"Duryodhan! I still don't think it's a good idea to ask Vaishnavi's hand in marriage! And the wedding is tomorrow! We don't have much time left! You can still call off this wedding!", Karn told his friend, who was selecting jewelleries for his wedding. Duryodhan looked at him and Smiled, "Mitr, if you were someone else, i would have understood that they didn't understand me! But it's you! After knowing everything, Why are you saying this?". Karn just shook his head and said, "Think about it twice, Duryodhan! She is a menace! A force to be reckoned with! I- I honestly have no idea at how her mood changes every minute! And also, she speaks very rude with everyone!".

"What are you trying to feed in my Nephew's head, Angraj?", Shakuni entered the scene and went towards him. He continued, "You are right! This is not a bad idea, this is a brilliant idea. This way, we will make alliance with Dwaraka, and in future, if we were to go against those pandavas, we can use these guys!", and laughed wickedly.

Ashwathama, who was listening to all of this, stood up from his place and kept his hand on Duryodhan's shoulder, "Mitr! I highly doubt that she will accept for this marriage!". Duryodhan scoffed and asked, "Huh! And what makes you think like that?". Ashwathama looked down and said, "Oh I know! I definitely know!", and flashbacks started to kick in. He shook his head and said, "I have experienced it! And I don't think she rejected me because she is not interested in me! A girl would never reject someone so harshly because she is not interested! It's just the way she did is- Huh! There must be a very strong reason!".

Duryodhan looked at him confused and asked, "What are you implying? Tell properly!". Ashwathama sighed and said, "I think she is in love with someone else!". Everyone gasped at his statement and Duryodhan turned him around by pushing his shoulder, "What are you saying? Nonsense! She would never-", but got cut off by Karn, "But she herself said it, Mitr!". Duryodhan turned around and looked at his best friend with widened eyes.

"Mitr?", Duryodhan frowned and asked. Ashwathama continued, "Yes, Duryodhan! Remember that day, I told her that she had my initial on her hand in mehndi! She told me that it could either be a mistake, or she could be liking someone else with the same initial as mine. And I definitely think it's the latter because- Because of the way she reacted that day-", Shakuni has had enough and interrupted, "I don't care about it! We just need to make alliance with this country and you guys! You guys are talking about a girl's heart and her consent? Really? Her brother's consent isnt enough for us?".

Duryodhan went towards his uncle swiftly and said, "It is! It is important to me ! More than this alliance, my marriage with her is important to me! I love her! And I want her! If I don't get her, I- I don't know what I will do to myself!!!", and rubbed his entire chest and neck area, as he was unable to tolerate any of this. Something inside him was telling him that he needs to acquire her. Karn and Ashwathama were shocked to see at how obsessive their friend had become because of that one girl.

Shakuni shook his head scoffing harshly and was about to say something, but Duryodhan started saying, "Mamashree! I respect you alot! And that's why I'm leaving you harmless without doing anything. If it was someone else!!!", he showed his index finger and threatened him, while shakuni gulped hard at that.

Duryodhan turned towards his friends and said, "Fine guys! Let's go by you! Even if you guys are correct, who is there in this entire Aryavart that could rival me? I'm invincible!", he spread his hands and screamed. He continued, "Tell me guys, who is there?", and both Ashwathama and Karn started to think at the same time and the answer clicked to them both at the same time, so they said at the same time, "Arjun?".

***

A weeping Subhadra was venting out her heart to her brother, Krishna, who was consoling her. She was sure as anything that she could never share this feeling with her sister, as she is in love with the same guy. At one point of time, she decided to give up on her love for her sister, but now, she was unable to forget Arjun, as she is getting betrothed to another guy from the same family, and definitely not the right choice.

Krishna told her, "Behna! No! You should never give up on your love! Fight for it! Is your love that weak that you are unable to fight for it?", making her look up at him, and wipe her tears. She asked, "But, Vaishnavi?", to which he just smiled and said, "You marrying Arjun is inevitable, sister! And Vaishnavi! You and her emerged from the same force! She is you and you are her! Shakthi!".

Wiping her tears away, she said, "Whatever you say Bhrata Krishna! I can't just betray my sister, ever! I-", but just then, Gandhari entered her chamber with gifts for her future daughter in law. Subhadra composed herself and welcomed her. Gandhari hugged her and caressed her cheeks, only to realise that her cheeks were wet.

Frowning, she asked, "Putri! Were you crying?". Kunti entered the scene as well smilingly, and got alarmed at the sight of her niece crying. "Subhadra! What happened?", Kunti asked holding her shoulder. Subhadra immediately hugged Kunti and started crying. Gandhari didn't understand what was happening, "What is happening here?".

Krishna intervened, "Arey Mata! It's just that she is going to miss us all, that's it!", making Gandhari smile in relief. She held subhadra and said, "Don't worry Putri! We will take care of you like our own daughter!". Subhadra wasn't reacting to anything that gandhari was saying, so Kunti grew suspicious of her behaviour. "Jiji! You please go and wait in your chamber! I'll help subhadra get ready and I'll come!", to which Gandhari agreed and left the place.

Kunti turned around and questioned Subhadra of her behaviour, for which the latter told the truth. Kunti was shocked and helpless at the situation in front of her, as she doesn't know where her son is to give him orders. Afterall, she loves subhadra as much as she loves Krishna, and can't see her in tears.

"Subhadra! Why didn't you tell all of us the truth? Huh? Tell me?", Kunti asked, but before subhadra could answer, Vaishnavi entered the chamber and shouted at Krishna, "Kanha! Why are you Letting this happen? Tell me? Are you trying to give my sister's hand to that, that Duryodhan?", making Subhadra hug her tightly and cry. Kunti asked her, "Vaishnavi? You are against this marriage too? Aren't you and Duryodhan friends? And still you are against it?". She looked at Kunti, "Oh! Pranaam Mata! Didn't see you there! And coming to Duryodhan, i don't care if he is my friend or not! He is on the side of Adharm! And I condemn that! And this marriage too!". Krishna held her hand as she was bursting out in anger, to calm her down which she did.

Subhadra broke the hug and was about to tell vaishnavi regarding her feelings, but Krishna interrupted and said, "Subhadrae! There is a Shiva temple nearby! Go there and pray with Bua! And pray to the Brahmans there! You will get all the answers to your questions!", and smiled at her. Subhadra nodded her head and started to go to the temple along with Kunti.

Vaishnavi immediately turned towards him and said, "Tell me now!", meanwhile Krishna tried to convince her. But she stopped him by raising her hand, "No! I'm not asking for your justification! And also dont try to convince me! I know why you sent them there! Subhadra loves him, right?", she asked making Krishna look down sadly.

She shook her head unbelievably with tears, "I can't believe this, Kanha! How did you let this happen in the first place? I don't- I-", she started to feel suffocated and tried to breath. Krishna came towards her and held her in his arms, rubbing her back. She broke down completely and went on her knees, dragging him down as well. She started crying uncontrollably and hugged his arms, while he caressed her head. "Whyyyy??? Kanha! Whyy?? How- just How many times I have to share my love with other people? No! I can't let this happen!", she wiped her tears and got up to go and stop subhadra.

"If you stop them, Ishwari, they would not have a heir left in the future!", Krishna said, making her stop in her tracks. She turned around slowly to look at him, "What do you mean?", and asked slowly. He nodded his head and said, "Yes! Parth and Subhadrae's wedding is Inevitable, Sakhi! You can't stop it!".

She shook her head and asked, "I'm not asking that! You mean- you mean there will be a war? Am I right?". Not getting any answer from him, she asked loudly, "Am i right, Kanha?". He sighed exasperatedly and nodded his head. She covered her mouth and kept other hand on his forehead, "Why? They- They, I mean! Draupadi- and- and- Abhim-", krishna hugged her and stopping her from overthinking, "You don't dwell too much into the future events, what's about to happen and all! But, for Abhimanyu to be born, these two must marry!".

He tried to take her to where Subhadra is, but she shook her head adamantly, "Noo Kanhaa!!", the pain in her voice was heartbreaking for Krishna. He blinked his tears away and nodded his head. "I understand that this is for future! And I respect that! But- but i should think for myself as well! At least once in my life, I have to prioritise myself!", she said hugging him. Krishna shook his head and said, "I think you need to understand something, Ishwari! What is meant to happen, will happen!".

***

In the night hours of Dwaraka, she stood in the shores of the sea, letting the waves washing her legs. With her waves waving with the air, she wasn't able to enjoy the breeze for some reason. Duryodhan saw her from his chamber and went towards her, maintaining a reasonable distance.

"Hi", he said, startling her. "Oh! Dury! You!", she said keeping her hand on her chest. He smiled and said, "Who else would it be?", she smiled at him back and turned her concentration back to the ocean. He did not know what to say and how to start any conversation. He looked at her to start off with something stupid, but as soon as he saw her face, glowing like a star with the moon's reflection falling on her face, and the waves sprinkling water on her from time to time. She looked like an absolute wonder in his eyes. And that wonder was going to be his soon, or so he thought.

Any words that came to his mind, had died down and he forgot what he wanted to say as well, as he kept on staring at her. "Are you gonna say something or are you just going to stare at me like that?", she asked him, bringing him out of his thoughts. Shaking his head, he stuttered, "Uh- I mean- Uh! The- The moon is pretty, right?", he mentally facepalmed at the basic question.

She smiled sadly and said, "Beautiful! It really does! But you know, the more you go closer, the more flaws you will be able to find on the moon!". Duryodhan chuckled at her and asked, "Why are you talking like that? Oh! I guess You must be excited about tomorrow! Am I right?". She frowned at him and asked, "Huh? Why would I be excited?".

He did not like the answer, she should be excited, but she isn't, and that only means one thing. Agitated, he asked slowly, "Are you- Are you in Love with someone perhaps?", and closed his eyes, not wanting any answer that will dishearten him. She looked at him and asked, "What? Where did that come from? So random!", she shook her head.

Duryodhan came forward and said, "But-", but she went backwards, "Dury! How many times? You can't touch me!", she said shaking her head. "This shouldn't be the case from tomorrow then!", he said and walked off angrily.

'What the hell was he talking?'

Sighing, she turned around to see the view again, and smell the scent of the sea. But, soon, the smell was replaced with that of Petrichor, which she wanted to avoid the most at the time. Immediately, she ran inside the palace, not wanting to face him at the moment. Arjun, who came to see her, was confused at her behaviour even after knowing his arrival by the smell of Petrichor. He had a very bad feeling that something will happen, that for sure will break her heart.

***

Subhadra was getting ready for the marriage half heartedly, while her sister was helping her with jewellery, absent mindedly. Devaki came into the picture and looked at both her daughters and hit her forehead. "You both sisters, where are you guys lost? Huh? Tell?", bringing them back to the reality. Kunti knew why Subhadra was like that, but she couldn't pinpoint why Vaishnavi was behaving the same as well. Shaking her head, she came forward to Devaki and said, "Maybe they are sad that they are going to miss each other, Bhabhishree!".

Devaki smiled at her and said, "Thank god, Kunti! You are here! Help these girls with this na! One knows only warfare, and other knows only philosophy! What to do with these girls", she said chuckling and left the place. "Subha! You are ready!", Vaishnavi said looking at her, meanwhile Subhadra smiled at her with teary eyes and said, "I'm sorry! Vaishu!", Vaishnavi immediately understood her and broke the hug to wipe her tears. She shook her head reassuringly, "This isn't new to me, Subhadra!". Subhadra hugged her again, as a sense of betrayal was filled in her. Kunti was just confused as why these girls are behaving like that.

Pushing her thoughts aside, Kunti said while keeping her hand on subhadra's shoulder, "Putri! Let's go! We have a work in Shiv mandir! Remember?", to which Subhadra nodded her head. Kunti turned towards Vaishnavi and said, "Putri! We will be back in about an hour! If anyone asks, please inform them!". She nodded as she understood where they were going.

Meanwhile, in the dias of wedding area, Duryodhan was more than excited to make his first love his wife. He regretted that he behaved a little rude with her the previous night, but he shook his thoughts off as he noted in his head to make it out for her. But still, he was in dilemma that she didn't answer his question the previous night. It was still all hazy for him. But he didn't care as he was about to get married to her anytime now.

Bheeshm was more than happy to get Subhadra as the daughter in law of the kuru family.. "Vidur! I'm happy that we are welcoming her into our family! She will be a really good addition!". Vidur shook his head and said, "But, Tatshree! Don't you think that she is someone suitable for Duryodhan! He already has a lot of power and support! I would have been Happier if she married one of the sons of Pandu! They will have more support this way by having Yadavas by their side". Bheeshm thought about those words and agreed with him soon enough. "But we can't do anything now, can we? But, there is One thing, if Vaishnavi came forward with that kind of proposal, that she would marry one of the Pandavas, i would fight the world for her to get married to them! This way, Yadavas will be on Pandava's side as well".

Vidur nodded his head agreeing with his Tatshree, "That is actually such a good idea, Tatshree! But, before we give them this proposal, who do you think will be perfect for her?". Bheeshm already had an answer with him, "Ofcourse, Arjun! Him and her look like they were born for each other! And I saw how Arjun easily calmed her down on that fateful day, when Guru Dron cursed her!". Vidur agreed with his Tatshree and made sure to talk with Balram regarding this after the marriage.

Meanwhile, Arjun, who was brought to the area by Subhadra, was hysterical knowing what was happening right there. "What? I should marry? Madhav! What is this? I don't get it!". Krishna told him, "Parth! This is for the future! An unforeseen one! This marriage is fixed by gods themselves!". Arjun still did not agree with him. Subhadra felt like crying and strongly gripped Kunti's hands. The old woman could not see her niece crying, as his son was making he feel very bad about herself. Determined, she ordered, "Arjun! I'm telling you! Listen to mom! I promised this girl that I'll make sure you marry her! Take Subhadra away and marry her! This is my order!".

Vaishnavi just then entered the scene as Revati told her to bring the bride, and was stunned to hear what Kunti just said. Arjun's position was no less Than her's. He said, "Mata, why did you say that? Why did you bound me in your words? How can you promise on behalf of me, without knowing my heart! I came here to ask for Ishwari's hand in marriage with you, Madhav! And you are-", Kunti cut him off bewildered, "WHAT? What are you saying, son? You and V- Vaishnavi?".

Vaishnavi clapped her hands and came towards them, "Wow! Mata! Your decision making skills are amazing! As always!", she said sarcastically. Kunti looked down, as she was unable to face her yet again. Arjun looked at her and said, "Ishwari! I- I", he couldn't speak anything up as she was looking at him expressionless. Krishna looked at her, and gestured her to convince him into this marriage.

She shook her head in a no, but Krishna rolled his eyes at her, while she just stomped her feet frustrated and said, "Arjun!". He looked up at her, and she couldn't continue anymore looking at his eyes, "Please, take Subhadr- Why would you even promise something that is not related to you, Mata?", she turned towards Kunti.

"You know what? These promises are really bad for everyone! Only if everyone in this era stops promising to everyone, half of the problems gets solved for god's sake!", she went towards Krishna and said, "I'm not doing this!".

'This is for the future, Sakhi! Trust me!'

'I know! I know the future! Don't have to lecture me now!'

'Im not trying to lecture you! But please! Listen to me!'

Frustrated, she turned towards Arjun and said, "You know what? You are anyways going to marry her! But please, keep me out of this, okay! Do whatever you want to!", and stormed out of that place. She was trying so hard to control her tears and was going into her chamber, but Rukmini stopped her. She held her shoulders and nodded at her, making her cry her heart out loud. Rukmini kept on whispering sweet nothings in her ear as her sister in law was just frustrated with her love life. After a good amount of time, she wiped her tears away and Rukmini convinced her to go to the marriage area.

As Duryodhan saw Vaishnavi was being escorted by Rukmini, who took an unusual amount of time, he smiled widely. Vaishnavi looked at him, and he winked at her, which weirded her out.

'Why tha fuck is he winking at me?'

Confused, she sat beside her brother Dau, which made Duryodhan to frown. "Why is she sitting there?", he asked his Teacher, to which she replied, "Because I sit where I want to freaking sit!", She spoke bitterly, who was calmed down by Rukmini. Dau said, "Yeah, Duryodhan! Why do you care where she sits?". Duryodhan was hella confused now, as he proceeded to ask, "What? What are you say-", but soon a soldier came and said, "Hail the King! Princess Subhadra just eloped with Prince Arjun!", making everyone go shocked. Vaishnavi closed her eyes with frustration and thought to herself.

'Heh! This was anyways supposed to happen! My foot! I don't want to marry anymore! No matter what anyone comes and says!'.

Dhritarastra stood up and asked Balram, "Shriman Balram! What is this? This is not done!", to which he replied, "Even i don't know why this happened!". "Now how will this marriage happen?", Bheeshm asked loudly. Duryodhan got irritated as he got impatient and said, "Ugh! Why would this marriage not take place, because the bride's sister ran away?".

Balram widened his eyes and turned towards him and asked, "What? What are you saying?", to which Duryodhan replied, "I'm stating facts, Gurudev! If bride is here, why would this marriage stop?". Nobody was understanding what was happening there, except for two people, Shakuni and Vaishnavi. While Vaishnavi was shocked, it would be an understatement, Shakuni just facepalmed himself. But, just to make sure, Vaishnavi still asked him, "Wait! Who do you think is the bride, Duryodhan?". Duryodhan was annoyed at this point, but still managed to answer without getting angry.

"You!".

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Hello pookies! How are y'all doing! This week had been really hectic! But i still tried my best to update consistently.

Anyways, how was the chapter. guys? Please vote and comment! 😄 😁 😁