A few days passed, and at last, the long-awaited moment arrived—Krishna and Balram returned to Dwarka.

The entire city was alive with celebration. The streets were decorated with flowers, the scent of fresh marigolds filling the air. Musicians played their instruments joyfully, drums resounded, and the people of Dwarka cheered for their beloved leader.

At the palace gates, little Subhadra stood among the royal family, waiting impatiently. The moment she saw Krishna and Balram’s chariots arriving, her eyes lit up with excitement.

"Bhrata Krishna! Dau!" she cried out, breaking into a run toward them.

As soon as they stepped down, Subhadra rushed straight into Balram’s arms first. He lifted her effortlessly, spinning her around with a hearty laugh before setting her down.

"I miss you so much gudiya," he said, ruffling her hair.

Subhadra then turned to Krishna and hugged him as well, feeling the warmth of her brother’s presence after so long.

Although she was overjoyed, she knew they wouldn’t have much time for her just yet. They had been away from Dwarka for months, and there were important matters of governance to handle first. But just knowing they were back was enough to make her heart feel lighter.

*****

After a few days, when the palace affairs had settled, Subhadra finally got to spend proper time with her brothers.

Eagerly, she showed off everything she had learned in their absence. She demonstrated her sword skills, her archery, and even spoke about governance with impressive knowledge.

Balram and Krishna watched her with pride.

"You have done well, Ruchi," Krishna said, smiling warmly.

Balram, however, felt a slight pang of sadness. He had missed seeing his little sister’s growth firsthand. The thought troubled him, but Krishna placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

"Dau," he said softly, "She is still our Subhadra. She still needs you, just as much as before."

Balram sighed, nodding. He knew Krishna was right. No matter how much Subhadra grew, she would always be his little sister.

*****

With Krishna and Balram back, Subhadra’s training became even more intense.

She now, once again, had more mentors.

Each training session was different, but one thing remained the same—Subhadra’s determination.

Even when Balram’s mace training left her arms aching, or when Kritavarma’s strict discipline made her want to stomp her foot, she never gave up.

"You are a Yadav rajkumari after all," Satyaki teased one day as she hit a perfect shot with her bow.

Subhadra grinned, wiping sweat from her forehead. She was becoming stronger—not just physically, but in mind and spirit.

And every time she trained, she felt closer to her brothers.

Even though they had been apart for months, the bond they shared had never faded.

*****

A few months had passed, and the vibrant city of Dwarka was struck by unexpected news—news that sent ripples of sorrow across Indraprastha. Arjun, the valiant warrior, had been sentenced to twelve years of exile for breaking the sacred vow. He had entered Draupadi’s chamber while she was with Yudhishthira, violating the solemn agreement among the Pandavas. The judgment was just, yet it was a cruel twist of fate, one that weighed heavily on the hearts of those who loved him.

For Draupadi, it was a moment of anguish, the pain of separation from the husband who had always been her fiercest protector. For the Pandavas, it was a wound to their brotherhood—a reminder that even the strongest bonds were not immune to the hand of destiny. News of Arjun’s exile reached Krishna, and with the wisdom and compassion only he possessed, he resolved to journey to Indraprastha to console the Pandavas and Draupadi. His presence, like the soothing touch of a healer, would be a balm to their aching souls.

In Dwarka, Subhadra heard of her cousins fate with a heavy heart. She felt sorrow for Draupadi and the Pandavas, but the weight of the tragedy did not linger within her for long. She understood the ways of Dharma, the sacrifices that human had to endure. And so, with quiet devotion, she prayed—not for her own sorrow, but for Arjuna’s safe return to his beloved wife and his brothers, so that Indraprastha would once again be whole.

To Be Continued…