In this episode of Mahabharata Sage Vyasa visits Satyavati and implores her to leave Hastinapur along with Ambaalika and Ambika and live in his ashram as hermits. He tells her that things are about to happen to Hastinapur - things that she has caused, referring to the circumstances behind Dhritharashtra and a Pandu’s birth - that she will be unable to withstand should she witness it. And so, her only escape is the life of a sanyasi.
Meanwhile, Dhritharashtra continues to fret about Yudhistir one day taking the throne away from his dynasty. Gandhari once again tries to temper his ambition and resentment but to no avail. Shakuni continues to poison Dhritharashtra and Duryodhan’s minds by further stoking their ambition. On the other hand, Bhim starts to develop a hatred of Duryodhan - a hatred that Yudhistir tries to damp down.
As both Pandavas and Kauravas begin their studies under Kripacharya, Bhishma frets that he must serve a king who is increasingly proving himself unworthy of the position. His mother Ganga tells him that this is the predicament he was cursed to endure when he was brought into this world.
Tropes found here are
- Foreshadowing: The upcoming conflict between the Kauravas and Pandavas is foretold in many ways
- Satyavati, Ambaalika and Ambika are warned that they will not be able to withstand what is to come, and are whisked away to a hermitage. A civil war is probably the worst thing that foremothers of both sides must deal with.
- Bhishma is warned that he must play a role in this conflict i.e. he must pick a side. He is found later, complaining about the side he is honor bound to pick.
- Vyasa warns Dhritharashtra that history will hold him responsible for his upcoming actions. This is something Dhritharashtra will be told again and again.
- Duryodhan starts resenting the Pandavas, while Bhim hates him right back.
- My Master, Right or Wrong: Bhishma frets that his “master” in this case is starting to be more wrong than right.
