The Sudarshan spun faster than ever before. Pulling everything inside itself like it had a blackhole at it's centre. Lakshmi and Narayan spun together in a furious, mesmerizing dance. Their foreheads touched and their eyes closed, as if they were sealing themselves away from everything beyond this moment. They surrendered everything—their senses, their thoughts, their responsibilities—all given up because this universe has failed them.

 The cries of the Devgans, the pleas of the rishis, and the terrified voices of the beings across creation—all of it fell silent. Nothing reached their ears, nothing penetrated inside. It was as if they had folded into their own world, numb to everything but each other's presence. It was utterly deaf and mute all around...

All expect one voice.

ऊँ ह्रीं ह्रीं श्री लक्ष्मी वासुदेवाय नम:।

ऊँ ह्रीं श्री क्रीं क्लीं श्री लक्ष्मी मम गृहे धन पूरये,
धन पूरये, चिंताएं दूरये-दूरये स्वाहा:

 It was Sridama. His voice alone managed to reach them. 

For it is the bhakt's devotion that governed the gods. And it is so potent that it can pull even the highest divinities back from the brink.

So LakshmiNarayan were forced to open their eyes. And there he stood—Sridama, his hands folded in a deep pranam.

"Why have you called us Sridama?" Lakshmi asked. Sridama opened his eyes slowly, lifting his gaze upwards to meet theirs. He looked like a small, fragile child before the towering forms of LakshmiNarayan.

"Kshama kare mate, Maata," Sridama bowed his head low. "I merely complied with the wishes of Brahmadev. I am but a humble servant, doing as I was asked."

At that moment, Brahmadev appeared beside him "I apologize. I had no other option."

"What is it now, Brahmadev? Is there anything left of this universe that demands our intervention?"  Lakshmi asked.

"Are you sure about this behen? About what you are doing?"

"Bhrata, you know well, there are rules in this nature, principles that even the gods cannot break If those laws are broken, the delicate balance we strive to maintain crumbles. One broken rule leads to another, a chain reaction that spirals into chaos and ruins the natural order. Tell me, Brahmadev, is this not what has already happened? Have the laws not been bent, broken, and shattered in the pursuit of selfish desires? Am I wrong?"

"No. You are not wrong"

"Then what do you think will happen to such world where the Karma Chakra has failed? Where the laws of karma are no longer being followed by the cycle itself?"

Brahmadev looked away. "It will become, a land of adharma beyond the actions of gods. A realm no god's intervention can restore order. Such a world would spiral into darkness, consumed by its own injustice."

"And what should should be done with such a world?"

"It must be destroyed." Bramhadev whispered.

"Then why hesitate, Brahmadev?" she asked. "If even the Creator himself sees no other way, then why continue this farce?"

"But.."

"It started from the day when Kaamdev was burnt to ashes by Mahadev's wrath. When one injustice was meted out without cause, without the due cycle of karma. The moment an innocent was destroyed without recourse, the Karma Chakra learned a new thing. A new possibility was carved into the fabric of the universe. It learned that sometimes, even the gods could break the sacred laws of dharma. There was a way to end this...to reverse everything that happened! But Mahadev doesn't want to do that for heaven know what and now there is no option left but to destroy it all."

"You are right and I understand. But you also broke a law."

"What law?"

"You cannot reject a curse. No matter who gave them."

Lakshmi swallowed. "Don't worry about that. It's going to happen anyway isn't it? This world is getting destroyed......and my son with it." Her voice broke. 

"Exactly. Think about your son. You cannot let him go after so many eras, You had said in your rage that you would only stop when you reclaimed your son." As soon as he said this, Bramahadev saw the pain in her eyes. She was dead inside.

"That was when I believed that the Karma cycle would be back as it was before. That it would be reversed! But Mahadev has refused to do it.!" Lakshmi suppressed  a sob. She looked away, her tears glistening like tiny stars. Each drop held the sorrow of countless lifetimes. 

"Bhrata, please....I had to summon my utmost will to come to this decision, please don't weaken me now. I am the mother of all creation. My love must be impartial, it must encompass every being, every soul that walks this universe. How can I choose my own child over the billions who look to me for protection? If the Karma Chakra goes entirely out of control...then every good person will suffer. Not just them....the animals too." 

"I know you have never been selfish but I am asking you to be now and save this world however it is."

"I don't have that liberty! I have to do my duty, Bhrata. What do you want me to do?! If I don't this, the same gods who are now shouting to stop me will be saying why didn't I do my duty? And why are you asking me to stop? Why don't you ask Mahadev to tell me where my son is so this whole problem is solved?"

"I have and he has agreed to help."

Lakshmi's eyes widened in shock. "He has what?"

Brahmadev nodded. "Yes, Mahadev has agreed to help. He has finally decided to put aside his reservations. He is ready to reverse what was done. But only if you agree to stop this destruction and give us a chance to restore the balance."

The smile on her face vanished as soon as it came. "But you said the curse cannot be rejected..."

"But it can be transfered."

"What?"

Bramhadev turned towards Sridama and he understood. Sridama fell on his knees and clutched Narayan's feet.

"Prabhu. you promised me a boon. You promised me that I would get to absovle my guilt my taking Mata Lakshmi's curse upon myself. Please allow me to do this now..."

"Sridama, no!" Lakshmi cried, stepping back as if the very idea scorched her. "You don't know what you are asking for."

"Prabhu, Mate, I have lived with this guilt for ages," he sobbed. "I was the one who cursed Mata Lakshmi in my ignorance, in my arrogance. This is my chance to finally make amends. Please...let me take this upon myself. You have already given me the boon Prabhu. You cannot take it back. Please, Prabhu, let me fulfill my penance."

"No," Lakshmi said, shaking her head. "You were young and foolish, Sridama. I forgave you long ago. You do not deserve this suffering. I cannot let you take this upon yourself."

"But it is the only way," Brahmadev interjected gently. "Then only, Sridama's penance would be completed, you will get your son and the Karma chakra will right itself."

Mahadev also appeared there. "Yes. This is the only way now." He turned to Lakshmi and joined his hands, bowing his head. "Forgive me, Lakshmi. I was blind. I failed to see the bigger picture. I failed to see what my actions would do to you, to Narayan, and to the entire universe. I set in motion a series of events that I could not control, and for that, I am deeply sorry."

"Where is my son?" Lakshmi did not beat around the bush.

"Lakshmi please forgive me?"

"Where. is. my. son?"

Mahadev sighed. "Come. I shall take you there." 

 He took them to a place by the riverside. Through the tiny window in the hut,they saw that there was a woman holding a baby who was crying continuously.

Lakshmi's eyes filled with tears as she saw the tiny baby, her son, cradled in the arms of another. The baby's wails pierced the air, and Lakshmi's heart ached. Her feet moved instinctively to rush toward him, but Mahadev's hand gripped her arm, halting her.

"Mahadev, let me go to him!" she pleaded, her voice breaking.

"Shambara stole your son. He knew that Kaamdev would be his kaal. So he kidnapped him and threw him in the ocean."

Lakshmi gasped. "Shambara... The demon?" she whispered "He stole my son and cast him into the ocean... just to stop Kaamdev's fate?"

"Shambara feared that your son would fulfill the prophecy, bringing an end to Kaamdev's life. Desperate to prevent that, he kidnapped the child and cast him into the ocean, leaving him at the mercy of the tides and creatures of the sea. He was swallowed by a fish which was founded by a woman named Mayawati, that woman in the hut. As you can see she is Devi Rati's incarnation. I had promised her she would be reunited with her lover in this yug. I just fulfilled it. She will not let you take him away."

"I will manage, Mahadev. You are no longer needed."  She deliberately pried Mahadev's fingers off her wrist. Her gaze never left the small hut by the riverside. It did have her entire world within its walls.

Lakshmi knocked softly, her knuckles tapping against the wooden door. 

The door creaked open, revealing a woman with a tired expression. Mayawati, with her dark hair cascading down her shoulders, looked at Lakshmi with curiosity. She was holding the infant close to her chest.

Lakshmi's eyes immediately fell on the baby, her breath hitching. A sob escaped her lips, and she took a step closer.

"Who are you, Devi?" Mayawati asked

"I am..." Lakshmi's voice trembled.. She swallowed hard, trying to compose herself. "I am here for my son. He is my baby. Please give him back.."

Mayawati's brows furrowed and she held the child close to her chest. "I found him. He was alone, abandoned...what kind of a mother are you?"

"I never abandoned him. He was kidnapped. Please give him back. Let me just hold him...he is crying so much. He must be hungry. Please."

Mayawati hesitated but then saw how the baby's hands were stretching towards the stranger. Perhaps she was his mother. She hesitated for a moment longer before finally, slowly, releasing her hold on the child. The baby's eyes locked onto Lakshmi, and the instant their hands met, the crying stopped. 

 Lakshmi pulled him gently into her arms, cradling him close. "I'm so sorry, my love... I'm so sorry." She kissed his forehead, feeling the warmth of his small body against hers.  Her body instinctively guided him to her breast, and the child latched on eagerly. He was very hungry and thirsty. She adjusted the veil around her head to cover both herself and the baby. The child was no longer crying, no longer in pain. He was safe in his mother's arms.

"You were right," Mayawati said softly. "He is yours. But I cannot let you take him. I've come to love him as if he were my own and my mother...she considers him a blessing from the gods."

Lakshmi's eyes hardened like molten gold turned to steel. The tenderness vanished. 

"You are not meant to be his mother," she said firmly.

Before Mayawati could react, Lakshmi grasped her hand in a vice-like grip. The touch was electric—charged with the divine power of a goddess who had been wronged. Mayawati's eyes widened in shock as an overwhelming surge of memories and visions flooded her mind.

Images flashed before her—of her previous life as Devi Rati, her love for Kaamdev, the wrath that had ripped them apart, and the moments of pain and longing that had marked her existence. .

Lakshmi released her hand, and Mayawati stumbled back, her knees giving out as she collapsed to the ground, gasping for breath. Her face was ashen, her eyes filled with the dawning realization of the truth she could no longer deny.

Tears spilled from her eyes as she looked up at Lakshmi, "Maa...I finally have him back and you are taking him away..."

Lakshmi eyes softened and she knelt down cupping Mayawati's cheek.  "I know your pain," she said softly. "I know what it is like to be separated from the one you love most. The agony of it, the emptiness..." She paused, her thumb wiping away a stray tear from Mayawati's cheek. But don't worry. It's only a matter of a few years. After that, you will have him forever."

"No, I can wait no longer maa please." Mayawati reached up, covering Lakshmi's hand with her own, pressing it against her cheek as she closed her eyes. 

"He needs this Rati. He is a mortal right now. He will take powers from us as he grows.When the time is right, he will remember you, and you will come together again."

Mayawati stared at her, searching her eyes for a trace of false hope, but found only the unwavering truth. Her grip on Lakshmi's hand loosened, and she nodded slowly "For him," she murmured, her voice barely audible. "I will wait. I will always wait for him."

Lakshmi leaned forward, placing a soft kiss on her forehead. "Thank you," she whispered. "For loving him so fiercely."

She rose, her son still nestled safely against her chest, and with one last look at Mayawati, she turned to leave.

"Where are you taking my grandson?" 

Lakshmi turned around slowly, her eyes meeting the sharp gaze of an older woman standing at the doorway of the hut. The woman, with her graying hair neatly tied back and a stern expression etched on her weathered face, looked both strong and wary.

"It's my mother, she will be heartbroken if you take him away. She may even do something rash. Please do something and tread carefully." Mayawati whispered to Devi Lakshmi.

"What are you doing with my grandson?" she asked sharply.

"I am just....admiring him," Lakshmi said.

"Oh." The woman smiled widely. "Yes I know isn't he so beautiful?"

Lakshmi forced a smile, swallowing the lump in her throat. "Yes," she managed. "He is... truly beautiful."

The woman beamed. "You know," she continued, "when Mayawati brought him home, it was as if he was sent from the heavens just for us. I prayed for a grandchild for so long. He is a gift from Narayan himself, I am certain. Give him to me."

Laksmi's eyes met Mayawati's and she handed the baby to the older woman. "Here, have him. He is truly a blessing." 

She passed the infant over and only Mayawati saw how the baby had been changed into another. Sridama. Lakshmi's Maya had replaced Kaamdev into Sridama who was looking just like him.

"I have to go now. Aagya de." Lakshmi stepped back and glanced at Mayawati. "He will be safe here," she whispered.

Mayawati nodded "Thank you," she mouthed.

"This is not goodbye. He will return to you when the time is right, and he will know who you truly are."

Mayawati swallowed hard she reached up to touch the baby's cheek one last time. "I know mata," she whispered. "I understand."

Lakshmi nodded. "Take care of him," she said gently to the older woman, who was still doting over the child, oblivious to the divine presence standing before her.

The older woman looked up and smiled warmly. "Of course. He is my everything now."

With a final, tearful glance at Mayawati, Lakshmi turned and walked away. Her baby appeared in her arms once more and his tiny hand curled around her finger in his slumber.  "We're going home, my love. We're finally going home."

Narayan met her at some distance and they both turned back to their mortal forms.

 Krishna stepped forward to take the baby into his arms. The baby stirred slightly his tiny face scrunched as if searching for the familiar warmth of his mother's embrace.

"Shh, it's all right, my baby," Krishna murmured softly. He shifted the baby into a more comfortable position, the infant's head resting on his broad shoulder, and began to softly pat the baby's back, his fingers gently pressing against the little form. Slowly, his eyes closed again as he fell back into a peaceful, trusting sleep.

"What will happen to Sridama, Swami?"

"The same that happens with every being. The cycle of Karma."

"How?"

"He will come to love Mayawati."

"But she's not...she's not the one he was meant for."

Krishna sighed deeply. "He will lose her," he said  "The one thing he will come to love the most, he will lose."

"Because of the curse given ti me that he took upon himself?..."

"It is the Karmic fal of the curse as well as the boon. The curse... and the boon, entwined together. The curse he placed upon you as Radha, the separation that tore you apart, will now return to him. After one hundred years, he will endure the same anguish that you did. The same loneliness, the same heartache."

"And yet, this curse is also his boon?"

"Yes. The curse is also his penance. Through his suffering, he will find his redemption. His love for Mayawati will teach him the true meaning of sacrifice. And in the end, it will be the path to his awakening. For all that is taken, something is also given in return."

"The cycle of Karma is never simple, my love. And it always does justice."

*******

After two months, everything was back to normal again. The prince of Dwarka was named Pradyumna and after a short Naamkaran ceremony and a huge celebration afterwards. The entire city had gathered in celebration, rejoicing in the arrival of the royal heir, whose name was now engraved in the hearts of every Dwarkawasi.

Inside the private chambers of the palace, Devashree sat on a cushioned stool before her mirror, slowly removing her heavy ornaments after a long day of ceremonies. 

Pradyumna was nestled securely in her lap with his chubby hands gripping her veil, refusing to let go. He seemed to sense when his mother was busy, making it a point to cling to her, as if afraid she might leave his side even for a moment. His dark, curious eyes followed every movement she made, his lips forming a small pout whenever she looked away from him even for a moment.

Krishna was seated comfortably on the edge of the bed holding his flute in one hand, twirling it absentmindedly between his fingers. Noticing Pradyumna's curious gaze, he brought the flute closer to the baby, teasing him by waving it just out of reach. The little prince's eyes lit up, and he babbled excitedly. His tiny fingers stretched towards the shiny object.

"Oh, you want this, don't you, my little one?" Krishna dangled the flute just a bit higher, watching as Pradyumna squirmed in his mother's lap, reaching for it with all his might. Each time the baby's fingers came close, Krishna pulled the flute away.

"Oh, what is your father doing?" Devashree cooed, her voice filled with affection as she glanced down at her son. "Are you playing with him, hmm?" She kissed the top of his head. She shifted him slightly in her arms, making it easier for him to reach out.

Pradyumna babbled again, this time louder, as if complaining. Devashree laughed softly. "Oh?" she asked. "He's not giving it to you?"

Pradyumna looked up at her, his little face serious, as if he understood every word she was saying. His lips formed a pout and he let out a soft whine.

"How unfair!" she exclaimed with a gasp. "Is you father teasing you my love? Oh, that's so bad of him!"

Krishna raised an eyebrow. "You're making me look like the villain here.I am only trying to protect my flute from those little fingers.

"Is that so?" she teased. "Well, my little prince," she whispered to Pradyumna, "why don't we just take it from him, hmm?"

Without warning, she lunged forward, snatching the flute right out of Krishna's hand. Pradyumna's eyes went wide with delight letting out a loud, joyous giggle as he clutched at the flute, though it was too large for his small hands to hold properly.

Krishna narrowed his eyes as he pointed an accusing finger at Devashree. "You did not just do that," he said.

Devashree grinned and hugged Pradyumna close to her chest as she slowly backed away. "Oh, but I did," she teased, winking at Krishna. "And I'm not giving it back."

"Hand it over, or else I will have to take it back by force."

"Oh, will you now?" Devashree taunted, taking a step back. "Catch us if you can!"

With that, she turned on her heel and darted towards the bed, her anklets jingling as she moved. Krishna was quick to follow. Devashree's laughed as she dashed around the bed, holding Pradyumna close. The baby squealed in delight, his tiny fists clutching the flute tightly as Krishna pretended to grab at it but missed each time.

"You're faster than I remembered," Krishna teased, circling around the bed to cut her off. Devashree dodged, sidestepping him gracefully as she dashed to the other side

"Maybe you're just getting slower," she shot back .

Krishna lunged forward suddenly, wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her back towards him. Devashree let out a surprised yelp, stumbling against him as she clutched the baby protectively. Sandwiched safely between then Pradyumna, clapped his hands in delight. His laughter was the loudest of all.

Krishna nuzzled his face into the crook of her neck, laughing softly. "Got you."

Devashree turned her head slightly "It seems you have," she whispered.

Krishna grinned, pressing a quick kiss to her cheek before pulling back slightly. He reached for the flute in Pradyumna's hands, but the baby held on tightly, letting out a defiant babble.

Krishna collapsed on the bed. "Alright putr you win. I give up.The flute is yours."

"You are very lucky, my love. Your father doesn't give his flute to anyone. It's his most prized possession." She gently stroked Pradyumna's cheek with a smile. "Now, do one thing for me. Go and hide it somewhere. We will keep it safe with us while your father is away."

"What absence?" Krishna, who had been resting with his eyes closed, opened one eye suspiciously.

"You are going away tomorrow. Aren't you?"

"Yes. But you are coming with me."

Devashree looked surprised. "Me? No, I am not leaving Tanu here all alone," she said, glancing down at their son, who was now chewing on the edge of the flute.

"Then we will take him with us," Krishna countered smoothly

"But why me, Swami?" Devashree asked. "I am sure you can manage without me.

"No Shree. I need you to be there. The Rajusuya of Indraprast is an important event that will shape the future of Aryavarta. It's going to be.....eventful."

Then you should have told me earlier, Swami," she huffed. "Now I have to pack everything—Pradyumna's clothes, his toys, my sarees, my jewelry—"

"Oh, come now," Krishna interrupted. "It's not like we're moving to another kingdom permanently. Just a visit for a few weeks, Shree. How much packing do you need?"

Devashree gave him a pointed look. "You say that now," she retorted, "but when you're the one holding a wailing baby who's missing his favorite toy because I didn't pack it, don't come crying to me."

"Alright, alright. You win. Pack as much as you want, take the entire treasury of Dwarka if you must."

She swatted him playfully. "Very funny, Swami," she grumbled. "You always make light of things, but you never actually help me pack."

He leaned in closer. "I think I help in my own way," he murmured, placing a soft kiss on her cheek.

Devashree rolled her eyes, though a smile was tugging at her lips. "Kissing me doesn't count as helping."

"Doesn't it?" Krishna countered. "It certainly seems to be working. You're smiling now, aren't you?"

Devashree just rolled his eyes and went away. She had things may things to do and if she stayed here one more minute, her husband will entrap her in is charming ways.

*******

A/N

Sorry if this chapter feels hurried...I had absolutely no time today. But I promised you a chapter so here it is. 

Next is the most awaited Rajasuya. Who's ready for Shishupal? 😏

Until next time....❤️✨