It was Rukmini's first day in the royal kitchen. In last three years she had been trained in self defense as well as the essentials of governance from experienced people. Just three days back she had celebrated her sixteenth birthday and Vanaja aayi had sought permission from Bhishmaka to initiate the princess into the art of cooking as well as doing personal sringaar. Bhishmaka had agreed for the same

So, mornings she was supposed to be in kitchen and in the evening in her room. In the kitchen the chief matron would teach her not just how to cook but to ensure how the food is presented to the audience. In the evening the chief chaperon of the palace who dressed her bhabi's will come to her room and train the young girl how to look feminine and attractive at the same time. Both these things were considered essential for a future queen as most kings would have multiple wives and it depended on the queen's skill in these areas to ensure she got maximum attention.

Vanaja looked at Rukmini who was looking wide eyed at the large utensils in the kitchen. She walked around the kitchen observing what was happening there. The chief matron stood observing her. She wanted to see which area interested the princess the most. Whether it was cutting the vegetables, preparing the dishes, decorating the dishes or plating the dishes so that she could start the training from that area. But nothing seemed to catch Rukmini's attention. Matron was surprised. That day Princess favorite dish boondi ladoo was being prepared. The princess seemed to be not interested even in the preparation of that.

As the matron looked on confused Rukmini came and stood in front of her after roaming the entire kitchen.

"Namaste Puspalathaji. Don't we extract butter in this kitchen. I checked every nook and corner but there is no process of butter extraction is happening. I want to learn butter extraction first," mentioned Rukmini folding her hands and both matron and Vanaja were shocked.

"Princess we don't extract butter here. Butter comes to this kingdom from Vrindavan and other nearby areas. Also, we do not need much butter here. We use ghee more. In royal palaces having butter is considered cheap. It gives a feeling that the kingdom is not rich. A diet rich in ghee with lots of sweets gives the feeling that the kingdom is prosperous. So, princess you will be the bride of some prince and you don't need to learn how to extract butter," replied the matron.

"Puspalathaji what if I am the bride of Krishna. I have heard the favourite food of Krishna is butter. Even after coming to palace, he prefers butter over any royal dish. I had asked Vanaja aayi why I should learn cooking as there are many royal cooks. Then Vanaja aayi mentioned the queen has to ensure that the food to king is done perfectly. She cannot trust that to any royal cook and she herself has to supervise the royal kitchen. Also, if a queen cooks the king's favourite dishes and serve him too, she will have a special place in his heart. So, I want to learn how to extract butter and prepare it for Krishna so that I too can have a special place in his heart."

Pushpalatha the chief Matron and Vanaja stood stunned listening to Rukmini. They all knew Rukmini's fascination for Krishna. They knew she never missed a chance to collect information on Krishna. But she wanted to be the bride of Krishna had shocked them. They knew what the princess desired was blasphemous in Vidharbha. If her brother Rukmi heard it he would not hesitate to kill his sister or marry her off at the very same moment. Also, Rukmini's desire put the entire Vidharbha at the risk of attack from Jarasandha. Krishna had defeated Jarasandha multiple times but he was unable to kill him. If that was not enough now Jarasandha was joined by the Prince of Chedi Shishupal. Rukmi loved him and it was said just like Jarasandh Shishupal was also immortal. His mother had got a boon from Krishna that he would forgive hundred sins of Shishupal. Vanaja looked at Pushpalatha and a silent message passed between them and Pushpalatha turned to Rukmini.

"Princess I will check arrangements can be made to teach you how to extract butter. But for today let's start your classes from your favourite dish. I will teach you how to prepare boondi ladoo." Rukmini nodded her head smiling and as the matron led the princess Vanaja rushed to meet King Bhishmaka.

"What princess wants to marry Krishna," asked Bhishmaka shocked and Vanaja nodded. Bhishmaka thanked her for the information and then requested Vanaja to inform Chief Minister that he needed some time alone for atleast an hour. He knew once that order reaches Chief Minister, he will ensure it reaches all stakeholders. Once Vanaja went Bhishmaka sat in the sofa deep in thought.

He was not sure whether to feel happy or sad by the news. Rukmini was loving a man who was eligible for her in every way. It would be his pleasure to do Kanyadan of his daughter to a man like Krishna. However, he was not just father but a king too. Marrying Rukmini to Krishna will put his subjects in risk. Moreover, his son Rukmi will never agree to it. He was capable of killing his sister if he knew it. His first priority should be safety of Rukmini. Her feelings for Krishna shouldn't reach Rukmi at that point. For that he has to speak to Rukmini. He has to make sure she doesn't speak her mind just like that to everybody. Then there was the issue of whether Krishna will like her. He has to also make his daughter understand that Krishna may not accept her as his bride. It was better her dream broke now than later. He got up and decided to meet her.

When Bhishmaka entered her room, Rukmini was admiring herself in the mirror. The chief chaperon seemed to have done hair dressing that day and his daughter looked divine with jasmine flowers entangled in her long-braided hair. Seeing her that happy Bhishmaka didn't wanted to break her heart. If she loved Krishna, he knew her love was true. It was better for him to leave his daughter's wish to Lakshminarayan. If he willed, who knows Bhishmaka would have Krishna as his son in law and which father wouldn't want it. He silently closed the door of Rukmini's chamber and walked back.

Krishna was having butter which he received from Vrindavan. Every month special butter from Vrindavan came for him. One pot was prepared exclusively by Radha and Krishna never shared the butter from that pot with anyone.

"Radhe your butter is the tastiest in this world. But soon I will have to make space for one more pot of special butter which will be prepared with the same love you shower on me," chuckled Krishna to himself as he licked the pot empty.