The assembly fell into a shocked silence at Shishupal's words.

It was an audacious demand. It was a betrayal of the very relationship between a guru and shishya.

The very notion that Dharmendra's adherence to dharma could be bartered for his sister's hand in marriage was abhorrent, a perversion of the sacred teacher-student bond.

Members of the assembly exchanged glances, their expressions was a mixture of disbelief and indignation. Whispers began to ripple through the crowd, a collective murmur of dissent that underscored the absurdity and injustice of the demand.

"Enough!" Rajpitah Adhiraj's voice boomed across the hall, a thunderclap breaking the heavy silence. Every eye turned to him, and the very air seemed to still around his commanding figure.

He rose to his feet. His age had in no way dimmed the vigor and authority that had once made him a revered ruler, and now, in the twilight of his years, he commanded an imposing presence.

His face was a mask of barely contained fury. His eyes, sharp as ever, flashed with indignation at the audacity of King Damaghosh and Shishupal.

"To think that I would live to see the day when the sacred bond of guru and shishya would be so blatantly exploited for political maneuvering," he continued, his voice laden with disappointment and anger. "Is this what the teachings of our ancestors have been reduced to? Bargaining chips in the games of thrones and power?"

Turning his gaze towards King Damaghosh, Adhiraj's voice took on a razor-sharp edge.

"And you, Maharaj Damaghosh, have the audacity to use your position as a guru not to uplift and guide, but to coerce and threaten? To demand a marriage as guru dakshina, not out of concern for the spiritual well-being of your disciple, but to further your own kingdom's ambitions?"

"This matter," Damaghosh spat in response, his voice tinged with defiance,"is between me and my shishya. I have every right to ask for guru dakshina as per our traditions." His gaze swept across the assembly, daring anyone to challenge his authority.

"However," he continued,"it seems that the esteemed Rajpitah Adhiraj forgets the weight and significance of such a bond. The request for guru dakshina is not a demand but a right, earned through years of guidance and teaching."

The assembly murmured, divided in their sentiments. Some nodded in agreement, swayed by Damaghosh's appeal to tradition and duty, while others remained unconvinced, their allegiance with Adhiraj's interpretation of dharma-a dharma that transcended the narrow confines of personal gain and power plays.

"Kanha," Balrama murmured to Krishna, his voice low and laced with barely contained anger, "this farce has gone on long enough. How dare they manipulate to further their own ends? It's an insult to Dharma itself!" His fists clenched at his sides, and the very air around him seemed to thrum with his suppressed fury.

"I know, dau. I share your anger," Krishna replied, his voice even. "Their actions today have not only dishonored the sacred traditions but have also threatened the peace and dignity of Shree and her family."

Balrama's eyes flashed.

"Allow me to confront them. Should I remind them of the power they seek to challenge?" he asked, the warrior within him ready to step forward and defend the honor of their kin and the sanctity of dharma.

Krishna placed a calming hand on Balrama's massive shoulder

"No, dau. While your strength is unmatched and your courage unquestionable, this battle is not one to be fought with brute force. Our actions must uphold the dharma they seek to manipulate."

Balrama exhaled, a deep, rumbling sigh, the tempest within him quelling under Krishna's steadying influence.

"What would you have us do, then? Stand by while they tarnish the principles we hold dear?"

Krishna's gaze was unwavering, his resolve clear.

"We will stand by Devashree and her family, and we will ensure that justice and righteousness prevail.

Dharmendra took a moment, gathering his thoughts, his gaze sweeping across the faces of his people, and his family, and finally resting on the imposing figures of King Damaghosh and Shishupal.

And when he spoke, his voice was clear and resonant, imbued with a calm authority that belied his years.

"Maharaj Damaghosh," Dharmendra began, his tone respectful yet firm, "you speak of dharma and the sacred bond of guru and shishya. Indeed, it is a bond that demands respect, honor, and the fulfillment of duties. But let us not forget that dharma itself is multi-faceted, guiding us not only in our duties to our teachers but also in our responsibilities towards our family, our kingdom, and the greater good."

He paused, allowing his words to sink in before continuing.

"You ask me to choose between honoring your request as my guru dakshina and upholding the honor and autonomy of my sister, Rajkumari Devashree. It is a choice you present as a test of my adherence to dharma, yet it is a choice that disregards the very essence of dharma."

"The decision to marry, to unite two souls and two families, cannot be reduced to a transaction or a demand. It is a sacred union, one that should be entered into freely, with love, respect, and mutual consent. To force such a union, especially using the guise of Guru dakshina, is to stray from the path of righteousness."

Dharmendra's gaze then shifted to his sister, a silent communication of solidarity and support passing between them.

"As the Yuvraj of Kripalakshaya, it is my duty to protect my sister's rights, her happiness, and her freedom to choose her own path. This, too, is my dharma, and it is a duty I shall fulfill with all my heart and strength."

"Dharma?" Damagosha spat, the word dripping with contempt. "You dare speak to me of dharma when you reject the wealth and prosperity that my kingdom, Chedi, could bring to Kripalakshaya? Do you know who I am? Do you realize the power and splendor of Chedi?"

His hands waved wildly, gesturing towards the imagined boundaries of his vast domain.

"Our lands stretch farther than the eye can see, laden with the richest soils that yield bountiful harvests. Our cities are the envy of kingdoms far and wide, bustling with trade and adorned with palaces that are the pinnacle of architectural grandeur."

He paced back and forth, each step a stomp that seemed to express his outrage.

"Our treasuries overflow with gold and precious gems, wealth accumulated through generations of wise rule and prosperous trade. We command mighty armies, feared by our enemies and respected by our allies. And you," he sneered, turning his glare back to Dharmendra, "you reject this? For what? For the sake of a so-called dharma that you wield like a shield to protect your pride?"

His voice rose to a crescendo, echoing off the walls of the hall. "You stand there, cloaked in your righteousness, but you refuse the prosperity that my kingdom-my son-could bring to your sister and to Kripalakshaya. Is this your dharma? Is this the legacy you choose?"

His voice boomed in the assembly hall.

In the shadow standing near her mother, Devashree watched and heard him, boasting about his wealth and riches.

Her eyes flashed with fierce intensity, a divine light entering her eyes.

Wealth and riches. She scoffed internally. She will show them their wealth.She would show them, show all who watched, the futility of their attempts to quantify her worth in terms of gold and jewels.

With grace, she lifted the helm of her exquisite lehenga and stepped forward into the limelight of the assembly hall.

All eyes now rested on her. The sudden shift in focus brought a hush over the crowd, an anticipatory silence that enveloped the space.

"Maharaj Damaghosh," Devashree began, her voice calm yet resonant, cutting through the tension with ease.

"Perhaps there has been a misunderstanding. My bhratashree is not rejecting your kingdom's undeniable wealth and splendor."

Dharmendra snapped his neck towards his sister so fast, it could have broken from the sheer force.

What was his sister saying? He opened his mouth to intervene but Devashree's hand reached out to him, silencing him. It was a subtle gesture, yet laden with an unspoken command that halted him in his tracks.

Her grasp was gentle, yet within her touch, he sensed an unfamiliar ferocity.

As their eyes met, he saw not the usual serene and compassionate sister he knew but rather a fierce, lioness prepared to defend her pride against any threat. There was a sharp intensity in her eyes, ready to slice through anything.

He understood that his sister wanted to play as a predator would with its prey, as a strategist wielding the most potent weapon at her disposal-her intellect.

"Indeed, Maharaj Damaghosh," Devashree continued, her voice laced with a honeyed agreement that hid her steely intent.

"Your Chedi and its unmatched wealth are truly enormous. The grandeur of Chedi is legendary, and its tales of prosperity have reached the farthest corners of our lands. And while it is true that Dwarka, under Shri Krishna's guidance, has flourished, we too recognize the value of alliances that honor and elevate both kingdoms involved."

A crease appeared around Balarama's eyes as his eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

"Kanha, ye kya ho Raha hai? Why is Devashree trying to undermine Dwarka?"

Krishna gazed upon Devashree with an unwavering adoration and reverence and just smiled his serene smile.

"She is not trying to undermine anyone. Wait and watch, dau. Today you shall know just why she is my Chanchala."

"Maharaj Damaghosh," she continued, taking a hesitant tone. Only her close ones understood the subtle act she presented.

"Your Chedi is far older and wiser than any kingdom. You must know better than anyone that we are nothing but the servants of our people. It is Rajdharm."

"And?" Damagosha's voice was laden with a mixture of ego at her words and confusion as to where she was going. Although that was not how he saw it, he could not dare deny the Rajdharm in front of so many.

"And it is these very people who have given me all their love, Maharaj. They are very fierce. We know that your kingdom is truly worthy, but the people? They have no idea of your prosperity."

She moved slightly, her posture graceful yet commanding, ensuring her voice carried to every corner of the hall.

"Our people value actions over words, substance over promises. They are proud, as are all who dwell in the lands under your reign. But to truly unite our kingdoms in an alliance that will stand the test of time, they must see with their own eyes the splendor and the wisdom of Chedi. They must witness the benevolence and the prosperity that you, Maharaj, can bring to this alliance."

Devashree then deftly turned the king's argument on its head, her words dripping with a sweetness that masked the steel trap she was laying.

Her eyes met Maharaj Damaghosh's, challenging him to rise to the occasion. "Show them the greatness of Chedi, let them experience the wealth and wisdom your kingdom embodies. Let them see that this alliance is not merely a political maneuver, but a joining of two great peoples, destined to achieve even greater heights together."

Shishupal grinned. This was it. A chance to show Chedi's wealth. A chance to cement his claim on the princess and dazzle the assembly with his kingdom's opulence.

With a smugness that bordered on triumph, Shishupal stepped forward, his voice ringing clear in the suddenly quiet hall.

"Then we will show the people, , Rajkumari," he declared, his chest puffed out in pride.

"Before the eyes of all, in the grandest display this kingdom has ever witnessed, I shall publicly bestow wealth equal to your weight. The splendor of Chedi's generosity will be seen as daan, proof of our kingdom's grandeur and our sincere desire to welcome you into our fold. Lakshmi ki koi kami nahi hai hamare yaha." He leered at her.

Devashree just gave him a straight tight-lipped forced smile and merely inclined her head in acknowledgment of Shishupal's declaration.

Krishna's smile broadened.

He could have kissed his beloved at that moment! His eyes were twinkling with approval and pride at Devashree's ingenuity. He wanted to laugh maniacally. The corners of his lips twitched upwards in an almost imperceptible smile, his eyes shining with a mixture of pride and affection. He had watched as Devashree, with the elegance and wit befitting the goddess of wealth herself, skillfully turned the tables on their arrogant opponents.

"Your wit never ceases to amaze me, Priye," Krishna whispered, his voice low and filled with warmth. "To think they would dare to measure your worth in gold and jewels. The very notion is as preposterous as trying to capture the wind in a net."

Balarama, now understanding the depth of her strategy, also nodded in admiration.

As the assembly dispersed and the royal family retreated to the privacy of their chambers, the atmosphere was charged with tension and disbelief.

Devashree's father, Maharaj Devendra, her mother, Madhulika, Pitamah Adhiraj, and her brothers, Yuvraj Dharmendra and her bhabhishree Prerna and Pratap, all surrounded her, their expressions a mix of shock, confusion, and concern.They feared for her safety, for her future, and for the stability of their kingdom.

Prerna, in particular, couldn't hide her distress, her hands clasped tightly together in silent prayer, her eyes pleading with Devashree to reconsider her actions.

Her Pitashree was the first to break the silence, his voice tinged with both frustration and worry.

"Devashree, what have you done?" he asked, trying to comprehend the rationale behind her actions. "Inviting Shishupal to demonstrate his wealth in such a manner... it's as if you've paved the way for your own betrothal to him!"

Her mother, always the more measured of the two, nonetheless echoed her husband's concern. "My child, while your intentions may have been noble, the consequences of this spectacle could bind you to a union with Shishupal. We thought you understood the gravity of this situation."

"Devashree, you have always been the beacon of wisdom in our family. But this... this maneuver has left us all bewildered. Why invite such a display of wealth if not to validate Shishupal's proposal?" Pitamah Adhiraj said, also showing signs of distress.

"Sister, your cleverness is unmatched, but this gamble... what if it leads the people to believe that Shishupal's wealth is indeed worthy of winning your hand?"

"But Jiji, why let that Shishupal show off? We don't need his wealth!"

Prerna stepped forward, her voice trembling with emotion, as she addressed Devashree. "My dear," she began, her words gentle yet tinged with urgency, "what have you done? Do you realize the gravity of your actions?" She reached out a hand as if to offer comfort and guidance, her eyes imploring Devashree to reconsider her course of action.

Devashree, taking a moment to absorb their collective anxiety, finally spoke, her voice calm and assured.

"Bhratashree, You had spent two years in war helping King Damagosha on his one command, and today he had the audacity to question your dharma? Did he forget that it was because of you that he had amassed all his wealth? I cannot let this go, Bhratashree.

"Please understand, my actions were not taken lightly, nor were they meant to lead me into Shishupal's arms." She looked into their eyes, one by one, conveying the depth of her conviction. "This spectacle, as you call it, will not end in my betrothal to Shishupal. Rather, it will reveal the true nature of his intentions and the emptiness behind his boasts of wealth and generosity."

She paused, allowing her words to sink in. "We are a kingdom guided by dharma, by righteousness. Our people's love and respect cannot be bought with gold or jewels. This display will not only expose Shishupal's vanity but also reaffirm our values. Trust me, I have a plan, and I need you to trust in it as well. Narayan par bharosa rakhiye."

The family, though still uncertain, decided to trust her and her assurance that she had a larger strategy at play.

*******

The public square of Kripalakshaya buzzed with an electric undercurrent of anticipation and intrigue. Word had spread like wildfire that Princess Devashree's suitors were to demonstrate their worth, and the citizens gathered in droves, eager to witness the event that would decide the future of their beloved princess.

Groups of people clustered together, their voices mingling in a cacophony of speculation and excitement.

"I've heard that Prince Shishupal of Chedi boasts a wealth that could rival the treasury of Indra himself. But what is wealth compared to the virtue and wisdom our princess embodies?" An elderly woman, her hair silvered with age, leaned on her walking stick and spoke with a voice seasoned by wisdom.

Her companion, a middle-aged man with keen eyes, nodded thoughtfully before replying, "True, true. But have you heard about the other suitor? The one from Dwarka? They say he's no ordinary king but divine in nature. Imagine that, our Devashree wedded to a god among men."

At the edge of the square, a group of elders sipped their tea, observing the bustling crowd with a sense of contentment.

"No matter who the princess chooses, it is her happiness that matters most," said one, his voice carrying the gentle authority of age.

As the time for the spectacle drew near, the diverse conversations among the people of Kripalakshaya painted a vivid picture of a community united in their affection for Princess Devashree.

In the hearts of her people, their Devashree was already unmatched, a treasure beyond compare.

As the sun climbed higher in the sky, casting its golden light over Kripalakshaya, the stage for an unprecedented spectacle was set.

At the heart of the public square, a massive weighing scale had been erected befitting the monumental decision that was to be made before the eyes of the entire kingdom. The weighing scale, a symbol of justice and equilibrium, stood ready to play its part in a ceremony that had captured the imagination of every citizen.

The royal family occupied the dais, their expressions a mix of apprehension and concern.

King Devendra wore a troubled look, his brow furrowed as he contemplated the potential outcomes of the day's events. Beside him, Queen Madhulika held tightly to her husband's hand, seeking to offer solace through her silent support. Dharmendra and Pratap, the princes, stood with their parents, their usual confidence tempered by the gravity of the situation.

In stark contrast to the royal family's dignified worry, Shishupal stood with a smug air of entitlement, his arrogance on full display. He was surrounded by his servants confident in the wealth of his kingdom.

His father, Maharaj Damagosh, shared his son's confidence, their demeanor reflecting their belief that material riches would secure the alliance they so desired.

Yet amidst the tension and expectation, two figures remained untouched by the surrounding tumult. Krishna exuded an aura of calm that seemed to radiate peace to those around him. And there, beside him, stood Devashree, a vision of serene dignity.

As the gathered crowd awaited the ceremony to begin, hushed conversations filled the air, weaving a tapestry of anticipation and speculation.

"Can you believe what's about to happen?" whispered a young maiden to her friend, her eyes wide with excitement. "Princess Devashree's future will be decided on a scale! It's like something out of a legend."

Nearby, an elderly man leaned on his cane, watching the proceedings with a critical eye. "Wealth alone cannot tip the scales in favor of a suitor," he said, his voice carrying the wisdom of years. "It is the weight of virtue, of righteousness, and divine favor, that truly balances the measure of a man. Our princess knows this well."

The atmosphere in the public square was electric, charged with anticipation as Shishupal took center stage, ready to demonstrate the extent of his wealth to the assembled citizens of Kripalakshaya. He stood tall, his voice loud and clear, echoing through the square as he addressed the crowd.

"People of Kripalakshaya, behold the wealth and prosperity that Chedi brings!" Shishupal proclaimed, gesturing grandly towards the servants who stood ready with chests and sacks filled to the brim. "Today, you will witness a daan like no other, a gift to your beloved princess that will attest to the grandeur and magnificence of Chedi."

The crowd murmured among themselves, their eyes widening as they took in the spectacle before them. The scale, an enormous construct of wood and metal, gleamed in the sunlight, its presence dominating the square.

"Rajkumari," Shishupal continued, turning towards her with a confident smile, "please, grace the right side of the scale with your presence. Let us show your people the weight of our commitment and the depth of our affection for you."

Devashree, draped in an elegant silk saree, moved towards the scale, her steps measured and graceful. She took her place on the right side, and folded her legs sitting cross-legged.

As she seated herself, Shishupal turned to his servants and barked orders,

"Begin! Fill the other side with the wealth of Chedi. Let us tip the scales in favor of our union."

The servants sprang into action, hoisting chests of gold, jewels, and other treasures, placing them carefully on the opposite side of the scale.

The clinking of gold, the shimmer of jewels, and the rustle of silk filled the air as the scale began to tip under the weight of Chedi's riches.

The crowd watched, transfixed by the scene.

Whispers spread through the assembly as the citizens of Kripalakshaya pondered the implications of this display of wealth.

As the scale continued to tip, the tension in the square grew palpable. Would the wealth of Chedi indeed outweigh that of their princess? Could the worth of a union be measured in gold and jewels?

As the servants of Shishupal tirelessly added more and more riches to the scale, a sense of disbelief began to permeate the crowd.

Gold coins clinked, precious gems shimmered in the sunlight, and luxurious fabrics pooled around the base of the scale.

Yet, despite the ostentatious display of wealth, the side of the scale on which Devahsree was seated remained stubbornly unmoved, as if anchored by an invisible force.

Shishupal's initial confidence wavered, turning into impatience and then frustration.

His face flushed with effort and irritation, he urged his servants to hasten, "More! Keep adding more! Show them the might of Chedi's wealth!" His voice cracked with the strain of maintaining his composure, the spectacle not unfolding as he had envisioned.

Meanwhile, Krishna and Balrama watched the proceedings with barely contained amusement. Their smiles were knowing, and their demeanor relaxed amidst the tension that gripped the assembly.

Krishna's eyes twinkled with mirth. Meri Lakshmi ko Dhan se tologe Shishipal? Purre bramhand ka dhan bhi laoge tab bhi kam pad jayega.

The servant approached Shishupal hesitantly. With a voice barely above a whisper

"My lord, there... there is not much gold left anymore. We have nearly emptied the coffers."

Shishupal's face darkened further. His eyes were wide with disbelief and anger.

"What do you mean 'not much gold left'?" He barked, his voice echoing across the silent assembly, drawing the attention of all present. "Are you telling me that Chedi's vast treasures cannot tip a simple scale of a single person?"

The servant flinched under the weight of Shishupal's gaze, nodding meekly. "Yes, my lord. We've brought forth nearly all that we have. The scale... it remains unmoved."

A murmur spread through the crowd, the astonishment palpable among the citizens of Kripalakshaya.

The impossibility of the situation, the failure of such a monumental display of wealth to achieve its intended purpose, was a spectacle in itself.

Krishna's lips quirked in a slight smile, the serene wisdom in his eyes reflecting a deeper understanding of the moment's significance.

As the last piece of gold was placed on the scale, a hushed silence enveloped the assembly, every eye fixed on the immovable balance.

The moment of truth had arrived, stark and undeniable. The opulence of Chedi, once boasted as boundless, had been drained to the last coin, yet the scales stood firm, as unmoved as the mountain against the breeze.

Rajapitah Adhiraj rose from his seat. His presence commanded the attention of all, his calmness was a stark contrast to the turmoil that Shishupal and his father now found themselves in.

Addressing the assembly with a voice that carried the weight of wisdom and authority, Adhiraj announced,

"It appears that the attempt to match Rajkumari Devashree's worth by the Chedi has failed. The scales remain unmoved."

Shishupal and his father, Maharaj Damagosh, stood in stunned silence, their grand scheme unraveled by the immutable laws of dharma and virtue that no amount of gold could sway.

The citizens of Kripalakshaya stood witnesses to this extraordinary testament of their princess's intrinsic value, murmured among themselves.

Respect and admiration for their Rajkumari swelled in their hearts, her stature elevated not by the weight of gold, but by the depth of her character and the divine favor that clearly rested upon her.

The lesson was clear: true worth, the kind that tips the scales of destiny, is measured not in gold, but in the richness of the soul.

The king wore an expression of sheer disbelief, his gaze shifting between the unmoved scale and his daughter, as if seeing her in a new light. Beside him, the queen clutched her hands together, a mixture of worry and awe etched across her features, her mind undoubtedly racing with concerns for her daughter's future and the newfound revelation of her worth. Dharmendra, who had stood firm against the challenges thrown by Shishupal and his father, now appeared equally stunned, his earlier confidence replaced by a dawning realization of the depth of the situation. The pride in his sister's virtues, which he had so ardently defended, seemed to swell within him, mingling with a sense of wonder at the divine validation of her intrinsic value.

Pratap, the youngest, whose protective instincts had been on high alert, now looked on with wide eyes.

Shishupal faced with the humiliation of his grand gesture falling flat, sought desperately to salvage his pride. His eyes, burning with resentment and wounded arrogance, landed on Krishna, who had observed the proceedings with an air of serene detachment.

"Aey Gwale!" Shishupal sneered, his voice carrying across the assembly, laden with venom and spite.

"You stand there, amused by my efforts, but let us see if you can do better. If I cannot have the princess, then you won't either. I challenge you to match her worth in weight. Show us the wealth of Dwarka!"

The assembly murmured, the challenge hanging heavy in the air. Shishupal's ploy was transparent, a desperate attempt to undermine Krishna and save face by putting him in an impossible position. Yet, the audacity of the challenge piqued the curiosity of the onlookers, their eyes turning to Krishna, awaiting his response.

As Krishna stepped forward, the assembly watched in rapt attention, the air thick with anticipation.

Devashree sat poised on the scale. Her elegance was undiminished by the circumstances surrounding her.

As Krishna accepted Shishupal's challenge and began to approach the scale, Devashree's gaze met his.

The slight raising of her eyebrow, paired with the subtle smile that played upon her lips, conveyed a playful challenge of her own. It was as if she were silently asking, "What do you have in store for me, Swami?"

Krishna, for his part, met her gaze with calm assurance and a tender smile that spoke volumes of his confidence.

The air was thick with expectation, the crowd hanging on to the anticipation of Krishna's response to the challenge.

His gaze was fixed on Devashree, a silent exchange of affection and understanding passing between them. A shared moment of intimacy in the public spectacle.

With a serene smile, Krishna reached for the crown atop his head, the very crown Devashree had lovingly crafted for him, adorned with vibrant peacock feathers.

It was more than a mere adornment; it was a symbol of their bond, of the affection and care that had gone into its making.

As he held it in his hands, his smile deepened, a soft glow emanating from him, a manifestation of the profound love he harbored within his heart.

The assembly watched, breathless, as Krishna, with a deliberate and tender motion, placed the crown on the empty pan of the scale. It was a simple gesture. The crown, though light in material weight, was imbued with the essence of Krishna's love for his Shree.

As the crown touched the scale, a hush fell over the assembly.

And the scale began to tip. The pan carrying the crown descended, and Devashree began to be lifted up.

The message was clear and unmistakable: the weight of true love, of genuine affection, and spiritual connection, far surpassed any material wealth.

The crowd erupted into murmurs of disbelief and wonder, their eyes wide with amazement. Shishupal and his father stood in stunned silence, their plans unraveled by the simple, act of placing a feather-adorned crown on a scale.

Devashree's expression transformed into one of deep affection and admiration as she watched Krishna. Her heart swelled with love and pride. Her eyes sparkled with tears of joy with a bond that had just been publicly affirmed in the most unexpected and magical way.

"Esteemed guests, citizens of Kripalakshaya, and distinguished visitors from afar," Adhiraj began, his voice resonating with authority and warmth, echoing off the walls of the grand assembly hall.

"It is with immense joy and a heart full of hope for the future that I announce the betrothal of my beloved granddaughter, Rajkumari Devashree, to Shri Krishna of Dwarka. This union, blessed by the divinity of their love and the sanctity of their bond, promises to be a beacon of dharma, compassion, and righteousness for all."

The assembly erupted into cheers and applause, and the air filled with a chorus of congratulations and joyful exclamations.

As the cheers and applause gradually subsided, the assembly's focus returned to the heart of the celebration-Krishna and Devashree.

Krishna, with a gentle and considerate gesture, reached for the scale. His touch was careful as he slowly lowered it, ensuring Devashree could be set down with ease and grace. Her legs, which had daintily hung off the seat, now found their place on the solid ground as she gracefully stepped off the scale.

The crowd watched in silent admiration, captivated by the elegance and poise with which she moved.

With the crown still resting on the scale's pan, Devashree reached for it.

As she lifted it, the assembly held its breath, sensing the depth of the moment unfolding before them.

With a tenderness that spoke volumes, Devashree approached Krishna.

Their eyes met, a world of emotion and understanding passing between them in that fleeting glance.

She then carefully placed the crown back atop Krishna's head, her hands lingering for a moment as if to reinforce the bond that the crown represented. It was a gesture of love, of acceptance, and of unity, witnessed by the gods and mortals alike.

Krishna's smile, as he looked upon Devashree, was a reflection of the love and reverence he held for her.

It was a smile that reached his eyes, lighting up his entire being.

The assembly, moved by the intimacy and sanctity of the gesture, erupted into another round of applause, their hearts uplifted by the beauty and purity of the love shared between Krishna and Devashree.

Pratap, who had been glaring at the heaps of gold and jewels of Shishupal, ordered the servants,

"Ye abhi tak yaha kyu hai, wapis le jao ise, jahan se aaya hai!"

Devashree gave a hard tap to his head, her eyes glinting.

"Pratap! Athithiyon ka aise apman nahi kiya karte! Daan diya hai woh, wapis kaise lejayenge? Chaliye Kshama maangiye unse!"

The look of shock on Shishupal's face was treasured by Balarama.

Laughing internally, he approached Dharmendra and patted his back.

"Yuvraj Dharmendra," Balrama boomed, his voice echoing through the now quieter hall, drawing the attention of those nearby. "I must commend you on your restraint! Had it been me," he slapped his chest for emphasis, "I would have launched Shishupal and his gold straight out of Kripalakshaya!"

"He has already fled Bhrata Balrama." Dharmendra chuckled

"Aur kare bhi toh kya? Yaad rakhna Bhrata, Mata Lakshmi, graces those who are humble and righteous and her favor is not won by material wealth, but by the purity of heart and the nobility of deeds."

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A/N

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