Duryodhana and the five arrows of Bhishma - Part 1 of 3

Duryodhana looked around his court with glee…The Pandavas were gone....Deprived of their kingdom, now forced to live in forest struggling for existence….Duryodhana was really happy, for he had always hated the Pandavas…right from the time the sages had brought the five fatherless Pandavas from the forest to Hastinapur. He never liked them….Probably Duryodhana, even at that young age realized that the Pandavas were going to be his worst enemies…

Duryodhana was not in favour of granting the wretched Pandavas any land…But his father, the blind King Dhirdarashtra, bowing to people’s wishes had given the Pandavas a portion of the land in Khadavaprasta as their own to rule….Duryodhana had manipulated his father in such a way that Dhirdarashtra gave some portions of waste lands in the country to the Pandavas. Duryodhana sighed as he thought about how it had failed to stop the Pandavas. The Pandavas had developed Khandavaprasta to be the finest kingdom inhabited by prosperous and hard working citizens [Khandavaprasta was renamed Indraprastha] And to add fuel to fire, Yudhishtara had conducted the greatest yagna to showcase the power and prosperity of his kingdom….

Duryodhana burned with jealousy and with the connivance of his uncle Shakuni invited the ‘noble’ Yudhishtara for a game of dice. Duryodhana could not believe exactly how much of a fool Yudhishtara was….Shakuni was a master in the game of dice and this was known to all….Yet Yudhishtara had agreed to play the game and the outcome was no surprise..Yudhishtara lost….lost everything in the game….everything from his kingdom to his brothers and….even Draupadi….

Duryodhana was almost scared when Draupadi argued brilliantly in the court and got back everything that Yudhishtara lost in the game of dice. Only Durodhana’s tactics of inviting Yudhishtara to another game of dice saved the day for him. Because Duryodhana was sure, if the Pandavas ever got a chance they would not settle for anything but war….Not that Duryodhana was against war…He welcomed it….But he did not want the war now….Not just yet…He had to gather more allies and when he fought the war….he did not want to just defeat the Pandavas, he wanted to vanquish them….Make sure they never raised their heads again….

As he was sitting in the court thinking these things, Duryodhana saw his brother Dushasana and Karna come inside the court. Duryodhana smiled subconsciously as he looked at Karna. Duryodhana could not explain to anyone, not even to himself but somehow looking at Karna made him feel complete. True, Dushasana was his own brother and Karna was just a friend…. But deep down, Duryodhana realized that Karna was a part of him. When Duryodhana saw Karna he did not see the son of a charioteer, he saw a noble man….a good king who was capable of great things. A man who would stand by him even at the worst of times. Duryodhana realized with sudden clarity that Karna was the one person he relied on implicitly….he would do anything for Karna….Duryodhana also knew that Karna thought the same about him…

Even as Karna was looking quietly, Dushasana laughed. ‘Brother’ he said his eyes glinting with pride… ‘I am almost feeling giddy with joy’. I cannot believe that the Pandavas are gone….’ Shakuni, Duryodhana’s uncle also entered the court. He spoke with a crooked smile. ‘Yes! Imagine, the great king who had conducted the Rajasuya yagna, is now in the forest….wearing clothes made of tree bark instead of finery, like us…’ Shakuni said with a hint of pride…He had been directly responsible for the downfall of the Pandavas and he was proud of it…

Duryodhana looked at Dushasana and Shakuni, ‘The great Panchali the wife of the Pandavas must be slaving in the forest, while my queens here live in luxury….’ Duryodhana’s eyes suddenly glinted, ‘I say.. why don’t we conduct a Ghosha yatra?’ All eyes turned to Duryodhana. A ghosha yatra was undertaken by the sovereign or someone under him, whereby they went to any place in the kingdom for inspection and checked all the cows and other property in the place to make sure everything was fine in that part of the kingdom.

Dushasana looked mystified. ‘Why do you want to undertake a ghosha yatra now?’ Shakuni also was equally mystified at the sudden change of topic by his nephew. Karna looked at Duryodhana and said quietly. ‘Which part of the kingdom do you want to undertake a ghosha yatra to, my king?’

Duryodhana’s face lit up. He knew Karna would understand. ‘I was thinking of going to the area near the place where the Pandavas are at present staying….’ Shakuni nodded his head finally understanding. His nephew wanted to see the Pandavas suffer in the forest… 

Duryodhana saw Karna looking at him as if he did not approve of the plan. But then Duryodhana was not surprised. Karna the king of Anga, was a noble man…. He did not do cheap things like showing off wealth…or watch others in distress to derive pleasure from it…. 

But then Duryodhana also knew that Karna would not protest against his decision. He would go along with his wishes..

Shakuni slyly suggested. ‘Why don’t you take your queens with you? I am sure they would also like the travel….I am sure they would travel with all their finery…..’ Duryodhana nodded his head liking this plan more and more.

So soon all preparations were made for Duryodhana’s Ghosha yatra. His queens were also taken along. Dushasana, Karna and Shakuni accompanied Duryodhana….

Duryodhana set camp near the river. Through his spies he knew well that the Pandavas were in the forest near the river. He set up a huge camp, with all the finery right then and there. He knew he would see the Pandavas eventually. This was the only river in the area, so the Pandavas would definitely come there….

After setting up camp, Duryodhana eyed the river…The waters from the river looked remarkably cool after the hot journey. He decided to go for a swim in the water and enjoy himself….He sent his men to scout the river for any enemies before going for the swim….

The two soldiers whom he had sent came back after a long time and came back looking badly scared. ‘What happened?’ Duryodhana asked looking surprised.

‘Gan…gandharvas sir!’ One of the soldiers said trembling a little.

Karna came inside Duryodhana’s camp. ‘What gandharvas?’ He asked.

‘Sir, when we went a little further down the river, we saw a group of gandharvas….we asked the gandharvas to vacate the place….because you were here…..’ The soldier trembled a little unable to go on…

‘WHAT HAPPENED?’ Duryodhana asked his voice raising an octave, his anger building up.

The other guard spoke. ‘The gandharvas laughed at us sir!’ The soldier looked mortified even speaking to Duryodhana who had turned beet red in anger.

‘WHAT?’ Duryodhana shouted again. Some foolish Gandharvas had the audacity to laugh at him….Him, the prince of Hastinapur….They had to be taught a lesson for such behaviour…

‘What happened then?’ Karna asked quietly. Dushasana also came inside the camp hearing his brother’s shout.

‘The gandharvas asked us to vacate the place sir….or….’ The soldier wisely stopped from continuing the sentence. A vein in Duryodhana’s neck pulsed….The last thing anybody wanted was Duryodhana to get angry….The prince’s anger was legendary.

‘Or else what…?’ Dushasana asked looking as angry as his brother.  

Unable to evade an answer, the soldier spoke in a soft voice, ‘They said they were going to come and drive away all of us….’

Duryodhana did not say anything. He did not need to….Karna had already gone out to give orders to the men to organise and prepare for battle. Duryodhana was scarcely aware of how he had gotten his army ready for battle…the words of the gandharva repeating again and again in his mind….

And so Duryodhana and his men marched towards the Gandharvas….To his left was Karna and behind him was the might of the Hastinapur army. The gandharvas hearing the conch of battle came forward. Duryodhana saw red when he saw the gandharvas not looking any way scared. They in fact had the audacity to laugh at him….

Duryodhana and the five arrows of Bhishma - Part 2 of 3

King Chitrasena, leader of the gandharvas was elated to hear the conch... everything was proceeding exactly as per the plan…. He was here on a purpose.

Gandharvas were not from this planet. They were heavenly beings, far stronger, more powerful and much faster than humans. Most of the gandharvas were interested in dancing and singing and arts in general. That was the reason humans dismissed gandharvas as singing people of the heavens. Humans never understood exactly how ferocious a gandharva could be in battle….

Chitrasena still remembered with joy when Arjuna, the third Pandava had come to the heavens. Arjuna had performed a great penance and even won the Pashupatastra from the three eyed blue God – Shiva. Arjuna had also come to the heavens to help Indra [Indra was the biological father of Arjuna] fight the Nivatakavachas and the Kalakeyas.

Chitrasena had been much impressed with Arjuna. After winning the battle against the Nivatakavachas and the Kalakeyas, Arjuna had stayed behind in the heavens. There Chitrasena himself had taught Arjuna the art of dancing and singing. Chitrasena was amazed.. Arjuna learned singing and dancing with the same fervor and passion that he did everything else…..Arjuna soon became a master in the arts…as good as Chitrasena himself. Chitrasena loved Arjuna like his own son….

Chitrasena’s thoughts flew back to the previous day, when Indra had come to see him. Indra was looking angry. ‘That vile Duryodhana….he just cannot leave the Pandavas in peace….’ Chitrasena had followed the destiny of the Pandavas and was feeling sad that decent people like the Pandavas had to undergo so much hardship. He bowed to Indra. ‘Is there anything you want me to do?’

Indra nodded. ‘Yes…’ Indra explained to Chitrasena what Duryodhana had planned and Chitrasena grew more and more angry as he listened. ‘I want you to go to the forest near the river and make sure that Duryodhana never tries to mess with my son anymore!’ Chitrasena nodded his head and left with his men to the forests.

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Now looking at the Kaurava army, Chitrasena realized that the Kauravas had played right into his hands. Duryodhana wanted battle. Chitrasena looked at his men and back at Duryodhana….It was going to be a very short battle and one that Duryodhana would never forget….

Karna gave the sign for the attack to begin. The Kaurava army advanced….They were surprised to see a quick blur come straight towards them….Wherever the blur hit the Kaurava troops it was followed by screams of the Kaurava soldiers….Duryodhana watched in panic as the well-trained Kaurava troops were systematically being decimated by Chitrasena and his men…. Karna was fighting the gandharvas in a remote corner and soon went out of sight…In a short while the Kaurava army was reduced to rubble….

Duryodhana was staring in disbelief as a tall gandharva came forward with his men and captured Dushasana, himself and all his queens and took them prisoners….

Chitrasena spoke to Duryodhana in anger. ‘You came here to show-off did you not?…’ Chitrasena looked at the downcast Duryodhana and smiled to himself leaving the Kaurava prince in the prison….

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Meanwhile two Kaurava soldiers who had escaped the massacre ran helter-skelter. They knew that the Pandavas were nearby….The two soldiers almost stumbled into the Pandava’s hermitage where Yudhishtara came forward to meet them.

Yudhishtara calmly noticed the uniforms of the Kaurava soldiers and their panic.

The guards panted out. ‘Kaurava forces destroyed by gandharvas….Duryodhana taken prisoner….’ The soldiers took a deep breath….’Please help!’ They said looking desperately at the Pandavas.

Predictably it was Bheema who broke out in a derisive laugh, ‘Help? Who should we help? We ought to reward the gandharvas for helping us!’ He looked at his brothers. ‘Probably we will go and see the great Duryodhana in his prison….Are you coming? We will thank the gandharvas for their help….’

Arjuna looked at the Kaurava soldiers. ‘Gandharvas are ferocious warriors….Why did Duryodhana go and fight against them?....They kill all their prisoners….’ Arjuna said in a matter-of-fact voice. The guards paled a little. They desperately looked at Yudhishtra hoping he would save their king.

Yudhishtara turned to Arjuna and Bheema, his lips set in a firm line. ‘Save Duryodhana now!’

Both Arjuna and Bheema looked at Yudhishtara wondering whether they had heard right. Arjuna told Yudhishtara. ‘I do not need to save that evil man…He invited this problem….I have no obligation to save a sworn enemy….’ Bheema also snorted in disgust as he looked at his elder brother.  

Yudhishtara looked at Arjuna first and then at Bheema. ‘If the gandharvas kill Duryodhana….whom will you have your revenge against?’ Yudhishtara turned to Bheema. ‘To the gandharvas we must seem like a united front….whatever may be our personal differences….We cannot show others how divided we are…Go now!’ Yudhishtara said. The words of Yudhishtara about revenge hit both Arjuna and Bheema.

The four brothers – Bheema, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva followed the two Kaurava soldiers. They came to the clearing where the battle had taken place. Then Bheema shouted. ‘Gandharvas! Come out! Come out and show your faces….Come out and fight with us….’

A few gandharva soldiers came out and saw four people and howled in laughter. ‘We just decimated an entire army…you think four of you would be any challenge to us?’

Arjuna twanged his bow as Bheema shouted , ‘We four represent four armies…Come out and fight!!’ A few gandharvas came and fought with the four brothers….But it was the turn of the gandharvas to be shocked… The four brothers fought like demons….The gandharvas wilted under the attack of the brothers….The gandharvas ran to Chitrasena, their king. Surprised at the bravery of four humans, Chitrasena followed his soldiers….He was still in the thick forest not seeing the Pandavas. He shouted, ‘Who are you? What do you want?’

‘We are the cousins of the people you just imprisoned. Release them….’ Arjuna shouted back.

‘They lost the battle fairly!’ Chitrasena replied. There was a sudden doubt in his voice. ‘Who are you? I have heard your voice before…’ Chitrasena came out into the open and looked at the four brothers….He was in for a shock….Standing before him were the four Pandavas. As he saw them, Chitrasena also realized that the gandharvas losing to the Pandavas was no big deal ….The Pandavas could not be defeated...

‘My friend Arjuna!’ Chitrasena ran towards the third Pandava.

Shocked on seeing his heavenly friend Arjuna was elated as Chitrasena hugged him. ‘How are you my friend? enquired Chitrasena in an excited voice. Arjuna introduced his brothers to Chitrasena. After the introductions, Arjuna requested Chitrasena. ‘Friend! I have a favour to ask of you! Please release Duryodhana, his relatives and his queens…Please!’

Chitrasena looked astounded. ‘I thought you would be happy that I have imprisoned them….Why do you want them released? In fact I am here at the request of your father….Indra!’

Arjuna looked wistful and then said. ‘No my friend! Duryodhana and his friends are destined to be defeated and killed in our hands…It is our duty to put an end to their menace….I thank you and my father for your well-meaning actions….But please release Duryodhana now….’

Chitrasena looked at Arjuna and the other Pandavas partly in wonder and partly with pride. He studied Arjuna for some time and then nodded his head. He turned to his soldiers. ‘Bring the prisoners here….We will release them….’

The soldiers went away when Chitrasena looked at Arjuna. ‘I take it you are still practicing your singing and dancing my friend!’ Arjuna smiled as he nodded his head. Arjuna did not know exactly how useful the dancing and singing skills would be….[In the second dice game, Duryodhana had placed a bet that if the Pandavas lost, they had to spend twelve years in the forest and one year in hiding. If Duryodhana found them out during the one year of hiding, the Pandavas would have to go for another 12 years exile and one year hiding….Arjuna spent the last one year as Brihanalla in the court of Virata, teaching dance and singing to Virata’s daughter – Uttarakumari.]

The soldiers dragged Duryodhana and his relatives before Chitrasena and the Pandavas. Chitrasena looked haughtily at Duryodhana. Duryodhana’s eyes burned with shame…He had come here to show off….Instead he was standing bound and tied, before the wretched Pandavas…Duryodhana felt he would rather die of shame….

Chitrasena continued arrogantly. ‘I would have made you my servant and kept you in my heavenly palace….Instead my friends here….’ Chitrasena pointed at the Pandavas.. ‘…they want you fools to be released….’ Chitrasena shrugged. ‘So, much against my wishes, I am releasing you…GO!’ Chitrasena said not even looking at Duryodhana.

Duryodhana prayed that the earth would cave in and swallow him.…He wished he could turn invisible, instead of standing and watching the smug smile on Bheema’s face. Nakula and Sahadeva looked like they were trying their level best not to laugh. Arjuna looked grim, his face expressionless.

The gandharva soldiers were jeering as they let Duryodhana go. His hands free, Duryodhana gruffly approached Arjuna. He saw no one else and paid no attention to anybody else. He spoke slowly as if unable to get the words out. ‘You…Today .you have given me my freedom back….I am a man who respects my honour. You can ask me one boon anytime and I will grant it to you….anything!’ Duryodhana said seriously. Arjuna was tempted to snipe at him and laugh out loud. But he held his tongue. Besides Arjuna was too seasoned a warrior to enter into a war of words with a defeated enemy. His face still grim he nodded his head. ‘I will ask you, when the time is right!’ Arjuna found himself saying.

The gandharvas left for their heavenly abode and the Pandavas went back to their hermitage.

His heart burning with revenge and hatred, Duryodhana, with his queens and relatives went back to Hastinapur….

Duryodhana and the five arrows of Bhishma - Part 3 of 3

After the successful completion of the one year in hiding, the Pandavas came to Duryodhana asking for their Indraprasta. Duryodhana flatly refused. A priest was sent to the Kauravas asking for their kingdom back to prevent war. Duryodhana ridiculed the priest and sent him back. Krishna himself came and pleaded brilliantly for atleast five villages for the pandavas to avoid the war….Duryodhana did not budge…War was inevitable…

And so started the terrible 18 day war between the Kauravas and their allies and the Pandavas with their allies….

During the first ten days of the battle, the general of the Kaurava army was Bhishma, the grandfather of the Pandavas and the Kauravas. Bhishma was bound by his vow to serve the family ruling Hastinapur, so he fought on the side of the Kauravas. However Bhishma loved the Pandavas and he also felt that the Pandavas were right….Duryodhana who knew this thought that Bhishma, though a fine warrior was purposely not killing the five brothers because of his love for them…. On one night after a dismal show by the Kauravas, in the battle, Duryodhana went to Bhishma.

‘Grandsire! I am ashamed of your way of fighting!’ He spoke with undisguised anger. Bhishma looked at Duryodhana, his face expressionless. Duryodhana continued. ‘You…you are supposed to be the greatest warrior in the world….And you are finding it difficult to kill five pathetic humans….’ Bhishma still said nothing as Duryodhana started ranting. ‘I think you are actually fighting on behalf of the Pandavas….You are in my army but you are fighting for the Pandavas…’ Duryodhana said each word distinctly, his face beet red with anger. 

Bhishma took a deep breath trying to calm himself but he couldn’t. The words of Duryodhana kept ringing in his head. How could he make Duryodhana believe? With great difficulty Bhishma pulled out five of his arrows and touched them closing his eyes. Duryodhana watched the entire scene with bewilderment wondering what his grandfather was doing….Suddenly Duryodhana gasped. A force left Bhishma and entered the five arrows. The five arrows gleamed…looked menacing…Duryodhana looked at the gleaming weapons afraid to touch them. He asked Bhishma in a whisper. ‘What is this Pitamah? [grandsire]’

Bhishma looked a little weak as the creases on his face were even more accentuated for a few seconds. Bhishma then look a deep breath trying to control himself…Bhishma felt his energy drain from him inexharoubly….Bhishma knew that what he had done would definitely seal the fate of the Pandavas…but as the General of the Kaurava army he had no choice, he was bound to serve his king…..

Bhishma spoke haltingly. ‘I have put my life force inside these arrows…The force within me….got through my powers of mind…in these arrows…these five arrows would not fail…One each for each of the Pandavas….’ Bhishma shook his head looking almost sad. ‘There is no escape from this arrow…when it is fired…it will kill the person for whom it is made!’ Duryodhana’s eyes gleamed as he eyed the arrows…Tomorrow there would be no Pandavas….He had done it….Duryodhana was about to laugh when he saw the expression on Bhishma’s face. His grandfather looked….looked like he was sorry for what he had done….Duryodhana thought quickly….If he left the arrows with Bhishma, it was very possible that the fool might, out of his sense of righteousness lose the arrows or worse hand them over to the Pandavas….Duryodhana shook his head. He could not let that happen….He looked at Bhishma. ‘Grandsire! I wish to keep the arrows with me. Bhishma looked at Duryodhana with a sad smile. Duryodhana still did not trust him…Bhishma spoke in a shaken voice. ‘I have created these weapons…I think it would be best if it is with me….’

Duryodhana shook his head nervously. ‘No! NO!’ he said rapidly. ‘I want to keep them safe with me and will give them to you in the morning….!’

Bhishma tried arguing with Duryodhana but his grandson was adamant. Finally Bhishma gave in and Duryodhana carried the five arrows back with him to his own camp. He lovingly looked at the arrows….The war was going to end tomorrow…Of that he had no doubt…The Pandavas were gone….

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Krishna slept badly that night. He was wondering why….Then Krishna sensed it and his spies had confirmed it….Bhishma had made what he had been dreading…..the five arrows…Krishna knew that Bhishma had the capacity to make these arrows….Krishna had been wondering what he could do about it….He knew that once those arrows were fired, there was precious little he could do to save the Pandavas….

‘So Bhishma has these arrows with him?’ Krishna said thinking aloud.. The spy shook his head. ‘Duryodhana has them in his camp sir!’ Krishna was startled out of his thoughts. ‘What?’ He asked incredulously. The spy nodded his head. He told Krishna all about the conversation between Bhishma and Duryodhana. At the end of the story his face broke into a happy smile. He dismissed the spy. Krishna hurriedly went to Arjuna’s camp….

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While the Kaurava army slept, tired from the day’s battle, a hooded figure marched through the camp….It had been a simple matter to disarm the guards and go to the one camp the figure wanted….The man was not here to fight….

The figure entered Duryodhana’s camp. He saw that Duryodhana was awake. He was looking at five arrows lovingly in front of him. The hooded figure let out a gasp…He had no doubt that once fired…He spoke softly, ‘Duryodhana!’ Duryodhana startled and turned violently. As a reflex action he picked up his mace and pointed it towards the figure coming towards him. Only some instinct prevented him from swinging the mace. The voice of the figure was familiar….

Duryodhana clutched the mace and spoke quietly. ‘How did you get in? Who are you? Speak or I will kill you!’ The man removed his hood and Duryodhana glanced incredulously at Arjuna. He blinked….Arjuna was the last person Duryodhana expected to see here….Arjuna…Duryodhana knew was a noble man, he would never attack another man from behind or without warning….Feeling suddenly afraid Duryodhana spoke harshly. ‘What do you want, Arjuna?’

Arjuna came forward with a calm smile. ‘You promised me a boon once, remember?’ As if Duryodhana could forget…Every single event on that wretched day was etched in Duryodhana’s memory….’What of it?’ Duryodhana asked his voice still sounding harsh.

‘I have come to ask for the boon, Duryodhana!’ Arjuna said.

Duryodhana found that the words stuck in his throat as he was unable to talk. With trembling hands he signaled Arjuna to continue. Arjuna pointed to the five arrows. ‘I want them! I want the five arrows that Bhishma made! That is the boon I want from you!’

Duryodhana felt like an idiot as the intelligent words of his grandfather came to him. Duryodhana tried to hide the arrows from Arjuna. No…NO! He could not give away the arrows… But Duryodhana realized that if he ever broke his promise, he would never be able to respect himself…He had promised this wretch and Duryodhana with a broken heart realized that he was trapped.…Why did he have to bring the arrows with him…Duryodhana cursed himself. He watched with a defeated expression as Arjuna picked up the arrows and was about to leave the camp.

‘Who told you about the arrows?’ He asked listlessly.

Arjuna smiled. ‘Krishna!’

Duryodhana bit back a curse as he fell on the bed as Arjuna walked out with the arrows. That dark cowherd was going to be the ruin of him….Krishna…that vile intelligent Krishna….For the first time Duryodhana was afraid of the Dark Lord. Krishna was frighteningly clever…Duryodhana had heard of rumours that Krishna was an incarnation of Lord Vishnu…He had always dismissed them as pure talk…But now Duryodhana was afraid….Duryodhana realized with frightening accuracy that the black man could take away the entire war from him….not by his weapons but by the sharpness by his mind…. Duryodhana regretted choosing the armies of Krishna…If only he had chosen Krishna himself…. Duryodhana shivered.

Stumbling, Duryodhana walked back to the camp of his grandfather who looked deep in sleep. Unmindful, Duryodhana woke him up. Bhishma woke up and saw Duryodhana who looked like he had the fright of his life. He did not look like the jubilant Duryodhana of a few hours back. ‘What is it, my child?’ Bhishma asked looking anxiously.

Duryodhana fumbled as he muttered. ‘Arjuna took away the arrows!’ Bhishma looked aghast. Slowly with tears in his eyes Duryodhana explained everything. He kept quiet not saying anything. ‘You were the one who made the arrows…can you make them again?’ Duryodhana asked feeling desperate. He could not come so close to winning the battle and have it so tantalizingly out of reach….

Bhishma let out a tired laugh. ‘Son! I put my life force in those arrows…The powers of my penance…’ Bhishma shook his head sadly. ‘I….I cannot do that again….I do not have the power or the energy for it….’ Duryodhana’s hopes sank as he saw Bhishma.

He looked at Bhishma. Bhishma looked pathetically at Duryodhana. ‘I begged you to give the weapons to me…I was not bound by any word to give Arjuna anything….So the weapon would have been safe with me…Instead you distrusted me and now….’ Bhishma did not complete the sentence as Duryodhana felt tears in his eyes….

In frightening clarity, Duryodhana wondered for the first time….was he going to lose the war? Was that what was written for him…? Was the entire war just a means of destroying him and his allies so that the Pandavas could rule without any problems…..

Duryodhana came to know after the end of the eighteen day war that he was meant to lose it…..And it was not because of the weapons of his enemies…It was because of the shrewdness of one man in particular…Krishna was single handedly responsible for the defeat of the Kauravas in the battlefield of Kurukshetra… Krishna without his weapons was more dangerous than the might of the entire Kaurava army.…..

Rukmini and Krishna - Part 1 of 3

Bhishmaka, the King of Vidharba, looked around his court with pride. His five sons were strong and powerful and were always around to protect him. Bhishmaka particularly relied on his eldest son – Rukmi, who was the strongest of them all.

However, now when King Bhishmaka thought of Rukmi, he became a little uncomfortable...,....Of late he was worried about the company that his son kept....Sishupala, Dandavakra, Jarasandha, Salva, Viduratha....They were not exactly role models for someone to follow. .Not good at all....Far from it..........

Bhishmaka reminded himself that he would have to speak to his son about that....Bhishmaka coughed as he looked at his court. His coughing fits were getting bad and he was relying more and more on his eldest son...Bhishmaka sighed...He was not as young as he used to be....He had to give the affairs of the kingdom to his son...and retire to the forests....But before that....Bhishmaka looked to his left and saw his beautiful daughter Rukmini sitting beside him. He had to find a good mate for her.....

Bhishmaka flushed with pride as he saw Rukmini keenly observing the happenings in the court. But then that was no surprise. Rukmini had always attended court. She always sat through court, ever since she had been a child. As Rukmini grew up, the habit continued. Bhishmaka was the first to acknowledge that on many occasions it was Rukmini who had helped out in the matters of the court...she was a natural at diplomacy and negotiating.

Rukmini was the apple of his eye or for that matter, everybody in his court liked Rukmini...There was something in the keen gaze with which she looked, her infectious laughter and her razor sharp intellect. People found themselves answering to her beck and call...Yes! Bhishmaka thought with fierce pride...His daughter was a gem...she deserved to be happy all through her life...Bhishmaka intended to make it happen....

'Sage Narada has come to court sir!' The guard came and announced with a smile, breaking the thoughts of the king.

The guard did not miss that both Bhishmaka's and Rukmini's eyes lit up at the mention of Narada's name. The guard wondered how a rishi could bring such joy to the King and the Princess....

Sage Narada was received with honour as the King and the Princess led him to their inside palace and gave him a very tasty meal. The rishi enjoyed the meal and later on rested for some time as the King and Rukmini left him alone.

The rishi woke up and looked with twinkling eyes and saw that Rukmini was looking at him impatiently but not saying anything. Sage Narada smiled....

He sat up and looked at King Bhishmaka, 'So what would you like to hear today, your majesty?' For that was what Sage Narada did. He traveled all over the world and brought news from all over and narrated them to the kings....

However of late, in the kingdom of Vidharba, Sage Narada had been narrating stories of only one person....Bhishmaka and Rukmini did not seem to be interested in any other person....

'Krishna… I want to hear the stories of Krishna...' Rukmini blurted out as the sage and the king looked at her with amused eyes.

Sage Narada cast a shrewd eye on Rukmini...He did not need any special powers to understand true love when he saw it....However, he wondered…how was it that a person could love another, even without meeting that person....But then Narada realised......He could not say that....He could never say that Rukmini did not know Krishna....

Sage Narada never got tired of repeating the stories of Krishna to Rukmini and Rukmini never got tired of hearing them....And so the sage narrated the latest adventures of Krishna. Rukmini listened with rapt attention as she heard about the bravery of her Krishna, the diplomacy of Krishna, the fighting prowess of Krishna....it seemed to go on and on....Rukmini was lost in her own world thinking of Krishna.....She imagined the black Krishna, with a beautiful smile in his face and twinkling eyes....She could see it all so clearly as the Sage narrated the stories.....Listening about Krishna somehow made her feel complete.....

King Bhishmaka looked at his daughter as she listened to the stories of Krishna...The thrill, the love in her eyes was unmistakable...King Bhishmaka happily nodded his head...His daughter was now a beautiful young woman and Krishna would make a perfect husband for her....

The sage left after he had told the two of them all the stories of the Dark Lord, even repeating many of them. But neither of them cared...as long as the stories were about Krishna's bravery, diplomacy and kindness....

As Sage Narada left Vidharba, he decided that now that he had seen Rukmini, the next obvious move would be to go and see the other half....He left for Dwaraka with a smile as he strummed his tamboora....

After the sage left, King Bhishmaka spoke to his daughter, 'Rukmini!’, the king said partly with happiness and partly with regret...'You are no longer a young child...You are mature enough to have your own family and start your own life ....'

Rukmini blushed furiously as she tried to scold her father playfully, 'Father!....'

King Bhishmaka tried his best to keep his face straight as he continued, 'Looking at you, I am sure, you have even chosen a good man for yourself....'

Rukmini blushed even more as she shyly nodded her head. King Bhishmaka continued, 'Well, who is he?'

'Krishna...' Rukmini said shyly as she studied her feet, not looking anywhere at her father.

Bhishmaka looked at Rukmini, pretended to be surprised, 'Krishna? The Lord of Dwaraka? But you have never even met him!'

Rukmini looked Bhishmaka with unseeing eyes, 'You are right father, I have never met him! But I know him...' Rukmini said it with a conviction that amazed Bhishmaka, '...And I love him for what he is....'

Bhishmaka watched his daughter. He could not understand the expression behind them,..Just for a minute there he thought that Rukmini actually had seen Krishna...The way, she said 'I know him...' Bhishmaka felt almost as if Rukmini had been with Krishna forever.....

Bhishmaka shook himself as he kissed his daughter on the forehead, 'He is a very good man for you! I am sure he will keep you happy....'

Rukmini fell at her father's feet as her father blessed her....

King Bhishmaka went to speak with his eldest son, 'Rukmi! I wish to talk with you...' He said as a coughing fit enveloped him....

Rukmi hurriedly seated his father and gave Bhishmaka some water. As the coughing stopped, Bhishmaka took a deep breath and continued...'As I was saying I have something to tell you!'

Rukmi looked concerned as he studied his father. His father was getting old and found it difficult to manage the affairs of the state. Rukmi nodded to himself as he realized what his father may want to talk to him....In fact that was exactly what he had in mind too. He waited patiently for his father to bring up the topic.

'It is about Rukmini...She is not a child anymore....' King Bhishmaka began guardedly...for some strange reason, the king felt hesitant to talk to his own son... But Rukmi enthusiastically nodded his head. 'That is exactly what I have in mind father! That is what I wanted to talk to you about'.

Bhishmaka relaxed. He continued hurriedly before his son could say anything. 'Good! Good! Then you must agree, that Krishna is the best match for Rukmini....'

Bhishmaka saw Rukmi's face change a dark shade as his eyes became red, 'Do you mean, that cowherd, who is now pretending to be the king of Dwaraka?'

Bhishmaka stood mute as he watched his son become more and more aggressive.. 'I thought you loved your daughter....' Bhishmaka could not say anything as Rukmi spoke in disgust, 'Is this how you show your love to your beloved daughter? You get her married to a liar? A coward?' Rukmi spat out. 'I will not let you do such a thing to my sister.'

Bhishmaka was troubled. With a weary heart he asked his son. 'If you think that Krishna is not the right choice for Rukmini, who do you think is the right choice?'

'Sishupala, of course.' Rukmi snorted. Bhishmaka felt terrible as he heard his son talk like this. Rukmi continued. 'King Sishupala, the king of chedi, the son of Damoghosha is the right choice for my sister....' Rukmi said with a finality that brook no further argument.

Bhishmaka tried his level best to talk Rukmi out of the idea. Sishupala was an arrogant man and was not even remotely the right mate for his daughter. Besides, Rukmini already loved Krishna, so there really was no question about changing her mind....

But Rukmi was adamant. He could not accept the fact that his sister had fallen in love with a man who was not born a king...a man whom Rukmi considered his enemy. He just could not allow it.

To thwart his sister and his father, Rukmi hastily arranged the wedding of Rukmini with Sishupala even without giving his sister a chance to voice out her opinion, as was the custom in those days.

Rukmini and Krishna - Part 2 of 3

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.

Probably because the man himself wanted to meet Krishna, or may be it was his fate to make sure the divine lovers met each other. For whatever reason, the man found himself in Dwaraka very soon. True to Rukmini's prediction he found himself standing before the handsome Dark Lord of Dwaraka, who received him with love and affection.

Krishna treated him with great hospitality. After the man was fed and well looked after, Krishna asked him. 'Sir! You are from the Kingdom of Vidharba! What brings such a good man like you from such a far away kingdom....'

The man composed his thoughts. 'Sir! As you said I come from Vidharba! King Bhishmaka is the ruler of the Kingdom. He has five sons and a daughter. Rukmi is his eldest son and Rukmini....' The man smiled. 'Rukmini is his only daughter, the apple of his eye....Bhishmaka, the King of Vidharba wanted his daughter to marry you...' The man said as Krishna looked surprised. 'Me? I didn't know that....In fact no one from that kingdom has come to me....'

The man sighed. 'Sir! King Bhishmaka is very old! The actual power lies in the hands of Rukmi,his son!' Krishna frowned as the man continued. 'Rukmi wants his sister to marry Sishupala,the king of Chedi!'

Krishna looked appalled! Sishupala was arrogant and evil....Krishna shook his hands and looked at the man. 'What does Rukmini have to say about this?'

The man smiled inspite of himself. 'Rukmini has heard so much about you....she is in love with you! She wants to marry you and no one else....I come with a message from her!'

Krishna looked mischievously as the man gave the message.

Achyuta,

I have heard so much about you that it feels that I already know you....And all the things that I have heard about you....makes me love you even more.

I am the daughter of the King of Vidharba, a princess by birth and I am intelligent and I think I am in every way fit to be your wife.

My brother wants me to marry Sishupala. I belong to you and not some arrogant, evil man,who does not even know what love is.

If you let Sishupala take me...beware! My death falls on your head!'

I have also made arrangements for you to take me away. I know that a warrior would not like to enter the quarters of an unmarried woman. Do not worry! On the day of marriage, we have a custom to go and ask the blessings of Goddess Durga in a temple which is very far from the palace. I think the path to the temple would be best place for you to take me away, with you! I am counting on you! Please come!

I have sent a message through his man, who has known me since I was a little girl.

The man looked at Krishna's face which seemed to be glowing...The man asked Krishna anxiously. 'What is your reply, sir?

Krishna looked at the man. 'Narada'...Krishna smiled. 'Sage Narada came here often and used to narrate stories of Rukmini! I kept hearing so much about her...that I could not help but fall in love with her! I have been waiting and waiting for her father to arrange for her swayamvara....But suddenly my spies reported about Rukmi and Sishupala...' Krishna shook his head unhappily. 'I have been worried...I could not even sleep at night...' Krishna looked at the man. 'And now you have come. Hearing your words have calmed my fears...' Krishna spoke as he got up. 'But now we must hurry! Rukmini is waiting!' Krishna smiled. 'Rukmini is waiting for me!'

Krishna called his charioteer Daruka and asked him to keep four of his favourite horses – Shaibhya, Meghapushpa, Sugriva and Valahaka ready for travel.

Krishna along with the man traveled in the chariot. The horses were swift and they traveled all day and night. They reached Vidharba the very next day....

************

Balarama came out of his palace looking around. He frowned. He summoned his guard. 'I do not see Krishna! Where is he?'

The guard bowed. 'Your highness! Lord Krishna has left for Vidharba!

Balrama looked perplexed. 'Why on earth would he leave for Vidharba all of a sudden....' A sudden comprehension dawned on his face. 'Did somebody come to see him yesterday!'

The guard nodded. 'Yes sir! A priest from Vidharba came to see him....'

Balarama was quick in joining all the dots. He turned to his general. 'Get the army ready...we are marching to Vidharba!'

The general looked uncomprehendingly. 'Vidharba? Why?'

'Krishna is going to need help!' Balarama explained hurriedly as he walked back to the palace to get his weapons. Balarama smiled. 'Krishna has gone for Rukmini!'

**********

The kingdom of Vidharba and its capital Kundinapura looked beautiful. It was decorated lavishly and all the people of the kingdom were in a festive mood.

Despite the festive mood, Sishupala, Jarasandha, Salva had all come with their huge armies. Prince Rukmi had warned them before hand about his father's reaction to Rukmini's marriage. All of them suspected that Krishna would come for the wedding and try to take away Rukmini....None of them could accept the fact that a cowherd could aspire the hands of a princess...Krishna had to be stopped at all costs....

**********

Rukmini spent the morning in anxiety so heightened that she could not do anything. Had the man reached Krishna? Would Krishna come? Did Krishna even love her? The questions just kept haunting her again and again....She tried everything to keep her mind occupied but every time she saw the marriage hall being decorated until the last minute, she would feel queasy...What would happen?

Finally it was time for the customary puja at the Durga temple. Rukmini was walking with a heavy heart. She realized her plans had not worked...Either Krishna had not got her message or did not care about her....

Feeling bitter Rukmini was walking down the palace steps, every step getting more and more heavy....Rukmini's eyes were blurred as she found that she was weeping....Suddenly Rukmini saw a familiar face....She blinked away her tears...was it.....? Unable to believe her eyes she saw...It was indeed the priest she had sent. He was walking towards her with a quiet smile. His manner of walking and his smile told her more than anything he could ever say.

Rukmini grinned through her tears. The man came forward and nodded his head. 'The Lord is here! He said he will come for you.....!'

He is coming for you...Rukmini did not hear anything else. He is coming for you...Krishna is coming for me....

Rukmini fell at the feet of the man. 'Thank you! Thank you! Thank you so much! There is nothing more I can say....'

Rukmini literally flew to the temple of Durga! There, with a full heart she worshiped Goddess Durga. Thank you! You have made me a part of Krishna....Krishna is now a part of me...Thank you! I bow before you!

Rukmini walked out of the temple slowly. The princes and the Kings assembled to escort the princess back to the palace gasped. Rukmini looked ravishingly beautiful....Rukmini walked out of the temple in slow steps, her heart beating. As she stepped out of the temple, she felt him...Rukmini turned right and blinked. Standing before her was one of the most handsome looking men she had ever seen. Rukmini realized that Krishna was so handsome that no words could ever describe his beauty....His dark body with his dark eyes....He looked like a Deva coming towards her.

Time, it seemed, stood still when the two lovers met for the first time. Krishna walked towards Rukmini and smiled as he escorted her towards his chariot. Rukmini felt blissful as she climbed on to the chariot.

The entire group watched in stunned silence. Krishna had taken the princess...For a few seconds utter confusion reigned. Then the kings and the princes got on their chariot and chased the two of them.

The kings let their arrows fly all of which avoided the chariot, because of the deft handling of the chariot....

The kings chased and they reached the end of the kingdom. There they faltered....Standing before them was not just Krishna with Rukmini, but Balarama with the entire Yadava army in its full splendor...

Rukmini and Krishna - Part 3 of 3

The Kings and the princes chasing Krishna and Rukmini did not know what hit them. Balarama and the Yadava army under him were so ruthlessly efficient that within no time the Kings and the princes ran off the battlefield along with their army. However Sishupala would not give up so easily. Rukmini was going to be his....He could not give up a princess who looked like a Goddess to that uncouth cowherd...Sishupala with his army followed by Salva, Dantavakra and the others fought bravely against Balarama.

Balarama realizing that this group of warriors were much more disciplined than the previous attackers changed his tactics. Till now he had merely been defending, he suddenly went offensive. He ordered his men to start regrouping and prepare for a major offensive.

Faced with the sudden change of tactics, the armies of the three kings were suddenly caught unawares. Still they regrouped subsequently and started fighting. However by this time the battle was already half lost. Balarama with his army with his sudden ferocious attack had decimated half of the armies. Finishing off the remaining army was no big deal for the Yadava army.

With Krishna and Rukmini watching, Sishupala, Salva and Dantavakra were routed as the soldiers fled from the scene. The Yadava army cheered watching the confused soldiers running in opposite directions. Balarama deciding that enough was enough ordered his men to stop the attack and march back. Sishupala was dejected as he slowly drove the chariot back to the Kingdom of Vidharba. 

There Rukmi was waiting anxiously for the return of Rukmini with the kings. Imagine the surprise on his face when he saw a forlorn looking Sishupala coming with less than half the army....

'What happened...?' asked the flabbergasted Rukmi as soon as Sishupala stopped in front of the palace.

Sishupala refused to meet his friends eyes and muttered, 'The entire Yadava army was out there....' He did not speak any further. Looking at the army, Rukmi would have figured out the outcome.... 

Rukmi was however furious. 'She is my sister! Mine!' Rukmi's eyes glinted dangerously as he spoke sharply. 'If you won't protect her, I will....I swear, I will never return to this kingdom without my sister!' Rukmi pronounced ominously.

Rukmi was quiet unaware that other than him, everyone else in the kingdom was very happy with the sudden change of events. They all loved Krishna and knew that he was the best match for Rukmini….Bhishmaka secretly rejoiced as he celebrated with his wife. However when he heard the oath of Rukmi, he trembled. He ran to his son….'Rukmini loves Krishna! She was the one who invited Krishna to come and take her away....' Bhismaka pleaded with Rukmi. 'Please son! Let her be happy! Let the matter go!'

'HAPPY!' Rukmi shrieked. 'How do you think I would feel? She is my sister and I had chosen a good man for her...She goes and chooses a cowherd and you expect me to be happy with her decision....'

Bhishmaka looked at Rukmi, 'It is not your choice to make!' He said sharply.

Rukmi was breathing angrily came very close to his father. 'I am her elder brother! I have ever right in the world to choose the man she is going to marry. She has fallen under the cunning words of that cowherd and thinks she will be happy with him....I will not allow it!' Rukmi turned away and walked. He did not even turn when he heard Bhishmaka call him again and again....

Rukmi got on his chariot and with his army he was off. He did not even look at Sishupala and his other friends as he drove towards the outskirts of the kingdom.

Once he came there, Rukmi saw dust arising from the magnificent Yadava army which was now triumphantly going back home….They were thinking they had won by stealing my sister….Cowards…I will show them…Rukmi looked around as he was specifically looking for one chariot….Rukmi swore in disgust as he spotted Krishna’s chariot which was almost towards the end of the army….Rukmi spurred his horses faster as he drove towards Krishna and Rukmini….

Hearing the galloping of the horses, Krishna looked back surprised. He knew his brother had effectively destroyed the armies of the three kings….Fresh horses meant….Krishna sighed as he turned and saw Rukmi coming straight for him looking furious, with his sword raised…

.

Seeing Krishna suddenly looking grim and hearing the galloping of the horses, Rukmi turned. She was shocked and terrified when she saw her own brother coming straight for them…Terrified she turned to Krishna…Honestly she was not even remotely bothered about Krishna…She feared for her brother… ‘Krishna! He is my brother! Please!’ She pleaded with the Dark Lord, shaking her head, blinking back tears.

Krishna looked at the beautiful and terrified face of Rukmini and smiled sadly. He however nodded his head and turned his chariot and drove it further away trying to distance himself from Rukmi. He drove through another path, away from the Yadava army to make sure Rukmi was not able to find them….

**************

Balarama heard the galloping of the fresh horses and the sudden change. He saw Rukmi and Krishna move away from the main army. Seeing that it was only Rukmi with his small battalion, Balarama hesitated.

He then ordered a small platoon to take care of Rukmi’s army as he himself went after Krishna and Rukmi, who were now quiet far away from the main army….

**************

Rukmi was now beyond furious. Krishna was refusing to fight him! And people called him a brave man! Rukmi was disgusted. He was now more than convinced that his sister had made the wrong choice by choosing this man, who refused to even fight back bravely…Rukmi pushed his horses almost to the limit trying to reach Krishna.

Rukmi was almost close to Krishna, when he saw Krishna focused on driving the horses away….For some reason the scene made him even more angry as he yelled at Krishna. He called Krishna everything from a coward to the thief…

The Dark Lord tried his best not to get distracted at the continuous outpourings of hatred from Rukmi and focused on driving the chariot. However Rukmi was now within striking distance. He pulled out his swords and slashed at their chariot. The sword missed both Krishna and Rukmini by a whisker….Krishna took a deep breath decided that enough was enough….Brother-in-law or no.....This matter could not be solved by talk…It needed force…He brought the horses to a standstill….

Rukmi looked surprised and almost drove his horses past Krishna as Krishna stopped suddenly. Rukmi furiously brought the horses to a stop as he looked at Krishna venomously. ‘Krishna!’ He bellowed. ‘I hope atleast now, you have the guts to fight me, one on one….You coward! You can’t even fight another person in an honest battle, and you dare aspire to marry my sister…’

Both Krishna and Rukmi got down from their chariot and took out their swords, advancing towards each other. 

Rukmini realizing that Krishna had no choice but to fight with her brother, prayed to all the Gods hoping….praying….the matter would get resolved without any bloodshed…

Rukmi was a good warrior but unfortunately he was not the same class as Krishna and to add to his problems, Rukmi was very angry…To fight a battle, what was needed was a calm mind with a clear thought process…Many battles had been lost even before it began because of the emotional attachment of the warriors…Rukmi discovered that in his fight with Krishna.

Rukmi was shocked when he found Krishna matching all his attacks and parrying him very well. Krishna was able to tire Rukmi so easily…who was gasping and trembling as Krishna’s calm face flitted in and out of his sight. Rukmi realized that Krishna was not just a warrior…Krishna was a class apart…Rukmi struggled to match Krishna’s attack…

Rukmi realized that Krishna was toying with him and finally he fell down as Krishna’s sword met his with great force and his sword clattered and fell a few feet away. Krishna came forward with his sword raised, when Rukmini shouted. ‘No! Krishna! No! Please!’

Rukmi was having trouble focusing as he saw Rukmini get down of the chariot and run towards them. Krishna looked at Rukmini and his grim face suddenly changed to a calm one….It was at that instant that Rukmi realized that Krishna had refused to fight him for Rukmini….He was embarrassed to the core when another hard realization came to him…If he survived this battle it was only and only because of his sister….Saved by a woman…Rukmi decided that he would rather die and live through this humiliation….

Rukmini was looking at Krishna and standing close to him. Rukmi realized that no matter what he did, Rukmini would always belong to Krishna. She was his the way he was hers! His sister had chosen….Waves of bitter defeat washed through him as he saw Krishna and Rukmini.

Krishna came forward his sword raised and said. ‘The only reason I am letting you live is because of Rukmini!…’ Krishna came forward with his sword. Rukmini screamed as she saw the sword straight for her brother’s head. Rukmini blinked as the sword stopped and instead of the head, Rukmi’s hair went with it…[The hair being chopped off by the opponent was a mark of great disrespect in battle]

Balarama was almost within range as he looked at the entire scene. He saw Rukmi who looked like he was incapable of speech..his eyes filled with hatred…He turned to Krishna. ‘Krishna! You should not have done that!’ He admonished his younger brother. He looked at Rukmini who was also looking petrified, scared and relieved at the same time…

Krishna slowly nodded his head and turned to Rukmini and held her. She was trembling like a leaf. Krishna quietly led her towards the chariot. Krishna did not even bother looking back at the defeated prince…he was of no concern to him anymore.

Balarama, Krishna and Rukmini drove back victoriously to the kingdom of Dwaraka.

[Rukmi, who had promised that he would never go back to his own kingdom without his sister, kept his word. He never went back to Vidharba. He became the king of another area, right there where he was defeated by Krishna.

Rukmini and Krishna had a son Pradhyumna and they lived very happily.

As a sub-story, Pradhyumana when he grew up fell in love with Princess Rukmavathi, Rukmi’s daughter, who also loved him. Pradhyumana carried off Rukmavathi exactly the same way as Krishna had carried away Rukmini….Rukmi was defeated the second time too….]