Chapter 1: The Call of Time

The air was filled with a solemn melody as the special presentation by Mirza, "Times of The Old King," began to unfold. The people of Hastinapur gathered to listen, eager to hear the tales of old, and the music played softly in the background, setting the mood for the poignant story to come.

In the heart of the kingdom, a voice cried out, filled with sorrow and longing. "King, what has happened? Please come back, King," implored a man, his voice trembling with emotion. He was the dearest brother of the old king, and his heart ached at the thought of separation. "Wherever my family is, I will go there too. Be it hell or any other scary place, that is where I will go. King, please do not leave. The fragrance of your holy body is keeping the bad smell away from this place. If that wicked Duryodhana can sit in heaven, then why aren't my brothers and Krishna here?"

The story of the Mahabharata, an eternal epic written by the great sage Vyasa, was being retold. The Bengali translation had been crafted by many learned scholars like Haridas Siddhanta Bagish, Kaliprasanna Singha, and Rajshekhar Basu. Based on these popular translations and traditional interpretations, a simple version of the Mahabharata play was created for everyone to enjoy.

The downfall of the Yadavas was near, brought about by their own foolishness. At Prabhas, they destroyed each other in fights. After Balarama left his body, Krishna also departed. Arjuna, the brave warrior, went to rescue the Yadava women but realized his strength had diminished. Following Vyasa's instructions, the Pandavas began preparing for their journey to heaven.

As Arjuna arrived at Hastinapur, he bore the heavy news of the Yadavas' destruction, along with the loss of Krishna and Balarama. The eldest Pandava, King Yudhishthira, was overwhelmed with grief. He sat silently for a long time, the weight of the news heavy on his heart. Finally, he spoke to Arjuna, his voice filled with the wisdom of acceptance. "Arjuna, time is the only binding rope. Time keeps taking all living beings continuously. No one can escape from the hands of time."

Arjuna nodded, understanding the truth in the King's words. "You are right, King. No one can escape from time. We can hear the footsteps of time approaching us. It is coming closer to us. When even Vasudeva surrendered himself to time, what can we do? Those who understand the inevitability of time never grieve."

Bhima, another of the Pandava brothers, added, "Because the ultimate truth of human life is this time. What is the use of grieving over what is inevitable?"

Yudhishthira looked at his brothers, his decision firm. "Do any of you want to overcome its influence?"

The brothers shook their heads. "None of us wish to overcome it, King."

"Very well," Yudhishthira said, "then bring him to me happily."

Soon, Yuyutsu, a loyal and trusted advisor, arrived. "Greetings, King Yudhishthira. You have summoned me."

"Come, Yuyutsu," Yudhishthira said kindly. "I want to give you a great responsibility. Carry out this duty carefully."

Yuyutsu bowed respectfully. "Please give your orders, King."

"I am giving you the responsibility to oversee this vast kingdom, Yuyutsu," Yudhishthira announced. "I will crown Parikshit as the king. Parikshit is still very young. Until he becomes capable, you will take care of this kingdom, Yuyutsu. I will crown Krishna's grandson, Vajra, on the throne of Indraprastha. You will take care of the remaining Yadavas."

Yuyutsu listened intently, understanding the gravity of the task. "And you, where will you go, King?"

"We five brothers wish to go to heaven with Draupadi," Yudhishthira replied. "We will leave Hastinapur immediately."

Yuyutsu's heart sank. "What are you saying, King? Why would you leave us? Why are you punishing us for no crime?"

"This is not a punishment for any crime, Yuyutsu," Yudhishthira assured him gently. "This is an unavoidable truth. I hear the call of time. We have neither the strength nor the desire to ignore it. May you be well, Yuyutsu. Always stay alert and follow the path of righteousness."

The music swelled as Yudhishthira entrusted Hastinapur to Parikshit and Indraprastha to Vajra, leaving their protection to Subhadra. Yudhishthira took on the responsibility of training Parikshit with Kripacharya. Then, Krishna, Balarama, and others performed the last rites for the departed family members, offering gifts to the Brahmins. Yudhishthira fed the revered sages and then announced his decision to embark on the great journey to all the people.

The people cried out in despair, "Oh no, King! What will happen to us? Why are you leaving us, King? You are like our parents, friends, and family. Why do you want to leave us, King? Please don't go!"

Yudhishthira faced them with calm resolve. "People of Hastinapur, do not grieve. Everyone has to leave one day. That is the law of time. No one can defy it, not even I. Bid us farewell with a smile. May you all be well."

And so, amidst the music and the cries of the people, the Pandavas prepared to embark on their final journey, guided by the call of time.

Chapter 2: The Final Journey Begins

The air was heavy with the end of an era. Yudhishthira, with a calm and steady gaze, addressed his brothers and Draupadi. "The Dwapara Yuga has ended, and pure righteousness is no longer with us. We are now in the Kali Yuga, where righteousness is scarce and will soon vanish from the Earth. Dear Sahadeva, overcoming time in this age is difficult. I have fulfilled all my duties, and no responsibilities remain. The time for our departure is near. Prepare yourselves."

Sahadeva, with a nod of understanding, replied, "As you command, King."

With a sense of purpose and solemnity, the five Pandavas and Draupadi relinquished their precious ornaments and royal garments, donning simple clothes befitting ascetics. Guided by Sage Dhaumya, they performed a sacred sacrifice. After offering the holy fire to the sea, they left the city, shedding their past lives.

The women of the city, tears streaming down their faces, followed Draupadi, their cries echoing through the streets. The men, too, followed the Pandavas, lamenting the departure of their beloved leaders. Yet, despite the sorrow around them, the Pandavas and Draupadi felt no sadness. Instead, their hearts were filled with joy and peace as they moved eastward with steady steps. A loyal dog joined them on this great journey, a silent companion amidst the chaos of farewells.

As they crossed the boundary of Hastinapur, Yudhishthira led the way with unwavering resolve. The serpent princess Ulupi returned to the sea, while Chitrangada went back to Manipur. The other Pandavas briefly stayed at Subhadra's house in Hastinapur. Embracing a life of meditation and renunciation, the Pandavas, with Draupadi, traversed many lands, rivers, and seashores, always following Yudhishthira's lead.

Bhima came next, followed by Arjuna, with Nakula and Sahadeva behind them. Draupadi and the dog brought up the rear. Their journey took them to the shore of the Red Sea, where Arjuna, though having left his royal life behind, still held onto his Gandiva bow and endless quiver.

At the Red Sea shore, a giant figure emerged, blocking their path. It was Agni, the god of fire. "Pandavas, listen to me," he boomed. "With Arjuna and Krishna's help, I burned the Khandava forest. To honor their great deed, I brought the Sudarshana Chakra, the endless quiver, and the Gandiva from Varuna. Before Krishna left this world, the Sudarshana disappeared. Now, Arjuna cannot leave this life without returning the Gandiva and the endless quiver to Varuna. Help your brother understand this."

Agni's words were wise and undeniable. Yudhishthira turned to Arjuna and said, "Arjuna, give up the Gandiva. Our elder brother Agni speaks the truth. Without relinquishing everything, you cannot continue on this path. The Gandiva and the endless quiver have served their purpose. Return them to Varuna."

With a heavy heart but understanding the necessity, Arjuna released the Gandiva and the endless quiver into the sea. Agni blessed Arjuna and vanished, leaving the Pandavas to continue their journey southward. They passed the submerged city of Dwarka on the northwestern shore of the Salt Sea and then headed north towards the majestic Himalayas. Crossing the mountains, they saw the vast desert and the towering mountain Sumeru. With focused minds, they journeyed through meditation.

But as they moved forward, Draupadi suddenly fell to the ground. Bhima, alarmed, turned to Yudhishthira and asked, "Dharma King, what happened? Princess Krishna did nothing wrong. She always worshipped the gods, Brahmins, and elders. Why did she fall?"

Yudhishthira, his eyes fixed on the path ahead, answered calmly, "Draupadi had a special fondness for Arjuna. Her fall is a result of this."

Despite the loss of their dear companion, Yudhishthira remained composed, continuing on the path without looking back. Bhima, however, felt the weight of Draupadi's absence deeply, and followed Yudhishthira with a heavy heart.

Chapter 3: Trials of the Journey

As they journeyed further along the rugged path, Sahadeva, the youngest of the Pandavas, suddenly stumbled and fell to the ground. His lifeless form lay still, and Bhima’s heart ached with sorrow. He turned to Yudhishthira, his voice heavy with grief. "A humble, brave, devoted, and wise person like Sahadeva is rare in this world," Bhima said, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "He had no pride in his bravery. Yet, why did such a gentle and learned man fall, O King of Dharma?"

Yudhishthira, ever composed, replied without breaking his stride. "Sahadeva harbored hidden pride, Bhima," he explained. "He believed that no one matched his knowledge. It was this fault that led to his fall." Yudhishthira continued on, his gaze fixed forward, leaving the fallen Sahadeva behind. Nakula, witnessing the loss of both Draupadi and his beloved brother, was overwhelmed with grief.

As they pressed on, Nakula, the handsome and gentle soul, also succumbed to the journey’s toll. Bhima, now burdened with sorrow, questioned Yudhishthira once more. "Nakula, who was so righteous, obedient, truthful, and the most handsome man in the world, why did he meet such an untimely end, O King of Dharma?"

"Like Sahadeva, Nakula too had pride," Yudhishthira answered. "He believed there was no one as handsome as he. This arrogance was his downfall. Do not grieve, Bhima. Everyone reaps what they sow through their actions. Stay calm and move forward."

The loss of Nakula, along with Sahadeva and Draupadi, weighed heavily on Arjuna's heart. Already missing Krishna, the sorrow was too great for him to bear. The greatest warrior, Arjuna, gave up his life and fell silently to the ground. Bhima, now shaken to his core, looked to Yudhishthira with a voice choked by grief and disbelief.

"Arjuna was a great soul," Bhima said, struggling against his tears. "There was no warrior like him in the three worlds. Our victory in the righteous war was due to our trust in Arjuna’s bow. Why did such a fate befall him, O King of Dharma?"

Yudhishthira’s voice remained calm as he explained, "Arjuna was proud, Bhima. He boasted that he could destroy all enemies in a single day, but he could not. He thought there was no archer like him. This pride led to his fall. Do not be sad, Bhima, move forward."

Yudhishthira did not pause, nor did he look back. Only Bhima and the faithful dog remained by his side. The path ahead seemed even more daunting, and Bhima, overwhelmed by grief, continued to follow his brother.

After a while, Bhima too fell to the ground. His voice, filled with despair, called out, "King, King, what happened? Please turn back once, King. I am your dearest brother. Why have I fallen too? Why, King, why?"

Yudhishthira replied, "Bhima, you were proud of your strength. You ate more than others and spoke harshly to the helpless Dhritarashtra. That is why you have fallen."

With those words, Yudhishthira continued forward, leaving Bhima behind. Only the dog walked beside him now. Suddenly, the heavens shook, and the chariot of Lord Indra appeared before Yudhishthira. Indra stepped down, his presence commanding and divine.

"Yudhishthira, get on this chariot," Indra invited. "I have come to take you to heaven."

Yudhishthira bowed respectfully. "Lord Indra, please accept my greetings. I cannot go to heaven without my wife and brothers. I cannot enjoy any happiness without Draupadi."

"Your wife and brothers have already gone there," Indra assured him. "You will see them with your own eyes. They have left their human bodies and taken divine forms. But you will go to heaven in this human body."

"Ruler of heaven," Yudhishthira said, his voice firm, "this dog has been my faithful companion. It has traveled a long way with me and has not left my side. I have grown fond of it. This dog will go to heaven with me."

Chapter 4: The Path to Truth

Yudhishthira stood resolute before Lord Indra, his gaze steady and unwavering. "Lord, it will go with me," he declared, gesturing to the dog at his side. "Today, you have attained divinity, Yudhishthira," Indra said, attempting to persuade him. "You have gained wealth and fame like mine. The great treasures of heaven are now yours. So, leaving this one dog will not harm you."

Yudhishthira shook his head, his voice calm but firm. "Forgive me, Lord Indra. I cannot follow this order. I do not need happiness that requires me to abandon someone who depends on me. I cannot do this."

Indra's expression turned serious. "King Yudhishthira, you must know that if you keep this dog with you, you cannot enter heaven. If you want to enter heaven, you must leave it behind, or the gods of anger will take away the rewards of your good deeds. Why have you, who know what is right, abandoned your sense of judgment? Yudhishthira, after thinking it over, leave this dog behind."

But Yudhishthira's resolve did not falter. "I will not abandon it," he insisted, his heart full of compassion and determination. Just then, the dog began to shimmer and transform, revealing itself to be Dharma, the god of righteousness. Yudhishthira stared in awe as Dharma introduced himself.

"Yudhishthira, son of Bharata, I am Dharma. I am your father," the god said, his voice resonating with pride. "You have inherited my nature. You are the greatest because of your kindness, wisdom, and behavior. I tested you before in the forest as a crane, and you passed with honor. Now, by staying true to your principles, you have achieved the highest glory, my son. Because of your righteousness, you have earned the right to enter heaven in your human form."

As Dharma finished speaking, flowers began to rain down from the heavens, a celestial celebration of Yudhishthira's virtue. He climbed onto Lord Indra's chariot, his heart swelling with the splendor of his journey to heaven. Other gods, sages, and blessed souls ascended in their celestial vehicles, joining the procession.

Upon arriving in heaven, Yudhishthira was greeted by the sage Narada, who offered to show him around. But as they wandered through the divine realm, Yudhishthira noticed the absence of his brothers and Draupadi. Instead, he saw Duryodhana, shining like the sun, seated in a place of honor.

Surprised, Yudhishthira turned to Narada. "Where are my brothers? Where is lotus-eyed Draupadi? And Karna, where is he? If Duryodhana, who caused such a great war, is here in heaven, why aren't my brothers and Krishna here? I do not wish to see Duryodhana. I want to go where my family is, even if it is in hell or any other dreadful place. Lord Indra, please send me there."

Indra approached, his voice gentle yet firm. "No, Yudhishthira, enjoy happiness in your human form. King, no other great soul has this fortune. Even in heaven, you cannot free yourself from the bonds of human affection."

"Lord Indra, I must go where my brothers and Krishna have gone. I cannot enjoy the best place by abandoning them. Please allow me to join them," Yudhishthira pleaded, his heart aching with longing for his family.

Devaraj Indra nodded, understanding the depth of Yudhishthira's devotion. "Alright, Yudhishthira, if you wish to go to your brothers and Draupadi, this divine messenger will take you there immediately. But remember, in this heavenly realm, there is no place for conflict, division, or hatred. To enter heaven, these must be left behind with your earthly body. So, seeing Duryodhana should not awaken old memories. He died bravely in battle and fulfilled his warrior duty, which is why he resides in heaven. You cannot hold any grudge against him."

With these words, a divine messenger stepped forward, guiding Yudhishthira to another realm. Unlike the fragrant and pleasant paths of heaven, this path was filled with danger and fear. It was dark all around, covered with moss, flesh, blood, and bad smells, with flies and mosquitoes buzzing. Strange and ominous animals and birds roamed this path. Everywhere, there was a terrible stench, and huge ghostly figures with severed limbs and heads appeared, creating a frightening scene.

The exhaustion of both mind and body began to overwhelm Yudhishthira. Troubled by many thoughts, he asked the divine messenger in a weary voice, "How much farther do I have to go?"

Chapter 5: A Path of Shadows and Light

Yudhishthira trudged along the grim path, his heart heavy with the weight of sorrow and exhaustion. The air was thick with a suffocating stench, and the eerie cries of unseen creatures echoed around him. The divine messenger, who walked beside him, finally broke the silence.

"How much farther, O King?" the messenger asked gently. "You should return. Devaraj has ordered that if you feel tired, you should be brought back to heaven."

The king halted, his confusion deepening. The journey through this dreadful and impure path was becoming unbearable. His heart ached for his loved ones, and the thought of their suffering tormented him. Just then, as if carried by the wind, countless voices began to echo from the shadows.

"Great King, do not leave," the voices pleaded. "Your pure presence is driving away the foul smell of this place. Great King, please stay a little longer. Your touch is making this unbearable place better. Great King, help us. Your holy presence eases our suffering. Do not leave us."

Yudhishthira's heart pounded as he turned to the messenger, his voice filled with urgency. "Who is calling me like this? Who are they?"

The messenger's face was solemn as he replied, "I am Arjuna, O King. I am your beloved brother Bhima. I am Nakula, O King. You never spoke a harsh word to me, even in dreams."

Yudhishthira felt his heart twist in disbelief. "Alas, what am I hearing? Am I awake or dreaming? Have I lost my senses?" he murmured to himself. The thought that his virtuous brothers and the pure-hearted Draupadi were in a place of suffering was unbearable.

He turned to the messenger with resolve. "Listen, messenger of the gods," he declared, "return to the heavens and tell them I will not go there. I will stay where my righteous brothers and wife are."

In that moment, a brilliant light dispelled the shadows, and the king of the gods, Indra, descended with an assembly of divine beings. Their presence banished the darkness and impurity of the place. Indra spoke gently, his voice soothing Yudhishthira's troubled heart.

"Do not grieve, Yudhishthira," Indra reassured him. "You are a blessed soul, which is why you have been granted entry to heaven in your human form. However, every king must first see the realm of suffering. Those who endure suffering first will later enjoy the bliss of heaven."

Indra continued, "Yudhishthira, you are very righteous, but you have a small amount of sin. Because of how you dealt with Dronacharya regarding Ashwatthama, you had to witness this place of suffering. Bhima, Arjuna, Draupadi, and all your loved ones are now free. None of them are in the realm of suffering anymore. My child, all this is a divine illusion."

Yudhishthira listened, his heart slowly finding peace. "The great warrior Karna has reached his ultimate destination," Indra said gently. "Other warriors have gone to their desired places. Yudhishthira, be at peace. Bathe in the celestial river and be free of sorrow. May your human concerns fade away."

With a sense of relief washing over him, Yudhishthira nodded. "Yudhishthira, son of Pritha, I have tested you three times, and each time you have remained steadfast. You have passed with honor. May you be blessed, my child," Indra concluded.

With the gods and sages, Yudhishthira bathed in the celestial river. As the water enveloped him, his human worries dissolved, and he emerged with a divine form. He was led to a realm where the Pandavas and Kauravas, once fierce enemies, now lived in harmony.

There, he saw Krishna, worshipped by all gods, his form radiant and divine. Krishna's mighty weapons appeared as human figures, paying homage to him. Noble Arjuna was also there, reverently worshipping Krishna. Both Krishna and Arjuna, honored by the gods, bowed to Yudhishthira. He saw Bhima, Nakula, and Sahadeva in their own realms, shining with divine light.

Among the twelve radiant suns, Karna shone brightly, his glow lighting up the heavens. Draupadi, adorned with a garland of lotuses, illuminated the three worlds with her brilliance. Never before had Yudhishthira seen Draupadi look so radiant.

In this place of eternal light, Yudhishthira finally found peace, surrounded by those he loved and admired, where darkness could never reach them again.

Chapter 6: The Final Reunion

Yudhishthira stood amidst the dazzling light of the heavens, a serene joy settling over him. The King of the Gods, Indra, stood beside him, pointing out the figures that filled this divine realm.

"Who is this, O King of the Gods?" Yudhishthira asked, his eyes resting on a figure that shone with an otherworldly glow.

Indra smiled gently. "This is Draupadi," he said. "She is the divine goddess desired by all, full of heavenly fragrance. She was created as your queen, Yudhishthira. Draupadi bore you five sons. Among them is the great archer Abhimanyu, son of the moon."

Yudhishthira's heart swelled with pride and love as he looked upon Draupadi, who seemed more radiant than he had ever seen her. Her beauty illuminated the three worlds, and he felt a deep sense of peace knowing she was here, in this eternal light.

"Look, Yudhishthira," Indra continued, gesturing to another part of the celestial assembly. "There is your teacher Dronacharya, standing beside Brihaspati. Your father, Pandu, and your mothers, Kunti and Madri, often visit here in divine chariots. Among the Vasus, you can see your grandfather, Vishwa."

Yudhishthira's gaze followed Indra's hand, and he saw more familiar faces. Each one brought back memories of love, lessons, and life lived together. His heart was full.

"King Dhrishtadyumna now resides in the body of a bird," Indra explained, "while Shakuni takes the form of a jackal. The eternal serpent Balarama has entered the underworld. And look, there is the king of the Gandharvas, Dhritarashtra," another voice chimed in. "He was your elder. Now, with Gandhari, he has attained Kubera's realm. After enjoying the fruits of their actions, they will return to the mortal world."

Yudhishthira listened, absorbing the information with a calm acceptance. The cycle of life and rebirth was unending, and he found comfort in knowing that even here, there was continuity.

"Are you happy now, having seen your loved ones, dear one?" Indra asked, his voice kind and understanding.

"Your endless kindness, O King of the Gods, has removed all my sorrows," Yudhishthira replied, his voice filled with gratitude. "I bow to you."

Indra nodded approvingly. "May you enjoy the best of all worlds, O King of Righteousness. In the world where the virtuous Bharata, son of Shakuntala, resides, may you wander freely. The celestial beings, sages, and gods will serve you."

With these words, Indra placed Yudhishthira in his rightful realm, his presence a beacon of righteousness. Then, with a final nod, Indra disappeared, leaving Yudhishthira surrounded by the radiant beings who praised him.

The heavenly world was full of righteousness, a stark contrast to the mortal world below, where the age of Kali began to spread. Without Yudhishthira, righteousness in the mortal world began to fade, leaving only a small part intact.

And so, the tale of the Mahabharata reached its end. The stories of bravery, wisdom, and the eternal struggle between good and evil echoed in the hearts of those who heard them, passed down through generations. This was not just a tale of warriors and gods, but a timeless story of humanity itself.