My Days in Indraprasth - Subhadra

Part 23

"I thought that the second knot loosens the first one but here the second one strives to tighten the first." ~ Panchali

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Subhadra POV

Everyone went silent and still while Bratashri was eagerly waiting for a reply. I saw Arya looking at me with a tensed expression on his face which only forced me to laugh.

"Subhu ! What are you laughing at ? Someone has disrespected the rules of our Kingdom and as a Princess of Yadav clan, you are laughing ?" he said angrily.

"Well, Bratashri ! It was none other than me who entered the corridor last night" I said as my brother gasped in disappointment.

"You and your brother are the same. Both of you are not bothered about rules and regulations !" he said as he looked at the Pandavas who had maintained their blank expression.

"As Dharmaraj, what do you suggest me to do ?" he asked as he smiled at me.

"She needs to be punished" he said shocking everyone around including Brother Balram.

"What are you even saying Bratashri" my brothers asked him. Draupadi Jiji placed her hand on my shoulder while Arya stood silent. Brother Yudhishtir looked at me helplessly and I gave him a reassuring smile.

"What is my punishment Bratashri ?" I asked Brother Balram who was visibly regretting his words.

"Umm... you need to stay in the city for one week without any connection with the Palace !" he said as his eyes teared up.

"That's going to be fun !" I exclaimed as everyone looked at me as though I had gone crazy. "Did I say something wrong ?" I asked to which everyone nodded at the same time.

"Do you think it's really easy to live alone for one week as a commoner ?" Brother Sahadev asked.

"Is it hard ? I mean I can also get to know if I can survive alone or not !" I said and smiled. Brother Nakul was looking guilty while Brother Bheem was irritated. Draupadi Jiji was sad.

I smiled at everyone and started "Don't worry ! Subhadra has been in and out of Dwarka ! She can survive in the city of Dwarka for a year too" I said.

"But Arya Arjun should also be punished !" Draupadi Jiji said in an angry tone.

"Arjun ? Why ?" Brother Balram asked. I was confused and so was Arya. The Pandavas smiled finally understanding what their wife meant and nodded.

"Yes ! He was also aware of this. Actually, he played an active role in her prank" Brother Nakul said. Arya was confused and embarrassed at the same time.

"Yes ! According to Dharma, he needs to accompany her in this punishment" Brother Yudhishtir said with a tensed smile. I was slowly getting a hold of what was going on.

"No Bratashri ! I am solely responsible for this. I will go alone" I said to Brother Balram.

"He should be punished as well !" Draupadi Jiji said. Everyone nodded while I shook my head.

"I have decided ! Arjun should also be punished and hence he should go with Subhadra to the city" Brother Balram said and left. I looked at Arya who sighed and smiled at me. Soon, everyone left the room leaving me and Draupadi Jiji behind.

"Why would you do this Jiji ?" I asked her as she smiled.

"It's important for you to be safe" she said caressing my hair.