Mahabharat - The Changed Fate

Chapter 36: Subhadra's Jealousy

The sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden hue over the bustling streets of Hastinapur. Inside the palace, a different kind of tension brewed. Subhadra, the younger sister of Krishna, watched from the shadows as Karna and Avika spent their days together. Each laugh they shared, every glance exchanged, only deepened the knot of jealousy tightening in her chest.

Subhadra had always been enamored with Karna's strength and valor. His reputation as the greatest archer and warrior drew her in, but it was his nobility that truly captivated her. She had hoped that the competition would spark something between them, but instead, it seemed to have forged an unbreakable bond between him and Avika. As she observed their closeness, Subhadra felt an overwhelming urge to intervene.

"What does she have that I don't?" Subhadra muttered to herself, pacing in her chamber. Her brow furrowed as she recalled every moment she had witnessed between Karna and Avika—every shared joke, every meaningful look. "Why does he choose her?"

Her heart raced with frustration. Subhadra had always prided herself on her beauty and grace, but it seemed that those qualities paled in comparison to the connection Avika and Karna shared. She needed to act, to regain control over her feelings before they spiraled into something darker.

The Seeds of Manipulation

Determined to create a rift, Subhadra began formulating a plan. She understood that to isolate Avika, she needed allies—people who could sow doubt in Karna and Avika's relationship. Her mind turned to those closest to Arjuna. If she could twist their perceptions of Karna, perhaps she could diminish his standing in the eyes of the Pandavas.

Subhadra approached her cousin, Bhima, who was sitting in the garden with his brothers. He was enjoying a moment of peace, but she needed to disrupt that tranquility. With a charming smile that masked her ulterior motives, she sauntered over.

"Bhima," she called, her voice light. "May I have a word?"

"Of course, Subhadra. What's on your mind?" Bhima replied, looking up at her with curiosity.

Subhadra lowered her voice, drawing closer as if sharing a great secret. "I've been thinking about Karna lately. He's impressive, isn't he? But we must remember his past."

Bhima raised an eyebrow, sensing the shift in her tone. "What do you mean?"

"I just wonder how loyal he really is. He's always been aligned with Duryodhana and the Kauravas. Can we trust him?" She watched closely as Bhima's expression shifted from curiosity to concern.

"Why do you bring this up?" Bhima asked, his protective nature surfacing. "Karna has proven himself time and again."

"Yes, but Avika is involved with him now. We all know how dangerous Duryodhana can be. What if he manipulates Karna into turning against us?" Subhadra's words dripped with calculated venom.

Bhima frowned, conflicted. "I don't like the idea of distrust among us. Karna has fought valiantly for us."

Subhadra seized the moment, pressing further. "But we must be cautious. You wouldn't want anything to happen to Avika, would you? She deserves to be safe. Just think about it."

As Bhima mulled over her words, Subhadra felt a surge of triumph. She had planted the seeds of doubt, and now it was up to the winds of gossip to carry them forward.

The Whispering Winds

Subhadra's next target was Arjuna, the most powerful of the Pandavas and someone whose opinion could sway the others. She found him training in the practice arena, his focus unwavering as he shot arrow after arrow into the targets before him.