As the winds of war begin to howl louder, Yudhishthiramakes a final, desperate appeal to avoid the impending destruction. He turns to Shri Krishna and pleads with him to go to Hastinapura as a messenger of peace. Even Bhima and Nakula, despite their anger, voice their willingness to avert awar that threatens to annihilate their own clan.

But Draupadi, with eyes blazing with memory and pain, reminds Krishna—and all those present—of the humiliationshe endured in the Kuru court, the injustice of the dice game, and the silence of the elders. Her voice cuts through the air as she insists that the Kauravas must face the consequences of their deeds. The war, she says, is not a choice but a righteous necessity.

Krishna proceeds to Hastinapura, where he meets King Dhritarashtra and appeals to his wisdom and conscience. The blind king listens and even acknowledges Krishna’s words, butsorrowfully admits his helplessness in controlling his obstinate son, Duryodhana.Gandhari too pleads with her son, warning him of the ruin his pride will bring to their family.

But Duryodhana, blinded by arrogance, hears Krishna's firm statement—that one who endangers the existence of an entire lineage must be restrained, even imprisoned—and reacts with fury. He attempts to arrest Krishna.

In that tense moment, Krishna reveals his Vishwaroopa, a divine cosmic form that leaves the court trembling in awe and fear. The illusion of power shatters. The last hope for peacedissolves.

Before leaving Hastinapura, Krishna meets Kunti in private. In a moment of profound urgency and compassion, he urges her to speak to Karna—to reveal the truth of his birth and awaken thebond of brotherhood that could still change the course of fate.

With the successful completion of their 12-year exile and one year of Ajñātavāsa without being discovered, the Pandavas re-emerge, proving Duryodhana wrong. In a moment of joy and alliance, Abhimanyu is married to Princess Uttara of Matsya.

The Pandavas then send a message to Duryodhana, asking for the return of their kingdom. But Duryodhana, arrogant and unyielding, refuses. Both sides begin seeking support from kings across Bhāratavarṣa. Allies gather, camps are formed, and the shadow of war looms large.

To prevent the devastation, Dhritarashtra sends Sanjaya to persuade Yudhishthira to avoid conflict and return to the forest. But Yudhishthira, ever just, offers a peaceful compromise—asking not for the entire kingdom, but merely five villages. Even this, Duryodhana coldly rejects.

Meanwhile, both Arjuna and Duryodhana approach Krishna for support. Krishna offers a choice—his vast Narayani army to one, and himself, unarmed, to the other. Arjuna chooses Krishna. Duryodhana, pleased, secures the powerful Narayani army.

To strengthen his side further, Duryodhana cunningly tricks Shalya—uncle of Nakula and Sahadeva—into joining his forces. Thus, with alliances formed and hopes for peace shattered, the great war of Kurukshetra inches closer.

The shocking death of Kichaka raises alarm in Hastinapura. Duryodhana suspects that only someone as mighty as Bhima could have slain the powerful commander. He discusses his doubts with Karna, Dushasana, and Shakuni. Sensing an opportunity, it is Shakuni who devises a cunning plan—to attack the cattle of the Matsya kingdom from two directions. This would not only provoke the kingdom but also force the hidden Pandavas to reveal themselves.

As the Kauravas launch their attack, panic spreads in Matsya. In a bold display of youthful pride, Prince Uttara boasts that he will singlehandedly defeat mighty warriors like Bhishma, Drona, and Karna. But the moment he reaches the battlefield and sees the real might of the Kaurava army, his courage falters—and he turns to flee. What follows is a turning point that will reveal much more than Uttara expects.