"I can't promise to fix all your problems. But I can promise that you don't have to face them alone." ~ Subhadra

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Long Chapter Ahead.

The week after my birthday passed in a way that felt like seconds.

Before leaving for Indraprasth, Arya wished to meet Brata Balram and Brata Krishna to seek their permission. While my Bhabhis showered us with gifts, Brata Krishna had suggestions to give Arya about the planned Rajsurya Yagna.

Brata Balram, on the other hand, stood at a distance watching me interact with my maid.

"Princess, I have packed Prince Arjun's birthday gift along with the other ones. And as per your instruction, I made sure nobody notices it."

I thanked her for her help and now walked to Brata Balram who happily blessed me, "I hope you and Arjun are not upset with me for sending both of you on that exile." He enquired and I shook my head smiling at him.

"Of course not Bratashri!" I said reassuringly.

His smile faltered as he continued, "I- I don't know what took over me that I got so impulsive and-" He paused before looking at Arya for a brief moment, "But from now onwards, I will keep my anger in check and not let it being unhappiness in your marriage." He concluded.

"What do you mean Bratashri?" I asked, clearly confused.

"I already suspected Arjun of ill-treating you in your marriage and now going one step ahead, I sent him on an exile with you." I looked at Arya and then at Brata Balram.

"He is young now and very much besotted by his love for you. But after initial years of marriage pass, these feelings will fade away. That time, reminiscing such events will not only lead to displeasure but also create issues between the two of you."

I huffed.

Little did my brother know that the exile had given us some of the most memorable moments of our life.

The late night conversations, the shared challenges of arranging fuel, cooking in a mud pot, fetching water from a faraway well, his birthday surprise, traversing the crowded markets holding his hand- this exile made me realize how lovely everyday moments in a couple's life could be.

"But we are grateful Brata." I said and he looked at me surprised.

"Arya's duties as the commander and my tasks as a Princess are so relentless that we hardly get quality time together in the palace. This exile gave us lots of time to observe, admire, love and understand each other. Thank you Bratashri!" I said, wrapping my arms around Brata Balram.

He smiled and hugged me in return, "I'm glad if Arjun thinks the same, Bhadra."

"I can vouch for him, Bratashri. And I can also vouch for the fact that he'll never let his royal pride comes in between our marriage. And nor will I let any difference creep in our marriage."

"It's time for us to leave, Brata Balram." Both of us turned to Arya and he nodded, "Have a safe journey, both of you."

We nodded and after seeking the blessings of my parents and brothers, got on the chariot and in no time, we had crossed the borders of Dwarka.

All along the journey, Arya was silent enjoying the rugged beauty of the trees while Brata Balram's words kept playing in the back of my mind.

Is Arya really unhappy with the exile period we served in Dwarka? Brata Yudhisthir had also approved Brata Balram's decision, so there's little risk of Indraprasth taking offence. Or wait did Arya just put up with whatever happened for my sake?

As I felt my mind explode under the weight of these thoughts, his voice distracted me, "Subhadra, look there. A peacock." He said and I glanced at the bird trying to mirror his enthusiasm.

"He doesn't seem annoyed." My mind told me and I nodded, hoping that Arya, his brothers and Jiji were not really upset with the exile punishment.

Hours passed into days and we had already made it to the gates of Indraprasth. The journey was smooth but also exhausting. And as much tired I was, I wanted to ask Jiji about the mess I had been cultivating in my head.

Arya was the first one to get down the chariot and have a conversation with the army general who had made it to the entrance to greet us.

I stood on the chariot and looked around to find none of the royal family members present to welcome us. There were only a few maids and soldiers scattered around.

Wondering what happened, I jolted out of my thoughts upon hearing Arya's voice, "Bhadra, is anything wrong?"

I looked at him and nodded in negative, quickly preparing to get down the chariot when he motioned me to stop.

I glanced at him dismiss the general and walk towards the chariot, towards me. Glancing at me for a second, he winked, dramatically extending his hand towards me. I grinned at him, held his hand and descended the chariot.

I asked the maids to keep the gifts in my room before catching Arya staring at me.

"What happened?" I asked.

"Nothing." He said. I nodded and now glanced at the entrance.

"Are you sure nothing is wrong? You've been unusually quiet." He asked with hawk eyes.

Before I could reply, Brata Nakul called out to Arya. Before Arya could hug him, he swiftly pulled Arya along with him, into the royal court. Arya turned around and glanced at me while still walking and all I could do was give him a reassuring smile.

I now looked at a maid and asked her to take me to Jiji. She promptly told me that Queen Draupadi was in the royal court in a meeting accompanying the other Princes.

"Oh." I sighed, "Is there any problem?" I asked and she expressed ignorance. I nodded and decided to go to the court to figure out things on my own.

* * *

"We are sorry Princess but the King has strictly ordered us to not allow anybody into the royal court." The guard said in a nervous tone.

"I am a member of the court. I have a right to take part in the discussion." I protested and he nodded carefully so as to not anger me.

"But Princess, special orders to not let anyone other than the Queen and the Princes inside. Please don't mistake me but I'm just following the orders given to me." He pleaded and I sighed.

"Alright. Inform Queen Draupadi and Prince Arjun that I would like to meet them in my chamber before night." I said as the guard bowed in agreement.

* * *

Night fell but neither Jiji nor Arya visited me. Strangely, my other cousins were also absent from both lunch and dinner.

I had enquired with the chief minister, the generals and the maidens but none of them could yield a proper answer. As I stood by the window, my heart hoping for Arya or Jiji to enter the room, I heard the sound of some heavy and dense footsteps.

"Arya?" I whispered, looking back.

"Princess Subhadra?" I heard a soft voice.

"What is it?" I asked as the chief maiden entered, her grey eyes scanning the entire room before her.

"I have been sent by the Queen. She said that she may not be able to meet you tonight. She will supposedly be held up." She said and I sighed wondering to myself, "What was exactly the issue?"

She left the place and I sat down on the stairs. This wasn't the first time Jiji found herself caught up with work and declined my invitation. But whenever she did, she made sure to meet me in person and intimate the same. Was the issue really important, now that Rajsurya Yagna was also coming up?

Every kingdom, friend and foe, seemed to bring in thousands of issues that there were days when political discussions ran into late nights. Lost in thoughts, I failed to realize when I fell asleep.

* * *

The next morning, I woke up to find myself on the bed, duly wrapped under a cozy blanket. The left side of the bed seemed unoccupied. It took me a couple of minutes to shrug off the drowsiness and wonder how I had landed on the bed.

"Anyone there?" I called out and a maiden ran inside.

"Did anyone come to my chamber in the night?" I asked and she nodded, "Yes Princess. Prince Arjun had visited your chamber late in the night. He however left shortly, in a few minutes." She said.

"Oh." I thought. It was Arya's year with Jiji and hence he may have slept in her chamber. I took in a deep breath and stretched, mentally preparing myself for the day.

I decided to meet Jiji, Arya and my brothers at the breakfast table and enquire about the problem that had befallen us. Quickly refreshing and dressing myself, I left to the dining room.

On the way, I found myself collide with Brata Yudhisthir who was reportedly going back to his room, "Bratashri!" I called out.

He froze on his tracks. Fidgeting the ends of his angavastra, he now turned to face me, a clear hesitation dancing in his eyes.

"Bratashri, is everything okay? I haven't seen any of you for a while now" I asked, worry etched on my face.

"Um, it's nice to see you back Subhadra! I hope you didn't have any problems in your journey?" He enquired and as weird as it felt I managed to smile and yield him an answer, "Yes Bratashri. It was a smooth journey. We had no issues."

"And Bratashri, please answer my question. Is everything fine?" I repeated my question. Before he could reply, I heard Arya call out to him.

"Bratashri! You're required in the court.." He paused, looking at both of us.

"But.." I began when Arya cut me down, "I'm sorry Subhadra but it's urgent." He said and I nodded without an option.

Brata Yudhisthir took a leave and as Arya tried to make a move, I held his arm, looking straight into his eyes, "You are not leaving until I have my answer!"

"Subhadra, please! Your games have already caused me a week in Dwarka. I don't have time for this now. There are more urgent matters I have to attend." He got out, sounding as though he was at the peak of his frustration.

And as I wondered if he was the same man who took care of me yesterday, I found him staring at me in a grave manner. Did I do something wrong?

But what wrong could I have done in my sleep? He didn't even sleep with me yesterday that I should fear kicking him down the bed.

"Prince!" I heard a voice and looked up to find the general calling him. He hummed and trailed away, brushing his arms against mine.

And for a moment, it seemed as if Brata Balram's fears had just come true.

* * *

Hey everyone!

How are all of you doing? The core plot starts from the next chapter and I'm hoping to not get cancelled for it.

Few readers wanted me to include some disagreements and insecurities between Arjun and Subhadra as it seems too good to be true.

I am not making any grave fights between the duo as I aim to make this book the one you can read when you feel low or are looking for some moments of laughter.

However, this track may serve a little bit of angst.

So, what are the Pandavas and Draupadi exactly hiding from Subhadra? And what's the reason behind Arjun's sudden change of behaviour towards Subhadra? 

Stay tuned for some drama!