The sound of hooves grew louder, and before long, three warriors came into view-Satyaki, Kritavarma, and Pradyumna.

Subhadra's breath hitched.

Even without an army, these three were enough to be a formidable threat.

"Did Dau intend to bring me back by force if necessary?, I was the one that hold the reins so they might thought that I'm running away and not get abducted."

Satyaki dismounted first, walking toward Krishna's chariot. He ran his fingers along its side, nodding as he confirmed his suspicion.

"It is indeed Krishna's chariot," he said, glancing at Kritavarma. "Subhadra must be here."

Kritavarma nodded curtly. "Then we should split up and find her."

Subhadra's fingers dug into the stone. Arjun, sensing her tension, shifted beside her. His presence was warm, grounding-but it could not stop the fear curling in her stomach.

Satyaki sharp eyes scanning the temple before settling on subhadra and arjun.

They got caught so subhadra and Arjun decided to show themselves to the warriors.

Relief softened satyaki's battle-hardened face, but only for a moment.

"Rajkumari," he exhaled, taking a step forward.

Pradyumn was right behind him, his golden armor gleaming under the rising sun. He had their father's easy grace, but none of his unreadable calm. His gaze was frantic, filled with an emotion Subhadra could not yet place.

Kritavarma came last.

And he looks quite furious.

He said nothing. But his silence was heavier than words, his sharp glare cutting through Arjun like a blade. His hand hovered near the hilt of his sword-not in threat, but in restraint.

Then, slowly, his gaze shifted to her.

Softer. Gentler. Yet filled with an emotion that made her throat tighten.

Subhadra stepped forward hesitantly. "Bhrata Kritavarma-"

"Are you hurt?" Kritavarma interrupted, his voice tight, controlled.

She flinched.

"No," she whispered.

He studied her for a long moment, then exhaled through his nose. "Good."

Satyaki stepped closer, his expression unreadable. "Rajkumari... you do realize what you have done?"

Her lips parted, but before she could speak, Pradyumn let out a heavy sigh, running a hand down his face.

"Bua, you should have seen Dwarka." "Tatashree... he-"

"Tatashree was ready for war." Pradyumn's voice was laced with exhaustion. "Every Yadava warrior had taken up their arms. They wanted rajkumar Arjun's head."

Subhadra breath hitched.

"But pitashree stopped them."

She blinked. "Bhrata Krishna..."

Pradyumn nodded. "He stood before tatashree and the entire assembly. Basically he told them that war would not bring back what was already done. He told them that if you were to be married, it should be in Dwarka."

Subhadra's throat tightened.

"MahaBali balram was not easily swayed," Kritavarma added, arms crossed. His voice was calmer now, but still firm. "But Krishna convinced him. He reminded him of Arjun's greatness, his victories, his strength. He told the court that Dwarka should celebrate her wedding."

"And that is why we are here," Satyaki finished. His tone softened. "To bring you home, subhadra."

Subhadra trembled.

"Dwarka... accepts us?" she whispered, barely believing it.

"Dwarka is waiting for you bua," Pradyumn said. "The city is probably already preparing for the celebrations."

Her hands covered her mouth.

Arjun, silent until now, finally exhaled a breath he did not realize he had been holding.

Subhadra turned to Arjun, her eyes glistening. He met her gaze, and in that moment, nothing else existed. No fear. No guilt. Just relief.

"We can go home," she whispered. "Together."

Arjun swallowed, his hand instinctively reaching for hers. Their fingers interlaced, holding onto each other as if anchoring themselves to this reality.

But then-Kritavarma shifted.

The tension returned.

Subhadra turned back to him, her heart clenching. "Bhrata Kritavarma, I-"

"Everyone was ready to kill him, I was ready to kill him."

Her breath caught.

"If it were anyone else who had taken you, I would have struck them down without hesitation." His voice was quiet, yet heavy with unspoken anger.

Subhadra stepped forward, her grip on Arjun tightening. "Bhrata, please-"

Kritavarma exhaled.

Then-his expression softened.

"But..." He looked at her, truly looked at her. "You are safe. You are unharmed. And you..." his eyes flickered to their joined hands, his shoulders easing ever so slightly, "have made your choice."

Subhadra's throat burned.

"I love him." The words escaped before she could stop them. "I do not know when it happened, or why... but I choose him, Bhrata Kritavarma. I choose him."

Kritavarma stared at her.

Then, slowly-he sighed.

"Then so be it."

The weight in the air shattered.

Arjun closed his eyes for a brief moment, then met Kritavarma's gaze.

"You have my word," Arjun said. His voice was steady, unwavering. "I will protect her with my life."

Kritavarma studied him for a long moment.

Then-finally-he nodded.

Not in defeat. Not in anger. But in acceptance.

"Then let us take you home."

*****

On the other side, Dwarka buzzed with activity. Vibrant drapes of gold and crimson adorned the towering pillars, and garlands of fresh marigold and jasmine filled the air with their sweet fragrance. Servants hurried carrying trays of ceremonial items, while musicians rehearsed melodies that would soon echo everywhere.

At the center of it all stood Balram, the mighty Mahabali, his broad shoulders slightly hunched as he observed the preparations.

His usually fierce gaze softened as he looked at the decorations, yet his eyes held a glimmer of sadness. He gripped his mace tightly, as though it were the only thing anchoring him amidst the storm of emotions swirling within.

A voice, calm yet teasing, broke his reverie.

"Mahabali, you'll break your mace if you hold it any tighter."

Balram turned to see Krishna approaching, his ever-present smile curving gently on his lips. Krishna exuded an aura of peace that contrasted with Balram's tense demeanor.

Balram sighed, his grip loosening. "Kanha... the palace is being decorated as though this is a festival. But is it? Is this truly a celebration?"

Krishna stepped beside him, his gaze sweeping over the bustling courtyard. "Why wouldn't it be, Dau? Our gudiya is returning home, and she is to be wed. Is that not a joyous occasion?"

Balram's lips tightened, his brow furrowing. "You speak as though this is a simple matter. But you know as well as I do-it is not. Subhadra is my life. My heart aches to think she was taken without my blessing, without my protection."

Krishna placed a hand on Balram's shoulder, his voice gentle yet firm. "Dau, you have always been her protector, her pillar of strength. But this... this was not something even you could shield her from. Love is not a battle we can fight on her behalf."

Balram's eyes flicked to Krishna, a flicker of uncertainty in his expression. "Love?" he repeated, almost bitterly. "What love, Krishna? This seems more like folly-a decision made in haste, without thought of its consequences."

Krishna chuckled softly, his gaze now distant, as though he were seeing something beyond the present moment. "Dau, why seen the world in black and white?. Subhadra and Arjun... their love is the shade of dawn. It is subtle, but once you see it, you cannot look away."

Balram frowned, still unconvinced. "And what of the pain it has caused? The turmoil it has stirred among our people? Among our warriors?"

Krishna turned to face him fully, his expression serious now. "Do you truly believe Subhadra would have allowed herself to be taken if she did not trust Arjun with her entire being?"

Balram's jaw clenched, but he said nothing.

Krishna stepped closer, his voice softening. "Dau, you will see it soon enough. The way they look at each other. The way Subhadra's eyes soften when she speaks of him, even in defiance. The way Arjun's entire being is devoted to her happiness, her safety. This... this is not folly. It is love."

Balram exhaled slowly, the weight of Krishna's words sinking in. He looked back at the bustling preparations, the servants hanging ornate banners, the cooks arranging platters for the feast.

"She is still my little sister," he murmured, almost to himself.

Krishna smiled, his tone lighter now. "And she always will be, Dau. But she is also a woman who has chosen her path. A path that will bring her happiness, even if it began with struggle."

Balram looked at him, a trace of hesitation still lingering. "You truly believe this is for the best?"

Krishna's smile widened, his eyes twinkling with certainty. "I do. And soon, so will you."

For a moment, Balram simply stood there, his broad frame casting a long shadow over the vibrant courtyard. Then, with a deep breath, he nodded. It was not a nod of complete acceptance, but it was a start-a tentative step toward embracing the inevitable.

Krishna clapped his shoulder lightly. "Come, Dau. The decorators are afraid to approach you for approval. Let us not keep them waiting."

Balram let out a low chuckle, shaking his head. "Only you, kanha, can turn a brother's turmoil into a jest."

Krishna grinned. "It is my duty, after all."

Together, they walked into the heart of the preparations, the brothers standing side by side as the palace came alive with the promise of a celebration.

To be continued

Note: I captured more kritavarma moment here just as to make it even more ironic in the future bcs isn't it ould be ironic how kritavarma usually on subhadra side but when the big war come he is on the other side. I hope you guys didn't feel sad about this. ❤