The Mahabharata is the story of the Pandavas and the Kauravas. But woven into its colossal tapestry are hundreds of smaller stories, each providing a unique insight into the main theme. This collection tells of Savitri, the loyal wife who was not afraid to bargain with the Lord of Death for her husband's life, of Shibi, the righteous king, who was prepared to sacrifice his life to save that of a pigeon's, of the innocent Devyani, whose love for Kacha was doomed to a tragic end, of Shachi, whose devotion protected her husband, Indra, from the forces of evil and of Nala and Damayanti, who face all calamities and win back happiness.