Chapter 1: The Choice of Exile

The air was filled with the soft strains of music, a melody that seemed to echo the tales of old. In the heart of the forest, Draupadi, the beloved wife of the Pandavas, reflected on her life. She was known far and wide as the sister of Dhrishtadyumna, the daughter-in-law of the great Pandu, and the wife of the five valiant heroes. Even during their exile, King Yudhishthira, her noble husband, spoke often of forgiveness, a virtue he held dear.

"You must be wary of Karna, Drona, Duryodhana, and Ashwatthama," he would say, his voice steady yet gentle. "Fear can cloud judgment, especially when wise sages influence our thoughts."

The Mahabharata, that grand epic penned by the sage Vyasa, had been translated into Bengali by learned men like Haridas Siddhanta Bagish, Kaliprasanna Singha, and Rajshekhar Basu. Drawing from these translations, Projotional Entertainment crafted a simple version of the tale for eager listeners.

Meanwhile, in Hastinapura, Duryodhana and Karna plotted against the Pandavas, hoping to destroy them while they were in the forest. But the sage Vyasa granted King Dhritarashtra a terrifying vision of the future, warning him of the dire consequences. Duryodhana, already troubled by a curse from the sage Maitrey, found no peace.

In the Kamyaka forest, where the Pandavas resided, sages and holy men flocked to be near King Yudhishthira. The forest was alive with visitors, a vibrant place that did not feel like exile to the wise king. Yet, Yudhishthira yearned for solitude and decided it was time to find a new abode. He entrusted this task to Arjuna, his third brother, whose judgment he trusted implicitly.

"Arjuna," Yudhishthira began, his eyes filled with determination, "we must endure twelve years of exile. Find us a place in this vast forest—a place with deer, birds, flowers, fruits, and water. It should be peaceful and home to sages."

Arjuna nodded, understanding the weight of his brother's request. "Great King," he replied, "your knowledge of the heavens and the world of gods is unmatched. With the blessings of the divine and the wise, you can travel anywhere without fear."

Yudhishthira smiled at his brother's confidence. "You speak the truth, Arjuna. But now, we must build our cottage. I rely on you and Bhima to keep us safe."

Arjuna's gaze drifted to the horizon, where the Dvaita forest lay. "Look there, Great King. The Dvaita forest is protected from all sides. It has streams, flowers, fruits, and wildlife—a perfect place for meditation. I believe we can find happiness there."

Bhima, ever the protector, agreed. "You’re right, Uncle. The Twin Forest is renowned for its serenity. Let’s go there."

As Yudhishthira prepared to journey deeper into the Kamyaka Forest, news spread to the nearby Kurujangala area. The people there, who revered Yudhishthira as their king, were heartbroken at the thought of his departure. They gathered around the Pandavas, their voices filled with sorrow.

"Oh, King," they cried. "You’re leaving us! What will become of us? We always found shelter with you. Please don’t abandon us. We wish to accompany you. We can’t bear to be without you. Don’t worry about us—we can fend for ourselves. Just allow us to stay with you."

Yudhishthira's heart ached with their pleas. "You all love us so dearly," he said, his voice warm with gratitude. "We will forever be grateful to you. But we must honor our vow to live in the forest. Please bless us so we may do this peacefully. Once the twelve years in the forest and one year in hiding are over, King Yudhishthira will reclaim his kingdom. Then you can all come to Indraprastha and live happily with him. It’s clear that you are the king’s dearest people during these trying times."

With heavy hearts yet unwavering determination, the Pandavas set their sights on the Twin Forest, ready to embrace the challenges of their exile.

Chapter 2: Wisdom in the Forest

The journey from Kamyaka Forest to the Twin Forest was filled with the cheers and well-wishes of the people of Kurujangala. As the five Pandavas, accompanied by Sage Dhaumya and the graceful Draupadi, ventured into the depths of the forest, a group of learned Brahmins and wise sages followed in their footsteps, eager to support King Yudhishthira in his time of need.

Upon reaching the Twin Forest, they found a serene spot by the Saraswati River and built a modest cottage. The forest around them was rich and vibrant, filled with towering trees like sal, mahua, palm, kadamba, and arjuna. As Yudhishthira explored this new home, a sense of peace and contentment washed over him. Meanwhile, Bhima, with his great strength and skill, gathered an abundance of delicious fruits. These gifts of nature were used to nourish the sages, priests, and Brahmins, while Sage Dhaumya guided them in performing sacred rituals and offerings.

A few days into their stay, a visitor arrived, one whose presence was as comforting as the forest itself. The great sage Markandeya, known for his eternal wisdom and a glow that seemed to rival the sun, approached the Pandavas' dwelling. Instantly, the five brothers stood up with respect, joined by the other sages, rishis, and Brahmins who folded their hands in reverence.

Yudhishthira, ever humble and respectful, addressed the sage. "I bow to the great sage Markandeya, who is ancient and wise, a sage among sages, and whose service brings joy to the heavens. We are blessed by your arrival, and our lives feel fulfilled. Please, O sage, be kind to us."

Sage Markandeya, with a serene smile, replied, "Yudhishthira, the son of Dharma, your humility, devotion, prayers, and service have greatly pleased me." Yet, as he spoke, his smile lingered, a gentle curve that seemed out of place given the Pandavas' hardships. Yudhishthira, puzzled and a bit saddened by what he perceived as mockery, hesitated but then spoke up.

"Great sage, all the ascetics here have been deeply moved by our hardships. They share in our sorrow. Yet, you smiled joyfully upon seeing us. I am very surprised, so I had to ask this harsh question. Please forgive my boldness."

With patience and kindness, Sage Markandeya reassured him, "My dear Yudhishthira, I did not mock you, nor did I belittle your sadness. Seeing your suffering did not fill me with pride or arrogance. I am not so harsh. But it is true that seeing you brought me joy. Do you know why? Your attire of deer skin and your life in the forest remind me of Prince Rama, the son of King Dasharatha."

"Prince Rama?" Yudhishthira echoed, curiosity piqued.

"Yes, my child," the sage continued, "seeing the truthful Pandavas reminds me of the righteous prince who lived in the forest long ago. I had the fortune of seeing Lord Rama with my own eyes many, many years ago. Today, seeing you, it feels as if I am seeing him again. That is why joy appeared on my face."

Realizing his misunderstanding, Yudhishthira bowed deeply, his voice filled with regret. "O great sage, please forgive me. I misunderstood and offended you. I could not grasp the depth of your true vision. I am at fault. Please forgive me, wise sage."

Sage Markandeya's voice was gentle. "Yudhishthira, you are innocent and without enemies. You have done nothing wrong, dear child. Like the fire and the sun, your fame and brilliance shine brightly above all others. But remember this always, Yudhishthira: all creatures in the world act according to the Creator's will. So, it is not right for anyone to do wrong just because they feel strong."

"O great sage, every word you say is like a sacred truth to me. I will remember your advice for my whole life. Please forgive my mistakes, wise one," Yudhishthira promised, his heart full of respect.

"With your own strength, you will be able to reclaim your kingdom from the Kauravas. After enduring the hardships of the forest, you will wear the crown again. Yudhishthira, do not be sad, dear child. Keep your strength, truth, and glory intact."

With these blessings, the great sage Markandeya took his leave, heading northward. As he departed, the forest seemed to shimmer with the light of his wisdom, leaving the Pandavas and their companions enriched by his presence.

Chapter 3: The Echoes of Destiny

The forest was alive with the chants of the Rig and Sama hymns, as if righteousness itself had taken form and was singing through the trees. The melodies of the Vedic chants mingled with the twang of the Pandavas' bows, forging an unbreakable bond between the Brahmins and the warriors. The forest, blessed by sages like Bhrigu, Angiras, Agastya, and Vashistha, began to glow with an otherworldly beauty. The wisdom of the Brahmins and the bravery of the warriors intertwined, setting the stage for an extraordinary future.

Just as fire needs the wind to spread, the Brahmins and warriors together planted the seeds of an unbeatable destiny. With the sages' blessings, the Pandavas felt certain that Yudhishthira would regain his kingdom. Yet, the memory of Draupadi's humiliation in the royal court was a fresh wound. Though Yudhishthira was thoughtful and deep, hiding his regret, Draupadi, born from fire, burned with the desire for justice. She awaited a remedy from Yudhishthira.

One day, Draupadi stood before King Yudhishthira, her voice filled with emotion. "Your Majesty, look at our fate," she implored. "We wander through these forests in misery, while that wicked Duryodhana enjoys himself in Hastinapur with his family. Our suffering hasn't touched his stone heart. When you, the great king, had to leave wearing deer skin, with your head bowed, the whole city wept. But Shakuni, Duryodhana, Dushasana, and Karna laughed as if they had conquered the world. I saw it with my own eyes, Your Majesty. Isn't there any justice?"

Yudhishthira sighed, his voice calm. "Draupadi, calm down. We are all under the control of destiny. We have no choice but to accept what fate has planned for us. No one can escape their destiny."

Draupadi's eyes flashed with anger. "Do you call this trickery destiny, Your Majesty? You know very well that Shakuni, the king of Gandhara, has done nothing but deceive. You were unfairly defeated in the dice game. The insult you faced was undeserved. You had to leave the grand city of Indraprastha, your vast kingdom, and your royal attire, to walk in the dust. Once, skilled cooks prepared your meals with care, and now you survive on forest fruits. These ragged clothes don't suit you, Your Majesty. Don't you feel your honor has been tarnished?"

Yudhishthira looked at her earnestly. "Krishnaa, I haven't forgotten anything. The events of that dice game and the humiliation in the Kuru court are not unknown to me. I remember every moment."

Draupadi's voice softened, yet her resolve was unyielding. "Brother, you might not know, but my nights pass without sleep. Not in sorrow, but in waiting. I am waiting, Draupadi. You may not grieve, Your Majesty, but I do. Seeing the Pandavas covered in dust breaks my heart. Once, kings surrounded you, and you shone like the sun among them. Where is that brilliance now? You have become dull, Your Majesty."

"The splendor of the Pandavas used to outshine gods, spirits, and men," she continued. "The extraordinary strength that always surrounded you, where is it now, Your Majesty? Where is your sense of duty? In your home, cooks and servants would serve the best meals to guest Brahmins. The streets of Indraprastha echoed with cheers in your name."

Yudhishthira, with a gentle smile, replied, "Krishna, don't be sad. People are just like puppets in the hands of fate. Nothing in their lives is permanent. Feeling sad over something you desire is actually a sign of weakness."

Draupadi shook her head, her voice unwavering. "If you think this is a weakness, my king, then I am willing to accept this weakness. You can stay at peace with your beliefs, but I cannot."

Her words lingered in the air, a testament to her unyielding spirit and the simmering fire within her heart.

Chapter 4: The Flames of Resolve

Draupadi's eyes burned with passion as she continued, "Look at Arjuna with his mighty bow, and behold the powerful Bhima. See Nakula and your dear Sahadeva. Even the gods and the sage Narada come to witness these great Pandavas, yet I can no longer bear to see them in such a poor state, my king. I can no longer watch this. Where has all your happiness, comfort, and strength gone? Where is your glory? The whole world knows you as conquerors of enemies. But what does the world see today, my king? It sees how helpless the Pandavas have become. No, my king, even if you can bear this sight, I cannot."

Yudhishthira, calm and steady, responded with a gentle voice, "Panchali, Panchali, we are not defeated. Arjuna's bow and Bhima's strength will not fail. But everything has its time. You must wait for that time. Fate is testing us now. Now is the time to be patient."

Draupadi's frustration was palpable. "What are you saying, my king? Look at Bhima. Among the Pandavas, he loves food the most, always happy and playful, the protector of the Pandavas, yet today he brings fruits like a poor man. Bhima fills his stomach with roots and fruits. See the state of your brother who was never satisfied even with the finest meals. Doesn't this stir your anger?"

Yudhishthira sighed, his expression serene. "Draupadi, you know the scriptures. So why don't you understand that anger leads to a person's downfall? An angry person can even commit terrible acts. They don't know what they're doing or why. Those who get angry seeing others' anger cannot save anyone, Panchali. But those who can control their anger with wisdom are called wise."

Draupadi's voice rose, filled with determination. "Forgive me, my king, but a warrior can never be without anger. Where is your warrior spirit if you cannot show courage in times of crisis? Everyone will look down on you. A king who always forgives suffers endless losses. Servants, enemies, and common people will all disrespect him. This is written in the scriptures."

Bhima, standing nearby, could feel the fire in Draupadi's words. Her fiery spirit ignited something within him. He had been silent out of respect and discipline towards his elder brother, but now he could no longer remain still. His voice, filled with a mix of anger and pain, boomed through the forest. "Maharaj, why should we hide in the forest, giving up on duty, wealth, and desire? We didn't lose a righteous battle, Maharaj. We were cheated out of our kingdom. Have you seen jackals snatch meat from a lion's mouth, Maharaj? That's how Duryodhana took our kingdom. And we sit here watching the Kauravas enjoy themselves?"

The air was thick with the tension of unspoken promises and simmering emotions. Yudhishthira, though understanding their pain, remained steadfast in his belief. "I have told you before, anger can never be strength. Even those who are angry fear true strength. When someone has this true strength in their heart, they are sure to win everywhere. And you know, Panchali, forgiveness is the virtue of the great."

Draupadi's voice softened, yet her resolve remained unbroken. "Please forgive me, Drupadi, daughter of King Drupad, sister of Dhrishtadyumna, wife of the great Pandavas, and the brave queen of the five heroes. Even though you see us living in the forest, you speak of forgiveness, King Yudhishthira? Does that mean there is no courage left in this world? Where has all your great strength and bravery gone?"

As the conversation unfolded, Bhima's restlessness grew. His heart was heavy with the promise he had made to himself after Draupadi's humiliation in the royal court. He had vowed to break Duryodhana's thigh and drink Dushasana's blood. This promise weighed on him, giving him no peace, and with no clear path to fulfill it, he was restless with deep pain in his heart.

Bhima's voice trembled with emotion as he spoke of his family. "Nakula, Sahadeva, our elderly mother, they are all silent under your influence, under the weight of your righteousness. They are enchanted, Your Majesty. Just like your friends are now in a deep trance, they are the same. I know, Bhima, the pain is not just yours and Panchali's, this pain is ours too. But still, I say, the time for battle has not yet come, brother."

Yudhishthira's words were steady, filled with the wisdom of a leader. "Our very close friends, King Drupada, Dhrishtadyumna, and above all, Krishna himself, will stand by us. Along with them, Arjuna and I will also be there. Since Arjuna protected Indraprastha, even the mighty Indra never dared to look at that kingdom. Yet, you say, why can't we, a few brave warriors together, destroy the Kauravas, my king? What are you so afraid of? Have you lost your wisdom?"

The forest seemed to hold its breath, waiting for the next turn in this tale of destiny and duty.

Chapter 5: The Forest of Decisions

The forest was silent, save for the occasional rustle of leaves and distant calls of night creatures. Yudhishthira sat on a fallen log, his face shadowed by the flickering light of the campfire. Bhima's words still echoed in the air, filled with frustration and a yearning for justice. The tension hung thick between the brothers.

"Brother," Yudhishthira began, his voice heavy with regret, "your anger is justified. I can't blame you for your complaints against me." He paused, looking into the fire as if seeking answers. "It's my fault that you're in this situation. I was tempted by Duryodhana's kingdom and fell into Shakuni's trap. Duryodhana made us his servants. It was Panchali who saved us all."

Bhima's eyes narrowed, his fists clenched. "But Bhima," Yudhishthira continued, "why didn't you oppose me in that court? I didn't make you king, brother. If Arjuna hadn't stopped me that day, yes, you wanted to burn my hand. Bhima, you had your mighty mace. Why didn't you throw it at me in the court, brother? I saw you cleaning it repeatedly with all your strength."

Bhima's gaze didn't waver. "What is the point of attacking me now while sitting in this forest?" Yudhishthira asked, his voice tinged with desperation. "I can't break the vow I took when I came here. Thirteen years of exile, Maharaj. If we have to wait that long, we might not live to see our kingdom again. The influence of sages and holy men has clouded your royal wisdom, Maharaj. Are you no longer a warrior?"

"Calm down, Bhima," Yudhishthira implored, trying to soothe his brother's fiery spirit. "If you become so impatient, you'll never find a way out of trouble."

Bhima's voice rose, filled with the weight of his frustration. "How can I be calm, Your Majesty? What kind of punishment are you giving us? Where did your kindness, like a Brahmin's, come from? Where is your warrior spirit, Your Majesty? Thirteen months have already passed in these thirteen years, and yet the wait is so long! Do you understand, Your Majesty? Count these thirteen months as thirteen years, or else our end is near, Your Majesty."

Yudhishthira sighed, shaking his head. "Bhima, it's not right for you to speak like this, brother. You're not thinking before you speak, young one. You know that the kings were loyal to us, they were from our lineage. But now, none of those kings are with us. Do you know where they are now? With Duryodhana. They all try to please Duryodhana. So, don't think about those kings being with us."

"I don't need anyone, Your Majesty," Bhima retorted fiercely. "Arjuna's Gandiva bow and my strength are enough to defeat Duryodhana. Arjuna will protect me with his Gandiva, and I alone will destroy Duryodhana and Dushasana, Your Majesty."

"But Bhima," Yudhishthira cautioned, "before you reach Duryodhana, you have many obstacles to overcome, brother. Kripa, Drona, and Grandfather Bhishma—they are not biased, but they are all bound to Hastinapur. They will use all their strength to protect Duryodhana. And then there is another very dangerous warrior, Karna. Karna is very hostile towards us, and you know how great a warrior he is, Bhima. If we can't defeat these great warriors, reaching Duryodhana will not be possible, brother. It will not be possible."

Yudhishthira's voice softened, pleading for understanding. "Calm down, young one. Do things wisely. Anger and rage destroy people. To fight a very strong enemy, we need to prepare ourselves accordingly. This is called the preparation phase. We are in that phase now, brother. We need to increase our strength first. So, I'm telling you, calm down, young one. Now is not the time for anger. Learn to be patient."

"Patience, Your Majesty?" Bhima's eyes blazed with defiance. "You are asking me to be patient? Do you think we lack strength? Arjuna, who considers no archer in the world his equal, sits silently, sighing. Can't you see, King? The great warrior Arjuna, the bearer of the Gandiva, endures all insults in silence because he cannot speak against you. I, along with Draupadi, have brought everyone's pain before you, Your Majesty."

The forest seemed to hold its breath, waiting for the next turn in this tale of destiny and duty. Bhima, with a furrowed brow and clenched fists, stood before Yudhishthira, his voice a mixture of frustration and concern. "No, brother, I have not lost my wisdom," Yudhishthira replied, his tone calm yet firm. "I am thinking clearly and calmly. I am well aware of your and Arjuna's bravery and courage. You are worried about keeping your promise, aren't you?"

Bhima listened intently, his eyes searching Yudhishthira's face. "Listen, my king," Yudhishthira continued, "I know what the scriptures say, and I am aware of all the rules, brother. I also know how we can shorten the 13 years of exile and one year of living in disguise."

"Then why are you discouraged, my king?" Bhima implored, his voice tinged with desperation. "Please tell us and don't stay silent."

Yudhishthira sighed heavily, the weight of his thoughts evident. "Bhima, the world, Kripa, and Drona all possess divine weapons. If we face them in battle, we will fall behind in the competition of weapons. Arjuna's one Brahmastra is not enough, brother. To win against these many warriors with divine weapons, we must also acquire such weapons. Until then, dreaming of war is just foolishness."

Great unrest had arisen in the Dvaita forest. The Pandavas, known for their loyalty and love for one another, accepted Yudhishthira as their leader. But since Draupadi's great insult, no one was at peace. The pain and suffering Draupadi endured had equally troubled the Pandavas. This was true, but no one, like Bhima, dared to blame Yudhishthira.

Yet, there was one who saw beyond the turmoil. Krishna Dvaipayana Vyasa, the wise sage, knew that a great war was coming. No one could stop it. However, he realized that before the inevitable storm, it was crucial for the Pandavas to maintain peace and harmony among themselves. Not only that, but Yudhishthira also harbored fear about the Kauravas. Thus, Vyasa decided to visit Yudhishthira.

"Dear Yudhishthira," Vyasa began as he approached the troubled king, "I have come to you in great need of truth. Son, I want to speak to you privately."

Yudhishthira, surprised yet honored by the sage's presence, replied, "Great Vyasa, we are truly blessed to see you so unexpectedly, Lord. Are you managing well in the life of exile, my sons?"

"Physically, we are all safe. But, great sage, our minds are restless," Yudhishthira confessed. "Many questions, problems, and worries have filled our hearts. In the middle of all this, Lord, none of us can stay calm because of our worries. Even though we are surrounded by wise saints and a peaceful environment, our lives are missing balance. Lord, you know everything, and you guide us with your wisdom."

"That's why I have come, my son," Vyasa said, his voice gentle yet firm. "I know you are really scared of people like Bhishma, Drona, Duryodhana, and Ashwatthama. You have a lot of fear in your heart, don't you? But, my son, if you hold onto that fear, your inner strength won't awaken. Yudhishthira, I have come to take away your worries with the power of sacred teachings. Listen to me carefully. Then, follow the path I show you. This way, all your troubles will disappear, and you will find peace."

"Yudhishthira," Vyasa continued, "I consider every word you say as sacred, great sage. Tell me what I must do. I will do exactly that with a focused mind."

Vyasa nodded, understanding the depth of Yudhishthira's sincerity. "I need to use my sacred actions to remove Yudhishthira's fears. Yudhishthira, who upholds truth and virtue, still believes that after 14 years, he will surely regain his kingdom. Duryodhana will not willingly return the empire he took, but this is not Yudhishthira's weakness or foolishness. His belief is his truth. He is true to his core, and no shadow of lies or wrongdoing touches him."

Along with this, Yudhishthira is especially afraid of the Kaurava warrior, Karna. If this fear is not removed, righteousness will never win. We must awaken the righteous Yudhishthira to stand against wrongdoing. Without divine weapons, defeating the Kauravas is impossible. Following Yudhishthira's command, Arjuna sets out on a great quest to find these divine weapons. On his journey, he encounters a fierce hunter.

Will Arjuna face any danger? Will he be able to obtain the divine weapons? We will return with that story in the next episode.