Yudhiṣṭhira was cautious as he had already been warned by Vidhura about fire hazard. By the smell of fat and oil, Yudhiṣṭhira realised that the house was made of combustible material. After further inspection, he realised that it was made of lacquer. Bhīma suggested that they should shift to the house they were staying earlier. Yudhiṣṭhira however cautioned that if they leave the house, Purocana will suspect that their plot has been revealed. So he suggested that they should stay in the house, but plan to save themselves from the danger.

Since Kunti was from a royal lineage, she decided to face the impending danger like a royalty would. She organised a charity. She fed and donated to people

When the Pāṇḍavas reached the banks of Ganga, they saw a boat that had been sent by Vidhura. They crossed Ganga using the boat but became very tired. Kunti lamented that her children were suffering in the forest. Bhīma was enraged and wanted to kill the Kauravas.

Vidhura sent his men to cover up the tunnel through which Pāṇḍavas had escaped. A Nishāda lady and her five sons had taken shelter in the lacquer house for the night. They were charred to death. The people of Varaṇāvata saw the burnt bodies and assumed that they were Pāṇḍavas.

The Rakshasa Hidimban noticed the smell of humans. He noticed the Pāṇḍavas. He asked his sister Hidimbā to kill the Pāṇḍavas so that they can feast on the Pāṇḍavas together. However when Hidimbā saw the sleeping Pāṇḍavas, she immediately fell in love with Bhīma. She thought that if she marries Bhīma she can live her entire life happily. Therefore she went in the guise of an Apsaras.

Hidimbā kept following the Pāṇḍavas even after Bhīma had killed her brother. Hiḍimbā revealed her love for Bhīma.

Bhīma got angry and told her that it is the nature of Rakshasas to feign friendship and then kill humans; and that he would kill her also.

Hiḍimbā begged that Bhīma should marry her. She promised to come to Pāṇḍavas' help whenever they were in need. She also reminded them that Dharma is maintained by saving one who is in distress and one who follows Dharma even when faced with a lot of difficulty, they are foremost among people.

Yudhiṣṭhira agreed with Hiḍimbā and told her that Bhīma can live with her during the day but he should return to Pāṇḍavas in the night. Kunti also blessed that she would bear a male child with Bhīma.

When Yudhiṣṭhira agreed that Bhīma can marry Hiḍimbā, Bhīma laid down a condition. He said he would stay with Hiḍimbā till a child is born. Soon a large baby was born to them. He had a bald head and therefore the Pāṇḍavas called him Ghaṭotkaca, or pot like head. Hiḍimbā realised that it is the time for departure. She promised that she and her child will appear for Pāṇḍavas whenever they need them. Ghaṭotkaca also promised Bhīma that he would come to Bhīma's help whenever he is needed.

Vyāsa appeared before the Pāṇḍavas in the forest. He led them to Ekachakra Nagari. He organised a shelter for them in the house of a Brāhmin.

Khanaka was Vidhura's friend. He was sent by Vidhura to help Pāṇḍavas. Khanaka informs that he has been sent by Vidhura. He conveys Vidhura's message that Purocana has planned to burn down the lacquer palace after a year once he has gained the Pāṇḍavas' confidence. Pāṇḍavas trust Khanaka who helps them build a tunnel without the knowledge of Purocana.

Yudhiṣṭhira focusses on ensuring the safety of Pāṇḍavas and the strategy to escape without alerting Kauravas. Even though he is aware of the Kauravas' schemes, he does not bear any ill will towards them.

Although Vidhura had delivered a message to Pāṇḍavas that Purocana may act only after a year, they were unsure when Purocana may act. They realized they need to be battle-ready. During the entire day they practiced fighting and warfare. In the night they slept with their weapons and armoury.

Bhīma was the strongest and he physically carried Kunti and the Pāṇḍavas. After a long escape, the Pāṇḍavas got exhausted and went to sleep. However, due to his strength, Bhīma was not tired. He also wanted to make sure they he had to protect his family. Therefore he decided to stay awake.