Krishnayan by Vaidya, Kaajal Oza

that was! Sahadharmacharini means someone who walks the path of dharma, righteousness and duty. And what was dharma? Was it waiting for Krishna endlessly? Or waiting for him to invite her to join him on his journey? Krishna stood all alone, watching the sunset from his queen’s palace. ‘What would he be thinking?’ she mused. Ever since Krishna had returned home from the Kurukshetra war, he watched the sun set every day. Rukmini had started getting used to his silence and self-isolation. But today was different—his silence was troubling Rukmini. Portends of inauspicious events rose like waves and crashed in Krishna’s eyes. When Rukmini couldn’t take it any more, she sent her maid to call Uddhav. Despite the late hour, Uddhav arrived without a moment’s delay. Both Rukmini and Uddhav sat watching Krishna’s still form melt into the darkness. Just by looking at Krishna’s back, Uddhav had a strange premonition of forthcoming events. His heart skipped a beat. He felt this was the last time he would see his friend, his lord and life-giver. Uddhav never disturbed Krishna during his time alone, but today, he rushed to the window. He fell at his lord’s feet, his eyes brimming with tears. ‘My lord, what do you have in mind? Why do you torment me so?’ A salty gust of wind blew away Krishna’s shawl, and it landed smoothly on Uddhav’s head. Gently pulling back his shawl, Krishna held Uddhav by his shoulders and drew him into a tight embrace. Uddhav broke down and sobbed uncontrollably. It se