Shaivyaa : Sword Of Justice ✓

Song of Her Heart

Sakha Saptapadi Bhava Saa Maam Anuvrataa Bhava!

With this seventh step, be my friend!

With all His love, the Lord of Dwaraka stared at His newly wedded consort as both of them had just finished the seven steps. Rukmini blushed, sensing the mischief in His eyes, but could not resist casting a glance on the face of Her Lord. The two pairs of lotus eyes met, proud and content to have each other.

I have loved you alone
Since the beginning of time,
In every birth, in every yuga.
In every form of yours
That you have taken for me!

The loving eyelock of LakshmiNarayana created an endless vibe of pure love around Them that took over everyone present there. Balarama cast His loving eyes at Revati, making the latter lower Her eyes with a blush. Satyabhama, Mitravinda, Lakshmanaa and Bhadra stared unblinking at Krishna to drink the nectar of His unparalleled beauty. Sahadeva and Vijaya exchanged meaningful glances. Some unknown power drew Subhadra to look at the third Pandava, as Arjuna suddenly felt he had found his new world in her large, dark eyes. And Devika felt a surge of unbound joy, seeing an adorable, serene yet passionate smile on Yudhishthira's lips, that perhaps could appear on his calm face only for her, just like subtle ripples on still water.

He has realized my feelings for him! He has accepted them, too! Devika inhaled deeply in great relief. She felt the air that touched him was filling her, and making her complete.

The wedding songs began to be sung along with sweet melodies of veena and mridanga. As the music had begun to cast its spell over the festive ambiance, Revati drew Devika closer.

"Join the singers, Devi. This festiveness should not be deprived of your amazing voice."

"Me?" Devika hesitated, "but Bhabhi..."

"No ifs and buts. Come, sit here." Revati made her sit with the group of singers and placed a veena on her lap. Still stuck with hesitation, Devika stared at the instrument cluelessly. What would she sing?

Her famed voice that used to mesmerize the entire Shivi, fell silent as she could recall no lyrics, and no tune. Her entire sense was then enveloped only with his existence.

Almost unknowingly, her Champaka-bud like fingers ran over the strings, following the music of her heart.

My soul tied knots with your's
With a musical connection
Don't you know,
I have obtained you
with my sole devotion.

Her voice, though extremely melodious, was softer than the other singers. Seemed like she did not feel like raising her voice. All she wanted to pour the offerings of her heart to someone and for that purpose she did not need to be loud.

But when the offerings of love is truly heartfelt, it cannot fail to reach the one it is meant for. Devika's song touched the depth of Yudhishthira's heart. His attention was immediately drawn to the song, making him immersed in it. Just like Kumuda flower's song of love remains unheard to the rest of world, but reaches only to the Moon God, the Chandravanshi also could hear the melodies of Shivi Kumari's heart.

In this devotion aroma of flowers is diffused,
In this devotion rhythms of poet is diffused,
Don't you know, I covered your name
With colourful shades of my love.

Her music embraced him. The copper-hued aura of his eyes embraced her in return. Yudhshthira sensed that even his breath had been tuned in her melodies. Devika sensed that he too was responding to her song, though silently. The calm smile that played on his lips could not hide it from her, just like she could not hide her feelings from him.

I heard you playing your music for me.
The melodies have touched my soul,
But you still remained afar.
How long will you stay outside thus?
Rather take your place within me,
Play your veena in the core of my heart!

"Jyeshtha!" Balarama called, but the eldest Pandava could not even hear Him.

The younger Pandavas came closer and gently touched Yudhishthira's shoulder.

"Jyeshtha! Are you alright?"

Arjuna's voice somehow managed to bring Yudhishthira out of his trance. The mischief in his eyes that was hidden under fake curiosity, did not get unnoticed by the eldest brother. But Yudhishthira could not find a reply.

"Seems like my sister's singing talent has made you speechless." Balarama made an innocent face, "she sings really well, does not she, Jyeshtha?"

Yudhishthira gathered himself and nodded with a smile. Realizing the eldest's mind his four brothers suppressed a laughter with an effort, exchanging mischievous glances with Balarama. The newly wedded groom watched all these with His apparently innocent facial expressions.

***

The next day, morning:

"Nakula!"

"Yes, Bhrata?"

"Do you know since when our Jyeshtha has started admiring love songs, instead of religious ones?" Arjuna's voice sounded innocent but his eyes hinted mischief.

"Maybe since yesterday only, Bhrata." Nakula replied, casting a glance on Yudhishthira who sat quite, seemingly immersed in his morning studies of scripture.

"Because you know, Shivi Kumari is an amazing singer." Nakula continued, "her gifted voice and presentation have definitely made our eldest change his likings."

"Exactly, Nakula." Bheema supported, "but the question is, did our Jyeshtha like only the song?"

"I too was thinking the same, Bhrata Bheema." Sahadeva replied.

Yudhishthira had to lift his gaze from his studies.

"You four have nothing to do this morning except all these right?" The eldest acted grave to hide his embarrassment.

"Come." He rose to his feet. "Let's rather go and help Mama in arrangements of the post wedding rituals." He stepped forward to leave the room, indicating the four to follow him.

"So, Bhrata Bheema, Nakula, Deva, what did you understand?" Arjuna looked at the other three, raising his eyebrow.

"That our guess is correct!" They echoed in chorus, and burst into laughter. Yudhishthira stopped in his way and turned round, glaring at the four. They immediately controlled themselves and smiled innocently. The eldest could not resist smiling affectionately, shaking his head at these naughty brothers.

"Salutations to Kuru Kumaras! A messenger has arrived from Hastinapura." The guard informed with a bow.

From Hastinapura? Now?

Surprised, the five brothers looked at him together. A mixture of wonder and worry played on their faces. None was prepared for a message from Hastinapura. What could have happened there? Was everything alright?

"Send him." Said Yudhishthira with a tensed heart. The guard bowed again and left. The Pandavas waited impatiently, sensing something was not right.

What awaited them?

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(Translation of songs written by Rabindranath Tagore have been used in this chapter.)

Author's Note: Today, on the day of love, DharmaPriyaa completes its first year. I thank Sri Krishna for making it the way it is now, and pray to Him for blessing it this way for the rest of its journey. I thank you all, my lovely readers, for your continuous support and encouragement. I am grateful to you for showing this much love to my favourite story.

Lastly, I thank Dharmaraja, without whose help writing this story would have never been possible for me. Keep guiding me this way, Natha. Happy Valentine's day to you.