Krishna! - Part 2

Chapter 17 - Jarasandha and Shishupal

Just before dawn the next day,

'Partha, we should get going now. All set?', asked Krishna, as he wore his Mohini robes, this time, all in red. And perfectly matching jewellery made of pearls and rubies.

'All set, Madhav! I am somehow very confident today. I remember how nervous I was yesterday when we left.', said Arjuna as he dressed up like Krishna.

'Good to hear that. But be careful, Shishupal and Matamaha Jarasandha would not leave any stone unturned to keep an eye on Rukmini and to notice if I am around.', winked Krishna.

'You're right. I'll be careful. Let's get going. We must be there to welcome the groom.', smirked Arjuna and the two of them left for the royal palace.

In the palace,

'Agraja, all the arrangements for the Saakharpuda are ready. Once Chhedi Yuvraj arrives, we can start.', said Rukmaratha, in the hall bustling with many people, relatives and servants taking care of the arrangements. Mohini and Sohini had already worked on most of the arrangements and were looking at the final touches. The entire hall was clearly that of a wedding. It was so brightly coloured.

Rukmi, looked around, his facial expression in approval of the well-made arrangements. He hoped that things would go as he had planned.

Just then, the attender announced,

'My Lord, Samrat Jarasandha and Chhedinaresh Damaghosha have arrived with Yuvaraj Shishupal and Maharani Shrutashravaa.',

Rukmi immediately left the hall along with Alankrita to welcome their guests.

The other brothers had by then arrived in the hall and fervently prayed for Krishna to quickly find a way to kidnap Rukmini.

At the main entrance,

Rukmi stood, in awe of the Samrat. The latter was a man of pride and strength and a wonderful king to his subjects. Almost twice as tall as Rukmini, he stood in appreciation of the arrangements made of the wedding. His muscular body wrapped well in a grand Dhoti and Angavastra and jewels made of Gold, the Emperor of Magadha shone in grandeur. He smartly brushed his moustache as he nodded his head in approval. With him came along the kind King of Chhedi, Damaghosha, who had already taken a great liking into Rukmi's family and had heartily accepted Rukmini as his daughter-in-law. His Queen, Maharani Shrutashravaa was a woman of peace and piety. She was fond of her son and wanted only the best for him. So much so that, she had begged her nephew, Krishna to spare a hundred mistakes of her son, before killing him, with the hope that her son would not reach a hundred mistakes.

And with them all, entered the would-be-groom, the crown prince of Chhedi, Shishupal. A man, engulfed in pride and haughtiness, all he saw in whatever he did, was just his gain. He was a handsome young lad, of a nice brown complexion, and a good height. He sported a moustache, occasionally twirling it smartly. He had curly hair, just like Krishna. He had a long face with a long nose that paved way for his moustache in one end and his eyes in the other. His eyes, however, did not seem friendly. They never smiled when he did. They seemed to harbour something vile in them. His arrogance saw no bounds and so was his anger. That day, however, he had decided to be kind.

Rukmi looked at Shishupal in awe, thinking, 'He's perfect to curb Rukmini's unwanted aspirations. He would teach her to be in place!'

Alankrita, however did not feel comfortable in his presence. She knew that the man could never keep Rukmini happy. She unwillingly came forward and welcomed all of them with the Arati plate, with a rueful smile. Maharaj Bheeshmaka and Maharani Shashirekha came forward and welcomed them all and escorted them inside the palace to their respective rooms. The ceremonies would begin soon.