The following morning, Dhristdyuman made his way to the practice arena and was captivated by the sight of his elder sister, Shikandini, engaged in an intense sword practice. Intrigued by her intensity, he approached her and asked if she was consumed by anger.

Shikandini beckoned him to come closer and then responded, "Come, young one!"

Curiosity piqued, Dhristdyuman asked, "Who has incurred my sister's wrath?"

Shikandini replied, her voice filled with memories of a past life, "The valiant warrior bears many names-Devavrata, Bhishma, the son of Ganga."

Dhristdyuman, filled with determination, vowed, "Fear not, my sister, for I shall vanquish him on your behalf!"

But Shikandini corrected him, saying, "Nay, one must avenge their own slights. He is indebted to me. I relive the agony of that insult each passing moment. Not a day has passed since the marriage of the Kashi Princesses when I haven't relived that fateful occasion. Merely closing my eyes conjures the court of Kashi and the demon of insult dancing before me."

Intrigued by his sister's words, Dhristdyuman pleaded, "Didi, today I beseech you to share your tale with me."

"Then listen, my brother, listen," Shikandini acquiesced, her voice filled with a mixture of determination and nostalgia. And so, she commenced recounting her past life, beginning with the swayamvar of Amba, unfolding the intricate tapestry of her story to her younger brother, Dhristdyuman, in vivid detail. She described how Bhishma had claimed her and her sisters at the swayamvar, defying the other kings and asserting his authority. She explained how she had chosen Shalva as her husband and how her dreams were shattered when he rejected her, leaving her heartbroken and filled with a burning desire for revenge.

Amba then confronted Bhishma in the court of Hastinapur, demanding that he accept her as his wife to restore her honor. But Bhishma, bound by his vow of celibacy, explained that he could not marry her. Amba, fueled by her anger and determination, swore an oath to avenge the insult she had suffered and left Hastinapur.

Amba sought refuge in a hermitage and engaged in rigorous penance for many years, enduring extreme austerity and self-discipline. She journeyed to various holy sites and encountered revered sages, immersing herself in purifying rituals and vows. The goddess Ganga herself appeared before Amba, recognizing her penance and the depth of her desire for revenge.

In her wrath, Ganga pronounced a curse on Amba, transforming her into the river Amba. Half of her being became the meandering and treacherous river, while the other half retained its human form, granted by the merits of her asceticism. Undeterred by the curse and driven by her burning hatred for Bhishma, Amba continued her penance.

Lord Shiva, impressed by Amba's unwavering determination, appeared before her and blessed her. He assured her that in her next birth, she would be born as the instrument of Bhishma's downfall. She would be reborn as a formidable warrior, retaining the memories of her previous life and her deep-seated resentment towards Bhishma.

Content with this boon, Amba constructed a funeral pyre on the banks of the Yamuna and cast herself into the flames, vowing to be the harbinger of Bhishma's destruction.

As Shikandini finished recounting her story, her brother Dhristdyuman stood in shock, bowing his head before making his way to his other sister. Unbeknownst to them, every word of their conversation had been overheard by Arjuna.

Arjuna, shaken by the tale he had just heard, his heart aching at the prospect of his beloved Pitamaha's demise, hurriedly sought out his elder brother, who was engaged in conversation with Bhishma. Arjuna approached them, recounting the entire incident in vivid detail.

"I am aware, my child. Devi Shikhandini represents my end," Bhishma acknowledged solemnly.

"But I have a solution to this quandary. Arjuna, gather all the guests in the royal gardens. The time has come for them to hear the wisdom of the Gita," Karna proposed, leaving the company and heading towards the royal gardens.

Within half an hour, the guests had assembled in the royal gardens, their faces etched with confusion, save for Krishna, Balarama, Lord Parashurama, Sage Vashistha, and Rukmini.

Then Karna stepped forward, facing the gathered guests, and requested, "I implore Lord Krishna to enlighten us with the knowledge of the Gita. Lord Shiva has informed me that once you share the wisdom of the Gita, we shall all be liberated from our curses."

Shri Krishna snapped his fingers, and time froze instantaneously. The guests stood in awe and disbelief, enraptured by the moment.

And thus, Shri Krishna began expounding the essence of the Bhagavad Gita, delving into its profound teachings, while the listeners hung onto his every word, their minds illuminated by the divine wisdom that unfolded.