As the afternoon sun cast golden hues over the palace gardens, Subhadra set down her chisel, stretching her fingers. The sculpture was nearly done, its rough edges smoothed with careful precision.

But for now, it was time to eat.

Tanvi and Sanjana arrived shortly, placing a tray before her. The delicious aroma of food and special makhaan filled the air, instantly lifting her spirits. She eagerly picked up a piece, savoring the soft texture as it melted in her mouth.

"Kalindi Bhabhi never disappoints," she murmured, enjoying the food and the sweets.

The two maids giggled.

"Shall we bring more, Rajkumari?" Sanjana teased.

Subhadra laughed lightly, shaking her head.

"No, I've had enough. You both may leave now. I'll finish the food by myself and stay here. I wish to finish my work before evening."

They bowed and excused themselves, leaving her alone once more.

*****

With renewed focus, she returned to her sculpture.

Each stroke of her chisel carved away imperfections, shaping the figures more clearly-her brothers standing at her side, a silent testament to their bond.

Her arms ached, her fingers were covered in dust again, but she pushed forward.

Time slipped away unnoticed.

By the time she leaned back for the final time, the sky had turned a dusky orange, and the first stars of evening shimmered above.

A slow, satisfied smile spread across her face.

"It's done, it's finally done."

She wiped her hands against her dupatta, brushing off the fine stone dust. Just as she admired her work, a familiar presence filled the air, a gentle yet powerful aura that always carried warmth.

She turned even before she heard the voice.

"Bhadre..."

Krishna stood behind her, a knowing smile playing on his lips.

"Bhaiya!" Subhadra beamed, stepping aside. "Look at this!"

She gestured proudly to her finished sculpture.

Krishna stepped forward, his gaze softening as he studied the figures-Balram, himself, and Subhadra in the middle. His smile deepened, touched by the devotion behind the work.

"It is beautiful, Ruchi," he murmured, tracing a finger lightly over the carved details.

Subhadra grinned, pleased with his approval.

"You should have seen me struggle," she said, crossing her arms. "I nearly gave up, but I refused to leave it incomplete."

Krishna chuckled.

"That is how true art is made-through patience and perseverance."

She hummed in agreement. But just as she was about to speak, Krishna tilted his head, his expression turning thoughtful.

"Will you allow me to keep this?"

Subhadra blinked in surprise.

"You want to keep it? For yourself?"

Krishna smiled. "I like it very much. Let me have it."

His voice held the softness of a request, but there was also an undeniable fondness in his eyes-one that made her heart warm.

"If it pleases you, Bhrata, then of course," she said.

Krishna's smile widened, a quiet satisfaction settling over him.

*****

They stood in comfortable silence for a moment, gazing at the sculpture. Then, Subhadra spoke again.

"Do men often find themselves bound to many ties without realizing it?"

Krishna glanced at her. "Well, what a sudden question it is, Why do you ask?"

She shrugged lightly. "It is something I have been pondering lately."

Krishna chuckled knowingly. "A complicated matter, indeed. There are some who embrace such ties without hesitation... and others who carry them like a burden."

She nodded slowly.

"I suppose... it depends on the man, then," she mused.

Krishna studied her with amusement. "You are thinking of someone in particular, aren't you?"

She huffed. "What if I am?"

He merely laughed. "Ah, my dear sister. You always pretend to be uninterested, yet here you are, asking riddles about men's fates."

She pouted, looking away.

Krishna's laughter softened. "If you wish to know about parth, Bhadre, you need only ask."

Subhadra sighed.

"Is it not strange that a man in exile should still find himself wed twice over?"

Krishna chuckled. "It is not so strange for a man like him. His path has never been simple."

"And yet, it does not seem to trouble him," she said, almost to herself.

Krishna smiled, reaching out to ruffle her hair playfully. "You think too much about these things, Bhadre."

She swatted his hand away, scowling. "And you never give straight answers."

He only laughed.

"Speaking of marriage..." he said, his voice taking a different tone. "Pitashree, mata, and Dau have been debating about yours."

Subhadra froze mid-movement.

"Mine?" she repeated.

"Of course," Krishna said. "You are of marriageable age now."

Subhadra hesitated, unsure of how to feel about this.

"And... what do they say?"

"Pitashri and mata Devaki still feel you are too young. But Dau and Rohini Ma think it is time to start considering suitable matches for you."

Subhadra sighed, running a hand through her hair.

"Hmmm, then I trust all of you to choose wisely," she said. "I know you and Dau would never let me marry someone unworthy."

Krishna's smile was gentle, yet there was something deeper hidden within his eyes.

"That is true, Ruchi. We would never let harm come to you."

She gave him a reassuring smile.

"Besides, I am more interested in the Raivatak festival than marriage," she said. "How are the preparations going?"

Krishna chuckled.

"Everything is going well. The festival will be grand, as always."

Subhadra sighed in relief.

"Good. I can't wait for it."

*****

That evening, during dinner, the swayamvar topic finally surfaced.

Balram, ever direct but carrying the weight of his position, spoke with measured authority.

"Bhadre, what do you think about having a swayamvar?"

The entire dining hall fell silent.

Subhadra blinked.

Before she could respond, Vasudev immediately set down his goblet with a decisive thud.

"I already said she is still young, Bal! What is the rush?"

Balram's gaze remained steady, his voice calm but firm.

"She is not a child anymore, Pitashri. Besides, a swayamvar is not decided in a day-it will take time to prepare."

Vasudev frowned, his protective nature flaring. "Yes, but we can afford to wait. Subhadra is my only daughter"

The two men exchanged looks, neither yielding.

Rohini sighed, shaking her head. "They're at it again," she muttered to Revati, who only smiled knowingly.

Krishna, on the other hand, merely watched in amusement, his eyes glinting with mischief.

Subhadra sighed, rubbing her temples.

"Enough," she said.

Everyone turned to her.

She took a deep breath before speaking.

"I agree to the swayamvar. Besides, You really don't have to worry pitashri, like dau said the swayamvar will need a lot of times and works to be prepared. It won't happen instantly. I wouldn't get married tomorrow itself so we will still have lots of family times"

A beat of silence.

Then Vasudev groaned in frustration.

Balram, however, nodded approvingly, his expression calm but pleased. "See pitashri? She agree". "It is your right to choose, gudiya. And now, it is our duty to ensure only the most worthy stand before you."

Subhadra gave him a grateful smile, comforted by his support.

Krishna's eyes twinkled with something unreadable, though his lips curved into a knowing smile.

"Your swayamvar will be grand, the grandest swayamvar ever, gudiya," Balram declared with certainty. "That, I promise."

Revati chuckled. "You sound more eager than she does, arya."

Balram huffed. "Of course priye! My sister deserves the best."

Slow and steady the conversation startes to shift to laughter and excitement as they imagined what kind of warriors would arrive, what challenges they would face, and how legendary the event would be.

Amidst the chatter, Krishna remained silent, watching his sister.

A soft smile lingered on his lips-one that held a secret only he knew.

A smile that Subhadra still did not understand.

To Be Continued...