Heart pounding, Devashree's breath caught in her throat, she did the only thing that felt right in that moment, she ran.

She ran as fast as she could, her feet barely touching the ground, as if trying to outrun the sudden surge of feelings that threatened to overwhelm her. 

The news hit her like a physical blow, sending ripples of pain through her heart, and in her haste, she didn't know where she was going.

All she knew was that she needed to move and seek her Shyam. Her mind raced as fast as her feet, thoughts jumbled and chaotic.

She found him in the quiet solitude of his favorite spot, the serene place by the river, where the water whispered secrets to the banks. Krishna's presence, usually so comforting, now seemed like a challenge to her resolve.

But seeing his usually playful demeanor shadowed by a serious expression brought her to a halt. She stopped a few steps behind him.

On a second thought, she didn't understand why she reacted that way. 

Why was she so incensed hearing about the prospect of Radha's marriage? What it really pain that she was feeling? It couldn't be. At least not as great as Krishna's pain right?

Devashree again gazed at Krishna, grappling with her own storm of feelings, she began to notice the subtle signs of Krishna's suffering-a barely perceptible tightness around his eyes, and the lingering silences that spoke louder than words.

She went and took a seat beside him on the bank where they had first met. Wounding her arm in his, she dropped her head on his shoulder.

"Why don't you marry Radha, Shyam?" Devashree broke the tense silence in a low voice,aware of his pain.

Krishna looked sideways at his Shree who was resting her head on his shoulder. Only his Shree would ask him to marry another without thinking about herself, all for his happiness.

He put his hand on her small back, which caused her to raise her head and lock her deep brown eyes with his Kohl ones.

"Really, it would be perfect, not only you two love each other but your families are also great friends." Devashree pleaded to him.

"Radha's marriage to Ayan isn't just a simple union Shree ,it is destiny. Of choices and paths taken, and the inevitable flow of life's currents. Yes I have always harbored a special place for Radha in my heart, and it will remain so. Yet, the decision for Radha to marry Ayan is beyond my control, a decision made by families, by societal norms."

Devashree understood then; after all, she would have to do the same thing in the future.But she still felt a sting of pain, as if her soul was being pulled out of her body.  And Krishna must be grappling with his soul.

Understanding the depth of his feelings for Radha, she knew, no words of consolation could ease the ache in his heart.

Devashree noticed the shadow of melancholy that had begun to cloud his usually bright demeanor.

"Shyam," she said, her voice playful yet gentle, "do you remember a week before we tried to climb that mango tree, and you got stuck halfway up?"

Krishna's lips twitched with the hint of a smile as he recalled the memory. "How could I forget? You were the one who dared me to climb higher, promising to catch me if I fell."

"And catch you I did," Devashree laughed, the sound like music to Krishna's ears. "Even when you landed on me and knocked the wind out of both of us."

"Yes, we had a few bruises but they were worth it after all the mangoes we ate."

"Look how beautiful those cows are looking taking care of their calves. Have you ever considered the possibility that your cows might be conspiring against you?"

Krishna, caught off guard by the sudden shift in conversation, turned to her with a puzzled expression. "My cows? Conspiring against me? And pray, what might they be plotting? "

"A milk strike, or perhaps an escape to the forests of Vrindavan or Govardhan?"

Krishna's laughter bubbled up in response to Devashree's playful observation. "Oh, I have no doubt they're up to something," he replied with mock seriousness, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "After all, they have a mischievous streak just like someone else I know."

Devashree playfully nudged him with her elbow, a grin spreading across her face. "You mean like you, Shyam? Always getting into trouble and causing mischief?"

Krishna feigned offense, placing a hand over his heart . "Me? Never! I'm just an innocent bystander caught up in the antics of those around me."

"As if anyone would believe you."

Krishna, still laughing, shook his head. "Well, they should. I'm the picture of innocence."

Devashree rolled her eyes, her smile widening. " More like a master of mischief,just yesterday you convinced the entire village that the butter had been stolen by a gang of monkeys?"

Krishna grinned, a spark of mischief dancing in his eyes. "Well, technically, the monkeys did take some butter. I just... helped them find it."

Devashree shook her head, her laughter bubbling up again. "And I had to spend hours trying to explain to them why there were monkey paw prints all over their house!"

Krishna shrugged, his expression one of pure innocence. "I was merely encouraging my monkey friends to enjoy the finer things in life."

"Of course!"

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Radha's marriage preparations had already started, but Devashree wasn't getting any time to bring her a solace. Radha was so busy that she had not come to Nidhivan in days.

On an ordinary day filled with laughter and light-hearted banter with Krishna,it happened unexpectedly, as such moments often do.

They were in the midst of exploring the outskirts of the village,when Devashree felt an unfamiliar sensation, a discomfort that drew her attention inward, marking the onset of her first menstrual cycle.

Panic and confusion clouded Devashree's thoughts as she whispered to Krishna, her voice laced with a mixture of embarrassment and urgency, "Krishna, I think something's wrong. I... I need to go back."

Krishna, sensing the distress in her voice, immediately became concerned. "What happened, Shree? Are you hurt?" he asked, scanning her for any visible signs of injury.

"No, it's not that," she hesitated, her cheeks flushing with a mix of discomfort and the dawning realization of what was happening. "I think... it's rajasvala."

Krishna looked at Devashree with eyes full of compassion and empathy. "Shree," he said gently, "there is no need for worry. This is a  sign of the natural cycle of life, a blessing that connects you to the very essence of creation."

Despite Krishna's reassuring words, Devashree couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation. Her entire lifestyle was going to change. She didn't know how to navigate this sudden change.

Sensing her discomfort, Krishna continued, "Come, let us get you back. We will take care of everything. You are not alone in this, Shree." his tone reassuring, free from any hint of discomfort or judgment.

The journey back was filled by a comforting silence, Krishna walking beside her, offering silent support.

Once they arrived, Devashree explained her situation to Gurumaa and sought her guidance following which her gurumaa went inside to prepare for her.

"In our traditions, this time is considered sacred. It is a period of rest and reflection. I will make sure you have everything you need. Shree, this journey into womanhood is sacred. I will ensure that everything is taken care of, and you are comfortable. Do not worry about the festivities of Vrindavan; I will explain your absence to Radha." Krishna turning his attention to Devashree assured her seeing her trepidation.

 "Krishna, your presence and understanding make this unexpected moment feel like a blessing. I am grateful for your care and the love that you show, not just to me but to all of creation."

Krishna smiled, a smile that held the warmth of a thousand suns, "Shree, you are my Shakti, your strength and grace in embracing this cycle are a manifestation to the divine feminine power every women holds." he gently reminded her.

Krishna then helped Gurumaa arranging for a comfortable space where Devashree could rest. He brought her fresh water from the Yamuna, and with the help of the women, ensured that she had access to clean cloths and nourishing food, emphasizing the importance of taking care of her body and spirit during this time.

"Shree," Krishna said, as he sat near her, maintaining a respectful distance, "this cycle is a celebration of life and your connection to the universe. Embrace it with grace and know that it symbolizes your strength and your capacity to create and nurture."

After making sure she had everything she needed, Krishna went back, following the societal norms.

Krishna's words had brought a sense of comfort to Devashree. The initial fear and confusion gave way to a feeling of being deeply connected to the rhythms of the universe, to the cycles that governed all of creation.

Gurumaa very patiently explained to her in great detail the Rajasvala paricharya ( routine to be followed during the period).In the days that followed, Devashree rested and reflected navigating through her thoughts and emotions.

This experience, deeply personal and yet universally shared by women, was made sacred by the understanding and care shown by Krishna.

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After a few days Devashree was surprised to see Radha in Nidhivan.Hidden away from the world, in a small clearing surrounded by ancient trees and the sweet chorus of bird songs, was Radha, her eyes brimming with tears, her face the picture of sorrow.

Devashree's heart gave a sharp tug, clenching in protest against Radha's tears.

She quickly crossed the distance and took Radha in her arms, tightly holding her.

"Radhe, please don't cry. You are Krishna's Shakti, his strength, what will be his state when he would see you like this. And your bond with him is above earthly bonds of marriage. Please don't be sad.If Ayan ever makes you cry, just come to me. I will teach him a lesson" She promised to Radha, moved by the tears of such a gentle and pure hearted soul.

Radha looked at Devashree with her wide eyes, still glistening with tears and sniffled quietly.She gave a sharp tug to Devashree bun.

"Ayan is my friend and I have accepted the marriage. I am not sad because of that silly." Radha chuckled at her protectiveness.

"Then what?Just tell me Radhe, who has brought tears in your precious eyes, I will beat them to pulp! " Devashree exclaimed with a passion.

"You will beat Shri Ram to pulp?" Radha questioned Devashree, her expressive eyes shining with mirth and innocence.

"What!?" Devashree shouted in disbelief," Shri Ram made you cry? What, how?" she asked confused as to what Radha said.

"Rishi Sandipani had come today to narrate Ramayan in one of the rituals of my marriage. He narrated how Shri Ram had left Mata Sita in the forest! How could Shri Ram, who loved Mata Sita so deeply, leave her? Their love was so pure, so divine. It pains me to think of Mata Sita's heartache."

Devashree, with a gentle smile, replied, "Radhe, Shri Ram and Mata Sita's love for each other is eternal, unfettered by the constraints of the physical world. Their separation is but a moment in the vast expanse of eternity. Shri Ram's decision was borne out of his dharma as a king, to uphold righteousness and the welfare of his people above all else. And Mata Sita, in her infinite grace and understanding, supported him, showcasing her unwavering devotion and strength."

"And don't blame Shri Ram Radhe, because he was truly selfless. Try putting yourself in his place. The people were questioning the character of Mata Sita. But Shri Ram did not let that happen. He took the burn on himself. After several ages, now when most people look back, in ignorance they blame Shri Ram and praise Mata Sita for her sacrifice. How deep must be his love to think so far ahead for Mata Sita? "

As Devashree spoke, Radha's tears began to dry, and a new understanding dawned upon her. She realized that the story of Shri Ram and Mata Sita was not just a tale of sorrow, but also a beacon of light guiding humanity towards the virtues of love, duty, and sacrifice. In their story, she found the strength to embrace her own trials with grace and to cherish the love that filled her life, undiminished by the trials of the world.

"I can't believe I was sobbing because of that." Radha exclaimed, a blush and embarrassment coloring her cheeks.

Devashree chuckled. Radha was adorable.

"You only cried, I was much worse. I threw a huge tantrum when I first heard the story from my Pitamah! I had locked myself in the room demanding Shri Ram come and apologize to my doll that I had named Sita."

Radha giggled imagining little Shree with puffed up cheeks.
"Then what happened?"

"Well, I remained stubborn.So my father had to dress up as Shri Ram who then profusely apologized to the doll and expressed his undying love for her. I also had him do ten sit ups as punishment " Devashree concluded the tale, chuckling as she remembered her father's attire.

Radha laughed at the tale. Her glee shining through her eyes, making the nature around her brighter by her joyful presence.

"Ah! It's been an eventful day Shree, now allow me to take my leave." Radha said, she had to get up early in the morning tomorrow in preparation for the rituals.

Devashree just smiled serenely at her and also decided to return back to the gurukul.

She was midway when she heard Radha's scream.

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A/N

Do tell what you felt about this chapter.

What do you think happened to Radha?

And did you see how deeply Krishna cared?❤️

Also women had to follow a strict routine back then.🥺
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