Krishnapriya Devashree

51. Disaster again

A month had passed since the citizens of Dwarka had begun the arduous task of rebuilding their city.

Under the guidance of Krishna and the steady support of the royal family, the streets slowly started to regain their former glory, the sounds of construction filling the air every day.

During this time of rebuilding, a messenger arrived from Panchal, bearing an ornately decorated scroll sealed with the royal insignia of King Drupad. The palace courtyard quieted as the messenger was escorted to Krishna, who was overseeing the distribution of materials at the site of a new public hall.

Krishna accepted the scroll with his dust-streaked hands stained with mortar, breaking the seal to read the contents aloud to those gathered around him, including Balram, Akrur, and nearby workers who paused in their labors to listen.

"King Drupad of Panchal invites me to a grand yagya sacrifice," Krishna announced, his voice echoing slightly off the stone walls. "It seems to be a significant event, scheduled to be held in a few months."

Balram wiped the sweat from his brow with the back of his hand. "It's an important alliance, Kanha. But with everything going on here..."

Krishna nodded, his gaze sweeping over the bustling construction site. "Indeed, dau. The timing is less than ideal. Dwarka still needs much work, and my place is here with our people."

It was then that Devashree approached, having overheard the conversation as she coordinated with a group of architects.

"Swami," she began, her voice firm yet encouraging, "you should consider going to Panchal. The yagya is a significant political event. It would serve as a good gesture of diplomacy and strengthen our ties with Panchal."

Krishna looked at her, torn between his responsibilities in Dwarka and the opportunity to support an ally.

"I'm reluctant to leave when so much remains to be done. Perhaps I should send a representative instead?"

Devashree shook her head slightly, a small smile playing on her lips.

"You are more than just our leader; you are a symbol of Dwarka's strength and resilience. Your presence at the yagya would send a powerful message to our allies and to our own people-that Dwarka, even in recovery, stands strong and dignified."

Seeing the wisdom in her words, Krishna sighed, his decision made. "If you believe I should go, Devashree, then I will. But I do so knowing that Dwarka remains strong under your vigilant watch."

"I will ensure everything continues as planned, Natha. Our people are determined and spirited; they'll continue to rebuild, knowing their king represents them proudly abroad," Devashree assured him, her hand resting briefly on his arm in a gesture of support.

Under the soft glow of the moon, the makeshift bedroom in the temporary quarters of the palace offered a modest respite for Krishna and Devashree.

While much of Dwarka still lay in the grip of reconstruction, the royal couple had insisted on living in conditions no better than those of their citizens. The room was sparsely furnished, with just the essentials, mirroring the city's current state of simplicity and renewal.

Devashree stood by the window, her silhouette framed against the backdrop of the moonlit sky, her eyes tracing the outlines of the newly erected structures that dotted the landscape. The quiet of the night was a stark contrast to the day's noise of construction, giving her a moment of peace to reflect on the progress and the journey ahead.

Krishna noticed Devashree's contemplative figure by the window as he came into the room.

Silently, he approached her from behind, his presence a comforting warmth in the cool night air. Wrapping his arms gently around her waist, he rested his chin on her shoulder, whispering affectionately, "Why don't you come with me to the yagya in Panchal? It would be a wonderful break for you, away from all this."