The golden rays of the morning sun bathed the grand palace of Panchal in a warm glow as preparations were made for the departure of the Yadava siblings.

Little Subhadra stood beside Balram, watching as the final arrangements were completed. Though she was usually eager to return to Dwarka, today she felt an unfamiliar heaviness in her heart.

"Gudiya, are you ready?" Balram’s deep voice pulled her from her thoughts.

She nodded, but her gaze lingered on Krishna, who stood beside the Pandavas and Kunti, his usual serene smile on his face.

"You are not returning with us bhrata krishna?" she asked, frowning slightly.

Krishna chuckled softly. "Not yet, little one. I will accompany the Pandavas, Kunti Bua, and princess Draupadi to Hastinapur. They must claim their rightful place, and I have given my word to help them."

Subhadra bit her lip. "But… when will you return to Dwarka?"

Krishna gently placed a hand on her head. "Soon, Bhadre. As soon as my work in Hastinapur is done, I will come back."

Though she trusted Krishna, she still felt a pang of sadness. Dwarka was always lively with him around. Without him, it wouldn’t feel the same.

Kunti stepped forward, placing a warm hand on Subhadra’s cheek. "My dear niece, may you have a safe journey home."

Subhadra smiled and touched Kunti’s feet in respect. "Kunti Bua, do you have any message for pitashree?"

Kunti’s expression softened. "Tell your pitashree that his younger sister misses him dearly. I pray for his happiness always."

Subhadra nodded firmly. "I will make sure he knows, Bua."

Kunti smiled, her eyes glistening for a moment before she turned to Balram. "Balram, protect her well."

Balram placed a reassuring hand on Subhadra’s shoulder. "You need not worry, Kunti Bua. She is my lovely little sister—I will always protect her."

With that, the time for farewell arrived. Subhadra and Balram stepped into their chariot while Krishna, Kunti, Draupadi, and the Pandavas stood watching.

As their chariot began moving, Subhadra looked back one last time. Krishna stood there, waving at them with his ever-present smile, as if nothing in the world could shake his calmness.

She lifted her small hand and waved back.

As Dwarka’s golden shores called her home, she couldn't help but wonder how much would change by the time Krishna returned.

---

Little Subhadra and Balram arrived safely in Dwarka, greeted by the golden shores and the familiar scent of the ocean breeze. Though she loved her homeland, it felt different without Krishna by her side. Still, she carried on with her usual routine, spending time with her bhabis, her parents, and training in arts and governance, and lots of other things too.

One day, a royal messenger arrived with urgent news from Indraprastha.

Inside the palace, the royal family gathered as the messenger read Krishna’s letter aloud.

"The Pandavas have established their kingdom, Indraprastha. I will remain here longer to assist them in their governance. Dau, I request you to come here as well—to guide bhrata Bheem in the ways of gadha yudh and help establish our ties with Indraprastha."

Balram folded his arms, considering the request. "It seems Kanha wishes for me to ensure Bheem's training. Very well. I shall leave soon."

Subhadra’s heart sank, though she said nothing.

That night, Balram came to find her sitting quietly on the palace terrace, looking at the moonlit waves.

"Gudiya, you have been silent since the letter arrived," Balram said, sitting beside her.

She hesitated before speaking. "First bhrata krishna, now you. Dwarka will feel… emptier without you both."

Balram sighed, resting a reassuring hand on her head. "You are no longer a little baby who needs us constantly gudiya. You have grown though still a child. Besides, you have your Bhabhi, our family, and our people. You are stronger than you think, you'll be fine."

She nodded, though the sadness in her heart remained.

*****

With both Krishna and Balram gone, the ruling of Dwarka fell into the capable hands of Rukmini, assisted by the other queens and Balram’s wife, Revati.

Subhadra found solace in her growing bond with her bhabis. Rukmini, always composed and graceful, became her guide in understanding diplomacy. Satyabhama, fierce and confident, taught her the importance of self-worth. Revati, kind and wise, offered warmth and gentle encouragement.

Beyond the palace, she also found comfort in two warriors—Satyaki and Kritavarma.

Satyaki, ever lively and adventurous, treated her like a younger sister, often pulling her into fun activities.

"Bhrata Satyaki, must we always find trouble?" Subhadra sighed one day as they escaped from a group of palace guards after sneaking into the city market.

Satyaki laughed. "What is life without a little mischief? Your Kanha would agree with me!"

Meanwhile, Kritavarma, ever strict and disciplined, took on a more protective role. Though he was harsher than Balram, he cared for her deeply.

"You should focus more on your studies, Rajkumari," he often reminded her, watching her train with a wooden bow.

"I do study, Bhrata Kritavarma. hmph...." she responded.

He sighed but allowed her to continue her training, making sure to supervise her personally.

Between governance, art, and military training, the days in Dwarka were full, but even with all these distractions, Subhadra couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing.

Something—or someone.

To Be Continued…