In the serene royal garden of Mathura, the evening sun cast a golden glow over the lush greenery as Krishna's laughter echoed through the air. The mischievous deity darted through the blooming flowers and swaying trees, his dark curls bouncing with each step.

Behind him, a tiny figure chased with determined steps. It was the three-year old, Satyashree, his anger evident in his furrowed brow and pursed lips. Satyashree had been furious when Krishna had ventured out alone to meet the newborn goddess. The thought that he could've seen his beloved, been a part of a momentous occasion, angered him.

"Krishna !" Satyashree called out, his voice filled with frustration. "Yadi aapne bataya hota toh mai bhi use dekh sakta tha !"

Krishna weaved effortlessly through the trees and bushes, throwing a mischievous glance over his shoulder, goading Satyashree on with a playful grin.

"Taat !!" Satyashree stomped his feet, his feet flushed with exertion.

Krishna turned around, his laughter fading as he met Satyashree's angry gaze. "Tum kya karte vats ? Streeyo ka utsav tha."

Satyashree, his face scrunching up in disapproval, had retorted, "Kintu aap toh gaye the."

"Mohini roop mei." Krishna chuckled.

The revelation had only served to fuel Satyashree's anger. He had whined and pouted, his small frame shaking with frustration. Krishna, finding his antics amusing, had continued to laugh, his infectious mirth spreading through the royal gardens.

Krishna, sensing Satyashree's growing frustration, tried to placate him, "Vats, tumhare paas toh pura jeevan hai use dekhne ke liye."

Satyashree, still angry, crossed his arms and looked away, his pout deepening. While a part of him was mollified by Krishna's assurance, another part was burning with curiosity.

"Waise...." He asked in a voice barely above a whisper, "Dikhne mei woh kaisi hai ?"

Krishna, his eyes sparkling with mischief, couldn't resist teasing him further. "Mai kyu batayu ?" he replied, his smile widening.

Satyashree's face contorted into a frown. "Krishna !" he whined, his voice rising in frustration.

Without waiting for a response, he took off after Krishna, his tiny legs pumping furiously as he chased the lord through the garden.

As they raced through the garden, a small figure burst into their midst. It was Subhadra, the four-year-old bundle of energy. When she spotted Satyashree, her face lit up with joy. She ran towards him, her arms outstretched.

Satyashree, however, was not as enthusiastic about her arrival. He knew what was coming. He backed away, his body language conveying a clear message: he was not interested.

Subhadra, undeterred, approached him with a wide grin. She held up a new doll, of delicate features and colorful attire. "Dekho meri nayi gudiya ! Kaise hai ? Sundar hai na ?" she exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement.

Satyashree's eyes widened in horror as he took a step back, shaking his head vigorously, "Mai nahi karne wala isse vivah."

And off he dashed, leaving Subhadra standing there, hands on hips, a mix of frustration and determination on her face.

"Vivah toh karna padega !" Subhadra's determination only grew stronger as she clenched her doll tightly and chased after Satyashree, her tiny feet pitter-pattering on the garden path.

Satyashree zigzagged through the garden, with Subhadra hot on his heels, her doll swinging in her hand like a weapon of matrimonial intent. Meanwhile, Krishna erupted into fits of joyous laughter at the sight of the playful chase unfolding before him.

---------

In the grand palace of Ujjain, was bathed in the moonlight. The 6-day old princess lies peacefully on the ornate bed, her delicate form cradled in the warmth of silk blankets. Beside her, her older cousin Mitravinda, a playfully giggles and coos, showering the newborn with innocent affection, delighting in her new companion.

The two infants form a charming tableau, innocent and pure in their interaction. Their mothers, Aarvi and Rajadhidevi, sit on either side of the bed, their faces filled with love and tenderness as they coo and play with the precious babies.

As the princess let out a soft coo, Rajadhidevi, with a tender smile adorning her lips, gently tapped the baby's rosebud lips, causing a delightful blabbering effect to escape the little one's mouth. The queen of Mahishmati, couldn't help but chuckle at the sweet sight before her.

Mitravinda's laughter fills the room, a symphony of joy that warms the hearts of all who are present. As Mitravinda's laughter rings out, Aarvi sweeps her up into her arms, showering the little one with a cascade of tender kisses. The room is alive with love and happiness, the bond between the mothers and their children palpable in every smile and tender gesture.

Outside the room, Dilip stood at the ornate railings of the corridors alongside his elder brother, Jayasen. The night air was filled with a serene stillness that enveloped the royal siblings in a rare moment of tranquility.

"Tum atyant bhagyashaali ho, Dilip. Jo tumhe Akhand Maharani ke pita banne ka saubhagya mila hai." Jayasen said.

Dilip smiled, "Aap aur mai dono bhagya ke dhani hai, Jyesht. Aapko bhi toh Mitravinda jaisi, shri-swaroopa praapt huyi hai."

"So toh hai." Jayasen gazed out into the vast courtyard below, "Kintu mere hridaye mei varsho se glaani hai, Anuj."

Dilip knew exactly what his brother meant, "Aapki bhul nahi hai, bhrata. Aisa sochiye ki yadi mai Mahishmati nahi chhodta toh, mujhe Ujjain ki nagri nahi milti. Aur Ujjain nahi milti toh yeh devroopini kanya kaise milti ?"

The night air was still and serene as Jayasen turned to face his younger brother. His eyes, filled with a mixture of respect and admiration, held a newfound determination.

"Tum ek mahaan vyakti ho, Dilip." He said, his voice firm and unwavering. "Aise kuldeepak ko toh Haiheya-samrat banna hi chahiye."

Dilip was taken aback by his brother's words. Jayasen reached into his inner robe and pulled out a small, ornate letter. With a solemn expression, he handed it to Dilip. As he read the words inscribed upon the parchment, his eyes widened in shock.

The letter was from the council of Mahishmati, marked with the stamp of Jayasen. It stated that Mahishmati accepts the sovereignty and supremacy of Ujjain.

Jayasen smilingly said, "Aaj se Avanti ke samrat ho tum, aur tumhari nagri Ujjain banegi nayi Rajdhani."

Dilip's heart pounded with trepidation. The idea of ruling over the entire Haiheya dynasty had never crossed his mind. He had always been content with his humble city of Ujjain.

"Kintu aapke rehte mai ?" Dilip breathed out, his voice trembling slightly. The thought of taking his brother's place filled him with a sense of unease.

Jayasen shook his head, a gentle smile playing on his lips. "Tum Akhand Maharani ke pita ho. Samrat banoge tab hi yeh baat shobha degi."

His eyes held a deep sense of peace. "Mere hridaye ki glaani tab hi dur hogi, jab tum Haiheya-samrat ki padvi swikar karoge."

Dilip's heart swelled with gratitude, grateful to his brother for his selfless act. And Jayasen, in turn, found peace in knowing that his dynasty's legacy would live on through his younger brother.

"Mujhe lagta hai ab samaye aa gaya hai ki tum humare purkho ka karya bhi purn kardo." Jayasen said.

Dilip frowned, "Kaunsa karya ?"

Jayasen smilingly said, "Sampurn Bharatvarsh keval Avanti hi ek aisa Rajya hai jaha Devi Rameshwari ki murti nahi hai. Karan toh tum jaante hi hoge."

"Ji Bhrata...." Dilip said, as the realisation of the task dawned on him, "Humare purvajo ne pran liya tha ki jab tak Rameshwari humare rajya mei nahi janmegi, tab tak hum unki murti nahi banayenge."

Jayasen said, "Ab jab humare kul mei unka aagman ho chuka hai, murti banane ka karya siddh kardo, Anuj."

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A/N

AVANTI KE MAHARAJ !
HAIHEYA SAMRAT DILIP KI JAI HO ✨