The Lac House
“When fire becomes a weapon, escape requires both wisdom and strength.”
Story Summary
After Arjuna's triumph in the archery contest, Duryodhana's jealousy reaches a breaking point. He cannot bear to see the Pandavas gain recognition and popularity. He convinces Dhritarashtra to invite the Pandavas to a festival in Varanavata, where a magnificent house awaits them—built entirely of lacquer, beautiful on the outside, a death trap within. Vidura, the wise minister, sees through the plot and warns the Pandavas in coded language. With his guidance, they secretly dig a tunnel beneath the house while pretending to enjoy the luxurious dwelling. When the appointed night arrives, a nishada woman and her five sons sleep in the house as guests. That night, Duryodhana's agents set the lacquer ablaze, and flames consume everything. The kingdom mourns, believing the Pandavas dead. But in the darkness, five brothers and their mother slip through the tunnel, Bhima's strength clearing the way. They emerge on the other side of the river, alive but changed—now in hiding, they must learn to survive as fugitives, while the world thinks them dead.