to fight the war. Not knowing that this idea would infuriate Bhishmachaarya, Duryodhana goes to have a chat with him. Duryodhana says thus, “Oh Bhishmachaarya! You’ve been trying very hard for the past seven to eight days and I acknowledge your efforts. However, we are not able to see results on the ground and you’re seeming to struggle in containing the surge of the Paandava army. Perhaps if Karna comes to the battlefield tomorrow, things might change and we might get something in our favour!”
As Duryodhana says thus, Bhishmachaarya quickly understands his intention. In fact, Duryodhana did not even suggest that Bhishmachaarya should rest for a while and with this, he will ask Karna to come. The moment Bhishmachaarya hears Karna’s name, he gets furious! Bhishmachaarya gives a one-line reply to Duryodhana thus, “Oh Duryodhana! See my fury in tomorrow’s war. With this I shall finish all my debts that I have for you! You will see something very different and drastic on the battlefield tomorrow!” So for today, let us understand up to this point and we shall wait till the next episode to find out what Bhishmachaarya really meant by his short but furious reply to Duryodhana! Stay tuned for an important turn of events! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 