The spies of Hastinapur carried the news of the Pandavas to Dhritrashtra who was frightened as he heard Arjuna had returned with divine weapons. But his sons, along with Shakuni and Karna, wanted to see the Pandavas and mock their misery. Reaching Dwaitavana, they found that Chitrasena, the Gandharva Chief, had already set up a camp at a lake near the Pandavas’ hermitage.
Duryodhana and Karna with their soldiers attacked the gandharva camp but were finally defeated by Chitrasena. He took Duryodhana and the royal ladies captives. Karna and Shakuni fled the battlefield. When the Pandavas heard a cry from Duryodhana, Bhima was happy because he felt that Duryodhana had got what he deserved. But Yudhishthira was an apostle of righteousness. He at once ordered Bhima and Arjuna, “Go to Chitrasena and lend a helping hand to Duryodhana. After all, Duryodhana is our brother. It is our first and foremost duty to help him.” Chitrasena respected the Pandavas, and he told them that Duryodhana had come to mock them. He went with them to Yudhishthira and explained that he had been sent by Indra to protect the Pandavas and spy upon Duryodhana. He further stated that Duryodhana with his army had attacked them with no rhyme or reason.
But Yudhishthira was a benevolent being. He thanked
Chitrasena for not killing Duryodhana and his friends and requested him to release the captives. Chitrasena did as Yudhishthira asked, and having completed his mission, returned to Amaravati.
Yudhishthira spoke very kindly to Duryodhana advising him like an elder brother. He requested him to stay with them. He sent Duryodhana away affectionately asking him to convey his regards to the family elders. This made Duryodhana feel even more humiliated and miserable. He was forced to thank his hated cousins for rescuing him and his family and friends from Chitrasena. Duryodhana was miserable about his humiliating defeat and at being rescued in the presence of his family and friends by the Pandavas.
But the insane Duryodhana was not at all ready to mend his ways. He was seething with the fire of revenge. He was very much infuriated. His most trusted companious could not protect him. Shakuni and Karna comforted him half-heartedly and promised to avenge the disgrace.
