As Nisha and Nakul descended the temple steps, a peaceful silence wrapped around them. The gentle clinking of Nisha's new bangles was the only sound breaking the quiet, a soft, melodic reminder of the sacred ceremony they'd just completed. Nakul noticed her gaze was distant, almost as if she were lost in another world, far from the temple and the village surrounding them. Smiling, he gave her a gentle nudge on the shoulder, drawing her back from her thoughts.

"Nisha, kya soch rahi ho l?" he asked softly, his eyes bright with amusement. ("Nisha, what are you thinking? .")

Nisha shook her head, a small smile appearing as she replied, "Kuch nahi, bas lag raha tha ke woh sab ek sapna tha. Hum itne door aaye hain, aur ab Shiv-Parvati ke ashirwad se yeh rishta aur bhi gahra lag raha hai." ("Nothing, just feels like it was all a dream. We've come so far, and with the blessings of Lord Shiv and Parvati, this bond feels even deeper.")

He paused to admire her expression, finding a softness in her gaze that he rarely witnessed. Gently, he extended his hand to her, and after a brief hesitation, she placed her hand in his. Fingers entwined, they walked in harmony, side by side, back to the village.

That evening, the village was abuzz with excitement over a music and dance fest being held in a nearby field. The old lady informed Nakul and Nisha about the gathering, and soon they, along with Gopadevi and Baldevi, made their way to the open field. Mats were placed for men and women separately on opposite sides.

Nakul glanced at Nisha, giving her a small nod before joining the men's side. Nisha and the old lady, walked toward the female seating area. However, Gopadevi and Baldevi stopped, momentarily perplexed, glancing at each other and then at their attire as if confused whether to go to the male sitting area or to the female sitting area. After a quick, silent exchange, they joined the female seating area, smiling sheepishly amused by their own confusion.

Soon, the event began with a short play illustrating the story of Lord Ganesha's birth and how he acquired his elephant head. The children acting out the scenes brought humor and charm, blending storytelling with lively expressions and gestures that filled the field with laughter and awe.

Then, music filled the air, its rhythm coming from a group of traditional instruments. Men, women, and children began forming a circle, clapping to the beat and dancing in unison. The old lady nudged Nisha gently, urging her to join. Hesitant at first, Nisha found herself laughing as Gopadevi and Baldevi playfully dragged her into the circle.

Nisha watched the dancers, taking in the movement, and soon fell into rhythm with them, her steps becoming fluid, her spirit uplifted by the shared joy. She glanced at Nakul across the field, who was watching her, a warm smile on his face as he rested his chin on his hands, lost in admiration.

For a brief moment, everything felt perfect. The star-lit sky, the laughter around her, and the reassuring presence of Nakul filled Nisha's heart with a quiet sense of happiness and belonging.i

As the lively music played, a group of village kids suddenly pulled Nakul into the center of the circle. Always one to embrace the moment, Nakul grinned, quickly falling into rhythm with the beat. His eyes sparkled as he spotted Nisha, who stood to the side, laughing at his playfulness. He pointed at her, his voice clear as he began to sing:

"ओ रे छोरी, मान भी ले बात मोरी, मैंने प्यार तुझी से है किया हो ओ, तेरे बिन मैं जिया तो क्या जिया हो ओओ, तेरे नेने में ये जो काजल है, सपनों का बादल है, मन तेरे ही कारण पागल है, ओ गोरिया हो ओओ हो।"

("Oh, my dear girl, accept what I say, My love is only for you, Without you, what is life? In your eyes, this dark kohl, Is a cloud of dreams, My heart is mad, only because of you, Oh, fair one, oh…")

(Music - oo rey chori from movie Laagan)

Nisha's eyes widened in surprise, her laughter mixing with the cheers of the villagers around them. His playful serenade left her slightly flustered, yet undeniably happy, as his words washed over her like a gentle breeze. Before she could recover, the villagers urged her forward, bringing her closer to Nakul as they laughed and clapped along to the rhythm.

With the villagers encircling them, Nakul reached out for her hand. Nisha, giggling, accepted, and they danced together in harmony, their movements guided by the night’s joyous energy. The villagers surrounded them, clapping and tapping their feet, joining in the celebration.

The hours slipped away in a warm blur of music, laughter, and dancing under the stars. As midnight approached, the villagers gradually dispersed, each one offering blessings and goodnight wishes to the couple as they returned to their homes. Nisha and Nakul lingered for a moment, letting the night’s magic settle around them, their hands still loosely intertwined as the beautiful night came to a gentle close.

The next morning, as Nisha woke up, she noticed Nakul still asleep, nestled snugly in his blanket. He looked so peaceful, with his face softened by sleep, that she couldn't resist sitting beside him quietly, watching his resting form. A strand of hair had fallen across his handsome face, partially obscuring his features. Smiling, she gently reached forward to tuck it back. Just as she succeeded, Nakul shifted in his sleep, causing her to fall backward with a slight thud. She sighed in relief when he didn’t wake, then lingered for a moment, savoring the sight of him before slipping quietly out of the room.

Stepping outside, she glanced at the room that Gopadevi and Baldevi had been using. To her surprise, it was empty. Puzzled, she walked in, noticing how pristine the room appeared, as if it had never housed any guests. Her gaze was drawn to a folded palm leaf resting on the bed. As she unfolded it, a beautiful peacock feather slipped out, which she managed to catch just in time. The feather felt oddly familiar, stirring something deep within her. She then focused on the letter inscribed on the palm leaf, reading the message:

"Priya Sakhi,

Tumhare bandhan ko mahadev aur mata parvati ne ashirwad de Diya aur abb Tumhe jo shrap mila tha uski chinta karne ki koi jarurat nahi. Shir mata parvati aur Mahadev ne hi nahi balki main ne aur dau ne bhi tumhe ashirwad Diya aur maharishi ved vyas ne bhi aur--"

(Mahadev and Mata Parvati have blessed your bond, so you need no longer worry about the curse upon you. Not only have Lord Shiva and Parvati blessed you, but Dau and I, along with Maharishi Ved Vyas, have also granted you our blessings—)

Just then, a voice interrupted her. She quickly hid the letter behind her as an elderly woman approached her. "Dekho putri" (Look, child,)

the woman said,"Ajj subha jab main uthi ye do Kanya mujhe dikhi hi nahi aur ye kamra itna chamak Raha tha jese Naya bana ho"

(when I woke up this morning, I could no longer see those two ladies. And this room is shining as though it’s newly made.) Nisha nodded thoughtfully, tucking the letter into her garments.

The day passed, and soon it was time for her and Nakul to bid farewell to the villagers. As they prepared to leave, they received blessings and small gifts from the people—cooked rice, fruits, and other offerings. Although they tried to refuse, the villagers’ warmth and gratitude were unrelenting. Smiling, an elderly lady applied a small mark of kohl behind both Nisha’s and Nakul’s ears to ward off the evil eye, as they looked exceptionally beautiful together.

As they set off, Nakul took Nisha's weapons to ease her load, allowing her to carry the villagers’ gifts on her shoulder. As they walked, Nisha’s thoughts drifted back to the letter, and she took it out to read further. Nakul noticed but gave her space, knowing she would share it with him soon. She continued reading:

jis budhi aurat ne tumhe ashray Diya wo koi aam aurat nahi thi sakhi wah to meri bhakt hai matura se. Tumhe yaad hai jab main mathura main mama kans ke bulayejane paar Gaya tha tab main ne ek kubja aurat ko sidha khada karwaya tha aur usse bohut Sundar aur alokik banaya tha ye wahi aurat thi bass abhi budhi hogayi hai. Main janta hun tumhe gussa araha tha kyunki main pratyeksh rup se Puja main nahi tha parantu paraksh rup se main apne sath dau ko bhi lay sakhi aur tumhara shringar bhi Kiya aur ashirwad bhi Diya abb mushkurao aur panchal chalo wahan main tumhara pratyeksh rup se intzaar kar raha hun aur dau bhi.

(The elderly woman who sheltered you was not an ordinary lady, dear friend. She was a devotee of mine from Mathura. Do you remember the hunchbacked woman whom I straightened and transformed into a beautiful, radiant lady during my visit to Mathura upon Kans's summons? That was her, though she has grown old now. I know you were disappointed because I wasn’t physically present at the Puja as Krishn. But I was there in disguise, accompanied by Dau, and I adorned you with blessings and love. Now smile, dear friend, and continue this journey to Panchal, I am excited and waiting to greet you in person, so is Dau.)

Tumhara param mitra (Your bestfriend) Govind

A tear rolled down Nisha’s cheek as she read, quickly wiping it away before turning to Nakul, her face beaming with happiness. She shared everything with him, her heart full of joy at knowing Krishna had been present at the Puja. Nakul listened with amazement, stunned that he hadn’t recognized his own divine cousin. He smiled, touched to see her so profoundly moved, and felt grateful himself for Krishna’s hidden guidance and blessings.

Together, Nisha and Nakul mentally thanked both Krishna and Balarama for their unseen presence and blessings. With a sense of renewed strength and purpose, they continued on their journey, traversing forests, crossing rivers, and passing through villages as they made their way toward the capital of the Panchal kingdom, Kampilya, where new trials and revelations awaited them.

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Happy belated Diwali guys. I was kinda busy that's why posted this chapter today. Hope you guys have enjoyed Diwali and will also enjoy this chapter. Love you all take care and love you again😂