Chandra Nandini -An soulful Love Story ff NEW CHP 31 pg 24 - Page 17

Chapter 29

1.5 months later...

It was a Morning time in Barsana . Except for birds , cows and devotees ,the village was not active. It was still trying to get up from slumber.Sunrays filtered through the thick trees and it was reflected in Yamuna's water.Calves were running along with street kids. These Kids used to take them to graze Barsana resounded with the calls of peacocks ,myna and sparrows.There were many ponds which used to cater to water needs of people.Yamuna was flowing silently around the village as garland.
There are many devotees in Vrindavana who regularly bathe in the Yamuna, and this cleanses all the contamination of the material world.

Nandini was sitting in the temple of Krishna in Barsana.She is now heavily pregnant and can go into labor at any time.Mechanically,she prayed to her infallible lord who was showering his nectarine glances onto her. The temple was clean and it was no less than Devaloka. People sang Krishna's glory continuously. When Nandini was small,she used to come to Vrindavan along with her mother Avantika. This place is not new to her. So she has settled here soon and her host Subhadra and Dev were sweet and kind enough to take good care of her. but it was her mind...looks like its not settling here. It was not occupied with the thoughts of labor,but it was filled with his thoughts. What can she do? How can she go to Magadh.. she thought if she can take Subhadra's help.by appraising her situation and truth. .again she was apprehensive! Will revelation of truth lead to further confusion.. will it lead to leakage of plans and push Chandragupt and Magadh to unpleasant situation. Was it wise to keep quiet or can she take some bold steps...How long she should live here..how can she support her baby... What if Chandra never found her ? Well she had no answers ..Mind always asks and thinks about situations but it does not think of any viable solution or find solace.. Isn't it strange..

A cool soothing hands touched her shoulder . When she turned she was astonished and exclaimed "Chandra..you came?"... She cried embracing him.

"Nandini..." he soothed her hair with gentle strokes..."I am here.. I have found you". He smiled ..

Twenty five days ...later

On a fine sunny morning,Magadh was brimming with celebration. Everywhere people wore new cloths and happily decorating their homes. On every cross roads, rose water mixed with sandle and turmeric are being sprinkled. Ladies of the house were decorating their houses with auspicious mango leaves. Kids were happily playing in the roads.

Conch shells of Krishna temple and Shiv temples are blown by respective priests. It was so divine as the sounds of conch shell made sky to viberate and as a result even waters of Ganga had ripples.The city's streets were cleansed by the intoxicated elephants belonging royal family, .The beauty further enhanced the city by placing of trunks of plantain and betel-nut trees in all major places.

Palace was more busier and appeared most beautiful as there were tall, festive columns, and also archways decorated with flower garlands, cloth banners and precious gems. Arrangements of auspicious, full waterpots, aguru-scented incense, and lamps graced every doorway of the palace.Those who belonged to the royal families of the Kuru, Sjaya, Kaikeya, Vidarbha, Yadu and Kunti clans joyfully met one another in the midst of the crowds of people excitedly running here and there.

Avantika was very busy and could not hold her excitement. The brahmanas recited auspicious Vedic hymns, which purified the environment by their vibration. The experts in reciting old histories like the Puranas, the experts in reciting the histories of royal families, and general reciters all chanted, while singers sang and many kinds of musical instruments, like bhers and dundubhis, played in accompaniment.

Moora gave cows, completely decorated with cloth and jewels, in charity to the brahamanas and also gave them hills of grain, covered with cloth decorated with golden embroidery.

Durdhara came to Moora and handed over Mrinalini to her and went to attend chores .She was very busy as she has to ensure that welcome ceremony goes without any hassle.Moora beheld little Mrinalini as she smiled.

"Beta.. Teri Mamashri aur Bua ane wale hein..unke sath do nanhe bache aah rahe hein.. Ek bhai aur ek behan..tere liye..tum unki sabsi badi didi ho"

Durdhara as usual was very busy and was supervising Dasi'. Helena came near Moora and "Ma... Humare ghar ...aj hi roshan hua.. Mene nam thai kar diya hei"

Moora" Helena... tum jo nam thai kar liya hei..whahi hoga unke nam".

Durdhara came.."Ma... weh aah gaye".

Moora" Avantika go bulao..usko arthi lene ko kaho..jaldi.. durdhara tum jakar Chanakya ji aur Sujatha ji ko aane ke liye prasthan kaho.. Humare pas samay bahut kam hei"..

Chandragupt stepped down from horse and went to the palanquin which was carrying nandini.He helped nandini to get down. Along with her Subhadra and Devadutt were also present.Nandini took one baby and Chandragupt took another in his hands.

Avantika took arthi for them and kept tikka in their foreheads.

"Swagatham...suswagatham"..Avantika cried uncontrollably.Durdhara consoled "Ma.. ap bhi... aj apko prasan hona chahiye".Chandragupt smiled at Durdhara consoling words.They both shared glances.Durdhara broke the glance and took the babies in her hands. Avantika became over protective

"Beta sambahlke".

Durdhara did not listen " Ma.. aaj mein apki nahi sunungi.."Helena and Moora too joined them.Chanakya was addressing Dev and thanking him for saving nandini.

Nandini was very tired so,she was taken to her room along with babies..Chandragupt addressed HIS PRIME minister" Tomorrow.. I am planning Namkaran for my children. And also for my sister's daughter. Before that I want to address magadh ki praja..please make arrangement "

Chandragupt after finishing his duties for day went to Nandini's chamber.Nandini was awake and sitting and reading some book.He came and snatched the book and asked where are the babies Nandini"?

"They are with Durdhara and Ma.." Nandini answered with a pride.."Chandra .. You first answer me this question.. How did you locate me?"