Krishna! - Part 2

Chapter 22 - The big plan

'Okay! Emergency meeting!', Rukmini whispered loudly in her room. Her brothers were there and so was Kanika, serving them some snacks.

They looked at her in wonder, eyes filled with questions.

Rukmini quickly shut the door.

'I saw it in their eyes.', she panted.

'Saw what, Rakhma?', asked Rukmaratha. All the others joined around.

'Wait. Before that, Kanike, see if you can fetch Alankrita Bhratrjaya and Sohini Devi. We need to plan things', Rukmini said, sitting on the bed. And the rest of them followed suit. Kanika ran out of the room to do as Rukmini said.

'Okay, can you tell us what happened, Rakhma? We are getting really tensed!', said Rukmakeshi.

'Bhrata Keshi, let us wait till Bhratrjaya and Sohini Devi comes, please? I want to tell all of you together.', said Rukmini.

Just then, Kanika walked in with Arjun.

Rukmini's face lit up in joy as she saw Arjun. Arjun flashed his happiest smile at her and fell at her feet.

'Bhratrjaya, please forgive me, I could not greet you earlier!', he said.

'No no, Bhrata! I understand. And I am very glad I could finally meet you. I have heard so much about you and your valour.', she smiled as she made him stand up.

'Bhratrjaya, I know I might be older to you in age. But I want to be your younger brother. Please address me by name. It is a request.', said Arjun folding his hands.

'As you wish, Gaandivi!', Rukmini folded her hands in return.

'Rakhma can you tell us what the matter is? You said you saw something?', asked Rukmaratha.

'Ah okay. So I have a feeling Agraja and Samrat and mind you, even Yuvaraj Shishupal, know that Krishna is alive. I feel they even know that he's here in Kaundinyapuram. I don't know how they'll start their investigation. I think they are going to ensure extra tight security.', said Rukmini

All their faces became grave.

'Any ideas?', asked Rukmini looking at them all expectantly.

'Wait, let's go over tomorrow's agenda first. There will be a Pooja done for Shishupal tomorrow morning, during which Rakhma would have to go to Ambika Devi's temple. I think Krishna should come there.', said Rukmakeshi

'Bhrata Keshi, Madhav will have to be present at the Pooja for Shishupal. I heard Yuvaraj Rukmi tell him personally. If they don't find Madhav and me, suspicions will rise very easily. We'll need to find another back up for this.', said Arjun.

'Right. We have to somehow distract Agraja, Samrat and Yuvaraj Shishupal. That's when Krishna has to escape and head towards the Temple.', said Rukmabahu.

'Okay, we can do this. Krishna and Arjun have to leave in the pretext of accompanying Rukmini to the temple and then quietly change before the kidnapping. How about that?', asked Rukmamaali

'Hmm, good one. If Bhratrjaya Alankrita suggests this, there is no reason for Agraja, Samrat and Yuvaraj Shishupal to doubt anything suspicious.', said Rukmakeshi.

'That would be a little risky, but we don't have a choice! We'll find a way out tomorrow. And Rakhma, no matter what, tomorrow you better run away with Krishna! Is that clear?', urged Rukmaratha as he gently held Rukmini's face.

Rukmini smiled at him gratefully. Everyone was now ready for the big event tomorrow. The one kidnapping story in history, that would be celebrated for centuries to come!