Third Person's POV:
The royal banquet was a grand affair. Nobles, warriors, and diplomats filled the majestic halls of Hastinapur, but it wasn't just political guests in attendance.
Subhadra, the little sister of Krishna and Balaram, was also invited.
She had attended Kanyakul—the girls' gurukul of that era—alongside Dushala, the beloved daughter of Hastinapur. Over time, the two had grown into inseparable best friends, known for their energy, their mischief... and for being utterly unbearable together.
Naturally, Dushala insisted Subhadra come for the banquet.
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Flashback – Before Leaving Dwarka:
As she was preparing to leave, Krishna stood before Subhadra, adjusting her veil with a soft smile.
> "You're going to meet our bua Kunti and your cousins for the first time, Subhadre. Make a good first impression."
He paused, then teased,
> "And don't forget your way back home. Who knows… a handsome prince might catch your eye. Your Kanha bhaiya is going to miss you terribly."
Subhadra scowled in mock offense.
> "What are you even talking about, bhrata? I never want to leave Dwarka. And why aren't you coming with me? You'll finally meet bua and our cousins too."
Krishna only smiled—soft, mysterious, and affectionate—and gently caressed her hair.
> "I'll come when the time is right, Subhadre. Someone's waiting for me there. But for now… it's your turn to go."
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Back to the Present:
The moment Kunti laid eyes on Subhadra, tears welled up in her eyes. She stepped forward and enveloped her niece in a warm embrace.
> "Such a lovely, beautiful girl you've become, Subhadra! Keep visiting your old bua, hmm? Why did it take you this long? And why didn't Krishna or Balaram come?"
> "They're tied up with kingdom duties, bua. But they're eager to meet you too."
> "Subhadra, come! Let me show you around the palace—and introduce you to all my brothers!"
Dushala chirped excitedly, grabbing Subhadra's hand.
The two girls disappeared down the corridor, giggling as they always had. Dushala, in her excitement, rushed ahead—completely forgetting to check if Subhadra was following.
Subhadra, on the other hand, was unusually distracted.
She couldn't shake the strange feeling fluttering in her chest.
> 'Something's going to happen today...'
And then it did.
She collided headfirst into what felt like a rock-solid wall of muscle.
Her foot slipped.
She was about to fall—grace and dignity about to be sacrificed in front of a room full of royalty—when a hand caught her waist and steadied her.
Subhadra blinked.
She looked up.
And froze.
Before her stood a tall, youthful prince with curly black hair, a broad chest, long arms, and a complexion as luminous as sun-kissed bronze. He wore a white dhoti and uttariya, and he had the stillness of a storm that had not yet begun.
They locked eyes.
Neither spoke.
Finally, Subhadra, still breathless, stammered out,
> "I-I'm so sorry for bumping into you, Kumar. I should've been watching where I was going. I am Subhadra, princess of Dwarka."
The young prince gave a soft smile.
> "It's quite alright. I am Arjun, son of Rajmata Kunti and the late King Pandu of Hastinapur."
The silence returned—awkward, tender, magnetic.
They didn't realize how long they were just looking at each other, until Dushala returned, grabbed Subhadra's hand, and pulled her away mid-trance.
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Arjun's POV:
What was that?!
I just met Princess Subhadra—the sister of Shree Krishna and Balaram.
She's… divine. There's no other word for her.
Skin like polished gold, eyes like blooming blue lotuses... even her hair had this unique, delicate fragrance that's now stuck in my mind.
But more than that, I noticed something else.
The way she looked at me—at Arjun—it felt like…
It was pretty clear.
She was falling for me.
But I can't get involved in this.
That's not why I'm here.
My only goal is to end this ancient enmity between the Pandavas and the Kauravas. That's why I was given this second chance.
Sakha didn't send me back here to fall in love.
Still…
Why does my heart feel so restless after meeting her?
Why am I smiling like a fool?
I need to focus...
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