CHAPTER 11

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Yashoda, exhausted from chasing the bundle of boundless energy all afternoon, frantically paced back and forth, rocking and bouncing her wide-awake baby in her arms.

"So jaa nahi toh thak jaayega, lalla." She said, but the little lord simply gurgles and kicks his chubby legs, refusing to be lulled to sleep.

Seeing the tired condition of Yashoda, Rohini said, "Lalla ko mujhe dedo, tum tanik vishram karlo."

Yashoda nodded and approached Rohini, but as soon as she handed him over, he let out an ear-piercing wail. His chubby arms flailed about dramatically, as big drops of tears fell down his eyes, compelling Yashoda to retract and cradle him in her own arms until he calmed down.

Rohini observed Yashoda with deep sympathy. She understood all too well the sheer exhaustion that came with caring for a restless child, especially when sleep seemed to elude them.

Yashoda sighed, "Aaj toh na so raha hai, na kisi ke paas jaa raha hai."

She looked at the squirming baby in her arms, his red eyes wide and alert, refusing to drift off to sleep, "Maiya ko karya bhi karna hai, lalla. So jana." she softly murmured, her voice filled with a tender plea.

She whispered sweet lullabies and hummed soothing melodies, desperate to bring comfort to her restless child. As the minutes ticked by, Yashoda's exhaustion began to weigh heavily on her, but she refused to give up.

Rohini observed the scene, her eyes fixed on the mother and child. As if guided by divine intervention, her lips uttered, "Yadi Nayika aati toh sambhaal leti na."

"Ha ! Kaash Nayika yaha hoti." Yashoda said.

And then the very moment, they heard creak of the iron gates outside. The one they just named, appeared in the doorway, her garments fluttering softly as she glided into the room with a radiant. The lord's eyes lit up and he kicked his little legs excitedly, cooing and gurgling with joy.

"Nayika ? Hum abhi tumhara smaran kar rahe the !" Rohini said.

Smilingly, the disguised goddess said, "Mujhe abhaas ho gaya."

The son of Yashoda squealed, his chubby arms outstretched towards the guest. Yashoda's weary face instantly brightened as she gently handed the exuberant child to Nayika. The little lord nestled against Nayika's heart, finding solace in her familiar warmth.

"Accha huya tum aagayi, laali." Yashoda exclaimed, her voice filled with relief, "Tanika lalla ko sambhal lo, tab tak mai ghar ka karya sampaat kar du."

"Awashya." Nayika replied, a warm smile gracing her lips.

She gracefully made her way to the cot and settled down, observing as Rohini and Yashoda diligently went about their tasks. The air became filled with the aroma of food being prepared and the rhythmic sound of milk being churned into butter.

Meanwhile the infant form of the lord lay peacefully in the arms of Nayika. Her eyes sparkled with love and adoration as she cradled the little one, her heart filled with joy at the sight of her beloved father in his infant form.

As Nayika gently rocked him back and forth, the dark god giggled and reached out to poke her cheeks, his tiny fingers exploring her soft skin with innocent curiosity. His laughter filled the air, a sweet melody that warmed Nayika's heart and brought a smile to her face. She lovingly brushed her fingers through his curly locks, marveling at the divine beauty of her father in his infant form.

The pure and radiant light that emanated from him filled her with a sense of peace and wonder. As she gazed down at him with adoring eyes, Krishna reached up and grabbed a tuft of her hair, tugging on it playfully. Nayika's laughter bubbled up, and she gently untangled his tiny fingers from her locks, marveling at the innocence and pure joy radiating from the little deity in her arms.

From the kitchen, Rohini, looked on with awe at the beautiful scene before her. She marveled at the love and connection between Nayika and the infant, feeling a sense of wonder at the divine presence that seemed to emanate from both of them. Yashoda, who had been churning milk, paused in her work to watch the tender moment between them.

Suddenly, the air was filled with the sound of hurried footsteps and excited chatter. The Gopis, their vibrant garments rustling, entered the scene.

"Humne suna ki Nayika aayi hai, toh hum aagaye." They exclaimed.

As they approached the cot, where Nayika cradled the dark-skinned lord, they gathered around with a sense of awe. Their eyes fixed on the enchanting sight before them.

Yashoda, while churning the milk, asked, "Nayika ke aane se tumhe kya ?"

One Gopi said, "Nayika ke saath aapka lalla khilkhilata hai. Aur iss Manmohan ka muskurata mukh dekhne hetu toh hum praan bhi dede."

"Satyavachan !" The rest of the Gopis agreed.

The little nandlaal giggled flapping his hands and feet, his innocent joy infectious as it filled the air. The Gopis couldn't help but be overwhelmed by the cuteness of the divine child, feeling a rush of affection and adoration for him.

"Satya mei, kuch toh baat hai tum mei. Jo lalla itna prasann ho jata hai tumhare paas jaate hi." An elder Gopi said.

"Anubhav kahiye, chachi. Iske 10 santaane jo theheri." A younger Gopi said in jest causing everyone to chuckle.

Another one commented, "Atyant prem karte honge tumhare pati tumse."

The chuckles turned into laughter. Rohini came out of the kitchen, and with a warm smile said, "Nayika ke mukh se pata chalta hai. Apne pati ke prem ke karan, iska mukh Kamal ke samaan khila khila rehta hai."

Nayika blushed as she shifted her gaze at the sky above.

"Waise, itni santaan sambhalna kathin hota hoga." One Gopi said.

Nayika looked at her and said with a mischievous smile, "Meri sabhi santaane agyaakari, dharmparayan, saral swabhaav aur sheetal man ki hai. Bas antim do Rahu Ketu pata nahi kaha se aagaye."

Everybody laughed even more, except the little lord, who glanced back and forth between Nayika and the Gopis. A cry escaped his lips, due to lack of attention. They all looked back at him, as Nayika raised him and began cradling him, as the rest of the Gopis cooed at him, snapping their fingers, whispering sweet words.

The little lord reached out to Nayika with an adorable pout, his fingers gesturing her to come closer. Raising a brow, she leaned towards him, and before she could fathom, the son of Yashoda, in a fit of childish anger, bites her cheek in frustration, causing Nayika to yelp in surprise.

The Gopis burst into laughter at the unexpected turn of events, their giggles filling the air as Nayika tried to soothe the little lord's tantrum. She couldn't help but chuckle at the adorable display of anger, as he tried to bite her with his toothless gums. It was as if the little lord was determined to make his mark, even without a single tooth to his name.

"Na na." Nayika exclaimed, quickly pulling her face away from his mouth and gently rubbing her cheeks. She couldn't help but be amused by his mischievous antics.

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A/N

A braj Rasika once said - "Nand ka lala bada chidhela hai, baako hridaye mei akele ko sthaan chahiye."

After writing this chapter.... SOMEONE GIVE ME A BABY I AM GETTING CUTENESS AGGRESSION 😭😭

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