The break time being that of one Prahara, there was enough time to go back home, eat, get some rest and go back to the amphitheatre, refreshed. As they went back to their respective homes, Sunanda, Kanika and Jayant walked ahead, while Shree lingered a little.
"What is it that Shyam wanted to ask me? I think he might have figured out that I lied about my fear. I just hope he doesn't ask me about that!", thought Shree, unable to imagine herself answering Krishna's questions. And as she entered Jayant's house, she found the three of them waiting, with a letter in their hand, looking a little grave.
"What happened?, asked Shree, fearing that something horrible had happened.
"Shree, another letter from your brother, (Jayant paused gulping down). And...", he paused again unable to say it.
"And?", she asked, fearing the worst.
"Read it yourself", he replied, dazed.
Shree took the letter, opened it and began to read it.
"Dear Anujaa,
This is to inform you that I would be coming over to your friend's place this evening to bless them. Don't worry I will not ask you to come with me. You can stay with your friends tonight. But tomorrow, I would like you to come dressed in your true attire, before the final leg of the ceremony. Just before the ceremony ends, Maharaja Kamsa will announce your true identity in front of all the citizens. Don't refuse, my dear. I know you are not comfortable with this, but is what Maharaja Kamsa wants. He wants to bless you in front of everyone.
Blessings to you,
Your Agraja
Ru..."
Shree couldn't finish the letter. She just dropped it, losing balance of herself, she just fainted.
The others rushed to her, trying to help her come conscious. Kanika sprinkled water on her face and she came back to consciousness, holding her head, her heart dreading nothing else but Shyam's reaction when he would get to know who she was really.
She said nothing, just walked into her room and shut the door, worrying the other three. They banged at her door, afraid that she would take some wrong. She wrote something on a piece of paper, slipping it out of the door.
It read,
"Don't worry about me. I just need some time to analyse what is happening to me. Don't fear, I won't take any wrong step. Otherwise, how will I meet Krishna? I promise I will come out on time, before the break gets over, to reach the amphitheatre on time!"
Reading that, the three felt relieved.
And as promised, Shree came out, after having thought a lot. She seemed to have got clarity of what to do about the next day.
"Shree! What would you do about tomorrow?", asked Kanika, nervously, gently holding Shree's hand.
"Kanike, I think the best thing to do in this situation is simply accept what is written in there. I have to come out of my discomfort. I will dress up the way I do in Vidarbha and come in front of the citizens. Let people think whatever they want.", she said with determination.
"I am very proud of you Shree! It is very brave of you to do this. My blessings will always be with you", exclaimed Jayant, proudly, placing his hand on her head.
"Thank you Aavuttah! With a brother-in-law like you, I can do anything.", Shree smiled, breathing deeply.
"But Shree, Shyam?", asked Sunanda, unable to fathom how heartbroken he would be.
YOU ARE READING
Krishna!
Historical FictionA young woman falls in love with a man, just by hearing about him. She has never seen him. A young man falls in love with a young woman he sees for the first time, while he knows he is destined to wed someone else. Both of them meet each other and b...
