Mahabharata in Prose – Part 38-C (continued)
A story of the Dvapara Yuga based on the Odia Sarala Mahabharata by Lokanath Mishra, Jenamath Lane, Puri.
The night of anxiety passed heavily for Revati. At dawn, the palace of Dwaraka stirred with unusual activity. Messengers moved hurriedly, attendants decorated the pathways, and auspicious instruments began to sound. News spread that the bridegroom’s party from Hastinapura was expected at any moment.
Revati’s heart trembled. She knew that once Balarama formally received Duryodhana, no force could easily alter his decision. Without delay, she sent word to Satyabhama and Krishna.
Krishna, ever calm yet inwardly alert, understood that time had come to act decisively. He summoned Arjuna in secrecy. When Partha arrived, Krishna spoke in a grave tone:
“Delay is no longer possible. Balarama has already resolved to give Subhadra to Duryodhana. If you truly love her, you must take her away before the marriage rites begin. This is not merely an act of love, but of destiny.”
Arjuna, though valiant, hesitated for a moment. “Madhava, how can I act against my elder brother’s will? And what of the consequences? The wrath of Balarama is no small matter.”
Krishna smiled faintly. “When dharma and destiny align, hesitation becomes weakness. Subhadra herself must choose. If she consents, take her away in the manner of a Kshatriya—by valor. I shall manage what follows.”
Meanwhile, Satyabhama secretly brought Subhadra to Krishna. Her face bore both love and fear. Krishna gently asked, “Do you accept Arjuna as your husband of your own will?”
With folded hands and lowered eyes, Subhadra replied, “Yes, brother. My heart belongs to him alone.”
Krishna then instructed her, “Today, you shall go to the temple of the Goddess as per custom. Arjuna will come there with a chariot. You must ascend it without fear. Let the world witness that your choice is your own.”
As planned, Subhadra set out for the temple, accompanied by her companions. The city was vibrant, unaware of the storm about to unfold. At the appointed moment, Arjuna arrived in a chariot, disguised yet resolute.
Their eyes met—no words were needed.
With steady courage, Subhadra stepped forward and mounted the chariot. In that instant, Arjuna seized the reins and drove away like the wind.
A cry arose behind them. The attendants shouted, guards rushed, and the alarm spread through the city like wildfire.
“Subhadra has been abducted! Arjuna has taken her!”
When the news reached Balarama, his fury knew no bounds. His face turned red, and his mighty frame trembled with rage.
“Arjuna! That deceitful Pandava! He has dared to insult me in my own city!” he thundered.
He immediately ordered the Yadava warriors to prepare for pursuit. Chariots were readied, conches were blown, and the army surged forward.
But Krishna intervened.
With calm authority, he addressed Balarama, “Brother, restrain your anger. What has happened is not an act of insult, but of mutual love. Subhadra was not taken by force—she went willingly.”
Balarama, still seething, replied, “Even so, this act defies our honor! Without my consent, how can such a marriage be justified?”
Krishna answered with gentle reasoning, “Among Kshatriyas, the Rakshasa form of marriage—abduction with consent—is not condemned. Moreover, Arjuna is no ordinary man. He is worthy in valor, lineage, and virtue. Would you rather give Subhadra to one who lacks her heart’s acceptance?”
These words gradually softened Balarama’s anger. The storm within him began to subside, though not without resistance.
After a long silence, he said, “If indeed Subhadra has chosen him, then I shall not oppose her will. But Arjuna should have come to me openly.”
Krishna smiled, “Sometimes, destiny chooses its own path, beyond formalities.”
Meanwhile, Arjuna and Subhadra had traveled far from Dwaraka. The initial thrill of escape gave way to quiet assurance. Subhadra, now free from fear, looked at Arjuna with deep affection.
Their union, forged in courage and love, had overcome the barriers of custom and conflict.
In time, messengers from Dwaraka reached them—not with threats, but with blessings. Balarama, having accepted the truth, sent rich gifts and formal recognition of their marriage.
Thus, what began as a secret love, fraught with danger, culminated in a union blessed by destiny itself.
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(To be continued)