Princess Of Vidharbha(Winner Mythomagical Awards Contest 2)

Chapter 8

"Princess king of Chedhi Shishupal will be the chief guest for your birthday celebration," announced a maid and Rukmini was taken aback. Shishupal chief guest for her twentieth birthday celebration and she was knowing it only now. If she had known earlier, she would have cancelled the entire birthday celebration citing her monthly cycle. Nobody would have questioned her. Then she realized it was not told to her because her brother didn't want her to cancel the celebration. For the first time in her life Rukmini was worried. She was getting a strong negative vibe about the presence of Chedi king. She decided to go to her father's chamber. She wanted to ask did her father knew her brother's plan upfront and did he agree to it.

Bhishmaka was walking restless in his room. He knew Rukmini's birthday celebrations will start in another hour. But he was in no mood to go to the royal terrace, make Rukmini light the lamp and then start the evening with dance and music. His son was crossing limits. He didn't inform him he was inviting Shishupal for the celebration. Bhishmaka didn't like Shishupal. Before he could think more, he heard Rukmini's voice. He turned and saw his daughter fully dressed up standing in the door. As a practice she had latched a peacock feather to her lehenga.

"Father did you allow King of Chedi to be the chief guest for my birthday celebration," Rukmini was almost crying when she spoke. Bhishmaka went to his daughter and assured her he had not invited Shishupal for her birthday celebration. Then he mentioned since he had come, they had to show royal courtesy. Rukmini had to agree to her father reluctantly.

Rukmi and Shishupal sat in the terrace as Rukmini entered with her friends Indumayi and Tara. Bhishmaka accompanied them. Seeing the king everyone rose. Rukmi moved forward and introduced Shishupal to Rukmini. Rukmini folded her hands and thanked him for joining the birthday celebrations. As she moved forward, she could feel his eyes on her. She started to feel uncomfortable and latched on the peacock feather for security.

Soon the celebrations happened. Rukmini lit the auspicious lamp and then it was followed by music and dance. A special flute performance was there as the princess loved to hear flute music. It was followed by sumptuous dinner. Once dinner was over most of the guests wished Rukmini a happy birthday again and departed. Only the royal family along with Shishupal remained in the palace.

Rukmini asked permission from her father to retire to her room. Bhishmaka gave permission but Rukmi stopped her.

"Rukmini Shishupal is my friend and our chief guest today. Spend sometime with him to understand him."

"Brother, I have paid royal courtesy to our chief guest and it has been a hectic day for me since morning. Hence, I would like to have some rest," replied Rukmini.

"Rukmini a future queen cannot be this tired especially the man in question is going to be her future husband," blurted out Rukmi startling both Rukmini and Bhishmaka.

"My future husband. Who decided that brother? I thought I have the right to choose my husband," retorted back Rukmini.

"Rukmini Shishupal is a warrior king. Not like your Krishna who like a coward ran away from the battlefield. Now he is building a city above ocean to hide himself. Shishupal is the best choice for you Rukmini. Spend some time and you will understand," Rukmi tried to reason out hiding his irritation.

"Brother did I talk anything about Krishna. I only spoke I will decide who will be my husband and not you. I feel at the appropriate time father will conduct my swayamvar and he will invite the princes he thinks suitable for me and I will choose one among them."

"Rukmi what Rukmini telling is true. She has a right for swayamvar and I am planning to organize it soon," told Bhishmaka strongly ending the conversation and indicating Rukmini to move to her room.

But Rukmini did not move back immediately. She turned to her brother and spoke fiercely,

"One more thing I have to tell you, my brother. Your friend might be a great warrior but don't call Krishna a coward. According to the philosophy of most of the kings' war is the way of showing one's valor. Mindlessly killing people and putting them to misery adds to their pride. They don't acknowledge the cries of widows whose lose their husband and that of children who lose their father. But Krishna knows war is the last resort.

Haven't Jarasandha fought eighteen wars with Krishna. Could he win even one time. Answer is no. Krishna knows Jarasandha's death is not in his hands, at the same time he doesn't want to put people of Mathura into endless misery to satisfy Jarasandh's pride. So, he ran away ending the war and building a beautiful city called Dwaraka. A city above the ocean which is said to be beautiful and exquisite. A palace in which every maiden would love to reside. But only the chosen one would be able to enter.

So, it would be in your best interest not to speak ill of Krishna to show the glory of your friend. One more thing if your friend was that noble, he would have known he is not supposed to gaze at a maiden without her permission. I am not his queen; I am Rukmini princess of Vidharbha and ask your friend Shishupal to remember that."

Before Rukmi could reply, Rukmini turned and walked towards her room with her head held high. When Rukmi tried to follow her Bhishmaka stopped him. Rukmi shouted she has insulted his friend and she would pay heavily for this. As his son walked away with the now angry Shishupal Bhishmaka sat on his throne heavily. He knew things were going to be difficult for Rukmini. A man whose ego was hurt won't sit quiet. He prayed fervently to Narayan to save his daughter.

"Krishna, have you heard about Princess of Vidharbha," asked Devaki to her son.

"Of course, mother who has not heard about Rukmini king Bhishmaka's daughter. The stories about her beauty, her grace, her valor is floating around," replied Krishna.

"Krishna don't lie to me you have heard only that much about Rukmini. Everyone in Mathura knows the princess is your admirer and many believe she loves you. I was thinking why don't I sent a proposal to Vidharbha asking Rukmini's hand in marriage for you. Then both your marriage and Balram's marriage can happen together right," asked Devaki.

"Mother just because everyone says that need not be the truth. First thing Vidharbha is a vassal kingdom of Magadha. If we sent a proposal, we will be putting Bhishmaka in a fix. If he accepts it Vidharbha will be treated enemy kingdom by Jarasandh and he will declare war. Do you want to put people of Vidharbha in risk just because people are telling Rukmini loves me? On the other hand, to save his kingdom from Jarasandh's wrath the king can refuse the proposal also. Then you are closing the door for Rukmini to be your daughter in law if its true that she loves me. So, mother for the time being you please concentrate on decorating Dwaraka and preparing for Balram Bhaiyya's wedding."

"Krishna, I will never understand you. But then its your choice. If you don't want the beautiful maiden then she will become queen of some other kingdom," mentioned Devaki in an annoying tone and stood up.

Krishna observed his mother's retreating figure. "Mother you will have Rukmini as your daughter in law. But you need to have some patience. This is not going to be a simple marriage. It's a marriage that's going to celebrate the right of a woman to choose. So, allow destiny to play her cards," mused Krishna and started playing the flute.

In Vidharbha Rukmini was seeing a beautiful dream. She was in an ethereal palace. As she walked around in that palace, she heard the flute music. She turned towards the direction from where the music was coming. She could see the backside of a man playing the flute. He was wearing a crown having peacock feather. He had a yellow robe. She slowly approached him but before she could see his face the dream was broken. Rukmini woke up and sat on her bed. As she thought about the dream her heart beat faster and she blushed profusely.