Gandhari Realizes She is a Mere Puppet with No Voice in Hastinapur Affairs : Episode 66

Scene 1

[Continued from previous episode where Vidura and Shakuni have an intense argument]. Bhishma explains it would be morally wrong not to give Pandavas the right to rule. Dhritarashtra thanks Bhishma for guiding him in discharging his duties. Then he orders Vidura to take precious gems, gold and diamond jewellery and other expensive gifts to Panchala and escort Pandavas to Hastinapura.

Balarama has decided to give his sister Subhadra in marriage to Duryodhana. Subhadra, who loves Arjuna, is anxious and expresses her concern to Krishna. Krishna teases her playfully. Just then Balarama joins them. Balarama justifies his selection of Duryodhana saying that Arjuna has married Draupadi first, and hence Draupadi's son would become the king in the future. After Balarama leaves, Krishna assures Subhadra that it would be Krishna who would fix the alliance and that he would take care of her.

Scene 2

Dhritarashtra is sitting morosely and Gandhari tries to humor him. Duryodhana meets his parents and expresses his anger at Dhritarashtra's invitation to Pandavas to Hastinapur. He accuses his father of not being affectionate to him and not taking care of his interest. Shakuni joins them and makes sarcastic remarks about Dhritarashtra's apparent apathy to his son. Duryodhana blasts his father for talking lovingly to him in private and taking an indifferent stance in public. Dhritarashtra explains that in the royal court, he is a king who is expected to consider the advice of elder statesmen and other ministers. Admitting Pandavas into the kingdom does not mean handing over the throne to them. Besides, even if he doesn't let the Pandavas in, they would have come to Hastinapur anyway, as they have every right to do so.

Duryodhana is not pacified. Dhritarashtra says he is helpless in the face of Bhishma's opinion and his defence of Vidura. Shakuni then offers a solution: why not kill the Pandavas from a hideout while they return to Hastinapura. Duryodhana is elated with this solution but Dhritarashtra is aghast at this suggestion and so is Gandhari. She accuses Shakuni of poisoning Duryodhana's mind. It is because of Shakuni that Duryodhana has not only turned against the Pandavas but has even dared to kill them. Gandhari orders Shakuni to leave the country as his actions are sure to ruin Hastinapura.

Dhritarashtra jumps to Shakuni's defence, saying Shakuni is his personal adviser, and Gandhari does not have a right to ask him to leave the country. His words are rude, and Gandhari is shocked and unable to take this. As she leaves the place crying, Shakuni follows her and asks for her pardon. He says he is willing to leave Hastinapur, but Gandhari is in no mood for conciliation.

Scene 3

Vidura is upset over the proceedings in the court and Sulabha is unable to understand the reason. Karna comes in and offers his salutations to Vidura, who welcomes him warmly. Karna asks Vidura's permission to call him 'uncle' (சித்தப்பா) just like the Pandavas and the Kauravas. Vidura nods his approval. Karna apologizes to Vidura on behalf of his friend Duryodhana for the unpardonable mistake of Shakuni in talking ill of Vidura's birth. One's position in society should be based on the person's merits and not on his parentage, Karna says. Both hug each other and tears fill their eyes. Vidura tells Karna that he has been surprised and impreseed by the depth of love Karna has for his friend. He tries to bring light to his friend's life, but his friend is like deep cave where no shaft of light can enter. Karna replies that he is well aware of his friend's shortcomings but he offered him the solace of a mother's embrace.

Sulabha now understands why Vidura was upset. Vidura says his mind has now been set to peace with Karna's words.

Scene 4

It is night, but Gandhari is unable to sleep. She goes alone t Vidura's chamber. Vidura and Sulabha are surprised to see Gandhari so distraught at an untimely hour. Gandhari tells Vidura she finds herself lonely, and a mere puppet who has no mind, opinion or voice of her own. She had chosen to make her own world dark for the sake of her husband who could not see light. And now she was rewarded for that love. Vidura does not understand and requests her to share her troubles. Gandhari then tells him that Dhritarshtra asked her to shut up and disrespected her in front of her own children. She also tells Vidura that her brother Shakuni is misguiding her sons, yet she can do pretty little about it. Vidura consoles Gandhari saying Dhritarshtra is merely blinded by the love for his sons; but for that, his love Gandhari needs no explanation or proof. He asks Gandhari not to leave Dhritarashtra alone who would now be missing her terribly. Gandhari leaves the place.