The warmth of the afternoon sun streamed gently into the family chambers as Vajra sat quietly beside Suthanu, his little hands resting on his lap, deep in thought. The day's events weighed heavily on his young mind. He couldn't shake the image of the woman in the forest—the way she had screamed, the way the man had been chasing her. He didn't fully understand, but his heart ached for her. Something had been terribly wrong, and it gnawed at him.

Suthanu sat beside him, her soft fingers running through his hair, sensing the burden he carried. She had seen that look in his eyes before—whenever he faced something new, something unsettling, he would retreat into himself, searching for answers. But this time, she knew, the questions would not be simple.

After a few moments of silence, Vajra finally looked up at her. His eyes, filled with a mixture of innocence and confusion, met hers. He hesitated, as if unsure how to ask the question that was troubling him.

"Maiya..." he began softly, his voice barely above a whisper, "what was that man doing to the lady in the forest?"

Suthanu's heart skipped a beat. She had known this moment would come—knew that eventually her child, no matter how young, would encounter the harsh realities of the world. But how could she explain something so dark to a soul so pure? She cupped his face gently, her thumbs brushing his cheeks as she looked into his eyes.

"Vajra," she said softly, her voice steady but filled with tenderness, "the world we live in is not always a kind place. There are times when people forget the goodness that lives within them. They hurt others because they've lost their way."

Vajra listened intently, his brow furrowing as he tried to grasp her words.

"The man you saw," Suthanu continued, "he was trying to hurt the woman. He wasn't treating her with the respect and kindness she deserves. Every person, every woman, should be treated with love, with care—just like how your father and I treat you. But sometimes, there are people who forget this and act out of selfishness, out of cruelty."

Vajra's small hands clenched into fists as he processed what his mother was saying. "But why, Maiya? Why would anyone want to hurt her?"

Suthanu sighed, her heart aching at the depth of his question. "Sometimes, people let their desires take over, and they think only of themselves. They don't care about the pain they're causing. It's wrong, very wrong and it's something we must always stand against. That's why what you did in the forest was very right. You heard someone in need, and you helped."

Vajra's eyes widened. He hadn't thought of it that way. He had just followed his instincts, his desire to stop the man from causing harm.

"But, Maiya..." his voice faltered, "did I really help her?"

Suthanu smiled, pulling him closer to her, her arms wrapping around his small frame in a loving embrace. "Yes, my little lal, you did. You may not fully understand now, but what you and Agastya did was filled with bravery. You listened to your heart, and that's what truly matters."

She leaned back slightly, looking into his eyes once more. "You must always listen to your heart, Vajra. It will guide you to do the right thing, even when the world seems confusing."

Vajra remained quiet for a moment, his small mind trying to process all the emotions swirling inside him. Then he looked up at her, his eyes softening as he leaned into her embrace. "Maiya, I was scared. I didn't know what to do. But... I just didn't want her to get hurt. You remember I told you once - I'll always do what I can do to make anyone like my maiya ; smile maiya"

Suthanu's heart melted at his words. She kissed his forehead gently, her hand stroking his hair with deep affection. "My brave little lal, it's okay to feel scared. Being scared doesn't make you weak. It shows you care. What matters is that you didn't let that fear stop you from doing what was right."

Her words wrapped around him like a protective shield, and for a moment, all his confusion and worry seemed to fade away. He buried his head in her lap, feeling the warmth and safety of his mother's presence.

"I love you, Maiya," Vajra whispered, his voice muffled but filled with emotion.

Suthanu smiled, tears glistening in her eyes. "And I love you too, my dearest lal."

She pulled him closer, feeling the steady rise and fall of his breath, the quiet beating of his little heart against her own. In that moment, she knew no matter what challenges lay ahead, her son was raising to the man he was destined to be and she wanted to be a pillar in this journey. 

Vajra felt something unseen pulled him here, to this chamber, to a forgotten corner of the palace where time had settled but still looked like it was maintained with fondness and reverence.

In the dim light, his eyes fell upon a large, majestic bow, resting on a stone pedestal surrounded with flowers. It was far larger than any weapon he had ever seen, and it gleamed faintly, as though it still carried the weight of the hands that had once wielded it.

Vajra took a tentative step forward, mesmerized. His fingers trembled as they tried hovered above the bow, barely touching its surface. There was something about it—something that stirred deep within him, though he couldn't quite understand why.

Just then, a soft rustling from behind startled him. He turned to see Bhanu and Suthanu, standing at the entrance to the chamber. Their faces softened with a mixture of nostalgia and reverence as they approached him.

"That, my lal," Bhanu said gently, "is the bow of your great-great-grandfather, Bhishma—your Prapitamaha, the one who was the very root of Kuru Kula once upon a time."

Vajra stepped back, allowing his father to take the lead. Suthanu knelt beside him, her eyes fixed on the bow, her heart heavy with memories.

Suthanu's voice dropped to a near whisper as he recalled the moment. "It was his final blessing to us before he left this world. He told me... 'Bangaram, my bow is your possession from this day. I wish you hand it over to your child when the time is right.'" Suthanu's voice cracked slightly as she continued. "He trusted us with it, Lal. And one day, when the time comes, this bow might be yours if you become able."

Vajra looked up at his mother, puzzled. He had heard about Bhishma's past not just his mistakes but his unconquerable spirit in wars and of all , his oath - a very big sacrifice , an unnamed selflessness , a true love that shaped the Kuru Kula to breath life.  "It isn't for me , maiya? And , am I not able?"

Suthanu smiled softly and placed a hand on her son's head. "Rajakumara Vajra, you know about your great-great grandfather and still you ask me this question. This is not an ordinary bow Rajakumara , it's the pride of Kuru clan , the prayer of the Kurus. I and your father believe the one who wields this will be choosen upon by destiny itself. You cannot wield it simply as a matter of play."

"Am I not choosen by destiny?", Vajra asked quietly.

Bhanu stepped forward, his hand resting on his son's shoulder. " The day you have all the traits that makes a Kshatriya unshakeable : righteousness , truthfulness , sacrifice and selflessness , compassion and empathy , valor and courage and loyalty to anything and everything ; when people turn ready ready to sacrifice themselves for you. That day , destiny itself will choose you to wield this weapon Rajakumara Vajra. For once you lift this , you will never be able to turn away from your duties. This bow is an oath , a pledge". 

" A oath? " , Vajra's voice was soft. 

" When your heart and soul turns ready to take an oath truly to protect people, that day Rajakumara , my lal with Lord Rama's blessing - this weapon itself will come to your hands" , Bhanu's words echoed through the room. 

Vajra felt the weight of his father's words settle into his heart, his small fingers reaching out once more to the bow, but this time with reverence.He nodded after a moment, his fingers lightly grazing the bow's surface. It felt cold now, but something told him that one day, when the time came, it would feel like an extension of his own spirit.

In the warm, soft glow of the evening lamps, the chamber felt like a world apart from the rest of the palace. Krishna sat cross-legged on a low divan, an ancient manuscript resting delicately in his hands. The familiar scent of sandalwood and camphor filled the room, soothing the spirit. Across from him sat Suthanu, her legs tucked beneath her, eyes wide with the comfort of home. She rested her chin on her palm, eager to hear what her father-in-law had in store today.

"Thalli, let me tell you a story that speaks of loyalty and devotion—the story of Lord Rama's first meeting with Hanuman. It is a tale not just of a king and his follower, but of a bond so profound that it transcended time, caste, and status. It was a moment when divinity met devotion in its purest form."

Suthanu, intrigued, leaned forward , her hand gently placed on her womb. Ramayana was not new for her but every single story that Krishna recited brought it alive in front of her eyes. Krishna who affectionately recited tales for her unborn child though his affection for her felt paramount. 

Krishna's smile grew wider. " Maruti , the Hanuman, who is revered not for his power alone, but for his unwavering love and dedication to Rama. But their first meeting was not in grandeur. It was quiet, unexpected, and deeply moving."

Krishna's voice softened as he began to recount the tale.

"It was during the time when Sita had been abducted by Ravana, and Lord Rama, alongside his brother Lakshmana, was wandering through the forests in search of her. Their hearts were heavy with sorrow, but their determination remained unshaken. In this quest, they found themselves near the kingdom of Kishkindha, home to the vanaras, where destiny was about to unfold.

Rama and Lakshmana were passing through dense forests when suddenly, they encountered a vanara standing before them—a figure of immense strength, yet with the humility of a sage. His name was Hanuman. He had been sent by Sugriva, the exiled king of the vanaras, to seek out the two strangers wandering through his land.

Hanuman approached them with respect, disguising himself as a simple brahmana. But when he laid his eyes upon Rama, something stirred deep within his heart. Though he had never seen Rama before, Hanuman knew, without a doubt, that he stood in the presence of divinity. The moment their eyes met, time seemed to stand still."

Krishna's voice grew softer, filled with an almost reverent awe, as if reliving that sacred moment himself. Suthanu, lost in the story, felt her heartbeat slow, her hands instinctively cradling her unborn child closer.

Krishna continued, his voice now carrying the weight of the moment. "Hanuman spoke with humility, asking who they were and what had brought them to these parts. But as he spoke, the depth of his devotion could not be hidden. He was overwhelmed by the presence of Rama, his heart already filled with love and reverence for the Lord he had only just met.

Rama, too, felt a connection that went beyond words. He knew, in that instant, that Hanuman was no ordinary being. He was not just a warrior or a devotee—he was the embodiment of selfless devotion, the kind of devotion that would stand by him through every trial, every sorrow.

With grace and kindness, Rama introduced himself, telling Hanuman of his search for Sita. And as soon as Hanuman heard the name of Rama, his eyes shone with understanding. The mission of his life had become clear. He knew that from that moment onward, his only purpose was to serve Rama, to reunite him with his beloved Sita, and to dedicate his life to the service of the Lord."

Suthanu's eyes were wide with wonder. "Pita, what made their bond so special? "

Krishna smiled, shaking his head softly. " It wasn't just Hanuman's physical might. It was his heart, his unwavering love for Rama. You see, Hanuman's devotion was beyond the need for recognition or reward. He didn't serve Rama to gain anything for himself. He served because his soul found its highest purpose in Rama's happiness. The moment Hanuman bowed before Rama, offering his service, he did so with his entire being, his whole soul. That's what made their bond unbreakable."

Krishna leaned in slightly, his tone growing more intimate. "There's a moment, chile, that truly shows the depth of their connection. After they met, when Rama embraced Hanuman for the first time, it wasn't just an embrace between a king and his devotee. It was an embrace of souls. In that single moment, Hanuman had given his whole heart to Rama, and Rama accepted it with such grace and love that their bond became eternal. Rama recognized Hanuman not just for his strength, but for his heart—the heart of a being who would go to the ends of the earth for him, who would never waver in his loyalty."

Suthanu's heart felt full as she listened, understanding the profound nature of their relationship. "So, it wasn't just devotion... it was love of devotion, wasn't it, Baba? A love that went beyond words."

Krishna nodded, his eyes gleaming with emotion. "Yes, child. That is the essence of true devotion—love so pure that it asks for nothing in return, love that exists only to serve and uplift. Hanuman's love for Rama was that kind of love, the kind that could never be shaken, no matter what trials lay ahead. And Rama, in his own quiet way, loved Hanuman just as deeply, because he saw in him the reflection of his own soul's purity."

Krishna for a moment was lost in that moment. 'Prabhu, my life is yours. Every breath I take, every ounce of strength I possess—it is all for you. Command me, and I shall do it, for I have no other purpose but to serve you.'

At that moment, Rukmini entered the room, carrying a small plate of sweets. She saw Suthanu's tear-filled eyes and the tenderness in Krishna's expression, and she smiled softly, understanding the depth of the moment without needing words.

"Bangaram," Rukmini said gently, offering her a sweet, "you mustn't forget to eat while you listen to such beautiful stories. Your Pita tells them so well, doesn't he?"

Suthanu smiled through her tears, accepting the sweet even as she protested. "Maiya, I've already had too many... you're spoiling me."

Rukmini laughed softly, brushing a lock of hair from Suthanu's face. "That's a mother's job, my dear. Besides, you'll need your strength for all the emotions your Pita's stories stir in you."

Krishna chuckled as he watched the exchange, his heart full of love for both his wife and daughter. "Your mother's right, Suthanu."

Just then, Bhanu and Vajra entered the room, their eyes immediately drawn to the serene, heartwarming scene in front of them. Bhanu stood quietly, a soft smile playing on his lips, while Vajra, unable to contain himself, rushed forward.

"Pitamaha!" he called out, his small voice cutting through the calm. "Did you forget about me? You're telling all the good stories without me!"

Krishna burst into laughter, his eyes gleaming with joy. "Forget about you, dulhara? How could I ever forget about my little butter thief? Come here, and I'll tell you a story that's just for you."

Vajra ran across the room, climbing into his grandfather's lap, eyes bright with excitement. Bhanu watched from the doorway, his heart full as he witnessed the love and joy that filled the room.

And in that moment, surrounded by stories and laughter, love and sweets, they were all at peace! 

After a few months,

The long-anticipated day of Suthanu's Simantam, the ancient rite to bless her and her unborn child, had arrived. The air was fragrant with the scent of sandalwood and jasmine, and the sound of flutes and drums reverberated through the halls. But above all, the excitement of Bhanu and Vajra filled every corner of the palace—almost more so than the ceremony itself.

It was still early morning, the sky painted with the first blush of dawn, but the palace was already bustling. Vajra had taken it upon himself to oversee the decorations. His tiny feet raced through the corridors as he gave orders to the servants with all the authority of a seasoned general.

"Make sure those flowers are hung higher!" Vajra commanded, his hands on his hips, eyes squinting at a garland of marigolds that didn't quite meet his high standards. "Maiya likes lotus, not just marigolds! Add more lotus!"

The servants exchanged amused glances but nodded dutifully. Bhanu wasn't far behind, his deep voice carrying through the hallways as he rushed from one part of the palace to the other, ensuring everything was perfect for Suthanu's special day. He was still half-dressed, his royal robes in disarray as he clutched a handful of to-do lists, his usually composed demeanor thoroughly shattered by the weight of responsibility and growing happiness.

"Pita! Where are the sweets?!" Vajra called out, a mix of panic and excitement in his voice. "Maiya loves them. We're supposed to be ready by noon!"

Bhanu, with the wisdom of one who was used to his son's frantic energy, waved off the concern with a dramatic sigh. "Relax, Lal! I asked the cooks twice already. The laddus will be ready. Focus on the decorations!"

Vajra groaned but couldn't help smiling as he watched his father mimic his mock seriousness. "Alright, alright Pita " he muttered under his breath before Bhanu left adjusting his robes as he moved toward the main hall where the ceremony would take place.

Meanwhile, Suthanu, who was the calmest of the three, sat serenely in her chambers, the softest smile playing on her lips as she listened to the commotion. She was dressed in an elegant silk saree, her pregnancy radiating a certain glow, and her hair was adorned with flowers. Satyabhama sat beside her, gently applying fragrant oils to her forehead, while the other queens of the palace fussed over her, ensuring every detail was perfect. Despite her protests, they continued to pamper her, knowing this day was meant to celebrate not just her but the life growing within her.

"He's going to take the palace down, Maa," Suthanu said, laughing lightly, imagining Bhanu and Vajra creating their usual chaos. "Swami is more nervous than I am."

Satyabhama chuckled, smoothing a lock of hair behind Suthanu's ear. "Of course, he is. He's more excited than anyone. After all, it's not every day you get to celebrate the mother of his child and the future of the Vrishni lineage. Let him have his moment."

Suthanu sighed softly, feeling her heart swell with affection. "They both mean the world to me, Maa. And today... it feels more real than ever."

Satyabhama smiled warmly. "They've been running through the palace for hours now. I'm surprised the whole place hasn't fallen apart yet."

Just then, as if on cue, a loud crash echoed from the hall, followed by a series of hurried footsteps.

"Vajra!!" Bhanu's exasperated voice rang out, accompanied by the unmistakable sound of furniture toppling over.

Suthanu raised an eyebrow at Satyabhama. "Should I be worried?"

Satyabhama laughed, shaking her head. "It's all part of the preparations, my child." Soon , almost all of the queens left the chamber. 

Moments later, Bhanu burst into the room, breathless and wide-eyed. "Everything's... under control," he managed, trying to catch his breath. But his disheveled robes and the wild look in his eyes told a different story.

Suthanu couldn't help but giggle. "Under control? You look like you've been fighting a war, Swami."

Vajra dashed in behind his father, clutching a  lotus and grinning proudly. "Maa! Look what I got!"

Suthanu's heart melted at the sight of her son's enthusiasm. She reached out, pulling him close and kissing the top of his head. "Thank you, Lal. It's perfect."

Bhanu collapsed into a nearby chair, wiping his brow dramatically. "I swear, organizing a ceremony is harder than any battle I've fought. But," he added, a mischievous grin appearing on his face, "it's worth every moment."

Suthanu laughed, her eyes filled with warmth as she looked at her husband and son. "You two are impossible. But I wouldn't have it any other way."

Vajra's face lit up with excitement. "I can't wait to meet my sibling , maiya!"

Bhanu chuckled before he came beside Suthanu and Vajra, ruffling his son's hair. "Neither can I, my lal. But for now, we'll make sure today is perfect for your Maiya."

Suthanu's heart swelled as she watched her husband and son. The love they shared, the chaotic joy that filled their lives—it was everything she could have ever wished for.

"Alright," Suthanu said, her voice playful, "you've done enough damage for the day. Why don't you two sit quietly and let the ceremony begin?"

Bhanu raised an eyebrow, feigning innocence. "Us? Cause damage? Never!"

Vajra giggled, hugging his father tightly. "We didn't break too many things, Maa."

Suthanu laughed, shaking her head. "I suppose that's the best I can hope for."

"Adi , is there news about Hastinapura?"

To be continued...

A special update on Diwali. The Ramayana part was actually not written intentionally but a mere coincidence and I decided to post it because it was there. 

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