Somadutta promises Duryodhana to back up his claim that the Pandavas have been discovered before the end of one year of incognito exile. Duyodhana invites Somadatta and Bhurisravas to stay at their palace for some more time, and they readily agree to this.
Drona, Vidura and Bhishma seek Krishna's advice
Pandavas are discussing about the invitations to be sent for Abhimanyu's marriage with Uttara. Yudhishtra would like to send invitations to Hastinapura, Panchala and Dwaraka. While they are discussing thus, a messenger from Hastinapur conveys to Yudhishtra that the Pandavas must go to forest once again, since they have been discovered before the ajnaatavasa period ended. Yudhishtra sends the messenger with the message that Duryodhana should ask the elders in the court whether their claim can be substantiated or not.
It is now clear to the Pandavas that Duryodhana may not hand over the kingdom to them willingly or easily. Bhima amd Arjuna wonder if they should proceed with Abhimanyu's marriage when a war seems imminent. Yudhishtra reminds them that under similar circumstances when they went into hiding after the Varanavata incident, they had married Draupadi and made their position stronger by forging alliance with Panchala. Now they would forge an alliance with the country of Virata.
Draupadi is firm that the Pandavas should wage a war against the Kauravas to avenge the disgrace meted out to her. Though other Pandavas feel the same way, Yudhishtra still feels they should wait for an amicable settlement, while being prepared for a war. He directs Arjuna to go to Dwaraka and seek Krishna's support in case of war.
Bhishma has a nightmare about a fierce war and in the morning goes out seeking solitude. Vidura and Drona follow him and give him the news about Duryodhana's sending a messenger to Yudhishtra ordering them to go into exile once again. They request him, as Hastinapur's vigilante, to stem the war and bring justice to Pandavas. They also ask him whose side they should take in case there is war between Pandavas and Kauravas. Bhishma is confused whether he should take the side of dharma or simply keep up the promise given to his father to guard Hastinapur's throne. Drona has similar qualms about obeying the dictates of his employers without giving a thought to righteousness. Vidura is hesitant about leaving Dritarashtra as he too is committed to be always with him and guide him. They decide to seek Krishna's advice.
Krishna speaks, as usual, in riddles, but makes it amply clear that they had so far chosen to appear righteous instead of choosing what they knew to be dharma, a path that would bring them criticisms. Bhishma, Vidura and Drona still remain undecided and confused.
Shakuni asks Duryodhana to go to Dwaraka and win Krishna's support, even if it means falling at His feet. Duryodhana is averse to the idea, but promises to do his best to gain Krishna's favor.
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