Episode 1 – The First Arrow

"The first arrow isn’t about aim. It’s about intent. And sometimes, holding it back is braver than letting it fly."

Arjuna at Kurukshetra!!!

The battlefield was ready.

Weapons gleamed. Horses neighed. Destiny waited.

And in the eye of this storm stood Arjuna — mighty warrior, skilled archer, born leader.

But what did he do?

He paused.

He dropped his bow.

He questioned the very purpose of war, of duty, of right and wrong.

Not because he was weak — but because he was aware.

Aware of the cost of action.

Aware of the emotional storm within.

And Krishna didn’t push him to fight blindly.

He first helped him understand.

Not just what had to be done, but why.

That’s when Arjuna picked up his bow again — not with haste, but with harmony.

Real Story – Yashad’s Decision Before the Big Offer

Let me tell you about someone I deeply respect: Yashad Deshpande.

My friend Yashad, a passionate founder, built a startup not just on code or capital, but on trust.

He assembled a team that breathed the same dream. Together, they created something meaningful.

Then came the big offer.

A successful company wanted to hire him — for his vision, leadership, potential.

The only condition?

Leave your team behind.

They wanted the star. Not the constellation.

He could’ve taken the leap.

But like Arjuna, he paused.

He asked, “Is this success, if it demands I abandon those who walked with me through the storms?”

And so he stood firm:

"I will only move if my team moves with me."

Negotiations stretched. Decisions were tested.

But finally — integrity won.

The company onboarded not just a leader, but his entire team.

That was his first arrow — not shot in ambition, but held in alignment.

Reflection – For All of Us

We all have a “first arrow” moment:

That job offer that doesn’t feel aligned with your values.

That client that pays well but demands your peace.

That tempting shortcut that sacrifices your long-term respect.

That leadership choice between your success and your team’s dignity.

Here’s what history reminds us:

Pause is not weakness. Arjuna paused before war. You can pause before signing.

People matter. Dharma is not just duty to the company — it’s duty to people who stood by you.

Feelings are valid. Emotions aren’t barriers to logic. They are messengers of your truth.

Speak your truth. Like Yashad, your non-negotiables might challenge the system — but they can change it too.

What You Can Take Away

1. It's okay to hesitate before a big decision — just make sure the silence teaches you something.

2. Always remember who stood by you during your building years — don’t forget them during your winning years.

3. True leaders don’t just lead forward — they take people along.

4. Your values will be tested most when success knocks. That’s where your character answers.

Have you ever faced a moment where you had to choose between “what’s easy” and “what’s right”? Between personal growth and collective good?

Let’s talk about those moments where not acting immediately was the wisest act of all.