The Vow to Blindfold A Private Question In the quiet of their chamber, Dhritarashtra finally voices a doubt he has long carried: did Gandhari truly choose this marriage? Gandhari answers calmly. Yes, she chose him willingly, not for appearance but for duty, respect and destiny. She says beauty is not only what eyes see; she will be his eyes to the world. Dhritarashtra feels soothed, yet beneath her reassurance lies his unspoken yearning — not just for love, but recognition. Ambition and Desire Dhritarashtra confesses another truth: he dreams of ruling as king. He imagines a reign guided by inner vision rather than sight, a rule that would outshine his predecessors. Gandhari listens silently, sensing how ambition and insecurity blend within him. Kunti and Pandu — A Gentle Beginning Elsewhere in the palace, Pandu admires Kunti, tracing her face with affectionate curiosity. Kunti teases him for being poetic. Pandu asks why she chose him at the swayamvaram, and Kunti r...

Kunti Remembers Her Past Note : Before she was called Kunti, she was Pritha — daughter of Shurasena, ruler of the Yadavas and father of Vasudeva (Krishna’s father). In honour of a promise made to his dear friend Kuntibhoja, Shurasena gave little Pritha to him in adoption. Kunti sits with her companion, visibly disturbed after learning from King Kuntibhoja that a marriage proposal has arrived from Hastinapur. Her friend, sensing the unrest, asks gently why such news brings tears instead of joy. Kunti hesitates, then speaks the secret she has carried alone for years: Vyasa Warns About Durvasa's Arrival Mathura celebrates Kunti’s coming of age with joy and grandeur. Her adoptive parents advise her gently that a maiden’s honour must be guarded, for one careless rumour can destroy a girl’s future. Sage Vyasa arrives, blesses the family, and warns that Durvasa — an ascetic famed for both terrible anger and potent boons — will likely visit. His presence can bring prosperity...

Vidura Accepts Sulabha Sulabha recounts to her mother how she used to watch Vidura from afar whenever he visited the temple. Vidura eventually confronts her, demanding to know why she stares at him. In her nervousness, she blurts out her love. Vidura, still carrying the pride of royal lineage, warns her to find someone “more worthy.” Now, speaking to her mother, Sulabha confesses she did not know Vidura’s background when she expressed her feelings. Vidura arrives with Bhishma at the humble hamlet. He relates the same incident to Bhishma — how arrogance clouded his judgement then, and how he now understands his true place in the world. He has decided to accept Sulabha’s love. When Sulabha bows and seeks forgiveness for her impulsiveness, Vidura invites her to join him in seeking Bhishma’s blessings. Shocked yet deeply moved, Bhishma embraces Vidura and accepts their union. Satyavati Learns of Vidura’s Choice In her prayer room, Satyavati confides in Bhishma that she regrets forgetti...

Prologue In Hastinapur, the stage is set for the royal alliances that will shape the kingdom’s future. While young Dhritarashtra dreams of power and recognition, the queens and priests begin considering suitable brides for the princes. Gandhari of Gandhara and Kunti of Mathura emerge as the most fitting matches, approved by Bhishma and Satyavati. Yet behind these decisions, subtle currents of destiny begin to stir — Vyasa senses future danger, Shakuni listens in silence, and Vidura quietly walks his own path of wisdom. This episode explores ambition, duty, and the careful steps that lead to the royal marriages that will define Hastinapur. Dhritarashtra’s Early Ambition Young Dhritarashtra stands beside his mother, Ambika, in the shrine of Goddess Durga. Blind since birth, he touches his silk robes and asks if he looks like a king. Ambika hesitates, torn between truth and affection. Vidura and Pandu arrive. Sensing the deeper longing behind the question, Vidura softly reassures...