Krishna kept his arm around Devashree's waist, his touch gentle yet reassuring, as they navigated through the labyrinthine hallways.

Reaching the kitchens, they found the tray of gulaab jamuns where Devashree had left them, and her eyes immediately sought it as soon as she entered.

"Careful, Shree," Krishna teased, his tone light. "You've been eating quite a bit these days. At this rate, my baby might come out demanding gulaab jamuns as their first meal."

"Well, it's your fault, Swami. You keep feeding me like I'm eating for an entire army, not just for the two of us," she retorted and picked one up, savoring the sweet, syrupy treat, and offered one to Krishna, who accepted it with a grin.

"These are delicious," Krishna remarked, taking a bite. "Mata Devaki knows how to make the best sweets."

Devashree nodded, her mouth full of the delectable dessert.

Just as she was about to bring another to her lips, Krishna's hand darted out and snatched the gulaab jamun away.

"Hey!" Devashree exclaimed, "Swami! That's mine!"

Krishna grinned mischievously, holding the sweet just out of her reach. "Oh no, you don't," he teased, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "I think you've had enough for tonight, priye."

Devashree pouted, crossing her arms over her chest. "Swami, give it back," she demanded, her voice soft but insistent. "It's not fair to tease your pregnant wife with sweets and then take them away."

Krishna chuckled, enjoying their playful banter. "But, Shree, I'm only looking out for you and my baby," he said, his tone serious. "Too many sweets in one night might not be good for either of you."

She narrowed her eyes at him,"You're just being mean," she retorted, taking a step closer to him. "Come on, Swami, share it with me."

"You think I'm being mean, do you?" he asked, taking a step back as she advanced. He held the gulaab jamun high, out of her reach.

"Totally mean! The meanest husband ever." Devashree declared, her playful frustration evident as she reached up, attempting to snatch the sweet treat from his hand.

"No, no, no. I am hardly being mean. What I am doing here is standing for the truth! For righteousness! For Dharma! For Justice!" he proclaimed dramatically, holding the gulaab jamun aloft like a precious prize.

Devashree paused. "Have you lost your marbles, Swami? Ruling the kingdom seems to have been very taxing on you lately. You seem to have gone mad, making no sense whatsoever."

"Look here, people. The criminal is trying to hide her crimes, but we demand justice." Krishna continued and didn't pay her any attention.

"Is there a mental hospital somewhere near?" Devashree quipped, pretending to look around with exaggerated concern.

"Distractions people. The criminal is distracting people from her crimes. But we demand Justice!" Krishna insisted theatrically.

"What does one do with a mentally ill person? .....Aah yes, pretend that their delusions are real." Devashree murmured to herself. "Yes, Swami, you seem to have gone mental. But I, being a kindhearted person with a large heart, will entertain you for your sake.. what were you saying again?"

"JUSTICE!" Krishna proclaimed with gusto, unable to contain his laughter at their playful banter.

"What justice?" Devashree asked, raising an eyebrow at Krishna.

"Justice for my baby! You're blaming my poor baby for this, aren't you? Your cravings?" Krishna teased, his voice laced with amusement. "You know what I think? My baby is just an excuse for you to eat more sweets."

"How dare you insinuate this? Don't use my baby as an excuse for your mean streak. Baming my innocent cravings? That's just low, even for you."

"No, let's be honest, it's not just the baby craving sweets, is it?" He bent down, keeping his ear on her belly. "Don't worry, my baby," Krishna continued, "your pitashree is right here for you. I know you must be so bored, disgusted even, with the amount of sweets your mother likes to eat. Yes, yes, I can hear your call for help. You poor, poor thing," he said, patting her growing belly.

Kama raised his non hairy eyebrow in his mother's womb. Pitashree, are you high on something?

"Don't pay any attention to your pitashree baby, he's just jealous of our bond." Devashree said.

Maybe. But my theory is that your husband is sniffing something wild these days, Maa. You should have better control over him.

"Jealous Swami! You are just jealous. Putr, do you smell the burn, it's quite strong!"

"Jealous haa! As if!" Krishna continued "I can hear his tiny voice, screaming for help. And you call yourself a mother woman. Oh, my poor baby, oh his poor little taste buds...." He trailed off, his hand on her lower belly, enjoying their banter thoroughly.

Devashree rolled her eyes playfully. "Oh, please, Swami. You're imagining things. Our baby is perfectly content, despite your wild theories."

"My theories are not wild!"

Kama closed his already closed eyes in distress. Somebody, please save me from these two kids. He tried to feel his leg. Hmm, still a little jiggly, but enough to give a strong kick. Gathering his strength, he kicked hard inside the womb.

Devashree stopped mid-sentence, gasping as she felt the strong kick. Her hand instinctively moved to her belly, feeling the movement. "Swami, did you feel that?" she exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement and wonder.

Krishna grinned widely, his hand still resting gently on Devashree's lower belly. "I felt it, Shree! Our little baby is making himself known," he said, his voice filled with joy and anticipation. He leaned closer, as if listening intently for another movement.

Devashree laughed softly, feeling the kick once more. "Ahhh! He's definitely letting us know he's here," she remarked, her eyes sparkling with happiness. She looked at Krishna, sharing in the excitement of this moment.

Krishna felt the second kick, and a wave of emotions washed over him. His grin softened into a gentle smile, and his eyes shimmered with unshed tears of joy.

This was his baby! His son, he had been waiting for eons and yugas to hold again! He placed his other hand over Devashree's, gently cradling her belly where the baby had kicked.

"Shree," Krishna said softly, his voice tinged with emotion, "this... this is incredible. It's like he can hear us. Do you think he is trying to tell us something?"

"Yes. He is asking for more sweets that his Pitashree is keeping from him!"

"I told you he is fed up with your sugary sweets!"

"Enough! Give it back, Swami," she said again, her voice a mix of affection and sternness.

"If you want it, you'll have to come and get it," he murmured as he brought the sweet and held it between his lips, his words slightly muffled.

Devashree's eyes widened in surprise, then narrowed with playful determination. She took another step closer, her heart racing. "You think I won't? Did you forget our Laung tod rasam? I have already done it with clove once." she said.

"Oh? Then I take it; you can do it again? Or was it just the beginner's luck, a fluke perhaps?" Krishna raised an eyebrow.

"You underestimate me, Swami," Devashree whispered, her voice filled with playful defiance. With a swift, graceful movement, she lifted her hand and slid it into Krishna's thick, curly hair. Her touch was gentle yet firm, her fingers threading through his locks as she drew closer.

Krishna's teasing grin faltered for a split second as Devashree's hand gently caressed the nape of his neck. Her touch sent a shiver down his spine.

Devashree leaned in, her lips brushing lightly against Krishna's as she tilted her head ever so slightly. In that moment of distraction, her other hand moved with lightning speed.

With a deft and surprising twist of her wrist, Devashree snatched the entire gulaab jamun from between Krishna's lips. She pulled back just enough to hold the sweet triumphantly between her fingers, a victorious smile curling her lips.

Krishna blinked in surprise, his eyes widening momentarily, before he burst into laughter.

Devashree grinned, popping the gulaab jamun into her mouth with a triumphant flourish. "You should know better than to challenge me, Swami," she teased, savoring the sweet treat.

Krishna laughed again, the sound rich and full of love. "Alright, alright," he said, raising his hands in mock surrender. "You win, my queen. Enjoy as many as you like."

With a playful smile still lingering on her lips, Devashree linked her arm with Krishna's as they left the kitchen, heading towards their chambers.

As they turned a corner, Devashree's sharp eyes caught a glimpse of movement in a dimly lit alcove not far from them. She stopped abruptly, pulling Krishna to a halt with her. "Swami, look," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Krishna followed her gaze, his expression turning serious as he saw Subhadra and Pratap standing close together, their voices hushed as they exchanged words filled with tenderness and secrecy.

Devashree's brow furrowed in concern. "What should we do, Swami?" she asked quietly, her eyes never leaving the scene unfolding before them. "Dau is set on Subhadra marrying Duryodhan, whose intentions are so..vile.What's the plan? What will you do, Swami?"

Krishna remained silent for a moment, his gaze fixed on Subhadra and Pratap. "I will do nothing."

Devashree's head snapped towards him in shock, disbelief written clearly on her face.

"What!? Why Swami," she whispered urgently, her eyes searching his for an explanation. "Dau's plans... Why would you choose to do nothing when Subhadra's happiness is at stake?

Krishna met her gaze, his expression gentle yet firm. "I have promised Dau that I will not interfere," he replied quietly, his voice carrying the weight of responsibility.

Devashree shook her head slightly, frustration evident in her voice. "But why would you promise such a thing?" she pressed, her brow furrowing with worry. "Surely, protecting Subhadra from a marriage that she does not desire is more important than any promise made to Dau."

"Dau trusts me to hold to his promise. To break it would be to betray his trust."

Devashree sighed heavily, torn between her desire to protect Subhadra and her respect for Krishna's integrity. "But what about Subhadra's happiness... her life! How can you stand by and let her be sacrificed for a promise? Dau may trust you, but Subhadra trusts you too, as do I." she pressed, her voice pleading.

Krishna squeezed her shoulder gently, his expression pensive yet resolute. "One should help themselves first and have the courage to stand up and make their own choices for themselves. We cannot control the choices others make, Shree. What we can do is offer our support, our guidance, and our love. Subhadra is strong, and she will find her path, whatever it may be. The choice will be thoroughly hers."

*******

The next evening, the palace was bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun.

Duryodhan's eyes scanned the group before settling on Subhadra. "Rajkumari Subhadra," he said smoothly, extending his hand towards her, his voice carrying an air of forced gentleness. "Shall we?"

Subhadra hesitated, her gaze flickering to Krishna and Devashree for reassurance while Balram's face remained stern. With a resigned sigh, she stepped forward, her hand hovering just above Duryodhan's.

She glanced behind quickly seeing Pratap's face contorted with barely concealed anger and frustration. His fists were clenched at his sides, and the muscles in his jaw tightened as he watched the scene unfold.

Krishna's eyes met Pratap's, "Stay strong," Krishna's gaze seemed to say. "There is more at play here than meets the eye."

"Dau" Subhadra called out softly, her voice carrying a note of desperation masked by formality. "May I ask where we are going?"

Balram's expression softened ever so slightly as his eyes met hers. He hesitated for a moment, glancing briefly at Krishna and Devashree before answering. "Subhadra, you are to accompany Yuvraj Duryodhan on a tour of the southern grounds. The sunset is beautiful, you can show it to him," he said, his voice firm yet gentle.

Subhadra's eyes widened slightly at Balram's words, her heart sinking further. The southern grounds were secluded, a place of both beauty and isolation. She forced a polite smile, though her mind raced with thoughts of what this meant.

"Of course, Dau," she replied, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside. "The southern grounds are indeed lovely at this time of day."

"Shall we Rajkumari?" Duryodhan repeated, his tone silky smooth but laced with a hint of impatience.

With a final glance at Balram, Krishna, and Devashree, Subhadra nodded. She could still feel Pratap's intense gaze burning into her back, his unspoken words of caution and protectiveness ringing in her ears.

Devashree stepped closer to Krishna, her hand slipping into his. "Swami, this feels so wrong," she whispered, her voice laced with worry.

Krishna squeezed her hand gently, his expression calm but determined. "Have faith, Shree. Trust in the journey. We must be patient and let things unfold as they will."

"How can we just stand by and watch this happen, Jijashree?" Pratap demanded, his voice a mix of anger and despair. "She doesn't want this. We all know that."

Krishna turned to Pratap, his eyes filled with a profound understanding. "Sometimes, the path to what we desire is not straightforward, Pratap. Patience is a virtue for a reason."

Duryodhan and Subhadra strolled near the southern forest of Dwarka, the fading light of the setting sun cast long shadows across their path.

"Rajkumari Subhadra," Duryodhan began, his voice smooth but tinged with underlying urgency, "I must say, the beauty of Dwarka pales in comparison to your own."

Subhadra forced a polite smile, though her eyes darted around nervously. She adjusted her odhani in discomfort. "Thank you, Yuvraj," she replied politely, her voice betraying her unease. "The forest is indeed beautiful this evening."

Duryodhan took a step closer, his demeanor becoming more earnest. As much as he was despising this, he needed to woo her. "Rajkumari, I must confess," he continued, "ever since I first laid eyes on you, I have been captivated. Your grace, your poise-"

"Yuvraj, while I appreciate your kind words, I must be honest. I... I do not feel the same way." Subhadra interrupted politely.

Duryodhan felt his veins thumping wildly in frustration.

Was this Rajkumari playing hard to get? He couldn't care any less about her. But his mama said this marriage was necessary! "No worrries, Rajkumari, you will soon feel the same way."

He reached into a small pouch hanging from his belt and withdrew a beautifully crafted bangle. "I brought this for you. A token of my admiration and respect. Here, let me adorn your wrist with it."

Subhadra's heart sank as Duryodhan took her hand in his, his touch heavy and imposing. The bangle, far too large for her slender wrist, slipped and slid awkwardly. She fought the urge to recoil as he clumsily tried to fit it onto her arm, his fingers brushing against her skin in a way that made her feel trapped and vulnerable.

Why is he so insistent? This bangle doesn't even fit me properly. How can he be so blind to how uncomfortable he's making me feel? "It's... very kind of you," she managed, her voice wavering slightly. "But this... it's too much."

Duryodhan's smile faltered for a moment, but he quickly recovered, his determination growing. "Nonsense, Rajkumari," he insisted, his grip tightening on her hand. "You deserve the best, and I intend to give it to you."

"Yuvraj Duryodhan, this is the sunset you wished to see," she said, gesturing towards the darkening sky. "You have seen it. The sun has set now, and soon it will be night time. We must leave now."

Duryodhan's eyes narrowed slightly, his frustration evident in the tight line of his jaw. He realized that his attempts at charm were falling flat, and Subhadra's discomfort was palpable.

Compromise the Rajkumari, Shakuni's words echoed in Duryodhan's mind. With Dwarka at your fingertips, the Yadavas' loyalty will be yours to command. The alliances we could secure, the kingdoms we could conquer...

"Perhaps we could sit for a moment by the lake up ahead in the forest," he suggested, gesturing towards a clearing ahead. "The moonlight on the water is said to be enchanting."

Seeing her reluctance, Duryodhan made a quick decision. "Guards," he called out, halting their progress. "You are dismissed for now. We will return shortly."

Subhadra's eyes widened slightly, her unease growing. "Yuvraj Duryodhan, why have the guards...?"

Duryodhan cut her off smoothly, his tone firm yet oddly gentle. "I thought perhaps a moment alone, away from prying eyes, would allow us to speak more freely," he explained, though his words rang hollow.

"Sainiko! you cannot leave the Rajkumari of Dwarka unescorted!" she commanded, her tone ringing with authority. "It is your duty to ensure my safety at all times."

The guards hesitated, glancing between Subhadra and Duryodhan, uncertainty flickering in their eyes.

Duryodhan's smirk widened, a predatory glint in his eyes. "Exactly, Rajkumari," he said, his voice dripping with condescension. "You are only the Rajkumari of Dwarka. You have no right to command the guards of Hastinapur."

He stepped closer, his presence looming and menacing. "If you wish to command these guards, you will have to become my wife. But even then," he added with a sneer, "I doubt they would ever truly follow your orders."

Subhadra's mind raced, searching for a way to maintain her composure and stand her ground. She met Duryodhan's gaze, refusing to back down. "I am the sister of Vasudev Shri Krishn and Mahabali Balram, and I will not be intimidated."

"You are in no position to speak here."

"Yuvraj," she protested, her voice trembling, "this is not appropriate. Please, we must return to the palace."

Duryodhan's expression hardened as he reached out to grasp her arm, his grip tightening slightly. "You misunderstand, Rajkumari," he said sharply, his tone now tinged with frustration. "There is no turning back now. You will marry me, willingly or otherwise. It is for the good of our kingdoms."

Subhadra's heart raced with fear as she struggled against his hold. "No," she insisted, her voice rising with panic. "Let me go! This is not appropriate!"

Her eyes widened in panic as Duryodhan began to lead her deeper into the forest, away from the safety of the palace walls. She struggled against his hold, her heart pounding with fear and desperation.

Duryodhan's eyes gleamed with a dangerous light as he pushed her roughly against a tree, his strength overpowering her attempts to break free. "You will do as I say," he snarled, his breath hot against her face, reeking of arrogance and entitlement.

Subhadra fought back with all her strength, her nails clawing at his hands, her feet kicking desperately. "No!" she screamed, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Help! Someone, please help me! Bhratashree!"

But the forest remained eerily silent, echoing only the rustle of leaves in the evening breeze. Duryodhan's harsh laughter cut through the stillness, mocking her futile struggles.

"You think anyone can hear you here?" he sneered, his grip on her tightening further as he pressed his body against hers. "You belong to me now, Rajkumari. Resistance is futile."

He pushed her against a tree with a menacing grin, his hands gripping her shoulders as she struggled and cried out for help.

Her breath came in ragged gasps as panic consumed her. She felt helpless, trapped in the clutches of a man consumed by his own desires and ambition.

"My brothers will skin you alive Yuvraj!" Subhadra's voice cracked with defiance, a sharp glint entering her eyes.

"And risk tarnishing your reputation? Your brothers will be helpless."

Subhadra's defiance burned brighter as she struggled against his hold, her eyes blazing with fury. "You think I fear you?" she spat, her voice laced with venom. "My brothers may not be here now, but they will come for me. And when they do, you will regret ever laying a hand on me."

Duryodhan's laughter rang harshly through the silent forest. "Your bravado will not save you, Rajkumari," he taunted, his grip crushing on her shoulders. "No one will hear your cries here. You are mine now, whether you like it or not."

Subhadra's desperation peaked when low growl rumbled through the clearing.

Both froze in disbelief as a massive beast with fiery red eyes and dense black fur pounced from the shadows, its fangs bared in a fearsome snarl.

In an instant, it pounced on Duryodhan, its sharp claws slashing through the air.

Duryodhan cried out in pain as the beast's claws tore through his arm, leaving deep gashes. Shocked and filled with fear, he stumbled backward, trying to retreat. The beast, however, was relentless, its primal instincts driving it to defend its territory.

Desperate and trembling, Duryodhan scrambled up the nearest tree, his injured arm throbbing with agony.

From his elevated position, he drew an arrow from his quiver and aimed it at the beast, his hands shaking with adrenaline and fear.

With a swift motion, he released the arrow, aiming straight for the beast's heart.

But the beast's fur proved too thick, and the arrow glanced off harmlessly. The creature growled fiercely, its red eyes fixed on Duryodhan, who now clung to the tree, his heart racing with terror.

Meanwhile, Subhadra stood frozen in shock, her gaze fixed on the scene unfolding before her. The beast growled menacingly, its attention momentarily diverted by Duryodhan's desperate retreat.

Subhadra tried to remain as still as possible, every muscle in her body tense with fear. Her hand hovered in the air, frozen in the act of self-defense. Her breath was shallow, heart pounding, and her mind raced for a way to escape.

As if in slow motion, the bangle on her wrist slipped, falling to the ground with a loud clamor that shattered the tense silence. She mentally cursed Duryodhan.

The beast's ears perked up, and its neck snapped towards the source of the sound. Its fiery red eyes locked onto Subhadra with an intensity that made her blood run cold. It roared, a sound that reverberated through the trees, and pounced.

Subhadra barely had time to react before the massive creature was upon her.

It was huge, its dense black fur and fiery eyes filling her vision as it grabbed her by the waist with its powerful jaws. She screamed, the sound piercing the stillness of the forest, but it was cut short as the beast lifted her effortlessly and darted back into the shadows of the trees.

Duryodhan watched in stunned disbelief as Subhadra was taken. He waited, heart racing, until the beast and its captive were out of sight. Once the forest had fallen silent again, he cautiously descended the tree, his injured arm throbbing painfully.

He stumbled through the underbrush, his mind racing with fear and confusion. When he finally reached the palace grounds, he burst into the main hall, breathless and bloodied.

Balram, Krishna, Devashree, and others were gathered there, their faces reflecting various shades of concern and curiosity as they saw Duryodhan's disheveled state.

"What happened?" Balram demanded, stepping forward with a commanding presence. "Where is Subhadra?"

Duryodhan, panting heavily, tried to gather his thoughts. "A beast... a massive beast attacked us in the forest. And... it took the Rajkumari."

******

A/N

Now, what will Balram do with him? Will mercy or justice prevail? Meri maano toh Dury ki lagne wali hai....uski toh kher nahi...aaj nahi toh kal...🤣🤣

Stay tuned until next time...❤️

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