Peace Talk

          The whole of Virata Kingdom was celebrating the wedding of Abhimanyu with their Princess Uththirai. With the wedding celebrations ongoing for a week, the people too were rejoicing their moments with their friends and family. The sun was about to set in the horizon while the Kings gathered for a small conversation in the green and flowers filled meadow of the palace. Krishna along with his brother Balram, the Pandavas, Kings Drupada and Virata, Satyaki along with Krishna’s father Vasudeva gathered together, for their casual evening conversation about the wedding, politics and words from the corners of the world. 

          Adjacent to them, the young and valiant princes Abhimanyu, Pradyumna, Samba, the UpaPandavas (five sons of Draupathi) and sons of Virata were all having their young and youthful talks, making fun of each other. Though the gathering was having more fun, they lowered their voices to not disturb the conversation of the seniors.

          While the Kings were discussing about the wars and situations in neighboring countries and Hastinapur, Krishna dragged the issue of the Pandavas. With Krishna speaking about the Pandavas and Kuru family, everyone stopped their chats and listened to Krishna. Even the young ones, stopped their conversation, joined the conversation of the seniors and had their eyes and mind fixed on Krishna.

          “It’s been years. The Pandavas have lost everything, served their exile and are now living like guests here. With Duryodhana and the King not ready for the talks, it’s our responsibility to see that we bring an end to this prolonging dispute. King Yudhistra, what is it that you prefer to do? Without anything, you all cannot live like this till your end.” – asked Krishna.

          Yudhistra, thought for few moments and continued, “In fact Krishna, we cannot be living like this forever. I know… my wicked brother Duryodhana will not be ready to share the paternal wealth with us. At least, to retain our honor as a Kshatriya, I would gladly accept even Indraprastha or even a small village for us. All I seek is only something that will end in good for both – The Pandavas and the Kuru family.”

          “Duryodhana and his brothers desire the death of you five and all that you seek is their goodness! Look how the family is torn because of one man, Duryodhana’s greed. Everyone knows how he cheated you all and troubled you in your exile. I don’t think Duryodhana will be generous to share the wealth or Indraprastha. But still, we cannot come to a decision as we don’t know what they think. Unless we get to know what their opinion is, we cannot decide on anything.” – said Krishna.

          Balram, who was silent, spoke favoring his brother – “The Pandavas are even ready to give their paternal share, the throne and even their Indraprastha, for the sake of the esteemed elderlies and Duryodhana.  So, the King and Duryodhana too should treat them nicely and honor them. A happy clearance for both the sides is must. We all know for sure that Duryodhana and the King will not be taking the first step in this, voluntarily. So, as a third party, I think we should send someone from our end to pacify the Kuru family and get to know the mind of the King and Duryodhana.”

          Favoring Balram’s words, Krishna said – “I accept with brother’s idea. You all discuss with others and decide on sending an honest and virtuous person as messenger to Hastinapur. Let him, speak the mind of Yudhistra and also let us know the mind of the King and his son. We will ask for the paternal share of the Pandavas.”

          King Drupada, on listening to Krishna’s words, said- “Krishna, without doubt, I can tell you that Duryodhana will not be ready to share. And the King, though he knows that what he is doing is not genuine, he, out of his blind love for his wicked son, will in the end go by the words of Duryodhana only. He knows that Arjuna and Bhīma have all that takes to end his sons’ lives. Duryodhana desired the end of the Pandavas. Duryodhana, if he gets to know about our support for Yudhistra, will definitely look for war. He will send messages to his allies. So, I suggest, we also make preparations for war and be ready for everything that’s to come.”

          Other Kings too favored King Drupada’s words. King Virata spoke – “I accept to King Drupada’s words. Let’s send message to our allies, friends and supporters and get our army gathered. Let’s be prepared.”

          Krishna too nodded in acceptance. Perceiving that the decision has been reached, Balram spoke – “All right then! King Drupada, send messages to the Kings and emperors seeking support. Also, send a noble soul to the court of Hastinapur. Make sure, he speaks with humbleness, pleasing words to pacify the minds of the King and his son. Hope Pithamaha, Vidhura and Dronacharya speak favoring the Pandavas. Make sure, you tell him to not speak punitively, bringing every single wicked doings of Duryodhana. It will only trigger war.”

          With clarity in their mind and heart, the Kings left for their chambers. The next day, with the warm light, Krishna and Balram left for Dwaraka, along with his family and King Satyaki. The very day, King Virata, along with Yudhistra made preparations for war while King Drupada sent his own priest as a messenger to Hastinapur.

          “O highly noble and virtuous, I ask you to reach the court of the Hastinapur Palace and covey them about the desire of the Pandavas. Enquire about the welfare of everyone in the Kuru family, on behalf of the Pandavas. Be humble and make sure, you don’t provoke their rage.” – said the King to his most trusted priest, in the presence of Yudhistra and King Virata.

          Meanwhile, the Virata and Panchala Kingdom sent messages to their allies, rulers and all the emperors of the world, seeking support. The Pandavas too sent messages to their friends, relatives and well-wishers. Duryodhana, on hearing the information through his spy, sent messages to his allies and gathered his army. For both the sides, support in terms of army, weapons, gold and manpower, poured in.

       **** Priest in Hastinapur ****

        King Drupada’s Priest reached the court of Hastinapur. King, Pithamaha, Vidhura and Dronacharya honored him and gave a warm welcome. Standing in the center of the court, the priest enquired about the welfare of the Kuru family and spoke –“O King of Hastinapur! I am here on behalf of the Pandavas. Your mighty son Duryodhana, wishing for the throne, tried to remove the Pandavas in all possible ways. He even indulged in killing them along with their mother. When the sons of Pandu, desire of peace and with respect for you and Pithamaha, stayed away from the Kingdom and tried to live a life on their own in Indraprastha. However, your son and malicious King of Gandhara cheated in the game of dice and sent them to exile, devoid of all their wealth and resources. Even you too approved their exile, favoring your son. Out of their respect towards you and your word, the Pandavas too went through all the hardships in the past 13 years and lived in exile. Everyone is aware of the doing of your sons. The sons of Pandu and your sons share the paternal wealth. But your sons seized every single dime of the wealth when it was supposed to be shared among both the sides, equally. It is your duty as a King to be virtuous. Why were the sons of Pandu not given their share? The Pandavas with Krishna by their side are not keen for war and they like to go in peace with the Kuru family. War over share of family wealth is not a valid reason to battle. They are mighty warriors trained and developed by Pithamaha and Dronacharya. Everyone knows about the strength of Bhīma and skill of Arjuna in archery. Being aware of this, I request you to go in favor of peace and give the sons of Pandu their paternal share along with Indraprastha. Favor peace and share the world of happiness with everyone.”

          Pithamaha Bhishma got up from his seat and said – “It really is our blessing, O King. The Pandavas aren’t looking for war. They are forgiving you and your sons for all you have done to them. Use this opportunity and save your sons and the world. Give them the share which rightfully is theirs.”

          Duryodhana, on listening to Pithamaha’s words, rose from his seat with rage and said – “I won Indraprastha in the game. It’s lawfully mine. The King has got no right on it. Not even Yudhistra, anymore.”

          Karna, who was seated next to Duryodhana said – “If the Pandavas desire battle against us for sinful reason, we are ready to face it. They will realize their fault when they face us and death in the war.”

          Dronacharya who was casting his eyes on Karna said – “Karna, war will not be in favor of us. You think you can defeat them, when they have Krishna with them?”

          Pithamaha, favoring Dronacharya’s words, continued – “I too accept. If we do not accept this offer, if we fail to go by the words of the priest, sure, for all our immoral acts towards Draupathi and the Pandavas, we all will be slayed in the battle.”

          Noticing the rising aggression in the conversation, King Dhritarashtra calmed everyone and said – “Of course, all that we seek is peace that favors the welfare of my sons, the Pandavas and the citizens of the world. We will take into account the words of everyone before we come to a decision. But, we cannot have this fight and discussion in front of the priest and make him wait. O Priest, man of noble soul, I will send Sanjaya to Upaplavya after our discussion. Sanjaya will speak on behalf of me to the Pandavas. So, I request you to not wait and leave for Upaplavya, this very day and inform the sons of Pandu about your visit.”

          Bidding farewell to everyone, the priest left for Upaplavya.

      *** Sanjaya in Upaplavya ***

After the negotiations, Sanjaya took the message of King Dhritarashtra and left for Upaplavya. The sons of Pandu gave Sanjaya a warm welcome.

“It’s a pleasure to see you after a long time. How was your journey?  It really delights me to see someone from family, after such a long time. Is everyone in good health back in Hastinapur?”-Yudhistra enquired about the welfare of the Kuru family, his friends, his teachers and the maids. Sanjaya too enquired about the welfare of the Pandavas on behalf of the King.

“Finally, you bring the message from the King. The Pandavas, Krishna, King Virata, Dhrishtadyumna and King Drupada are gathered here waiting to hear about the decision of the King and my brother. Do tell us without delay.” – said Yudhistra.

Sanjaya looked at Yudhistra and his brothers for a moment and understanding the expectation in their heart, he spoke – “Yudhistra, Kindly endure with what the King has said, after consulting with his sons Duryodhana, Duchadhana and the ministers and Saguni.”

He paused to look at Arjuna and Yudhistra for they wondered why Pithamaha, Vidhura and Dronacharya were not consulted and then continued – “Listen to me, for, I am here, carrying the words of King Dhritarashtra: ‘The sons of my brother dear Pandu, are always filled with gentle and noble hearts, just like their mother and father. Born to such loving and caring souls on earth, it would be a great shame for them to fight a battle with their brothers for wealth. I know the power, skill and talents of Arjuna, Bhīma and their brothers. Bhīma and Arjuna alone is more than enough to slay my sons and their army. But, they know that life after slaying their own brothers and crushing the whole world for throne will be worse than death and hence they have favored peace. Yudhistra and his brothers have been mistreated and offended by my son Duryodhana, with his cheap wiles. But, out of their respect towards me, they are ready to forgive my sons. I am blessed to have such gratifying souls in my family. Of course, Duryodhana’s stubbornness is ingenuous. But, I desire peace with the sons of my brother. It’s wise of Krishna and Yudhistra to ask for share and favoring peace. I am grateful to them for caring for my sons. Hence, I would like to return my favor to the Sons of Pandu. I will gladly accept to provide refuge to the sons of my brother, with open heart. This way, both the Pandavas and Kuru will be benefited. Pithamaha Bhishma too favors peace and as his disciple and favorite sons, I expect the Pandavas too to accept my decision and satisfy the old man’s heart. I thank Krishna and the Kings of Virata and Panchala with my hands joined, for favoring peace, taking into consideration the welfare of my Kingdom and their respect for me.’”

The whole of the court room was filled in silence. Everyone’s heart was filled with rage and disappointment, except Krishna.

“No doubt, the King still desires only the welfare of his sons.” – said King Drupada in a dejected voice.

“Refuge!?!? He is willing to offer refuge!!!” – fumed Bhīma.

Yudhistra said - “There are only two options: peace or war. In such case, who would like to fight? The King’s senses are blinded by his fondness for Duryodhana. He desires for delight, but not in the right path. It’s not wise of him. Not wise as a King. Not wise as a Kshatriya from Kuru dynasty. Peace is unachievable if he is not ready to treat everyone with respect and honor. He is not ready to give us the share. He wants us to be refuge!!!?”

“I wondered why Pithamaha and Vidhura’s name were not said in his greedy counsel of members. Now, his decision clearly says it. Definitely, Vidhura and Pithamaha would not have accepted for such a decision. Not even Dronacharya would have accepted.” – said Arjuna with dejection.

“O Sanjaya! The King understands that his sons are alive only because they haven’t faced Arjuna or Bhīma in the battlefield and yet he arrives to such a decision!? Does he think that, keeping the Pandavas beneath him will always save the life of Duryodhana?” – asked Krishna.

Yudhistra looked at Sanjaya and said -“Sanjaya, you know what happened to us. You know how we suffered. You know how Duryodhana treated us. Even the King knows it. Even at this egotistic state of theirs, I have respect for Pithamaha and the King. I seek peace for we don’t like to raise our weapons against such mighty warriors. Let me at least have my Indraprastha.”

Sanjaya, who remembered the words of Duryodhana and Karna, spoke – “O Yudhistra! The only way to avert war is in accepting what the King offers. It’s good to accept the King’s offer, than to battle for wealth. Life is diminutive. Why to fight against each other and blame on others? In these 13 years, you have weakened your friends by not fighting against Duryodhana on the day he cheated you. Now, fighting for wealth has got no significance. Do you think you can lead a happy life after slaying Pithamaha, Dronacharya and your brothers? You might also get to lose your beloved friends and relatives. Knowing all this, it will be wise of you to prevent this war. Accept the King’s offer and save the whole world and mankind from destruction.”

“You realize what you are talking about, right? You are asking us to live the rest of our lives by asking for alms in our Kingdom, in front of our friends, relatives and citizens. The King wants us to live our life by begging for every meal.” – fumed Bhīma.

“In fact, Sanjaya, you are right. I had an opportunity that day, when Krishna and King Panchala had their armies aligned in front of Indraprastha to battle with Duryodhana. But, out of my respect for Pithamaha and the King, I forbid it at that time. Now or then, I have never ignored what Krishna says. In this situation, I accept to whatsoever Krishna says.” – Said Yudhistra.

“Krishna, you are the only source and destination of all dharma and knowledge. We expect to live with honor. We prefer peace but living upon alms will give us no honor. We, out of our respect to our seniors and love for brothers are even ready to live in peace though we have not forgotten our vows in the court of Hastinapur. We believe in you and go by your words. Kindly enlighten us and save us from this displeasure.”- pleaded Arjuna.

Everyone’s eyes were fixed on Krishna, expecting his words. Krishna spoke after few moments of thinking –“All that we desire is the welfare of the Pandavas and the sons of King Dhritarashtra. A peaceful solution is what everyone seeks. These, conveying of words will not favor the hearts. Especially, Yudhistra’s. Hence, for the sake of Yudhistra and Arjuna, I will personally go to Hastinapur to settle this issue. I hope the Kuru people listen to my words.”

“O Krishna, for the sake of our happiness you prefer to go even as a messenger?” – asked relieved Yudhistra.

“I will go to the court of Hastinapur for the sake of both of you. Though I know how it will end, I will talk in favor of peace, for you two’s satisfaction.” – Said Krishna and turning towards Sanjaya, he continued – “O Sanjaya!  Convey all this to the King.”

Sanjaya bowed to Krishna and to everyone gathered and spoke – “I will take leave now. Let peace and happiness prevail in everyone’s life.”

      *** Sanjaya in Hastinapur ***

Sanjay reached Hastinapur and anxious to hear about the proposal, the Kings, allies and sons of King Dhritarashtra were all gathered in the court. Sanjaya explained everything that happened in the court of Yudhistra’s. On hearing Krishna’s arrival, the King was terrified.

“Krishna is coming here!? The Pandavas did not accept my offer!? O Lord! What do I do now!? O Sanjaya, Did you see their army? Who were all the mighty warriors you saw on their side?” – Tensed King asked Sanjaya.

Sanjaya explained about the vast Akshauhinis gathered in front of Upaplavya. He also explained about the power of Arjuna and Bhīma. Hearing Sanjaya’s words, the King panicked more than ever.

Witnessing his father freaking, Duryodhana rose from his seat and said- “O Fear not father, we have more Akshauhinis than them. Ours is eleven. They have only seven. Moreover, we have mighty Bhishma, Dronacharya, Aswathama, Krpacharya and Duchadhana on our side. And combining all their talents, skills and experience, my dear Karna is here for me. Let them come. We will crush them in few days. Fear not, O King. I will sit on that throne for sure, in few days. You will feel proud of me.”

“O Lord! My son is close to losing his senses. He thinks he can defeat the Pandavas. Save him from this lunacy.” – prayed King Dhritarashtra.

“They have Krishna on their side, O Duryodhana.”- said Pithamaha.

“Why do you all fear him? I am not afraid of him. I will challenge the Pandavas without even depending on any of you. I am mighty than that ever-eating Bhīma. Even Lord Balram had told me that my skill in mace equals his skill and talent. And, Karna is here to chase away that Arjuna from the battlefield. My success is certain.” – Said Duryodhana with pride.

“That’s it. He is insane. He has gone crazy. I am going to abandon him, forever, if he talks one more time, without thinking.”- said infuriated King.

Filled with wrath on hearing his father’s words, Duryodhana passed a raging look at his father and said – “You all think that the Pandavas are undefeatable. My cleverness, my skill and talents have pushed the Pandavas already to the gutter. Now, all that’s left for me is to crush them, forever.  I will do that with my Karna and Duchadhana. You all, who are terrified of the Pandavas, just step aside and watch it when we achieve it.”

“O dear friend, leave that to me. I alone can slay them for you.” – said Karna, favoring his friend.

Hearing their words, the King shook his head in dejection while Pithamaha smiled at them and asked Karna – “O Karna, with time nearing, even you have lost your senses. How do you expect to slay the Pandavas when you and Duryodhana will already be dead? Duryodhana, how do you expect your friend to keep his promise when he is dead?”

“Duryodhana, dear son, consider everyone’s words. Even Pithamaha and Dronacharya, the most experienced and skilled warriors are favoring peace. It’s for your benefit only. Don’t be stubborn like an ignorant kid. Give them what they desire and live in peace, as a King.” – pleaded King Dhritarashtra.

“Listen O King, Listen everyone, for one last time, I tell you all. I would even sacrifice my life, my resources and my Kingdom and even the throne but, I will never share it with those Pandavas or live with them in peace.” – Saying so, Duryodhana walked away from the court room fiercely while everyone was watching him with dejection and lost.

“All that you can do now, O King, is only pray.” – Said Dronacharya.

“I don’t think Krishna’s visit is going to be fruitful.” – Said Pithamaha.