Krishna! - Part 2

Chapter 18 - The engagement

That evening,

'Madhav, Shishupal is creeping me out. How do we get Bhratrjaya out of all this mess? I know we have everyone to help out, but I can't help feel nervous.', said Sohini worriedly, just at the same Mandapam where the Halad had happened last evening. It shone, just as bright, but there was an eerie of pessimism that had crept up, with the arrival of Shishupal and Jarasandha. They had both worn similar attires as last evening, with just the colour in royal blue.

'Will you calm down? Why are you worried when I am present to take care of things? Just have fa...', Mohini stopped speaking, her eyes wide open, jaw dropped.

Sohini looked at her and knew. His Bhratrjaya was there. Smiling to herself, she tapped Mohini and they turned to look at Rukmini.

She had dressed exactly the same as the previous ceremony, except this time, she wore a dark green simple Nauvari Silk Saree draped in the brahmin style, with purple and gold borders, and a Shela in purple and gold. She had, as usual left her hair open. Her jewellery was so strikingly simple and elegant. Just a simple gold Thushi around her neck, and a long gold chain that touched her midriff. She wore plain gold studs for a change, that had ear-chains that extended to the middle of the back of her head. Her bangles were entirely green and gold. Her thin waistband, was made of a pleasant gold. Her nose sported a Nath made entirely of gold this time. As she walked, her golden anklets sang sweetly. Her bright red little Chandra-Bindu fell so beautifully, right in between her eyebrows. And she wore something that she hadn't worn the previous evening, something that had won the hearts of many men who sought, her smile. She was happy. Her Krishna was going to be there in front of everyone to save her at the right time. She was escorted in by her mother and sister-in-law, followed by her father and five brothers. And the first thing she saw was Mohini. She smiled at her, shyly. Mohini just looked at Sohini.

'How elegant! She just looks a hundred times more beautiful when she smiles in joy! I just want to get married to her right away!', Mohini's eyes told Sohini.

'I'm more eager to see your wedding, Madhav!', spoke Sohini's eyes. They smiled at each other and smiled back at the happy Rukmini.

Rukmini sat gracefully in the Mandapam, at her assigned seat. But she chose not to reveal her happiness about her Shyam being there. Everyone in the hall were hustling and bustling about. Everyone couldn't help but notice the lustre on Rukmini's face. Rukmi, not even for a second, suspected that his sister could be thinking about Krishna. Rukmini, sat, excited about how Krishna would manage to sneak his place in the Vaagnishchay.

'Ahem, may I have your attention please everyone? It is time for the Rajkumari's Sakharpuda and Vaagnischay. I would like to request everyone to gather around to start the ceremonies.', Mohini's voice caught everyone's attention and they all came forward, close to the Mandapam.

'Madhav, what are you going to do? The Sakharpuda and Vaagnishchay are to be performed by the groom's parents? Maharaj Damaghosha and Maharani Shrutashravaa are ready. How will this happen?', Sohini gently whispered into Mohini's ears.

Mohini just looked at her and grinned. Immediately, Maharani Shrutashravaa, dropped to the floor, unconscious. Everyone rushed to her aid and escorted her to her room and called for the Royal Physician.

Sohini couldn't understand anything that happened in that chaos and looked at Mohini, confused and then it struck her. Grinning broadly, he folded his hands in front of Krishna.

The Mandapam had nobody else but the two, Kanika, Rukmini and her four brothers who has promised Rukmi that they would watch over her. Having made sure that everyone had left, Rukmaratha turned to Mohini,