There was pin drop silence everywhere .The hall ,once bustling with activity ,became silent ,and at the middle of the hall lay Shishupal's body ,bleeding heavily .The scene was too much for me to handle .I could hear the soft murmuring and gossips from all over the hall. Some favoured the incident ,agreeing that Shishupal deserved such a punishment .Some were neutral ,and the others including Duryodhana ,were burning with rage and deep hatred towards Krishna and the Pandavas .I looked at Krishna ,whose anger still lingered slightly ,and I could see his finger bleeding ,because of the blades of the Sudarshana Chakra .No one dared to question the Pandavas or Krishna,except for Duryodhana .
"What type of treachery is this ! Is this how the Pandavas receive their guests ?" Duryodhana growled in anger .as his gaze locked on Krishna .My lord was calm ,yet his face was determined and firm "Prince Shishupal had crossed his limits by insulting each and every person of this hall ,and tried to create obstacles in the midst of sacred ceremony. It was his karma ,and he repaid it ." Krishna spoke up in a stern tone ,narrowing his eyes .As soon as he spoke ,few of his haters including Shalva and Dantavakra ,stormed out of the hall in rage and vengeance ,eager to avenge their friend's mishap by planning to invade Dwarka in Krishna's absence .My lord ,however was aware of their intentions and he knew that soon he had to leave to defend his kingdom .
I stood silent ,but my hands and legs were trembling severely .My head started to spin suddenly ,making me feel dizzy and I stumbled back slightly .Subhadra ,who was standing nearby sensed my unease somehow and rushed to my side .
"Godha ,are you alright ? You don't seem well ." She whispered in my ear ,concerned etched on her face .I nodded slowly ,trying to steady myself "I am fine Subhadra ,just a bit ..tired ."
"No you are not ,you look tired and weary .Today's incidents are a lot to handle ,I know .Come ,you need rest ." She pulled me towards the palace chambers ,but before retreating I saw Krishna ,whose gaze was solely locked on mine .His brows were furrowed with concern ,and he knew that I was not okay .That is the most beautiful and wonderful thing about my beloved Krishna - he always shared my success and failure ,pain and happiness .He subtly nodded ,as if telling me to go and rest .I smiled weakly at him and slowly went along with Subhadra towards the chamber .The sounds of murmuring and talks in the hall faded away in the background as I entered into a dimly lit ,cosy chamber .Subhadra helped me lay down on the bed ,and pulled up the blankets to my shoulders .
"Rest now Godha ,today has been a lot .Rest well and I'll ask the royal physician to make a special potent of herbs which shall soothe your mind and body ,easing your muscles and provide energy ." She said ,smiling warmly .I nodded in gratitude ,mirroring her smile .
As soon as she left me alone in the chamber ,I started to think deeply about Krishna .His life was filled with threats and dangers ,and difficult in every aspect .He had to sacrifice a lot ,just because to protect and preserve Dharma on earth .And since childhood ,his life's path was treacherous .I still remembered the harsh and painful words that Shishupal used against him ,and even at that moment my lord was as calm as a lotus .Tears streamed down my cheeks ,as the filthy words of Shishupal had struck my heart .I couldn't bear the scene of my beloved lord ,my Krishna ,getting insulted so much .I won't bother if someone would insult me directly ,but when my Krishna got insulted ,I felt worse ,painful,torn apart .
I buried my face into the pillows as I wept silently ,recollecting the harsh day .Time went by as I wept ,attempting to come out of the thoughts and feelings .As I did ,I suddenly felt a presence in the chamber ,and I knew who it was .I got up immediately and wiped off the lingering tears in my eyes and cheeks ,trying to maintain my composure .I turned to look at Krishna ,standing near the doorway ,his eyes with a knowing glint .He stepped forward and sat beside me ,his gaze completely unwavering .He was searching for any unease or discomfort in me, as I looked at his eyes filled with compassion ,concern ,worry and love .He took my hand in his ,my small hand completely covered in his strong ,divine yet gentle hand .
"Godha ? Are you alright ,my beloved ?" He asked softly and gently smiled .
"I am fine Krishna...just a bit tired." I said ,trying to maintain a straight face. His eyes narrowed ,and his gaze was sharp and piercing with intensity ,making it highly difficult for me to lie .
"Tired ,you say ? Or are you worried immensely about something ? Don't try to hide things from me ,my dear. You very well know that I reside in your heart and know everything .And your tears...they speak volumes..." He said .
"I wasn't crying ,I was just..." I tried to wipe off the remaining tears ,when suddenly Krishna caught my wrist ,holding me tight "Don't hide your tears Godha .They are precious to me more than you can ever imagine .Your smile ,your laughter and your tears -they all belong to me and are mine to cherish .Now tell me ,what troubles you so much ? Was it today's incident ?" He asked softly ,encouraging me to speak up .I took a deep breath and started to speak up ,my voice trembling and shaky .
"Yes ....the way how Shishupal spoke to you..the words ,the words which he used against you...it's all ..it's all so much painful ."
"Oh Godha ,I know your feelings .But you know that it was meant to happen .And moreover ,you know who Shishupal and Dantavakra are ? They are Jaya and Vijaya ,my loyal guardians of Vaikuntha ,who were reborn as Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakashipu in the Kritha Yuga ,Ravana and Kumbhakarna in the Treta Yuga ,and now as Shishupal and Dantavakra in Dwapara Yuga .They were reborn as asuras in every era because of a curse from the Sanatkumaras .Now ,Shishupal's words were painful ,I agree ,but you shouldn't bother or overthink much .Whatever is meant to happen is happening ." Krishna replied .
"But Krishna...I am worried about you .Your life is filled with troubles and sacrifices,you are trying to preserve Dharma ,yet ,many people insult you without even thinking ."
"My dear love ,you are worried about me ? You know about my powers and divinity, and yet you are worried about me ?" Krishna said ,teasing slightly .
"What if you are an all powerful God ? Can't I worry about you Krishna ? Justify all you want ,but I always worry for you, no matter how much divinely powerful and commanding you are ." I said with conviction ,looking away .He sighed softly and turned my face back towards him "Your love ,concern and devotion for me is unwavering ,Godha .And I cherish it very much .But no need to worry so much ,for you know about my powers and strengths .And as for the ones who hate me - well they are blinded by their own rage ,hatred and ego .You must pity such people ,who fail to understand me and my Leelas ."
I nodded slowly and smiling ,my tears and my pain subsiding . "Thank you Krishna ,you are the most compassionate person in the whole universe."
"Oh Godha ,no need to thank me .I always want to see you happy and smiling ,no matter what .And...." He smiled mischievously and gently pulled my ear ,twisting it "Don't doubt me and overthink unnecessarily ,for it brings obstacles between our love .Do you understand ?"
I giggled playfully ,struggling from his gentle loving grasp "Mercy Dwarkadhish ,mercy !". He smiled and released my ear ,only to pull me into a gentle embrace .I giggled childishly and hid in his warm pitambara ,snuggling closer like a child .Krishna chuckled softly ,tightening his arms around me "Ah ,Godha ,my little flower .Surrender everything to me and I shall protect you ,forever ."
"Krishna ,I want you to forever protect me ,my family ,and the ones who love you immensely ." I giggled softly ,my voice muffled by his fabric.
"सà¤à¥ à¤à¤¿ à¤à¤à¥à¤à¤¾ ,मà¥à¤°à¥ लिठà¤à¤¦à¥à¤¶ हॠ। (My beloved's wish is my command)" He gently whispered in my ear .