Meanwhile, at Maharshi Saandeepani's Ashram,
'Guruvarya, can we come in?', asked a strong, settled voice. Maharshi Saandeepani immediately recognised Balaram's voice. He and Krishna had come to visit him after four years. Ever since they had finished their education, Maharshi Saandeepani's only desire in life had been fulfilled by them in the form of their Gurudakshina. His son Punardatta was brought back to him. His joy saw no bounds and ever since then, he had been grateful to Krishna and Balaram.
'Ah! Balaram, my child, do come in. Krishna, come in, child!'.
The duo walked into the hut. Balaram had grown more well-built; he now began sporting a beard with his moustache. He looked perfectly eligible marriage. Krishna too had put on a little weight, lifting his lustre a thousandfold. He had grown taller in these five years and still looked as charming as he was when he first came to the ashram.
'Guruvarya, please accept our obeisances.', and both of them fell at the Maharshi's feet.
'Aayushmaan Bhava!', blessed the Sage.
'Maharshi, on behalf of our entire family, I would like to invite you to Mathura. Your dear student Balaram is finally getting married!', invited Krishna, with his beautifully broken and settled male voice, handing the invitation, smiling.
'Congratulations Balaram! I have heard of how you chose your bride. Princess Revati of Kushasthali right? I will surely attend. God bless you, my child!', the sage happily blessed Balaram.
'Please do bring Gurumata and Sahodara Punardatta as well, Guruvarya. But kindly forgive us. We shall take your leave. In five years, this is the sixteenth time Magadhaadhipati Jarasandha has attacked Mathura. We have to go and defend Mathura.', Balaram apologised.
'Of course, my child. I completely understand. You must go. And don't worry, I shall attend your wedding.', assured Maharshi Saandeepani.
Krishna and Balaram met their Gurumata and Punardatta, inviting them for Balaram's wedding, who happily promised to attend the wedding.
And they boarded the chariot, back to Mathura.
As they were riding the chariot,
'Kanha! I hope we haven't left out anyone for the invitation.', said Balaram
'No Dau, we've invited all of Mathura's ally's, our families and at Vrindavan and Barsana, our friends from Gurukul and Guruvarya too.', smiled Krishna.
'And any thoughts on how we can defeat Matamaha? Sixteen times already, Kanha! He won't stop.', asked Balaram
'Why would he? After all I killed his son-in-law. Asti Maatulaa and Praapti Maatulaa went back to Matamaha after that day', said Krishna. He did feel sorry for his aunts, they never meant him or Dau any harm.
'What do we do Kanha? We don't have enough resources left in Mathura for facing an attack immediately!', asked Balaram.
'Why not this time show a little cowardice? He would love to call me more names!', winked Krishna.
'Brilliant Kanha! That's exactly what we'll do.', grinned Balaram, understanding.
And the journey back to Mathura was in smiles!
Meanwhile, at the Ashram of Maharshi Agastya,
'Rukmini, my child! You have completed your education with flying colours. The report of your progress has already been sent to your family. God bless you my dear.', blessed the Sage and Gurumata Lopamudra.
'Thank you Gurudeva, Gurumata, I shall forever be indebted to you for your generosity and kindness. I shall make you proud wherever I go!', Rukmini sought their blessings.
She bid farewell to all her friends, all of them promising to write to each other often. And she boarded her chariot home, with a feeling of discomfort about what was to happen to her.
YOU ARE READING
Krishna! - Part 2
Historical FictionRukmini constantly dreams of Krishna and has made up her mind to wed him. But will her brother Rukmi allow it? Would she be able to wed the man of her dreams amidst schemes of Kings like Shishupala and Jarasandha?
