Krishnaanuja: The Goddess Of Illusion (Editting)

A Night to Remember

The moonlight bathed the palace of Hastinapura in a silvery glow, illuminating the intricate carvings and marble floors. Most of the royal family had retired for the night, and a serene silence enveloped the grand halls. Yet, two hearts were far from restful—Subhadra’s and Arjuna’s.

In her chamber, Subhadra paced back and forth, her mind tangled in a web of emotions. She placed her hand on her chest, feeling her heart race every time her thoughts wandered to Arjuna.

“What is happening to me? Why does his face linger in my thoughts? I call the other Pandavas my brothers without hesitation, but when it comes to Rajkumar Arjuna, I can’t bring myself to think of him that way. Why do I feel this way?” she murmured to herself. She tried to distract herself by looking at the stars outside her window, but her thoughts remained fixated on him.

Meanwhile, Arjuna was wandering through the palace halls, unable to rest. Subhadra’s radiant face and charming smile were etched in his mind. “Why do I feel so restless? Why does the mere thought of her light up my soul? She’s unlike anyone I’ve ever met, and her beauty, grace, and spirit captivate me completely,” he thought.

He wandered to the balcony garden, where the scent of jasmine and roses lingered in the cool night air. There, amidst the blooming flowers, he saw her—Subhadra. She was sitting on a bench, surrounded by blossoms, her silhouette glowing softly in the moonlight. Her black pearl-like eyes gazed thoughtfully at the sky, her long hair cascading like silk over her shoulders. Her cheeks, kissed by the moonlight, were rosy and inviting, and her lips, pink and luscious, made his heart skip a beat.

Arjuna paused, stunned by her ethereal beauty. “How heavenly she looks. Surely, even the Apsaras of Swarga must envy her. Her beauty is unparalleled, and her soul is pure. I… I think I’ve fallen for her, truly and deeply,” he thought, his heart swelling with admiration.

---

Gathering his courage, Arjuna walked toward her. “Rajkumari,” he called softly.

Subhadra turned, startled at first, but upon seeing him, she smiled. “Yes, Rajkumar?” she replied, her voice as gentle as the breeze.

Arjuna hesitated for a moment, his heart pounding. “Rajkumari…” he began, but she interrupted him with a playful smile.

“No, Rajkumar. There’s no need for such formality. You may call me by my name, Subhadra,” she said, her tone light and friendly.

Arjuna smiled back, grateful for her warmth. “Very well, Subhadra. But tell me, why are you awake at this hour? Have you not retired for the night?”

Subhadra sighed and looked around at the garden. “No, Rajkumar. I enjoy sitting here. These flowers… they seem alive under the moonlight, don’t they? They’re so peaceful and beautiful,” she said, her voice filled with wonder.

Arjuna nodded, though his eyes were fixed on her rather than the flowers. “Yes, they are beautiful. But none can compare to your beauty, Subhadra,” he said softly, his words filled with sincerity.

Subhadra’s cheeks flushed crimson, and she turned away, trying to hide her embarrassment. Arjuna couldn’t help but smile at her reaction, his heart brimming with affection.

“So, Subhadra, did you know that you’ve become the center of attention across Aryavarta? Every prince dreams of winning your hand in marriage,” Arjuna said, his tone playful but laced with curiosity.

Subhadra giggled, her eyes twinkling mischievously. “Oh? And are you jealous, Rajkumar?” she teased.

Arjuna chuckled nervously, caught off guard by her playful question. “Jealous? No… but do you like me?” he asked, his voice faltering slightly.

Subhadra’s smile softened as she looked at him. “Yes, Rajkumar… I like you very much. Do you like me?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Arjuna felt his heart leap in his chest. “Yes, Subhadra. I like you… very much,” he replied, though he silently chastised himself for not confessing his true feelings. “I should have said I love her,” he thought.

Before their conversation could deepen, a third voice interrupted them. “And I like you both,” came the cheeky remark. It was Nakul, grinning mischievously as he stepped into view.

Subhadra gasped, her face turning even redder. She quickly rose from her seat and hurried toward her chamber, too flustered to stay. Arjuna watched her go, his heart longing for her even more.

---

“So, you two were sitting here alone, hmm?” Nakul teased, his grin widening.

Arjuna sighed, trying to keep his composure. “What’s your problem, Nakul? I was merely talking to my sister,” he said, though his voice lacked conviction.

Nakul raised an eyebrow. “Sister? Really? Because from where I was standing, it didn’t seem like you see her as a sister, Bhratashree,” he said, his tone dripping with mischief.

Arjuna’s patience snapped. “Today, I will kill you, Nakul!” he exclaimed, grabbing a nearby cushion and chasing after his younger brother.

Nakul laughed and ran, dodging Arjuna’s attempts to catch him. Their playful chase led them through the palace halls, their laughter echoing in the quiet night.

---

As they neared Subhadra’s chamber, she heard the commotion and decided to intervene. A mischievous glint sparkled in her eyes as she quickly removed her jewelry and positioned herself near the door. As Nakul passed by, she let out a loud scream, startling him.

“Aaaaaaaaahhhh!” she cried dramatically, running toward Nakul with feigned fear.

Nakul froze, looking back in alarm. “What’s happening? Who—” he started, only to see Subhadra laughing as she approached him.

“So it’s you, my little sister! Trying to prank me, are you?” Nakul said, narrowing his eyes but smiling nonetheless.

Subhadra giggled. “Yes, Bhrata Nakul. If you think you’re the number one prankster in Aryavarta, then prove it. Accept my challenge. Deal or no deal?”

Nakul crossed his arms, pretending to consider. “Deal, little sister. Let’s see what you’ve got,” he said, laughing.

“Good. But for now, I’m going to sleep,” Subhadra said with a grin, retreating to her chamber.

---

Arjuna stood nearby, watching Subhadra with admiration. As she turned to enter her room, their eyes met one last time. The air between them seemed to crackle with unspoken words and emotions. Subhadra smiled shyly before disappearing into her chamber, leaving Arjuna to linger in the hallway, his heart full yet restless.

Nakul, noticing the exchange, smirked. “Bhratashree, I see that glance. You’re not fooling anyone, you know,” he said, his voice teasing.

“Enough, Nakul. Go to bed before I lose my temper,” Arjuna replied, though his tone lacked any real threat.

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So this was today's chapter.. hope u all liked it... Happy reading...

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