34 The invitation
‘Draupadi is sure that she saw Karna in Kampilya — he must have returned from Mahendra.’
‘Yes, she told me. I suppose he must have been on his way to Anga.’ Arjuna turned his eyes to the ground as he said this, anticipating Yudhi’s reaction.
‘Oh!... There are times when I could strangle Bhima!... Like a ravenous fish, to satisfy his hunger he will rise to almost any piece of meat. And if there is a hidden hook he always seems to wriggle off, leaving us — leaving me — caught right upon it!’
‘I don’t think wolf-belly would like to be compared to a fish!’ replied Arjuna, trying to make light of it.
‘You are almost as bad, Arjuna. Did I not tell you all not to ask for any tribute? You were to invite, not subjugate!’
‘But it is customary to pay tribute for the Rajasuya.
