NAVRATRI SPECIAL DAY - 9 + (Dussehra)

Krishna smiled gently, as the eager crowd leaned in to listen to another tale. His voice softened as he began narrating the story of Siddhidatri.

"On the ninth day of Navratri, we worship Siddhidatri, the Goddess who bestows all forms of siddhis or supernatural powers. Her story, like all others, reminds us of the divine strength that lies within, guiding and protecting us.

In the beginning, when the universe was in a state of complete chaos, Brahma, the Creator, realized he could not complete the creation of the universe alone. He sought the blessings of the supreme feminine energy, Adi Shakti. From her emerged the form of Goddess Siddhidatri.

Seated on a lotus, adorned with four arms, she carried a lotus flower, a mace, a discus, and a book. Her grace was unparalleled, and with her powers, she granted Brahma the ability to create the universe. Not only did she empower Brahma, but she also blessed Lord Shiva with the eight great siddhis: Anima, Mahima, Garima, Laghima, Prapti, Prakamya, Ishitva, and Vashitva.

In fact," Krishna continued with a smile, "it was through Siddhidatri's blessings that Lord Shiva became Ardhanarishvara, half man and half woman, a perfect blend of masculine and feminine energies. She showed that balance and unity between these forces is essential to the harmony of the cosmos.

Goddess Siddhidatri resides in all of us, as the one who grants spiritual wisdom and fulfillment. She reminds us that no matter how powerful or knowledgeable one might be, divine grace and humility are key to attaining true success.

So, my dear Subhadra," he said, glancing warmly at his sister, "when you pray to Siddhidatri, remember that she gives you the strength to overcome every challenge with both intellect and grace. She is the final form of Durga, completing the journey of self-discovery, from courage to wisdom."

T

he crowd sat in silence, absorbing Krishna's words, and Subhadra, with her hands folded in reverence, felt a renewed sense of strength from the story of Siddhidatri.

Duryodhana, who was barely paying attention to Krishna's narration of Siddhidatri's story, had his eyes fixed on Subhadra. His mind was filled with cunning plans, plotting how he could make her his. His gaze held no respect, only a possessive hunger as he imagined bending her to his will.

Inwardly, he smiled at his scheme - marrying Subhadra wasn't about love; it was about power. He saw an opportunity to use this marriage to his advantage, especially Krishna's influence. He thought he could manipulate the bond between the siblings, turning it into a tool to fortify his ambitions. If he succeeded, Subhadra would be the key to gaining Krishna's favor or, at the very least, weakening Krishna's position.

Duryodhana's mind raced with these wicked thoughts, unaware that Subhadra's heart was far away from him, already promised to someone else. As she sat with her head slightly lowered, lost in her thoughts of Arjun, Duryodhana could only see her as a pawn in his game of power.

Duryodhana smiled triumphantly, oblivious to the silent war raging within Subhadra. His plan was coming to fruition, and soon, Subhadra would be his.

But deep inside, Subhadra's mind cried out to Arjun: "Don't be late."

Subhadra looked at Krishna, searching for any sign of hope in his eyes. His usual warm, knowing smile was still there, but it seemed deeper today, almost as if he knew something she didn't. That familiar smile, so full of understanding, made her heart swell with a strange mix of emotions-relief, hope, and confusion all at once.

As Krishna smiled at her, it was as if he was silently saying, "Trust me, all will be well." Subhadra clung to that silent message, knowing that her beloved brother would not let her heart break so easily.

The clock had ticked, and now it was Dussehra. Dwarka was alive with joy, as the entire town celebrated by throwing colors into the air, the streets painted with laughter and excitement. But amidst all the happiness, Subhadra sat in her room, distant from the festivity.

She held onto the arrow, Arjun's arrow, tightly in her hands, her fingers tracing its smooth edges. Her head rested against the cool stone of the fountain in her room, her heart heavy. The vibrant colors outside felt distant, as her mind was consumed by thoughts of Arjun.

The celebration outside seemed like a world away, while inside, she was torn between her promise to Balarama and the love she had silently held for Arjun. She whispered to herself, "Don't be late, Arjun..."

As the colors flew through the air toward the entrance, a figure stepped into the festivities-dressed as a saint, his face masked by vibrant hues, blending into the crowd. Arjun had arrived in Dwarka, concealed by the chaos of the celebrations. No one could recognize him under the layers of color covering his face.

But there was something unmistakable-a soft chime that cut through the noise. The anklet Arjun wore as a bracelet jingled faintly, its sound reaching Subhadra's ears, even though she was far from the entrance. Her heart skipped a beat, the familiarity of the anklet's music pulling her from her thoughts. She knew, without a doubt, that Arjun was near.

Her eyes widened, and she stood up in disbelief, whispering, "He's here..."

Subhadra quickly ran, her heart racing with anticipation. The soft, rhythmic jingle of her single anklet matched the sound of the bracelet Arjun wore. Each step brought her closer, the echoes of their shared bond growing louder in her ears. The crowd seemed to blur around her as she pushed through, her eyes desperately searching for him.

With every step, the chime of her anklet and his bracelet intertwined, like a song only the two of them could hear. She knew she was running toward the one she had longed for all this time.

But she suddenly stopped when she heard what her brother Balaram said

Balarama stood up, his voice echoing through the grand hall. "Today, the last day of Navratri," he began, his gaze shifting towards Subhadra. She stood quietly, her heart pounding, knowing the weight of her brother's next words.

"As per my promise," Balarama continued, "I give my sister's hand to the Prince of Hastinapur, Duryodhana." His voice was steady, but Subhadra's world shattered in an instant.

She could feel the stares of everyone in the room, but all she could focus on was the suffocating weight of the words. She had promised Balarama, and now, her worst fear was unfolding before her eyes. Her heart, already bound to Arjun, felt like it was being torn apart.

Arjun's steps halted, as if the ground beneath him had frozen. Subhadra, too, came to a sudden stop, her breath catching in her throat. Her heart felt like it would leap out of her chest at any moment, while Arjun's heart felt like it had shattered into a thousand pieces. The weight of unspoken words hung between them, heavy and unbearable.

Even the weather seemed to protest the announcement. Dark clouds gathered overhead, and a gust of wind swept through, carrying with it a sense of foreboding. Nature itself mirrored the turmoil in their hearts.

"No..." Subhadra whispered, shaking her head, her voice trembling with disbelief. Arjun's eyes darkened instantly, a storm brewing behind them. The very thought of Subhadra belonging to anyone else, let alone Duryodhana, gnawed at his soul. He clenched his fists, his heart heavy with a mix of helplessness and anger. Subhadra wasn't just anyone-she was his, even if the world didn't know it yet. The idea of her being tied to Duryodhana was unbearable.

He silently vowed to himself, "This can't be the end."

Arjun stood tall before the crowd, his sudden presence shocking everyone, especially Balarama and Duryodhana. The atmosphere tensed as he declared with unwavering determination, "Until I am alive on this earth, until I take my last breath, Subhadra will not marry anyone else." His voice echoed with such intensity that it sent ripples through the room.

Gasps filled the air as people looked at one another in disbelief. Subhadra's heart raced, her eyes locking onto Arjun, filled with both relief and love. Duryodhana's face twisted in anger, while Balarama stood still, conflicted, unsure how to respond to the man who had just shattered the moment.

Krishna, as always, simply smiled.

Balarama stammered, "B-but I have already announced my sister's marriage." His voice wavered with uncertainty, as he glanced between Arjun and the gathering.

Krishna, who had been silently observing with a calm smile, finally spoke up. "Ah, dear brother," he said, his tone light yet carrying a deeper meaning, "if you have already announced it, then I suppose there's no rule against her being... kidnapped, is there?"

His mischievous eyes sparkled, and the hint of a smile on his lips grew wider. The room fell into a stunned silence. Subhadra's heart skipped a beat at Krishna's words, while Arjun's grip on his bow tightened. He knew exactly what Krishna meant.

"I oppose!" Duryodhana's voice cut through the silence, his eyes narrowing with wicked intent. "It wouldn't take me less than a minute to defeat Arjun and take Subhadra away," he smirked, his evil grin spreading across his face.

Arjun's gaze sharpened, his jaw tightening at the audacity of Duryodhana's words. Subhadra, standing close to Krishna, felt her heart pound in fear, yet deep inside, she believed in Arjun's strength. Krishna's smile didn't falter. He simply looked between the two warriors, as if knowing exactly how things would unfold.

"Duryodhana, if Arjun can't kidnap me," Subhadra's voice was firm and steady, yet her eyes were filled with a fierce determination, "then I might do something that will shock the whole world."

Her gaze locked with Arjun's, her words carrying a weight that only they understood. For a moment, the entire room fell silent. Arjun's heart skipped a beat, his resolve hardening as he saw the fire in Subhadra's eyes. He knew exactly what she meant, and it made his blood surge with determination.

Duryodhana's smirk faltered, the room filled with an uneasy tension. Even Balarama, standing at the center of it all, looked torn, his own emotions battling inside him.

"I'm kidnapping Arjun," Subhadra declared, her voice ringing through the room with confidence. The boldness of her words stunned everyone into silence. "Who has the audacity to even raise their weapons against me?"

Her gaze swept across the room, challenging anyone who would dare oppose her. Even Duryodhana, who moments ago had worn a smug smile, now found himself speechless, unsure of how to respond to such a bold statement.

Arjun's eyes widened in surprise but soon softened into admiration. The courage Subhadra displayed in that moment was beyond anything he had imagined.

Krishna, observing quietly, smiled knowingly, as if this was exactly what he had foreseen. Balarama, torn between his protective instincts and his sister's fierce independence, stood motionless, unsure whether to step in or step back.

It was clear-Subhadra had taken control of her own fate.

"Any objections?" Subhadra asked, her voice steady and unwavering as she scanned the room for a response.

A tense silence fell over the gathering, everyone caught off guard by her audacity. Duryodhana's smirk faltered slightly, but he quickly regained his composure. "You think you can just claim him like that? You have no idea what you're up against," he retorted, trying to mask his unease with bravado.

Balarama stepped forward, his brow furrowed with concern. "Subhadra, this is not a game. You need to consider the consequences of your actions," he cautioned, his protective nature flaring up.

But Subhadra held her ground. "I know exactly what I'm doing, Bhrata. I won't let anyone decide my future for me. Arjun is my choice, and no one can take that away from me."

Krishna's smile widened, impressed by her resolve. He nodded subtly, approving her defiance against the odds.

The tension in the air crackled as Subhadra awaited a response, daring anyone to challenge her decision. The atmosphere shifted; her strength ignited a spark of hope and rebellion among those who had quietly supported her all along.

"Duryodhana thinks women are objects to play with? Such a mindset will only lead to your own destruction," she declared, her voice steady but laced with fierce determination. Her eyes blazed with intensity, sending a ripple of fear through the crowd. Everyone instinctively stepped back, wary of the power radiating from her.

With unwavering resolve, Subhadra descended the stairs, her focus solely on Arjun. Each step she took was filled with purpose, her heart racing with a mix of anxiety and excitement. As she reached the bottom, she locked eyes with him, a silent understanding passing between them.

Arjun felt a rush of admiration for her bravery. Her fierce spirit reminded him of why he had fallen for her in the first place. He took a step forward, meeting her halfway. "Subhadra, you don't have to do this," he said, his voice low and sincere. "We can find another way."

But she shook her head, her expression resolute. "No, Arjun. This is the only way I can reclaim my destiny. I refuse to be a pawn in Duryodhana's game."

The tension in the room escalated as the crowd buzzed with murmurs. Duryodhana's anger simmered just beneath the surface, and he couldn't hide his frustration. "You think your words mean anything? You're just a princess in a fancy palace," he scoffed, trying to undermine her strength.

Subhadra's gaze hardened, and she took another step closer to Arjun. "You may see me as a princess, Duryodhana, but I am not defined by my title. I will choose my own path, even if it means standing against you."

The room fell silent, all eyes on her as she prepared to confront the man who threatened her future. Arjun stood beside her, ready to defend her against the backlash of her bold proclamation.

Duryodhana, realizing the strength of her conviction, clenched his fists in anger. "You think you can defy me? I'll make you regret this, Subhadra!"

But Subhadra remained unfazed, a fierce smile playing on her lips. "You underestimate me, Duryodhana. I am not afraid of you, and I will not be silenced."

With that, the air around them crackled with anticipation, the battle lines drawn, and the stakes higher than ever.

Holding Arjun's hand tightly, Subhadra began to run, her laughter ringing out like music in the chaotic atmosphere. The vibrant colors of the festival were thrown around them, splattering their clothes and faces as they raced through the throng of people.

Arjun felt a rush of adrenaline as he matched her pace, the exhilaration of their escape fueling his spirit. With every step, the joy and freedom of their shared moment overshadowed the tension that had just filled the air. Subhadra's laughter was infectious, and he couldn't help but chuckle alongside her, the burdens of duty and expectation momentarily forgotten.

As they weaved through the crowd, bright powders of red, yellow, and green flew everywhere, enveloping them in a colorful haze. The festive spirit was alive, the atmosphere electric with celebration. The people around them joined in the revelry, throwing colors, and dancing, blissfully unaware of the tension that had just transpired.

"Faster, Arjun!" Subhadra urged, her eyes sparkling with mischief and delight. "We can't let them catch us!"

He squeezed her hand tighter, encouraging her to keep running. "Where to?" he shouted over the laughter and cheers that surrounded them.

"Anywhere but here!" she exclaimed, leading him away from the chaos and into a quieter part of the town. The vibrant colors they left behind trailed like a rainbow in their wake, a reminder of the vibrant life they yearned for together.

Finally, they reached a small garden, a hidden gem away from the bustling crowds. It was peaceful, adorned with blooming flowers and a gentle breeze that carried the sweet scent of spring. Subhadra slowed down, pulling Arjun to a stop as they caught their breath.

Gazing at each other, they couldn't help but laugh again, the tension of the previous moments melting away in the warmth of their connection. "I can't believe we did that!" Subhadra exclaimed, her cheeks flushed with excitement.

Arjun smiled, his heart swelling with admiration for her courage. "You were incredible back there. I've never seen anyone stand up to Duryodhana like that."

Subhadra's smile softened as she looked into his eyes. "I had to, Arjun. I couldn't let him decide my fate for me. But it's only possible because you're by my side."

In that moment, amidst the blooming flowers and the colors that still dusted their skin, they realized that they were not just escaping their current situation; they were stepping into a new chapter of their lives-together, hand in hand, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Arjun got down on one knee, the soft grass beneath him contrasting with the turmoil of the world they had just escaped. With careful, deliberate movements, he removed the anklet from his wrist, a symbol of their connection and shared destiny. He took Subhadra's foot gently in his hands, cradling it as if it were the most precious thing in the world.

"I see that you have waited for me," he said softly, his gaze locked onto hers, his heart racing with a mix of admiration and love. The moment felt timeless, as if the chaos outside faded into the background, leaving only the two of them.

Subhadra's breath hitched as she felt the cool metal of the anklet touch her skin. Arjun slid it delicately back onto her ankle, the anklet jingling softly like a promise-a promise of love, courage, and unyielding support.

Tears of joy welled in her eyes as she watched him, a mixture of gratitude and affection swelling within her. "I never stopped waiting for you, Arjun," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. "In my heart, I knew you would come for me."

He looked up at her, his expression earnest. "You are my heart, Subhadra. Nothing will keep me from you-not Duryodhana, not any force in this world. I promise to protect you and cherish you for all my days."

As he rose to his feet, the weight of their shared emotions hung in the air, creating a bond that felt stronger than ever. They stood there, entwined in each other's gaze, the world around them forgotten, their hearts synchronized in a rhythm only they could hear.

In that tranquil garden, with the colors of the festival still dancing in the background, they felt the weight of their futures shift. Together, they would forge their own path, free from the constraints of duty and expectation, bound only by love.

Suddenly, Krishna, always one to make an entrance, interrupted the moment, but his interruptions somehow always turned out for the best! He appeared, handing Subhadra the arrow she had forgotten. "Here you go. Thank me later," he said with a playful grin.

Subhadra nodded and accepted the arrow, then took the bow from Arjun's hand. With a determined aim, she shot the arrow, and red flowers cascaded down, blanketing the ground around them. The vibrant red flowers symbolized their love-the unspoken bond that tied them together.

"Bind the knots, marry each other right here and now! Today is Dussehra-a perfect day for a celebration," Krishna urged with a bright smile.

"I love you," he said as he finally tied the knot.

"I love you," she replied,