Krishnatmika Rukmini

chapter 4 - Krishna

Note - Prisha's name has been changed to Mayurika

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As a prosperous and a famous king, Bhismaka's courts were often visited by travellers across Arya Varta, among which rishis, who impart sacred knowledge of Vedas to the world and sanyasis, who performs austerities and adopt asceticism, would be present. They would be there to ask for bhiksha and in return, they would pass on their wisdom and understanding of the world.

"Narayana Narayana"echoed throughout the court of Bhishmaka. There he was standing, the son of Brahmadev and Devi Saraswati, ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu, holding his khartal and tampura named Mahathi as usual, Devarshi Narada in all his glory.

Bhishmaka elated by the arrival of devarshi Narada stood up from his throne and bowed with respect. "Pranam Devarshi. Welcome to Vidarbha. We feel immensely blessed by your sudden arrival and godly presence."

"Narayana Narayana. It's my pleasure to come here too. Vidarbha is so popular today for its just rule and commercial influence. So, I, who roams this entirety of sansaar should come here too, right?"Narada said with a calm smile on his face.

Narada's words made Bhishmaka immensely happy. "Haha, it is our pleasure to serve you. I can't keep my guest standing. Come, let me take you inside."

Bhishmaka took Narada to a room specially made for guests.

"Rajkumari Rukmini ki jay. Devarshi Narada has arrived in the palace just now. Maharaj has asked for your presence there."A dasi said to Rukmini, with utter respect.

Rukmini who was watering the plants of the rose garden turned around with a humble smile on her face. It's been three years since her Matashree passed away and from then, she would spent most of her time in this huge garden, the garden which was dear to her Matashree. Tenting to the beautiful roses planted there gives her peace and makes her feel close to her Mother.

The stains of soil on her blue clothes were proof that she have taken time to yet again plant more saplings.

"Devarshi Narada? Such a sudden visit? I wonder why... I will be there soon."Dasi went from there.

"Rajkumari... You can't go there without changing your clothes."

"But, there is nothing wrong with this attire Mayurika. We can't make someone wait for us for something this silly."

"Nothing wrong with this attire?? Rajkumari, you just can't act like you're oblivious to those stains of dirt"Mayurika teasingly scolded Rukmini pointing to the brown colour embracing the bright blue of her clothes.

Rukmini chuckled at her dear sakhi who have already explained these things to her a thousand times. She simply didn't knew why she was so attracted to the beautiful wilderness surrounding her and never saw this soil on her clothes as an unwanted thing. She is part of the nature and the nature is part of her.

"I won't let you go from here unless and until you agree to change your clothes."

Rukmini sighed before her sakhi's stubbornness and succumbed to her wishes. They went to her room hand in hand. These 4 years have developed their friendship quite well. The shy and timid nature of their friendship have changed to the point where they were comfortable enough to literally share anything with each other.

As they reached the door, the noises behind the door became more vivid. Rukmini with her gentle hands gently pushed the door.

The moment Rukmini stepped in, chandrika dragged her and seated her infront of the big mirror.

"What's happening here? Why is there so much rush"Rukmini asked genuinely confused.

"Why wouldn't there be any rush? Devarshi Narada has arrived in the palace and wishes to meet everyone. You are our Rajkumari, Vaidarbhi of Vidarbha, our pride. You should be the best dressed"Charurekha said as she took the varieties of jewellery out.