Dharmic Memes: Week 12 Story Lab: Microfiction

YUDHISHTHIRA'S GAMBLING

Duryodhan, the eldest among the Kauravas was constantly meddled in jealousy towards his cousins- the Pandavas. He devised a plan with his uncle Shakuni, to destory the Pandavas. They challenged Yudhishtira to a game of dice and knew that he wouldn't refuse. Yudhishtira's pride and a curse from King Drupad drove him to lose stake after stake against the masterful gambler Shakuni. After losing everything, Shakuni aksed Yudhishtira to gamble his wife Draupadi. Yudhishtira lost again and Draupadi was summoned to the court. She pleaded to the king and begged to be free from slavery as promised to Duryodhan.

Prince Dushasan tore off Draupadi's garments and tried to undress her. However, she folded her hands and started praying to Lord Krishna. As she was getting undressed, the lord clothed her and Dushasan ceased. Bhima now fueled with vengeance against his cousins, exclaims that he would drink the life-blood out of Dushasan and break Duryodhan's thighs in half. Even though King Dhritarashtra freed the Pandavas from slavery, they lost another round of gambling. They had to be exiled for 12 years and give away their kingdom to the Kauravas. When the events of the Kurukshetra war unfolded, Karma came full circle and Bhima slayed Dushasan and Duryodhan exactly like he claimed.

Author's Note

This story dives into the negative effects of an uncontrollable ego and karma. Yudhishtira loses his wife in a gambling game and doesn't defend her honour. The Kauravas try to assault Draupadi but suffer the consequences later.