26. Dronacharya begins to train the princes at Hastinapuri

On the first day as the Guru, Dronacharya was thronged by enthusiastic princes – both Kauravas and Pandavas.  Aswathama, the son of the master, was also one of the students. Before he began the lessons, the Master said: 

"Sons, I would teach you the best of warfare and make you most adept in handling of arms. One day you would make Hastinapur proud of your achievements. But before I begin your lessons, may I have an assurance from you all?"

The young princes were both curious and surprised. A silence descended. While they fixed their gazes on their new Guru's face, Dronacharya continued:

" I would love to have an assurance that you will give me the Gurudakshina" that I may ask from you at the end.- whatever that may be’ 

The silence that was breached by the Guru's solemn utterances  now returned. It was almost deafening now. Unsure of what their Master might ask of them, they began to exchange glances amongst themselves as if in search of a clue.  The Acharya seemed to have been greatly upset at the lack of response when Arjun came forward, touched his feet and said, 

" Sir, I promise I will do anything to give whatever you ask of me". 

Dronacharya spotted this prince and his eyes were filled with tears of joy. From that very moment he had singled out Arjun for special attention.

As preparatory to his larger plan, Dronacharya conducted proficiency tests for the princes and accordingly organized lessons for each. This was done to ensure all the princes had an acquaintance with all types of arms but each had special training in the handling of the weapon in which he had a knack or proficiency. Arjun showed great potential as an archer, Bhim and Duryodhan in the handling of maces,  and so on. Aswathama, the Master’s son, also displayed his potential in archery. The arms lesson thus began in earnest.

20. REUNION BETWEEN PANDAVA BROTHERS

Since Bhim went missing, his brothers went about their daily chores but as if they were lifeless. For past some time the boys were taking their arms training from the revered Kripacharya. The vanishing of Bhim had snatched their interest to live, let alone learn. However, Duryodhan seemed to be very ebullient and happy which confirmed their suspicion that he had a role in Bhim’s disappearance.

 

On the eighth morning as the crest-fallen brothers were preparing to go for yet another day’s routine arms lessons, there was  huge banging on the door. Yudhisthir opened it, and the sweetest surprise was waiting to unravel. On the other side of the door stood Bhim dressed in elegant white. He appeared full of strength and vigour. There was a tearful reunion and Bhim narrated the full story starting from how he was poisoned by Duryodhan. The family decided that from now on the brothers should remain very alert and protect each other. They knew their fear was not imaginary and that dangers could arise any time from known or unknown sources. At the same time, Yudhisthir advised that it would be unwise to let their cousins know that they have found out the intentions and role of Duryodhan. Five brothers decided they would pretend as if they knew nothing.

 

Duryodhan and Dushashan were surprised to see Bhim back. Not only that, they were intrigued to find out he has grown much stronger on return. They could not solve the riddle. Visibly unhappy and dismayed they kept looking for next chances to harm their cousins.

15. FRANTIC SEARCH FOR BHIM, NO RESULT

In the dying sunlight, Yudhisthir and his brothers were frantically searching for Bhim on the bank of the Ganges. The bonhomie, the celebration, and the feasting that enlivened the place hours ago were now replaced by an eerie silence. On that vast expanse of land there was no soul other than they four. Even servants had left after cleaning the site. Soon, the last trace of the day was devoured by the enigmatic night, which would not approve of any further searches. The brothers too were realizing it was pointless to keep groping in the darkness, yet they could not abandon their mission. But when the face of the lone, helpless, anxious mother flashed in their mind they decided to give in. Back home, the family huddled together discussing what was to be done now.

 All these days Kunti had a nagging fear that Duryodhan and some of his brothers might harm her sons, especially Bhim, whom they hated as they could never match his strength. Now that the search failed to trace Bhim, Kunti started feeling nervous. She suspected Duryodhan to have played a grave mischief but she also knew it would be of no use telling Dhritarashtra or Gandhari of her suspicion. The couple were blind in their affection for their son. Yudhisthir agreed to Kunti’s assessment. The family then brooded for some time as to what should be done now. Then they stumbled on the idea of meeting Bidur whom they reckoned was genuinely concerned about their welfare.

14. Bhim tied and drowned in the river

At the palace, Kunti had good reason to worry. The day was wearing out. Both Pandava and Kaurava children had returned home. But, Bhim was not to be seen anywhere. She started growing restive.

 Sensing his Mother’s tension, and assessing the situation, Yudhishthir with his brothers left for the riverbank to see if Bhim was still sleeping.

There at that spot, Duryadhan and Dushashan were busy executing the last leg of their plan. Duryadhan was tense. With keen eyes scanning all around, he spoke in hushed tones:

“Let us finish off quick. It will not be long before those four turn up searching here”.

Dushashan was busy tying up Bhim’s sleeping body. It was huge, and the light was dim. It was getting difficult and irritating for him. Somehow he coped with the enormous task and hapily announced:

“Almost done! Wont be long before we get rid of this monster, for ever”.

 In a moment, Duryadhan and Dushashan together dragged Bhim’s tied body to the shore of Ganges and dropped it in the water. With that, Duryadhan heaved a big sigh of relief. The duo then silently disappeared from the scene.

5. Five sons return home, console mother

These affectionate words reflecting both urgency and fatigue awoke Kunti from her reverie. She rose, opened the door to find her five sons standing right in front - eager to hug her and tell stories about how they spent the day. With their father no longer alive, the children had very strong bond with the mother. In later days of his life while wandering in the forest Pandu had a feeling that his immensely talented five sons were not getting the right environment to grow as true Khsatriya princes. At times he had expressed this concern to his wives Kunti and Madri. Before death suddenly and cruelly snatched him from this world, Pandu implored the queens several times to move to Hastinapuri with the children. Even if that meant absolute solitude for himself, the young princes could be brought up in the best of Kuru traditions. The bereavement of the husband was aggravated manifold by Madri’s giving up her life leaving her two sons Nakul and Sahadev to Kunti’s care. Before she could grieve enough, heavy responsibilities were thrust on her.

In spite of being a strong willed, intelligent and learned woman, Kunti was simply devastated by the rapid occurrence of these tragic events. Only her deeply spiritual life style saved her from sinking into deep depression. She decided to fight against odds and perils to restore the five children to their rightful place in Hastinapur.

She was a mother to all five brothers in equal measure – she loved them without any discrimination. However, the children felt she was more affectionate towards Sahadev, the youngest. At times they would ovingly tease her for being biased in favour of her youngest son. But was it a fact? Difficult to say because three sons of her own were so talented and good-natured that none could love them less. May be, special feeling for Sahadev could be because she had an extra responsibility towards Madri’s sons in her absence.

As Kunti sat, her five sons thronged her and narrated the day’s proceedings. She could make out that the children were happy and that Bhisma, the grandfather, was himself present to observe how they took the lessons and their special skills and abilities. Kunti was relieved. She was also relaxed that there was no quarrel or fight amongst the cousins. She stole a moment from the conversation, delved into own mind, prayed and thanked God.