~ Sub-series 2 of Krishneshvari Vaasudeva mega series ~
"My every pore consists of the names of you both and your own selves," Krishna said softly, looking at Rukmini and Satyabhama, both like the gentlest of moons, emanating silvery rays of hope an...
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Mathura
The voice was that of Kritavarma's, which made Krishna sigh suddenly. He had expected something like this to happen, and it did. Though sooner than what was even warranted, but with Kritavarma's sometimes erratic behaviour to Satyabhama, it was not a surprise. Nor was his behaviour with Her welcome, very clearly, if Krishna read Satyabhama's miniscule shift of expression correctly.
Krishna knew that Satyabhama could hold Her own. Even with the little She spoke, it was clear that She thought before speaking, and had learned the language of mridhubhasha from Guru Garga. Or was it ingrained in Her? Her few words the other day at the Sabha had also told Him that She had no want for talking a lot either. She was well aware that She could express Her thoughts in short phrases and yet stunning clarity.
"Kritavarma," Balarama boomed, His handsome face not showing His emotions and yet His displeasure clearly broadcasted, very much on purpose, Krishna knew.
"Yes Rauhineya?" Krishna knew Balarama's interference was expected, but Kritavarma was clearly not happy with this situation, which is alarming, at any rate.
"Saatraajiti has just started Her Kalaa Pradarshana," Balarama said firmly. "As is tradition, Guru Garga will tell Her what to do next. I would suggest you be patient till then."
Krishna smiled to Himself when He saw Satyabhama bloom with soft happiness at Balarama's words, Her eyes showing a lot of sisterly love towards Balarama, which only softened His point of view when He looked at Her. Anyone who respected His elder brother and considered His words as important to them were automatically dearest to Him. It could not be any other way.
"Gurudeva, it is your call what Saatraajiti shows us next," Balarama looked at Garga, who smiled softly before turning to his student, saying, "Putri, please show everyone your proficiency in Daivastras."
"As you wish, Gurudeva," She bowed down to him and closed Her eyes for a moment, before opening them and starting to release Astra after Astra, as if it were but nature to Her. Krishna watched Her keenly, His eyes taking in the form that emanated from Her, one He believed only very few could see. Her skin was dark, much like His, though with both green and brown tinges to it. Her clothes were an auspicious red, Her hair in a long plait, shimmering as if stars got their light from it, Parijaata and Lotus flowers intertwined to decorate the waves that were clear despite the plait. Her hair swished around Her, as She took aim and released arrow after arrow, when multiple arms sprouted from Her, each holding a weapon. She was the epitome of Aadi Shakti, of HariPraananaayika, in the form of BhuLakshmi, the One who bore the Universe.
"Vishvambharae," He whispered to Himself, His very self seeming to emanate His own Tattvam, knowing that it was very much a reaction to Her movement. He knew She had not realized entirely that She was emanating a form beyond the understanding of most, and yet, this form was dear to Him as well.
How can it not be?
Even as He mused so, She finished Her Kalaa Pradarshana of dhanurvidya. She was definitely beyond everything, a fierce Protector in the form of a young woman. Her skin, as dark as His, held a golden haze, one that made Her seem golden. Sometimes, Her skin looked as if it was burnished gold.
He smiled quietly to Himself, knowing She was indeed who He knew She was.
"Putrika, grab your spear and show everyone your proficiency in vel yuddham," called out Guru Garga.
Satyabhama followed Her Guru's advice and started with the basics, flourishing heavily as She progressed further with the movements, Her entire body obeying Her will. Krishna was very impressed, in all honesty, at how good She truly was. She had taken to listening to Her Guru, following his advice, and had become an expert beyond the entire Yadava Sena. This was also seen in the confidence Her father and siblings had in Her, and it was truly a delight to see such warmth, affection and support in any relationship.
If every family supported their children the way His and Saatraajiti's families respectively did, the world would be a much better place. Many major problems will get solved.
Satyabhama's brilliance seemed to resonate with the people, who watched Her eagerly and with pure delight. This made Krishna delighted. If the people supported Her, integrating Her into the army would be easier than ever, and this would open avenues for all women. It was clear that Satyabhama was the kind to start something and lead, which can only help the vast Brahmanda.
Krishna smiled to Himself, deciding that when His little sister Subhadra grew up, He would request Satyabhama to teach Her along with Taara. He watched as Satyabhama finished Her vel yuddham, after reaching the most advanced stage. He wondered, would She also be showing Her talent in gadha yuddham?
Just as He thought so, Guru Garga announced that Satyabhama would now display Her knowledge on gadha yuddham, which caused an uproar, mainly from the two Hardikeyas. Krishna frowned minutely. They had been protesting since the day Satyabhama had come to the court with Her father and eldest brother. He would have to discuss this with His father, before He could take a call on how to deal with their unruly behaviour.
Satyabhama seemed to pray for a moment, before grabbing a gadha and starting to twirl it with an ease that even grown men sometimes found difficult. Krishna could not help the small smile He gave, awed by Her skill, and seeing Her wield it as Dasabhuja MahaLakshmi, only known to His eyes, was even more of a treat.
She had finished displaying Her skills in all warfare aspects, and had already earned a spot in the Sena. However, He knew the tests She faced were nowhere near over. But She had crossed this obstacle with brilliant success, and He was glad.
His Matamaha seemed to have the same idea, when he got up to make an announcement, one Krishna knew would include Satyabhama in the army and set a new precedent for all Yadava women, and maybe, eventually, women in all Kingdoms, across the Brahmanda.
"Putri Satyabhama, your knowledge, skills and proficiency were never in question. Yet to appease those who contested your entry into the Yadava army, you withstood tests and proved yourself. As the King, I would be delighted to have you in the Sena, as would Balarama and Krishna, who lead the army. Now, I request the people of Mathura to make their choice as well, thus proving their confidence in you to dissenters, and make your welcome into the Sena as official."
Needless to say, the people of Mathura were delighted to show their welcome of Satyabhama as one of their protectors, which made Krishna smile. He turned to His brother, who nodded with the same happiness.
They were one step closer to integrating women into the army.
*****
NOT EDITED.
This chapter does not have as many details as a Kalaa Pradarshana usually would for very specific reasons, which will be revealed as the book goes on. Hope you all liked this chapter!
