Pandavas Leave For Forest Stay Leaving Kunti Under Vidura's Care : Episode 88

Recap of Previous Episode :

Draupadi uses her first two boons to free the Pandavas and regain Indraprastha and their wealth. She vows not to braid her hair until it is stained with blood, demanding war as reparation. Shakuni convinces Dhritarashtra to invite the Pandavas again for a “friendly” game without wagers. Under royal obligation, Yudhishtra agrees to play a second time.
Shakuni remembers the promise he made to his father and how he came to acquire the dice made from his father’s bones.

Warnings from the Elders

Bhishma, Vidura, Drona and Kripacharya caution Yudhishtra against agreeing to another dice game. But Yudhishtra pleads helplessness against fate. He recalls the story of Sri Rama, who chased a golden deer into the forest, helpless before the force of destiny.

The Second Game Begins

The game begins under the same rules announced during the previous match: – Each player declares a target number before rolling the dice – Whoever wins three rounds first is the victor

Yudhishtra, dignified even in danger, offers Shakuni the first throw as a courtesy to the previous winner. Shakuni deliberately loses the first throw, allowing Yudhishtra to gain confidence.

Duryodhana then suggests adding a wager “for fun.” At first, the loser must spend twelve nāḍi (2.5 nāḍi = 1 hour) in the forest. Then it is raised to twelve days. Shakuni ‘warns’ Duryodhana that he has never endured hardship or forest life and may suffer greatly, provoking Yudhishtra’s pride. Yudhishtra confidently proposes twelve months of exile in the forest.

Duryodhana slyly alters the terms again—twelve years exile and one year incognito, during which if the Pandavas are discovered, the cycle begins again. Yudhishtra accepts, without hesitation.

Defeat and Departure

Yudhishtra loses. The court falls into stunned silence. Draupadi stands motionless. The Pandavas prepare to leave Hastinapura immediately, accompanied by Dhaumya.

Vidura comforts Draupadi with quiet strength: “Those who remained silent today will face the consequences. Dharma is watching.”

As the Pandavas walk out of the court, Dhritarashtra whispers helplessly to Vidura: “Can we avoid or reverse this exile?”

Vidura replies: “The future has already moved ahead. We can only follow its path.”

Dhaumya, Kunti, Pandavas exit Hastinapur

Ill Omens and a Final Insult

Earthquakes shake the land, meteors flash through the sky, and lightning cracks overhead—terrible omens. Dhritarashtra trembles and begs Kunti to stay in the palace, but she refuses and walks away with her sons. Vidura attempts to convince her to remain, warning that her presence may burden them in the forest, and she finally agrees to stay back.

Duryodhana and Dushasana follow the Pandavas in a chariot. They laugh cruelly and suggest to Draupadi that she marry Duryodhana—or all hundred Kauravas—and live in comfort instead of starving with the exiles.

Bhima’s voice trembles with fury. Arjuna’s eyes blaze. Their oaths echo like thunder across the road.

The Pandavas continue walking into the forest…