Strings of Destiny!??

"Abhi na jao chodh kar,
Ke dil abhi bhara nahi!
Abhi na jao chodh kar,
Ke dil abhi bhara nahi"

The warm glow of oil lamps flickered in the Pandavas' common chamber, casting soft shadows on the walls. Laughter and conversation filled the air as Krishna, Balram, Subhadra, and the Pandavas sat together, sharing lighthearted moments.

Amidst the chatter, Nakul suddenly asked, "Bhrata Krishna, you still haven't told us—who was Durukti? And why did she attack our Subhi?"

A brief silence followed as Balram tensed, glancing at Krishna. Now was not the time to reveal Subhadra's true identity—not when they were not yet fully prepared to understand it.

Krishna, ever the enigma, simply smiled. "Nakul, you know how evil forces work. They have no specific targets. Perhaps she saw my sister's body as a beautiful vessel to possess," he said, his voice carrying a layer of mystery.

Everyone nodded, accepting the answer as a coincidence. But Subhadra wasn't satisfied. "Still, Bhrata, who is she?" she asked, her curiosity unyielding.

Krishna's smile deepened, his eyes twinkling with a knowledge beyond mortal understanding. "Durukti, my Ruchi, means harsh speech—the one who thrives on ill words and wickedness. She is no ordinary being but the embodiment of unrighteousness itself.

She is the daughter of Krodha (anger) and Himsa (violence), and she is the mother of Bhaya (fear) and Mrityu (death). Her grandchildren, Niraya (hell) and Yatana (torture), were begotten by Bhaya and Mrityu.

Durukti and her husband, Kali Purusha, belong to the lineage of Adharma (unrighteousness), born from the dark affliction that emerged from Brahma's back during creation. Her ancestors are Lobha (greed), Nikriti (dishonesty), Dambha (vanity), and ChalMaya (false illusion), all descending from the great forces of Adharma and Mithya (falsehood).

And, as the scriptures foretell, the next Yuga—Kali Yuga—shall belong to her husband."

A somber silence followed Krishna's words as the Pandavas absorbed the weight of this revelation. Balram sighed in relief, thinking they had finally moved past the topic.

But his relief was short-lived when Arjuna, his ever-curious Parth, asked, "Madhav, when the goddess Mahamaya descended to defeat Durukti, why did she resemble Subhadra so much?"

For a moment, Krishna held Arjuna's gaze, a flicker of amusement playing on his lips. "Perhaps it was Mahamaya's divine illusion, Parth," he replied smoothly. "Since Durukti had possessed Subhadra's body, the goddess might have mirrored her form to combat her."

Before anyone could press further, Kunti entered the chamber, her presence commanding immediate attention.

"Putro, pack your things at once. We leave at dawn," she announced.

Subhadra's heart sank as she glanced at Arjuna, a shadow of sadness flickering in her eyes.

"So soon, Bua?" Balram asked, clearly unhappy with the sudden decision.

Kunti sighed, her expression mirroring his emotions. "Yes, Putra. We must return. A letter has arrived from Guru Dronacharya—he has summoned them back for training. They are not yet warriors; they have much to learn before destiny calls them to greater battles."

"But Bua, where will you stay?" Subhadra asked anxiously. "Bhrata told me about Hastinapur. It is not safe for you there! Please stay in Dwarka."

Kunti smiled at her niece's concern, gently cupping her face. "I know your worries, Suba. But if I stay in my brother's home with my sons, the world will mock me—and they will mock Dwarka, too. I married Arya and went to Hastinapur; it is my duty to remain there."