Maharaj Draupad's thoughts were a storm of worry and anger as his chariot sped towards Dwarka.

The night air was cool, but his heart was heavy with concern. The rhythmic sound of the horses' hooves did little to soothe his troubled mind.

My Draupadi... he thought, his heart aching. From the moment she emerged from the sacred fire, she was my precious daughter, my pride, and joy. Her birth was a miracle, a blessing from the gods.

He remembered the day of her birth vividly. The flames had parted, and there she stood, a young woman, not a child. 

She was so pure, so untouched by the cruelties of this world. 

She had looked at the world with such curiosity, such wonder having no knowledge of the atrocities that lay beyond the palace walls. Her heart was pure, untouched by the darkness of the world and he wanted to keep her the same, protect her always.

But fate had a different plan. 

In what felt like the blink of an eye, she was married. And not just to one man, but to five. 

Five husbands, he thought bitterly. No one in the palace supported it. My own daughter, married to five men. The scandal, the whispers, the judgment. They nodded before me, but behind my back, they questioned and judged. He knew Draupadi had heard those whispers too, saw how she would mask her discomfort with a brave smile. My poor child, thrust into a world of complexities and politics. 

He sighed deeply.

He remembered the look in Draupadi's eyes when she heard those whispers. She was so brave, so strong. But why should she have to be? Why should she bear this burden?

Draupad's eyes burned with unshed tears. 

He remembered the nights Draupadi had come to him, "Pitashree, why do people whisper behind my back?" she had asked once, her voice trembling. He had held her close, whispering reassurances, promising her that she was loved and valued. But now, the fear that those reassurances might have been in vain gnawed at his heart.

The chariot hit a bump, jolting him back to the present.

And now, she had found happiness with her five husbands. She had blossomed in their love, and he thought, finally, she could know peace. But this.......Could it be true? 

He couldn't shake the image of Bhanumati's calm, confident face as she spoke those troubling words. Why would she come there, unannounced, to say such things if there wasn't some truth to them?

 "I give my word that I will always respect your daughter, Maharaj, and protect her honor."  He could still hear Arjun's voice from the wedding ceremony, clear and sincere.

But words were just that—words. Actions spoke louder, and now he needed to see those actions for himself.

******

Balram's chariot thundered down the path, closing the distance between him and the fleeing couple, followed by Kriahna and Devashree on their heels.

"Stop and face me if you have any courage, Pratap!" His voice boomed with authority, echoing through the air.

Pratap glanced back, a wry smile playing on his lips. "True courage has been shown by your sister today, Dau. I am merely supporting her, as I will throughout our marital life."

"You dare mock me? You think you can just take my sister and escape?" Balram's face contorted with anger, his grip tightening on the reins.

"Threatening your to-be brother-in-law is not very nice, Dau. Where are your manners?" Pratap laughed, a carefree sound that only fueled Balram's fury. 

"You are edging him further," Subhadra whispered urgently to him.

"I am just having some fun with my future brother-in-law," Pratap whispered back, his tone light.

"Manners? Don't you dare talk to me about manners! Your sister would be ashamed of you!" Balram's shout cut through the air.

Pratap's expression darkened, a flash of anger crossing his face. "I know my sister. She would be proud of me."

"Right, your sister is no different than you—manipulative and scheming!" Balram sneered, his voice dripping with disdain.

The words struck a nerve. 

Pratap's smile vanished, replaced by a fierce determination. He pulled the reins, bringing the horse to an abrupt stop. 

Gently, he lifted Subhadra down from the horse and dismounted himself, his eyes locked onto Balram with a dangerous glint.

Balram too brought his chariot to a halt a few paces away, stepping down with a menacing aura. 

The air was thick with tension as Pratap walked forward, each step deliberate and firm.

"You can say what you want about me, but do not insult my sister. She is brave and honorable, qualities you should recognize."  Pratap said, his voice dangerously calm. "You forget yourself,  Dau."

"And you forget whom you're speaking to, Pratap. I won't allow my sister to be taken by someone unworthy."

Pratap's eyes flashed with a mix of anger and disdain and let out a sharp, bitter laugh. "And who, in your esteemed opinion, is worthy? Duryodhan?"

Balram's eyes narrowed.. "At least he has honor—"

"Honor?" Pratap cut him off, his voice rising. "You think Duryodhan, with his scheming and deceit, is more honorable? Is he your idea of a worthy suitor for Subhadra?"

"Duryodhan at least follows the customs and respects the traditions. He asked for her hand properly. He is my best student, and he is the strongest warrior I have seen."

"Your best student? Is that the measure of a man? Schemes and strength? I would wager you that I'm more than a match for him."

Balram's eyes narrowed further, his anger barely contained. "I bet you are not even half of what he is," he snarled. "Because he had the strength to take me on head to head, almost. Are you brave enough to take me? I don't think so. You're just a prince playing at being a warrior."

"And you're a warrior blinded by pride. This isn't about a fight, Dau. This is about the choices of your sister which apparently you do not seem to care about." Pratap's smile was cold, devoid of the earlier humor.

"Don't teach me how to act with my sister. Do you think you can defy me and walk away unscathed after you tried to kidnap the Rajkumari of Dwarka? It is a grave insult. You don't know the meaning of respect."

Pratap's eyes blazed. "Respect is earned, Balram Dau, not demanded. I respect you, but I will not tolerate insults towards my family like you just did. I am willing to stand my ground for the woman I love, just as she stood her ground for me."

"Prove it then. Fight with me!"

"Very well, Balram Dau. Let's settle this now."

 "Please, stop this! This is madness!" Subhadra tried to step between them, her voice pleading.

But her words fell on deaf ears as the two warriors squared off. The air crackled with tension as they circled each other, their muscles tensed and ready.

Without warning Balram lunged at Pratap, fists flying. Pratap dodged the first blow but Balram's second punch landed squarely on his jaw. Pratap staggered but quickly regained his footing, retaliating with a swift punch to Balram's gut.

From a distance, Devashree watched in horror. "Swami, we have to stop them!" she pleaded, her eyes wide with fear. She moved to intervene, but Krishna gently held her back.

"You wanted some action, didn't you?" Krishna murmured, his voice calm and composed.

"Not if they hurt each other!" Devashree exclaimed, her concern evident as she struggled against Krishna's grip. "That's my little brother! Dau will hurt him!"

"He is not so little anymore, Shree. You have taught him so much, now let him stand up for himself and see what he has actually learned."

Devashree hesitated, her eyes darting between the two fighting men. "But Swami..."

"You think you can defeat me, Pratap?" Balram growled, throwing a punch that Pratap barely dodged.

"I think you underestimate me, Dau," Pratap replied, delivering a swift kick that sent Balram stumbling backward. "Is that all you've got?" he taunted, a hint of a smile playing on his lips despite the seriousness of the fight.

"You think this is a game, Pratap?" Balram's voice carried a hint of disdain as he lunged forward, aiming a series of rapid punches at Pratap.

"I don't play games when it comes to defending my honor," he retorted, his voice edged with barely contained fury.

"You're still a child compared to me," he sneered, hoping to provoke a reaction.

Pratap's eyes flashed with raw indignation. In that moment, his controlled demeanor cracked, giving way to a surge of unchecked rage. With a fierce growl, he launched a relentless series of strikes.

He's matching me blow for blow. He's holding his own. How can this be? Balram's thoughts raced as he parried Pratap's relentless attacks, each strike more ferocious than the last.

I must regain control. I cannot underestimate him any longer. Balram threw a powerful punch, but Pratap caught his arm and twisted, sending Balram to the ground.

The impact jarred Balram's senses, momentarily disorienting him. Struggling to rise, Balram lifted his head and saw Pratap standing over him, his eyes ablaze with fury, and behind him, a massive shadow loomed against the sky, extending into the clouds. 

No... It can't be.

"Mahadev," Balram murmured, awe and reverence replacing his anger. 

This was no ordinary warrior standing before him. Pratap was an incarnation of Mahadev, the great destroyer, the god of destruction and renewal.

Breathing heavily, Balram looked back at Krishna, who stood a short distance away, watching the scene unfold with a serene expression. Krishna gave a small nod, confirming what Balram had just witnessed.

Understanding dawned on him. No one was better suited for his sister than the man standing before him now.

A swift punch landing on his jaw brought him out of his reverie, and on instinct,he punched back just as hard.

"Enough!" Subhadra cried out, her voice filled with desperation. "Stop this madness!"

"He deserves it! He was going to marry you to Duryodhan." Pratap, panting, glared at Balram.

Balram was still on the ground. "He was my best student, a strong and capable warrior, the Yuvraj  of one of the largest kingdom and—"

"And a sexual assualter! He is nothing but a  sexual assaulter! 

Balram's face went pale. "What?"

Subhadra's voice was strong, but her eyes were filled with tears. "Your  so called best shishya tried to force himself onto me in the forest, Dau."

"Subhadra, don't make up things just to marry this guy," Balram said, his voice uncertain.

Subhadra snorted in derision. "Are you even listening to yourself? Here is your sister, who has finally gathered her courage to speak out, and you call me a liar."

"I am not—"

 "What is so great about the Yuvraj that you choose to believe him over your own sister? You ignored Bhratashree and accused Bhabhishree without even trying to know what had actually happened. Duryodhan took me to the forest and tried to force himself onto me because he wanted the power that came with the marriage! He thought I would have no choice but to marry him! And Bhabhishree had Rudra for my protection. Rudra lunged at Duryodhan after he heard my screams. And you accused Bhabhishree of scheming! If only Duryodhan knew that he didn't have to try so hard. You were here for him after all, still trying to act as his mascot." Subbhadra said in derision.

Balram stood shocked. "Why didn't you tell me before?"

"I am telling you now." Subhadra's voice wavered, tears brimming in her eyes.

Balram sat down, his head in his hands. "Damn it, you should have told me earlier."

"You didn't want to listen!" Subhadra's voice rose, her frustration and hurt evident.

"You could have tried!" Balram shot back, his own pain and confusion bubbling to the surface.

Subhadra shook her head, her tears spilling over. "Do you know how hard it is to talk about this, Dau? I was scared and ashamed, and you were always so quick to defend him."

Balram looked up at her, his expression a mix of regret and sorrow. "I didn't know, Subhadra. I didn't know."

"You never tried to know," she whispered, her voice breaking. "You were so blinded by your pride in him that you couldn't see what he really was."

"If you could have just-"

"Dau, it is indeed very difficult to talk about our most vulnerable times. Nobody wants to expose themselves like that. Please try to understand her." Devashree stepped forward, placing a comforting hand on Balram's shoulder.

Balram nodded slowly, his face pale with realization. "I do, now. I'm sorry, Subhadra. I should have believed you."

Pratap moved forward, his voice firm. "Do you understand now? I'm glad. I am taking your sister. We need to reach home soon."

Balram stood up in an instant, grasping Pratap's shoulder. "You think I will just let you take my sister like that?"

Pratap met Balram's gaze steadily. "Yes, because she has chosen me. This is her decision, and I will honor and protect her with my life."

Balram's grip tightened momentarily before he sighed deeply, releasing Pratap. "You better. Because if you don't, you'll have me to answer to."

Pratap nodded in acknowledgment. The tension in the air dissipated as he extended a hand to Balram.

Balram took the offered hand, his grip firm. "I apologize, Pratap. I was blinded by my own pride. and I am sorry, Subhadra. I should have listened to you."

"I just needed you to believe me, Dau."

Balram pulled her into a tight embrace. "I believe you now. But before that, I need to take care of Duryodhan. Teach him a lesson he will never forget!"

"No, you won't." A commanding voice cut through the air.

Vasudev stepped forward, his presence imposing and authoritative. He had been silently watching the entire confrontation, his eyes keenly observing every detail.

"But Pitashree, we cannot let this go! He needs to be punished!" Balram turned to face his father, his expression defiant.

"And punished he will be! But not by dragging my daughter into this! I will not let anyone sully her reputation."

Balram's anger flared again. "We can't just let him get away with this!"

"I will handle this. He had the audacity to touch my daughter, he  will not get away with it. And not just him, but the entire Hastinapur will pay." Vasudev raised his voice, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Balram's eyes narrowed in confusion. "How?"

A determined look settled on Vasudev's face. "When they are blocked out of the mining resources and cut off from the trade relations with Dwarka and Kripalakshaya, they will suffer."

Balram's eyes widened in realization. "You mean to isolate them economically?"

Vasudev nodded. "Precisely. They may have their flourishing agriculture, but without our resources and trade, Hastinapur's economy will crumble. They rely heavily on our minerals,metals and goods. We will cut them off and let them face the consequences of their actions."

"That is a wise and effective strategy, Maharaj. It will hit them where it hurts the most." Pratap looked at Vasudev with newfound respect.

"But they will blame Dwarka for the broken marriage. I, being an idiot, gave them my word." Balram interjected with concern.

"We will not give them a reason to turn this on us. You kept your promise, after all, didn't you? It's not your fault if someone kidnapped the bride and took her with him" he said, winking at Pratap.

"You are brilliant, Pitashree," Krishna exclaimed.

Vasudev chuckled. "You had to have received your own brilliance from someone, didn't you? But don't let your mother know I said that.  She'll have my head."

The tension of the moment seemed to dissolve as laughter rippled through the group. 

Then, Vasudev's expression turned serious. "Now, let's go quickly to the ancestral temple."

Pratap raised an eyebrow, curious. "Why the rush, Maharaj?"

"You didn't think I would give you my daughter that easily, did you?" Vasudev replied with a playful glint in his eyes. "You two will get married now."

Subhadra gasped in surprise. 

Pratap's eyebrows shot up in surprise, his mind racing to process Vasudev's words. "Now?" he echoed incredulously, his voice tinged with disbelief.

"Yes, now. I shall witness it with my own eyes. Can't take any chances with my daughter's future."

"But we don't have much time!"

Vasudev smiled reassuringly. "We have enough time for you to exchange Varmalas and perform the Sindoor ceremony. You wouldn't want to deprive your father of that joy, would you? Come quickly, it's a very auspicious moment. You will get married in Shiv Parvati's mandir, after all."

Soon they were in the temple, and the stone statues of Mahadev and Mata Parvati watched over the gathering with an eternal, serene gaze as Krishna had discreetly arranged for Arjun to bring the varmalas.

As the ceremony began, Pratap and Subhadra stood facing each other, their eyes locked in a silent exchange of vows. Subhadra took a deep breath, lifting the garland of fresh, fragrant flowers over Pratap's head, and in turn, he did the same with the same devotion.

Next, Pratap took a small silver container of sindoor. His hand trembled slightly as he lifted it to Subhadra's forehead, and he applied the red powder to her hairline, marking her as his wife.

Once the rituals were complete, they turned to seek blessings from the gathered elders and deities. 

Noticing the cut on Pratap's lip, Devashree's eyes filled with concern. She quickly took the end of her pallu and, with gentle care, began to wipe away the blood. "You must take better care of yourself," she scolded softly, though her voice was tender.

Pratap winced slightly but smiled at his sister's fussing. "It's nothing, Didi. Just a small scratch."

 "A scratch on my brother is no small thing to me," she replied, as they all went outside.

Vasudev cleared his throat, drawing their attention. "Say, Pratap, there is this tradition," he began, a playful glint in his eye. "You see that other temple there in the distance?" He pointed to a smaller, but equally ancient temple on a nearby hill. "The tradition says that the groom has to go there and..."

Pratap raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "And what, Maharaj?"

Vasudev chuckled. "The groom has to climb to the top of that temple and light the sacred lamp to symbolize the light of your love, illuminating the path ahead."

Pratap looked at the distant temple, then back at Vasudev. "I will do it," he said, determination in his voice. 

"Why don't you join us, Parth? It will be fun." Krishna, with his ever-present smile, turned to Arjun

Arjun shook his head with a grin. "I think I'll stay here and keep an eye on things. I will hold your things, Pratap."

"Yes, thank you. Hold these for me, brother," he said with a smile, handing over the sword and other things to him. "I'll be back soon."

"Let's see if you do everything right," Krishna teased, nudging Pratap playfully.

"We'll make sure you don't get lost," Balram added.

"Don't count me out just yet, boys!" Vasudev added with zeal.

The four men set off towards the hill, their spirits high. Subhadra, Devashree, and Arjun watched from a distance, laughter bubbling up as they saw the group racing each other.

"Look at them go," Devashree said, laughing. "It's like they're all young again."

"They're certainly enjoying themselves," Subhadra said, "Meanwhile, Mata must be so worried back home about me."

Devashree smiled gently, placing a hand on her bump to support it. "Don't worry, Subhadra. I've already sent word to them. They'll know you're safe and sound soon enough."

Subhadra's face relaxed. "Thank you, Bhabhi."

Devashree glanced at her hand, noticing the rings adorning her fingers. She carefully slid one off, a ring bearing the insignia of Kripalakshaya. "This is yours now," she said, holding it out to Subhadra.

Subhadra blinked in surprise, trying to refuse. "But it's yours, Bhabhi. I can't take it."

"No, I have two," Devashree insisted, her voice warm and insistent. "One is mine, and now this other is yours. Consider it a gift."

She extended the ring towards Subhadra, but it slipped from her fingers, rolling onto the ground. Devashree instinctively tried to bend down to retrieve it, but Arjun stopped her, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder.

"Let me get that," he said with a reassuring smile. He bent down and picked up the ring, brushing off any dirt. He then handed it to Subhadra.

"Here you go," Arjun said, his voice kind and steady. "It's a beautiful ring. Wear it with pride."

Subhadra took the ring, her fingers trembling slightly. "Thank you."

"It's my pleasure, Subhadra. May it bring you strength and happiness."

Subhadra slipped the ring onto her finger, admiring its intricate design. "It already has," she said softly.

As they watched from the distance, the men had reached the top of the hill, and Pratap lit the sacred lamp, the flame flickering brightly against the darkening sky. 

Suddenly, Devashree doubled over, clutching her bump, her face contorted in pain. She almost fell, but Arjun swiftly moved to support her. His strong arms held her steady as worry etched across his face. "Devashree, are you alright?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.

Devashree took deep breaths, trying to steady herself as a wave of pain passed through her. She managed a reassuring smile towards Arjun, though her expression was strained.

"It happens," she murmured, her voice soft but determined. She straightened slowly, leaning slightly against Arjun for support. "I'll be alright. Just a momentary pain."

Just as Arjun was about to guide her to a more comfortable spot, a shadow loomed over them.

 Maharaj Draupad had arrived, his eyes blazing with anger. 

He had reached Dwarka, and he saw them together.

The varmalas in their hands, the sindoor in Subhadra's hair, and witnessing the ring exchange, he saw red, and his fury knew no bounds.

"How dare you!" Draupad roared. Without a second thought, he threw a hard punch at Arjun, sending him staggering backward.

Caught off guard, Arjun stumbled, but quickly regained his balance. "Maharaj Draupad, what happened?" he pleaded, raising his hands in a gesture of peace. "Let me explain—"

But Draupad's rage was beyond reason. 

"What are you doing, Maharaj!" Devashree tried to pull Subhadra away and get in between both shouts.  

"Silence, Devi! You had come and convinced my daughter for her marriage, and now this? I will not hear your lies!"

Devashree, still in pain, struggled to speak. "Maharaj, please understand. This is a misunderstanding—"

"So, you favor this betrayal? You stand with them?" His voice was a low, dangerous growl.

Devashree tried to protest, "No, Maharaj, you don't understand. Hear me out—"

"YOU HEAR ME! YOU HAVE DONE ENOUGH! My daughter is there, surrounded by many but lonely in her heart. She suffers the absence of her husband, and you are tying him with another? You will suffer as she suffers! HEAR MY CURSE, DEVASHREE. JUST AS YOU HAVE DEPRIVED MY DAUGHTER OF HER LOVE, SO SHALL YOU BE DEPRIVED OF THE ONE YOU LOVE THE MOST. MAY YOUR LIFE BE FILLED WITH THE SAME PAIN AND ANGUISH!"

The skies darkened, and a sudden gust of wind howled through the surroundings, carrying a chilling, foreboding sense. The earth trembled slightly, and the leaves rustled violently as if reacting to the curse placed upon one who embodied the spirit of nature itself. It was as if nature recoiled at Draupad's words' harshness.

Devashree was too shocked to speak and felt a cold shiver run down her spine. Her eyes widened in disbelief and horror, and she clutched her bump even tighter, feeling an overwhelming sense of dread wash over her.

"Maharaj Draupad, please listen!" Arjun's voice cut through the tense silence, his words tinged with urgency. "You've misunderstood. Subhadra married Pratap, not me. I was only helping him. Your curse has been misplaced!"

Draupad's face contorted with shock and horror as Arjun's words sank in. 

"What ..." The magnitude of his mistake hit him like a physical blow, shattering the facade of righteous anger. He staggered backward, overwhelmed by a flood of regret that threatened to drown him. Falling to his knees, he trembled uncontrollably, his voice thick with emotion..

"I... I didn't know," Draupad whispered hoarsely, his hands trembling. "I didn't know...What have I done?" he whispered, his voice cracking."I have cursed the innocent... I have cursed you unjustly." "I...I take it back. I take back my curse!"

"You can't take a curse back, Maharaj. It's not possible. The words have been spoken, and they cannot be undone." Devashree cut him off , her eyes blazing.

The storm outside intensified, as if reflecting the turmoil within Devashree's heart. The trees swayed violently, and the air crackled with tension.

Drupad's eyes filled with remorse. "Devashree, Putri, I was blinded by anger. Please, believe me, I didn't mean it. I was—"

Devashree's voice rose, fueled by her own growing anger. "You were angry? And you think that justifies this? I am also quite angry now, Maharaj. Should I curse your daughter in return? Should I use my anger to condemn an innocent soul as you did?"

Drupad looked up at her, his face a mask of despair and guilt. "No, please, do not. I was wrong. I cannot justify my actions. I was blinded by my own misunderstandings."

Devashree looked down at him, her heart torn between anger and compassion. She could see the genuine remorse in his eyes, and despite the immense pain he had caused her, she couldn't help but forgive him in her heart. "Unlike you, I understand the weight of spoken words," she said numbly. "I forgive you."

But the thought of losing Krishna, the one she loved most, weighed on her like a crushing burden. "Do we have to endure this separation in every life?" She whispered to herself, her hands trembling with fear.

"I don't want to lose him..." The words escaped her lips in a choked whisper, filled with vulnerability and dread.

Suddenly, she couldn't bear it any longer. Without warning, Devashree turned and ran blindly, her feet carrying her away from Drupad, Subhadra, and Arjun. 

"Bhabhi, please—" Subhadra reached out

"Leave me alone," she whispered hoarsely, her voice barely audible over the howling wind.

She ran wildly, her movements wild and frantic trying to escape the haunting words of the curse that were echoing in her mind.

But where would she go? 

After all, fate, relentless and unyielding, spares none, not even the gods.

******

A/N

Don't tell me you guys didn't expect that. After all, its LakshmiNarayan. Apparently there life is incomplete without a curse...🤷

Poor Shree and Krishna, destined to face trials that test their love and resilience throughout time.🔥😭

Do you guys want a separation for our love birds? No? Then don't forget to vote and show your love for them.❤️✨

Until next time....❤️❤️