Book Ӡ in PandavaNandini Trilogy
" Our love would remain forever, eternally going beyond the elixir of heaven and poison of hell ".
The deadliest war has come to an end , victory flag sways through the breeze leaving behind nothing but a stinging...
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-|| The power of Belonging ||-
In the sanctuary of kinship, amidst shared moments sublime, the power of belonging resonates, nurturing hearts for all of time.
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Suthanu's smile quivered with nervousness as she gracefully gestured to the hand-maiden, entrusting her creation, the final dish, to be transferred into a vessel. It was a pivotal moment for her, the first time she had single-handedly prepared an entire meal. Though modest in scale, it held great significance amidst the somber air that hung over the kingdom. The kings of Bharatvarsha, who had refrained from partaking in the war, had assembled to honor the occasion of coronation. Suthanu, mindful of their expectations, desired to ensure that not a single complaint would taint the feast.
She possessed deep knowledge of the culinary expertise embedded within the royal kitchen, the skilled hands that toiled tirelessly to please discerning palates. Nevertheless, Suthanu willingly assumed this task, driven by a profound desire to soothe the hearts of her parents. She longed for them to feel her unwavering support, to understand that she stood by them, both then and forevermore. This moment of culinary exploration would also serve as a test, for the same dinner would soon be savored by her newfound family, the Yadavas. Her heart fluttered with hope, praying that they would find delight in her culinary creation.
"Neerja, please ensure that all the invited guests partake in the nourishment," Suthanu said, her smile warm and reassuring as she addressed Neerja who had entered. "I believe Father is in the family chambers with the family of Pitashree Krishna. I shall inform him shortly."
"As you wish, Rajakumari," Neerja responded, a mirrored smile adorning her face, as she gracefully proceeded to instruct the hand-maidens about serving the royal guests.
As Suthanu turned to leave, her mind wandered to the labyrinth of challenges that lay before her within the intricate tapestry of her family's inner struggles. It had been a while since she had been with them, and the weight of her mother's absence made the passing years feel interminable. Only now, as she embarked on this new chapter, did she feel the true conclusion of her arduous exile. Yet, she was acutely aware that the passage of time would have left indelible marks of change on each individual's spirit.
Lost in her ruminations, Suthanu was abruptly interrupted by a conversation emanating from her father's chamber—Arjuna and Subhadra. She knew it was not her place to eavesdrop, but an invisible force seemed to anchor her to the unfolding dialogue.
"Bhadra, if not me, then who else can fathom the depths of your heart, my love?" Arjuna gently lifted Subhadra's chin, compelling her tear-filled eyes to meet his own. His heart ached at the sight of her suffering, for it pained him immeasurably to witness the agony endured by his life partner.
"Bhadra," Arjuna whispered tenderly, tender fingertips delicately brushing away her tears, "You must journey to Dwarka for a few days."
"Swami," Subhadra looked at Arjuna, her eyes filled with a mixture of surprise and unspoken desires. How could he understand? It was not a falsehood that her heart yearned for it.
