NLP Show-Don’t-Tell
Subhadra had grown up listening to tales of the valiant prince Arjuna, a warrior of unparalleled skill and noble heart. As the closest companion of her brother Krishna, Arjuna's deeds and virtues were often the subject of admiration in their household.
The more she heard about him, the more her heart was drawn to the famed archer. His bravery, wisdom, and charm filled her imagination, and over time, an unspoken love for Arjuna blossomed within her. Though they had never met, Subhadra felt as though she knew him, as though destiny had already entwined their fates.
One serene morning in Dwaraka, a sage arrived at the gates of the palace. News of his arrival spread quickly, and King Balarama, accompanied by his younger brother Krishna, stepped forward to welcome the guest with traditional hospitality. The sage, his demeanor calm and his presence commanding, offered a respectful bow.
"I am deeply honored," the sage said, "to meet the strongest man in the world." The sage's words were like a melody to Balarama's ears, and he basked in the recognition of his strength and stature.
Standing beside him, Krishna observed the interaction with a knowing glint in his eyes. A sly, mischievous smile crept across his lips, as if he were privy to a deeper joke hidden from the rest of the world.
The sage sat cross-legged under the shade of a sprawling banyan tree in Dwaraka, his expression serene as a gentle breeze rustled the leaves above. Subhadra approached him, her steps light but purposeful, her curiosity shining in her eyes. She bowed respectfully before speaking.
"Wise sage," she began softly, "I have heard that you travel across the world, visiting distant lands and kingdoms. Is it true?"
The sage inclined his head with a smile. "Yes, my child. I journey far and wide, sharing wisdom and seeking it in return."
Subhadra hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Have you met Prince Arjuna?"
The sage’s smile widened as he nodded. "Yes, I have met Arjuna. A mighty warrior, skilled and noble of heart."
Her face lit up at his words, her voice quickening with hope. "Will you be traveling to Hastinapur again?"
The sage closed his eyes briefly in thought before replying. "Yes, I shall go there soon. It is a place of great importance in these times."
Subhadra's face lit up with a spark of hope and excitement. From the folds of her robe, she pulled out a small, carefully sealed letter. Her hands trembled slightly as she held it out to the sage.
"Wise sage," she said, "please, I ask this of you deliver this to Prince Arjuna when you reach Hastinapur."
The sage took the letter with a gentle smile. He tucked it into a safe pocket within his robes. "I shall see to it that this reaches him," he assured her.
Subhadra bowed deeply, gratitude evident on her face. Without another word, she turned and walked away, her heart full of a quiet anticipation for what the future might hold.
The next day, the sun rose over Dwaraka, painting the sky with hues of gold and orange as Subhadra prepared to visit the temple of Lord Shiva. Dressed in a flowing silk saree adorned with delicate embroidery, she was accompanied by her entourage of handmaidens and soldiers. The procession moved through the bustling streets, the air filled with the soft chiming of bells and murmured prayers.
As they neared the temple, a thunderous sound pierced the calm, the swift rumble of hooves and wheels tearing through the earth. Heads turned as a warrior, tall and handsome, steered his chariot toward them with remarkable precision. His presence was electrifying, his gaze fixed unwaveringly on Subhadra.
Before anyone could react, the chariot halted beside her, and with the speed of an arrow, the warrior reached out. Subhadra felt herself lifted effortlessly and placed inside his chariot. Her eyes widened in shock, but in that moment, an odd sense of familiarity stirred within her.
The soldiers in her entourage sprang into action, drawing their weapons and shouting commands as they tried to intercept the chariot. Yet the warrior, with skillful hands and unshakable focus, maneuvered past them, leaving a trail of dust and disbelief in his wake. Subhadra, her heart pounding, clung to the edge of the chariot as it sped through the open plains. She turned to the warrior beside her, his sharp features illuminated by the golden morning light. Nervously, she spoke.
"Who are you? Why are you taking me?"
The warrior reached into his tunic and handed her a small, familiar letter. Subhadra's eyes widened as she recognized it.
"This is the letter I gave to the sage!" she exclaimed, her voice a mixture of shock and confusion. "How did it come into your hands?"
The warrior’s lips curved into a gentle smile as he glanced at her, his eyes brimming. "Because," he said, his voice steady and full of meaning, "you gave it to Prince Arjuna."
Posted Aug 11, 2026, 11:16 AM UTC