Duryodhana returned to Hastinapura full of rage and hatred.His envy of the Pandavas left him devoid of his better judgement and qualities. Casting aside all his dharmic qualities,he once again resorted to schemes and skullduggery.

Draupadi's laughter was like a nightmare to him.He needed to retaliate. Karna was too liberal and did not consider deception and trickery as a useful mechanism.So Duryodhana had to resort to his only saviour in times like these,Shakuni.

Shakuni came out with a well thought out plan that would make Yudhishtira vulnerable and Duryodhana almost invincible.Having all the details planned out properly and discussing it with Duryodhana,he sent him to Dhritarashtra with the proposal.

Duryodhana approached the blind king Dhritarashtra and told him to invite the Pandavas to play a game of dice with them.Dhritarashtra refused knowing that no good would come out of that.Duryodhana persisted because Shakuni had already told him that Yudhishtira would not refuse if one of the elders gave the invitation.

Knowing fully well that only Dhritarashtra would agree to invite the Pandavas,Duryodhana repeatedly pleaded with his father.The old man was blinded by his love for his son and finally agreed.Shakuni was then sent with the invitation to the Pandavas on behalf of Dhritarashtra.

He was very happy and considered this to be a victory for Duryodhana. Shakuni was a skilled dice player and a clever cheat this is why he wanted the Pandavas to play dice with the Kauravas.He knew that it was a pastime of the Kshatriyas and if the invitation was sent by an elder member of the family in Hastinapura,the Pandavas would not refuse.This would be his opportunity to cheat them of everything the owned.

When Vidura heard of this plan he rushed off to see Dhritarashtra.He pleaded with him to stop this new scheme of Duryodhana and Shakuni for fear that no good will come out of it.

Dhritarashtra told Vidura that he was pleased with the progress that the Pandavas have made.He was happy that they built a palace of great beauty from the ruins of their ancestors and his invitation to play dice would bring both families together once again.

Dhritarashtra was quite adamant about his decision and realising that Shakuni was not the best person to send with the invitation to the Pandavas now sent Vidura with the same invitation.

Shakuni delivered the message and the invitation to the Pandavas.Vidura also soon reached Indraprastha.He informed Yudhishtira about the rumours in Hastinapura about how Shakuni and Duryodhana were going to cheat them.He also reminded him of what a clever cheat Shakuni is. Yudhishtira however,was compelled to accept the invitation of Dhritarashtra and decided to go to Hastinapura.

Duryodhana had a hall constructed to play the game of dice This hall was named Jayanta.Since this was going to be an event to remember,he made all the necessary preparations with detailed attention.

The Pandavas with their mother and Draupadi arrived in Hastinapura. There was a great reception awaiting them there.All efforts were made by the Kauravas to make their stay a happy one.Kunti and Draupadi were invited to stay with Gandhari in her palace.

Pandit Bhadase Maharaj.

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