Krishna! - Part 2

Chapter 36 - Day 2 - Mid Morning

'Rukmini! Rukmini!', rang a voice. 

'Agrajaa?', Rukmini responded as she completed her morning chores. She had draped in a simple cotton Nauvari that she had brought from home, blue in colour. Revati walked in smiling. 

'My dearest, I have something for you.', said Revati and opened her palm. It had his letter. 

Smiling broadly Rukmini took the letter from Revati and requested for some privacy, which Revati gladly gave her and went out of the room. 

Rukmini sat on the couch, opened the letter with excitement pounding inside her. It read...

'Dearest Shree,

First of all! What a beautiful name to address me! I loved it! I know this means a lot to you because I have seen Bhratrjaya Alankrita addressing Bhrata Rukmi the same way. I am sure you also would have dreamt of doing that whenever you get married! I am so so happy to be addressed that way (She smiled involuntarily). But don't forget to call me Shyam, alright? I know I will be your husband, but I am also your best friend, remember? (She chuckled to herself).

Anyways, what do I say? I am so glad that you are here, with me. I could not have imagined anyone else to be my wife! (Not even Radha? How is that fair?). I know you're thinking about Radha. My dear, did you forget what I told you in Mathura? Radha was already married. I very hesitantly shared with her that I was supposed to marry someone called Rukmini and you should have seen her face. She was so happy and immediately said, Kanha, you better not hurt Rukmini ever. You have to take care of her like she is a delicate flower, when I know she is actually very strong. Can you believe that?! She actually said this, I swear! (Radha?? Did she really say this? Is she not upset with me? Am I this lucky to know someone like Radha exists in this world with such a pure heart that just knows how to accept and embrace? Oh Radha! I wish to meet you!). Knowing you I can say that you'd want to meet Radha, but not now. (Oh! Is she coming for the wedding?) Unfortunately she cannot make it to the wedding, she has something to attend to. But she has promised to visit soon and spend time with you. Don't worry she'll be spending very less time with me, haha! (I don't mind at all! Just being in her presence is more than enough, she seems to radiate so much positivity. I wish she could come for the wedding!).

I'm so glad you liked all of my family members. Bhratrjaya Revati is the sweetest person you can ever find. She loves me like her own son and protects me from Dau every time! (Haha! I know, she's such an angel! But what did poor Sankarshana do to deserve so much of trouble from you?) I'm glad you found so much solace in Mata Rohini and Mata Devaki! You must be missing Matoshree right? (Yes, I do miss her, I don't know when I would be able to see her). I know how that feels, it's hard. Staying away from your parents who brought you up with so much of love and care. (Shyam, isn't it hard for you too? To stay away from Yashoda Maiyya and Nanda Baba?). But don't worry, we'll meet them soon! I don't want you to feel bad or work yourself around this, alright? 

Let's get to my cousins! These guys are such fun people to be around. Let me tell you a little about them. You know about Arjun already. Satyaki is not actually a cousin, he's an ally. He's more of a family friend, but to me, he's a brother. (I can see that). He and Arjun actually train together these days, Arjun is assisting him in perfecting his sword-fighting skills. He loves to discuss and argue all day. Any topic, any time (Ohh! That sounds like a lot of fun!). Next, my most favourite cousin, that I am extremely fond of, Uddhav. (You wouldn't believe it, I felt like he is my child, not my brother-in-law). He is my Uncle Devabhaga's son. So we are all cousins, Dau, Subhadra, Pandavas, Uddhav and I. Uddhav is probably one of the softest souls you'd ever find. The way he treats you, you will not want to hurt him in any way. He is one of the most innocent people I've known. Not that innocent that people would take advantage of him, but you know what I mean. You feel protective about him (I know this feeling! I felt that pretty strongly for him).