The next morning dawned bright and serene in Hastinapura, but for Arjun, it was anything but calm. His mind was still swirling with memories of the previous night—Subhadra’s embrace and the delicate warmth of her touch. He could still feel her presence lingering, as if the night itself had woven her into his thoughts.
Suddenly, his reverie was interrupted by a dasi, who entered his chamber.
"Rajkumar ki Jai ho. Rajkumari Subhadra wishes to meet you," she said, bowing.
"What?" Arjun’s heart skipped a beat. "She’s coming here? Why did you stop her? Go and call her in!"
Moments later, Subhadra entered his chamber, her presence lighting up the room.
"Pranam, Rajkumar," she greeted, her voice sweet and melodic.
"Pranam, Rajkumari. But why are you here so early?" asked Arjun, trying to sound composed but failing to hide his joy.
"Well, if I’m not welcome, I’ll leave," Subhadra replied teasingly, turning to leave. But before she could take another step, Arjun gently caught her hand.
"No, Subhadra. I didn’t mean it that way," he said softly, looking into her eyes. "I just wanted to ask if everything is alright."
Subhadra smiled. "Everything is fine, Rajkumar. Bua Kunti sent me to fetch you. That’s why I came."
Arjun nodded, and as he prepared to leave, a mischievous idea crossed his mind. Holding up his angavastra, he said, "Subhadra, would you help me wear this?"
"Of course, Rajkumar," she replied.
As Subhadra helped him drape the angavastra, her soft hands brushed against his shoulders and chest. Arjun’s heartbeat quickened. Her touch was gentle, and her proximity intoxicating. Subhadra, oblivious to the effect she had on him, stepped back with a smile.
"Now you’re ready, Rajkumar. Let’s go to Bua’s chamber," she said, leading the way.
---
In Kunti’s Chamber
Kunti sat surrounded by her sons and Dushala, awaiting Subhadra and Arjun’s arrival.
"Matashree, where are Arjun and our ladli Subhadra?" asked Yudhisthira, glancing at the door.
Before Kunti could respond, Nakul chuckled. "Perhaps…" he began, but stopped mid-sentence, his mischievous grin speaking volumes. Sahadeva and Dushala exchanged knowing smiles.
Just then, Arjun and Subhadra entered the chamber.
"Pranam, Matashree," greeted Arjun.
"Pranam, Bua," added Subhadra, her voice soft.
"Kalyan vastu," blessed Kunti, smiling warmly.
"Where were you both?" teased Nakul, raising an eyebrow.
"Bhrata Nakul," Subhadra replied innocently, "I went to bring Bhrata Arjun here."
Her simple explanation only made Nakul and the others chuckle harder. Arjun glared at his brothers, but his annoyance quickly melted when Subhadra smiled at him.
Suddenly, a familiar voice echoed in the room.
"Pranam, Bua," said Krishna as he entered with his characteristic charm.
"Keshav!" the Pandavas exclaimed joyfully.
"Bhratashree!" Subhadra ran to Krishna and hugged him tightly.
"Madhusudan!" Kunti said, her face lighting up.
"Bless me, Bua, Bhrata Yudhisthira, and Majhle Bhrata Bheem," said Krishna, bowing with folded hands.
Kunti and Yudhisthira blessed him.
"Bheem," Krishna teased, "I hope you’ve not eaten all the ladoos meant for me."
"Bhrata Bheem, leave food out of blessings for once!" quipped Sahadeva, making everyone laugh.
Krishna turned to his sister. "Subhadrey, have you been behaving, or have you caused trouble here?"
"She’s an angel, Madhusudan," Kunti replied, caressing Subhadra’s hair. "She has brought so much joy to this house."
"Indeed," Yudhisthira added. "Her gentle words and noble demeanor reflect her upbringing."
"Yes, Madhav," said Nakul. "She’s sweet, like the ladoos Bhrata Bheem loves so much."
Krishna noticed Arjun, who was unusually quiet. "Parth," he called, shaking him from his thoughts. "What do you think of my sister?"
Arjun snapped out of his daydream, blushing slightly. "She’s wonderful, Keshav. We all adore her."
Satisfied, Krishna turned to Kunti. "Bua, I’ve come to take Subhadra back to Dwarka. It’s time she sees her home again."
Kunti looked disheartened. "But she’s only been here for three days. Can’t she stay longer?"
Krishna grinned. "Bua, don’t worry. This time, I’m taking Parth with us too."
Hearing this, Nakul, Sahadeva, and Dushala exchanged mischievous glances, while Arjun looked surprised.
"But Madhav—" Arjun began to protest, only to be interrupted by Kunti, who smiled and gently ordered him to go.
---
In Dwarka
The grand palace gates of Dwarka opened to the sound of conches and drums. Vasudev, Devaki, Rohini, Dau, and Revathi stood waiting eagerly to welcome Krishna, Subhadra, and Arjun.
As the trio descended from the chariot, they took the blessings of their elders. Subhadra’s eyes were drawn to a strikingly beautiful woman standing quietly in the corner. Her golden complexion and serene smile made her stand out.
"Dau," Subhadra whispered to Balarama, "Are you planning to marry again?" she teased, earning a hearty laugh from her elder brother.
"Subhadrey," Balarama replied, "I’ve pledged to follow Ek Patni Dharma. She’s not for me."
"Then who is she?" Subhadra asked curiously.
Before Balarama could answer, Devaki stepped forward. "Putri, she is Princess Rukmini of Chedi. She will soon be your Bhrata Krishna’s wife."
Subhadra’s eyes widened in surprise. "Oho, Keshav," she teased, "So this is why you’ve been smiling so much lately?"
Krishna’s face turned crimson, and he shot an embarrassed look at Arjun, who chuckled.
"Madhav," Arjun said, grinning, "Even you can’t escape love."
"Enough, Parth!" Krishna said with a playful pout. "Let’s move on."
---
In Rukmini’s Chamber
Subhadra found herself bonding instantly with Rukmini.
"Bhabhishree, you’re so beautiful," Subhadra said warmly. "Bhrata Krishna has made the best choice. But tell me, how did you come to Dwarka?"
Rukmini blushed. "Your Bhrata eloped with me," she said, smiling.
"What?!" Subhadra exclaimed. "Bhrata Krishna eloped with you? I can’t believe this!"
Rukmini laughed. "It’s true, Subhadrey. But I asked him to elope with me."
Subhadra’s curiosity grew. "Tell me the whole story, Bhabhishree!"
Rukmini smiled and began narrating the tale of her love for Krishna, her defiance of her family, and how Krishna had swept her away in a chariot, defying all odds.
Subhadra listened intently, her admiration for her brother growing with every word.
____.
So friends, this was today's chapter... How was it?
Hope u all liked it... I will narrate Rukshna ( Rukmini & Krishna's ) story in the next ch... Till then happy reading...
Thank u ❤️
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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...
