Shakuni lay unconscious for two agonizing days. When he finally regained consciousness, his head throbbed, his body ached, and his legs were swollen. But what horrified him the most was the sight of himself dressed in women's clothing. Shame washed over him, and he couldn't bear to face his own reflection.

Seeking answers, Shakuni turned to his nephews and inquired about the events that had transpired during his unconsciousness. As he learned about his own devious antics, a profound sense of shame overwhelmed him. He was appalled by the absurdity of his actions and felt a growing suspicion towards Karna, Bhishma, Vidur, and even his own nephews, who seemed to have undergone a transformation.

Shakuni realized that Karna played a role in this debacle. Doubts also crept into his mind about Bhishma and Vidur. Even his nephews appeared different, casting shadows of doubt upon them. The absence of conflict between the Pandavas and the Kauravas, and the division of power between Duryodhana and Yudhishthira, orchestrated by Karna, shocked Shakuni.

"That Suryaputra has ruined my entire plan. I must find a way to sow discord among these newly formed brothers," Shakuni seethed with anger. Suddenly, an eagle swooped down and delivered a message to him.

"My plan is ready. How will you defeat me in this treacherous game? I will execute my scheme, blaming my nephews, and chaos will ensue," Shakuni declared, his anger fueling his determination. He attempted to cast a black magic spell on Hastinapur, concealing his plan from prying eyes, but to his dismay, the magic failed to affect Karna.

Unbeknownst to Shakuni, Karna had also learned of the plan concerning the House of Lac. He had already dispatched his men to Varnavrat and instructed them to construct an underground tunnel, which would provide an escape route for the Pandavas.

The annual trip for the Kuru family, following the death of Maharaja Pandu, involved a customary monsoon puja. This posed a significant challenge for Shakuni, as he pondered how to send only Pandu's family to the House of Lac. However, luck seemed to favor him as an idea took shape in his mind.

He made his way to Dhritarashtra's chamber, having crafted a cunning plan. Gesturing to the soldiers, Shakuni requested an audience with Dhritarashtra, who welcomed him with warmth.

"Brother-in-law, greetings," Shakuni greeted Dhritarashtra in a sugary, sweet voice.

"Greetings, Shakuni. Well, you certainly danced and sang remarkably well. How are you feeling now? What happened to you, acting like a woman?" Dhritarashtra inquired with concern.

"I cannot fathom what befell me, brother-in-law, but now I am well. I need to speak with you privately," Shakuni replied, excitement seeping into his voice.

"Certainly! Let us have some privacy," Dhritarashtra agreed, dismissing the servants and even his trusted aide, Sanjaya.

"Please, have a seat, Shakuni. What do you wish to discuss with me?" Dhritarashtra inquired, his voice filled with concern for his brother-in-law.

"Brother-in-law, my spies have informed me that Maharaj Chitragupta is planning a svayamvara for his daughter, Rekha. As you know, brother-in-law, she is the fairest maiden in all of Āryāvrata. An alliance between Rekha and our Vikarna would bring Marwar's support to Duryodhana. Consider it, brother-in-law. We must secure the support of Marwar, for the day will come when we must choose a sole king for our kingdom. Reflect upon it, Maharaj. We need Marwar's backing," Shakuni enticed, employing a hypnotizing voice.

"You speak wisely, Shakuni. Marwar's support is essential for my Duryodhana. However, Bhima's is elder to Vikarna, and Tatshree and Vidur will likely choose Bheem for this role," Dhritarashtra explained, voicing his concerns.

"Brother-in-law, I was wondering if you intend to go to Varnavat this time as well," Shakuni probed, his voice sly.

"Yes, I shall go to Varnavat to pay respects to my late brother and his wife, my sister Madri," Dhritarashtra confirmed, his curiosity piqued by Shakuni's seemingly senseless question.

"Ah, I see, my brother-in-law. You have gone there every year to conduct the puja in Maharaj Pandu's name since his passing. However, a predicament has arisen," Shakuni revealed.

"A predicament?" Dhritarashtra queried, perplexed.

"Brother-in-law, have you forgotten about the scheduled meeting between you, Dwarkadeesh Shri Krishna, and Angaraj Karna, along with his brother, Shon? It pertains to a crucial trade deal for Hastinapur. I suspect my nephews will accompany Angaraj Karna, considering their deep friendship. Sister Gandhari will be with daughter Dushala, as she is pregnant. You, Mahamahim Bhishma, and Mahamantri Vidur will be engrossed in the meeting," Shakuni revealed.

"I understand now, Shakuni. You propose that Pandavas, Rajmata Kunti, Yuvrani Devika, and their son Yaudheya should go to Varnavat. It does resolve our problems. Bhima would be unable to attend princess Rekha's svayamvara, and I would have time to spend with my family," Dhritarashtra concluded, appreciating the brilliance of Shakuni's plan.

"What a brilliant plan, Shakuni. I shall discuss it with my family and inform you of our decision. You may leave now," Dhritarashtra dismissed Shakuni with an evil smile, his triumph palpable. Shakuni exited the chamber, leaving behind a cloud of malevolence.

In the evening, Dhritarashtra shared the proposed arrangement with his family. During the meeting, Bhima boldly declared his intent to attend Varnavat, driven by his filial duty.

Agreeing with Bhima's decision, Kunti, the Pandavas, and Devika nodded in agreement. Kunti, astute as ever, sensed Shakuni's wicked machinations lurking behind this plan. Bhishma and Vidur, though uncomfortable, recognized the lack of alternatives.

Karna, too, harbored suspicions when he observed the expressions on Bhishma's face upon hearing the news of the Pandavas' journey. Anticipating such a turn of events, he had already shared vital information with Bhishma, instructing him to relay it to Vidur, who in turn would inform the Pandavas. Karna skillfully concealed his own counter-plan, aware that Shakuni's dark magic shielded his scheme from prying eyes.

With each passing day, Karna gathered more information about the tunnel's construction, while simultaneously arranging for the presence of seven notorious criminals. This elaborate ruse aimed to create an illusion of the Pandavas' demise. Using his magical abilities, Karna fashioned a dummy resembling Yaudheya.

Finally, the day of departure arrived. Gandhari performed the aarti for her sister's family, and the Pandavas sought blessings from all. Vidur seized the opportune moment and conveyed the cryptic words entrusted to him by Bhishma, directed at the Pandavas:

"An intangible weapon, not forged from steel or earthly elements, possesses the power to slay enemies. The one who comprehends this secret remains invincible.

"Fire cannot extinguish the soul, but it can reduce the material body to ashes. Those who protect the soul truly live.

"Just as a forest fire fails to harm a rat that finds refuge in a hole or a porcupine that burrows into the earth, a wise person navigates through life by observing the stars."

These enigmatic utterances, delivered in a foreign tongue, bewildered Yudhishthira at first. However, he cast a glance at Karna, who silently nodded in acknowledgment. Yudhishthira approached Bhishma, standing alongside Karna, and Karna whispered discreetly, conveying precautions only audible to Yudhishthira.

Even Vidur, caught off guard by the hidden meaning, deduced the plan through subtle signals. He chose to remain silent, becoming a participant in this intricate political game orchestrated by Karna and Shakuni.

With the farewells complete, the family embarked on their journey towards Varnavrat. The four younger Pandavas observed the worry lines etched upon their elder brother's face.

Varnavrat lay three days away, prompting a nighttime halt near the jungles of Hastinapur. Finding themselves alone, Yudhishthira shared the warnings conveyed by Vidur and Karna.

"I struggle to decipher the meaning behind these cryptic messages. Why can't they speak plainly?" Bhima questioned his brothers.

"There is definitely a plot unfolding," Sahadeva speculated.

"Shakuni must be behind it. Duryodhana and his brothers wouldn't dare such actions without Angaraj Karna's influence," Arjun surmised.

"You are right, brothers. It is Shakuni, and we must remain vigilant for Karna's sake," Yudhishthira affirmed.

"Now, my dear children, let us rest. We have a long journey ahead," Kunti gently suggested. Agreeing, they retired to their tents, seeking solace in much-needed sleep.