4

Ｇｏｐａｌａ

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"Pranaam," Krishna greeted with a warm smile, while Akarshika remained expressionless.

"Bhratashree, she is my dear friend," Subhadra introduced with enthusiasm.

"I have heard a lot about you, Dwarakadhish," Akarshika spoke devoid of any emotion.

"Well, I am quite famous, you see," Krishna replied confidently.

"Indeed, you are Dwarakadhish," Akarshika responded with a subtle smile.

"It's surprising that you both have never met before, despite frequently visiting Hastinapur," Kunti interjected.

"Yes, it is," Dushala agreed.

"But don't worry, Bua. You will see Akarshika often from now on," Krishna reassured with a genuine smile.

Akarshika's  eyes reflected her confusion.

"Bua, I am tired. I will go and rest," Akarshika announced.

"Meet your father and find some rest," Gandhari suggested, her smile radiating warmth.

Indu nodded obediently.

Soon, Indu and Uluka found themselves in Shakuni's chamber, while Harsh stood guard outside.

"How was your journey?" Shakuni inquired.

"It went well," Akarshika replied, a hint of a smile gracing her lips.

"Leave the day after the kalapradarshan. The people here are not to be trusted," Shakuni advised.

The siblings nodded, expecting such this answer.

"But why, Pitashri?" the curious Uluka asked.

Indu let out a weary sigh.

"There is no need for you to know," Shakuni dismissed their inquiries.

Uluka's brows furrowed in disappointment, just as Indu anticipated.

As Akarshika left the room, she mused on the conversation she had just witnessed—what a great conversation they had! After years!

Outside the chamber, Harsh noticed a pigeon approaching him, carrying a letter tied to its leg.

"She knew I had come here," Harsh thought to himself.

Moments later, the siblings emerged from the chamber, their attention drawn to the pigeon.

"What is a pigeon doing here?" Uluka exclaimed.

"And with a letter," Indu added, intrigued.

"Yes, indeed, a letter," Uluka confirmed upon noticing it.

"Let me see it," Uluka said, catching the pigeon and carefully untying the letter.

"No need, Rajkumaar," Harsh attempted to stop him.

"My dear husband, you went to Hastinapur without me. You always leave me behind. As a dutiful wife, I will wait for you. But come back soon, or I might grow bored," Uluka read aloud from the letter, his eyes widening in bewilderment.

Indu was equally taken aback, while Harsh simply sighed.

"It seems you have secretly married and failed to inform your future king. This is unacceptable. We must find out who the girl behind this letter is," Uluka exclaimed dramatically.

"Rajkumaar, I am not married, and I have no idea who sent me this letter," Harsh explained honestly.

"Then who sent you the letter, Senapathi Harsh?" Akarshika inquired, her tone demanding an answer.

"I honestly do not know, Rajkumaari," Harsh replied with sincerity.

"Sister, do not believe him. He may be lying. Why would any girl randomly send a letter referring to him as 'my husband'?" Uluka argued.

"Rajkumaar, I have been receiving letters like this for the past week," Harsh revealed.

"That's enough for today. I need to rest now. Senapathi Harsh, you should also take some rest. Uluka, write a letter to Mata informing her that we have arrived safely in Hastinapur," Akarshika declared, storming off in frustration.

"Yes, Maharani," Uluka complied, leaving in a dramatic fashion.

"You may leave now," Harsh dismissed the pigeon, its duty complete.

Later that night, Akarshika found herself gazing at the night sky in the garden, her thoughts consumed by a sense of unease.

"What brings you here at this hour, Rajkumaari?" a soothing voice interrupted her thoughts.

She turned to find Vasudev Shree Krishna approaching her with a warm smile.

"It's none of your concern, Vasudev," Akarshika replied, her gaze fixed on the stars above.

"Well, you seem like someone who could use a friendly conversation," Krishna remarked.

"Kind of you to say so, but I prefer solitude," Akarshika retorted.

"I couldn't help but notice that someone seemed upset after their conversation with their father," Krishna revealed.

A flash of surprise crossed Akarshika's face. How did he know?

Realizing it would be futile to deny it, she sighed and nodded.

"Just stay calm, and everything will soon return to normal," Krishna reassured her.

"And how does staying calm make any difference?" Indu questioned skeptically.

"Well, for starters, it prevents you from looking ghastly when you're sad," Krishna reasoned.

Akarshika couldn't help but laugh at his remark.

"See, now you look much better," Krishna remarked, pleased with his effect on her.

"Dhanyavaad, Vasudev Shree Krishna," Akarshika said, momentarily setting aside her ego.

"Isn't that quite a lengthy name for a sweet child like me?" Krishna complained playfully.

"What should I call you then, Vasudev Shree Krishn?" she asked, curious.

"How about Gopala? That's what my friends used to call me," Krishna suggested.

"Gopala," she repeated, gazing at him with newfound warmth.

Krishna nodded in approval.

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𝕆𝕜 𝕎𝕙𝕚𝕔𝕙 𝕠𝕟𝕖 𝕠𝕗 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕤𝕖𝕟𝕕𝕖𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕝𝕖𝕥𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝕥𝕠 𝕙𝕒𝕣𝕤𝕙

𝕃𝕠𝕝-

𝔹𝕦𝕥 𝕪𝕖𝕒 𝕙𝕠𝕨 𝕨𝕒𝕤 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕔𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕖

ℍ𝕠𝕡𝕖 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕝𝕚𝕜𝕖𝕕 𝕚𝕥

ᏰᎽᎬ