Arjuna and Subhadra were welcomed warmly by the citizens of Dwarka .The people were elated to see their princess and the son of Lord Indra together .They showered flowers on them .A beautiful procession was held ,drums were beaten ,trumpets and conch shells were blown .All the elders came ,and received them at the entrance and blessed them .
Everyone were extremely happy that Subhadra's marriage was fixed with Arjuna ,since nobody wholeheartedly accepted Duryodhana .The whole of Bharatvarsha was aware how the Kauravas had treated their cousins in childhood ,and how they were treating them currently .
I went along with Krishna to welcome them .After seeing Balarama ,Subhadra went to him and was going to touch his feet ,until he caught her and embraced her .
"I apologise brother ,please forgive me ."
"No Subhadra ,it's me who should apologise to you .I didn't take time to understand your feelings and thoughts .My only concern is to see you live as a strong ,courageous and brave queen .But anyhow ,everything is sorted out now ." Saying this he moved to Arjuna
"Arjuna ,I'm confident that you'll keep my sister happy always ,and be supportive to her .She is a precious jewel to all of us , and I know that you are the most suitable husband for her .I wish to give my sister's hand to you in marriage ."
"Brother Balarama ,I'm deeply honoured and grateful .I swear on my Gandiva that I shall keep her happy ,no matter what .She shall live as a dignified and prosperous queen of Indraprastha ,with all of her freedom and happiness .
You have my word ."
Both of them took blessings from him and approached my lord .Krishna pulled Arjuna for a tight hug "Partha ,from now on we both are brothers !"
"Madhava ,I'm indeed feeling very blessed today .It's my good fortune .Everything is possible with your guidance ."
Then Krishna kept his hand on Subhadra's head "Are you happy now sister ? You drove the chariot excellently ,I saw it ."
She blushed and chuckled softly "I can't express my happiness brother ,in words .Without you ,everything is impossible .And you know while I was driving  ,Kuntiputra kept on minding me constantly !"
"How can I stay silent Madhava ? Your sister drove the chariot so fast and rashly ,that I had to mind her to drive carefully ! She was too overexcited !
I thought to take control over the reins myself ,but I knew she'll never give ." Arjuna replied
"Come on ! There must be some little adventure and fun in life . Why are you so strict ?" Subhadra spoke up ,in her childish manner
"You call this as fun ? You were almost going to hit our chariot on a tree . I was worried whether you really knew how to drive .Because it was Madhava's plan ,I let you drive all the way . Or else I would have done it myself ."
"I'm better than you Dhananjaya .You may be good in archery ,but in driving I'm well versed ,more than you .
"Is it ? Then we'll have a chariot race afterwards ."
"Yes ,yes challenge accepted ....."
"Alright now ,stop fighting both of you !" Krishna teasingly said ,seeing their continued arguments .He turned back and gave me a half smile ,signalled me to come in front .Subhadra noticed me and came running to me excitedly
"Godha ! There you are !" She hugged me .
"You were looking amazing when you drove .I wish I could also drive like you ...."
She smiled at me with a childish attitude .Then only I could feel that Arjuna was looking at me curiously for the first time .He went and stood beside Krishna ,whispering to him something that I could slightly hear .Perhaps ,he was asking about me .
"She is the princess of Udupi ,Partha .She has come here to Dwarka for an important work ." Krishna told .
After knowing my identity ,he came forward and gave a slight bow to me .
"Greetings ,princess Godha ..."
I kept staring at him .I was confused ,how to address him properly .And moreover ,I couldn't believe that I was conversing with Arjuna ,a very important character in the Mahabharata .
"Greetings ,Prince Arjuna . I feel extremely blessed to meet you ."
He was totally surprised after hearing this lines .
"Oh ,what makes you feel like that princess ?"
"Why ? Because you are Krishna's most dearest ,closest friend ,and you got the golden opportunity to witness his celestial form (Virat Rupa) .How fortunate he is ! He doesn't know it at present that he is going to witness such a divine moment with my lord ." I thought to myself and I saw Krishna smiling from behind .
"I just felt so ,because you are a very powerful archer ,and I have heard about your extraordinary talent ,and how you shot the arrow at the bird's eye with full focus .Today meeting you in person is a wonderful experience for me ."
"Oh I see ...well thank you !" He replied ,with confidence and pride in his eyes .
(Credits to the creator)
The marriage preparations were going on in full swing .Invitations were sent all over the country ,to all the relatives .I too took the chance to serve and assist all the family members ,and my bonding with them increased beautifully .Time flew by and the day of marriage finally arrived .Dwarka was filled with joy ,happiness and celebration .Guests were greeted warmly ,exorbitant variety of foods and juices were made and served in golden plates ,musicians and performers wearing colourful vibrant costumes were busy entertaining the guests .Clothes ,food ,gold coins , healthy decorated cows were given to all the residents with love and respect .
Subhadra was draped in a heavy red silk dress ,and adorned with stunning gem stones and gold .She was looking very different .She was lead to the mandap ,and she looked elegant when she walked .She actually resembled Krishna ,because her eyes and her smile was very much like that of his .
Arjuna was looking like a demigod himself ,standing majestically on the mandap and waiting for his bride .All the rituals were done ,and both of them exchanged their garlands .The marriage was performed gorgeously and exquisite gifts were presented to all the visitors .
Krishna personally took care of the needs of everyone ,considering their likes and dislikes as well .I did my best in assisting everyone ,felt quite contented at the end of the day.
Arjuna and Subhadra were now a happy couple ,and decided to prepare their journey to Indraprastha day after tomorrow .
That night ,I saw Krishna was still busy in taking care of the needs of his close relatives .
"Can I assist you with something ,Sakha ?" I went to him .He looked at me with his disarming smile , not at all looking exhausted after so much of work since morning .
"You have helped all of us today a lot ,Godha .You go and sleep ,I'll finish the work soon ." Krishna said as he looked towards the sky ,deep in his thoughts.
"What is it Krishna ? Is something bothering you?"
"Nothing Godha ,you go and take rest ." He said and walked away ,surely in thoughts .
(Credits to the creator)
I had spent a quality and productive time in Dwarka .Now since I was accompanying Krishna during his meetings ,I learnt many things .In court ,he gave equal importance and chances to all the courtesans and ministers .His face was always calm as a lotus flower whenever he had to make important decisions regarding the kingdom ,even when the matters were highly stressful .He would regularly visit every nook and corner of the kingdom ,sometimes in his royal attire or in disguise as a citizen or a spy ,only to observe what all talks and matters were being discussed among the people .Then he would visit Dwarka's port ,where goods were being imported from various parts of the world ,to check whether the work was done efficiently without any hindrance .After that he went to the fields ,where he took time to listen to the problems of farmers and immediately find a solution for them .
One day when my lord was discussing some financial matters ,a guard came in "Your majesty ,a messenger from Karavirapura seeks to meet you .Shall I let him in ?"
Krishna was lost in thoughts and asked the guard to show him in .I was standing just behind him ,and whispered to him closely "What is happening ?"
"Just wait and watch ." He said calmly
A messenger entered the hall ,but he himself had a stubborn attitude in him slightly .
"Your Majesty ,King Paundraka Vasudeva has sent a message for you"
"Read it out ." Krishna ordered
The messenger opened the big scroll and started to read it aloud
"Listen ,oh Krishna Vasudeva of Dwarka
I ,Paundraka Vasudeva ,is the true lord of this universe .I hear that you are carrying my weapons ,namely the Panchajanya (Conch Shell) ,Sudarshana Chakra (discus) ,Kaumodaki (Mace) ,and the Sharanga (Bow) ,and even trying to imitate like me ,having the same name .You also carry the Kaustubha Gem , which rightfully belongs to me .You claim that you are truly God .But now the time has come ,that you return all of your belongings to me ,bow down to me and accept me as your lord .You are an impostor,a mere cowherd and I am the true Vasudeva,ruler of this world .If it is so difficult for you to surrender ,then I challenge you for a fight .Either surrender everything and yourself to me willingly ,or get ready for a war .If you value your life ,then offer everything to me immediately .Or else you'll have to face severe consequences .Choice is yours !"
The whole court burst out laughing after hear the letter .Krishna couldn't control his laughter and gave a hearty smile .
Paundraka was a friend of Shishupal .How dare he threaten my lord ,call himself as God and Krishna an impostor ? I couldn't understand why Krishna was laughing cheerfully ,instead of getting angry .Krishna stood up and replied to the messenger "I must appreciate your loyalty towards your king .Kindly convey my message to your king ,that I am ready to surrender all of my weapons and myself .I shall clear all of his doubts and provide him whatever he wants on the battlefield ,once for all ."
Soon after the messenger left ,Uddhava came to my lord worried "My lord ,are you sure about this ?"
"Yes my lord ,should we accompany you for the fight ?" Kritavarma asked
Krishna ,as usual spoke in a relaxed tone "Do not worry ,I can manage him alone .You all continue with the state matters .I'll be back soon .Inform Daruka immediately to bring my chariot ."
I strode after him ,while he was preparing his weapons .
"Why is that Paundraka doing like this ? Has he even realised that he's making a mistake ,by challenging you ?" I asked furiously
"My dear ,he is behaving like this today ,because many years ago one of his ministers deluded him and confused him to think that he is the true Vasudeva .He has been trying to take revenge on me because when I kidnapped Vaidarbhi ,he was there supporting Rukmi and Shishupal .I defeated all of them ,and brought Rukmini safely to Dwarka ." He replied
"But how can he claim himself as God ? That's extremely foolish of him." I asked
"Godha ,he has threatened everyone to accept him as God .He has put all the Sages ,Brahmanas and many other people in prison ,and threatens all of them to worship no one except him .Until and unless they accept him as their lord ,they are put inside the prison ,without water or food ,and are being tortured mercilessly." He replied . I realised that Krishna's preparation for war was extremely simple ,because he never wore any armour or shield .He was casually taking his weapons.
"Krishna ,aren't you going to wear any armour ,for the war ?" I asked
He grinned at me and replied "I don't need so much preparation .I'll finish the war within minutes."
As he was leaving for his chariot ,I stopped him again "Krishna ,Krishna ! If you don't mind ,can I also come with you .I'm longing to see you fight in battle ."
"If you desire so ,then come along ." He said and made me look invisible ,the way how I was before .He climbed up his golden chariot and helped me up.
"Daruka ,go as fast as you can .We must not keep King Paundraka waiting ." He ordered ,in a teasing tone .
"Yes ,my lord ." He replied .
As we approached the war field at Karavirapura ,I saw Paundraka's army well prepared .At that moment I was extremely astonished ,when I saw Paundraka coming in front .He was looking exactly same like my lord .He had made his body complexion blueish ,the silks and the jewelleries which he wore were exactly the same like that of Krishna .Even his face was looking same .There was not a single difference ,anyone could easily believe that he was Krishna because of his identical dressing .On the inside ,his attitude was very cruel and his intentions very ill .
Krishna ,on the other hand ,was so amazed and laughed cheerfully after seeing that man imitate him .
(Credits to the creator)
"Greetings ,King Paundraka ! It's an honour to meet you .Please do accept my friendship ." Krishna greeted him
I saw Paundraka having an evil grin on his face .
"I don't need your friendship ,you cowherd .It's good for you that you have come and decided to surrender yourself to me ." He replied . His eyes were burning with rage ,complex ,desire and even fear .I felt that he felt insecure after seeing my powerful lord .
"But your majesty ,your friendship is very much valuable for a mere cowherd like me ,after all I'm an impostor and you are the true master of this universe ."
Krishna spoke in a very nectarine voice .He was not at all annoyed by that man's indecent behaviour ,who was humiliating him limitlessly .
"I am the true lord and as soon as I defeat you ,I shall acquire all of your belongings .No one will ever dare to challenge me ,and the ones who try to defy me or come in my way , I will teach them what fear is and crush them ."He replied with a venomous tone .He sent his army to march froward ,towards our chariot .
Krishna casually took his Saranga bow and showered rain of arrows on the army ,thus finishing all of them .Paundraka was shocked and horrified after seeing this .
"You fools ! You can't capture a cowherd ?"
"Your Majesty ,you are God ,the true Vasudeva . Obviously you don't need your army to fight me ,do you ?" Krishna teased ,which provoked him further .
"You ....you cannot escape me Krishna !" Saying this he started to shoot large number of arrows at my lord ,but to his surprise all of them were burnt down to ashes as they neared Krishna .
"Paundraka you wanted my weapons so badly ,is it ? Well then here you go ,and also from now on Garuda ,my vahana (vehicle)belongs to you." Krishna sternly told him .Firstly ,the arrow shot the charioteer of Paundraka .Then I heard the mighty sound of an eagle ,and when I looked up it was Garuda .He was looking extremely big and gigantic .He flew towards Paundraka on Krishna's command and destroyed his chariot completely ,making Paundraka fall on the ground . Next was the mace ,which struck at Paundraka's chest and he cried in severe pain .There was not a single chance available for him to use his weapons against my lord .Finally it was the Sudarshana Chakra ,which swirled in full speed towards him .Paundraka was frightened and tried to escape from the deadly weapon ,but before he could take another step the discus cut off his head .
All the weapons returned back to my Lord after completing their tasks .Garuda bowed down to him and he lovingly caressed his head .
"Hail to the lord of universe ,Jagannatha !" I shouted with joy "You fought everyone so easily,in minutes ! You're not only an enchanting cowherd Krishna ,but a powerful valiant warrior ,protector of Dharma !"
Krishna smiled charmingly at me .
"Krishna ! The war is not over yet .You might have defeated Paundraka ,but now you will have to face me !"
I turned back and saw a man who was sitting on a grandly decorated elephant ,ready with his weapons to fight back .
"He is the King of Kashi .He is here to take revenge on me ,for he was supporting Paundraka." Krishna replied calmly ,not getting influenced by the king's threatening .
"Fight me ,you cowherd ! What's taking you so long ? Didn't expect me to be here ?" He was shouting constantly ,while my lord calmly picked up an arrow ,and with a smile in his face he shot at him ,thus killing him too .The whole place was silent now .
"Daruka ,let's return home." Krishna said.
"What will happen now ?" I asked ,curious to know what was going to happen next .
"Patience Godha ,patience !" He replied .
After reaching Dwarka ,all the matters were resolved and atlast the morning audience was over .Then Krishna wanted to play Shatranga (Chess) ,so he invited Rukmini for the game and I too joined them .
"Godha ,you know how difficult it is to win the match ,with Dwarkadhish ? He always uses some special tricks and wins the game !" Rukmini said ,as she took the pair of dice in her hands and rolled it .Krishna mischievously looked at both of us "Dear Vaidarbhi ,it's not always that I win .Do you remember ,last time you won over me ?"
"It was only once ,and you let me win because my mood was dull that day .Or else ,it's you who always wins every game !" Rukmini replied in a fake anger .
"Ah Rukmini ,you look beautiful even when you are angry or irritated upon me .
Alright then ,today I won't use any tricks .We'll see who wins !"
Both of them were playing the game very well ,but unfortunately I had zero knowledge about it. It was very different from the modern day chess ,and highly complicated .
"Princess Godha ,would you like to play ?" Krishna asked me ,while playing.
"Absolutely not ,Dwarkadhish ! I'll surely lose in the first round itself !" I said ,while sheepishly smiling at him.
Suddenly ,a group of people rushed inside the palace ,crying in fear .
"Dwarkadhish ! A strange and scary creature with flaming tresses ,which is filled with vengeance is attacking on the nearby villages and burning everything ,whatever it touches .Please protect us from its wrath ,lord !"
Rukmini and I both looked at him ,with confusion and hope to recover their misery .
"Sudakshina ,the son of king of Kashi is behind all this .He has summoned that creature through a Yagya and wants to destroy Dwarka ,because I killed his father .But don't fear my beloved people, I shall not let that thing harm you all ." Krishna said and called up his Sudarshana Chakra .It appeared and swirled around his blue finger like lightning and its radiance was so powerful ,equivalent to a thousand sun's rays .
"Go Sudarshana ,go and destroy that venomous creature with flaming tresses that seeks to burn down all the innocent !" After listening to my lord's commands,the chakra went with full speed and glided through the sky ,spreading a golden lustre around it .
Surely Krishna was in no mood to leave the interesting game in between ,so he sent his all-powerful weapon to complete the task. The chakra had frightened the creature ,making it run everywhere .The creature somewhat felt humiliated and decided to kill Sudakshina for this ,for he summoned it .It destroyed the kingdom of Kashi by burning down the whole city ,and also killing Sudakshina. The chakra returned through the window and beautifully landed on Krishna's finger ,thus marking its successful accomplishment in the task .
(Credits to the creator)