Krishna! - Part 2

Chapter 7 - Breaking the news

At Kaundinyapuram,

'Pitashree, you called for me?', asked Rukmi, entering the Sabha, with Rukmaratha. Everyone was there, waiting for them both.

'Yes, my son. We should discuss a very important thing.', said Maharaj Bheeshmaka, inviting Rukmi to sit beside him.

'What is it, Pitashree?', asked Rukmi, sitting down. Rukmaratha went and stood with his siblings. He flashed at a look at them and understood by their expressions as to what their father was going to say.

'Rukmi, before you do or say anything, I want you to hear me out fully.', said Maharaj Bheeshmaka.

'Yes Pitashree! Is everything alright?', asked Rukmi, looking worriedly at his father.

'Rukmi, you were mentioning about Rukmini's wedding.', said Maharaj Bheeshmaka.

'Ah yes! I completely forgot about it! I was saying, we should plan it soon. She has come of age.', said Rukmi excitedly.

'Son, our Rakhma is our heart. She has to be happy and she deserves the best in life, with respect everything. I am sure you would agree with me on this.', said Maharaj Bheeshmaka calmly, while the others watched with bated breaths. The dreaded moment was to come soon.

'Of course, Pitashree! Rukmini deserves the best!', smiled Rukmi.

'But we don't think it is Shishupal who would be the best for her. ', said Maharaj Bheeshmaka, calmly.

'Not Shishupal? Someone better? Who is it? ', Rukmi's eyes were wide.

'Gopal', Maharaj Bheeshmaka

'Gopal? What a wonderful name! Who is he? Is he the prince of a big kingdom that we're not yet aware of?', exclaimed Rukmi.

'Rukmi, he's the prince of Mathura!', finished Maharaj Bheeshmaka.

And Rukmi's face turned Red. Angered, he thundered!

'Pitashree! I will not give away my sister in marriage to a thief, a murderer, and a womanizer!!!' And the others knew that he would now not sleep in peace.

'How can you think of Krishna like that, son? ', asked Maharani Shashirekha

'Matoshree!?!? You too? I didn't know you wanted your little girl to fall into a trap and marry that wretch!', Rukmi was shocked.

'Rukmi! Our Rukmini loves him! ', said Maharaj Bheeshmaka, plain and straight.

Rukmi lost his footing! Rukmini loved his nemesis? And she didn't bother to tell him!

'Rukmini!!', he looked at her. She bit her lip, understanding that her brother was going to tear her hopes into pieces. Else, he never called her Rukmini.

'Agraja!', she said meekly, not looking up at his angry face. The rest of her siblings didn't dare oppose him now.

Rukmi calmed down, took a deep breath, looking at how scared Rukmini looked. She was almost trembling in fear.

'You are innocent Rakhma! It's not your fault that you fell in love with him. But he's a trickster. He'll surely use you for something big. He likes so many women. You will never be important for him.', He told her gently, holding her shoulders.

'Agraja, that's the same case with Shishupal. He will surely marry again. I know him', said Rukmini, deciding that it's now or never.

Rukmi was taken aback. He never expected Rukmini to speak to him that way.