Krishna - The Dark Lord of Dwaraka

Chapter 11 - Rukmini's Decision

The minute Rukmini saw her father, she knew something was wrong. Her father"s normally sparkling eyes were looking glazed. He had a vexed look in his eyes. With a thumping heart she asked her father slowly, "Father.What is it? Something is wrong!"
Bhishmaka saw his daughter and felt self pity raking through him. He had promised his daughter that she would marry the man of her dreams. Now....

Slowly, haltingly coaxed by the loving Rukmini, Bhishmaka told his daughter everything that Rukmi had told her.

Rukmini was aghast. Her brother had stooped so low and was planning to get her married even without her consent.

Rukmini had heard all about Sishupala. She would rather die than marry that man. How on earth could her brother even compare that excuse of a human being with her Krishna?

Bhishmaka looked unhappily at Rukmini. "I....I don't know what to do. I cannot stop your brother. " Bhishmaka looked helplessly at his daughter, tears in his eyes.

Rukmini shook her head and wiped her father's tears. "It is ok, father. It is really ok."

Bhishmaka looked at his daughter, who was looking at him with a steely look in her eyes. Bhishmaka saw a resolve of determination in her eyes. Bhishmaka looked at his daughter with sudden alarm. "What are you going to do?"

Rukmini smiled at her father. "The only thing which matters to me is that you approve of my choice. Leave the rest to me. "

"What are you going to do?" Bhishmaka whispered again.

Rukmini smiled at her father. "I am going to make sure I marry the man I love."

Bhishmaka was taken aback.

But only for a second. He smiled. He knew his daughter well. Once she had decided to do something, she would do it.....Happiness spread through him.

Rukmini fell at her father's feet.

*********

Rukmini sent for a local priest, who often came to their palace. He was a man of great discretion and her father  trusted him implicitly. He had seen Rukmini since she had been a child and Rukmini knew that he was totally trustworthy.

When the man arrived, Rukmini received him graciously.

"What is the matter, child? The man asked looking at the determined Rukmini.

Rukmini was looking upset. The man had never seen Rukmini like this.

"Sir, I want you to carry a message for me. I want you to carry it to Dwaraka. to the Dark Lord. To Krishna!" Rukmini said with a sudden smile. "You will find that Krishna receives everyone in his kingdom. So you will have no problem in meeting him face to face." Rukmini said with a sudden surety.

The man blinked, not understanding. Rukmini explained everything to the man, wasting no words.

With a smile in his lips, the man left for Dwaraka.