Subhadra ~ The Forgotten Queen

•THE FORGOTTEN QUEEN•

The tranquility of the river wasn't matching the storm in her heart, as she, yet again, let a sigh out. Her eyes were red after hours of crying, seemingly lacking more tears, her expressions quite wiery but a glow, still adorning her glorified face. She was staring at the flowing water body, trying to find the peace she was craving since the beginning of the war. Finally she was away from the blaring noises coming from the deadly battle fields, her poor heart racing wildly for the safety of only practical support left, her dear husband. It wasn't long that she lost a piece of her heart, she was already shattered and definitely wasn't ready to be broken more and more. She had a whole life ahead, she had a million responsibilities, her daughter-in-law, who was going through a time tougher than hers maybe. Her grandson who needed her more than anyone did. But then again, she wanted to jump in that same river and die miserably, as miserable as the condition of her mind, all strings tangled impossibly. She was lost in her thoughts when she heard a soothing yet confident voice, calling her favourite name with utmost love.

"Mata...??" Called out the voice she always relied on. But this time, it made her feel a sense of shock rather than giving her a wave of calmness.

She turned around to find her dearest lost son, Abhimanyu, standing there with his arms open for her. A small smile playing on his lips and his eyes sparkling with care. She always thought he resembled his fierce father, that mischievous smile dancing on his lips gave her a sense of satisfaction. He was happy, she thought. But how could she see him ?? She has gone mad for sure. She scoffed at her own illusions and turned back towards the river, staring at its beauty again.

"Mata...aapka Abhimanyu aapko pukar raha hai..." The same voice reached her ears, she wanted to ignore it thinking it's her stupidity but her heart wanted to run in his arms and enjoy his embrace.
She turned around again with affection lit eyes and decided to follow her heart. She went towards his slowly and wrapped her arms around him in a secured embrace, patting his head with love, and her heart couldn't hold it back. She broke down again in his arms, clinging to her son for dear life, she wanted to scold him, chide him for leaving everyone broken like this. She wanted to bless him with the lifespan she had left and kiss his forehead for his braveness but for now, she just needed his shoulder to cry.

Abhimanyu's eyes filled with tears as well, seeing his dearest mother in such a state. He hugged her tightly, feeling all the motherly love he might crave later, not wanting the moment to end. At the end of everything in this world, there is a mother's hold which no matter what, brings the best memories, the safest feelings and the most peaceful moments.

Subhadra broke the hug, cupping his face with gentleness and looked into his eyes.

"Abhi...tuje pata bhi hai tere jaane ke baad teri mata ko kitna kasht pahuchaya hai tune ??" She said with a broken voice.

"Isiliye aapse kshama mangne aaya hu maa" Abhimanyu couldn't help but bite his lip, trying to control his cry.

Subhadra smacked his head lightly.

"Kshama mangne se kya hota hai ?? Apni patni ko dekha hai ?? Ro ro ke bura haal bana dia hai apna usne! Uske garbh mein tera ansh pal raha hai! Us bichare bache ki kya galti ?? Apne bahaduri ke pradarshan mein tune kitni jaano ki baki chadha di hai, kitne dilo ko kuchal ke rakh dia hai, pata bhi hai ??" She scolded him, having full rights of a mother. She turned around and looked at the river again.

"Pradarshan kaha mata, garv se kartavya nibhaya hai. Bahaduri thi toh uska upyog sahi jagah lagaya hai, aaj mai mrit hu par fir bhi shaheed hua hu. Apne pitaji ki sahayta mein jaan baksh di, isse zyada badi baat ek kshatriya putra ke liye kya ho sakti hai ?? Rahi baat Uttara ki, usko abhiman karna chahiye ki uske pati ek sahasi yodha the, mere putra ya putri ke liye ek udaharan hai yeh ki mushkil ki ghadi mein dil ko kathor karke apne logo ke liye ladne ka sahas rakhna chahiye, ise ek balidan nahi balki apna kartavya samajhna chahiye." He said with humbleness yet courage evident in his voice. He didn't want Subhadra to regret his death, but wanted her to celebrate his strength.