72. Karna enters, Bhim fumes, Duryodhan anticipates

Karna patiently waited on the sidelines as Arjun had sealed his triumph today. The crowds celebrated his last performance with loud cheers – everything else was subdued. Kunti’s heart swelled with pride.

None noticed when Karna walked up to Drona and humbly addressed him.

‘Karna’s pranams to the guru of such brilliant warriors!’

‘Sir, I am a citizen of this nation – having studied under the tutelage of Lord Parashuram - I seek your permission today to be allowed to join this festival today. Sir, it is my promise that I will repeat every single feet that the mighty Arjun just performed. I seek (beseech) your permission.’

Most on the stands did not notice the silent developments – but, all in the arena noticed the sudden developments. While Arjun was curious, Bhim raged with fury. Duryodhan smelt the scent of opportunity - he was not sure what – but, his intuitions promised him something good for the day.

With permissions from the guru, the final session of the day began.

71. The glory lay on the other side of the fence- he was just to cross the fence and grab

Meanwhile Kunti was happy. Another person was also delighted from heart. It was Pitamaha Bhisma. His veteran face was bright seeing his loved grandson accomplishing such feats.  Enraptured, he found himself lost in the feats Arjun was relentlessly displaying. The Pandavas were happy, people were happy. He knew that the next generation of the Kurus have now joined the big league of archers. Enraptured,Vidur was ecstatic describing events to the king and queen. Dronacharya was surprisingly delighted to witness how well his favourite disciple has absorbed his teachings- seemingly better than even his own son Aswathama!

As Duryodhan was moving towards the scene of the commotion worries were gnawing his heart. . What was displayed by his cousin Arjun today was not good omen. Though he knew about Bhim's enormous physical strength he fancied a chance of success for himself in a battle of maces. But he nor any of his brothers could match the archery prowess of Arjun. Thus while he was moving ahead to investigate the identity of that young man, he was very disquiet in heart.

For Karna it was too difficult to keep sitting any longer. Arjun was magnificent. At the same time with a mammoth gathering mesmerised by the magic of Arjun's archery, Karna realised that a door of opportunity has suddenly opened before him. It was 'the' occasion when he must present himself to the world. There would not be a worthier occasion. He was still inside the stadium struggling to enter into it. The other side of the fence lied glory – he only had to gather courage and grab it.

70. Who is this handsome Youngman? Duryodhan rushes to find out

Keeping them in a daze, Arjun then placed yet another arrow on his huge bow, chanted a mantra invoking  Pavan (the Wind God) and released it into the sky. In matter of seconds, mighty wind began to blow over the stadium and it began to gather strength. It seemed it could uproot the entire structure with all its people. Nervous audience clung to each other and prayed it spared them. Much to their relief, that mighty wind did them no harm and quickly changed its way and  directed its might to throw all the accumulated water miles away. The magic of the archery continued. The Pandava prince then used another arrow to set up a huge mountainous body in the stadum to stop the strong wind. Thereafter, he used yet another  divyastra to pulverize that huge solid mass into enormous specks of dust. And thereafter, much to the relief of the audience, he announced the ‘end’ of his display. He came down and touched the holy feet of his Guru Dronacharya seeking his blessings. The spectators were now relieved and  happy. They were ecstatic having seen an unusual spectacle and happy that they were completely  unhurt. Everyone began to sing glories of Arjun. Kunti, seated in the royal gallery by the side of Gandhari, was very happy and proud. 

While all were celebrating the prowess of the Pandava prince, there were gloom and despair amongst the Kauravas. Dhritarashtra, who was listening to the intermittent roars of applause on Arjun’s display was keeping a façade of happiness. But he was afflicted with jealousy and anxiety. Even more than him, his son Duryodhan, was upset. Arjun’s display had almost conclusively established the level differences between the Pandava and the Kaurava princes. But he knew not how to react or respond. At that time, his gaze was fixed on one part of the stadium where there seemed to be a small commotion.Taking a keener look he saw an extremely handsome Youngman trying to make his way into the stadium but being prevented by the sentries. Curious, he began to move towards that spot.