The sky hung in hues of blue and black, adorned with the shimmering stars, the absence of the sun casting a solemn aura. Krishna stood poised, ready to depart for Kundinapuri, the capital city of Vidarbha.

Two days back, Sunand had brought him a message from Rukmini. Now, with just a day remaining, a lengthy journey awaited him to the city of his beloved.

"Where are you off to, Kanha?" Balram's voice echoed as he entered the chamber.

"To Kundinapuri, Dau," Krishna replied, a gentle smile gracing his lips.

"All of a sudden," Balram remarked, surprised.

Krishna grinned, gesturing towards the neatly rolled parchment resting on the dressing table. Balram, wearing a puzzled expression, approached it.

His lips curled into a smile as he began to read aloud, "Your charm shines brighter than the moonlight, weaving a spell around my heart that words struggle to describe..."

"You, the lion among men," Balram teased his younger brother, noticing Krishna's bashful demeanor, a rare occurrence that roused his interest.

"Enough, Dau," Krishna chuckled, averting his gaze.

"Alright, alright," Balram laughed. "By the way, when did this arrive?"

"Two days back. Rukmini conveyed her message through a trusted source. She expresses her reluctance towards the impending marriage."

"Truly? Does no one uphold a woman's autonomy in Vidarbha?" Balram questioned incredulously.

"Why blame the entire city, Dau? It's solely Rukmi opposing our union. Others stand against her wedding with Shishupal."

"I understand. Then we must rectify this injustice," Balram declared, a smirk playing on his lips. "I'll ready the army-"

'Why the need for an army, Dau? Rukmini's plea is directed solely to me."

"No, Kanha! Jarasandh and Rukmi would attempt to hinder your return for sure," Balram insisted.

"But, Dau-" Krishna began, only to be cut off.

"Don't try to persuade me, Kanha!" Balram's tone was firm. "I refuse to let you go alone, that's final!" His command was unwavering.

"Very well, Dau," Krishna replied, a smile tugging at his lips. "I'll lead the way, and you shall follow with the army."

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It didn't take long for the next day to arrive. Satvika decked up Rukmini, as she adjusted the intricate folds of fabric.

"Rajkumari, are you sure everything will go as planned? Will your dream of marrying Dwarkadhish come true?" Satvika's voice held a hint of concern.

If only she knew that Rukmini was Mahalakshmi herself- the divine power that transforms dreams into reality.

Rukmini smiled warmly, her eyes reflecting a deep sense of faith. "Don't worry, Satvika. I have faith in the goddess and in my Madhav more than anyone else."

Her gaze fell upon the morpankh resting carefully on the pillow. Sunand had returned with this morpankh, which Krishna had taken from his crown and requested Sunand to hand it to Rukmini as a token of his promise to come to her.

In that simple feather, Rukmini found reassurance and strength. It was a symbol of Krishna's unwavering devotion.

Dressed in resplendent red and white attire adorned with golden borders, Rukmini exuded an ethereal aura as she prepared to visit the Girija temple. It was customary for the bride-to-be to offer prayers to Goddess Gauri.

"We must depart, Rajkumari," a maid servant reminded her. Rukmini nodded, exchanging a glance with Satvika, who returned it with a reassuring nod.

The journey from the palace to the temple passed quickly. Rukmini stepped out of the palki, her maids accompanying her, while the army of Vidarbha sent with her on the order of Rukmi stayed outside the temple.

As she ascended the temple stairs, her heartbeat quickened. Offering her devotions to the divine Goddess, she sang hymns in reverence to Devi Girija.

Devi Girija, the maiden form of Goddess Parvati, was believed to grant the wishes of unmarried girls who worshipped her, bestowing them with the husband of their choice.

"I've heard that Devi Sita worshipped you to gain Shri Ram as her husband, and you granted her wish,"

Rukmini silently prayed, her heart filled with hope. "O Divine Goddess, please let Shri Krishna be my husband and no one else."

Upon opening her eyes, a marigold flower from the palm of the Goddess fell, a sign of auspiciousness. Rukmini's spirits lifted as she picked up the flower, feeling a sense of bliss wash over her.

"Rajkumari, it is said that when Devi Sita prayed to the Goddess and the flower fell, Devi Sita was blessed with Shri Ram as her husband," Satvika whispered, her voice filled with hope. "May Devi Girija grant your wish as well."

Rukmini nodded, a serene smile gracing her lips. "I hope so too."

Soon after, bowing to the Goddess for the last time, Rukmini descended the temple stairs, her gaze darting nervously around her. Each passing second felt like an eternity.

"Where's Madhav?" she fretted, her mind consumed with worry. She never doubted Krishna, but the thought of her brother discovering their plan filled her with apprehension.

Her anxious reverie was interrupted by the sounds of wheels approaching. Looking up, she beheld a magnificent chariot drawn by white horses, proudly flying the saffron Garuda flag.

Her eyes, like large lotus blossoms, sparkled as they met the gaze of her beloved-Krishna. Swiftly, he maneuvered through the Vidarbha army, catching Rukmini's hand in his own. "Hold on tight, Rajkumari," he smiled charmingly, his affectionate words, reminding of their first meeting.

With a graceful motion, he pulled her onto the chariot, wrapping his arm around her slender waist as she clutched his forearm. With a gentle tug of the reins, Krishna urged the horses forward, swiftly whisking away the princess of Vidarbha in his embrace.

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After Rukmini left with Krishna, a soldier quickly informed Rukmi about what happened. Furious, Rukmi, along with Jarasandh and Shishupal, tried to stop Krishna. But Balram and the troops from Dwarka showed up as planned and blocked them. Unable to beat Balram's strength, Jarasandh signaled Rukmi to slip away and go behind Krishna while they faced Balram.

Meanwhile, after they had gone a bit far from the temple, Krishna brought the chariot to an abrupt halt, causing the horses to neigh loudly.

A smile played on Krishna's lips. "I'm sorry about the sudden stop, Rajkumari. I came here just as you asked. Before we actually leave, I want to ask you one last time. Do you really wish to come with me, or should I take you back to the temple?"

Overwhelmed, Rukmini buried her head in Krishna's chest, her cheeks flushing pink. "I'm already in my temple, Madhav," she murmured softly.

Krishna's smile widened. "I'm glad, Rukmini." He wrapped his arms around her waist and back, causing her to blush even more as she listened to her name, spoken so beautifully by him, in his captivating voice.

Their tender moment was abruptly interrupted by the sound of another chariot's wheel, followed by a sudden shriek, "Krishna!" They turned to see an extremely furious and displeased Rukmi approaching.

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Hello readers!

Hope you all are doing well!

I was trying to update the chapter from the last three days, but the wattpad was acting all glitches. 😑

Finally, Krishna and Rukmini met!! 💖

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Stay tuned! 😉