The grand Raivatak Festival would officially begin tomorrow, but Dwarka was already alive with celebration.

For the Yadavas, this festival was more than just a simple occasion—it was a time of music, food, and shared happiness, where every heart rejoiced. The streets were filled with laughter, the aroma of rich delicacies, and the rhythmic beat of drums and flutes that carried across Dwarka, reaching as far as Prabhasa.

Dressed in an elegant pink and gold saree, Subhadra walked through the festival grounds with her closest friends, Sharvani, Ishani, and Vedika, as well as her trusted maids, Tanvi and Sanjana.

The city was a spectacle of colors and lights. Strings of marigolds and jasmine draped over archways, flickering diyas lined the stone pathways, and the bustling market stalls overflowed with luxurious silks, handcrafted ornaments, and vibrant dyes.

Subhadra admired the scene, her heart swelling with joy—not because of the riches displayed, but because of the liveliness and warmth surrounding her.

"I must say," Vedika remarked with a teasing lilt, "for someone who rarely indulges in shopping, you do seem enchanted by the festival stalls today."

Subhadra smiled, glancing at a stand displaying delicately embroidered shawls. "I only appreciate their beauty. I have no intention of filling my chambers with things I do not need yet."

Ishani smirked. "Yet you did stop to admire that shawl."

"That is different!" Subhadra defended. "One must appreciate fine craftsmanship without always purchasing it."

Sharvani laughed lightly. "Well, that is certainly a relief. If you were as fond of jewelry as the other noblewomen, I fear we'd never reach the festival grounds."

Sanjana, ever the gentle one, added with a knowing smile, "But our rajkumari does have a soft spot for pearls, does she not?"

Subhadra sighed. "You all remember far too much."

Tanvi, her watchful maid, chuckled. "That is our duty, Rajkumari."

Their conversation carried on as they walked deeper into the festival, the golden glow of the diyas reflecting in their eyes. The music, the celebrations, and the laughter of the people surrounded them, making this night one to be remembered.

And in the heart of it all, Subhadra felt truly content.

As the sun dipped toward the horizon, Rukmini’s brows furrowed in concern.

"I haven’t seen arya since the Pooja," she muttered.

Subhadra, noticing her sister-in-law’s troubled expression, approached her.

"What happened, Rukmini Bhabhi?" she asked, tilting her head.

"Arya has disappeared," Rukmini sighed. "He was with us in the temple for the morning prayers, but after that, he just… vanished. And none of us have seen him since."

Subhadra chuckled softly, shaking her head.

"Bhabhi, you should know by now that your Krishna does this often," she teased. "He will be fine. Instead of worrying, you should enjoy the festival like everyone else."

Rukmini sighed but nodded.

"You are right, choti. He always returns when he wants to."

With that, Subhadra excused herself and made her way toward a bangle shop, where her friends and maids were already gathered, eagerly selecting delicate glass bangles that shimmered under the festival lights.

The merchant’s stall overflowed with bangles of every color—deep rubies, sapphire blues, emerald greens, and golden hues, each adorned with intricate designs and fine embellishments.

"Rajkumari, look at this one!" Sanjana exclaimed, holding up a set of turquoise bangles with silver accents.

Subhadra’s eyes lit up. "Perfect! That matches my saree well."

With a delighted smile, she slipped them onto her wrists, the soft chime of glass touching glass filling the air.

As she browsed through the collection, her gaze fell upon a set of delicate rose-pink bangles with silver details. She picked them up thoughtfully before turning to Vedika. "These would suit you beautifully, do you not agree?"

Vedika chuckled. "You always know my tastes too well."

Sharvani playfully held up a striking combination of crimson and gold. "And these?" she asked with a smirk.

Subhadra tilted her head, feigning deep contemplation. "A little bold for you, perhaps. But Ishani might wear them well."

Ishani laughed. "Oh? And what makes you think I am the bold one?"

"Your choice of words more than your choice of attire," Subhadra teased.

The group dissolved into soft laughter, their voices blending seamlessly with the festive sounds around them. The simple act of choosing bangles, exchanging playful remarks, and sharing in each other's joy filled Subhadra's heart with warmth.

But then… she felt it.

A strange, intense gaze.

It was different from the usual glances of admiration she often received as a princess. This stare was… keen, focused, and filled with something deep—something affectionate.

A shiver ran down her spine.

She whipped her head toward the direction she felt the stare from…

But there was nothing.

Only the lively commotion of the festival—people moving from shop to shop, merchants calling out their wares, and musicians playing their instruments.

"Strange…" she murmured to herself, shaking off the feeling.

*****

At the same times elsewhere, Krishna was not lost at all.

In fact, he was right where he wanted to be—welcoming his soul’s dearest friend, Arjun.

After many years, the two bestfriend in spirit were finally reunited.

Krishna’s eyes twinkled with mischief as he led Arjun through the bustling markets, pointing out various stalls and indulging in sweets and delicacies.

"You must spend time with your wives too, Keshav. We've been going here and there since morning itself," Arjun said, shaking his head as he chewed on a sweet.

Krishna chuckled.

"They have spent plenty of time with me, Parth. But you, my dear friend, I have not seen in ages. Surely, I should dedicate today to you?"

Arjun smiled, grateful for Krishna’s presence.

But then—he stopped walking.

His gaze fixed on something—or rather, someone.

Krishna, noticing the sudden stillness, followed Arjun’s line of sight.

And then… his smile grew wider.

For there she was—his beloved sister, Subhadra.

The princess stood by the bangle stall, laughing with her companions, her hands full of colorful bangles. She looked radiant, her eyes gleaming under the soft glow of festival lights.

Arjun’s expression was unreadable.

But Krishna knew.

"Parth," he said, breaking the silence. "How can someone who has taken a vow of celibacy—be possessed by Kamadev so easily?"

Arjun’s ears turned red as he immediately looked down.

"Keshav!" he protested, but Krishna only laughed.

The two resumed their strolling, though Arjun’s thoughts were clearly elsewhere.

After a while, he finally spoke.

"Keshav," he said hesitantly. "That girl… who is she? Do you know her? "

Krishna smirked but answered as if nothing was out of the ordinary.

"I infact, indeed know her."

Arjun frowned.

"Really? Then can you tell me? "

"Yes, parth" Krishna confirmed. "She is the favorite child of my father, the sister of Sarana and my own beloved sister, my Bhadre."

Arjun’s eyes widened.

"She is Subhadra?" he asked, stunned.

"Yes," Krishna said. Then, he turned to Arjun with a knowing look. "Tell me Parth, has your heart fixed itself to her?"

Arjun, speechless and flustered, hesitated before answering.

"What can I say madhav? She is mamashree Vasudev’s daughter and your sister. If I can win her hand in marriage… surely, I must have done only good deeds in my past life."

Krishna only chuckled hearing him.

"Tell me, madhav…" Arjun continued. "How can I win the hand of your lovely sister?"

Krishna explained that balram actually already proposed to make swayamvar for subhadra, and she too agree. For now it still an idea, the preparation for the swayamvar is still zero.

But then suddenly, he paused.

"I do not know my sister’s choice," he admitted. "And if fate does not favor you, she may choose another."

Arjun’s face fell slightly.

That was when Krishna made his true suggestion.

"Perhaps, Parth, you should not wait for fate."

Arjun looked at him questioningly.

"What do you mean?"

Krishna smiled mischievously.

"Abduct her."

Arjun’s eyes widened in shock.

"What?!"

Krishna shrugged casually.

"Did I not do the same for Rukmini when she wished to escape her unwanted marriage? Sometimes, a woman’s heart is bound by circumstances. If my sister’s heart is yours, then waiting may not be the wisest choice."

Arjun was reluctant.

"But would she agree?" he asked.

Krishna’s gaze softened slightly.

"That, I cannot say. But I know this—if you wish for her, you must be bold."

Arjun fell into deep thought.

After much consideration, he finally nodded.

"I will send a message to bhrata Yudhishthir seeking his permission," he said firmly.

Krishna grinned, his eyes shining with the light of fate.

"Then let us see, Parth, how destiny will play its game."

And thus… a bold plan was set in motion.

To Be Continued…