Subhadra and Rukmini are seated with a soothsayer woman who predicts the birth of a world renowned warrior son to Subhadra. Subhadra is more concerned about her marriage with Arjuna, as Balarama is already making preparations for seeking Duryodhana's alliance with her. The woman predicts Subhadra's marriage with an old man who is a sanyasi as well. Subhadra is worried by this prediction, but Krishna consoles her with mysterious words as usual, and tells her to have confidence that things will turn out right.
Pandavas and Kunti meet Dritarashtra who openly admits that Yudhishtra is the sole rightful heir, but despite this he is still bound by his son Duryodhana's greed and fiercely blind ambition. He asks Yudhishtra to pardon him for his many lapses. He promises to hold Yudhishtra's coronation soon, after which he could go to Khandavaprastha. In fact, if Yudhishtra insists, he is prepared to give the entire Hastinapura to him and he would then leave the palace along with Gandhari. Shakuni intervenes, saying Duryodhana is waiting outside to have a word with him, but Dritarashtra angrily asks Shakuni to get out. Yudhishtra is reluctant, but Gandhari requests Kunti to intercede, after which Yudhishtra agrees for the coronation.
Duryodhana is unwilling to give Khandavaprastha to Pandavas, so he is incensed by his father's decision to hold Yudhishtra's coronation. He tries to sway Dritarashtra with his usual threats, but Dritarashtra for once puts down his feet and says he has made necessary arrangements with Sage Vyasa prsiding over the function. If this were not to take place, he would give up his life.
Kunti admits that she is sad about leaving Bhishma, Vidua and Drona. Draupadi requests Bhishma to accompany them to Khandavaprastha, but he declines, citing his oath to be the caretaker of Hastinapura. Similarly, Vidura refuses to leave Hastinapura, because he has made a promise to Pandu to always remain by the side of Dritarashtra and guide him in rightful governance. Drona declares his allegiance to Dritarashtra who has provided him with livelihood when he was at the heights of penury, with no means even to feed milk to his young son. Kripi and Ashwathama want Drona to accompany Yudhishtra to Khandavaprastha, as remaining in Hastinapura with the Kauravas would make him an enemy of Drupada who has sworn to kill him through his son Dhrishtadyumna. Drona is annoyed by this cowardly suggestion and walks away in disgust.
Duryodhana, Dushasana and Shakuni want Vidura to leave Hastinapura and accompany Pandavas to Khandavaprastha. They taunt him, but Vidura remains steadfast in his resolution to remain in Hastinapur.
Comments
Post a Comment