The Rajasuya Yajna drew to a successful close and the guests and dignitaries settled down to partake in the grand feast.
Krishna and Devashree sat side by side at the head of the gathering, with the Pandav brothers and Panchali. Baby Pradyumna had fallen asleep in his mother's arms with his tiny fists curled against her chest as she gently rocked him.
Seeing this Draupadi made her way to them.
"Devashree," she said, "Pradyumna has fallen asleep. Why don't you take him inside? It's warmer there and the noise here might disturb his rest."
Devashree shook her head softly. "Thank you, Panchali, but I want him here with me. He sleeps best in my arms. Besides, with Swami here, I feel this is the safest place for him"
"Safe, perhaps. But restful? Look at him—he's shifting already. It's too crowded, Devashree."
Krishna chuckled. "Let her be, Sakhi. A mother's arms are the most restful place for any child. Isn't that right, Devashree?" His gaze softened as he looked at her.
"Yes," Devashree whispered, glancing at Krishna. "No palace chamber or silk cradle can match the comfort of a mother's embrace."
There was a very distinct glint in his wife's eyes which made Krishna narrow his own. But before he could respond, Draupadi interrupted.
"You both are impossible." She turned to Krishna with exasperation. "And you Sakha—always indulging her whims."
Krishna grinned. "Indulgence, my dear Sakhi is merely another form of devotion."
The feast came to a close, the kings began rising one by one. "Pranipat, Maharaj," said King Virata, bowing. "May your reign be blessed with peace."
"Thank you, Virata ji," Yudhishthir replied warmly.
One after another, the guests departed.
"Madhav, why don't we all visit the gardens? The sunlight is perfect today, and they look enchanting at this hour."
"A wonderful idea, Parth. Devashree, would you like to come?"
"I'd love to," she replied softly, carefully adjusting Pradyumna in her arms.
Yudhishthir rose, gesturing for everyone to follow. "Come, Duryodhan, you too. The gardens of Indraprastha are a sight to behold."
Duryodhan hesitated but then nodded curtly. "Very well, Samrat."
The group made their way through the corridors of the grand palace. As they approached the sabha hall, the sheer magnificence of it left many speechless. Duryodhan's eyes widened. The floor was flawless like marble.
"Is this water?" he muttered.
Krishna and Arjun exchanged amused glances but remained silent.
Determined not to embarrass himself, Duryodhan hitched up his robes and stepped forward.
Seeing the Crown Prince of Kuru in such a deluded mind, the servants burst into laughter but then hastily covered their mouths as they tried to stifle their mirth.
"Bhrata Duryodhan, what are you doing?" Arjun finally asked.
Duryodhan straightened abruptly and his face flushed with humiliation. He realized too late that there was no water—just the gleaming floor made out of pure crystal. His fists clenched at his sides as he shot a glare at the servants, who quickly averted their eyes.
"Nothing!" He said gruffly and carried on walking in the gardens. All the other followed behind.
The gardens were indeed beautiful. The scent of blooming jasmine and roses filled the air with peacocks strutting gracefully on the lawns.
YOU ARE READING
Krishnapriya Devashree
Fanfiction🥇in lakshmi🥇in laxminarayan.. In Vaikuntha she is Narayan's Sri; on Prithvilok, she is Krishna's Devashree Call them Krishna and Devashree or Narayan and Lakshmi; both are as eternal as time. Experience their joy and pain by accompanying them in t...
