Rukmi's obsession of acquiring a political relation with Jarasandh had started to cloud his mind. The only obstacle — his sister, Rukmini's reluctance to marry the crown prince of Chedi, Shishupal. It made him go for the cunning trick that Jarasandh suggested— the swayamvar.

A namesake of a swayamvar; the groom was already chosen. The young maiden was forced to wed the man her brother had chosen.

In Kundinapuri Rukmini was having a hard time— though her strength and faith was least shaken. While in Dwarka preparations for Balram's marriage to princess Revati were going on with great splendor.

Krishna was looking after everything the foremost things as commanded by his mother, Devaki. Also, he, himself wanted his brother's wedding to be the best.

A week back, when Raja Kakudmi came to meet them in Dwarka— he told Krishna, that he had something important to discuss, and for that Balram's presence was necessary.

Krishna smiled knowingly and requested them to be seated. He called for his elder brother.

As soon as Balram arrived, he locked his gaze with the daughter of Kakudmi. Her eyes were as deep as the ocean of milk, drawing him in sweetly. After all, she was the Ksheer Sagar herself. Revati blushed slightly turning her face. Balram was flushed too, but he composed himself immediately.

Greeting Raja Kakudmi, he took a seat beside his brother.

"What I want to say is actually should be discussed between the elders of the family. But, here it is necessary to me to discuss it with you both, before anyone else."

A confused Balram looked at Krishna, who smiled as Kakudmi began his story — of his life in the Satya Yuga.

Unable to find a man, good enough to marry his lovely and talented daughter, Kakudmi took Revati with him to Brahmaloka, the abode of Lord Brahma. Since Brahma Dev was listening to a musical performance by the gandharvas, they decided to wait patiently for the performance to finish.

Once it ended, Kakudmi bowed humbly and made his request of an eligible groom for his daughter. But instead, Brahma enlightened them with a fact that shook them. He explained that time runs differently on different planes of existence and that, during the short time they had waited in Brahmaloka to see him, 27 chatur-yugas had passed on Earth and all the candidates had died long ago. Including, Kakudmi's whole family and kinsmen.

Kakudmi was overcome with astonishment and alarm at this news. However, Brahma comforted him and added that Lord Vishnu was currently on Earth as Krishna and along with his elder brother, Balram, who was the incarnation of Anant Shesh; recommending the latter as a worthy husband for Revati.

He also said, "Revati was destined to marry Balram, as she was none other, but the incarnation of Ksheer Sagar, the wife of Sheshnaag."

Kakudmi decided to keep the incarnation part a secret. Balram looked at them and spoke courteously, "If Rajkumari doesn't have any objection, I would gladly accept this marriage."

Krishna and Kakudmi smiled, as Revati nodded positively, with a blush on her cheeks. Balram had a soft smile on his handsome face.

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Bhishmak made his way towards the sabha grah. He called upon all the family members there, including their Kulguru. As soon as he entered, all stood with the arrival of their king. Bhishmak took his seat.

Rukmi was the first to speak, "Why have you called us so urgently, Pitashri?" All looked at Bhishmak with an expression of confusion.

Bhishmak looked at Kulguru, and the latter nodded, gesturing the former to answer his eldest son.

"Rukmini's swayamvar," he began, making his daughter looked up with interest instantly. "We won't conduct it." He said firmly.

Except for one, everyone's faces glowed. Rukmi clenched his fist, controlling the sudden anger. "What's wrong with you all? What's wrong with Rukmini marrying Shishu–"

"I've not completed yet, Rukmi." Bhishmak interrupted with authority. Rukmi was taken aback, as the king carried on. "Yesterday, I had a strange dream. I asked about it to our Kulguru. He said, it was actually Lord Vishnu, who came to remind me, what had been predicted at the time of Rukmini's birth. That she is destined to marry Krishna."

"Nonsense! Utter nonsense!" Rukmi lashed out.

"Bhrata, mind your tone at least while talking to Pitashri!" Rukmini spoke.

"Let it be Rukmini, our eldest have already lost his mind." Rukmarath looked at him in disbelief.

"You all have lost minds, that you're doing things to earn the warth of Jarasandh!" Rukmi spoke harshly.

"Mind your words, Rukmi!" Shudhamati, who has been tolerating her son for quite a while, finally spoke.

"Alright, do whatever you want. If anyone would be Rukmini's groom, it'll be Shishupal!" Saying so, Rukmi stormed out of the hall, with disbelief. They looked at his retreating figure before moving their gaze to Rukmini.

Feeling their stares, Rukmini turned towards them with a small smile.

"Rukmini–" Shuddhamati spoke softly.

"It's okay, Ma." Rukmini smiled faintly. "Whatever is happening, that's no one faults."

"Whatever you say, sister, but we feel so guilty. Have we become so helpless in front of Magadh Samrat that we can't even do anything for our only princess!" Rukmakes remarked in rage, as all other three brothers nodded with a sad expression.

"Calm down, Bhaiya." Rukmini caressed his arm gently. "I've believe in the goddess. I definitely have her blessings."

"Rajkumari is right." Kulguru came forward. "Yuvraj Rukmi is not the holder of Rajkumari Rukmini's destiny, neither he can go against god's will. She will marry the man she's destined to."

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Showers of rose and marigold fell upon Balram and Revati, signifying the completion of their marriage ceremony. Krishna threw some of the petals on Balram's face. The older brother glared at his mischievous younger brother, who was smiling innocently; Revati laughed silently, enjoying their bonding.

"Keep annoying me. I'll show you back on your wedding, Kanha!" Balram said mentally.

"Let's see, Dau." Krishna smiled.

The post marriage rituals were completed by nightfall. Everyone retired to their chambers, falling in deep slumber, after a long and tiring day. Except for one, that was Shyamsundar, himself.

He looked at the dark canvas of stars. The gentle breeze played with his curly dark locks, as he enjoyed listening to silence of the night. Remembering his beloved, a charming smile appeared on his lips. "I'm going to have yet another sleepless night because of you, priye."

Walking back into his chambers, Kanha lay down on the couch near the window. He stared deeply at the night sky.

"Priye, the distance between us is temporary." He closed his eyes, his mind drifting towards her thoughts. He placed a hand on his chest. "The ache that bothers my heart, as well as yours, will dissolve once we are together."

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Hello there, readers!
I got busy since my college has begun. So the update got late.
Hope you all like the chapter.
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