Journey to the Old Era (Drisana's Mahabharat #1)

Chapter 70

"Kanha, why am--- I-- laughing so---- much?" Mahabali Balaram asked Krishna in between laughter.

"Pehle hi mana kiya tha itna sarbat mat pijiye. Aab bhugtiye. (I told you not to drink that juice. Now suffer.)" Krishna replied.

"Mujhe kya pata tha sarbat pine ka aisi parinati hogi. (How would I know this will be the result of drinking juice!)" Balaram said regretting but still laughing.

"Isiliye toh kehta hu Dau, kabhi kabhar meri baat bhi sun liya kijiye. (That's why I tell you to listen to me sometimes.)" Krishna said smiling mischievously.

"Aab iska koyi upay toh karo! (Now do something about this.)" Balaram requested.

"Aab mein kya kar sakta hu. Waise bhi hamari behen ka vivha hai. Haste huye hi byatit kare. (What can I do now? This is our sister's marriage anyways. So enjoy it while laughing.)" Krishna replied.

Here on the Mandap after the Vivah-Homa ritual, Nakul rose from his seat and sat facing Drisana for Pani Grahan (acceptance of the hand).

This wasn't the first time Nakul was going to hold her hand. Drisana had given him the right and permission to hold her hand much before. But there was always hesitation and uneasiness inside Nakul. Even though they were spiritually one, they hadn't been one in the eyes of the society. He hadn't been able to give her the respect of being his wife and that used to sting him badly. In a society where even seeing a girl with a man was not taken lightly, it was a great disrespect towards her family to hold her without their consent and blessings.

But now, as Nakul held her right hand with his left one, there was no uneasiness inside, only the sensation of happiness and pride remained. This woman was all his and only he had the right to hold her, and the best part was no one could question them on it. Nakul's gaze was on Drisana's as he held her hand in a gentle but firm grip.

"With all my strength and resources, I have clasped this hand and thus united, may we be blessed with prosperity and follow the path of Dharma.
I accept you as my partner for life. I will not keep away even mentally anything from you. I will share with you all I enjoy and we will persevere in the path of virtue, surmounting all obstacles." Nakul said to Drisana who in return gave a soft smile, her eyes spoke of the adoration and respect she had for him.

As the ritual was completed, Maharani Mangalya came to assist Drisana for Shilarohanam (stepping on the stone). As Drisana placed her right foot on the slab and the priest recited Mantras, her mother counselled her to prepare for a new life.

"Putri, life is all about ups and downs. If you want joys, then be ready to endure sorrows too. If you have prosperity, have the courage to face adversity too. If you expect good health, then learn to accept sickness too. Remember your relation is not only limited to your husband, rather you're getting a new family. In spite of the difficulties, your relation with them should be steadfast and true. Just like this slab of stone, your every relation needs to have strength and trust to flourish. And I have full faith that you will nourish those as such." Maharani Mangalya said holding her hand and supporting her. Drisana took a deep breath before nodding with determination.

Their mother-daughter moment was broken by a loud laughter. Several one was coming from various directions. Drisana blinked glancing around while a slight frown appeared in Maharani Mangalya's face. Of course, there should be laughter and enlightenment in a wedding, but this seemed a little too excessive. Both composed themselves and Drisana sat beside Nakul again. They looked at each other in question and confusion.

The Rajguru told Drisana to place the palms of her hands to Nakul's for the ritual of Laja-Homah (puffed-rice offerings). As Drisana followed through, she muttered under her breath,