The sun hung low over the Yamuna, casting golden hues on its rippling surface as Krishna, Balram, and their brothers splashed joyfully in the water. Laughter echoed, mingling with the gentle lapping of waves, as they tossed water at each other, their spirits as light as the breeze that danced across the river.

Suddenly, amidst the merriment, Krishna's laughter faded, a shadow crossing his face. He turned, eyes narrowing as he peered into the distance, where the horizon blurred with the encroaching dusk. Something stirred within him, an ominous whisper that pulled at his heart.

He glanced back at his brothers, oblivious in their play, their joyous shouts ringing like music. But Krishna’s gaze returned to the horizon, a tension coiling within him. In one swift motion, he closed his eyes, drawing a deep breath as he submerged himself beneath the river's surface.
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Beneath the shimmering surface of the Sindhu sea, the water enveloped little Krishneshwari, transforming the vibrant hues of the shoreline into a murky abyss. The sunlight danced above like a distant memory as Kambuk, the sinister Asur, tightened his grip on her tiny feet. His eyes glinted with malice, dark and stormy like the depths they descended into, fueled by an unquenchable desire for vengeance for the death of his brother Panchajanya.

As they plunged deeper, the water grew colder, pressing in around her like a heavy weight. Krishneshwari's heart raced, each thump echoing in her ears, competing with the muffled sounds of the ocean. She kicked and thrashed, but Kambuk's grip was relentless, his powerful fingers like iron shackles, dragging her further into the darkness.

Desperation clawed at her throat; bubbles of breath escaped her lips, rising in a fleeting dance toward the surface. The vibrant colors of her world faded, replaced by the murky blue that surrounded her. Her lungs screamed for air, but each second felt like an eternity, as fear gripped her tiny heart.

Just when consciousness began to slip away, she felt a sudden loosening, an unexpected release. Her eyelids fluttered, heavy with weariness, yet she fought to remain aware. In an instant, she gasped, air flooding her lungs, invigorating and sweet.

She blinked rapidly, her surroundings coming into focus. To her astonishment, she found herself floating in a shimmering bubble of air, suspended in the deep blue of the ocean. The water danced around her, swirling gently as if cradling her.

At the edge of her vision, something glimmered. A flicker of gold caught her eye, and she turned her gaze. There, gliding gracefully through the water, was a divine being: the upper body of a god adorned in radiant light, the lower body of a resplendent golden fish, each shimmering scale reflecting the light of a thousand suns.

Krishneshwari's breath caught in her throat as she stared at him a blend of awe and fear gripping her. He was gigantic, yet there was a warmth that radiated from him, a smile that illuminated the dark depths like sunlight breaking through the surface. His gaze was kind, reassuring, and protective. Despite his colossal size, he exuded a gentle authority, akin to a father protecting his child.

His eyes, deep as the ocean itself, sparkled with kindness and wisdom, assuring her that she was no longer in danger. The water around them pulsed with energy, and the vibrant fish danced in harmony, creating a magical spectacle.

But the tranquility shattered when Kambuk, furious and relentless, surged back into view. His eyes blazed with rage as he spotted the divine lord, in the form of Matsya avatar.

"VISHNU !" he bellowed, the sound echoing through the underwater realm, filled with malice. He lunged forward, intent on wreaking havoc.

Krishneshwari gasped, fear gripping her once more as she watched the Asur charge. But Matsya remained unflinching. With a swift, fluid motion, he intercepted Kambuk, seizing him effortlessly. In a whirlwind of power, Matsya spun Kambuk around, hurling him away with tremendous force. Kambuk crashed against a jagged rock, which shattered under the impact, sending shards flying into the water.

Kambuk winced, momentarily dazed, but fury reignited within him as he charged again. Matsya stood firm, muscles taut, a picture of calm amidst the chaos. As Kambuk swung a wild punch, Matsya ducked with fluid grace, countering with a powerful strike that sent Kambuk reeling. The lord then clasped the asur by the neck, a surge of power radiated through the water, creating ripples that danced across the ocean's surface.

With a firm grip, he dragged the Asur deeper into the abyss, the sunlight's warmth fading into an eerie twilight. Krishneshwari’s heart raced, her innocent eyes wide with a mix of fear and awe as she floated in her protective bubble. The water grew darker, shadows swirling ominously around her, as Matsya and Kambuk disappeared from sight.

Anxiety gnawed at her as she strained to hear the clash of their titanic wills, her small hands clenching the edges of her bubble. Krishneshwari felt a tremor in the water as if the very sea was holding its breath. Just then, a powerful shockwave surged through the water, sending ripples toward her bubble. Suddenly, a stream of crimson floated upwards, shimmering like scarlet jewels against the blue.

Then, breaking through the crimson haze, Matsya emerged. His golden scales shimmered like sunlight on waves, each magnificent movement radiating strength and grace. His eyes, deep and reassuring, locked onto hers, dispelling her fear.

Matsya extended a powerful hand beneath her bubble, the air around her shimmering with divine energy. With a gentle yet assertive motion, he began to swim upwards, taking Krishneshwari along. The water flowed effortlessly around them, and she felt the weight of anxiety lift, replaced by wonder as they ascended. The world above began to brighten, the surface of the ocean calling her back, and she gazed up at Matsya.

Just as they broke the surface, her bubble burst, and she gasped, instinctively reaching out. Matsya's massive hand cradled her effortlessly, tenderly as if she were a precious gem. With a graceful motion, he placed her on the warm, sandy shore. Tiny and fragile against the vastness of his form, she marveled at the radiant being before her, her worries dissipating under his protective gaze.

Krishneshwari stood there, her heart racing, surrounded by the salty breeze and the warm glow of the sun. Speechless, she gazed up at Matsya, her wide eyes reflecting a mix of awe and gratitude. Words seemed to have failed her. All she could do was stare, captivated by the divine fatherly presence before her.

He smiled reassuringly, his presence radiating warmth, before slowly retreating into the depths of the Sindhu sea, leaving a trail of glistening bubbles in his wake.

Moments later, the rhythmic sound of hurried footsteps approached. King Dilip and Queen Aarvi, flanked by Kulguru Vedamurti and a contingent of soldiers, burst into view, their faces etched with concern.

"Krishneshwari !" Aarvi cried, tears of relief streaming down her cheeks.

The princess, still dazed, blinked up at her mother as she was picked up by her, unable to fully comprehend the whirlwind of events. Her clothes were soaked, clinging to her tiny frame, telling the elders the story of a terrifying ordeal. The saltwater dripped from her curls, but her eyes sparkled with a mix of fear and awe.

"Kya tum sagar mei gir gayi thi ?" Dilip asked, brushing a wet strand of hair from her forehead.

Krishneshwari simply nodded, her wide eyes reflecting the wonder and terror of her experience.

Dilip’s concern deepened, "Tum bahar kaise aayi ?" he pressed, glancing anxiously toward the turbulent waters.

Krishneshwari, trembling, pointed toward the ocean. "Vishnu..." She muttered, her voice barely a breath, yet filled with awe.

Aarvi and Dilip exchanged confused glances, unsure of what to make of her proclamation. Kulguru Vedamurti stepped forward, his eyes filled with understanding, "Lagta hai bhagwat-kripa ke karan Rajkumari ke praan bach gaye. Yeh ek shubh sanket hai."

A wave of relief washed over Dilip and Aarvi. The weight of their worry slowly lifted; they pulled Krishneshwari closer, enveloping her with their warmth. Dilip placed his hand on her head, murmuring prayers of gratitude, while Aarvi caressed her cheeks, tears of joy mingling with drops of ocean water.

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A/N

*Puts a tick on Matsyadev's name*
🌝🙏

Btw here's an art of Matsyadev and Krishneshwari -

Who needs mermaids or mermans when you have Matsya 😂🙏✨