It was a bright morning in Dwarka when Subhadra overheard something exciting—her dau, Balram, was going on an official visit to a neighboring kingdom. Normally, she wouldn’t pay much attention to these royal duties, but this time, there was something special.

“There will be a grand festival happening there,” a maid whispered to another. “I heard it is filled with dancers, music, and the most delicious sweets!”

Subhadra’s ears perked up. A festival? That sounded so fun! Without wasting a second, she ran straight to her mother, Rohini, her anklets jingling as she rushed through the palace halls.

“Mata! Mata!” she called, tugging at Rohini’s hand. “Please let me go with dau to the festival!”

Rohini, who was folding some silks, sighed gently. “No, little one. It is not just a festival—your dau has important work to do. You cannot go.”

Subhadra pouted and turned to Devaki, her other mother. “Mata Devaki, please? I promise I will be good!”

Devaki smiled but shook her head. “It is a long journey, Bhadre. It will be tiring for you.”

“But—”

“No buts.”

Subhadra’s shoulders slumped, but she wasn’t ready to give up yet. If her mothers said no, then she had only one hope left—Krishna.

She ran through the palace, her little feet moving swiftly, until she found Krishna lounging under a tree, playing with a peacock feather. “Bhrata!” she called, climbing onto his lap dramatically. “You must help me!”

Krishna chuckled, tilting her chin up. “What is troubling my little moonbeam?”

She sniffled, exaggerating her sadness. “I want to go to the festival, but Mata and Mata Devaki said no.”

Krishna tapped her nose playfully. “And why do you want to go?”

She sat up straight, eyes shining. “Because I heard there will be music and dancing and sweets!”

Krishna laughed. “Ah, I see. Well then, let me talk to them.”

True to his word, Krishna spoke with Rohini, Devaki, and even Vasudev. After much convincing, her family finally relented.

Balram, however, was not pleased. “Krishna, this is an official trip, not an outing,” he grumbled.

Krishna only smiled. “And yet, it will bring joy to our little sister. What is more important than that?”

Balram sighed. “Fine.”

Subhadra clapped her hands in excitement, hugging Krishna tightly. “Thank you, Bhrata! You are the best!”

*****

The next morning, Subhadra was up before the sun, excitement bubbling in her chest. Dressed in a soft blue silk with golden embroidery, she looked like a little moonbeam as she eagerly waited for Balram. Her anklets jingled as she paced around, unable to sit still.

Balram arrived, dressed in his usual warrior attire, looking at his little sister with a raised brow. “Are you ready, gudiya?”

Subhadra nodded eagerly. “Yes, Dau! Let’s go!”

Balram chuckled and helped her into the chariot. Kritavarma, who was accompanying them as Balram’s assistant, mounted his horse, and soon, they set off.

The journey was longer than Subhadra had expected, but she didn’t mind. She chattered excitedly, asking Balram endless questions about the festival, the kingdom, and what kind of sweets they would have. At first, Balram only responded with short answers, still reluctant about bringing her along, but as the journey continued, he found himself smiling. Her excitement was contagious, and it warmed his heart.

By the time they reached the neighboring kingdom, the festival had not yet begun. Subhadra, eager to explore, was taken to the palace gardens by one of the maids while Balram and Kritavarma handled their official duties.

The garden was vast and filled with colorful flowers, fountains, and peacocks wandering gracefully. Subhadra skipped along the stone paths, admiring everything. Then, a thought struck her. She turned to the maid beside her.

“Are there any children around my age in the royal family?” she asked, hoping to find a playmate.

The maid smiled gently. “No, Rajkumari, but we do have a baby princess.”

Subhadra let out a small sigh, her excitement fading a little. “A baby?” she repeated, her lips pressing into a pout. “That’s too small! I can’t play with a baby…”

She crossed her arms, suddenly feeling a little less enthusiastic. What was the fun in being at a grand festival if there was no one her age to enjoy it with?

*****

As the sun dipped below the horizon, a golden hue painted the sky, casting its last light over the bustling kingdom. The air was thick with the scent of incense and sweet delicacies, and in the distance, the rhythmic beat of drums signaled the beginning of the long-awaited festival.

Standing at the palace balcony, Balram surveyed the city below, his arms crossed over his broad chest. The formal discussions were nearly complete—only a few documents remained for him to review. He knew his little sister had been waiting all day for this festival, her excitement barely contained.

With a sigh, he turned to Kritavarma, who stood nearby. “Kritavarma,” he called.

Kritavarma straightened. “Yes, Shriman Balram?”

“Take Subhadra to the festival,” Balram ordered. “I will finish matters here.”

Kritavarma’s sharp eyes flickered with mild surprise before he nodded. “As you command.”

“One more thing.” Balram’s gaze turned serious. “Dress as commoners. It will be easier to move without drawing attention.”

A smirk tugged at Kritavarma’s lips. “Wise decision.”

Balram exhaled and glanced toward the garden. “Send a maid to inform Subhadra. She should prepare herself.”

Without delay, Kritavarma gestured for a palace maid, who rushed off to deliver the news.

The moment Subhadra heard it, her heart leaped. “Truly? Dau said I can go now? Right now?” she asked, her voice filled with disbelief and excitement.

“Yes, Rajkumari,” the maid answered with a soft smile. “Shriman Balram has allowed it.”

Subhadra clapped her hands, her anklets chiming as she spun in delight. “Then I must get ready at once!”

She dashed to her chamber, where her attendants eagerly awaited. But tonight, she would not adorn herself in gold and silk—no, she wished to walk among the people unnoticed.

With careful hands, her maids dressed her in a deep red blouse and a flowing brown skirt, simple yet elegant. Gone were the heavy jewels; instead, a single silver bangle gleamed on her wrist, and a wooden hairpin secured her thick, dark curls. And yet, even in this humble attire, her beauty shone effortlessly. Without the weight of gold upon her, her luminous skin and soft features stood out all the more, making her appear ethereal—like a little goddess veiled in simplicity. She also remember to brought her money pouch and a little dagger for protection that krishna gave her. She tied the pouch and the dagger sound her waist.

Not long after, Kritavarma arrived, his attire was dark a deep blue giving him the air of a common warrior. His usual adornments were gone, but his sharp, knowing gaze remained unchanged.

When he saw Subhadra, he paused briefly, his brow lifting ever so slightly. “Even in the simplest of garments, you stand out, Rajkumari.”

Subhadra giggled, twirling lightly. “Do I truly look like a commoner?”

Kritavarma smile softly. “You look like a celestial being pretending to be one.”

She laughed. “Then I shall act well enough to fool everyone.”

He chuckled, adjusting his shawl. “Come then, before Shriman Balram changes his mind.”

With that, the two of them slipped past the palace gates, disappearing into the vibrant night, where the festival awaited them in all its splendor.

To be continued