After telling her story, she took a deep breath. Those memories were still alive within her, fresh in her mind. Meeting her, I understood how Krishna acts as a balm for those he loves. Initially, I felt jealous of Princess Shreya—she loved him so much, and they were soon to be wed, while all I received were his taunts. But truly, Krishna is beyond my understanding. He is as much mine as he is everyone’s. Just because he belongs to everyone doesn’t mean he’ll belong any less to me. It felt like a part of him resided with me, a piece that gave me a profound connection to him.
For the first time, I felt genuine joy for Princess Shreya. Holding her hand, I wished her all the best for her future. Like an old friend... Like my own Sakhi, I helped with her bridal preparations after that while we were discussing about marriage life. I wanted to give her a gift, something special, but I had nothing to offer that time. In the spirit of friendship, I removed a ring from my finger and handed it to her. I felt odd, gifting a wealthy princess something so personal and worn thing a second hand type of ..., It was embarrassing, but she pulled me into a warm embrace and accepted it without any shame . She was so genuine, so dear—a feeling of pride arose within me, knowing Krishna’s close ones held such beautiful souls... Now I get to know why all his lovers are so cute ... It''s because they all are reflection of his cuteness.
We talked endlessly, and time flew by unnoticed. In that world at that time, I didn’t feel like an outsider; it felt like I had been transported to a different era entirely and I belongs to here only ...I am not new here.
One thing became clear to me: no matter the century is, the essence of love always remains timeless. True love transcends ages; it is universal and eternal. Love will always remain love. Even if the meaning of love has changed in the 21st century, its essence—the true feeling of love—is timeless and ever-present. While many today may not value it, there will always be some who do, because when the Creator of the universe holds infinite love within, how could love ever disappear? Yes, sometimes we place our love in the wrong places, but love itself will never fade. When it finds the right path, it will blossom like a lotus in the mud, pure and immortal.
Eventually, a soldier came to inform me that my chariot awaited. I had just finished applying Shreya’s mehendi, engraving her beloved’s Swami name on her hand. She couldn’t accompany me outside due to the ceremony preparations, but she insisted on giving me parting royal gifts. I politely refused, promising that I wouldn’t decline next time.
As I exited the palace, I felt a strange lightness within me. A guard directed me to an old mango tree where my chariot was waiting. But upon reaching the spot, I found no one there. I turned to head back toward the palace, and got bump right into him—Krishna. His presence was so close; my forehead touched his chest. Embarrassed, I stepped back and shyly glanced at him.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.
“Why were you heading back?” he asked, feigning annoyance as he took a step away from me. “Didn’t I say I’d handle the arrangement of going back ? Or did you doubt my words that''s why you are going back?”
“It’s not that… I just feel a bit scared being alone,” I admitted, glancing at him.
Taking another step toward me and then he started walking continuously toward me, he held my gaze. “And when I’m with you… how do you feel? Are you scared of me too?”
The way he looked at me, so intensely, made my heart race. I tried diverting the conversation, mumbling by breaking the eye contact, “Perhaps we should leave… it’s getting dark.”
A subtle smile touched his lips as he listened to my words. Pointing toward the horse, he motioned for me to move forward. Walking alongside him, I told him about princess Shreya and how she was excited to meet you. When I asked why he hadn’t come to see her himself, he repeated, as he always did, that he couldn’t meet her until after the wedding as it his ritual in princess Shreya''s home that bride and groom can''t meet much before marriage and he is just following the rules .
We reached the horse, and he mounted it, placing me in front as he had did before also. The more I get to know about him, the more my heart start melting....... As we rode,in the middle of the way he suddenly leaned forward, resting his chin on my shoulder, his warm breath brushing against my neck. I was completely frozen, barely able to breathe. His hands, already near met ouching my elbows as he guided the horse through rope type thing, now I felt closer than ever it was a different moment..... but I was embarrassed out of suddenness, unsure of what to do, so I lowered my gaze and lean forward away from him. He pulled back his body away from me, by whispering into my ear, "Sorry..... I was just a little tired..... I’ll be more careful next time.” He didn’t come close again for the rest of the journey. Oddly, I felt regret. He had only leaned forward because he was tired, and yet I had overthought the moment that time.
When we arrived back at the palace, he accompanied me to my room, standing in silence as he looked at me with a intense gaze. To break the silence, I asked like a child, “You nevertold me about the unfinished , hidden faces type of girl paintings hanging here. Who are they of?”
His face grew serious as he replied, “More important than knowing who they are of.... you must know the fact.... that this is your last day here…I mean your last night......”
“What…?” I stammered, “But you said I had a month....!”
His face remained impassive. “You told me yesterday you wanted to go back. According to our agreement, I have no choice now.......”
I couldn’t find the words to beg him to let me stay. My heart wanted to fall to his feet and cry out for him to hold me back, but I felt too insignificant to ask. Was this truly our fate......? As I looked into his eyes, tears filled my own. I stared at him.... Passionately...., as if this is my last moment with him in this earth. Interrupting my thoughts, he gently placed his hand on my head patted on my hair and asked,
“So… are you ready.....? Ready to go back alone....? Or is there a last wish you’d like to share....?”
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A last wish?!! .... What should she ask ? Why he is playing these type of games .....!?