Krishna Sahacharini: The Splendour of Dwaravati

Prologue

*The beginning of the Vaivasvata Manavantara*

The nurturing wave sounds of KrishnaPriyaa Kalindi combined with the bubbly sounds of the frothy Milk Ocean, echoing across Nitya Dvaraka in a melody that complimented the melody of Venudhaari. The ever present birds chirped, the peacocks danced in happiness, and the Sun shone warmly, the atmosphere ever gentle and pleasant. Everything was at a balance there, and every aspect of Prakriti beautifully combined together.

The representation of every nook and cranny of the Brahmanda was present in Vaikunta Dvaraka, which, being the Moksha Dhaama, bore every facet of the Universe. While the Loka was the very representation of the AshtabharyaKrishna as well as SarvaMahishi Krishna, the people in the Loka were all of Krishna's Divine associates, who would descend down when He Himself did, as Vraja Naayaka, MathuraPati and Dvarakdheesha.

It was to discuss this that Krishna and all His Mahishis were already assembled in their grove surrounded by Parijaata trees. On either side of the Lord sat Rukmini and Satyabhama, right under the shade of the Parijaata, while the other six moved around, collecting flowers and laying them at Krishna's feet, Kalindi and Mitravinda seating Themselves there, while Nagnajiti and Jambavati stood behind Krishna, Bhadra and Lakshmanaa also deciding to seat Themselves at His feet; Kalindi and Mitravinda shuffling to ensure space for Their co-wives. Yet, somehow, the entire representation was such that the AshtaMahishi were equidistant from Krishna, all giving equal space for one another to be with Him.

Krishna smiled mischievously, when all His wives looked at Him intently, waiting for Him to talk. Making it obvious that He wanted to tease Them, He pretended to seal His lips silent, causing all of Them to pout identically at the same time. Laughter left Him, and the grove was sanctified, the sound of His laugh so very sweet, that in the future, it would be termed as hasitam madhuram by a great Krishna devotee.

"Yes Priyathama?" asked Krishna, generally addressing all His wives, who smiled in Bliss hearing His voice.

"Swami, how do you want us to descend for this Leela?" questioned Lakshmanaa, an innocent expression on Her face, though Her eyes exchanged a subtle glance with Satyabhama.

Satyabhama, a small smile playing on Her lips seemed to mirror Her Natha's expression, which meant there was a Big Leela about to begin for the twenty eighth Dvapara Yuga, the plans already set in motion.

"Just as we are, shall always be, Priye." Krishna's eyes danced.

Lakshmanaa's breath caught at the light twinkle in His eyes as She too, saw what was to come.

At that, Kalindi, Her deep, cascading waves of dark hair so much like the River whose form She would be taking, whispered,

"PranaNatha, each journey of ours will teach the Brahmanda a different kind of love. And-"

"Yours," Mitravinda interrupted, Her eyes tearing, "will teach us all The patience. The patience that is needed for Love."

Mitravinda's arm found Kalindi's shoulders, wrapping around them in a soothing embrace, Kalindi leaning into it, knowing very well that this was something She'd miss.

The others, smiling tremulously, nodded Their agreement.

Jambavati, however, sensing the environment heat up a few degrees, thanks to the looming separation before Reunion, bumped Her elbow into Nagnajiti's waist playfully.

"And you, Nagnu, will get to Unite with Pranesha in not one but two forms, uh?" She winked.

Nagnajiti's answering blush was enough to send all Her Co-wives into knowing-smirks.

"Ahhhh, my Pinnai and Satya." Krishna sighed melodramatically, His obsidian curls dancing to the same rhythm as Kalindi's wavy tresses did.

"And that reminds me, Jambu," Satyabhama's lips curled in amusement, "That you and Natha, too, will have a Love story that transcends the Yuga."

Rukmini laughed, "Yes, Pitashree Jambavan is so eagerly waiting for you, already. But, Bhama-" she continued, throwing an innocent glance at Krishna, "You are one to say so. Especially if one considers all the twists and turns that Your story will take."

Satyabhama's grin was nothing short of challenge and joy.

Just as quickly though, Her smile disappeared, replaced by a frown.

"You'd be misunderstood, Swami." Satyabhama's voice was low, for She couldn't bear the thought of Her own father saying the words that were fated to be said. The words, that would eventually spur Their story into action. The words, that would rip Her heart to shreds.

Krishna idly picked up a Parijaata, from the clusters upon clusters of them gathered nearby.

Studying it closely, His lips a thin line, He then proceeded to tuck it into Satyabhama's braid.

"Bhamae," He murmured, "Ah, Bhamae." It was as though even the Lord of the Universes had nothing to say.

Satyabhama met Krishna's eyes, conversations flowing between Them with that single glance. Smiling, She picked up another stray Parijaata and handed it to Krishna.

"For Your Vaidarbhi as well, Swami," She said softly, face brighter than the Sun. Krishna smiled in love, and gently turned to Rukmini, who blushed softly and let Him tuck the flower in Her hair, right at the top of Her braid.

"This Leela too, my Lord?" asked Bhadra softly, speaking for the first time since They had convened for discussing Their descension.

"It is of utmost importance Priye," said Krishna softly, nodding. "It shows how much I love my wives, and how much a man must love his wife, rather."

Bhadra nodded, smiling softly, knowing Her marriage would be the one relatively free of twists and turns.

"Our marriage, my love," announced Krishna, His hand intertwined with Her soft Lotus petal one, "signifies the acceptance of the woman's choice, which is put forward by Her family, who have understood and accepted Her heart. When such a woman's hand is given, a man is blessed and Fortunate, for such a woman is in Herself MahaLakshmi, who chose the man, considering Him to be Her MahaVishnu."

Bhadra's seven co-wives laughed, before looking at Rukmini, who looked back at Them, focusing on Lakshmanaa and Mitravinda. The latter two blushed deeper and laughed, Krishna's laugh joining with Theirs, all understanding the meaning of the glances that had passed between each other.

After a few moments of comfortable silence and pure happiness, where all nine of Them soaked in the feeling of being with one another, Satyabhama once again spoke.

"Swami, where do we start?" asked Satyabhama softly.

"With the birth of Kalindi, of course."