Dronacharya's Guru Dakshina?

The next morning, everything went like the original Mahabharat. 

Influenced by his fatherly love for his son Duryodhan, just when Dhritarashtr was going to announce him as the next crown prince of Hastinapur, he was interrupted by Guru Dronacharya on the grounds that the Kuru princes have still not given him his Guru Dakshina (teacher's fee) and technically they have not yet completely graduated. So it's impossible for them to take on any other responsibilities like Crown Prince's position. 

"I think Guru Dronacharya is absolutely right and this is also written in the ancient texts. "

Vidhur stood up to support Guru Dronacharya, which was also echoed by Bheesm. 

"If both of you think so then it must be right. Alright Guru Dronacharya, you can demand your Guru Dakshina and Hastinapur will try it's best to fulfill your request. "

Dhritarashtr who was in a dilemma of whether he should choose Yudhishthir, his late brother Pandu's son and the rightful candidate since Arjun had defeated Duryodhan in yesterday's tournament, as the next crown prince or his own son Duryodhan, immediately agreed after he found a suitable reason to delay the decision. 

Vidhur and Bheesm exchanged relieved glances and waited for Dronacharya's request. 

"No King Dhritarashtr, my request can only be fulfilled by my own disciples and no one else. I want the king of Panchal Drupad's head in my feet."

"What? "

"What? This is impossible Guru Dronacharya. Don't forget that Panchal had two Akshauhini Sena under it's command. No, please change your request Guru Dronacharya, you can ask for anything but this. "

Dhritarashtr stood up from his throne in shock and flatly denied the request. The other people also had the same thought in their hearts. 

"Forgive me King Dhritarashtr but that's the only thing I desire. Many years ago, my own childhood friend Drupad insulted me and my capability in his court. And that very day I had taken an oath that I will train powerful disciples with my capability and one day, those disciples will defeat Drupad and make him bow in front of me. So this is the only thing I desire. And if the Kuru princes lack the courage to fulfill this oath, I will seek new disciples from another kingdom and achieve my revenge. "

Dronacharya declared angrily leaving everyone in the court in a dilemma. 

Dronacharya's words hung heavily in the court, emphasizing the gravity of his personal vendetta against Drupada. The courtiers and kings present knew that contemplating a battle against two Akshauhini Sena was indeed a foolhardy endeavor.

Meanwhile, Aryan, who had been silently observing the unfolding drama, recalled the origins of the conflict between Dronacharya and Drupada. It was a tale of broken promises, ego, and revenge. 

In childhood, Dronacharya and Drupada were both disciples in the same Gurukul. Over a period of time, both of them became good friends. Drupada was the only heir to his royal family, and that way, a future king.

Dronacharya, on the other hand, was the son of a saint named Bharadwaja, a poor Brahmin by birth. He was therefore worried about his future even though he was skilled in all fronts – academic, warfare, sports, and others. He was an exceptional warrior of that era even though he was a Brahmin, not a Kshatriya who were known to be good at war skills.

Drupada, however, even though he was a royal prince was not so skilled; so, he used to seek Dronacharya's help in all his tasks during their entire tenure in the Gurukul.

One day, it struck to Drupada's mind that he must express his gratitude to Dronacharya for all his timely help in the tasks he was given at the Gurukul. So, he called on Dronacharya and pledged before him that he would love to help him unconditionally in the time of his need. He also asked Dronacharya to feel free to seek any kind of help whenever there is a need.

Many days passed, and when the time came for both of them to leave the Gurukul after completion of their formal studies, Drupada promised Dronacharya to offer him half of the kingdom, which he would rule over, to alleviate his poverty.

But at that time Dronacharya was too self-respecting an individual to accept such an offer. He expressed sincere thanks to Drupada for that gesture. He also expressed that he would not hesitate to seek Drupada's help when there is an absolute need. Thus, they departed on a happy note. 

Many years later, Drupada finally became the King of Panchala. But his growing power and the ensuing prestige boosted his ego, thus converting him to a different person than the one who was Dronacharya's friend at the Gurukul.

On the other hand, the lady luck did not smile at Dronacharya for quite long. He was still languishing in poverty. By that time, he had married Krupi, the twin sister of Kripacharya, and had become the proud father of Ashwatthama. However, he had to struggle hard to make both ends meet.

On one occasion, when Ashwatthama was being ridiculed by a bunch of his friends, Dronacharya overheard their conversation. The basis of the ridicule was that Dronacharya was not able to afford milk for Ashwatthama and therefore Ashwatthama was tricked by his friends to drink a beverage made with rice powder believing it to be milk.

That incident saddened the poor father in Dronacharya and he was not at peace with himself. Over a deep thought, he was reminded of his last meeting with Drupada and his promise. Thus, he decided to meet Drupada and ask him for a few cows to nurture them.

As Dronacharya reached King Drupada's palace, the gatekeepers were stunned to see him. They did not allow him in, because of his poor attire and dejected look. He was ridiculed more when he called King Drupada as his childhood friend.

Despite all that, Dronacharya was hell-bent on meeting the King. That compelled the gatekeepers to pass on his message to the King.

And although King Drupada allowed him entry into his court but he did not identify him as his childhood friend.

Instead he mocked Dronacharya by saying, "How can a rich King and a poor Brahmin be friends?"

He didn't stop there and after insulting Dronacharya, he ordered the court to giving him a few cows as amnesty and send him back.

Pissed off with such unexpected, irrational behaviour of a childhood friend, who once promised to offer him half of his kingdom, Dronacharya returned empty-handed. He cursed his fate and took a promise to take revenge on Drupada at a suitable time later.

The vengeful Drona, leaving aside his interest in the Brahminic studies, made up his mind to teach war skills to the Kshatriyas. His brother-in-law Krupacharya referred his name to Bheesm who chose Dronacharya as the perfect candidate to train the Kuru princes. 

And that's why, Dronacharya now wanted to finally get his revenge on Drupad.