As we know it today, the Mahabharata is merely a fragment of a much greater epic. No one has ever read the original version or uncovered the whole truth of what transpired. We have interpretations—condensed, distilled, and reshaped over time. In this process, many perspectives have been lost, particularly those of characters who have long been labelled villains.

The original Mahabharata is not a tale of absolute good versus evil. It is a deeply layered narrative that explores the grey spaces between virtue and vice, revealing the complexities of human nature. Unlike the simplified versions we often hear, it does not offer clear-cut heroes or villains. Instead, it presents individuals who are flawed, conflicted, and driven by their own truths.

Take Duryodhana, for instance, who is often cast as the antagonist. Yet his true name, Suyodhana, speaks to his strengths and vision of righteousness. The epic also includes perspectives questioning Krishna's actions and offering a more sympathetic view of the Kauravas, challenging us to see beyond conventional labels.

At its core, the Mahabharata is a meditation on morality, free will, and destiny. It does not hand us easy answers; instead, it compels us to question, reflect, and see shades of ourselves in its characters. This is why it remains timeless—it mirrors the struggles, emotions, and dilemmas that define human existence.

From this point forward, my story will take a turn. We will step into the minds of those often dismissed as villains, understanding their ideologies, reasons, and burdens. The conversation I am weaving into this retelling—the meeting before the division of the kingdom—does not exist in the versions we have today. I don't know whether it happened, but I believe it should have.

While I remain faithful to the spirit of the original epic, I will also explore the layers that have been overlooked, the voices that were never heard. This is my creative interpretation, shaped by deep research and contemplation. It is not a rewriting but an excavation—a search for hidden truths between the lines.