I didn't take a chance to step outside the palace doors ,since I came across those mysterious strangers. I spent my days within the walls ,either helping the royal women in their chores or learning something new from my lord about commerce .The day had finally come when I was going to Indraprastha ,the most beautiful kingdom in Aryavarta just like Dwarka .The other members of the Yadava family were going to come afterwards ,for now it was only Krishna and me .Yudhishthira had sent a letter to Krishna ,stating his wish to be a king and conduct a Rajasuya ceremony .But to perform such a ceremony ,he had to prove himself as worthy of a king. And for that ,he had to defeat the other kings and conquer them .
The most dangerous and powerful among them was Jarasandha ,King of Magadha and Father in Law of Kansa .He had sworn to take revenge on the Yadava clan and tried to invade Dwarka eighteen times ,but his every attempt was a failure .He was going to sacrifice a thousand kings .
"Why does some people have enmity towards you ? Why can't they just realise that you are God ,Paramatma ?" I asked as I wiped my face with a wet handkerchief ,dipped in a crystal clear lake .We were somewhere between the route from Dwarka to Indraprastha .It was a very beautiful valley ,filled with greenery and flower fields .The place was quite chilly ,as it was monsoon and dark greyish blue clouds were covering the mountain tops ,ready to shower .
"It's because those people are blinded by their own rage ,pride and insecurities .Their hearts are not pure and kind ,but are filled with lust ,hatred and desires .And a person with that kind of heart can never realise me and my actual form ." Krishna said as he was completely involved in observing the natural scenery around .
"But I pity such people who are unable to understand you ,and are trapped in Maya's trap ."
"I give them chances and wait for them to change ,no matter how much ever cruel they are at the present ,but know this Godha that man's life and behaviour is determined by his actions ,his karma .It's their Karma that they couldn't realise my true self ,follow the path of Adharma and stand against me as my enemies . Jarasandha thinks that no one is powerful than him ,Shishupal thinks that no one is there to destroy him or question him ,Duryodhana and Shakuni think that the Pandavas are very weak .But by doing this ,they are becoming very over confident .Trust me Godha ,they all think that Pandavas are weak and timid now ,but slowly they shall realise that they're making a grave mistake by doing so ."
We both started our journey again ,after taking a break .We crossed many kingdoms and villages .
"I think we should stay here for tonight . We'll reach Indraprastha ,by tomorrow afternoon ."Krishna said while pointing towards a garden ,which was exceptionally beautiful .After having our meals , I had an idea coming up in my mind and smiled mischievously at Krishna ."
"What is it dear ?What are planning to do ?" He sensed me and had a radiant smile on his face .
"Krishna ,the night is beautiful .Let us play a game ,what do you say ?" I got up and asked him cheerfully .
"A game sounds wonderful ! What should we play ,Godha ?" His face brightened .
"Hide and seek ? I'll hide and you find me .I'll show you my hiding skills ,and you cannot find me !" I replied childishly ,
Krishna laughed ,his eyes twinkling with amusement "Ah ,my beloved Godha ,you think you can outsmart me ? I ,who have the power of divine sight and omniscience ? Very well ,let's play this game !"
He closed his eyes ,took a deep breath and begins to count . "One ....two ......three.....ten ! Ready or not ,here I come !"
As Krishna opened his eyes ,the bushes and trees started to move and all the hiding spots emerge .The game had just begun ....
I dashed off to find the perfect hiding spot .Then only I saw an ancient Banyan tree ,its branches twisted and tangled over the years .I slipped through the narrow opening ,large enough for me to squeeze through .I found myself within a cozy ,hidden chamber within the tree's massive trunk . The air was musty ,filled with the scent of aged wood and damp earth .Then only I could hear Krishna's playful laughter and the rustling of the leaves ,as he was searching for me .
"Godha ,my dear ,where have you hidden yourself ? I shall find you ,no matter where you are !" He was calling out ,his voice echoing through the gardens .
I held my breath ,as Krishna approached the Banyan tree ,his footsteps quite on grass .He circled the tree ,his eyes scanning the trunk ,branches and roots .But he didn't notice the small opening . Just as I thought that I had successfully escaped him ,his eyes narrowed ,and he took a step closer to the tree . "What's this ? A faint scent of jasmine ,coming within from the tree itself !" His voice was filled with intrigue .
I immediately made the sound of a cuckoo bird ,trying to distract him .Krishna eyes lighted up with delight "A cuckoo bird ,how lovely !" He exclaimed .He started to search the upper branches for the bird ,completely distracted .I was happy and giggled ,that my plan worked out well .I made the sound again louder and clearer ,but this time he understood it well .
"Wait a minute ....that's no bird at all ! It's my clever Godha ,hiding in plain sight ! You may have fooled me this time Godha ,but you cannot hide from me forever !"
Again I made the sound of a mouse by squeaking out a high-pitched tone ,hoping to distract him . "Ah ,a tiny mouse ,how cute !" He exclaimed while crouching down to peer into the foliage .As Krishna was searching for the non existent mouse ,I held my breath ,hoping that my distraction will work again .But yes ,it was not true for Krishna's divine powers are not so easily fooled .In fact ,he glanced back at the Banyan tree ,a knowing glint in his eyes .
"Godha ,my dear ,you are clever indeed ,but you cannot outsmart me forever . I shall find you no matter how many creatures you impersonate !" Saying this he took a step closer to the hidden entrance ,his hand reaching out to touch the trunk .
I squeezed myself into the hole more deeper ,my heart racing with excitement .I let out a vibrant ,loud call of a peacock which echoed through the gardens .
"A peacock ! My favourite bird ....." Krishna exclaimed ,his gaze scanning the surroundings ,eager to catch a glimpse of the majestic bird .He took a few steps away from the Banyan tree ,and I sighed with relief thinking that I distracted him successfully again .
But no ! Krishna turned back and looked at my hiding spot with a sly smile on his face "Wait a minute .....a peacock call ,coming from within the tree ? Ah ,my dearest Godha ,your animal imitations are very sweet ,but your hiding spot is not as secure as you think !"
I never revealed myself out ,and kept on making the sounds of squirrel ,or even made the roar of a lion coming from a distance ,but it was of no use .Krishna was aware of everything .
Suddenly ,a group of rabbits emerged out of their burrow ,circling and jumping around Krishna .He was attracted to them ,and tended them lovingly .He seemed to forget about my hiding .So I took the opportunity ,secretly slipped out of the hole and dashed towards another part of the garden .As I ran ,I could hear Krishna's anklets ,it's sound nearing .
I gently lifted the curtain of creepers ,and slipped behind the verdant veil ,my heart beating with excitement .The leaves were rustling softly ,and I held my breath waiting for Krishna .
The creepers whisper secrets to each other ,and the trees lean in ,as if sharing some hints and secrets .Krishna's eyes sparkle with delight as he listens to the garden's whispers .
He brushed the curtain of creepers with his hand ,and suddenly stopped in between ,I held my breath tightly ,and observed .There was utter silence for some time , but then unexpectedly his blue hand emerged through the curtains and grabbed my wrists .
"Godha ,my dear ,you're caught !" Krishna smiled mischievously as he pulled me out of the curtain of creepers .
"Oh no ! Krishna ,you are too smart and quick ." I said ,playfully wriggling my hand free from his grip .
"My beloved ,do you think I can't find you ? I am present everywhere ,and even in your heart .So if you try to hide from me ,I'll find you no matter what and pull you to me ." He said and embraced me .I giggled and playfully pushed him back slightly .
"Alright ,alright Godha .So ,what's my reward ? You made me search and run everywhere ,so I need my prize .Come on ,come on tell me ...." He asked ,with a mischievous glint in his eyes .
"My lord ,my reward is simple .You sleep on my lap today ,while I'll sing your bhajan and lull you to sleep ." I said smiling ,taking his hands .
"Ah Godha ,that's so sweet of you my dear .I was tired ,anyway ......" Krishna replied as he yawned .We both sat under the Banyan tree ,and Krishna slowly rested his head on my lap after removing his turban .I caressed and stroked his curly ,black hair gently and sang Madhurashtakam slowly ,lulling him to sleep .
"Godha ,your song is filled with nectar of love .It soothes me ,very much ." Krishna spoke in a low ,husky voice .I smiled and massaged his arms and legs slowly ,soothing his muscles .
After some time ,I heard Krishna's gentle snores .He was deep in slumber ,and while sleeping his face was radiant and calm ,his beautifully well arched eyebrows and his lips curved into a gentle smile .
I thanked in my heart ,for giving me such a wonderful opportunity to stay with my lord .