Radha rushed in the direction of the sound. "Krsna! Krsna!"
The flowers had blossomed due to the springtime and the scenic beauty of the forest seemed to capture Radha's heart. But at once, her heart was pierced by the arrows of Cupid and agitated, she resumed her search for Krsna. She was soon surrounded by her sakhis, who had also come in the direction of the flute's sound.
Radha then saw Goddess Vrinda appear, and she and her sakhis ambushed her. "Vrinda! Vrinda! Do you know where is Krsna? Has he started the Rasa Leela already? How? What? And-"
"Patience, Radha." Vrinda Devi said with a chuckle. "Krsna has indeed begun the Rasa Mahotsava." There was a collective gasp. Radha looked furious.
"You see," continued Vrinda Devi, "after Krsna had tricked Jatila, he headed straight for Chandravali's Nikunja. He has decided to begin the Rasa Mahotsava there, instead of coming here. So now, Lord Hari is enjoying with the gopikas in Chandravali's Nikunja."
As soon as she had said this, the sakhis of Radha sprinted to Chandravali's Nikunja, with so much eagerness to see Krsna. But Radha was standing in the same spot, quivering with anger.
"He started the Rasa Mahotsava without me, did he? Well, he can very well finish it without me! I am not going!"
And with that, Radha stormed off to her Nikunja. Vrinda Devi tore after her. "Radha! Wait!"
In Chandravali's Nikunja, after Krsna had warmly welcomed the sakhis of Radha, he smiled to himself. Yes! I have infuriated Radha!
***"Radha, Radha, this is not done. The cool Malayamaruta breeze of this spring season is blowing! The bees are buzzing, and the cuckoos are cooing to one another seated on the branches of these beautiful trees! In such a love-filled atmosphere, why are you brooding here! You must go to Krsna! He is there, performing the Rasa dance with all the gopikas! I can see your heart pining for his company! Come!"
But Radha did not budge. Her eyes were red from crying, but she desisted. "Vrinda Devi, if Krsna can start the Rasa leaving me out, why should I bother going there? It is clear he does not wish to see me! Otherwise he would have come to me! Let him dance! I shall sit here the whole night!"
Vrinda was shocked. Radha was declining to go to the Rasa dance? Radha? She continued to persuade her.
"Radhe! Why are you crying! Come, Krsna must be waiting for you! Let us not stay here and waste our time! Why, moments ago all your sakhis were anxious and agitated about Krsna! But didn't you see, how when they heard his flute, all worries forgotten they rushed to him? Why don't you, Radhe?
The deer are roaming around this forest, and the fragrance of their musk is pervading the atmosphere! Why, it seems Kamadeva himself is roaming these forests! Look at the bees buzzing around these Vakula creepers! Romance is in the air!
Look at the golden kesar flowers blooming! Don't they look like the golden umbrella of Cupid? Look at these bees and flowers, ready to strike the love-lorn couples! Come on now Radha, do not delay!"
Radha continued crying. Vrinda decided to use a different technique.
"Look Radha! The flowers Madhavika, Malati and Jati are emitting such intoxiating fragrance! Even the sages doing tapasya will be intoxicated by them! Surely Krsna must have created such an atmosphere only for you?
Look at these Ketaki flowers! Don't they look like the arrows of Kamadeva, ready to strike damsels such as yourself! Why, Krsna must have thought only about you while creating this romantic atmosphere!
Look at the Yamuna river, cooling this climate with its fresh waters! Look at the creepers entwining the mango tree! Doesn't it resemble Krsna, trying to entwine you with his love?"
But Radha showed no sign of coming.
Vrinda became desperate. "Oh come on, Radhe! You can't seriously remain so angry with Krsna! You are his life! This spring season, which I have described, all of this is like Krsna's love for you! Therefore, come, and delight Krsna with your divine Rasa Dance!"
Vrinda then described the Rasa to Radha. At least by this, she might come! She can never resist Krsna's lovely descriptions!
"Radha, you know, Krsna has decorated himself? Such a beautiful Lord is unparalled in the three worlds! With sandalwood smeared on him, and a garland of Tulasi leaves, his blue body is adorned with a golden dhoti! His earrings are dancing along with him, and that beautiful boy is dancing with the Gopikas! See the multiple forms that charmer is taking!
You know, Chandravali is singing to the tune of Krsna's flute! Shyama is dancing with Krsna in a tight embrace! Lalita is casting shy looks at him, mesmerised by his form!
Padma is whispering a secret in his ears! With a sweet kiss, she is thrilling that lotus eyed one!
Look at Vishakha, playfully pulling Krsna's uttariya and laughing!
Look at your dear friend Chitra! She is happily clapping her hands in beat with Krsna's dance! The jingling of her bangles is enchanting that Mohan!
And at the same time Krsna is embracing Shaibya, and kissing Rangadevi, and also lifting Tungavidya so lovingly!
Aren't you thrilled by hearing Krsna's pastimes? These pastimes which always bless everyone with happiness and devotion, don't they make your heart long for him? COme! Let us not delay! Let us go to Krsna!"
Thrilled as she was after hearing such beautiful descriptions, Radha's heart was still heartbroken that Krsna had not waited for her. She wept even more, and Vrinda was upset to see her beloved friend cry like this. At this point, Radha lifted her head, and wiping her tears, she told Vrinda Devi of her thoughts...
(Readers can see the lyrics of the Ashtapadis here:
Bigg Boss 19
