After dinner ,I went towards my chamber .I couldn't believe that I spoke so smoothly ,winning everyone's heart .And everyone might have understood how much I love Krishna ,when I spoke to him today in front of everyone .
"Princess Godha ,May I come in ?" Krishna stood at the door ,looking at me mischievously .
"Krishna ,don't be so formal ....." I replied
"Why ? Does it make you shy when I call you as 'princess' ?" He asked me ,holding back his laughter .
I became extremely shy and couldn't control my big smile .
"What you spoke today ,was quite impressive .You did well ,my dear . And also what you spoke to me infront of everyone ,was lovely . You indeed have a high level of imagination and creativity .How did you speak so smoothly ?"
"You know everything Krishna .Whenever I had to speak up ,I looked at your lotus face and immediately got the courage to speak so .And half of it is true about what I said .
My family loves you immensely ,and I like the way how you run a kingdom .In fact ,you are well versed in the art of King making too ,because in near future you'll help Yudhishthira in his Rajasuya Yajna as well ."
"Very well .Now ,since I have given my word to teach you about how to effectively and efficiently run a Kingdom .....From tomorrow onwards you shall accompany me to the royal court ,and various other parts of the kingdom ."
"What ! You took everything seriously ,whatever I told you?"
"It will be a new experience for you ,you'll love it . And since I have given my word ,I will do it ."
"Alright ,alright I'll come .......But what now ?"
"Now I am going to meet Arjuna .....to talk about Subhadra's marriage. I'll come and meet you shortly ." Saying this he left for his work .
Just then ,Subhadra came in ,but as compared to morning ....now she looked somewhat worried and tensed .
"You didn't sleep yet ?" She asked me .
"No ,I was just so mesmerised and enthralled by your kingdom's beauty ,that I couldn't even sleep and want to stare at the beautiful night . Why you too didn't sleep ?"
"I like to go for strolls in the night . Usually Bhrata Krishna would accompany me ,but today he has gone for some work ....I don't know where he is .
Would you like to come with me tonight ,Godha ?"
"Sure ,I'd love to ."
Subhadra lead me through the palace corridors .It was silent ,and we could hear only our footsteps .The moon was shining brightly ,and the natural moonlight made the place look serene and calm .
"So ,how do you spend your time ?What's your routine ?"
"I would go for horse riding early in the morning ,through the lush green fields of Dwarka .Then I would assist my brothers ,and my sister-in-laws in administration of the kingdom .My brothers have taught me everything about kingdom affairs and warfare .Then I would take time to train myself in household chores and take some time in kitchen to try new recipes .Other than that, sometimes I do gardening ,talk with the birds ,or visit small creatures of the forest .....and do a lot of painting ."
"That's amazing ! I too love doing painting a lot ! And your routine is so much similar to mine ...except horse riding and some few of your adventures ."
"You know ,while you are here in Dwarka ...you can learn horse riding from Sister Satyabhama .It's her area of expertise . I too learnt from her ."
"Sure ,I'll surely try .."
"But you know what........" Now she slowly started to become sad .Her eyes were getting filled with tears . "There is going to be a tremendous change in my life . The freedom which I get here ,my beautiful routine ,the way how everyone treats ,my life of dignity and respect ,everything is going to change ...."
"Why do you say like that ? What is worrying you so much ?" I asked with concern
"Godha ,my marriage is fixed with that vile Kaurava prince ,Duryodhana .
You know about him .....he is arrogant ,authoritative ,greedy and having ill intentions against his own cousins .And his uncle ,Shakuni is a person who conspires against the Pandavas every second .He is my brother Balarama's student ,but just because he is a good student he can't conclude him as worthy .
I don't know what good he sees in him ,but all of my ambitions and dignity will be shattered if I marry him .I will be silenced and suppressed in life ,and Kauravas will get more power having Dwarka as their ally .She said as she sobbed heavily .I felt really sorry for her when she cried ,but deep down I knew the truth . How can
Lord Jagannatha allow his sister to get married to an evil minded person .And Subhadra herself was Goddess Yogamaya , Krishna's innermost energy .
"My fear is increasing day by day ,because my marriage is in a couple of days .I really ,really wish for some miracle to happen and save me from this .
Oh Godha ,what am I going to do ?"
I took her hands in mine and spoke in a comforting tone "Subhadra ,look I can understand your feelings very well .But I assure you that everything will be alright,because your brother Sri Krishna is the most powerful being in the whole universe .He won't let his beloved sister get disappointed ,at any cost.
I am truly confident about that . And I know that soon you will be united with the person of your choice ,a person who truly understands you ,loves you and respects you . You must have firm faith in him ,because when he takes care of every person in the world .....how can he let his only sister be sad ?"
She wiped of her tears and looked at me with confidence and hope in her eyes .
"Thank you so much for boosting me up ,friend .You seem to know Brother Krishna very well ....And you love him immensely ,don't you ?"
"I know him since my childhood . Whenever I hear his name or his heroic deeds ,I would feel ecstatic ,happy and my heart would swell up with joy .I worship him since my childhood ,and he has even answered my prayers every time .I love him so much ,words are very less to describe my love for him ."
"Godha ,why don't you go and talk to him about your feelings . Bhratashree will feel really happy and loved ,when you speak to him openly about your heart ."
"Krishna already knows about me ..We both have a beautiful bonding ." I thought to myself and chuckled at her shyly .
"Subhadra ,Dwarkadhish will surely help you to get out of your dilemma .I know it ,I guarantee it !"Â I said with a bright smile .
"Absolutely ,I won't let you down sister ." Krishna's sudden voice scared both of us for a moment .
"Bhratashree ! You here ? Where were you all this time ?" Subhadra asked
"It's a question that I should ask . What are you both doing here at this hour ?" Krishna asked ,looking at me .
"Oh ,I was chitchatting with Godha ,and she is so much like me .She likes to do a lot of painting ." Subhadra told him excitedly .
"Ah ,is it ?" Krishna looked at me and acted as if he was very curious and astonished .But in reality he knows about me .
"Perhaps ,you might create an artistic work for me ,my dear princess ." He looked at me with his enchanting smile .I smiled back at him ,agreeing to my beloved lord's wish .
"Subhadra dear ,there is something I need to tell you. I have a little surprise for you ." Krishna said ,looking at his sister .
"What is it brother ? What is it ?!" Subhadra asked ,hoping for some miracle or good news from her brother's mouth that can change her destiny .Looking at his innocent sister's deep worry ,Madhava kept his hand on her head and gently spoke to her "Dhananjaya is here in Dwarka .The sage whom you served is none other than him."
Subhadra became completely speechless after hearing the sentences .She was totally confused .But she too was having a suspicious feeling earlier ,about the sage .
"What are you saying !? Bu...but how ? I felt something strange about the sanyasi ,I knew I was right .
But why is he here ?Brother ,please tell me what is happening ?"
"That all I will tell you afterwards .He loves you and respects you very much Subhadra .And I very well knew that you also like him .He is the best person for you .Now he has come for you here in Dwarka .Your wish is going to be fulfilled ,my dear sister .You don't have to be in anxiety or distress anymore ."
"So it means that he'll kidnap me tomorrow ,in front of everyone ?" She asked curiously
"Of course not ,my dear .He can't do that .It is you who is going to kidnap him !"
"Me !? But why like that ?"
"Because if you kidnap him and hold the reins of the chariot in your hands ,then everyone shall know what your true and innermost choice is .Nobody will force you against your will ."
Subhadra couldn't control her laughter and smile .
"Bride kidnapping the groom ! It feels strange ,but still I will do it brother .I know that you are the main planner and strategist behind all this . How could I ever thank you ?" Saying this ,she went and hugged Krishna tightly .I looked at the divine brother-sister duo with happiness .
"My dear sister ,just like how Princess Godha told .....I won't let you become disappointed or feel dejected .So don't worry about anything .Tomorrow morning after praying to Mahadeva ,you wait at the temple .Arjuna shall come there in my chariot,and then you take the reins in your hands and drive ." Krishna instructed .Subhadra came to me and hugged me lovingly "Godha ,thank you so much for consoling me .Your words were really comforting."
"I'm really fortunate enough for the opportunity to pacify the sister of Dwarkadhish .I'm very happy for you Subhadra ." I said .
"Now you should go and sleep Subhadra .You have an adventurous day tomorrow ." He pulled his sister's cheeks lovingly .
She wished both of us and went towards her chambers,running and jumping with joy as her dream was going to come true .She couldn't wait for the dawn to come .
"Dwarkadhish ,I think you should also go and take rest" I looked at him
"Now you are calling me as 'Dwarkadhish' ?"
"I don't know ,but I love that name of yours .It sounds powerful and majestic ."
"Hmmm .....well then ,you should probably go and take rest Godha . It's already late .Tomorrow is going to be a big change ,and a turning point ." He said
"Yes Krishna ." I replied and wished him .
"And yes ,don't forget to make a painting for me ......" He said in a loving tone .I smiled back at him "How could I ever forget the wish of my beloved ,loving Sakha ?"
Finally the dawn arrived .Mild ,morning sunlight entered into my chamber along with the sea breeze .I got up a bit late ,so I had to hurry .
Just then a maid came "Good morning princess , breakfast is ready . Mother Devaki has sent me to get you ready ."
"Yes ,yes ..I'll come . Just a minute ....."
I got ready and went downstairs ,where mother Devaki was waiting .
"Good morning ,Godha . I hope you slept well ." She asked me .
"Good morning mother ,I sleep well . Thank you .." I replied ,and sat down before my breakfast .I finished it fast in a hurry ,because Krishna would be waiting for me .
"Mother,the food was tasty . Thank you ,now I must go for my work" I replied
"Sure dear .Krishna is waiting for you in the garden .Have a great time !"
I greeted her and ran towards the garden .It was as if I was carrying something heavy ,because of the heavy silks and ornaments .As I reached there I saw my lord ,who was draped in golden silk and a beautiful golden heavy necklace adorning his neck ,curly locks of his hair covering his shoulders and his face always with a disarming smile .He looked so fresh ,handsome and filled with divine positivity ,that whoever glanced at him at once became happy and fresh ,no matter whatever stress they were having inside them.
He was talking to some men ,perhaps his ministers .One of them really resembled Krishna .
"Good morning Dwarkadhish ." I wished him in a calm tone ,yet my voice was slightly shaky .Today he was looking absolutely marvellous and divine ,and I was still not used to talk to him infront of everyone ,especially his ministers .
He turned and gave me his pleasing smile "Good morning princess ,did you sleep well ?"
"Yes ,my lord ."
"Very well ......then allow me to introduce you to my ministers ,Godha ." Saying this he pointed towards 3 men . First one had a muscular physique ,and was clear that he was well versed in jousting and wrestling .Beside him stood another man who seemed to be good in sword fighting ,as I observed .
And the third person whom I saw ,was so much like Krishna that even his complexion and age were similar like that of my lord .
"Kritavarma ,Satyaki and Uddhava" He introduced.
I looked at them and bowed to the with respect "Greetings my lords ."
"Greetings ,your highness." They replied in unison and bowed to me .
I looked at Uddhava ,who was a very close friend of Krishna .In future ,Krishna would narrate the Udhhava Geeta to him ,just like how he narrated Bhagwat Gita to Arjuna .
Once Krishna even sent him to Vrindavan ,to convey his message to all the Vrajavasis and the Gopikas .There only Uddhava met Radharani ,and she taught him the true essence of Krishnprem .How fortunate I was to meet the people ,who were very closely connected to my lotus eyed lord .
"Princess ,shall we proceed ?" Krishna asked me ,bringing me back from my thoughts .
"Yes Dwarkadhish ." I replied .
We went towards the court room of Dwarka ,Sudharma .When Krishna walked ,I was admiring him a lot .The jewel among Yadavas ,Yadavashreshta walked like a majestic and a bold lion . He indeed looked like king of kings .
Everyone greeted him with much respect and love .As he was going to start the day's meeting ,a soldier rushed inside the court room .I could even hear some commotion going on outside .
"Dwar...Dwarkadhish !" He came there
screaming .
Kritavarma stood up immediately "What is it ?Why is there so much noise outside ?"
"My lord ,someone has kidnapped Princess Subhadra !" He replied anxiously .
Everyone in the court room became highly tensed and worried ,except me and Krishna .
"What ! How could you people let this happen !? How did the kidnapper look like ?" Satyaki asked
"Everything happened so quickly ,that we could even see the man even for once .
As the princess came out of the temple ,she was whisked away in such a speed ,like as if it was lightning ." The guard replied
Just then ,Balarama stormed inside the court room .He was extremely angry and worried as well .
"Kanha ! What's all this happening ?" He asked
"What do you mean Brother ?" Krishna replied him casually ,with innocence .
"You don't know what I mean ? Our sister has been kidnapped by someone .She is in the clutches of some unknown ,dangerous stranger .You know everything ,and yet you remain calm ? How could you ?" He shouted and his voice echoed through the whole room.
Krishna stood up from his golden throne and spoke very calmly "Yes I'm very well aware of that . But our sister is not with some stranger ."
"What ?"
"Yes that person is Arjuna ,beloved son of Kunti ."
Balarama was quite shocked after hearing the statement .He never expected such turn of events to happen .
"Arjuna ? But why has he done like this ?"
"Subhadra herself has willingly gone with Arjuna .She loves him ."
"How could she do like this ? Has she forgotten that she is already betrothed to Duryodhana ? And how can Arjuna commit such an act ? I never expected that Pandava Prince will do like this ." Balarama roared in anger ,and the whole hall became frightened .His rage had reached its peak .He decided to send an army to follow them and get them here .
"Brother ,please be calm and listen to me ." Krishna stopped him and took him towards the balcony ,where they could see the whole city .
"Look there brother ,see how Subhadra is happy and delighted ,as she holds the reins of the chariot in her hands and rides out of the city ."
He pointed out towards one chariot .which was exiting the city gates with full speed .Subhadra and Arjuna both were very happy to have each other ,and with full enthusiasm she drove the chariot .
Balarama silently watched as the chariot exited the main gates of the kingdom .
Krishna kept his hand on his tensed brother's shoulders and pacified him "Subhadra's happiness is our main concern brother . She is after all our only sister ,and it is our duty to keep her happy and fulfil her dreams .Both of them love each other ."
"But she could have told me once .I meant well for her Kanha ,I really thought that she'll be happy after marrying Duryodhana and live as Queen of Hastinapur." He replied in disappointment .
"Brother ,I really appreciate your concern for her .For you Duryodhana may be a good student ,but for her it is not .You planned everything from your point of view ,but in her perspective she was not at all feeling comfortable .You know, she didn't even sleep or eat properly all these days ,because she was very stressed regarding this .She was scared to tell you about her inner choice .She never wanted to hurt you or disobey you ,but this is her actual wish .Do you think Duryodhana is really suitable for her? He is a man of authority and also an arrogant ,entitled prince .He will never give freedom to our sister ,and ultimately it will give sadness to us only .We have taught her and given her so much freedom ,and raised her as a dignified and a well accomplished princess . Do you think seeing her as a suppressed woman would make you feel happy ?"
Balarama stood still ,and couldn't reply anything.
"But..." Krishna continued "If she marries Arjuna ,she will be really happy and will feel comfortable .Her dignity ,her respect ,and whatever she learnt here won't fade away .And when she is contented ,we will also feel satisfied .Isn't that a brother's duty ,to take care of the needs of his sister no matter what ...."
After hearing Krishna's reasons ,Balarama nodded slowly in agreement .He finally understood. his sister's feelings .
"I understand Kanha .....So ,what should we do now ?" He asked
"Let us welcome them here warmly ,and make arrangements for their wedding .
Their marriage shall be done with great pomp ." Krishna replied .
Then Balarama turned to the ministers "Satyaki and Kritavarma ,go and bring both of them here safely .They mustn't have gone too far . I'll look after the wedding preparations ."
Both of them bowed and left hurriedly .Uddhava too went to assist for the marriage preparations .
"I know Krishna ,there is surely your hand behind all this .Nobody can understand your leelas ,not even me...." Balarama said as he patted lord's cheeks .He gave him a naughty smile .
After everyone left the hall ,I went to him "Krishna ,atlast Subhadra's wish is fulfilled .Finally Arjuna and Subhadra are going to get married ! I must say ,you have a sharp brain to cook brilliant ideas to restore Dharma."
"Yes Godha" He tweaked my nose
"....and like this we are proceeding the next step towards restoration of Dharma in the world ....." he said as he sighed with confidence.
"So what is going to happen next ,after their marriage ?" I asked
"An encounter with one of my enemies ......." He replied in a dull and a firm tone .