VIDURA'S SECRET MESSAGE

A turmoil stirred in Subhadra's heart, a strong sense of intuition that something significant was on the horizon-something that would leave a lasting impact on the future. Her heart was heavy with worry, an unease she couldn't shake.

Krishna entered the garden, where Subhadra sat, her face clouded with concern. Gently, he approached her. "What's troubling you, Subhadre? Why that worried expression? Is there something you wish to share with your Bhaiya?"

She turned around, her worried expression unchanged. "I don't know, Bhaiya. You know they say a woman's sixth sense is strong... and I have this feeling that something bad is going to happen. Ever since the Pandavas left, nothing feels right to me. It's like a shadow has fallen over everything."

Krishna's expression shifted slightly at her words. "You're right, something is going to happen," he said, but quickly flashed a reassuring smile. "But you shouldn't worry so much. I've noticed some hair falling out-you'll go bald if you keep this up!"

Subhadra hesitated, but soon gave in to her brother's playful teasing. It always had a way of easing her mind. "Oh, shut up, Bhaiya," she replied, feigning annoyance. "My hair is thicker than you think! Besides, you have no idea how many oils and herbs I've been using. My friend brought them for me, you know," she added with a sarcastic, playful glint in her eyes.

Balaram, looking clueless, walked in and glanced between them. "So, what am I missing?" he asked, his tone half-serious. "You two have been ignoring your big brother. There's something going on, isn't there?" His eyes narrowed, filled with suspicion and curiosity as he crossed his arms, waiting for an answer.

"Bhaiya, Krishna is calling me bald, and you're asking me what's going on!" she pouted, walking over to Balaram, fully expecting him to side with her. He looked at her seriously for a moment, as if contemplating the situation-then suddenly burst into laughter, catching her off guard.

"He's kind of right though," Balaram added with a mischievous grin. That was the last straw. Subhadra's playful demeanor vanished, replaced with genuine annoyance. She turned to both of them, her eyes narrowing. "That's enough," she said, her voice firm, clearly done with their teasing.

"Okay, we're sorry," they both said in unison, still smiling at how endearingly their sister reacted to their teasing. Despite her frustration, they couldn't help but find her cute when she got riled up.

Meanwhile, in Hastinapur, the Kauravas and Shakuni were scheming, doing everything in their power to send the Pandavas away on a trip. They were cunningly manipulating the situation, making the Pandavas believe that a grand and exciting plan had been arranged especially for them.

Lakshagriha-The House of Lac. If not for Vidura's warning about the treacherous palace and the deadly plot, the Pandavas would have perished in the fire set by Duryodhana and Shakuni.

What happened was this:

The Pandavas, as usual, were enjoying a joyful evening, teasing one another and sharing laughter. Devi Kunti, seated with them, smiled softly, watching her sons with pride and affection as they reveled in their playful bond.

"Arjun, don't tease your Jyesth," she gently admonished, noticing how Arjun was playfully teasing Bhima about the time when his hunger had led him to eat an enormous amount of food.

Despite his size and strength, Bhima playfully hid behind his mother, causing everyone to burst into heartfelt laughter, their bond growing even stronger in that joyful moment.

Just when everything seemed perfect, someone had to spoil the mood. Enter Shakuni, his eyes gleaming with mischief as he approached, a cunning smile playing on his lips.

"Have you packed all your clothes yet? Are you ready to leave?" Shakuni asked, his tone almost demanding, laced with subtle impatience as he pushed the Pandavas toward their departure.

The once happy family was now filled with anger and disgust, the joy from moments before quickly fading at Shakuni's presence.

"Yeah, I don't think you need to worry so much," Sahadeva replied, his tone calm but with a hint of underlying defiance. "Sure, sure, all I want is for you all to be happy. What else could I possibly want?" Sakuni said, his voice dripping with cunning as his facade never wavered.

As time passed, the Pandavas began their departure for Lakshagriha—the House of Lac. Despite the unsettling feeling in their hearts, knowing something ominous awaited them, they couldn’t refuse the Kauravas' insistence.

"I don’t want to go, to be honest," Nakul said, his voice filled with doubt. "You can’t make me believe they did this out of love." Yudhishthir, ever the one to see no evil in anything, calmly said, "Nakul, they did this for us. Don’t complain." "But Jyesth —" Nakul started to protest.

"Shhh, quiet," Yudhishthir cut him off, his tone firm yet gentle.

Arjun was sleeping soundly, his head resting on Bhima’s lap. Once again, he found himself dreaming.

"Arjun, I’m worried... something doesn’t feel right," said a familiar voice, echoing through his mind. "I just want all of you to be safe. There’s something wrong, something bad is coming, and I want you to protect everyone around you. That’s your Dharma. Arjun, protect yourself." Arjun’s brows furrowed in distress as the words echoed in his mind, leaving him with a deep sense of unease.

"You must remember what Krishna Bhaiya told you, don’t you?" the voice urged. "Remember? He said... if there’s ever a big fire, the way to escape is by digging a tunnel." Arjun’s forehead slowly relaxed as he took a deep breath, finding a momentary sense of calm. But just then, the chariot came to a sudden halt, jarring him from his peace.

Vidura stood firmly in front of the chariot, his eyes meeting Yudhishthir’s with quiet intensity. There was a calm wisdom in his expression as he gave a subtle smile, his raised eyebrows hinting at something only Yudhishthir could understand. Yudhishthir, always perceptive to Vidura's silent messages, returned the smile, a knowing glint in his eyes as he grasped the unspoken warning. The brief exchange carried more weight than words could ever convey.

Hey everyone! I know the chapters have been shorter lately, and I apologize for that. I've been busy with academics and dealing with writer's block. Nonetheless, I’d love to hear your thoughts on this chapter. Thank you for over 1,000 views! It means so much to me! 🥲❤