“Maharaj ki Jai ho! Maharani ki Jai ho!” a maid announced as she entered the royal chamber of Dwarka. “Maharaj, Rajmata Kunti of Hastinapura has sent a letter for you.”
Vasudev looked up from his seat and said, “Thank you, daasi. You may leave now.”
The maid bowed and exited gracefully. Vasudev picked up the sealed letter with curiosity. “My sister has written to me after so long. Let’s see what it says,” he said, breaking the seal and unrolling the parchment.
“What is written in the letter, Aaryaputra?” asked Devaki, sitting nearby with a calm yet inquisitive expression.
“Kunti has invited Krishna, Subhadra, and Balram to visit Hastinapura,” Vasudev said, reading through the letter.
“So, what are you thinking, Aaryaputra?” asked Rohini, her motherly instincts kicking in as she thought of the dangers outside Dwarka.
“I am reluctant to send all three of them. With Kalyavan and Jarasandha still posing a threat to Dwarka, I cannot risk their safety, especially Krishna’s and Balram’s. But Subhadra can go. She adores her cousins, the Pandavas, and she will be happy to meet them. I am certain she will not hesitate to undertake the journey,” Vasudev replied thoughtfully.
Rohini and Devaki nodded in agreement, trusting Vasudev’s judgment.
---
In Subhadra’s Chamber:
“Subhadrey! Subhadrey!” Balram called out excitedly as he entered her room. Subhadra, who was brushing her long, silky hair, turned to face her elder brother.
“What is it, Dau? Why are you so excited?” she asked with a smile.
“Pitashree has decided that you will be going to Hastinapura tomorrow. Rajmata Kunti has sent a letter inviting us, but Pitashree thinks it’s best to send you alone.”
Subhadra’s eyes lit up with curiosity. “I knew the Pandavas were my cousins, but I didn’t know Rajmata Kunti is my Bua! That’s wonderful news. I can’t wait to meet her,” she said, laughing. Balram joined in, and the siblings shared a hearty moment of joy.
---
The Next Morning:
The golden rays of dawn lit up the palace, and Subhadra woke with a heart full of anticipation. Today, she would meet her cousins and her aunt for the first time. Most importantly, she would see her best friend. She prepared meticulously, choosing a beautiful yellow saree that complimented her radiant complexion, adorned herself with minimal jewelry, and tied her hair in an elegant braid. She looked every bit a princess, ready to represent Dwarka with grace and poise.
After bidding farewell to her family, she stepped into the royal chariot, her heart brimming with excitement. The charioteer urged the horses forward, and the chariot sped toward Hastinapura, carrying the hopes and warmth of Dwarka along with its beloved princess.
---
In Hastinapura – Arjuna’s Chamber:
Meanwhile, in Hastinapura, Arjuna paced nervously in his chamber. Ever since he had heard of Subhadra’s impending arrival, his heart had been restless. Though he had met her only a few times before, there was something about her that had captivated him. Her laughter, her innocence, her kindness—they lingered in his mind like a sweet melody.
Lost in his thoughts, Arjuna didn’t notice when his brothers entered the room. Nakul called out to him three times, but Arjuna remained oblivious. Finally, Bheema walked up to him and placed a firm hand on his shoulder, snapping him out of his reverie.
“What’s wrong, Bhrata Arjuna?” asked Sahadeva with a knowing smile. “Whom are you thinking about?”
“No one! Absolutely no one!” Arjuna replied hastily, his cheeks turning red.
“Hmm, we know you too well, Bhrata. You’re thinking about our guests. But which one—our Prince guest or the Princess guest?” teased Nakul, his mischievous grin widening.
“Nakul! You’re in big trouble!” Arjuna exclaimed, grabbing a pillow and chasing after his younger brother. Laughter filled the chamber as the brothers teased and joked with one another.
Suddenly, the sound of conches echoed through the palace, followed by the rhythmic beating of drums. The brothers froze, their attention shifting to the grand entrance of the palace.
“She’s here,” Arjuna whispered to himself, his heart racing. He walked swiftly to the balcony, his eyes scanning the pathway below.
---
The royal chariot arrived at the gates of Hastinapura, its golden exterior gleaming under the midday sun. As the wheels came to a halt, the guards stepped forward to escort the passenger. Subhadra stepped out gracefully, her presence commanding attention. She wore a serene smile, her saree flowing elegantly in the gentle breeze. Her beauty was beyond compare—like the first bloom of a lotus in the morning light.
From the balcony, Arjuna’s breath caught in his throat. Though he couldn’t see her face clearly, he felt her presence like a fragrance carried by the wind. It was as if millions of roses bloomed in his heart at once. He couldn’t tear his eyes away from her.
Subhadra looked around, her gaze filled with wonder and curiosity. Her heart swelled with joy at the thought of meeting her family.
---
Inside the Palace:
As Subhadra entered the palace, she was greeted warmly by Kunti, who enveloped her in a loving embrace.
“Welcome, my dear. It feels like ages since I’ve seen you. You’ve grown into such a beautiful young woman,” Kunti said, her voice full of affection.
“Bua, it’s an honor to be here. I’ve longed to meet you and my cousins,” Subhadra replied, her voice tinged with emotion.
One by one, the Pandavas greeted her. Yudhishthira blessed her, Bheema welcomed her with a bear hug, and Nakul and Sahadeva charmed her with their lighthearted banter. Arjuna, however, remained silent, standing at a distance. His heart raced as he struggled to find the words to speak to her.
Subhadra noticed his hesitance and smiled. “Bhrata Arjuna, it’s been a long time. Won’t you say something to me?” she asked playfully.
Arjuna finally found his voice. “Welcome, Rajkumari Subhadra. Hastinapura is blessed by your presence,” he said, his tone formal but his eyes betraying the depth of his emotions.
Subhadra laughed softly. “You’ve become so serious, Bhrata. I remember you being more playful,” she teased.
The brothers chuckled, but Arjuna’s heart swelled with warmth. In that moment, he realized that Subhadra was not just a guest but someone who brought life and light into their world.
---
The bond will grow soon!!!
Thank u 😊❤️
YOU ARE READING
Krishnaanuja: The Goddess Of Illusion (Editting)
Historical Fiction(On hold) Devi Subhadra, a divine figure in Hindu mythology, is the beloved sister of Lord Krishna and Balarama, and the wife of Arjuna. Revered for her grace and wisdom, she symbolizes purity, devotion, and familial love. Often depicted as serene a...
