"Life is full of rude shocks and pleasant surprises. But what if one faces a shock and surprise at the same time ?"
~ Arjun

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Narrator's POV

In Dwarka, everyone was ready to proceed towards Indraprasth. Balram was not sure that Arjun was behind all the problems. He was too angry to listen to any words of his family. He was not even ready to wait for Krishna.

Minister - Why don't we wait for Prince Krishna ?

Balram - That's not required Minister. My wife will inform Krishna when he comes here and I am sure Kanha will also behave the same way.

Minister - But !

Balram - Enough Minister ! Let me do what I feel is right.

Minister nods and walks away not knowing what to do. Slowly, the army of Dwarka head towards Indraprasth.

In Indraprasth:-

Jarasandh and Shishupal are discussing some issues when a bird comes there with a message in its feet.

Jarasandh - Looks like our spy has done his work properly.

Shishupal - Everything has happened as planned.

Jarasandh - Yes ! The Pandavas are in Hastinapur while Arjun is roaming around in the jungles of Indraprasth. Now Subhadra has escaped and is stuck in the jungle somewhere.

Shishupal - But I don't understand why you wanted Subhadra to escape. How will it facilitate our victory ?

Jarasandh (smiling) - You will see soon. As per the plan, everything is going to fall in place. Now we have to leave this place before they both reach. Ask the soldiers to make a move back.

Shishupal - Okay I will do so.
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Arjun is searching for Subhadra in the forests of Indraprasth. He feels he is near her but is not able to find her anywhere.

Arjun (worried) - Am I in the wrong path ? I can't find her anywhere but why will the servant lie to me ?

He continues to search for her in the forest.

A few days pass and Balram reaches the outskirts of Indraprasth. He asks his soldiers to search for Subhadra and on the other hand, Arjun is also in the same forest searching for Subhadra. But no one was able to find her.

Minister (thinking) - What is happening ? If I don't find Subhadra here then all our plans will be spoiled. But they told that they left Subhadra. What will I do ? If we don't find Subhadra fast, the king will find out the truth.

A soldier comes upto him and says something. The minister smiles an evil smile and proceeds to the King's chamber.

Balram was sitting looking at the white flowers in the pond near his tent. He remembered how his sister Subhadra would jump around at the sight of those flowers when she was young. The minister enters the chamber and smiles at the lost state of the King.

"It's more easy for me now" he thought entering the tent. Balram looks at his minister and asks what was wrong.

Minister - King ! Our soldiers have managed to find Princess Subhadra.

Balram (happily) - What ! Where is she ?

Minister (slowly) - The Princess is in a separate tent along with the doctor.

Balram (worried) - With the doctor ?

Minister - Yes your highness. Princess Subhadra is really hurt and was found unconscious near a tree in the forests. Looks like she underwent a lot of pain.

Balram immediately rushed to meet his sister who was still unconscious. She seemed lifeless and all her beauty was drained off. Her hands were tightly holding the only weapon she had.

His eyes filled up with tears and he gently caressed Subhadra's hair. He was now red with sadness and frustration. He felt her blood in his hands and anger filled his voice.

" Minister ! Take Subhadra to Dwarka. I will teach Arjun a lesson and return soon" he shouted. The minister nodded and proceeded to the Princess when a soldier spoke up.

"King ! It's better for you to accompany us to Dwarka. We have a lot of enemies and the Princess is already wounded. Please come with us to Dwarka."

Balram gave it a thought and nodded. But the minister was not happy with this decision. He tried to speak up but Balram signalled him to keep quiet. He sighed and left to his room to think about how to proceed with the plot.
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In Hastinapur:-

Nakul running through the corridor to the palace, his hands clutching a scroll. He was visibly upset and shaken. He barged open the assembly hall where the entire royal family was present.

"Greetings everyone !" he said in a low tone.

Bheem - What happened Nakul ? Why have you requested our presence here ? Be quick.

Nakul - Brother ! We have received a message from Dwarka.

Karna - What does it say ?

Nakul - They are preparing for a war on Indraprasth !

Draupadi - A war ?

Yudhishthir - Why do they have to attack us ?

Nakul - They are under the impression that we have harmed Subhadra !

Karn - But for arriving at that conclusion, they should know about the whereabouts of the Princess.

Everyone nod and look at Nakul.

Nakul - Yes Subhadra is in Dwarka now, I think. The scroll does not specify anything of that information.

Bheeshm - Son Nakul ! Send a message to Arjun about the same. He might be able to convince the royal members of Dwarka. After all, he is Krishna's friend and Subhadra's husband.

Yudhishthir (nodding) - Yes Nakul.  Send the message to Arjun as soon as possible.

Nakul nods and leave the assembly hall.
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Arjun POV

I have been searching the forests for many days now but I am not able to find Subhadra at all. Why is fate like this ?

Suddenly, an arrow hit the ground near my leg. I picked up the arrow and immediately I could see that it was Panchali's.

"It must be an important news" I said and read the letter.

'What is all this ! A war that too on Dwarka ! But since Subhadra is there I will have to go there now' I thought and took a deep breath.

"I am coming" I said and went to fetch my horse.
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Narrator's POV

In Dwarka:-

The royal doctors are treating Subhadra and the entire royal family is anxious. She was healing very slowly but there was a high chance of her revival.

Arjun reached the palace and Balram was the most furious. "I won't spare him" he said as he walked out of the chamber to attack Arjun when Revati stopped him.

"Arya ! Why do you think Arjun would come to Dwarka if he was the one behind Subhadra's pain ! He is genuine" she shouted.

Balram thought about it and allowed Arjun in. He was devastated to see his wife's condition. He walked upto her and held her palms.

"Subhadra..." he called out.

Subhadra slowly opened her eyes and saw Arjun with a blank expression on her face. She looked at her brother Balram and asked in a very weak tone

"Who is he Bratashri ?" she asked pointing towards Arjun who was speechless.
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