"To Mathuraraaj,

The Lord as dark as the rain clouds, the Shyama amidst brilliant red roses, I revere you.

You may not know me by name yet. I am the lost daughter of Bhishmaka, with a destiny similar to yours. I believed my home was with cows and barley fields, in the lap of nature listening to the ever mysterious music of a boy's flute. But I was wrong. Like you, a time came in my life when my true parentage was revealed, and now yanked away from the abode of milk I have been put in a palace of maya.

Often, I think about you. I think if my prayers were answered or not. If they have been, you have forgotten me. If not, which I am now selfish enough to wish, you still carry me within you. You are present in all my dreams and nightmares alike. Sometimes I imagine you standing near the door frame, waiting for the right time for us to sneak out. Alas, now I am a woman adorned in not flowers and kisses but in jewels from rare islands, so my freedom has lessened. I cannot come to you.

But maybe, you can come to me.

I am Vidarbhi. They call me Rukmini, the sister of Rukmi. Perhaps you have heard about me, but I will be pleased to know that you know me.

Seven days later, my marriage will occur, with a man about whom I have no knowledge, except that he is a prince- the son of a king and the best friend of my brother. It is that I am a pawn in my sibling's game, that my betrothal to the man of his choice will strengthen his hold on power. I am a payment he makes in return for land and glory.

I do not wish to be his sacrifice. All my life is at your feet, Mathuraraaj, and I am ready to kill myself at one command of yours. I am loyal to you and only you. One who has no value for you has no place in my life too.

Listen now, Mathuraraaj, what plan I have hatched. On my marriage day, I shall be taken to the temple of Maa Parvati in the morning. There I will be accompanied only by women, even though guards will be posted in every nook and corner of the kingdom. But to take me away, this is the best time. Come on your chariot, dressed in your favourite garb and of course with your flute. I will wait for you to take away what is yours. Yes, Krishna, I belong to you. Do whatever you want with me! You have the independence to rule my mind, body and soul.

In case, you have forgotten me, or a new woman has come to your life, I shall leave with happiness. In that case, send a trusted man to me. He shall come to the temple with a lock of hair that is yours. I only seek to keep a part of you.

If not in this life, I shall win you in some other definitely. I have let you taste me and anytime you wish to again, call me with your heart. I am all yours, Kanha, and I can repeat this all day!

But time is less in my hands. If you are in tune with my feelings, then time is less in your hands too. Decide on what you want, because I have already locked my prayers.

Yours,
Radha."