The Night Before Departure

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The grand wedding of Krishna and Rukmini was a spectacle of love and devotion. The festivities lit up the entire palace, with every corner filled with laughter and joy. As the rituals were underway, the ever-watchful Nakul and Sahadeva couldn’t help but notice a rather amusing sight—Arjun and Subhadra exchanging stolen glances, completely lost in their own world amidst the crowd.

“Keshav,” Nakul whispered to Krishna, suppressing a smile, “I think today would be the perfect occasion to conduct Subhadra and Bhrata Arjun’s marriage.”

Krishna, who was well aware of the growing bond between his sister and his dear friend, chuckled mischievously. “Ah, Nakul, that is quite an idea! But let’s leave them in their dream world for now.”

As if their words had broken a spell, Arjun and Subhadra suddenly snapped out of their reverie, realizing they had been caught. Subhadra blushed furiously and quickly excused herself, disappearing into a quiet corridor.

In the Lonely Corridor:

Subhadra leaned against a pillar in the deserted hallway, her heart still racing. The cool night breeze brushed against her skin, but despite the cold, she felt a strange warmth within. She realized it wasn’t just the warmth of the air—it was the lingering presence of Arjun in her thoughts.

“Why am I thinking about him so much?” she wondered, her cheeks turning red.

Suddenly, she felt a familiar warmth behind her, as if someone was standing close, shielding her from the cold. She turned swiftly to find Arjun, his gentle smile lighting up the dim corridor.

“Prince, you?” she asked shyly, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Yes, Princess,” Arjun replied playfully. “But don’t worry, I’m standing far enough from you. Or… do you feel too warm now?”

Subhadra tried to mask her embarrassment. “It’s such a cold night, yet… I feel warm,” she admitted, her eyes lowering.

“Hm,” Arjun said, teasingly. “If you want it to be cold again, should I leave?”

“No, Prince,” Subhadra replied hurriedly, her tone softening. “If you’ve come here to say something, then… please say it.”

Arjun smirked. “I just came to tell you that… your heart is cold.”

“What?!” Subhadra exclaimed, her eyes widening.

“Yes!” Arjun teased, laughing lightly. “And to get warm, you’ve stopped me from leaving!”

“That’s not true!” Subhadra said, crossing her arms in mock anger.

“It is true, Princess,” Arjun countered mischievously, enjoying her reactions.

“Fine, if you think I’m cold-hearted, then you may leave!” Subhadra said, turning away with a pout.

Arjun grinned and pretended to leave. “Goodbye, Mrs. Cold-Hearted!” he called out, chuckling as he disappeared down the corridor.

Subhadra stood there for a long time, watching the flickering lights in the distance. She tried to focus on the marriage festivities but couldn’t shake off the cold creeping into her bones. She wrapped her arms around herself for warmth, realizing that staying outside would only make it worse.

Unbeknownst to her, Arjun had been hiding behind a pillar, watching her with an affectionate smile. Unable to see her shiver any longer, he stepped forward and silently draped his angavastra around her shoulders.

Subhadra turned, startled, but when she saw Arjun, her lips curled into a soft smile. “Prince, you covered me with your angavastra… but what about you? Don’t you feel cold?”

Arjun smiled warmly. “I do, Princess, but compared to you, I am much cooler,” he teased. “Besides, if you are in pain, I am in pain. And if you are happy, even my pain brings me joy.”

Subhadra’s heart melted at his words. “Prince, I’m not so selfish. Please, take your angavastra back.” She began to remove it, but Arjun stopped her.

“No, Princess,” he said gently. “You keep it. But… if you permit, may I share it with you?”

Blushing deeply, Subhadra nodded. Together, they wrapped the angavastra around themselves, standing so close that they could feel each other’s warmth.

“See, Princess?” Arjun said with a grin. “Unity is strength.”

Subhadra giggled softly but soon grew silent. Her head began to droop, and before long, she had fallen asleep against Arjun’s chest. Arjun froze, his heart racing as he looked down at her peaceful face. Her delicate features, rosy cheeks, and serene expression made his heart swell with affection.

“It feels like millions of rose petals are resting on my chest,” he thought, unable to tear his gaze away from her.

Moments later, Subhadra stirred and woke up. Realizing she had been sleeping on Arjun, she pulled away abruptly.

“Prince, I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to—” she began, her face crimson with embarrassment.

“There’s no need to apologize, Princess,” Arjun said, his voice gentle. “It’s perfectly fine.”

They shared a brief, meaningful glance before parting ways, each lost in their own thoughts.

In Krishna’s Chamber:

The night wore on, and the Pandavas gathered in Krishna’s chamber to discuss an important matter. Krishna informed them that Guru Dronacharya had asked them to defeat the Panchal King Drupad as part of their gurudakshina.

“Hmm. It’s not a difficult task for all of you,” Krishna said confidently. “You are all excellent warriors and more than capable of defeating King Drupad.”

“Still, Madhusudan, we must not underestimate our enemy,” Yudhisthira said thoughtfully.

Krishna nodded. “True, Bhratashree. But remember, with your strength and unity, victory is assured.”

“If your blessings are with us, Keshav, we cannot be defeated,” Arjun said with a determined smile.

“Then let us prepare to leave tomorrow,” Yudhisthira concluded, and the brothers agreed.

________

At the break of dawn, the Pandavas prepared to leave for Hastinapura. The palace buzzed with activity as Kunti, Dushala, and the brothers packed their belongings. Amidst the preparations, Arjun found himself drawn to Subhadra’s chamber.

“Pranipaat, Princess. May I come in?” Arjun greeted, standing at her doorway.

“Pranipaat, Prince. Yes, you may,” Subhadra replied, her voice tinged with sadness.

“Do you know, Princess, that we’re leaving today?” Arjun asked. Subhadra nodded silently.

“Will you miss us?” Arjun pressed, trying to catch her eye.

“Yes, I will miss all of you very much,” Subhadra admitted softly.

“And… will you miss me?” Arjun asked, stepping closer.

Subhadra hesitated, her cheeks flushing. “No… because you are always inside my hea—” She stopped abruptly, realizing what she had almost said. Lowering her gaze, she blushed furiously.

“Go on, Princess,” Arjun teased, leaning closer. “Don’t blush. Just say it.”

Subhadra, overwhelmed, pushed him gently and ran out of the room, her laughter echoing in the hallway.

Arjun smiled as he watched her retreating figure. “Subhadra, nothing will happen to me in this war,” he thought. “Your love is my strongest armor.”

With that, the Pandavas departed for Hastinapura, leaving behind a bittersweet emptiness in the palace. Though Subhadra felt sad, the thought of her sisters—Devika, Valandhara, Karenumati, and Vijaya—coming to visit for Holi brought a glimmer of joy to her heart.

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