Dharmyudh : The Rewritten Destiny

82. Krishna - Pondrak

The chamber was still, the tension so thick it felt almost palpable. Balram sat on a wide cushioned chair. His eyes, sharp and restless, darted between the door and the flickering light of the oil lamps. Around him, the rest of the Yadav family sat in a somber silence, their expressions a mix of worry and anticipation. Outside, the sounds of the palace were subdued, as if the entire city held its breath.
Balram's fingers drummed impatiently on the armrest, breaking the silence.

Balram :- How long has it been? They should have returned by now.

He muttered to no one in particular.
Before anyone could respond, a soft commotion from the corridor reached their ears. Footsteps-light and hurried-echoed down the marble hallway. Balram straightened in his chair, his hand instinctively gripping the hilt of his mace. The others turned toward the door, their hearts racing.

"Dau..."

A familiar voice called out. The door swung open, and there they were - Krishna, Karn, and Jhanvi. Jhanvi entered first, her eyes bright with relief despite the weariness that clung to her. Behind her, Krishna's calm smile and Karn's towering presence filled the room with a sense of security. Balram rose from his seat, his usually stern face softening.

Balram :- Jhanvi. Are you alright? Did Pondrak try to harm you?

He said, his voice a mix of concern and relief. Jhanvi shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips. She walked straight to her elder brother, wrapping her arms around him in a warm embrace. Balram returned the hug tightly, holding her close as a father would hold his daughter.

Jhanvi :- I'm fine, Dau. He didn't hurt me. I knew you wouldn't let anything happen to me.

She said softly. Balram's massive hands rested gently on her shoulders as he pulled back to look at her. His eyes scanned her face, searching for any sign of injury. But there was none. Satisfied that she was unharmed, he smiled softly, but his voice was still laced with anger,

Balram :- If he had tried, I would have destroyed his entire kingdom.

Jhanvi smiled faintly, touched by his fierce protectiveness. She had always been the beloved of their family, but she knew it wasn't because they spoiled her. It was because they truly cared for her well-being.

Jhanvi :- I know, Dau. That's why I never lost hope.....

Before she could say more, a small voice cried out,

"Maa!"

Prasen, who had been in Rukmini's lap, jumped down and ran to his mother. Jhanvi knelt down just in time to catch him as he flung himself into her arms. She held him tightly, pressing kisses to his hair as he clung to her.

Prasen :- You're back! I knew you'd come back!

He exclaimed, his voice trembling with joy. Jhanvi's eyes filled with tears as she stroked his curls.

Jhanvi :- I would never leave you, my son. I missed you so much.

Everyone smiled, touched by their reunion. Karn felt a relief wash over him. He was grateful that this time the Gods had answered his prayer. Jhanvi noticed Draupadi smiling at her warmly. She went to give her a hug and the sisters-in-law shared a moment of happiness and relief at Jhanvi's return.

Jhanvi :- Sakhi. It's so good to see you.

She said, her voice thick with emotion. Draupadi returned the hug, her eyes glistening.

Draupadi :- You're safe, Jhanvi. That's all that matters.

She replied in a soft and assuring voice. Dhruvsen came forward to touch Jhanvi's feet,