(A long chapter ........." )
A story within a story.....
It was a pleasant morning ,as the sun rays touched my face softly .Krishna was still asleep ,on my lap .His breathing was slow and calm ,and he had his disarming smile on his face even in sleep .I heard him whisper my name tenderly ,in his deep slumber .I held out my saree pallu ,covering his face gently and shielding from the sun's rays .I was hesitant to wake him up from his deep peaceful sleep .I gazed at his beautiful ,handsome face .
"Krishna ,I feel blessed to have you with me . I wish to have this moment forever ,for eternity ." I mumbled as I massaged his arms .Krishna ,who was still deeply in sleep ,held my wrists gently yet firm ,as if acknowledging my feelings for him .He opened his lotus eyes slowly and looked at me through the soft ,tender cloth of my saree pallu .
"Good morning ,Godha ...." He whispered as he gently lifted the cloth from his face and smiled at me warmly .
"Good morning ,Krishna .Did you sleep well ?" I asked ,as I stroked his curly hair .He got up slowly and cupped my face gently .
"I slept well ,my dear .But even in my deep slumber ,I could feel your soft loving hands caressing my head ,stroking my hair ,and massaging both my arms and feet .I am deeply touched by your devotion ,Godha .But why didn't you sleep ?"
"How could I possibly sleep ,Krishna ? When lord of the universe was resting on my lap ,instead of sleeping I enjoyed and savoured every moment ,every second .I saw your beautiful face ,which looked a blue hued lotus under the moonlight .I heard your gentle ,sweet snores which was like nectar to my ears .I massaged your strong muscular arms and your tender lotus feet ,savouring every millisecond ." I said softly .
"Ah ,my dear love , I am truly humbled by your affection .You know ,I even saw a wonderful dream ? Want to hear it ?" Krishna asked me
"Yes ,yes ! Tell me ,my lord !" I asked him ,playfully curious .
"Well ,my dream was a little story about you and me .You are Madhavi ,the princess of a beautiful kingdom .Your parents are the king and queen of the kingdom .One day ,they received a letter from Dwarka ,that I ,Krishna Vasudeva was going to visit them and discuss the matters of the state along with an alliance between yours ,and my kingdom. You were an innocent girl ,who had heard my stories and adventurous deeds since childhood.As I reached the palace gates ,your parents and the kingdom received me warmly ,showering garlands and flowers .Now you emerge from behind ,and as I laid eyes on you ,I was captivated by your innocence and charming smile .You too ,were captivated by my presence .Very soon ,we both fell deeply in love with each other .You would hide behind pillars to steal a glance of me ,whenever I discussed something with your father .You would assist your mother in making the excellent delicacies at kitchen ,and by your culinary skills you stole my heart .However ,your father announced that a Swayamvar was going to be held for you soon .In fact ,your parents deeply desired me as their son in law .I could hear your silent pleas ,desiring me as your husband .I too was determined to win your hand ,and make you mine ........"
"Then ,what happened ?" I whispered softly
"Then ,the day of your Swayamvara arrived .All the kings and princes were invited on that day .You were looking stunning in your regal attire and as you entered the hall ,all the eyes were on you .You gazed at me with a knowing glint ,that I will win your hand .I too gazed at you ,knowing that you shall belong to me for eternity .An archery contest was held ,and I won it .You garlanded me ,and our marriage was held with great pomp .You were looking extremely beautiful in your bridal form , and we exchanged vows together .Your parents were overjoyed to have me as their son in law and blessed both of us .
Very soon ,I took you to my kingdom Dwarka as my bride .You were welcomed by Devaki and Vasudeva ,your mother-in-law and father-in-law .Rukmini ,Satyabhama and other queens welcomed you as their young sister .Subhadra and Balarama ,your sister-in law and
brother -in-law .And I ,your partner ,your king ,your friend and your husband .......
And we lived happily ever after in Dwarka ,together ........" Krishna completed his story ,his eyes twinkling.
"My lord ,it's more than a dream .It's....it's like reality ,which will happen for sure .You just spoke out my mind's greatest desire ! Oh ,I really wish whatever you said ,might happen in reality for once ....." I said cheerfully ,blushing and giggling .
"Ah Godha ,it may happen one day .But know this always ,that you are eternally married to me and you are mine always ,no matter what .So ,my dear ,I am your husband and lord ,guiding you and loving you always ." He said as he pulled my cheeks playfully .He got up and offered me his arm lovingly "Come ,now we must start for Indraprastha .We'll reach there soon ....."
I nodded in agreement and accepted his arm ,smiling warmly .
(Credits to the creator ð)
Entering Indraprastha
We neared the boundaries of Indraprastha ,and very soon I could see the kingdom's entrance .As Krishna told ,the kingdom looked very prosperous and blessed with wealth immensely . The walls of the palace were made of marble and gold ,with intricate carvings of gods and goddesses .The people of the kingdom received us with joy and happiness .Krishna got down from his chariot and received the people's love and devotion with an enchanting captivating smile on his face ,that stole the hearts of everyone who gazed at him for a moment.
As we reached the palace entrance ,I could see the Pandavas standing along with Draupadi ,Subhadra and Kunti ,a grateful smile spreading across their faces .Yudhishthira's face looked relieved with happiness and content ,as he looked at my lord.
(Credits to the creator ð)
"Oh Madhava ,Govinda ! We're indeed grateful for having you here after so many days..." He came forward and embraced my lord ,with much satisfaction .After exchanging pleasantries and chats , everyone's eyes suddenly turned towards me .I became slightly nervous and conscious for a moment .
"Princess Godha ,of Udupi ........" Krishna introduced softly as he gestured me to come forward "My devotee ,my admirer ,who has come a long way from Udupi to Dwarka for learning .I thought to bring here ,along with me ....."
I bowed to them and folded my hands together with respect .Yudhishthira nodded in agreement "Young princess ,it's an honour to have Sri Krishna's devotee at our place .Do make yourself feel comfortable here ,in our kingdom ...."
The other brothers looked at me with a warm ,welcoming smile on their faces .Draupadi came forward gracefully ,extending her hands for an embrace .
"Your majesty ,it's an honour to meet you and witness your beauty and grace with my own eyes ......." I said softly
"Ah Princess,it's time that we had kept all the formalities beside .You can address me as 'Panchali or Draupadi ' ,and a friend of Govinda is a friend of mine....." She said smiling sweetly at me .Subhadra came from behind ,jumping with joy .
"Godha ,I knew you'd come ! Where are the others ?" She asked
"Bhadra ,Rukmini and others will come after a few days ." Krishna said, pulling her cheeks lovingly .I went forward and touched Kunti's feet ,seeking her blessings .She flashed a motherly smile at me "May your love and devotion for Krishna grow more and more stronger every day ." She whispered softly into my ears .I was touched by her blessing ,and felt a deep connection and affection arising within me for Krishna
After a grand meal , I was shown to my new chamber in Indraprastha .The cosy room was lit by diyas and brass lamps ,incense sticks with the fragrance of jasmine and rose .I sat there on a couch ,and opened a big chest in which I had brought my materials for painting along with me .Subhadra and Draupadi came inside the room ,giggling softly .
"Godha ,are you aware that Bhratashree's birthday is coming in a few days ?" Subhadra asked me ,her eyes shining with joy . "Yes Subhadra ,we have lots of preparations to do .This time we all are lucky that Madhava's birthday will be celebrated in Indraprastha ." Draupadi whispered playfully.
Krishna's birthday ,oh how could I forget ? I was really looking forward to make his birthday a special one from my side ,after all he is my beloved .Subhadra gazed at me smiling ,with a knowing glint in her eyes .
"I sense someone is planning to make Dwarkadhish's birthday a very special one !" She chuckled
"Oh no ,Subhadra...I have just planned something simple ,and beautiful for him ." I said
"What that might be ,princess ?" Draupadi asked with amusement in her eyes .
I giggled softly and showed them the painting from my chest ,which was still a work-in-progress .Both them widened their eyes and became highly impressed .
"Bharatashree will sure love this ! He mesmerises everyone ,but now it's his turn to get mesmerised !" Subhadra exclaimed
"Yes princess ,your artwork is really stunning ,a masterpiece ! But does Govinda know about this ?" Panchali asked me ,as she took the canvas in her hands and looked at it .I shook my head playfully "He knows a little bit ,but not fully .And I want to make it a surprise for him .Till then ,he shouldn't get to know about this."
Both of them chuckled as they listened to me. "Godha ,but don't forget that my brother is really sharp in finding things out ! Nothing can be hidden from him for a long time !" Subhadra teased me .
Just then I heard pair of footsteps outside the chamber .
"What is going on here ?" Arjuna stood at the doorway .....along with Krishna ,who was looking at me with a mischievous smile on his face .
"Oh ,we were just discussing the decorations for the Rajasuya ceremony." Draupadi replied casually .Krishna raised his eyebrows ,his gaze never leaving mine .
"I see ,but I think I heard much more interesting things ......" he said ,smiling slyly as he rested his elbow on Arjuna's shoulder .I looked away and slightly giggled to myself ,trying to resist my big laughter ,
"Bhratashree ,these are some discussions which you won't understand ! Now if you may please...." Subhadra playfully gestured them to leave the room .
"You continue with your majestic work...." Draupadi secretly whispered in my ear and walked away .But as everyone left ,Krishna suddenly looked at me over his shoulder.
"Godha ,don't try to hide anything from me...." He whispered playfully
"My lord , you are very mischievous!" I teased him .He turned back ,and looked at me playfully "I know I am .But I think you love my mischievous side ,don't you Godha ?"
"Oh Krishna ,please stop teasing me..." I said playfully
"Ah my dear ,I was merely speaking the truth. And I am too impatient to wait for the painting ,so I want to see it now itself !" He said as he walked towards me gracefully .
I kept the canvas out of his reach playfully ,and tried to dodge him .
"Krishna ! I won't show you now ,can't you just wait for few days ?" I teased him
"I can't Godha ,it's too difficult !" He said as he tried to grab my wrists ,using his long arms .I slapped his hands softly and playfully ,and held the canvas tightly in my arms .
"I won't show you now Krishna ,go now !" I playfully dismissed him ,trying to be in a regal demeanour.
"Oh ,are you trying to dismiss me Godha ,using your 'royal authority' ? Well ,I am Lord of Dwarka ,Lord of the universe ,and I won't be so easily dismissed !" Krishna laughed,his voice echoing through the whole room .Just then ,a messenger came in "Dwarkadhish ,King Yudhishthira seeks an audience with you ." Krishna nodded at the servant,and looked at me with mischief sparkling in his eyes.
"We'll continue the game afterwards ,but don't think you've won ,my dear ! I shall attempt again and again to see your lovely painting " He replied playfully and walked away .I giggled and sat on my couch ,continuing my painting .Soon it was night ,and I drifted off to sleep ,thinking about my painting ,Krishna's reaction towards it .
Defeating Jarasandh .....
The next morning I woke up ,and gazed at the beautiful morning in Indraprastha .Memories of my playful banter with Krishna last evening came in my mind ,and I chuckled to myself.
"Maybe my lord is very eager to see the painting ,I'll show him a little bit perhaps ...." I thought and asked a servant to call Krishna for a moment .
"My princess ,Dwarkadhish is not at the palace ....." she said .
"What ?" I asked surprised .
"Lord Krishna ,along with prince Arjuna and prince Bhimasena ,has gone to Magadha .They left this morning only ." She replied
I nodded at her and asked her to leave softly .How could Krishna do like this ? He never informed me once that he was going to do such a big task today .He always takes time for me ,even in his busiest day, but today he didn't . "Alright then ,I won't show his painting even on his birthday !" I thought to myself and got ready .As I went downstairs ,I saw Draupadi who was instructing the maids something ,and she looked at me smiling happily .
"Good morning Godha ,hope you had a good rest yesterday ?" She asked me warmly .I nodded at her smiling and looked at the palace atmosphere .Maids and attendants were scurrying around ,enthusiastic and joyful .
"What seems to be the matter ?" I asked curiously .Draupadi giggled and kept a hand over my shoulder "Subhadra is pregnant..." she whispered .
My eyes widened in surprise .The birth of a great ,skilled warrior in Mahabharata .
"That's wonderful news Panchali !" I said enthusiastically .Draupadi smiled at me and excused herself for a moment to go and check on Subhadra .I walked in the palace corridors,my mind constantly involved in thoughts of Krishna. Although I was angry with him that he left me alone ,but still I wanted to see him .I took his golden flute in my hands and started to play a melody ,meditating upon him .
"Oh Krishna, oh Yadavashreshtha ....."
When I opened my eyes ,I was standing amid a crowd .I was invisible, so no one noticed my presence. They were shouting and cheering loudly in unison .As I moved further I saw that it was an arena ,where a wrestling match going on . Bhimasena was fighting with a huge man ,who looked much powerful and arrogant .He was Jarasandha ,Magadha's king and one of Krishna's worst enemies .The fight was going intense ,both of them roaring with fury and hitting each other with severe blows .As I scanned the surroundings ,I noticed two people standing close to the wrestling scene .One was clearly Arjuna ,and other ....was my beloved Krishna .All the three of them were in the garb of a Brahmin .I was angry with Krishna ,but I couldn't resist admiring him .Even in simple clothes ,without any ornaments and silk robes ,my lord looked extremely captivating and handsome .It was clear that he didn't require any royal attire or jewels to show himself look beautiful and divine . I stayed hidden ,not wanting to attract Krishna's attention towards me .But still he knew that I was here ,so it was of no use.
As the wrestling match proceeded ,it was becoming challenging for Bhimasena to deal with Jarasandh. He soon fell on the ground ,tired and exhausted ,panting heavily. Then he looked at my lord ,asking for a solution helplessly .Krishna smiled and slowly took a twig from nearby ,tore it apart and tossed it on both sides .Bhimasena nodded and dashed towards Jarasandh ,managed to hold him tightly and tore his both legs apart ,his body in two halves and threw them .But to his surprise ,the two halves of the body joined and he stood up again .
"You cannot defeat me ! I shall kill you first ,and then deal with that Yadava !"
He laughed menacingly .Krishna ,again took another twig ,tore in two halves ,but this time he tossed both the pieces in the opposite directions ,left one in the right and vice versa .
Bhimasena followed the same ,held Jarasandh again tightly and tore him apart ,throwing away his two halves on the opposite sides respectively .This time ,he succeeded in doing so .The crowd cheered and applauded ,in unison .
(Credits to the creator ð)
After watching everything ,I returned back to Indraprastha discreetly .I went to the chambers ,looking at my painting .Just then I heard commotion near the palace gates .Bhimasena ,Arjuna and Krishna had returned ,victorious after defeating Jarasandh .Yudhishthira was now fit enough to conduct a Rajasuya Yagya ,and become an emperor. As they were welcomed ,Bhimasena joked "Madhava was playing with twigs ,while I was fighting ......" .Krishna looked at him in mock anger ,and laughed afterwards .
"You're right brother Bhima ,Dwarkadhish is always mischievous! I too saw him...I mean I can feel his mischievous actions as you speak ..." I teased and laughed at him .Krishna's eyes widened in surprise ,as he certainly didn't expect me to laugh at him .
The news of Subhadra's pregnancy was conveyed to everyone ,and everyone was extremely over joyed .And it was foretold that her child will be a great warrior (Maharathi) in the history of Bharatvarsha .
As I walked back inside to the room ,to my surprise I found Krishna searching for something ,very determined .Then suddenly his gaze shifted towards me ,and smiled at me with his eyebrows raised "Godha dear ,how dare you tease me in front of everyone ?".
I frowned at him "And how dare you leave ,without telling me even once ?" Krishna looked at me innocently and walked towards me "I know ,but you were asleep so I didn't want to disturb you ...."
"But still ! You got angry on me once when I went out alone ,so it's my turn to get angry on you ...." I said ,trying to be angry .
"Ah Godha ,you have all the right to be angry upon me .But I must say ,you look very charming and adorable when you are stern...." Krishna whispered playfully .
I looked away and giggled softly ,unable to control my blush .Krishna laughed cheerfully and gently held my chin up "Tell me Godha ,you were admiring me in my simple robes ,weren't you ?"
"Alright ,alright ,I admit it .It's so difficult to get angry upon you or ignore you ....." I said ,playfully surrendering to his charms .
"I'm glad to hear that ,my beloved. Now ,where is that lovely painting of yours ?" He asked me ,smiling slyly .
"Oh ,I have hidden it somewhere ,away from you totally .Krishna ,I know that you're not an impatient person ,so you can wait for a few days maybe ?" I teased him .
"Very well then ,since you wish to test my patience ,I shall wait for few days ,just because you're asking me ......" He said in a playful challenging tone .
I smiled at him and stood near the window ,looking at the sunset "Yudhishthira will be proclaimed as the emperor ,and the Rajasuya Ceremony shall begin ,right Krishna ?" I asked him .He nodded ,but he gazed at the sky with seriousness and worry in his eyes "A big ceremony,which will lead to upcoming challenges and the Great War ...." He whispered.
I nodded sadly in agreement ,knowing the upcoming challenges .
"Godha ,tomorrow the whole Bharatvarsh will be attending the ceremony .Everyone will be there ,both friends and foes .You will enjoy it very much ,but I want you to stay vigilant as well ." He said
"I will ,but ...is there anything wrong ?" I asked
Krishna took a deep breath and looked at me ,his gaze sharp and unwavering "Godha ,you remember those strange men who followed you and spied on you in Dwarka ? Those were none other than Shishupal's men .....".
I was shocked and terrified .Shivers ran down my spine when I heard him . "Shishupal ? Your dreaded cousin ? How could he know about me Krishna ?"
"I knew it on that day itself ,but I never wanted to tell you .Now I am telling you ,because I want you to be safe and alert ." He said slowly ,his gaze reassuring and comforting .
I realised that the next day was going to be challenging and tough. But Krishna is with me ,and nothing can harm me ....
"Always my dear ,I am always with you ..." He replied ,sensing my thoughts and pulled me for an embrace ,a divine embrace.....
(Credits to the creator ð)