Krishna took me towards a beautiful swan boat ,which was fully made of gold and precious gemstones .It was big ,and majestic . I was amazed ,because I never thought that the boat itself would be so grand .
Krishna climbed up inside the boat and extended his hand towards me .
"Are you ready ,my dear .."
"Yes ,Yes !" I was excited and he pulled me up in the boat .The seat was beautiful ,with a cushiony effect .
"Where are the ores ? I'll help you to row the boat ." I asked .
"Oh ,here they are ...but we just don't need them now .I'll ask Vayu (God of wind ) to move the boat with a gentle breeze ,so you just enjoy the ride ." Krishna said in a calm tone .
He was amazing . He controlled all the elements of nature with ease .
The city was beautiful in the evening .The sky's colour was a combination of pink ,purple and blue ....along with yellow shades and clouds .I could see some stars too ,shining like diamonds .The buildings of Dwarka glowed ,and looked more like buildings of gold .Lights glowed everywhere ,in every house .I could see people standing at their balconies ,spending quality time .The market area was busy ,the ports were busy loading goods .But on the whole ,the kingdom looked magnificent and divine .
"So ,how do you like it ?" He asked me
"It is beautiful .....and divine ...but as I always say Krishna ,Dwarka looks even more divine and celestial when you are present .....!" I said
"Ah .....I see .Must say Godha ,you really include my name in every conversation of yours ....frequently. You can't think of anything else except me ,can you ?" Krishna asked me ,with his enchanting eyes blinking .
"Krishna ,what else is there in the universe without you ? You are everything ,so I really wish that my mind doesn't think anything except you and your love for me .I don't want any rubbish ,unwanted thoughts and imaginations to come in my mind and disturb my meditation upon you ." I said .
"True ....and yes you can control that talkative mind of yours with constant practice .
Mind can be annoying and can be tough to control initially.....but when you learn to control it ,you will feel peace and eternal bliss around you in every circumstance and you will not overreact .Your mind shall become your greatest friend and power ,if you guide it through the right path ." Saying this he picked up a lotus from the water surface ,which was floating calmly close to our boat .
"Learn to be like the lotus flower ,Godha .No matter with how much force water current flows ,no matter how strong the wind breeze is ,no matter how much ever mud and dirt is there near it ,the flower remains still ,calm and composed .The flower is so calm and serene in fact ,that it enchants the eyes of those who see it .It never overthinks or complaints about its circumstances or about it's surroundings .It grows in the muddy water ,and yet it stays as the most beautiful and enchanting flower ." Krishna said while caressing the petals of the lotus .
Krishna's beautiful words echoed through my mind and body .I felt really pacified .
I gave him a smile filled with gratitude and happiness . He leaned towards me and fixed that lotus flower in my hair .
"There ......you look beautiful .....and make sure you be like the lotus flower always ..."
"And you too make sure that when I become the lotus ,you must always keep me with yourself in your hand ." I smiled ,and blushed a little .
(Credits to the creator ð)
The sky was getting dark ,and then it was filled with stars .In fact ,I could see the whole Milky Way ....because during those times air was so clean and clear ,that one could see a sky filled with stars of different sizes .
I kept on staring at the sky ,and the moment was very celestial.
Then I slowly looked down and my eyes looked into Krishna's lotus eyes .His eyes looked into mine .Inside his beautiful enchanting eyes ,I could see the whole universe ,the whole multiverse infact .....which contained thousands of galaxies and systems ,formation and destruction of planets ,collision of stars....many other mysterious things of space
Then I saw my image in his eyes .
Krishna cleared his throat and made me to comeback to the reality .
"Are you lost ?" He asked
"Yes I am lost ...in your eyes ,in you Krishna .....your eyes enchant me like always ." I replied with a laugh.
Then I took the golden flute of his out ,which I had kept with me safely all the time .
"Here ,can you play the flute ? Enchant the whole world with your melodious music Krishna ..." I gave it to him .
"Oh ,you have kept it safely with you ....that's good . Anyways ,I was going to ask for it because I am in the mood for it .Glad you brought it with you ." He took it .
Before blowing air in it ,he took a deep breath and closed his eyes (perhaps he would think of Radha before playing the flute ,for she lives in it ...)
As he blowed slowly ,beautiful and melodious notes of music started to come out .
His fingers controlled the the holes of the flute with much grace ......
Swans started to come near our boat .Parrots were flying in a circular pattern above us .Fireflies started to fly everywhere around us ,some even sitting on Krishna's flute .The lighted the atmosphere and made it more magical .
Fishes would jump out of the water surface frequently ,only to hear my Lord's melody .
All the creatures were fascinated by my Lord's performance and his divine beauty .I kept looking at Krishna's face . He became even more radiant and he himself glowed like a sapphire in the moonlight .His aura was now powerful and supreme .He is the supreme enchanter ,all pervasive and the one who possesses infinite forms .
My eyes were filled with tears of Krishna's love and bliss .
He opened his eyes and looked at me straight .His glances while playing the flute were so charming and delightful .
I couldn't resist ,so I leaned forward and rested my head on his lap .He looked down at me ,with at most affection and care .Through his gaze ,he conveyed to me that I was safe and sound .I felt so much secured ,comfortable and protected ....that I can't describe.
The waves of water ,the breeze ....everything in nature danced to the tunes of my Shyam's flute .The boat was moving slowly and calmly ,and I felt as if I was sleeping in a cradle .
Krishna's flute playing was like a lullaby ,and I was getting sleepy and peaceful .
After some time ....I could feel Krishna's hand on my face ,caressing softly .I looked up and saw that he was looking at me lovingly .
"How do you feel ,dear ?" He asked
"I feel grateful ,very much grateful that I have got such a beautiful moment with you .....And really peaceful when you keep your lotus hand on my face ........." I replied
Then I looked up at the stars "Krishna.....what do you think ,how many stars are up there in total ....I try to count them ....but you know ,it's just so tough .You created everything ,so you might know ...."
Krishna laughed ,looking at my childish attitude "Godha ,there stars up there are countless in number .There is no end ,just like our love .Our love is endless ,and eternal ...."
My heart swelled up with joy .....and maybe some pride too . But as usual ,Krishna might have sensed the growing pride in me .
"Look ,we have reached our destination.......the island of Bet Dwarka ..." Krishna pointed towards an island ,which was Bet Dwarka .It was smaller in size than the main kingdom ,but looked beautiful and lively .
Even that place was crowded with people and traders .
"Oh ,I've heard that Bet Dwarka is famous for lots of variety of sea shells and conches !" I said as I leaned towards the side of the boat to see the island ,as we were nearing .
"Absolutely ,and it's a place of livelihood for a lot of artisans as well .You'll enjoy it ,as it's a place meant for you....." Krishna said
We reached the shore of the island . Krishna jumped from the boat easily ,but I couldn't.
The waves of the water made the boat move ,and even the smallest of my moves would shake the boat .I felt embarrassing ,as I was not used to these things .
"Krishna.... Pl..please wait ...I'm sorry !" I said in a shaky voice as I was struggling to get out .
Krishna turned and sighed "It's okay Godha ,it happens ....give me your hand .I'll help you get out ."
I gave my hand ,but still struggled .
"Give me your other hand as well .Nothing will happen ,just jump .."
Krishna was holding both of my hands .I leaned forward and jumped down with a jerk .He caught me .
"I'm sorry .I know you'll laugh ,since I was struggling to get down from a boat .....I mean it's a thing that everyone can do it easily ..but you know ..I am not used to these things...and it's a problem .." I kept on murmuring
"Oh ,come on ! Why do you take everything so seriously .....Everybody struggles in these things .The murmuring which you are doing now is irritating me infact ...."
Krishna said ,raising his eyebrows and looking at me .
"Right ,right .....I'm sorry" ...I said
"So ,shall we ?" He asked .I nodded excitedly and we proceeded towards the marketplace of Bet Dwarka .
The place was crowded with people .As Krishna entered the place ,people came running towards him and greeted him with at most joy .
They touched his feet ,and some offered him sweets ,and snacks .
An old lady came forward and fed my lord some laddoo and barfi ,with her own hands .She saw Krishna as her own son.
"My child ,have some more .Seeing you here has made me feel so much blessed .
Have some more son." She spoke so lovingly ,with a motherly effect .
"Dearest mother ,the sweets are so delicious .And the unconditional love which you offered me now ,has removed my hunger and tiredness .However,I shall take some of the sweets of yours with me ,since I'd love to have them afterwards .Thank you so much ,mother !" Krishna humbly bowed down and touched her feet .
"Bless you ,my dear son ." She said and packed some of the sweets for him.
My mouth literally watered when I looked at the sweets .
Krishna laughed at me and gave the bag of sweets which the old lady gave "Here....have some .."
I blushed and took the sweets instantly as he gave .
Then as we proceeded ,a small boy ,perhaps of age 4 or 5 came running towards us .He looked up and gave Krishna a cheerful smile .Looking at the boy's innocence ,he sat down on his knees ....coming equally to the boy's height and looked at him lovingly .
"Your Majesty ,I am Gopal .I don't have any friends ,because they dont like me .Some even teased me that I don't have any companion .But I say to them that you are my closest friend and you are always there for me .I always wished that you'll come here one day ,and I'll meet you .Today you are here ,so will you be my bestest friend ? Will you be my companion ? I've heard that you like items made of dairy products ,and like butter a lot .I have brought some for you ,will you accept these as a token of our friendship ?"
Krishna's heart melted after hearing the boy's words .He held the boy's chin up
"My dear boy ,my Sakha ! Is this a question to ask ? My name is also Gopal ,and you know what ...when I look at you ,I get reminded of my childhood days .And yes ,I love butter and dairy products very much ....Your words have made me feel atmost ecstasy.
I will be your bestest friend and companion ..you don't have to call me 'Your Majesty' ....I am your Sakha and will always be available for you,whenever you call me .And from now onwards ,all the other boys shall also be your friend ." Saying this he accepted the sweet gift from his little devotee and embraced him warmly .He looked at the other boys of the place ,as if telling them to accept Gopal as their new friend .
Gopal's parents folded their hands and felt very much lucky ,as their son was so close to my Lord ....that he won his heart and made him as his closest companion .
(Credits to the creator ð)
I felt really happy after seeing Gopal .He was extremely happy after meeting Krishna and even the boys of his age realised their mistake and accepted him as their friend .
Then we proceeded towards the marketplace .Variety of stalls were there ,filled with unique work of arts and masterpieces .It was late evening and highly crowded .But as everyone saw Krishna ,they made way for him and got attracted to him....and forgot to buy their things at the shop .
He was holding my hand in such a way ,like how parents hold their children in a crowded place so that they stay close and don't get lost .
I saw many paintings ,wooden craftworks ,jewellery made of shells ,furnitures ,silks and shawls made in different parts of the country ,and much more ...
Then only I stopped near a shop .I was attracted by the antic jewellery collection.
I kept on looking ,until I saw a bracelet which looked gorgeous .It was made of white shell and decorated with ruby and sapphire gemstones .And it even had a peacock feather decorated on it .Krishna looked at my face "Do you like it ?If you want ,I'll get it for you ...."
"Oh no no ...I was just looking at it ......." I stammered
"Don't be so formal.... I know you like it ..." Saying he went forward and asked the shopkeeper for it .The shopkeeper was delighted when he saw Krishna himself visiting his shop and offered him the bracelet for free .
But Krishna paid him the price ,because he always likes to appreciate and honour the works of artisans and craftsmen .When it comes to art and painting ,he really loves to encourage and motivate the artists .
"Show me your wrist ...." He asked me softly .
He inserted the bracelet tenderly into my wrist .It was indeed beautiful when I looked it closely ,all those intricate details .
And yes ,it became much ,much beautiful ...when Krishna touched it .
"Do you like it ? It suits you very much" He asked me
"Thank you so much Krishna ..It's really beautiful ,I shall keep it with me safely forever and this bracelet is filled with your love .That's what makes it so precious .Also ,my first souvenir of Dwarka" I replied brightly .
"I am very glad to hear this ...Well ,then let me take you to a secret and a beautiful forest .You'll love it" Krishna said as he held my hand softly .
"Sure ,let's go"