Krishnaanuja: The Goddess Of Illusion (Editting)

Rukshna: Rukmini & Krishna

Flashback: Rukmini’s Story

Rukmini sat by the grand window of her chamber, her thoughts lost in the golden hues of the sunset. The soft breeze teased her long, flowing hair, creating a mesmerizing scene of tranquility. She gazed out, her mind wandering to the one who had captured her heart—the dark, radiant prince of Dwarka, Shri Krishna. Her heart ached to see him, to speak to him, to share her feelings.

Just then, the door creaked open, and a maid entered, bowing deeply.
"Rajkumari ki Jai ho. Rajkumari, the king has summoned you to his chamber," she announced respectfully.

Rukmini composed herself, her serene expression masking her racing thoughts. "Thank you. You may take your leave," she replied gracefully and made her way to her father’s chamber.

---

In the king’s chamber, her father, Bhishmaka, the ruler of Vidarbha, sat on a grand throne. His face lit up when he saw his daughter enter.
"Pranam, Pitashree," Rukmini greeted, bowing low.

"Ayushmati bhava, my dear daughter," he blessed, his voice warm and affectionate.

After a pause, he spoke again, "Putri, I have decided to arrange your Swayamvara. It will take place in four days."

Rukmini felt her cheeks flush. She lowered her gaze, unable to contain her joy. She knew exactly whom her heart desired, and the thought of Krishna filled her with hope.

Bhishmaka chuckled softly. "Hmm, I believe I know who resides in your heart. You love Shri Krishna, the king of Dwarka, do you not?"

Rukmini nodded shyly, her face glowing with the blush of young love.

However, their peaceful conversation was interrupted as the chamber doors flew open, and her elder brother, Rukmi, stormed in. His face was twisted with anger.

"No, Pitashree!" he exclaimed, his voice booming. "Rukmini cannot marry that so-called king. He’s nothing but a mere cowboy, an unworthy coward. How can someone like him be a match for my beautiful sister?"

"Rukmi, calm yourself," Bhishmaka tried to interject, but Rukmi continued, undeterred.

"I have already decided. Rukmini will marry Shishupala, the mighty prince of Chedi and a close ally of King Jarasandha. He is powerful and far more capable of being my sister’s husband," Rukmi declared and stormed out of the chamber, leaving a trail of tension behind him.

Rukmini’s heart sank. A lone tear escaped her eye as she stood frozen in place. Summoning her courage, she made her way to Rukmi’s chamber, determined to plead her case.

---

"Pranam, Bhratashree," Rukmini said, her voice trembling as she entered her brother’s chamber.

"Come, dear sister," Rukmi said with an unusual smile, his mood seeming calmer. "You’ve heard the good news, haven’t you? I have arranged your marriage with my dear friend Shishupala. He will make a fine husband for you."

"Bhratashree…" Rukmini hesitated, her heart pounding. "But… I… I wish to marry Prince Krishna."

Rukmi’s demeanor changed in an instant. His eyes blazed with fury as he slammed his fist on the table. "What did you just say?" he roared.

"I wish to marry Krishna, Bhratashree," Rukmini repeated, her voice barely audible, yet resolute.

"How dare you take his name in my presence!" Rukmi bellowed. "You will never marry that cowherd. Never! Do you understand?"

Before Rukmini could respond, Rukmi stormed out, leaving her shattered and alone. Tears streamed down her face as she returned to her chamber, her heart heavy with despair.

---

That night, under the soft glow of the moonlight, Rukmini made a decision. She sat down with a scroll and pen, pouring her heart into a letter addressed to Krishna. She wrote of her love, her plight, and her plea for him to come and save her.

The next morning, she handed the letter to her trusted sakhi, who immediately left for Dwarka.

In Dwarka, Krishna received the letter and smiled knowingly as he read Rukmini’s heartfelt words. Without hesitation, he prepared to leave for Vidarbha.

---

By dawn, Krishna had reached Vidarbha and made his way to the Gauri temple, where Rukmini was praying to Goddess Durga. He waited patiently, admiring her devotion from a distance. When she emerged from the temple, she was startled to see a chariot waiting for her, and on it stood Krishna himself, radiant and majestic.

Rukmini’s heart skipped a beat. She blushed deeply as she approached the chariot. Krishna extended his hand, and she took it, feeling a surge of warmth and reassurance.

"So, Devi," Krishna said with a playful smile, "do I have your permission to take you with me?"

Rukmini blushed even harder. "You seek my permission, Dwarkadhish?"

"Of course," Krishna replied. "After all, you summoned me here, didn’t you?"

"Then let’s go," she said softly, stepping onto the chariot.

---

As they traveled toward Dwarka, news of Rukmini’s departure reached Rukmi. Enraged, he swore to stop them. He gathered his forces and set out in pursuit.

Soon, Krishna and Rukmini saw a chariot approaching from the opposite direction. It was Rukmi.

"How dare you, cowherd!" Rukmi shouted as he approached. "How dare you elope with my sister!"

Krishna smiled calmly. "I did not elope with her. It was her wish that I take her with me."

"Enough!" Rukmi screamed. "If you want my sister, then prove your worth. Fight me, coward!"

Krishna sighed, taking up his weapons. Rukmi attacked with a volley of arrows, but Krishna easily deflected them with his Sudarshan Chakra. Within moments, the chakra immobilized Rukmi, tying him up in unbreakable bonds.

Krishna descended from his chariot, ready to strike Rukmi down, but Rukmini intervened.

"No, Dwarkadhish," she pleaded. "Please spare my brother. He is blinded by his pride and anger. Forgive him for my sake."

Krishna looked at Rukmini and smiled. "As you wish, Rukmini. He may live, but only because you asked."

With that, Krishna released Rukmi and continued his journey with Rukmini to Dwarka.

---

Flashback Ends

Subhadra listened intently as Rukmini concluded her story.

"So, that’s how Bhratashree eloped with you," Subhadra said, smiling.

Rukmini nodded, a soft blush coloring her cheeks.

Just then, Arjun entered the chamber, his presence commanding yet gentle. "I’m sorry, Bhabhishree," he said. "I didn’t realize you and Subhadra were here. I’ll leave."

As he turned to go, Subhadra instinctively reached out and caught his hand. The touch sent an electric jolt through both of them. Their eyes met, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still. They gazed at each other, their emotions unspoken but palpable.

Rukmini observed the scene with a mischievous smile. "Devarji," she said, breaking the silence, "if you both stand like this, what will people think?"

Embarrassed, Arjun and Subhadra quickly stepped away, their faces flushed.

"Anyway," Arjun said, regaining his composure, "I just came to inform you, Bhabhishree, that your pati parmeshwar is in his chamber, blushing like a bride. Tomorrow is his big day, after all. You’d better get ready to blush too, because none of us will spare you tomorrow!"

Rukmini laughed, her heart filled with joy. Subhadra joined in, her smile brighter than ever, as they all looked forward to the celebrations to come.

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