Kaal Chakra

21. पितृव्या

पितृव्या - Meaning paternal aunt

                              *******
Dwarka

Pratipada, Chaitra Shukla Paksha, 5000 BCE

"Lakshmi? Putri, what happened?" Devaki asked frantically as she rubbed the dark haired girl's cold hands. She exchanged a look with her co-wife who was patting their daughter's cheek to gain her attention for Lakshmi had gone as still as a statue.

"Lakshmi?" Rohini murmured close to her ear and slowly, she turned to look at her.

A single tear made its way down her cheek, leaving a glistening trail behind.
"My family," She choked out, "They are dead."

Upon hearing the painful confession, everyone fell into a shocked silence.
Satyabhama, who had previously shared her suspicion about the same, bowed her head in sadness. She had hoped that she was wrong.

"Oh putri." Devaki whispered, tugging her in her arms, coaxing her to rest her head on her shoulder.

"The..the last time I sang was about a year ago, just a month before they were killed in an accident. That day was the last time we celebrated as a family. When you mentioned singing, it automatically transported me to those memories." Lakshmi sobbed, pouring out her heart to them.

"Calm down, my sweet child," Rohini murmured, stroking her hair.

"I just miss them. And knowing that I won't be able to see them ever again makes it worse." The dark haired murmured in a small, childlike voice.

"अन्तकोSपि हि जन्तूनामन्तकालमुपेक्षते|
न कालनियमः कश्चिदुत्तमर्णस्य विद्यते||" Rohini said in a soothing voice, still caressing her head.

"Huh?"

(Translation - Only the God of Death can disregard or overlook the time of death of a living being, because there is no rule prescribed by Him to add more years to the life of a living being by way of a loan.)

"It means that everyone who is born on this Earth has come here for a fixed predetermined period of time. Yamadeva doesn't grant extra years beyond the time given." Devaki explained gently when she felt her straightening up in her embrace.

"You will get pass this." Assured a familiar voice from behind them.

Everyone turned to see Rukmini standing at the doorway, her moonlike face saddened but her eyes full of hope.

Seeing the comfort and affection that her new family were offering her, Lakshmi gently pulled out of Devaki's hug and wiped her eyes with her dupatta.

"I promise," She began, earnestly looking around, "That I will get past this. And from now on, I won't get sad when anybody mentions my family. In fact, I will smile and cherish their memories. I know that is what they would have wanted too. They would want me to be happy. And I know, they will always be there with me in spirit."

Even though she had arrived just two days ago, the royal family of Dwarka had formed an instant connection with her and now, they couldn't help but be proud of her.

"That's right. I promise, in fact all of us give you our word, that you will always be our daughter, a part of our family. Vasudevaatmaja, Devaki-Rohini suta, Yadavakumari Lakshmi. Our priya Chanchala." Rohini promised and Lakshmi felt a pleasant warmth blooming in her chest.

"Mata," She whispered gratefully, embracing Rohini tightly who smiled and put her arms around her, encasing her in maternal warmth.

"And this brother of yours promises to always protect you." Came a new voice and everyone swiveled around. The lord of Dwarka stood there, smiling sweetly and Lakshmi rushed to him.