The story so far…
Draupadi is dragged to the court and is disrobed in front of everybody. She prays to Krishna
to save her from disgrace. Krishna protects her by making her sari long enough to exhaust
Dushasan who was pulling at it. To pacify the Pandavas, Dhritarashtra gives them back all
that they have lost.
The Pandavas left Hastinapur with rage in their eyes. For the humiliation they had faced in
the court, they pledged to end the Kauravas. As they approached Indraprasth, their people
gathered to receive them.
Meanwhile, at Hastinapur, Dushasan and Duryodhan started plotting their next step to destroy
the Pandavas. They were not oblivious to the fact that the Pandavas would avenge their
humiliation and this time their revenge would be a force to reckon with. To prevent this from
happening, Duryodhan announced his next plan. The plan was to call the Pandavas for
another game of dice and rob them of their kingdom, leaving them homeless and forcing
them into exile for thirteen years.
Shakuni, Karna and Dushasan supported the plan and proposed it to Dhritarashtra. It did not
take time to convince Dhritarashtra who commanded that the Pandavas be called for another
game of dice. This time Gandhari stepped in to stop Dhritarashtra but he would not change
his mind. Thus, a messenger was sent to call the Pandavas to Hastinapur.
The Pandavas knew very well the consequences of gambling again. Shakuni would roll the
dice and win again forcing the Pandavas to spend twelve years in exile and the thirteenth year
in hiding. Despite knowing that this was yet another plot to get rid of them, the Pandavas
agreed to the invitation and left for Hastinapur.
Upon reaching Hastinapur, all assembled at the court where the game began anew. Shakuni
rolled the dice and won the match. This spread cheer among the supporters of the Kauravas.
Dushasan announced the absolute sovereignty of Duryodhan and that the Pandavas would
have to spend twelve years in the forest and the thirteenth year in absolute concealment.
If under any circumstance, they were to be discovered, they would then have to spend twelve
more years in exile.
The Pandavas took off their jewellery and bowed before the Kuru elders. Filled with shame,
no one spoke a word to the Pandavas who quietly walked out of the court. Vidur, however,
did not let Kunti go. He promised to take care of her and serve her until her sons were back from exile.
While those supporting the Pandavas cried for them, those supporting the Kauravas cheered
in joy. With the Pandavas gone, Duryodhan now had complete control over the kingdom.
The
departure of the Pandavas left an air of fear and sorrow in the court. Thirteen years from
this day, the Pandavas would come back to destroy the Kauravas.