Yudhishtra Agrees to Play Dice The Second Time : Episode 87

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Recap of Previous episode :

Draupadi confronts the silent elders of the Kuru court, demands justice, and appeals to dharma. Dushasana tries to disrobe her, but a divine miracle protects her honor. The Pandavas swear vengeance. Gandhari intervenes to prevent a curse, and Dhritarashtra grants Draupadi the boon that frees her and the Pandavas from slavery.

Draupadi Seeks Her Boons

The sabha falls silent as Draupadi asks Dhritarashtra for her second boon. She requests the restoration of Indraprastha and the return of all royal weapons. Dhritarashtra agrees instantly, shaken by the enormity of the day’s events, and asks her to name one more boon.

Draupadi declines with dignity, saying a kshatriya woman cannot seek more than two boons. Moved and frightened, Dhritarashtra returns all the wealth lost during the game and urges Yudhishtra to forget revenge and rule Indraprastha peacefully.

Kunti Urges Strength and Honor

Draupadi breaks down in her chamber, and Kunti comforts her. Kunti expresses her deep anguish—her pride in her sons is shattered by the humiliation they have allowed.

She urges Draupadi to stand tall and wipe her tears. “Do not leave your hair unbraided,” Kunti tells her. “That is for widows and those who live among death.”

Draupadi’s Oath of Vengeance

Gandhari arrives outside the chamber and overhears Draupadi’s voice—burning with pain and fire.

Draupadi declares that Hastinapura is a hall of lifeless men—soulless beings who watched a woman’s honor dragged through mud.

Only Gandhari, she says, showed the stirrings of conscience. She vows: “I will not tie my hair until I smear it with blood. Let this unbound hair remind every one of the humiliation I endured. I demand war.”

Bhima promises that her oath will be fulfilled. Yudhishtra tries to speak cautiously, remembering Dhritarashtra’s wish for peace, but Draupadi silences him.

Gandhari walks away in sorrow, her hope for peace broken.

Shakuni’s New Scheme

Duryodhana rejoices privately, believing he has won. But Shakuni reminds him that everything gained in deceit has been overturned by Dhritarashtra.

He proposes a new move: invite Yudhishtra to another game of dice—this time “friendly,” with nothing at stake.
If Yudhishtra agrees, Shakuni promises to win back everything.

Dhritarashtra Concedes Once More

Gandhari warns Dhritarashtra that forgiveness is now impossible and peace is beyond reach. At that moment, Shakuni and Duryodhana present their plan. They assure Dhritarashtra that there will be no wagering, only reconciliation.

Dhritarashtra agrees and sends Pratikami to summon the Pandavas.

The Second Dice Game Begins

Yudhishtra plays the dice the second time

In the court, Dhritarashtra requests Yudhishtra to play another game—“to clear bitterness and restore goodwill.” Bound by the code of kshatriya honor, unable to refuse a king’s request, Yudhishtra accepts.

The dice are set once more…
and destiny waits.

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