Chapter 1: The Archer in the Forest

Bhima had returned to Hastinapur from the land of the Nagas, now more powerful and confident than ever before. With his return, the royal teacher, Kripacharya, resumed teaching the young princes. At the same time, the great teacher Dronacharya, at the request of the kingdom, took on the responsibility of teaching the art of weaponry. Alongside his son, Ashwatthama, he trained the princes with dedication. Among all his students, Arjuna quickly became Drona's favorite.

One sunny day, the princes ventured into the forest for a hunting expedition. As they wandered through the woods, they overheard tales of an archer whose skills seemed to surpass even Arjuna’s. The rumors were astounding: someone capable of shooting multiple arrows into an animal's open mouth without causing harm. Such precision and skill were almost unbelievable. "Could anyone besides Guru Drona possess such talent?" they wondered. Curiosity piqued, they decided to explore deeper into the forest to witness this marvel themselves.

Their exploration led them to a clearing where they witnessed a sight that left Arjuna and his fellow students utterly astonished. A fierce-looking young man stood there, intensely focused, his arrows flying with impeccable precision. His concentration was unmatched, and not a single arrow strayed from its target. This was the same young man who had silenced the barking of the princes' dog by placing seven arrows perfectly in its mouth.

Even more surprising was the presence of a clay statue of Dronacharya beside the young man. How had a statue of their revered teacher found its way into this remote forest? And who was this mysterious archer? Clad in worn-out clothes, his dark skin covered with leaves from the wild, he resembled an ancient forest dweller. Arjuna stepped forward and asked, "Brave one, who are you? What is your father's name?"

The young man replied with humility, "I am Ekalavya, son of Hiranyadhanu, the leader of the Nishadas. I am a student of Acharya Drona, practicing my skills alone in this forest."

Arjuna was taken aback. "Are you telling the truth? A student of Acharya Drona? I know of no one else," he said, his voice filled with surprise. He had never seen this young man at their training school. When had the teacher trained this Nishada boy? It was clear that this archer was more skilled than Arjuna. Had the teacher broken his promise?

Wasting no time, Arjuna and the other princes rode swiftly back to Dronacharya to relay their discovery. Guru Drona listened in surprise as Arjuna, in private, questioned him, "Teacher, you said there would be no archer equal to me in this world. Yet, this Nishada boy, Ekalavya, has surpassed me in skill. How is this possible? I can't recall you ever teaching someone named Ekalavya."

Dronacharya, with a calm demeanor, replied, "No, Arjuna. Tomorrow we will go to that forest. I want to see this with my own eyes."

The next day, they ventured into the forest, and there, Dronacharya saw Ekalavya practicing with his bow in front of the statue. "Stop, stop, brave one. What is your identity?" Dronacharya called out.

Ekalavya turned, his face lighting up with awe and respect. "Master Drona, this is beyond my wildest dreams. How fortunate I am, Master! I have only one identity—I am your devoted Ekalavya. Please accept my humble respects, dear teacher."

Dronacharya, surprised yet composed, said, "But I never taught you archery."

"No, Master," Ekalavya admitted, "because I am the son of a Nishada, I never had the chance to learn directly from you. But I have always considered you my teacher and practiced in front of your statue. If you truly see me as your student, then please accept my offering."

Curious, Dronacharya asked, "What will you give me, dear teacher? Just say the word. I am willing to give you anything, even my life."

Dronacharya, with a heavy heart, replied, "Very well, then give me the thumb of your right hand as my offering."

Without hesitation, Ekalavya nodded. "As you wish, dear teacher." With a determined heart, he cut off the thumb of his right hand and placed it at the feet of Master Drona. After that, he attempted to shoot arrows with his other fingers, but they were not as swift anymore. Seeing Ekalavya's newfound weakness, Arjuna felt a sense of relief. Happily, Master Drona returned to Hastinapur with him.

In the days that followed, Arjuna's prowess with the bow and arrow was unrivaled among Dronacharya's many students, just as Bhima was unmatched in strength with the mace. No one could surpass them. Master Drona took upon himself the task of making Arjuna the greatest warrior. The Nishada boy Ekalavya could have been a threat, but Master Drona cleverly made him powerless to keep his promise. He bestowed upon Arjuna all the powerful and divine weapons he had, teaching him how to both use and withdraw them.

Chapter 2: The Test of Worthiness

As the intense training of the young princes was drawing to a close, an unexpected and dreadful incident took place. On that fateful day, Master Drona decided to take a bath in the sacred waters of the Ganges. The princes, ever vigilant, stood by the riverbank with their weapons at the ready.

Suddenly, a desperate cry pierced the tranquil air. From the depths of the river, Master Drona shouted in distress, "Princes, save me! A crocodile is attacking me; kill it now, or it will bite off my leg!"

Hearing their teacher’s urgent plea, the princes stood frozen on the bank, paralyzed by the suddenness of the situation. But Arjuna, with the swiftness of lightning and before Master Drona could even finish his plea, drew his bow and shot five arrows in rapid succession. Each arrow found its mark, and the crocodile was slain.

Freed from danger, Master Drona emerged from the water, his face shining with pride. He placed his hand gently on Arjuna’s head and said, "My dear Arjuna, I am very pleased with you. You are truly a great hero. Today, I will give you a rare and powerful weapon because only you are worthy of it."

Arjuna bowed deeply, gratitude filling his heart. "Thank you for your endless kindness, dear teacher."

Master Drona continued, "My child, take this Brahmashirastra. The chant to summon it and the skill to use it are very secret. I will teach you everything, but only use it against a terrible enemy attack. Using it on any other person will lead to certain destruction."

"As you wish, dear teacher," Arjuna replied with a solemn nod.

Just then, Karna approached, his eyes alight with excitement. "Teacher, Teacher, Teacher!" he called out eagerly.

"Karna, what happened, my child? Why are you so excited?" Drona asked, curious about his pupil's urgency.

"Teacher, I have a special request for you," Karna began earnestly. "The Brahmastra. Please give me the same weapon you gave to Arjuna. When you were in danger at the river, I wasn't here. I came quickly after hearing about it. I..."

Drona interrupted gently, "Even if you were there, you could not have done what Arjuna did. Karna, the Brahmastra is not for everyone. You need to be worthy of it, and only Arjuna has that worthiness. This weapon is not just a sign of bravery but also of self-control. Arjuna is a rare hero with great self-control in this world."

Karna’s face flushed with determination. "Besides, you are a Kshatriya, not a Brahmin. Test me, Teacher, to see if I am worthy. I will prove that I am not less capable than Arjuna."

Drona looked at Karna with a mixture of concern and affection. "Your pride and jealousy speak volumes about you. You have not yet mastered the self-control needed for the Brahmastra."

"Forgive me, Teacher," Karna said, his voice steady with resolve, "but I will earn that right through my own merit. No matter how hard I have to work, I am not afraid. I will prove that I am no less than Arjuna. I bow to you, Teacher, and will return only when I am worthy."

As Karna turned to leave, Drona imparted a final piece of wisdom. "Karna, weapons are not always symbols of power and pride. Those who understand the meaning of self-control know the true use of a weapon."

Determined to prove himself, Karna sought out the wise sage Parashurama. He was determined to gain the Brahmastra through his own efforts. However, to be accepted as a student, Karna told a lie. He claimed to be a Brahmin's son, knowing that without this deception, Parashurama would not teach him.

Impressed by Karna's dedication and bravery, Parashurama granted him the Brahmastra and his invincible bow, Vijaya. Yet, this triumph was bittersweet. When the truth of Karna's lineage was revealed, Parashurama's anger was swift and terrible. He cursed Karna, declaring that the Brahmastra would fail him in his hour of need, and even the Vijaya bow would be of no help.

Despite the curse, Karna's pride in possessing the Brahmastra overshadowed his fear of future consequences. The joy of becoming equal to Arjuna filled his heart, making him restless for recognition.

When Karna returned to Hastinapur, the city was alive with celebration, for the princes had completed their education. The royal palace was a hub of activity, with important figures like Dronacharya, Kripacharya, Bhishma, and Vidura gathered around King Dhritarashtra.

At that moment, Guru Drona stood before the king. "Long live the King of Hastinapur!" he proclaimed. "Great Guru Dronacharya, please accept my greetings. What special news have you brought today, Acharya?"

With a smile, Drona replied, "Yes, Your Majesty, I bring you very joyful news myself."

King Dhritarashtra leaned forward in his seat, his unseeing eyes filled with anticipation. "Then please tell me, Acharya. I can hardly wait," he urged, his voice filled with a mix of pride and eagerness.

Guru Drona's smile widened as he shared the news. "The princes have completed their weapons training. The young students have all become brave warriors," he announced with pride. "I want to show everyone in this gathering and the people of your kingdom what fine warriors they have become, Your Majesty. I have come to ask for your permission."

King Dhritarashtra nodded, his voice filled with admiration. "That is an excellent proposal, Acharya. You have done a great job. If I could see, I would have blessed my life by witnessing their bravery. But God has not given me that chance. However, I will fill my heart with the cheers of Grandfather Bhishma, the righteous Vidura, Guru Kripacharya, and the hundreds of citizens. Vidura, please make the arrangements."

Vidura stepped forward, his demeanor calm and efficient. "Your Majesty, as Acharya said, make all the arrangements for the princes' weapon display. Ensure there are no gaps in the preparations. Make sure the royal ladies and citizens can enjoy the display. Today is a proud day for Hastinapur. The princes' bravery should shine brightly. Follow Acharya's instructions for the arrangements."

"As you command, Your Majesty," Vidura replied with a respectful bow. "There will be no shortcomings in the preparations."

Under King Dhritarashtra's orders and Dronacharya's wise guidance, Vidura set about creating a grand arena on a flat expanse of land. Beautiful seating areas were arranged for the royal ladies and common women to enjoy a clear view of the spectacle. The places where the king, his advisors, and the venerable Bhishma would sit were adorned with jewels and pearls, adding to the splendor of the occasion. Separate seating was carefully prepared for the general audience and invited royals.

Throughout the kingdom, the announcement of the princes' weapon display was made with great enthusiasm. "Hear ye, hear ye, citizens! Listen, everyone. On the next full moon, the newly built arena near the Hastinapur palace will host the princes' weapon display. On this occasion, the mighty King Dhritarashtra invites the citizens of Hastinapur to attend."

As the special day dawned, groups of city folks flocked to the grand stage, their eyes wide with awe at the magnificent decorations and the elegance of the setting. Kings from distant lands had also been invited to witness the prowess of the princes. At the appointed time, the wise Bhishma arrived, taking his seat at the front. He was followed by King Dhritarashtra, the family teacher Kripacharya, the insightful Vidura, and other council members. Queens like Gandhari and Kunti settled into their reserved seats, their faces lit with pride.

Once everyone was seated, the musicians began to play, their melodies weaving through the air, mingling with the excited buzz of the crowd. Finally, Guru Drona arrived with his son Ashwatthama, his presence calm and radiant, his white hair and clothes lending him an aura of serenity. The townspeople bowed in respect to the revered teacher. Dronacharya then led the royal priest and other priests in a ceremony of blessings, the sound of conch shells resonating throughout the arena. With the eldest prince Yudhishthira leading, the princes entered the arena one by one, from oldest to youngest.

The princes, dressed as warriors, stepped into the arena. Guards stood at attention while the royal announcer loudly proclaimed each prince's name. With each announcement, trumpets and drums sounded.

"Here comes Yudhishthira, the eldest prince of the Pandavas, known for his honesty and great strength. Here comes Arjuna, the greatest archer, and bravest warrior, with unmatched beauty," the announcer praised. One by one, the princes entered, some on horses, others on elephants.

They bowed to Bhishma, Kripa, Dronacharya, Dhritarashtra, Vidura, and their mothers, then shot arrows with their names at targets. Next, they began demonstrating various weapons and battle skills. The crowd was thrilled by the princes' bravery and energy, their cheers echoing like ocean waves.

Hearing the loud cheers, King Dhritarashtra eagerly turned to Vidura, his voice filled with curiosity and excitement. "Vidura, who are our people cheering for so loudly? Tell me everything."

Chapter 3: The Arena of Heroes

The crowd's cheers grew louder, echoing through the grand arena of Hastinapur. King Dhritarashtra, seated on his throne, leaned forward eagerly, his sightless eyes filled with an excitement that only his imagination could see. Beside him, Vidura, his wise and trusted advisor, narrated the unfolding events.

"Your Majesty," Vidura began, his voice steady and clear, "the people are thrilled by Arjuna, the son of Kunti and Pandu, and the favored student of Dronacharya. Arjuna is displaying incredible mastery over weapons. He conjures fire with fiery arrows, summons storms with wind weapons, brings forth rain with water weapons, and even raises mountains with horned weapons. The citizens of Hastinapur are in awe of his talents."

King Dhritarashtra smiled, a sense of pride swelling within him. "Ah, hearing about this beautiful scene truly fills my heart with joy. With Pandu's son Arjuna in charge, the city of Hastinapur will be safe and secure. Vidura, listen, can you hear that roar? Quickly, tell me who has arrived."

Vidura listened intently, then replied with caution, "Your Majesty, be careful. The great warrior, the mighty prince Duryodhana, and the powerful mace-wielder Bhima are coming. They are showcasing their skills in a fierce mace fight."

Dhritarashtra's voice trembled with anticipation. "Vidura, has my Duryodhana become a worthy hero?"

"Yes, Your Majesty," Vidura assured him. "Duryodhana is indeed showing great bravery in the mace fight. But remember, this is just an exhibition. Bhima's strikes with the mace are creating a fierce example for Duryodhana."

The king nodded thoughtfully. "Vidura, you are right. While the other princes display their weapons and bravery, Duryodhana and Bhima appear to be truly fighting each other. Teacher Drona is worried now. He has sent Ashwatthama to stop them."

As Vidura spoke, the arena fell silent, the tension thick as Ashwatthama intervened, ending the fierce clash between the two warriors. The crowd breathed a collective sigh of relief, but Bhishma and Vidura sensed a shadow of danger looming.

And I, Krishna Dwaipayana Vyasa, saw this too. The arena remained captivated by Arjuna's prowess. Dronacharya, with pride in his voice, declared Arjuna his most worthy and beloved student after witnessing his bravery.

Suddenly, like a comet streaking across the sky, Karna entered the arena. He bowed respectfully. "Accept my greetings, Teacher Drona. I seek permission to display the skills Arjuna has shown."

Dronacharya nodded, granting him permission. "Very well, begin your display of weapon skills."

With permission granted, Karna began demonstrating his mastery over weapons, mirroring Arjuna's feats one by one. The audience watched in stunned amazement, whispering among themselves. Could anyone be as heroic as Arjuna?

Among the spectators, Kunti's heart wavered as she saw the young warrior with armor and earrings, the sun marking his forehead. Her thoughts raced back to her past. "Is this the son of the sun, Karna? Is he the child I gave birth to in my youth, whom I abandoned in shame?" Overwhelmed by a mix of shame, regret, sorrow, anger, and motherly love, she trembled inside.

In the arena, Duryodhana, thrilled by Karna's prowess, descended from his seat with joy. Embracing Karna warmly, he declared, "O great hero, welcome to the Kuru kingdom. This land is yours, and you may enjoy it as you wish."

Karna responded with a smile, "Prince Duryodhana, I request you to accept my friendship. Standing here in the arena of Hastinapur, I seek permission to duel with Arjuna. Having a friend like you brings me great joy. From today, what I have is yours too. Now, go ahead and defeat your enemies without worry."

But the peace was short-lived. Arjuna, his voice challenging, called out, "Listen, fool! How dare you! You are an uninvited guest in this arena, and no one called you here. Those who come uninvited and speak out of turn belong in hell. Come, I will send you there. This arena is not yours alone. Arjuna has the right to be here too. I've heard you're a great warrior, so why waste time with empty words? Let your weapons do the talking. That bow of yours will speak for you. Today, in front of the teacher, I will cut off your head."

Kunti watched with a mother's anguish, her heart torn. "Oh God, oh fate, what is this scene you show me! These two sons are facing each other in battle, and I, as a mother, how can I bear this sight? God, what punishment for sin are you giving me? What is this, what is this! Why is the whole world trembling so much? Why do my eyes see such darkness? Is the end of the world near?"

A servant rushed to her side, alarmed by her distress. "Oh, queen of queens, what has happened, what has happened? Servant, servant, quickly bring some cold water."

The tension in the arena was palpable, as the fate of these two warriors hung in the balance, their destinies intertwined in ways only the gods could foresee.

Chapter 4: The Duel of Destiny

In the land of Anga, a great anticipation filled the air as two mighty warriors, Arjuna and Karna, prepared for an epic duel. On one side of the arena stood the noble Pandava brothers, their teacher Dronacharya, the wise Bhishma, and the family guru, Kripacharya, all lending their support to Arjuna. On the opposite side, the sons of Dhritarashtra gathered, standing steadfastly by Karna. The arena was filled with spectators divided in their loyalties, each eager to witness the clash between these powerful fighters.

High above, the god Indra, father of Arjuna, spread protective clouds, casting a cool shadow over his son. Meanwhile, the sun god, Surya, shone brightly above Karna, bathing him in a golden light. The stage was set for a battle that would echo through the ages.

Before the duel could commence, Family Guru Kripacharya stepped forward, raising his hand to halt the proceedings. "Karna," he called out, his voice firm yet respectful, "you know who Arjuna is. He is the son of Pandu and Kunti, a prince of the Kuru dynasty. Before you challenge him to a duel, reveal your family and lineage. How can Prince Arjuna fight with a warrior of unknown origin? Once he knows your true identity, he will decide whether to compete with you."

The arena grew silent, the weight of Kripacharya's words hanging in the air. Then, a voice rang out with authority and friendship. It was Duryodhana, Karna's loyal friend. "Dear Family Guru," he declared, "if Arjuna does not wish to fight anyone other than a king, then I hereby crown Karna as the king of Anga. Friend Karna, go sit on that golden throne. The royal priest and learned Brahmins will begin your coronation ceremony. From today, you will be the king of Anga."

Karna, taken aback by this unexpected turn of events, turned to Duryodhana with gratitude shining in his eyes. "Friend, I will never forget this gift," he promised, his voice filled with emotion. "Friend Duryodhana, in any joy, wealth, trouble, or danger, you will find Karna by your side like a shadow. I will stay with you for life."

With the sound of the sacred conch and the chanting of mantras, along with the sprinkling of holy water and flowers, Karna's coronation as king was completed. As the ceremony concluded, a figure hurriedly entered the scene. It was Adhiratha, Karna’s foster father, who had once found him floating in a basket on the river. Though a charioteer, Adhiratha was of noble blood, descended from the ancient king of Anga.

Seeing his foster father approach, Karna lowered his bow, bowed his head, and touched Adhiratha's feet in respect. Tears of joy filled Adhiratha's eyes as he embraced Karna, overwhelmed with pride at his son's coronation.

The Pandavas, witnessing the scene, were now certain of Karna's identity. Bhima, unable to hold back, mocked, "Oh, Suta's son Karna, you have quite the audacity. You've come to fight with Prince Arjuna? You're not even worthy of dying at Arjuna's hands. Go, go, hold the reins and follow your duty. You're not fit to sit on the throne of Anga. You're not even a Kshatriya. Why are you so proud? Yes, don't overstep your status, Karna, it won't end well."

Duryodhana, incensed by Bhima's words, stepped forward, his eyes blazing with anger. "Watch your mouth!" he retorted. "Who are you comparing to whom? You're putting the greatest archer on the same level as a charioteer's son! Don't threaten us with words. I know all about your boasting. Not just Arjuna, none of you can stand before Karna for even a moment. Can such a radiant, powerful man be just a charioteer's son? Can't you see from his appearance that he is a true prince? He couldn't have been born in an ordinary family. Are you blind even with your eyes open?"

His voice rising with conviction, Duryodhana declared, "Listen, Bhima, Karna is not just fit to be the king of Anga, but the king of the whole world. Those who oppose Karna should be ready to fight me."

The arena buzzed with tension, as the words of loyalty and challenge echoed amidst the gathering clouds and blazing sun, setting the stage for a confrontation that would forever shape the destiny of heroes.

Chapter 5: The Challenge of Drupada

As the argument between the two sides heated up, the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the arena. The rules were clear—no fighting could continue after sunset. With a firm grip, Duryodhana took Karna by the hand and led him away from the arena, a silent promise of loyalty between them. Kunti, pleased to see Karna's rise as the king of Anga, returned home with a contented heart. The other royal ladies followed suit, leaving the arena one by one.

Kripacharya, Dronacharya, King Dhritarashtra, and the wise Bhishma all made their way back to their homes, their minds filled with thoughts of the day's events. The Pandavas, led by Yudhishthira, also headed to their quarters, but Yudhishthira seemed lost in thought, his brow furrowed with contemplation.

Just then, Vidura approached him with a gentle smile. "Yudhishthira, my child," he said softly, "what are you thinking about so deeply?"

Yudhishthira looked up, his eyes reflecting his curiosity. "The talent, courage, and skill with weapons that Karna showed have amazed me," he admitted. "Such a great warrior cannot be from an ordinary family. I am wondering who Karna's parents are."

Vidura nodded sagely. "There are many questions in the world that don't have answers until the right time comes," he advised. "Don't go searching for them on your own. Go, and rest in your home."

"Yes, I understand," Yudhishthira replied, though his curiosity lingered.

Days passed in Hastinapura, but the townspeople couldn't forget the spectacle they had witnessed. They had never seen so many brave young warriors together, and the memory of their courage and strength lingered in the air, commanding respect from all who recalled it.

After a few more days of teaching important lessons about weapons, Dronacharya gathered the princes. "Listen, princes," he announced, "your training in weapons is complete. I have taught you everything I know. You have learned all these skills according to your interest and intelligence. There is nothing more for me to teach you. My giving is done. Now it is time for you to give back."

Yudhishthira, ever respectful, asked, "What should we give you as a token of gratitude, Guru?"

Dronacharya's eyes glinted with a purpose. "Yudhishthira, at the start of your training, I told you that at the end, you must fulfill my wish. That time has come. Defeat King Drupada of Panchala in battle and bring him to me as a prisoner. That will be my true reward. I will also see how skilled you have become as warriors."

"Yes, Guru," Yudhishthira agreed, determination in his voice. "Tomorrow, we will all set out to Panchala for battle."

Duryodhana, eager for glory, added, "We will conquer the kingdom and bring King Drupada before you. Allow our friend Karna, your former student, to join us in this battle, Guru."

Dronacharya nodded, granting his permission. "Very well, let it be so. Karna will go with you to battle. May you be victorious!"

With that, the Kauravas prepared a formidable army, complete with elephants, horses, chariots, and various weapons. Together with the Pandavas, they set out to attack the kingdom of Panchala. As they crossed into Drupada's realm, the Kauravas were wild with the excitement of battle. Karna, Duryodhana, and Dushasana argued fiercely about who would attack first, their voices ringing with anticipation.

Meanwhile, King Drupada, seeing his kingdom under siege by the royal princes, quickly rallied his own soldiers. The entire Panchala kingdom rose to the occasion, with children, elders, and young men arming themselves with clubs and sticks to defend their home. Faced with the combined attack of Drupada's soldiers and the people of Panchala, the Kauravas struggled to hold their ground. The bravery of King Drupada and his brother Satyaki was well-known, and the Kauravas' hopes of victory began to crumble.

However, the Pandavas did not join the Kauravas in the battle to capture Drupada. They waited with their teacher, Dronacharya, half a mile away from the city of Panchala. Arjuna, confident in his abilities, turned to Dronacharya. "Teacher, the Kauravas will fail," he predicted. "They cannot capture the great Drupada; instead, they will return defeated. Let them show their bravery for now, and then we will enter the battle."

Yudhishthira, ever cautious, added, "Teacher, Duryodhana's bravery is over, so now we will go to battle. Elder brother Yudhishthira, please stay with our teacher. His safety is important too. The four of us can capture King Drupada."

With a nod of agreement, the Pandavas prepared to enter the fray, their hearts set on fulfilling their promise to their teacher and proving their worth as warriors.

Chapter 6: The Division of Kingdoms and the Seeds of Revenge

Leaving Yudhishthira behind, the four Pandavas charged towards the Panchala soldiers like wild elephants on a rampage. Bhima, with his fearsome club in hand, appeared as a whirlwind of strength and terror. His immense power scattered the soldiers, sending them fleeing in all directions. Nakula and Sahadeva, not to be outdone, unleashed a flurry of arrows, spreading panic and fear among the citizens of Panchala city.

Amidst the chaos, Arjuna displayed his unmatched archery skills. He shattered the chariot and bow of King Drupada's brother, Satyaki, forcing him to retreat from the battlefield, weaponless and defeated. With precise aim, Arjuna's arrows cut down the flag and horses of King Drupada's chariot. Then, with a swift leap, he boarded Drupada's chariot, sword in hand, and captured the king.

Triumphant, the Pandavas brought King Drupada before their revered teacher, Dronacharya. "Teacher," Arjuna said with a respectful bow, "here is your gift. Please accept it. King Drupada is now under your control."

Dronacharya, a wise and forgiving Brahmin, addressed the captured king. "Drupada, I have taken your kingdom and throne. But do not fear for your life. I am not one to shed blood needlessly. There can be no friendship between a king and a beggar, which is why I have taken your kingdom. However, if you wish to be friends with me now, then..."

Drupada, humbled, listened intently as Drona continued, "I am giving you back half of the kingdom. How can we be true friends if we're not equals, Drupada? You remember saying that, right? I expect such fairness from a great and powerful person like you. I am pleased and grateful. I wish for your lasting friendship."

"Alright," Drona concluded, "I am also satisfied to have your friendship. Drupada, I release you and give back half of the kingdom. The land south of the Ganges, near the Charmannavati River, will be yours. You will be the king there. The land north of the Ganges, the Ahichhatra region, will remain mine. My son Ashwatthama will be the king there. Your promise is now fulfilled. Drupada, the Panchala kingdom is divided into two halves."

As the Pandavas turned to leave, Drona said, "Come, dear Arjuna, let's return to Hastinapura. We need to prepare for Ashwatthama's coronation. Even though Ashwatthama will sit on the throne of Ahichhatra, Dronacharya will still be in charge of the city."

Meanwhile, King Drupada, still smarting from his humiliation, began to plot his revenge against Drona. He realized that defeating Drona required more than mere strength; it needed divine intervention. But how could he bring about such a divine child? Drupada embarked on a journey around the world, determined to find a way to defeat his old friend turned foe.

Back in Hastinapura, excitement filled the air. Yudhishthira was about to be crowned king, a moment of pride for the Pandavas. However, not everyone shared in the joy. Dhritarashtra and Duryodhana were far from pleased. Dhritarashtra, driven by jealousy, began contemplating a dangerous plan. The politics in the kingdom were becoming increasingly complicated.

After Yudhishthira's coronation, the fame and bravery of the Pandavas continued to grow, much to the chagrin of Dhritarashtra and Duryodhana. Desperate to harm the Pandavas, Duryodhana devised a sinister plot. He planned to build a house of wax in the Varanavata region, intending to burn Kunti and the five brothers alive within it. The seeds of treachery were sown, and the Pandavas' fate hung precariously in the balance.