#arjuna and subhadra

[mplanetleaf]

అభిమన్యుడిని శ్రీకృష్ణుడు ఎందుకు కాపాడలేదు? | Why didn't Krishna save Abhimanyu in Mahabharata...

[diioonysus]

love + art

[ahamasmiyodhah]

Something on Arjuna and Subhadra? If you are taking requests from the Mahabharata, that is. ✨️

Subhadra was numb.

Subhadra sat motionless, her heart frozen in a numbing ache that seemed to paralyze her very soul. Before her, Abhimanyu's lifeless body lay on the battlefield, covered with a thin shroud that could barely contain the evidence of his valiant struggle. The scent of the earth, now tinged with the iron tang of blood, clung to the air, mingling with the smoke and ashes of war. But Subhadra's senses were dulled; all she could perceive was the stillness of her son’s form, the same body she had cradled as a baby, now cold and unyielding.

Her gaze drifted over Abhimanyu's face, and in that lifeless visage, she saw not the warrior who had been felled in the thick of battle, but the child who once played in the courtyards of Indraprastha, laughing with boundless joy. She remembered how he would run to her, his tiny feet pattering on the marble floors, his voice a melody that called her "Maa!." How he had clung to her sari, his little hands tugging as he demanded to be picked up. The memory brought a faint smile to her lips, though it was more of a reflex than a true expression of emotion, for the weight of her grief was too heavy to allow any genuine feeling.

Subhadra recalled the countless nights she had spent telling him stories of heroes and kings, his young eyes wide with wonder. How he would gaze at her, asking if he, too, could be a great warrior like his father, Arjuna. "Yes, my son," she would say, brushing back the curls from his forehead. "You will be the bravest of them all." But now, those words seemed hollow, almost cruel, as she sat before the silent proof of his bravery.

Tears welled in her eyes, blurring her vision as she remembered the day Abhimanyu had taken up arms for the first time, the pride she had felt mingled with a mother's fear. She had blessed him with trembling hands, whispering prayers for his safety. He had smiled at her then, that same radiant smile that always managed to soothe her worries, and promised to return victorious. But now, that promise lay shattered like the remnants of the battlefield.

Subhadra's mind then turned to her elder Brother, her dear Dau, Balarama and her elder Brother Vasudeva Krishna, who had trained her and Arjuna's son in the arts of war, guiding him with the same discipline and care he had shown to his own brothers. Krishna had been both mentor and a father figure of immense strength and wisdom in Abhimanyu's eyes. She had often watched them train together, their bond growing stronger with each passing day. Baldau and Krishna had been preparing him for greatness, but not for this. Never for this.

Her thoughts were abruptly interrupted by the sound of hurried footsteps approaching. She looked up to see Arjuna, his face twisted in a mask of rage and grief, his eyes burning with a fury she had never seen before. He marched toward her, his steps heavy with purpose, his hand clenched tightly around the hilt of his sword.

"Jayadratha," he hissed, the name seething through clenched teeth. "I will avenge our son. He will not escape my wrath."

Subhadra felt a surge of fear for her husband, knowing that the fury in his heart could drive him to his own destruction. But before she could speak, before she could reach out to him, Arjuna had already turned away, his focus singular, his resolve unshakable.

.

The heavy silence of the night hung over the tent as Subhadra and Arjuna sat together, each lost in their own grief. The dim light of the oil lamp flickered, casting long shadows on the walls, but neither of them noticed. Subhadra's eyes were red-rimmed, her tears long since dried up, but her heart ached with a pain that was too deep for words. Across from her, Arjuna sat with his head bowed, his hands clenched into fists as he struggled to contain the storm of emotions raging within him.

For a long time, neither spoke. The weight of their shared loss pressed down on them, making the air in the tent feel thick and oppressive. Subhadra could see the strain in her husband's posture, the way his shoulders were hunched as if carrying the weight of the world. She wanted to reach out to him, to offer comfort, but she hesitated, unsure of how to bridge the chasm of grief that separated them.

Finally, Arjuna broke the silence, his voice hoarse and trembling. "I failed him, Subhadra. I failed our son." His words were laced with self-recrimination, each syllable heavy with the burden of guilt. "I wasn't there when he needed me the most. I couldn’t protect him… my own flesh and blood."

Subhadra's heart twisted at the pain in his voice. She knew the depth of his anguish, knew how much Arjuna had loved Abhimanyu, even if circumstances had kept them apart for much of their lives. She herself had often felt the sting of Arjuna's absence during those long years of exile, raising their son alone, but she had always reassured herself with the thought that one day, they would be reunited as a family. Now, that hope was shattered, and all that remained was the cruel reality of their loss.

"Arjuna," Subhadra began softly, her voice gentle but firm, "you cannot blame yourself for what happened. Abhimanyu was a warrior, just like you. He knew the risks, and he fought bravely, with all the skill and courage you taught him." She reached out, placing a hand on his, her touch warm and steady. "You gave him the strength to face the world. You made him the man he was."

Arjuna shook his head, his expression twisted in grief. "But I wasn't there, Subhadra. I didn’t see him grow up, didn’t guide him as a father should. I was away, fighting battles far from home, while our son… our son was left to fend for himself." His voice broke, and he looked away, unable to meet her gaze.

Subhadra felt her own tears threatening to spill over again, but she fought them back, knowing that she needed to be strong for him. "We did what we could, Arjuna," she said, her tone resolute. "We cannot change what has happened. But Abhimanyu would not want you to be consumed by guilt. He would want you to honor his memory, to continue fighting for what is right."

Arjuna’s face hardened as he met her eyes, the sorrow giving way to a fierce resolve. "Jayadratha," he spat, the name dripping with venom. "It was he who blocked the way, who ensured that our son was trapped, surrounded, and slaughtered like an animal. I will not rest until I have avenged Abhimanyu’s death."

Subhadra nodded, recognizing the fire in his eyes. "Then do what you must, Arjuna. But remember, you are not alone in this. I am with you, always."

Arjuna took a deep breath, steeling himself for what lay ahead. "I swear, Subhadra," he vowed, his voice low and intense, "before the sun sets tomorrow, I will kill Jayadratha. And if I fail… I will enter the fire myself. I will not return to you without fulfilling this oath."

Subhadra felt a cold dread settle in her chest at his words, but she knew there was no stopping him now. She could only pray that the gods would grant him the strength to succeed, for the thought of losing him as well was more than she could bear.

As Arjuna stood and prepared to leave, Subhadra rose with him, wrapping her arms around him in a tight embrace. "Come back to me, Arjuna," she whispered, her voice breaking. "Come back to me."

Arjuna held her close, his grip fierce as if drawing strength from her. "I will, Subhadra," he promised, his voice softening for a moment. "I will return, and I will make sure that our son's sacrifice is not in vain."

With one last, lingering glance, Arjuna turned and walked out of the tent, leaving Subhadra standing alone, her heart heavy with a mixture of fear and hope. She watched him go, silently praying for his safety, even as she knew that tonight will be the last night Jayadratha will laugh and celebrate his victory which burned her whole world.

Request by @desigurlie ✨

@harinishivaa @mahi-wayy @yehsahihai @houseofbreadpakoda @blossommoonart @myvarya @zeherili-ankhein @warnermeadowsgirl @krsnaradhika @desigurlie @ramayantika @mrityuloknative @thegleamingmoon @sumiyxx @chaliyaaa @stxrrynxghts @sambaridli @sanskari-kanya @ulaganayagi @voidsteffy @krishna-sangini @nidhi-writes @kaal-naagin @thecrazyinktrovert @sada-siva-sanyaasi @chaanv

[aru-loves-krishnaxarjuna]

Everything felt unreal. The day Arjuna woke up this morning and his brothers received an invitation from Hastinapura, everything seemed to be going as it should.

Unfortunately, he was wrong. Arjuna is not Sahadev who can feel ominous feelings and is an expert in astrology. He was just a good archer and loved by his small family, which was enough for Arjuna.

His ears rang and his brain froze for a moment when he heard his cousin's evil plans for their wife, Draupadi. The woman Arjuna loved so much, her being his second love.

The time seemed very long for Duryodhan who was waiting for Dushasan to bring Panchali to the courtroom.

So time also felt much longer for Arjuna, who was silent without doing anything except for sitting between his brothers.

He didn't believe that one day, Gandhar Raj Shakuni's cunningness would plunge them into disaster.

"I'm bored of waiting. So I'll play with my slaves first! Only after dasi Draupadi comes, we can do anything else!" said Duryodhan proudly, as if he was not talking about his cousins' wife, and was not in a place where his extended family gathered.

"What game do you think is suitable for them, Mitra Karna?" Duryodhan patted Karna's shoulder, asking for his opinion.

"It's not for me to decide, Mitra. But according to the rules, you can do whatever you want with them."

On the one hand, Karna felt a little sorry for the Pandavas. However, a space in his heart felt relieved knowing that the people who had insulted him felt helpless because of his caste.

And Arjun, oh he's just a sweet guy. His rivalry with Karna does not blind him. He's not obsessed with outperforming anyone and just tries his best)

"You are truly humble, Mitra. I am happy to have a friend like you." he said sincerely. "So, how about playing with your arch enemy, my slave, Arjuna!"

Bheem, who since childhood had protective feelings towards his brothers was ignited, glared at Duryodhan, cursing the name in his heart.

Arjuna himself was shocked at first, but he was clearly not afraid. In fact, he thought that if he could turn things around now, or at least divert the attention of these evil people from his four brothers and Draupadi, Arjuna should be able to survive as long as possible.

"Come forward! Come forward into the middle of the court, Arjuna!"

Duryodhan shouted, arrogant. The sharpest thorn that had always kept him away from the throne of Hastinapur was now in his control.

He laughed heartily. Very happy with the current situation.

Even though Arjuna received shakes from his two younger siblings, Bhrata Bheem's grip on his arm, and Jyesth's worried look, that didn't stop the Gandivdhari from standing in Hastinapur's courtroom.

Even without the crown, his body language conveyed a clear level of majesty. That determined look was also not supposed to come from a slave, so Duryodhan was determined to crush him to pieces. Duryodhan's biggest obstacle and Yudhishthir's biggest supporter in all his success, must be destroyed as soon as possible.

Whether it was prepared or not, Duryodhan now held a bow and aimed it at Arjuna.

"I heard you are the greatest archer, after my Mitra Karna, of course." he said mockingly. "So I hope you teach me some tricks, Arjuna."

"Why? Can't your oh-so loyal Mitra teach you?" Arjuna sassed.

The eldest son of Dhritarashtra, enraged and embarrassed, drew his bow and took aim, targeting Arjuna's feet. With a small move, Arjuna dodged.

Duryodhan shouted in embarrassment. "If you dare dodge my arrows again, I will shoot at your four brothers!"

Arjuna's eyes widened. No, he can't! As long as he is still breathing, no one can harm his brothers!

A few seconds later, another arrow from Duryodhan, came and peirced his left leg. But Arjun was not afraid. He didn't scream in pain either. His eyes remained full of determination and courage, like a true warrior. Someone who truly deserves the title of one of the best warriors of the Kuru Dynasty, Savyasachi, the Gudhakesha who conquered sleep.

The Kauravas began to laugh with joy, waiting until their cousin was overcome by pain.

Bhishma exclaimed angrily. "Duryodhan! Arjuna is your brother too!"

"No, grandfather! Yudhishthir himself bet your beloved grandson in a dice game. You saw it yourself, right?!"

Favorite grandson. It's a secret yet that's not a secret. Bhishma the Great should have no favorites. But no one could blame him for falling in love with the strength of character, purity and skill that the third Pandava displayed from childhood. The same applies to Dronacharya and Kripa, who are seen to love Arjuna more than their own children.

Another arrow was shot at Arjuna's feet by another Kaurava. There were six arrows in total, but it still wasn't enough to dim the light in Phalgun's hawk-like eyes.

In a distant battlefield, Dwarakadish Vasudev Krishna felt his leg hurt. Actually, not only his legs, more precisely his whole body felt pain. It was like his daily food, especially if there was bloodshed around him.

Returning to Hastinapur, another arrow was lodged in Arjuna's body. The two arrows shot in his stomach by Anga Raj made him take a step back.

Krishna also felt pain in his stomach, but he ignored it again. He decided to finish the war as soon as possible.

Arjuna's vision blurred as the pain started to overwhelm him. His heart pounded and the heat began to become excruciating, clouding all his senses. He faintly heard the laughter of Duryodhan's brothers encouraging his friend, Anga Raj Karna to shoot another arrow. A few ordinary arrows obviously wouldn't have any significant effect on the greatest warrior of Aryavart like Arjuna. However, it would be different if the arrows were coated with poisons.

The roars of his brothers could also be heard faintly as Arjuna fell to the side. He saw someone approaching quickly, then stabbed his thigh with a knife. Arjun bit his lip, still refusing to scream in pain.

Bheem, who had lost his temper, decided to stand up as soon as he saw Duryodhan stabbing his beloved anuj. But Duryodhan shouted, stopping Bheem's resistance immediately. "I will kill him right now if you step from your place!"

It didn't seem to be nonsense, seeing how Duryodhan pointed the knife at Arjun's neck. In his heart, Bheem cursed. If he had a fair chance, he would kill all one hundred Kauravas.

"Maharaj Dhritarashtra, will you allow the murder of your nephew to happen in front of you!?" Dronacharya shouts. Dhananjaya will not fall just because of a few arrows. There must be something behind it, even though he has no proof. Now, the only one who can surpass Duryodhan in power is Dhritarashtra alone.

Before the King of Hastinapur could respond properly, Ashwatthama shouted. "Arjuna is my friend's slave now father, you can't defend him just because you love him more than me!"

"There's no need to be sad, my friend Ashwatthama." Duryodhan smiled mockingly at Arjun. He then threw his knife at Dursaha and gave orders. "Cut off both of the archer's thumbs, my anuj!"

"What I asked from Ekalavya and what I promised Arjuna has nothing to do with this!" Drona growled loudly.

"And I don't believe it, Acharya! I always felt you were biased towards Arjuna!"

"I wasn't!"

Drona dared to swear that even if he did place special importance of Arjuna in his heart, he would always be fair to his students. It was not his fault that he was fascinated by the talent and tenacity that Dhananjaya showed during his education. Great talent should not be wasted. It is the responsibility of an educator to provide education according to a student's capacity and efforts. He trains diligently, staying awake when everyone else is sleeping, pushing his limits from time to time, but remaining polite and humble. Arjuna's name Kurunandan is clearly not without any areason.

As for Ekalavya, Drona never accepted him as a student from the start. He was the son of a tribal leader in Magadha who was an enemy of Hastinapur. Drona, who was already bound to train the Kuru princes, could not possibly train his students' potential enemies in the future. That's unethical. Plus Ekalavya peeks into secret learning by spying or in another word, stalking. And asking for gurudakshina from Ekalavya is also a natural thing, for him.

"Then let it be! Your words will not change my decision today!" Duryodhan replied.

Mahamantri Vidur watched in horror as Dursaha laughed and without regret, did as his brother ordered. Vidur didn't realize when his tears fell. When he delivered the invitation to today's dice game to Indraprastha, Vidur was already suspicious. But he failed to convince Dharmaraj to just reject it. Now, one of his nephews may die in this supposedly hallowed courtroom. "Maharaj... Bhratashree... If you ever think of me as a little brother, please... please stop your son..." Vidur begged, clasping his hands together.

"I-I... I can't Vidur. Legally, it is Duryodhan's right to do anything to his slaves. But don't worry, my son couldn't possibly kill Arjuna, right, Duryodhana?"

Dhritarashtra, always, and still is, looking for loopholes for every mistake his eldest son made.

"Of course pitashree. A great warrior like Arjuna wouldn't die from just a few wounds, right?" he said with a grin.

On the other hand, Krishna found it strange. This pain was not like usual, as if something had truly hurt his soul. In the distance, he saw his troops celebrating victory around their commander, Balaram Dau, while Krishna was still stationed in his chariot. He faintly heard Indradev's soft whisper.

"My lord..." the tone was filled with sadness. He rarely heard that from the King of the gods.

Krishna nodded slightly. He listened.

"My lord, you once said that my son would accompany you in upholding the dharma to this world."

Dwarakadish smiled faintly. Ah, so this is about his Parth? Devraj had became a father who was worried about the well-being of his mortal son. Not surprising because what they were talking about was Arjuna. Krishna and Indradev knew from the start that the lives of the Sons of Pandu would never be easy.

Indradev continued. "That soft-hearted child, who received a prophecy of success on the day of his birth, who you call your soulmate, has... has his role been completed today...?"

"What do you mean Indradev?" Krishna gasped. The pain he had been trying to ignore for a long time…now made sense. It really hurt his soul.

Devraj tried to keep his voice clear. "My son Arjuna is dying, my lord..."

At the same time, Krishna got a vague vision. He felt a prick in his thigh and a sting in his thumbs. After that, the killer of Kansa reflexively rubbed his right eye. Both his eyes hurt. He often avoided seeing the future or use his divinity so as not to interfere with the course of Niyati, so Krishna usually did not know the future in great detail. He was so sorry, he should have prevented this one incident.

"Parth..." he muttered worriedly.

In the courtroom, Arjuna tries his best not to lose consciousness. Now he heard the sound of Panchali crying and the touch of that soft lotus hand on his skin.

Draupadi, who had been forcibly dragged into court by Dusshasan, now ran to her husband. Arjuna's condition made her forget her own pain. "A-arya Arjuna, what is this..!?"

"S-sorry, Panchali..." Arjuna tried his best to speak, his throat hurt. He cried even though his eyes could no longer see. Only blood was flowing in hefty amounts from his eyes now. "Run.. Go as far as possible!" Arjuna almost gave up. He had failed.... Dronacharya's best disciple could not protect his wife today.

He couldn't hope for anyone's help now. Pitamah Bhishma, who was one of the few people who loved the Pandavas, couldn't do anything because he was bound by his oath. His teacher, Drona, would also be on his son Ashwatthama's side. Arjuna knows that his Gurudev really loves his only son, even though he loves Arjun no less. Unfortunately, people often think otherwise. Meanwhile, his uncle Dhritarashtra, whom Arjuna and his brothers respected, never treated them fairly. If anything, Maharani Gandhari was the person who did that.

At times like this, Arjuna could only think of one name. However, he felt it being very inappropriate. Even though he is aware that his relation with his Madhav is not limited by caste, Arjuna still felt he is unworthy. A slave is not fit to be friends with the descendants of the Great Yadava. Arjuna was very embarrassed. Madhav must be disappointed in him. Panchali is also his Sakhi, and Arjuna is so weak that he cannot protect her.

"Aryaputra Bheem, why are you not protecting your brother?!" Yajnaseni screamed. Bheem responded with a shake of his head and tears.

"Aryaputra Yudhishthir, why are you silent?!"

"Aryaputra Nakul, Aryaputra Sahadev, quickly heal your Bhrata Arjuna!"

Not getting the answer she wanted, the former Queen of Indraprastha looked elsewhere.

"Ganga Putra Bhishma. Your glory resounds throughout Aryavarta, will you remain silent looking at this adharma? You will be a silent witness to the torture of your grandson and daughter-in-law?!"

"Acharya Drona, son of Bharadwaaj, don't you call Aryaputra Arjuna your best student? Don't his actions so far make you swell with pride?"

"Maharaj Dhritarashtra, don't you love your brother, Maharaj Pandu? Why can't you love his sons!?"

Draupadi's cries of despair were only met with apologetic looks, shakes of the head, and tears, while the other party didn't bother to hide their triumphant laughter.

"My lord?" Now Daruka, the charioteer and friend, of Krishna asked. He heard Krishna murmuring his dear Parth's name worriedly. Plus, his master was now shedding tears.

In a low tone, Krishna answered. "Close your eyes Daruka. We will go to Hastinapur now" as he snapped his fingers and they dissappeared from there.

Draupadi gave up. She hugged her husband tightly while the hem of her sari was pulled by Dusshasan. At times like this, Draupadi only had one hope left. She whispered softly. "Govind.. your Sakhi and your Parth need you..."

As if casting a spell, Draupadi's wish came true. Krishna suddenly appeared, holding Draupadi's sari which Dusshasan was trying to pull off. He pulled the sari so hard that Dusshasan fell. Draupadi, who could not believe the miracle before her, fell at Krishna's feet. "You came, Govind!" the Agnisutaa was filled with tears. Krishna held Draupadi's shoulders to calm her down. "Calm down, Sakhi. I'm here for you and Parth."

The shock of Krishna's miraculous appearance had not yet subsided. Raj Maata Kunti and Subhadra, who heard Draupadi being dragged away by Dusshasan from the servants, also rushed into the courtroom. The two women were extremely horrified to see the terrifying scene in front of them. The Queen of Indraprastha, a pure and very beautiful woman, the daughter-in-law of the Kuru Dynasty who should have received a lot of love and honor, was now crying bitterly. Her clothes were dirty and her makeup was ruined. Plus, what stained the clothes was mostly someone's blood.

The son that Kunti and Pandu got after a year of hard meditation to please the King of the Gods, the prophecy of glory that was heard from the sky at the time of his birth, the son who made his family proud and loved them, now lay helpless, in a pool of his own blood.

Subhadra too, who saw her Jiji crying and her husband injured, as well as her brother who was suddenly in the palace, could only join in wailing.

"Bua, Subhadra, take Panchali away from Hastinapur. My charioteer Daruka is outside, I will protect you from here" Krishna's voice alerted them. The two women nodded, dragging Draupadi a little in the process. They knew it was better to listen and trust Krishna at this moment.

Dwarakadish now noticed the body lying, and the pool of blood around it. A memory in his past eternal life awakened. The image of a person in the past that overlaps with Arjuna's situation evoked those memories. He then mentioned a name, which had been extinct in these days and age.

"...Nara...?" Krishna called. And obviously he didn't get an answer.

While on a mission to defeat the demon Dambhodbhava with his thousand armors, Narayan had seen Nara's death many times. And in this life, the demon, who was reborn as a human, had a choice between becoming a good human or dying at Nara's hands again. That was how the task had to be done.

Krishna approached, slowly. The people in the room were still too shocked by his sudden appearance, so no one tried to stop him.

Palanhar's every step felt heavy. The fate he endured indeed made him feel so much pain and loss. But this one, this one person alone influenced him so badly. His best friend, his lover, his Parth, his Nara. With that step, he had a vision of what happened before.

The deceitful dice game.

Yudhistir's defeat.

Duryodhan's laugh and Shakuni's sly smile.

Torture on his Parth.

Insult of his Sakhi.

And now, it was his Arjuna, who was an inch away from dying.

Madhav sat down slowly and gently pulled his Parth in his arms, which resulted in his clothes being soaked in blood almost instantly. He then observed his Parth's face, which was stained with blood stains due to a diagonal cut in his left eye and a stab in his right eye. His dark skin was unable to hide his slenderness, blood and toxins that have spread throughout the body being visible.

Six arrows in the leg, three in the right shoulder, two in the left arm, two more in the stomach, and a stab wound in the right thigh. Madhav traced the wounds with his trembling fingers, his eyes burning with tears and his lips quivering slightly.

The part that made Krishna the most angry was Parth's two thumbs being cut off. Parth always worried and felt guilty about Ekalavya, even though it had nothing to do with him.

"Ma-madhav? Is that y-you? Are you really... m-my M-madhav...?" With his senses dulled, Arjuna could somehow feel his Madhusudhan's presence clearly. He had fainted a while ago, for who knows how long. But he didn't understand how his best friend got here. Ah, since when did he become rational when it came to Krishna? This must be just one of his miracles. Even so, the happiness that bloomed in Arjun's heart was soon replaced with shame.

Arjuna felt Madhav's hug tighten. Mustering his remaining strength, Arjuna tried to bring his shaky, bloody hand upto Madhav's cheek, almost begging. "I.. have failed, Madhav... P-please Panchali.." He stammered. "Save.. your Sakhi.." At least if it wasn't for his sake, Madhav would help Panchali.

Krishna smiled bitterly. How could his Parth still think about other people when excruciating pain struck him and death might surround him any moment? Krishna caught Arjuna's trembling hand and placed it at his cheek, earning the sound of a small sigh of pleasure and relief.

Krishna smiled reassuringly even though Arjuna couldn't see it. His voice was filled with comfort. "Panchali is safe, Parth." Vishnu's incarnation could see the corners of Arjuna's mouth lifting ever so slightly.

"Now you-"

The sentence was cut off. Krishna's eyes widened as a loud cough accompanied by black blood came out of Arjuna's mouth. Krishna wiped the black blood. "Snake venom..." he muttered.

Arjuna's breathing slowly weakened. He felt his end near. He flashed a loving smile at his Madhav, even though he couldn't see him. "I...love you...Madhav..." His breathing stopped, his hand which was on Krishna's cheek drooped. Krishna carressed Arjun's cheek with his thumb. "Parth?" Krishna panicked, checked his pulse.

"Parth...?" he repeated.

A new realization sank into Krishna's brilliant mind. His heart seemed to be stuck, and he felt no desire to breathe. His lover... was dead. He is still alive while his Parth was dead.

Krishna began sobbing and lowered his head till his lips were only an inch apart from his dead lover's own. He had bend down so low and planted a chaste kiss on Arjuna's lips, not caring if anyone saw (no one did.) Krishna kept hugging his Parth's body after kissing, not wanting to let go, Arjuna's blood touching and immediately staining Krishna's markless body.

Cosmic explosions began to occur in a very far place, while the palace of Hastinapura began to shake. Earthquakes also occurred in many places, including Kailash and Vaikunta. Only one path is safe, namely the path used by Krishna's chariot to secure Pancali.

Mahadev and Adishakti woke up from their meditation. Sharing a soul bond, they understood Narayan's sadness and anger. At Vaikunth, Lakshmi shed tears. Just like Narayan, she also really loved Nara and considered him as her brother. Brahma and Saraswati also shared the same sorrow.

The earthquakes became more massive, causing buildings and their materials to start falling. Strong winds and storms also entered the room, blowing away cloths and small items. Lightning and suddenly dark skies, added to the chaos. Everyone was filled with fear.

The universe appears to begin its destruction, far before the promised time.

In the midst of the crisis, Mahadev's third eye appeared on the ceiling. Everyone, even the evil Duryodhan and his uncle Shakuni put their palms together, saluting the powerful presence.

"Narayan, please calm your anger..." Mahadev's soft voice echoed. "The destruction of the universe should not happen now."

"Should I?" Krishna whispered. He couldn't set his sight, even for a second, on the earth that had no existence of Arjuna. The whole of existence seemed meaningless to him. If all living beings, the universe, and himself are placed on one scale, then they are equal when Dhananjaya is weighed on the other side. Krishna does not want to remain in an existence where Arjuna does not exist.

"Your Nara will be fine." Arjuna's body then glowed brightly for a moment, and his condition returned to normal. The weapons, scars and bloodstains on the third Pandava's body disappeared. His thumbs had regenerated. It was as if time had been rewound before all the wounds had formed. "The destruction and vengeance you desire will happen soon, punishment will be meted out, and a new generation will be born."

"You always have had gentleness and forgiveness, Narayan. You are also the most compassionate. I have promised you, you will leave this world before your Arjuna."

Hugging Parth's unconscious body tightly in his arms again, Madhav smiled. His eyes brightened again, as if Mahadev was not discussing his death. "Thank you..." was all he could say to express the many feelings in his heart. His lover will not die before him...

Tagging @aiaioooo cuz apparently they made these two as bros and I made them as Lovers ♡. Credits to them for plotline AND because i somehow found their work on google but afterwards couldn't find it cuz it was an Indonesian story. If anyone could kindly send me the link of the story i will put it here.

Edit: i found the link!

[krsnaradhika]

All the people calling Arjuna-Subhadra's marriage as incestuous as they're cousins should note that it's exactly why we have the system of gotra. They both had different ones (no shit) and hence their union isn't problematic (the gotra concept came up as people with same gotra tend to have too similar dna because of shared ancestor. If not adhered to this custom, marriage in the same gotra causes biological issues in the offspring). Arjuna's mom Kunti is Subhadra's paternal aunt— not maternal. They're cross-cousins, not parallel ones. They're sure to have some matching dna but not too the extent that it would cause issues (my lad Abhimanyu is fine and dandy). Now, would you object to Kanha-Shri Mitravinda and Kanha-Shri Bhadra's marriage? (Both of the pairs had around 20 children in total, all of them which are mentioned to be equal to their dad in prowess in the Harivamsha. So . . . )

[blue-lotus333]

How I imagine Arjun’s wives to look like.

Draupadi, The Fiery Princess of Panchala.

Uloopi, Nagi of vehemence.

Chitrangada, Warrior princess of Manipur.

(+ muscles)

Subhadra, Goddess of holiness.

(More tanner skin, + wears pastel clothes)

[h0bg0blin-meat]

*Arjun flirting with Subhadra in Dwarka*

Arjun: I have a huge crush on you.

Arjun: Very big.

Subhadra: Awww-

Arjun: Like a dinosaur.

Subhadra:

Arjun: Rawr :3

[blackknight-100]

MAHABHARAT THEATER!AU FIC

Chapter 7 is up!

Excerpt:

[Arjuna] catches up to Karna at the landing and together, they make their way down the hallway. The smoke is somehow worse this time around, and every step feels like the last. There’s no sniping – neither of them have the breath to spare, but they keep throwing dirty glances at each other. The fire, instead of dying down, has grown even bigger, and little flakes of ash and wood float about in the air.  Karna peers into one of the rooms on the left, and Arjuna hears him wince. The door has collapsed, and a bar of wood burns diagonally across, making it impossible to get inside. Arjuna pokes his head behind Karna’s shoulder, waits for his stinging eyes to adjust. Through the pall of smoke, he makes out a prone figure sprawled on the ground, clad in white.

[aurkitnarulaoge]

Babruvahan

***

Chapter 1

[The son who didn't relate]

Arjun (Arjuna) had entered Draupadi's Chambers when another Pandav [namely Yudhishthira] was with her in the room.

He knew he would be exiled as per their mutual agreement—that being: if any brother was with Draupadi spending time in privacy, another Pandav couldn't intrude them.

Arjun did so reluctantly as he had to fetch his bow from the chamber to help a brahmin.

Arjun was, therefore, exiled for 12 years.

He spent this time of exile in an adventurous manner; honing his skills, sharpening his senses— in general, getting stronger.

He also decided to establish political relations through marriage during this period of exile.

He first met the nag princess Ulupi (Uloopi), who became his first wife [idk the story, but Arjun was supposed to be celibate and Ulupi smitten by him somehow convinces him otherwise].

Then he arrives at Manipur and sees a lady that immediately smittens him.

Upon inquiry, he found out that it was Chitrangada (Chitrāngadā), the princess of Manipur herself.

He went to Chitravahan (Chitravāhana) to ask for her hand in marriage.

There are two versions to Chitavahan's explanation:

Chitravahan agreed to their marriage but explained that she was his only daughter and a putrika— meaning that she was raised to handle the duties of a prince until her son would be adopted by Chitravahan and declared the heir to Manipur.

Chitravahan agreed to their marriage with a precondition stating that as per their family tradition, the son born to his daughter would live in his maternal home and later be declared the heir to Manipur.

This arrangement meant that despite marrying Chitrangada, Arjun's child and hence the child's mother would have to stay back in Manipur.

Arjun agreed and stayed in Manipur until his son named Babruvahan (Babruvāhana) was born.

Arjun continued his journey and married Subhadra (Subhadrā).

***

***

Chapter 11

[The one to defeat the undefeated]

Years later, all the Pandavs' sons were killed in the massacre of a war, except Babruvahan and that too because he hadn't participated in the war.

When Yudhishthir was finally the king of Kuru, he was unsettled and down because of the loss of many. [All of the landmass excluding a few participated in the war and only 11 warriors including the Pandavs survived.]

Krishna and Ved Vyas suggested to conduct and Ashwamedh yagna.

Yudhisthir appointed Arjun with the Ashwamedhi horse and reminded him to avoid a full-fledged war as long as possible.

After the Saindhava battle was stopped by Dushala (Dushālā), Arjun headed towards Manipur.

Babruvahan was elated to hear of his father's arrival and went forward to welcome him.

Arjun retorted him and said that he should fight him and not welcome him.

Ulupi, who was accompanying Arjun at the time, explained to the confused Babruvahan that the warrior in his father wanted to see his son's valour and that it would make him happy.

Babruvahan armoured up and got on his chariot without hesitation. He ordered his men to capture the Ashwamedhi horse and fought with Arjun.

Babruvahan was cutting down all of Arjun's arrows and shot his best arrows that wounded Arjun.

Seeing his son's excellent manoeuvre, he praised him and immediately killed Babruvahan's horses and crushed his chariot.

The wounded and angry Babruvahan shot extremely poison tipped arrows at Arjun that pierced through his armour.

Arjun fell to the ground defeated, and Babruvahan fell unconscious.

This was the first time Arjun was defeated by anyone [it was also the first time he died].

Chitrangada was aghast seeing her husband and son both unconscious and accused Ulupi since she was the one who encouraged the battle. She threatened to kill herself if she didn't bring Arjun back to life.

Babruvahan soon gained consciousness and was filled with guilt and sorrow of killing his own father. He declared he couldn't live with such a sin and pledged to fast till death.

Ulupi consoled Babruvahan, saying that Arjun was a great warrior and that not even Indra could defeat him. She said that she had a Sanjeevani gem that the Naags (Nāgas) used to resurrect their wounded warriors and handed it to Babruvahan, telling him to press it against his father's chest.

Arjun woke up rubbing his eyes as if he was woken from a deep sleep and wondered why everyone was gathered around him. Babruvahan asked Ulupi to narrate what had happened.

Arjun spent a few happy days in Manipur before leaving with the Ashwamedhi horse and inviting Chitrangada and Babruvahan to Hastinapur.

Arjun was only defeated twice in his life, and this was the first time.

***

For what reason did Babruvahan not participate? It is still a speculation, so I didn't mention much about it.

Also, I did say 'Manipur', but it isn't the present-day state of Manipur at all. In fact, Manipur or, as @theramblergal mentioned, Manalura is situated in the southern region.

This was requested by @betterloverthanrosee earlier after seeing a discussion with other desiblrians about the Babruvahan non-participation.

You can go ahead and add if I missed something or just reblog to spread the story of our Babruvahan idk lol.

[livingtheparadoxlife]

Even as a child, Uttaraa's eyes had been laden with dreams. Dreams of a family filled with love and life and laughter, of a world colored in shades of joy, of anklets ringing with the heaven's tunes, of dreams dreamt with rose colored lenses.

She had seen those dreams come to life in her brothers' roaring laughter while they sparred, in the twinkle in her parents' eyes while they spoke, in the elegance of her teacher's steps, in the endless pampering of her in- laws, in the the tenderness of her husband's voice as he whispered her name, in the euphoria of a child moving inside of herself.

And then, she had held the pieces of her shattered dreams in her hands and looked on at a world devoid of all colors that still reeked of death and she had wept. She had wept till the child that was supposed to have died in her womb had screamed himself hoarse and all of a sudden, colors had filled into her world.

They were muted and dull and nowhere near as vivid as the ones she had dreamt of, but they were colors nonetheless. And for now, they were enough.

[krishna-premi]

how i imagine arjun's relationship was with subhadra:

Tbh I believe they're both shy like really shy. Like they can't look at each other without giggling. Arjun always looks after Subhadra. He makes sure she has everything she needs, always. When Arjun found Subhadra likes reading poetry he brought poetry books from everywhere he can for her. He sometimes writes poetry for Subhadra. He's not the best poet but Subhadra keeps his collection under her pillow and reads them every night. Sometimes they both take strolls in the garden together but they never stand too close. Once they did, their hands brushed against each other and they both backed away so fast. Subhadra has specific flowers she adores in the garden that she personally looks after. When Subhadra goes to Dwarka, Arjun sits by those flowers while missing Subhadra. And when Arjun is away, Subhadra sits by his bow and arrows waiting for her beloved to return. I just think they're a really really cute couple.

This was a request by someone im so sorry it took me long to write i've been busy 😭

[kumbhakarni]

Manifesting Sriya Reddy as Draupadi in the upcoming Palace of Illusions movie. This goddess got both the acting chops and the looks, Suzhal bears testament. Divine powers, please let it happen. Please

[musingsonthemahabharata]

Arjuna's consorts!

[euph0synee]

How i think Mahabharat ppl text Pt.1 :

➪ KRISHNA

- sends most random texts at most random times

- wants u to reply fast

- doesn't replies fast himself tho

- sends selfies of himself with demons he beat up with a proud smile

- uses so many emojis unironically

Krishna : hey do u think mermaids exists?

y/n : ?? idk u tell me U r the god NOT ME ??

Krishna : why would i tell u if mermaids existed? ur prolly gonna eat them u non-vegetarian bitch !!

y/n : send me another text and see how fast i block ur ass.

➪ BALARAM

- serious texter

- uses punctuation

- one word replies and at most he'll send a sentence that's it

- leaves u on seen

- can't take emojis seriously at all and thinks they're exaggerated and stupid

y/n : hey !! how r u?

balaram : alright.

y/n : oh...

(seen)

➪ SUBHADRA

- sends cat memes

- replies fast

- literally the cutest texter using all those Koamojis

- never leaves anyone on seen

- always texting to check up on her friends

Subhadra : hi y/n ^^

y/n : hi subhadra !!

Subhadra : hru? just checking in~

y/n : I'm ok how about u?

Subhadra : I'm so good !!

➪ DRAUPADI

- texts only when she feels like it

- only replies to Arjuna and leaves everyone else on delivered

- always compliments her friends when texting

- always takes screenshots of convos in case she need them in future 💀

- doesn't has anyone's number saved except for krishna (he saved it on her phone bc he knew she wouldn't)

Draupadi : hey Arya, can u take the trash out of my room pls? (trash = duryodhan)

y/n : girl 💀 do u not even have ur husband's number saved?

Draupadi : who r u?

y/n : it's y/n 😭

Draupadi : oh. ok can u take the trash out? (trash = duryodhan)

➪ ARJUNA

- will literally ghost u

- replies fast when he does but then disappears for days, months even years

- would text a "lol i died" when he comes back again

- doesn't ghost krishna (bc krishna prolly shows up in his dreams chasing him down if he ghosts him)

- always has atleast 1000+ unread texts

y/n : can u send me the pictures pls?

Arjuna : ok hold on

thousands years later

Arjuna : hey srry i died !!

y/n : it's ok so did my grandma.

Arjuna : ?? what??

y/n : boy my grandma y/n has been dead for past 20 years !! ur too late.

Arjuna : damn 💀 rip tho ig

//lol i enjoyed making this. comment if u want part 2 too and send in request if u want any specific headcannons or fanfics lol !!

[stxrrynxghts]

Arjun and Subhadra,

Indraputra and Yadava Kumari.

[blue-lotus333]

Hiiii!! What are your top three mahabharat ships

1. Arjun x Krishna (ofcccc)

2. Subhadra x draupadi

3. Arjun x Chitrasena (the King of the Gandharvas)