Krishnapriya Devashree

84. The Art of Distraction

"Shree!" Krishna cried, his voice filled with worry as he came running. 

Kneeling beside her, he cupped her face. 

It was burning hot. Her skin against his palm.

"Oh no, she's burning up! And her clothes are still wet," he muttered anxiously.

How long was she exposed to this cold....

Quickly, he removed his angavastra, detaching it from his shoulder and wrapping it around her shivering form.

Then, without wasting another moment, he gathered her in his arms and began to move swiftly. His only thought was to get her to safety and warmth. 

"Vasudev, wait!" Bheem called out from behind.

Her hair is still damp and she is shivering. Every moment counts. I need to get her to safety. I need to...

"Vasuddev I said wait," Bheem insisted as he caught up to him and gripped his shoulder in his strong hand. 

Krishna turned, his eyes frantic. "Bheem, I need to get her to safety. She's burning up!"

 "I saw her head hit pretty hard. We need to check for injuries or a concussion. Sahadev should take a look." Bheem's face was serious but calm.

Krishna hesitated, looking down at Devashree's pale face. He's right. I can't risk moving her further if she's hurt more seriously.

"Sahadev, check her," Krishna said, urgency still in his voice.

Sahadev nodded. "Yes, put her down, Bhrata Krishna. We need her to be awake."

Krishna gently laid Devashree down, her head resting carefully on his lap. He turned to Arjun, who had just arrived. "Parth, quickly bring some water."

Arjun dashed off to find water. 

Krishna cupped her face, his thumb brushing gently across her cheek. Her breathing was shallow and her skin pale beneath the wet clothes. "She must be so cold and exhausted," he murmured, brushing a damp strand of hair from her forehead.

Sahadev knelt on the other side, his practiced hands moving over her head to assess the injury, "There's a bump here, but it doesn't seem to be bleeding. She might have a concussion."

Krishna's eyes were filled with worry. "Will she be alright?"

Sahadev nodded. "She's severely dehydrated. We need to reduce the fever and keep her comfortable. 

Arjun returned quickly with a jug of water. Krishna took it and gently began to sprinkle some on Devashree's face, hoping to revive her while supporting her with his other hand.

"Shree, wake up," he murmured.

Devashree's eyes fluttered open, blurry and unfocused. 

Krishna breathed a sigh of relief. Thank the heavens...

"Swami..." she murmured, her eyelids heavy. "I want to sleep."

Those large expressive eyes were blinking up at him asking....begging for some semblance of relief.  

The pain and exhaustion in her gaze tore at his heart but what could he do? All you ask is a moment's peace, but I am sorry my love...I need you to fight a little longer.

Krishna gently stroked her hair, trying to keep her awake. "Sahadev, what can we do to help her right now?" he asked, his voice tinged with desperation.

"She needs rest and warmth. We need to get her dry and keep her comfortable. But first I must check something."

Devashree had already closed her eyes. I can see how tired you are, my love. Just hold on a little longer....Krishna lightly slapped her cheek.