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.