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Dhritarashtra, who was a fond parent, listened to him without contradicting him, although he was sceptical of Duryodhana’s wisdom in such matters. Dhritarashtra’s dilemma was that he loved his sons, but could not hate his brother’s sons sufficiently. He knew he was a party to intrigues and unholy decisions, but he could not act on his judgement where his sons were concerned. He had no mind of his own, and was in a perpetual conflict with his better instincts. Whoever spoke to himgot his attention. This became more marked now, when Drona and Vidura and Bhishma gathered around him to discuss the Pandavas.
    Bhishma said, “The gods have helped them. At least now you may rectify your error. Send them your blessings and gifts, and welcome the daughter-in-law of the house and bless her. Let them all end their exile and come back. Restore to Yudhistira what is rightfully his. As far as I am concerned, all are my grand-nephews; I knew that you supported your son’s plan to get them out of your way. But you will have realised by now, I hope, that it is not so easy to get rid of human beings. The Almighty is all seeing….” Vidura spoke on the same lines.
    Drona was even more emphatic. “I know what Arjuna can accomplish. I know Drupada and his growing might. His son is no ordinary warrior. I have seen him. I know him. They are building up an invincible camp. Many others will also be joining them soon. Krishna from Dwaraka was also seen there with them. He will bring in the Yadavas and many others to their side. Krishna by himself will be their chief support soon—you will see it. Krishna is no ordinary mortal, remember…. Don’t let your past error continue and take you down the path of annihilation.”
    His forthright talk was not to the Kauravas’ taste. Later Karna said, “Don’t listen to Drona, though he is our master. What does he know of statecraft? He is concerned only with the art of war and nothing else. Bhishma and Vidura, you know, are the Pandava agents in our midst. The wisest course for us would be to take an army and destroy Drupada, and with him also the Pandavas. No other course is open to us. It is said in all our shastras that quick action and force alone can eliminate a threat. Before Drupada grows even stronger, we must act.”
    In these conflicting counsels Dhritarashtra was bewildered. After much wavering, he called Vidura and said finally, “You must go to Panchala and convey my greetingsto Drupada. Invite Yudhistira and his brothers to return home with their bride, and we will settle the question of their future so that the cousins may live in peace with each other.”
    Vidura went to Panchala carrying presents to the King and his family. He was received cordially and seated in a place of honour. He formally conveyed the greetings from Dhritarashtra and his sons, and invited the Pandavas to return to Hastinapura. As he listened, Yudhistira looked at his brothers, but they waited for him to decide. Yudhistira’s mind was filled with misgivings. How could they again trust their uncle at Hastinapura, whose weakness for his sons was notorious? Vidura was perhaps being used, in his innocence, to lure them back to a deathtrap. He just said, “Now, we are living in the hospitality of our father-in-law. We cannot leave without his sanction. We shall abide by his decision.”
    At this, Drupada said, “How can I ever say that you should go? You are not merely our guests but our sons-in-law. We consider it a privilege to have you in our midst. But at the same time, your uncle has a claim on you too….”
    Vidura added, “My brother Dhritarashtra would have himself come to invite you, but for his physical condition. He, however, counts on your good will to be able to receive and bless the bride and the bridegrooms.”
    Yudhistira once again looked about for guidance. Only a god, who could take in at a glance the past,