Krishna! - Part 2

Chapter 9 - What now?

That evening,

'Pitashree! Rukmini is getting better! I have spoken to the Royal Priest. He says precisely after two weeks is the Jyeshta Shukla Ekadashi, the perfect Muhurta for Rukmini and Shishupal to get married.', Rukmi ran into the court, yelling in happiness, as he held the horoscope in his hand.

Rukmaratha who was in the court gulped in horror. Maharaj Bheeshmaka and Maharani Shashirekha helplessly gave their assent for the wedding preparations.

'Ratha! Go and get our other brothers prepared. You have to speak to Rukmini I shall get this announced in the entire city!', said Rukmi, enthusiastically patting Rukmaratha's back.

'As you wish, Agraja.', said Rukmaratha with a faltering smile.

'You seem upset, Ratha! Are you not happy?', asked Rukmi looking at Rukmaratha.

'It is not what you think, Agraja. I am just sad that we will have to soon send-off Rukmini. This palace will be empty, without her.', he said with a sigh.

'You're right! Which is why I want her to go to a place where she is happy.', smiled Rukmi.

'Shishupal can never keep our sister happy, Agraja. He does not love our sister; he lusts after her. He is making a fool of you. I just wish you come back to your senses very soon!', sighed Rukmaratha and left to Rukmini's room.

The other brothers were there with her, and so was Kanika.

Rukmaratha could hear cheerful laughter that the room echoed. The news he was about to break would stop that all. Nothing could be more remorseful than that.

'Rakhma will soon be with Krishna! I still can't believe you fell for a man so great!', he heard Rukmamaali tease Rukmini.

'Sakha! I couldn't have been more blessed.', he heard Rukmini reply, shyly.

And he could not bear to spoil the mood. But he had to.

He walked in gravely.

Rukmini and her other brothers looked up as they were laughing and saw Rukmaratha walk into the room, in silence, shutting the door. He sat on the cushioned seat, quiet and serious. He did not bother flashing his normal chirpy smile at his siblings. He sat with his palms covering his mouth, elbows resting on his thighs, his eyebrow twitching and face sweaty.

Rukmini walked up to him.

'Jyeshta, are you alright? Why are you so grim?', she asked, placing her hand on his shoulders.

Rukmaratha just swallowed. He could not muster the courage to break his sister's heart.

'Rakhma! Just go and get him some of those delicious Puran Polis you made. We'll talk to him.', said Rukmakeshi, looking at Rukmini. Rukmini nodded and walked to the other end of the room.

'Jyeshta, what is it? Is it Agraja again? Rukmini?', asked Rukmabahu, with fear in his eyes.

Rukmaratha just meekly nodded his head. The other three looked at each other. Their worst fears were about to come true.

'Jyeshta, I'll break it to her.', said Rukmamaali.

'What do you have to break to me?', they heard her.

Rukmini walked back with a plate of Puran Polis and placed it in front of her brothers. They looked shamefaced. They hung their heads, unable to look her in the eye.

'Hmm, Shishupal is back in the story, isn't he?', she asked, raising one eyebrow.

How did she know? They looked at each other and at her, with fear and guilt.