Shakuni, having indulged in a sumptuous dinner, swiftly retired to his chambers. Immediately, he issued strict orders to his soldiers, forbidding any entry by members of the royal family. He securely locked himself inside, commencing an incantation of dark spells that propelled him directly towards the resplendent Hastinapur palace.

With unwavering determination, he traversed the corridors to his adversary's quarters. "I know you have concealed that secretive artifact within your chambers," Shakuni mused, embarking on an ardent search for the artifact in Karna's room.

After three hours of relentless toil, he finally unearthed it, wasting no time in obliterating the device. As a consequence, the mystical barriers protecting Hastinapur were shattered, which Karna sensed upon reaching the culmination of his penance.

Shakuni, his laughter evincing a touch of madness, hastened towards his clandestine sanctuary. Without delay, he initiated an elaborate sacrificial ritual, intending to subjugate the minds of Bhishma's grandchildren. He concluded his machinations and awaited Pandavas inevitable misstep. He yearned for them to inflict the most profound humiliation upon Duryodhana, eagerly anticipating the opportune moment to materialize.

From the morning, a sense of unease had settled upon Duryodhana, Dushasan, Ashwathama, Bheem, Arjun, Nakul, and Sahadeva. A severe headache plagued their minds, yet they chose to conceal their suffering from others.

Madirakshi readied herself, urging her children to prepare as well, as she planned her departure for Ayodhya. She informed everyone that her journey would lead her to Anga, but in reality, she set forth towards Ayodhya, carrying a distinctive sac bag that stood apart from the rest.

Without wasting a single moment, she swiftly embarked on her husband's chariot, accompanied by her children and the enigmatic sac bag. Departing expeditiously, she hastened towards Ayodhya. Shon and Dushala, too, joined Madirakshi in her journey.

In the afternoon, the elders of Hastinapur departed for their respective kingdoms. Bhanumati, Amrita, and Meenakshi accompanied them, leaving Shakuni, Duryodhana, Dushasana, and Ashwathama behind, destined to remain in Indraprastha for the subsequent fortnight.

Shakuni reveled in his satisfaction, fully aware that within a week, his nephew and his friend's minds would be swayed, turning them once again into pawns within his grand scheme.

And so, a week swiftly passed, as predicted. All three friends now harbored a deep-seated envy toward the Pandavas and their grand Rajsuya yagya.

Krishna and Balarama, too, resided in Indraprastha—an unwelcome presence to Shakuni, for he deemed them formidable obstacles to his master plan. Thus, he eagerly awaited their departure to their own kingdom.

Ashwathama paced restlessly within his chamber, engrossed in deep contemplation. Soon, Shakuni arrived and inquired, "Why are you alone today?"

"Come, Uncle," Ashwathama beckoned.

"You have not answered my question," Shakuni persisted.

"I do not belong in family gatherings. I am an outsider," Ashwathama replied.

"Even though I am an outsider, neither you nor I are Kurus," Shakuni retorted, his tone dripping with saccharine sweetness, a reflection of his inner elation.

"I am mourning the death of the valiant Shishupal. Is it not astonishing that not a single warrior voiced their protest?" Ashwathama remarked, his tone grave.

"You were there too. We all maintained silence. Even you remained silent. There was but one reason for that—none of us possesses a solution to counter Krishna. Ashwathama, you are a great warrior, yet even great warriors must contemplate. So, Ashwathama, think. Ponder upon a means to neutralize Krishna," Shakuni advised, casually toying with his dice. Soon, Duryodhana entered Ashwathama's chamber, joining the conversation.

"Duryodhan, my nephew," Shakuni addressed him.

"Mamashree, I am consumed by a burning fury due to the Pandavas' Rajsuya yagya," Duryodhana seethed with anger.

"Exercise patience, Duryodhan," Shakuni counseled, though inwardly jubilant, for the destruction of the Kuru dynasty was now within his grasp.

"I know not the meaning of patience," Duryodhana retorted.

"They harbor ambitions beyond Indraprastha. Their gaze is fixed upon Hastinapur," Duryodhana exclaimed.

"I am not their friend, yet I find it hard to believe they covet Hastinapur," Ashwathama interjected.

"Then why did they exclaim, 'Hail Hastinapur?' They yearned for their father's blessings to ensure Hastinapur's place within their hearts," Duryodhana elucidated to his comrades.

"They will forever hold Hastinapur in high regard. It has naught to do with Yudhishthir's desires. The Pandavas do not concern me. However, you, Duryodhan, I worry about. You never know what to say and when to say it. Allow them to revel in their happiness for a few days. Do not be deceived by still waters, for beneath their tranquil surface lies great turmoil. Waves clash and collide. Believe me, Duryodhan, I have orchestrated all of this. You need merely observe in silence," Shakuni revealed, his voice oozing with confidence.

Some time later, Dushasan entered the chamber, demanding, "Give me one good reason, Uncle, why do we linger here, inviting insults?"

"Uncle may choose to stay if he desires. You may remain if you wish, but I shall depart," Ashwathama declared.

"I, too, feel restless," Dushasana added.

"All of you may leave, but I shall remain for a few more days," Shakuni declared.

"But why? Do you wish to be subjected to insults?" Ashwathama inquired.

"No, I do not await insults. I await Krishna's departure," Shakuni disclosed.

"What concern do we have with Krishna?" Ashwathama pressed.

"We have much to do with him. He alone comprehends how to counter my machinations," Shakuni stated, playfully rolling his magical dice.

The following day witnessed the departure of most guests. Shri Krishna and Mahabali Balarama hastily departed for Dwarka upon receiving news of Maharaj Shalva's attack.

***

"Now that Krishna has departed, along with Pitamaha and Father, what shall we do?" Duryodhana pondered aloud.

"I shall not divulge that just yet. My final game is about to commence. You must remain silent and observe. Now, Emperor Yudhishthir and I shall engage in a game of dice. Emperor Yudhishthir!" Shakuni exclaimed.

"Dice, Uncle? Have you remained here solely to indulge in a game of dice?" Duryodhana questioned, his confusion evident.

"Do not disrespect my dice. I have venerated them throughout my life. They are no ordinary dice; they are my soldiers. They have never known defeat. Never!" Shakuni declared with utmost seriousness.

***

"With a smile, Yudhishthira proclaimed, "It shall be four," as he rolled the dice.

"Uncle, four!" Duryodhana shouted triumphantly as four dots appeared on the dice.

"One! Two! Three! Four!" Arjun exclaimed gleefully, advancing his pawn.

"Here is your pawn," Yudhishthira graciously stated, handing Shakuni one of his pawns in return.

"Uncle, your dice seem to defy you. We had believed they would always heed your command," Arjuna remarked.

"Have you never heard of ill fortune, Arjuna?" Shakuni responded, his mind smirking at the fruition of his plan.

"So, luck has abandoned you," Nakula chimed in.

"What shall you wager now, Uncle?" Yudhishthira inquired.

"Why not the kingdom of Gandhar?" Shakuni proposed to Yudhishthira.

"No, kingdoms are won or lost on the battlefield, not at the mercy of dice," Yudhishthira declared.

"Where is it? These one thousand gold coins. Let us play. I shall command the dice," Shakuni suggested.

"Remember, the dice always obey me. Behold, I require a seven to capture your pawn," Shakuni declared, kissing his dice.

"So, seven shall manifest," Shakuni announced as he rolled the dice.

"It is not seven, Uncle," Yudhishthira proclaimed, causing Duryodhana, consumed by anger, to storm off towards his chambers.

"A warrior must learn how to accept defeat. It appears that Sage Drona neglected to instruct Duryodhan in the art of either winning or losing," Shakuni commented, observing his nephew's departure.

"But I shall say this, Yudhishthira: Defeating Shakuni at dice signifies that you are now the Emperor of Dice, having completed the Rajasuya ritual of Dice. You are truly exceptional, Yudhishthira!" Shakuni exclaimed, his excitement palpable as he erupted into boisterous laughter.

***

"Welcome, Uncle. Please, take a seat. Please be seated, Uncle. You have played Dice with Emperor Yudhishthira. I witnessed how your unbeatable dice emerged victorious, Uncle. I beg your forgiveness for my earlier insolence towards your dice. You have worshipped them throughout your life," Duryodhana greeted his uncle with an air of sweetness.

"They are your soldiers. Military strategy dictates that sometimes one must lose to ultimately triumph. This defeat shall pave the path to victory. This morning, I did not state that I intended to participate. Instead, I indicated that my final game was about to commence, advising you to remain silent and observe. Yet, you could not maintain silence. You interrupted me and disrupted my thoughts. Allow me to ponder now. Proceed and explore the palace conjured by the Mayasuraend, the Demon. It is a wondrous abode. Go," Shakuni instructed his nephew.

"I know, Yudhishthira, you have learned the art of dyuth from Sage Vrihadashwa. I deliberately lost the game so that you may possess the confidence to defeat me and my magical dice. Yudhishthira, you and all your brothers are fools. I shall succeed in my plan. I shall obliterate Bhishma and the Kuru kingdom," Shakuni schemed, as he observed Duryodhana's departure towards the Maya Mahal.

***

"The barren Khandavprastha has transformed into Indraprastha, while this Palace of Illusions materialized through the craft of the demon Maya. It is truly a marvel, a captivating spectacle. Victory to the Crown Prince, victory to the Crown Prince," one of the soldiers proclaimed, bowing his head.

"This fire!" Duryodhana exclaimed.

"This is no ordinary fire, Prince," the soldier clarified, guiding Duryodhana forward.

"Watch your step. Water lies ahead," a maid warned.

"Water? Where? Even the maids jest with me," Duryodhana retorted, only to find himself submerged in water moments later. It was then that he heard a remark that ignited his rage.

"A blind man's son remains blind," the four Pandavas collectively jeered, reveling in their taunting laughter directed at Duryodhana.

"No!" Duryodhana bellowed, consumed by anger and frustration.