Dwarka

Devika had never seen such a delight on her aunt Rajadhi's face.

"You saw it right?" She asked the guard again. "Chedi's chariot has come?"

"I swear on the name of Lord Somanath, Maharani! It's Chedi's flag only! A chariot has come along with two palanquins."

The Queen of Avanti rushed to the entrance. A confused Devika followed her, as she had been helping her aunt in the wedding preperations since morning. She noticed two palanquins stopping in front of the main entrance. From one of the palanquins came an elderly lady, who seemed to be slightly younger to Rajadhi and Vasudeva. Devika wondered who she was, whose very sight brightened up her aunt's face.

"Shrava! My little sister!" Rajadhi took the lady into a tight embrace as soon as she stepped into the threshold.

"How long I have waited to meet you, dear! Bhrata Vasudeva and Kunti Didi will be so happy that you have come!" Rajadhi seemed to have showered all her love on the woman.

"Where are they, Raja Didi?" The guest woman enquired.

"All are there. Come inside!" Rajadhi led her to the ornate corridor. Her eyes fell on Devika who still stood confused.

"Devi, meet my another sister, Shrutashrava, the Queen-mother of Chedi!" Rajadhi introduced.

"Pranam Maasi!" Devika touched Shrutasrava's feet. Raising her, she kissed Devika's forehead.

"Heard a lot about you, Gauvasani." Shrutashrava smiled. "Be blessed!"

"Bless her to get a suitable groom very soon, Shrava! She doesn't want to get married now!" Rajadhi complained, making Devika embarrassed.

"Why, child? You are so beautiful, wise and brave girl." Shrutashrava slightly lifted Devika's chin. "Any Prince of Aaryavarta would be dying to win your hand and heart!"

Devika hid a sigh, lowering her head.

The heart has been someone else's long back! Only she did not know whether the hand will be his or not!

"Right you are!" Rajadhi seconded. "I have to tell brother Govasana to plan for her swayamvara soon after Mitra's wedding is over. I know she will find her perfect match there."

Shrutashrava nodded with a smile. "There is no doubt in that, Didi!"

"Shrava, Shishupala hasn't come?" Rajadhi looked in front, searching.

Shrutashrava's face fell as she shook her head. "He won't even see Krishna's shadow, Raja Didi! It's due to him I could never attend Krishna's previous weddings! Missed all of you so much, but..." She sighed.

Devika listened attentively. The name Shishupala was not new to her. He was the King of Chedi, Emperor Jarasandha's right hand, and Krishna's cousin. But why he didn't want to see Krishna's face? What could be the reason of such a hatred between cousins?

"I know, Shrava!" Rajadhi nodded. "God knows when this rivalry will end!"

Shrutashrava frowned. "Doesn't seem to end in this lifetime, Didi! That's why I told Shishupala this time, why should we sisters and brothers won't meet due to your petty jealousy? You don't go if you don't like, but I will attend my niece, Mitra's wedding!" Shrutashrava smiled now. "He finally agreed, and also didn't object to let his children accompany me."

"Shishupala's children?" Rajadhi's face lit up again. "That means our grandchildren? Where are they?"

A handsome young Prince came forward and bowed to Rajadhi. "Pranam Pitamahi!"

"Dhrishtaketu, my grandson!" Shrutashrava introduced. The Prince of Chedi joined palms to Devika which she reciprocated.

Behind Dhrishtaketu stood a girl, almost of Subhadra's age. Her dark velvety complexion glowed like blue lotus in soft light. She touched Rajadhi's feet with reverence.

"You are my granddaughter, right?" Rajadhi kissed her head. "What's your name, child?"

"Karenumati." She softly uttered with a slight smile. From her body language she seemed more mature than her age. In her calm eyes Devika discovered depth of wisdom that instantly drew her heart to this girl.

"I'm Devika, Princess of Shivi." She joined her palms, smiling. "Glad to meet you, Chedi Kumari!"

"Devi, better you take Karenumati with you." Rajadhi said, "Make her meet everyone."

"Sure, Mata!" Devika bowed to Rajadhi.

***

"Dwaraka is so blissful!" Karenumati mused as Devika led her towards Krishna's chamber.

"I have never seen such a combination of luxury and serenity together!"

"Lakshmi herself resides here!" Devika smiled. "That is why!"

"You come here very often, don't you?" Karenumati looked at her.

Devika nodded. "This is my Guru Griha. Bhrata Krishna is my teacher."

"What do you learn from him?" Karenumati's young eyes shone in excitement.

"Weapons. Mostly sword fighting. Not only me, Bhrata Krishna trains the entire Shivi army and royals, too." Devika said, "The huge reputation Shivi people have for their excellence in swords, is due to his guidance."

"You are so lucky, Shivi Kumari!" Karenumati heaved a sigh. "Your father allows you to come to Dwaraka regularly!" Her deep eyes held pain that touched Devika. She warmly held Karenumati's hand.

"Have you never been here before?" Devika softly asked.

The Princess of Chedi shook her head. "My father does not like us to visit uncle Krishna and his family. It's Pitamahi who insisted him this time. Otherwise..." She sighed again. "We would have never met!"

"Why so, Karenumati? As far as I know, your father is cousin of Dwarakadheesh."

Karenumati's face grew pale. "There is a lot of politics in this, Gauvasani. My father is a dedicated follower of Samrat Jarasandha. I hope you know about his relation with uncle Krishna?"

"I know. It was Shishupala only who was chosen by the Emperor as Rukmini's groom. Bhrata then went there and..." Devika trailed off, knowing that Karenumati would feel pained to hear more.

"And failing in marrying her has added ghee to the fire of Pita's anger on uncle." Karenumati lowered her head. Devika realized how much ashamed she was feeling to say all these. The pain in her eyes spoke a lot about how she disliked her father's acts, yet could not help it.

Something Devika could very well relate to! Were her relatives any better in conspiring with evils? At some point, she found herself in the same situation with this young girl which made her feel even closer to Karenumati. Like some unknown connection.

As if she was very, very dear to her!

Devika drew Karenumati close.

"Don't feel dejected, dear!" She brushed Karenumati's hair. "Whatever your father does cannot be your fault! Remember this!"

Karenumati looked up. Devika's loving personality had already begun to draw respect and love from her heart.

"Come!" Devika smiled, patting her cheeks. "Let's meet Devaki Mami and the Queens of Dwaraka! You will feel better!"

"Shivi Kumari, I..." Karenumati paused.

"What?"

"You are Pitamahi Rajadhi's niece. By a distant relation you should be my aunt." Karenumati said. "But don't know why, I feel like calling you Didi! Would you mind if I do?"

Devika beamed, drawing her to a hug.

"I'll be glad to get you as my little sister, dear Princess!"

***

Afternoon

The wedding muhurta was fixed at evening. Before that, workload was at its peak. All the young women of Dwaraka family as well as their relatives actively joined in the wedding rituals and decorations. The process took longer than it should, but the delight of working together was heavenly.

After long, Devika felt home. The humour and homely entertainments almost calmed her restless mind.

"Jaya! The hundred and eight lotuses are about to be required in Vishnu Puja! Where are they?" Revati glared at Vijaya.

"Don't scold me, please!" Vijaya made a naive face. "Not finding one of them!"

"I knew it!" Revati shook her head. "When will you be a little serious, Jaya?"

"After her marriage!" Subhadra giggled, earning an earpull from Vijaya.

"This is unfair, Jaya Didi!" Subhadra pouted.

"Very fair, because I can't pull your ears anymore after marriage! Now tell, where have you hidden the missing lotus?"

"What!" Devika's hand was on her mouth in shock. "Subhi has hidden it what we have been searching since noon?"

"Well, what else do you expect from Bhrata Krishna's sister?" Vijaya shrugged. "Enough of your fun, Bhadra, now bring it!"

Sighing, Subhadra handed it over to Vijaya and quickly ran to a safe distance to escape from another earpull.

Karenumati was watching everything with a smile on her full red lips. She wished she also could have helped in the preparation and joined their fun. When Devika and Lakshmana joined Rukmini to light the candles, Karenumati softly intervened.

"May I?"

Devika looked up to her and nodded. Karenumati's face lit up. She quickly sat down on the floor near the candles, blue lotus eyes shining in excitement. Devika smiled. It felt good to see that the introvert, shy Princess of Chedi was loving to be with them. Maybe that was the magic of Dwaraka!

"Rukmini Bhabhi, Mami Maa sent this for..."

The women shocked, hearing a male voice out of sudden. Feeling awkward, many Yadava girls quickly adjusted their robes, while the Queens of Dwaraka shook their heads at this untimely arrival of their dear brother-in-law. Sensing everyone's sudden embarassment, the person himself failed to complete his sentence. He stood there at a loss of words.

Young Karenumati did not seem to share others' awkwardness. She just lifted her head once to see who had come. As their eyes met, her breath paused for a while.

Who is this dark-hued, lotus-eyed man? Has Kama Deva himself appeared on the earth?

"Nakula, you should have informed before coming!" Satyabhama remarked. An unmindful Karenumati pushed herself to reach out to the next candle, without looking at it.

"Rajkumari, watch out!" Nakula cried. But even before she could understand, Karenumati got her delicate fingers burnt.

Nakula rushed to her and held her fingers within his palm.

"Water!" He looked around. Draupadi quickly handed him over a water pot from a corner. Nakula held Karenumati's hand carefully and dipped her fingers within the cold water. Karenumati stared at his extremely handsome face, still wondering whether he was a human or the God of love himself. She could not feel her pain. Rather it amazed her how all the young Yadava maidens were looking passionately at him, seemingly awaiting a single glance from him, yet his complete attention was in curing her burnt fingers alone.

"Hurting?" Nakula anxiously asked.

Karenumati shook her head. "Feels better now."

"Don't take your fingers out of water until I come back!" He gravely said. "Krishnaa, please take care of her! I'm coming soon with medicine."

"Are you a vaidya?" Karenumati asked very softly, in her natural calm voice.

"No." Nakula smiled. "But I studied about few medicines which might help you." He nodded at Draupadi once and left, without even glancing at any other woman of the room. His gesture drew respect from Karenumati's young heart.

"Chedi Kumari, he is my husband, Rajkumar Nakula!" Draupadi beamed with pride. "He was born from Ashwini Nasatya himself!"

A God incarnation! Karenumati's heart raced. She knew it right. Otherwise who could have carried such an unearthly beauty with such a firm character? Draupadi's tone clearly indicated how happy she was to be with him!

"Seems like Chedi Kumari is lost somewhere?" Subhadra winked, giving Karenumati a light push.

"My Bhrata Nakula is like that only!" Vijaya proudly stated. "You have no idea about how many hearts he has stolen in Madra itself, leave alone Aaryavarta!"

Karenumati lowered her head, not knowing what to say. She wondered why she felt embarrassed.

"Well, if Bhrata Sahadeva has come instead of his twin, our Madra Kumari could not have spoken this much!" Subhadra chuckled.

"That's not true, Bhadra!" Draupadi denied. "Is there anybody in the world who can make Vijaya speechless? Rather it's my poor Swami only who will fall short of words in front of her." Her eyes hinted mischief. "Right, dear sister?"

Devika looked up to Draupadi, surprised.

She did know that Vijaya was in love with Sahadeva?

"I can actually imagine Vijaya is chattering and Swami is just listening with a smile." Draupadi chuckled.

"That's normal only, Sakhi." Kekaya Princess Bhadra winked. "Bhrata Sahadeva doesn't speak much unless it's needed."

"He does not. His eyes do, when he is with his loved one. And I'm sure Vijaya will agree with me." Draupadi smiled.

Vijaya's fair cheeks turned crimson.

"Bhrata Nakula might need some help in preparing the medicine. Let me check with him once! Will come back soon!"

She ran away like a young doe. Draupadi and Subhadra burst into laughter, Krishna's wives too joining in gradually.

"Sakhi, you are the first person in Aaryavarta who could make my mischief queen little sister blush!" Lakshmana commented to Draupadi.

"Seems like Vijaya is too dear to Maharani Draupadi?" Devika remarked with a smile, suppressing the question that was forming inside her.

Draupadi laughed. "Of course! She is my husbands' cousin, my close relative."

"I know that!" Devika suddenly got impatient. "But she is also..." she could not finish it, biting her lips. Something held her back.

Knowing this was too important for her! Yet she hated to voice it. How mean and rude it was going to sound! Devika kicked herself, shaking her head.

Hurting Draupadi's emotions was the last thing she could choose to do.

But Draupadi did understand. Her beautiful face turned grave.

"I know what you want to ask. Yes, Vijaya is my husband's betrothed. But if true love exists, then can envy too coexist, Shivi Kumari?" Her voice had something that shook Devika's inner being.

She knew that Draupadi said it right! Just like she herself could have said!

"When we truly love, we seek our beloved's happiness, his peace, his welfare." Draupadi said again. "What kind of love it is if we hinder the path of these to him? When we can be ready to sacrifice anything and everything for a single smile on his face,- does our selfish ego even matter?" Her intent gaze rested on Devika's face, as if she could read her thoughts. Devika felt uneasy and looked away.

Can Krishna's Sakhi also see through hearts like him?

"It is not possible to envy the one who is the very happiness of your beloved, Gauvasani! And I'm sure even you too could not do that!" Draupadi now smiled.

Lump formed in Devika's throat.

You are right, sister! I could not envy you!

While sending the tears back, a part of her wondered if Draupadi had realized anything.

But how did she?

"Sister Devika, if you love someone, pray, don't cheat yourself!" Draupadi added in a softer tone. "Know that true love never hurts anyone! It does not even know how to hurt. It only knows bringing auspiciousness to all concerned!" Her hands patted Devika's. "Believe this!"

Devika's doe eyes finally met Draupadi's blue-lotus ones. All her doubts had been cleared now.

"If you say so, then I'm bound to believe, Dharmarani!" Devika calmly uttered. "The Sahadharmini of Dharma himself cannot be wrong!"

She now knew what Mitravinda wanted her to know about Draupadi! The Princess of Shivi was glad that she could finally know her!

__________________________________________

I dedicate this chapter to _justloveharry_33 for reasons she knows. Hope you liked it.

Author's note: Next chapter will have YuVika reunion.

Btw, what do you think? Draupadi already knows about Devika's love?

From now on, preperations for climax (Devika's swayamvara) will begin. Let me know if you want to read anything specific.