Encompassed by the soft glow of a solitary lamp, Rukmini sat in quietness of night within the walls of her chamber.

She poured her heart onto paper, her feelings for Krishna flowing through the ink. "Dearest Krishna," she wrote with a tender quill, "Your charm shines brighter than the moonlight, weaving a spell around my heart that words struggle to describe."

The quill danced as she continued, expressing admiration for Krishna's bravery. "Your courage, surpasses all others- you, the lion among men," she penned, her heart's whisper.

A gentle sigh escaped her as she confessed, "You, Krishna, are the best among them all. My heart beats only for you, and I cannot imagine a life without your presence by my side." The ink captured the depth of her affection.

In the closing lines, Rukmini laid her plea, "Oh Krishna, five days later, come swiftly to the Girija temple. Save me from the unwanted union bhrata Rukmi plans. In your embrace, I find solace, and with you, I dream of a love that transcends the ordinary."

As Rukmini sealed the letter with a tender kiss, she sent her heartfelt message into the hands of destiny, hoping that Krishna would hear her silent cries and come to whisk her away on a journey painted by the hues of love.

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At midnight, in the dim moonlight, Rukmini treaded carefully towards the rear of the Vidarbha palace. She had entrusted Rukmakes with the task of preparing a horse for her secret venture.

Mainavati's vigilant eyes scanned the surroundings, ensuring that no one would catch her mistress in the act of sneaking out of the royal palace.

A flashback unfolded in Rukmini's mind, taking her back to the moment, when she approached her brother, Rukmakes with urgency, her eyes carrying a secret. "Bhaiya, I need a horse prepared for me tonight. Don't ask questions; just ensure it's swift and silent."

Rukmakes furrowed his brow, concern etched on his face. "Rukmini, it's midnight. Where are you going, and why the secrecy?"

"Rukmini sighed, "I have my reasons, dear brother. Trust me, and don't let anyone know. Just have the horse ready." As Rukmakes reluctantly nodded, concern still lingered in his mind.

Outside the Vidarbha palace, Rukmini reached the backside, where Mainavati's vigilant eyes ensured their secrecy. "Hand me your uttariya, Maina."

Mainavati nodded, silently complying as the fabrics exchanged hands. Rukmini covered her head, the remaining fabric concealing her upper body, so that no one can recognize her, and mount the horse, Mainavati's voice carried concern, "Rajkumari, please be alright, and return safely."

A soft smile played on Rukmini's lips, "Don't worry, I'll be back as soon as I can. Till then, let nobody know that I've sneaked out."

Mainavati obliged with a nod, her gaze following Rukmini as she skillfully moved the horse towards the house of Rishi Sunand.

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Rukmini cautiously approached the dwelling of Rishi Sunand, a wise sage who held her in high regard, almost like a daughter.

The stillness of the midnight air wrapped around them as she gathered the courage to share her heart's burden.

Rishi Sunand, seated in quiet contemplation, looked up at her with a kind curiosity. "What brings you to my doorstep at this late hour, putri?" He asked, concern evident in his gentle tone.

With a heartfelt sigh, Rukmini met the sage's gaze, her eyes revealing a mix of determination and vulnerability. "Oh revered one, I believe your wisdom can understand the depths of my plea. I come seeking your guidance with a heavy heart," she began.

Rukmini unfolded the details of her predicament, explaining the looming threat, "You know well, my brother is forcing me into the marriage with Chedi Yuvraj. Before that happens, help me, Rishi."

Sunand given an understanding look. "I understand, dear Rukmini," Sunand replied, his eyes reflecting empathy. "Before the looming shadow of marriage with the Chedi Yuvraj falls upon you, rest assured, I shall extend my help."

She spoke earnestly about her love for Krishna, the lord of Dwarka. A love that went beyond the bounds of family ties. "In this letter," she continued, presenting a carefully written parchment, "I've poured out my feelings for Krishna. I humbly ask you, to be the messenger and deliver this letter to him."

Sunand's understanding gaze absorbed the weight of Rukmini's plea. "Worry not, Rajkumari. Your message will reach Krishna," he reassured, his expression a blend of kindness and determination.

As the midnight air whispered its secrets, Rukmini left the sage's dwelling, her hopes now entrusted to the capable hands of the venerable sage, destined for the home of the lord of Dwarka.

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The air strung with tension lingering between Rukmini and her oldest brother, Rukmi.

He stood sternly, his presence casting a shadow over the room, as he announced, "Yuvraj Shishupal has arrived, and you are still not ready to accept this marriage. Do you comprehend the consequences of your defiance?"

Unperturbed, she smiled calmly and replied, "Yuvraj Shishupal would feel extremely upset, that is true."

Her eyes, however, conveyed a deeper understanding of the situation. "I had pleaded you numerous times not to accept this proposal, but you remained unyielding. Why didn't you heed to my requests?" She asked with genuine concern.

Rukmi's patience wore thin as he retorted, "Stop acting foolish, Rukmini! If you refuse to marry Shishupal, our family will be insulted, and it might lead to war between Vidarbha and Chedi. We would face the wrath of Samrat Jarasandh."

Rukmini, maintaining her composure, smiled again and assured him, "There is no need to worry. My husband, Shri Krishna, will save us from any harm."

An infuriated Rukmi yelled, "Take out that cowherd out of your mind!"

"Just as one can't stop the falling of raindrops, in my life, Krishna's name is the rain of nectar."

Rukmi, unable to contain his frustration, grabbed Rukmini by her shoulder. "Don't be silly, Rukmini! Stop this at once." he ordered, releasing her with force.

As she stumbled, on the verge of touching the ground, a curtain adorned with a painted image of Krishna lay below her, saving her from a fall.

Blushing at the sight of her beloved's image, Rukmini spoke softly, "Wherever I go, I will only reach closer to my husband."

Rukmi, angered by her defiance, shouted at her, "Stop rambling, Rukmini!"

"And, you would not step out of your chamber except for the wedding rituals." Rukmi issued a stern command at her.

Rukmini sighed in disbelief, but a knowing smile played on her lips as Rukmi stormed out of the chamber, leaving her alone with the painted presence of Krishna, a silent promise of hope in her heart.

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