The streets of Mathura were alive with vibrant colors and jubilant sounds, echoing the joyous celebration as the sun dipped low in the sky, casting a warm glow over the city. Festooned with garlands of flowers and ribbons, every corner radiated an atmosphere of festivity. The scent of sweet delicacies wafted through the air, mingling with the sounds of drums and flutes, as families gathered to honor their returning heroes.

The palace of Mathura was a tapestry of vibrant colors and joyous sounds, alive with the spirit of celebration. Ornate decorations adorned the grand halls, draped in rich silks and fragrant garlands of flowers. The aroma of sumptuous dishes wafted through the air, as royal chefs prepared an array of delicacies, from spiced meats to sweet desserts, representative of the region's finest culinary traditions.

A palpable sense of excitement permeated the palace. Servants scurried about, their faces beaming with smiles, ensuring that every detail of the grand welcome was perfect.

The old King Ugrasen, his face etched with the wisdom of years, sat upon the throne, observing the festivities with a warm smile. His eyes, though dimmed by age, twinkled with pride as he watched the boys finally return home after their long years of rigorous training.

On one side of the hall, Satyaki, his face flushed with excitement, was recounting his experiences at the ashram to Krishna and Balram. Krishna, with a knowing smile, listened intently, while Balram nodded in agreement, reminiscing about their own lessons of strength and strategy.

Meanwhile, Satyashree, ever the gentle soul, was engaged in a playful banter with his cousin, Subhadra. Once of similar height, Satyashree now towered over her, standing two heads taller, bearing a stature reminiscent of Krishna and Balram. The two shared a light-hearted moment as Subhadra, wide-eyed with astonishment, stood beside her cousin, marveling at how he had grown taller than her during his time away.

Her expression of surprise was met with his teasing glances, a playful spark igniting their interaction. As they continued their light-hearted exchange, Subhadra's gaze shifted across the hall, catching sight of a cluster of princesses and noble daughters, all casting surreptitious glances at Satyashree.

Several princesses and noble girls, daughters of influential ministers, had taken notice of the newfound handsomeness of youngest Yadava prince. Their glances were curious and admiring, as they gathered in small groups, exchanging excited whispers. A few bold ones giggled, peeking from behind silk-clad companions, while others exchanged glances of intrigue. Each noted how he now resembled a young warrior, embodying both strength and grace.

"Kintu dhyaan rakhna Satya..." Subhadra warned with a teasing smirk. "Sabhi Raj-kanyaye tumhe hi nihaar rahi hai. Kisi par vishwas na karna."

Satyashree turned to survey the room. In unison, the girls quickly averted their eyes, some unable to mask their lingering glances.

He chuckled nervously, then turned back to Subhadra, the playful banter still in the air. With a cheeky grin, he joined his hands together, palms pressed in a gesture of respect, and declared with a mock-seriousness, "Bhagwati kshama kare, mai thehera Brahmachari."

Subhadra, unable to contain her laughter, exclaimed, "Kab tak Brahmachari bane rahoge ? Gurukul samapt huya tumhara."

"Satyavachan, kintu kuch vidyaye hai jise praapt karne ki meri iccha hai." Satyashree, his eyes twinkling with amusement, replied.

Subhadra nodded, respecting his resolve, yet a teasing smile lingered on her lips. The festivities continued, filled with music, laughter, and the joyous reunion of the Yadava clan. As the night deepened, the palace shimmered with a thousand lights, a testament to the happiness and prosperity that reigned within the hearts of the Yadava people.

-------

The winds raged outside, mirroring the storm brewing within Mayantak. He paced his obsidian halls, each step a thunderclap against the polished floor. One hand, strong and gnarled, clenched into a fist. The other, a grotesque parody of a limb, ended in a jagged stump, a constant, searing reminder of his failure.

He had underestimated the girl, the mere child princess. Shri Ram had intervened, his celestial arrow severing his hand as easily as a hot knife through butter. The phantom limb, the missing hand, throbbed with a constant, agonizing ache.

"Pratishod ki bhaavna ka tyaag karo, vats." Shukracharya's voice rang as he entered the hall.

Mayantak looked at him, his gaze hard and unforgiving. He simply bowed his head, a stark contrast to the respectful salutations he had once offered the sage.

The asur-guru sighed, "Jis path par tum agrasar ho, woh keval mrityu ki oor jata hai. Kambuk.... Chhayavritti.... Arishtak.... Kya inn sab se kuch nahi sikha aapne ?"

Mayantak scoffed, a sound that was more like a guttural growl. "Mujhe parinaam se bhaye nahi lag raha ab, acharya. Jo hoga, dekha jaayega. Kintu prayas mai awashya karunga. Uss Krishna ne mere bhai Vyomasur ka vadh kiya hai... Usne hi mere sabhi Asur mitro ka vadh kiya hai...."

"Toh swayam ko bacha lo uss Krishna se." Shukracharya remained calm, his voice soothing.

"Kayarta hogi." Mayantak turned away, his back to the acharya. "Waise aapne apne aane ka karan bataya nahi."

"Mai bas itna batane aya hu ki," hukracharya's voice, ancient and resonant, echoed through the cavern. "Krishneshwari ab shraap-mukt ho chuki hai."

Mayantak, startled, turned to face the sage. "Kya ?"

"Mere shraap ki avadhi keval 14 varsho tak thi." Shukracharya's eyes, deep and knowing, held Mayantak's gaze. "Ab Krishneshwari ko apna satya smaran hone mei der nahi lagegi. Uski tapasya shigreh hi purn ho jaayegi."

Mayantak, his heart pounding with a mixture of anticipation and dread, felt a surge of dark exhilaration. This was his chance. While Krishneshwari grappled with the resurgence of her past, he would strike. He would shatter her newfound power, extinguish the spark of divinity within her, and finally avenge the humiliation he had suffered. Shukracharya watched Mayantak, a flicker of concern in his eyes.

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A/N

So dear Krishneshwari, or should I say Krisha is now 14 🌝
This means her curse has been lifted, now her divinity is available for her to obtain 😍

ALSO, Wattpad is not showing notifications about book updates. So are you all able to read notifications of announcements made ?
Because I have been announcing the updates on my message board only.

If not, then I urge you to check my updates around 2:00 pm, since I always publish from 12:00-1:30 depending when I'm free.