Karna's Realization [Old Version]

43. Shakuni's Masterstroke

Duryodhana seethed with frustration, his anger boiling over. He stormed towards his chambers, swiftly gathering his belongings in preparation for his departure. Seeking out his trusted companions, Dushasana, Ashwathama, and Shakuni, he informed them of their imminent journey. And so, they set forth that very day.

A week passed, during which Duryodhana ruthlessly trained in mace fighting, his mind consumed by the words spoken against him by the Pandavas and Devika.

"Why vent your anger on your servants? Direct your rage towards the source of your anger. What is troubling you?" Ashwathama inquired, trying to understand Duryodhana's frustration.

"What can I say? I have been bitten by serpents. Their poison courses through my veins," Duryodhana replied with an air of despair.

"What do you mean? What serpents? What poison?" Ashwathama pressed, seeking further clarification.

"I am engulfed in the flames of humiliation. I can no longer bear it. This fire rages within me, consuming every fiber of my being. If it cannot consume me entirely, then I shall willingly leap into the fire to save myself from this torment. This seed of humiliation has sprouted into a towering tree upon my brow, growing relentlessly with every passing moment. I see no means of escape from its clutches," Duryodhana explained, his hand poised to strike a soldier once more.

"If insult were a tree, I possess the strength to uproot it. If insult were a raging inferno, I shall extinguish it with my arrows," Ashwathama declared, attempting to instill confidence in Duryodhana.

"I am proud to have you as my friend, Ashwathama. I know that if the need arises, you would sacrifice your life to extend mine. Even in the face of Death, you would be willing to die in my stead. But no! This insult demands personal vengeance, or the wound shall fester deeper," Duryodhana spoke, his hands resting on Ashwathama's shoulders.

"I fail to comprehend who could dare to insult you. Even Lord Indra himself would not dare to affront a valiant warrior such as yourself," Ashwathama queried, genuinely perplexed.

"The ones who insulted me are the Pandava brothers. I shall unquestionably avenge this humiliation," Duryodhana responded, seething with anger.

"And I shall avenge your insult as well. Grant me the opportunity to vanquish Indraprastha, or gather an army and let us besiege it," Ashwathama offered, his loyalty unwavering.

"Why do you always resort to thoughts of the battlefield? Being a warrior does not mean that one's bow must forever remain drawn. How else can we avenge this insult? Through cunning and intellect, the most potent weapons of all. Now that the Pandavas have performed the ritual, Hastinapur should also hold a celebration in their honor. As part of the festivities, we can engage in a game of dice. I have already suffered defeat at the hands of Emperor Yudhishthira once before. Surely, I should be granted another chance. I give you my word, Duryodhana, if I fail to defeat him this time, I shall willingly exile myself. I have not experienced loss without purpose. That defeat shall pave the path to your victory," Shakuni proclaimed in a menacing tone.