Kaisa lage jo chup-chaap donon~

"Subhadra, come here," Krishna called out, interrupting a very busy Subhadra who was just about to go meet Arjun—perhaps to finally confess her feelings. Sensing her intentions, Krishna decided to intervene.

Subhadra, clearly irritated, pouted as she approached him. "What is it, Bhaiya? I was about to do something really important! How could you stop me like that?"

"Listen to me first," Krishna said, his face unusually serious. He handed her a small box. "Hold this."

Curious, Subhadra took the box and opened it. Inside were five beautiful diamonds. Her eyes lit up in surprise. "Oh! These are so pretty! Are they for me?"

Krishna shook his head with a soft sigh. "Don't get your hopes up. They aren't for you... I wouldn’t want you to misunderstand. These are for Arjun... for his first wife."

The moment those words left Krishna's lips, Subhadra felt her heart shatter into a million pieces. She couldn't hold herself anymore.

"So, you knew... you knew how I felt," Subhadra's voice trembled as she looked at Krishna with disbelief. "And still, you didn’t tell me I’d never be his first wife? Why would you—you're my Bhaiya, the one I trust the most... why would you keep this from me?"

Her words cracked as she struggled to hold back tears. Krishna's heart ached as he saw her fighting so hard not to cry. The pain in her eyes was almost too much for him to bear. He gently placed a hand on her shoulder, but he knew this wasn’t something he could fix with just comfort.

"Trust me, Subhadre," Krishna said softly, pulling her into a comforting hug. "After knowing what his first wife has to go through... even you wouldn’t want to be in her place. Even she wouldn’t choose to be his first wife if she had the choice... Please, trust your Bhaiya."

He gently patted her head, trying to ease the storm in her heart. His words were meant to protect her, to help her understand the deeper pain behind the title of being Arjun's first wife, but Subhadra still struggled to accept the reality, her heart heavy with unspoken sorrow.

"Fine," Subhadra muttered, turning away from Krishna, her voice barely above a whisper. As she walked toward where Arjun and his brothers sat, her heart felt heavier with every step.

Arjun, who had been playfully showing off his arrows to his brothers, noticed her approach. His face lit up at first, but as soon as he saw the sadness and hurt in her eyes, his expression shifted to concern. Dropping the arrow in his hand, he stood up quickly and moved toward her.

"Subhadra... what's wrong?" he asked, his voice filled with worry. "What happened?"

She tried to smile but couldn’t hide the sadness. "It’s nothing, Arjun," she whispered, though her eyes betrayed the weight of something deeper.

"Bhaiya told me to give you this," she said, handing him the box. Arjun opened it, revealing the diamonds, and his confusion deepened. "What is this, Subhadra? Who is this for?"

"I don't know... probably for someone special in your life," she replied, her voice unusually distant. The sadness in her tone was evident, and it pained Arjun to see her like this.

She glanced at him briefly and turned to leave, but he quickly reached out and grasped her hand. "Subhadra, you don’t sound well. Are you sick?"

Subhadra paused, her back still turned to him as she felt the warmth of his hand holding hers. She closed her eyes, trying to steady her emotions before answering. "No, Arjun... I’m not sick," she said softly, her voice trembling slightly.

Arjun stepped closer, concern growing in his eyes. "Then what is it? You’re not yourself today. Did something happen? Please tell me."

She hesitated for a moment, swallowing the lump in her throat. "Bhaiya... he told me to give you that box. He said it’s for your first wife."

Arjun frowned, still confused. "My first wife? What does that have to do with—"

Subhadra cut him off, her voice barely holding back the emotion. "It doesn’t matter, Arjun. Maybe I was wrong to think... I was special to you." Her words came out in a rush, her sadness finally spilling out.

He was stunned, realizing now what this was all about. "Subhadra, wait... you are special to me! Don't ever think otherwise."

Tears welled up in her eyes, but she refused to let them fall in front of him. With that last words, leaving everything unclear for Arjun she left.

Yudhishthira, having observed the exchange, walked over to Arjun. "Arjun, are you okay?" It was then that he noticed tears in his brother’s eyes, leaving him in stunned silence.

"I'm not okay, Jyesth," Arjun said, his voice choked with emotion. "Seeing her in tears, knowing I'm the cause of her pain—it hurts me deeply. And I don’t even understand what’s going on. What’s this box? Who is it for? What does it all mean?"

Bhima walked over and placed a reassuring hand on Arjuna’s shoulder. "There’s only one person who has the answers to this," he said, glancing at Jyesth Krishna's room. "Only a brother truly understands his sister’s feelings. Princess Subhadra is indeed sad, but there are always ways to resolve things. Don't rush or complicate matters further. Give your relationship more time, Arjun."

Arjun nodded slowly, his expression troubled. "What relationship, though? There’s nothing between us—especially after what just happened."

Subhadra, with tears streaming down her face, crashed right into Devi Kunti and clung to her tightly. "Bua maa!" she sobbed, her voice shaky.

Devi Kunti gasped, gently holding the distressed girl. "What’s wrong, my dear child?" she asked, her voice full of concern but also as warm and loving as ever. "Who’s made my little Subhadra cry like this? Tell me, and I'll set things right!"

Subhadra wiped her tears, trying to control her emotions. "Nothing... it’s nothing!" she said, her voice trembling. "I just got hurt by my favorite hairpin while getting ready. It’s just so painful; I can’t even think straight. It’s never happened before, and I just want to throw this pin away," she added, lying but using the hairpin as a metaphor for her feelings about Arjun.

Kunti, not fully grasping the gravity of the situation, smiled gently, thinking Subhadra’s distress was due to something trivial. "Oh dear, don’t worry! There are so many beautiful hairpins that would look lovely in your hair, don’t you think?" she said, unknowingly making Subhadra's heart ache even more.

At that moment, Balarama walked in and immediately noticed Subhadra’s distress. His eyes widened in shock as he swiftly pulled her into his arms. With a stern, intense gaze, he asked, "Who hurt you?"

Subhadra, never one to lie to her brothers "It’s just a hairpin that hurt her head," said devi Kunti, Subhadra glanced at Devi Kunti. "Balarama is very protective of his sister, isn’t he? It’s heartening to see how much you both care for her"

Devi Kunti, unaware of the true cause of Subhadra’s pain, nodded approvingly. "It’s wonderful" she said, appreciating the bond between the siblings.

Balarama smiled at that silly story. He couldn't see the actual cause of Subhadra’s pain.

Subhadra, once she was finally alone in her room, collapsed to the ground and began to cry with a depth of sorrow she had never experienced before. The weight of her emotions overwhelmed her, leaving her utterly shattered and heartbroken.

Krishna, who had been asked to meet with Arjun, chose instead to go to his sister. He knew that her distress was more pressing and important at that moment.

"Letting go of what hurts you the most, my dear sister," Krishna said softly, his gaze full of compassion.

Subhadra looked at him, her eyes still brimming with tears. "But, Bhaiya... how can I let go of something that means so much to me?"

Krishna knelt beside her, gently taking her hands. "It is because it means so much to you that it hurts so deeply. But sometimes, holding on too tightly brings more pain. Trust me, Subhadre, there is a peace in letting go when the time is right."

"But Bhaiya," she whispered, "what if I'm not ready?"

Krishna smiled gently. "You will know when you are ready. And when that moment comes, you will find a strength you never knew you had."

Krishna patted her head softly, his touch as gentle as his words. "You should rest for now, Subhadre," he said, his voice soothing. "I'll wake you up when the time is right, okay? I know you trust me, and I promise you—I will never break that trust."

Subhadra nodded slowly, the weight of her emotions easing just a little under his comforting presence. Krishna smiled warmly, standing up. "Close your eyes, little sister. Everything will look clearer when you wake."

As Subhadra closed her eyes, her tears slowly dried, and a small part of her heart started to believe in Krishna's words.

As Krishna walked out of the room, he noticed Yudhishthir standing at a respectful distance, his posture straight and his expression calm. Yudhishthir had clearly stayed back, not wanting to intrude on the conversation, out of his deep respect for both women and Krishna’s personal space.

Krishna approached him with a knowing smile. "Yudhishthir," he said softly, "you’ve always been wise enough to understand when it’s better not to ask."

Yudhishthir nodded, his eyes reflecting concern. "I trust you. But I hope Subhadra is alright."

Krishna placed a reassuring hand on Yudhishthir's shoulder. "She will be. Time and understanding will heal more than you know. And all of this.. it's better for the future.."

Walking up to Arjun, Krishna smiled softly and said, "Parth, I know you are worried and confused right now, but this isn’t the right time to seek answers. When the right time comes, everything will fall into place, and you’ll understand."

Arjun, though still troubled, felt a small wave of comfort wash over him at Krishna’s words. He nodded, trusting in Krishna's wisdom, but the uneasiness remained in his heart. "I just hope I haven’t caused her more pain than I know," Arjun muttered, glancing back toward where Subhadra had gone.

Krishna’s smile didn’t waver. "In love and life, Parth, patience often carries more weight than haste. Give her, and yourself, the time to find clarity."

Arjun’s voice trembled slightly as he asked, “Do we love each other, Madhav?”

Krishna looked at him with a gentle but knowing smile, his eyes reflecting the depth of wisdom he always carried. He paused for a moment, letting the silence speak before he answered.

"Love, Parth, is not always defined by the words we say or the actions we take. Sometimes, love exists in the spaces between— in the glances, the silences, the shared smiles. You and Subhadra share something, but what it is, only time can reveal. Don’t rush to label it."

Krishna’s words were careful, as if guiding Arjun to find the answer within himself.

"I think you should return," Krishna said, his tone firm but filled with concern.

Arjun lifted his head, confusion flickering in his eyes. "But, Madhav—"

"No, Parth," Krishna interrupted gently but decisively. "Listen to me. There is a grave plot unfolding in Hastinapur. Your brothers need you. The Kauravas are moving in ways we cannot ignore. This is bigger than us, bigger than love."

Arjun's brows furrowed as he processed Krishna’s words, the weight of duty beginning to settle over his heart.

Arjun nodded, his expression filled with resolve. "I'll do as you say, Madhav. I trust you."

Krishna smiled softly, placing a reassuring hand on Arjun's shoulder. "I know you do, Parth. And I will always be here to guide you. But remember, this journey will test you in ways you may not yet foresee."

Arjun glanced down briefly, his thoughts still lingering on Subhadra and the unresolved emotions between them. But with Krishna's words, he understood that the call of duty must come first. "I'll be ready."

Devi Kunti smiled warmly at Krishna and gently patted his head. "Krishna, I am so grateful for everything you've done for my sons. We had wonderful days here," she said, before turning to Balarama and affectionately patting his head as well. Balarama returned the smile and stepped aside, revealing Subhadra behind him, who managed a faint, polite smile.

Devi Kunti, noticing her, reached out and caressed Subhadra's head with deep affection. "You've always called me Bua Maa, and to me, you're no less than a daughter," she said softly. Subhadra, maintaining her composed expression, responded, "I hope you'll visit us again soon."

Her gaze involuntarily shifted towards Arjun, who, though staring at her moments before, quickly turned away the instant their eyes met. The tension between them was palpable, and the other brothers, watching this unfold, shared a sense of sadness.

Noticing the somber mood, Sahadeva stepped forward, determined to lighten the atmosphere. "Oh, Rajkumari," he began with a playful tone, "please make sure you save some food for Jyesth Bhima. And perhaps, next time we visit, you could cook for us? Jyesth Bhima couldn't stop praising your culinary skills!"

Subhadra couldn’t help but let out a soft laugh, which brightened the room instantly. Hearing her laughter, everyone seemed to relax, their spirits lifting in unison.

Everyone settled into their chariots, preparing for the journey ahead. Arjun’s gaze, however, remained fixed on Subhadra, as if committing every detail of her to memory. She stood still, her eyes meeting his for just a fleeting moment before she looked away, her emotions barely contained.

As the chariots began to move, the distance between them slowly increasing, a single tear slipped down from Subhadra's right eye—an echo of the one that slid from Arjun’s left. It was as if, in that silent moment, the universe itself acknowledged that they were two halves of the same soul.

Though their paths diverged for now, the weight of their parting was felt in the air, thick with unsaid words and unspoken promises. Their hearts, heavy yet certain of their feelings, carried the burden of separation as they went their separate ways.

Kaisa lage jo chup-chaap donon? So? How's the Chapter? Hehe I'm asking as if it's nice~ worked really hard on this chapter. Hope you guys liked it... this is the longest chapter I have written so far and also I used a new method-- 😭 I hope it is noticeable. Anyways have a nice day. Thank you guys for your support❤️