When the Pandavas were delayed in returning home, Kunti began to worry. As the sky grew dark, she wondered if Duryodhana's men had discovered them.
Meanwhile, Arjuna's victory at Draupadi's swayamvara left the Pandavas exhilarated. They did not know that Dhrishtadyumna was stalking them to discover who they were.
The Pandavas wished to surprise their mother. Arjuna was the first to enter the house.
"Mother, see what I have won today," he exclaimed.
Kunti was engrossed in her work. Without looking up, she said, "Whatever it is, share it with your brothers."
Her gaze then fell upon the young bride clad in expensive clothes and jewelry.
"Oh no, what have I said!" she cried out.
Yudhishthira narrated the whole story to Kunti. He then told Arjuna, "You won Draupadi at the swayamvara, so you have the sole right to her."
But Arjuna refused. "How can I marry before my elder brothers? That would be contrary to dharma (Sanskrit word for 'religion'). Besides, I cannot disregard what Mother said."