FIFTEEN
In Indraprastha, Yudhishtira welcomed Vidura warmly. When Vidura's feet had been washed and madhurparka offered him, they sat together in a private chamber: the good uncle and his nephews he loved.
Yudhishtira said, "We are delighted to have you here with us, my lord. But you seem anxious. Is the king not in good health? Is there any other cause for concern in Hastinapura? Can we be of help?"
Vidura said, "Your uncle Dhritarashtra is in excellent health and so are his sons. There is no other cause for concern in Hastinapura and I have come as a messenger. The king says to you, 'Come home to Hastinapura, Yudhishtira my son and spend some time with me. We have built a new sabha at Jayantapura and I want you to come and play dice in it. Don't refuse me.'"
Vidura fell silent and kept his eyes turned from his nephew's face. Yudhishtira frowned. He knew Dhritarashtra well enough to suspect some treachery.
Slowly, the Pandava said, "Surely, the game of dice is the crux of this invitation. And I fear it will tear the sons of Dhritarashtra and the sons of Pandu further apart."
Vidura said, "I told Dhritarashtra the game of dice will ruin us all. But he would not listen."
Yudhishtira asked shrewdly, "Tell me, who is to play against me?"
"Shakuni."
"The best player! And I am such a poor one. Shakuni is a wizard at dice and I hear, a cheat as well. No one can beat him. But what can I do? Dhritarashtra knows I can never refuse my elders anything they ask. Whatever God wills must happen in this world and all that happens is for the best. Who am I to resist destiny?"
He fell thoughtful. "I am not obliged to come to Hastinapura. I am no vassal of Dhritarashtra's and a son need obey his father only if the father treats him as he should. Dhritarashtra has not treated us like his sons. Yet, my blind uncle is canny and knows my nature well. He knows I will not refuse what he asks, though I know how envious he is of me. He knows I will come, because it is my dharma to obey my elders, however dangerous they are.
I am also terribly anxious, but I will go with you. I will come to Hastinapura."
Vidura had tears in his eyes.
Thus, Yudhishtira, king in Indraprastha, emperor of all Bharatavarsha, went back to his father's city. He went with his brothers and Draupadi and other companions besides. The Pandava came bravely to whatever fate held in store for him. But in his mind was the ghastly image from the Rajasuya yagna: of Sishupala's head being struck off by Krishna's Chakra; and the sinister omens that followed the killing.
He heard Vyasa's voice. "The omens portend fourteen years of misfortune; and beyond that, the destruction of the race of kshatriyas."