The Kauravas were in turmoil after the departure of the Pandavas. They cursed their lot for losing a golden opportunity. On being instigated by Shakuni, Karna and Dushasana, Duryodhana went over to his father and insisted that he should recall Yudhishthira for another game. Dhritrashtra had to yield to his son’s wish.
A messenger was sent to call Yudhishthira back. Yudhishthira was addicted to gambling, and had decided not to oppose his relatives. Once again, he felt that he could not refuse the invitation. This time the condition was—if Yudhishthira lost, he with his brothers would have to go into exile for twelve years and then live in disguise for one year. If they were discovered in the thirteenth year, then the exile would begin again.
Yudhishthira lost the game and the Pandavas, seething with shame and anger, were prepared for their period of exile. It was difficult for Kunti to spend time in the forest, so Vidura took her to his house.
When the Pandavas were on their way to the forest, the subjects of Indraprastha followed them. They stated that when Bhishma, Dronacharaya and Vidura among others could not protect Draupadi, then how could they be safe there? Yudhishthira stopped them but one of them spoke with humility, “O King! We shall remain where you are.” Yudhishthira was overwhelmed with emotions. Somehow, he persuaded them to go back.
Salva, a friend of Shishupala, decided to attack Dwarika to avenge his friend’s defeat at Krishna’s hands. Krishna’s maternal grandfather, Ugrasena, defended Dwarika in Krishna’s absence. The city was under siege when Krishna reached there. So he, in turn, attacked Salva who fled the battlefield. It was only later that he heard all about the game of dice and the exile of the Pandavas. Indignant at the humiliation and injustice suffered by the Pandavas, Krishna set off to meet them. Many kings and princes including Dhrishtdyumna, friendly with the Pandavas, went with him, taking their armies along.
Draupadi poured out the story of her misery to Krishna. Krishna vowed that they would revenge for the wrong suffered by her. Krishna returned to Dwarika with Subhadra, Arjuna’s wife, and son Abhimanyu. Dhrishtdyumna took Draupadi’s sons to Panchala.
