Return Gift

The infant crimson rays had spread out and enclosed the horizon and beyond… The petals had been kissed and had bloomed and mellowed like never before. There was juvenile flamboyance all around. The mowing of the cows, the chirping of the birds the flow of Yamuna, all had a divine music in them. All life forms seemed to have been rejuvenated. The jingle in the air has made even the lifeless resurrected. The joy of the residents of Nand Village couldn’t be possibly described in words. It is the big day of their prince; it is the birthday of Kanha…

“Oh my Kanhaiya’s birthday…!” Sulekha Kaki woke up with a jerk. It indeed was her Kanha’s birthday!!! He had become a lovely four year old today. She had to get ready quickly to reach the palace. But but…ohh... Kaki was unable to move from her bed. She touched her forehead. She was down with fever.

With tears in her eyes, she thought of Yashoda. One had to see the delighted mother to know. Her happiness on this day would know no bounds. Last night had passed twisting and turning and the dawn would have brought thousand smiles on her face. She would have begun her chores before sunrise. Along with Maharshi Shandilya she had finished the holy yagnas and would now be decorating Kanha with full pomp and glory.… Sulekha Kaki slowly got up from the bed. She couldn’t miss to see the event to be held in the palace today.

Ahh…what a beautiful beautiful day it is!!! The palace hall was already full. All eyes are awaiting their sweetheart, that mischievous smile in the divine countenance. One glance of Kanha is all the Gokul villagers could die for. …And there...There comes the stealer of all hearts, everyone’s beloved, Krishna Kanhaiya... The royal yellow robe, the curls wrapped in a lace of pearls, the crown adorned with a peacock’s feather, ears studded with gems, garland made of rare stones around the neck and wrists, the anklets shiny and royal.. All hearts skipped a bit in admiration. Tears of happiness started flowing from the eyes of the villagers to see their darling being accompanied by Mother Yashoda.

There he was seated in the tall throne to receive the gifts from everyone. Sulekha kaki too handed over her bundle of pancakes and kissed the bright forehead. Then she stood in a corner to see Kanha receiving gifts from his dearest buddies. The first to run was Sridama. His eyes shining and two fingers lifted, as if something precious is enclosed in them.
Huff… Huff…he reached Kanha making way through the crowd, breathing heavily unable to speak a word... The friend there had understood everything. Gently Kanha held Sridama’s fingers and marked the veneration on his own forehead. And lo... the villagers saw the mark on Kanha’s forehead, it was not red or pink or yellow, but deep blue in color!! Hmm... So Sridama had gifted Kanhaiya a pinch of fresh cow dung!! Nay, the love between the two had multiplied the dung’s worth by a million.

Now, it was Bhadra’s turn. He too ran to Kanha, his gift was wrapped in a towel across his neck. Eagerly the two friends untied the knot and brought out ten smooth round pebbles. “Today, we will use these pebbles to play!!!” Kanha cried with joy. Then came Pradeep, in his fist he was holding a thin stick with a flag on the top. With utmost care he handed over his gift to his dear playmate. Ahh what a sight of innocence and hilarity!!! Kanha and his friends were all jumping and pulling each other’s legs.

Mother Yasodha then, lovingly pulled out a large plate of beautiful gems, precious stones, pearls, jewels etc.
“Come now, Kanha pick something for your friends. Wouldn’t you like to give them some return gifts?”

Kanha looked at the plate thoughtfully. With a finger on his chin he was evaluating each item on the plate for a long while. Gold, silver, pearls...Hmmm…none could come in comparison to the invaluable gifts that he has received today.

“I know what to give!!!”, at last he seemed to have gotten a great idea.

With his heart full and open chest he ran towards his friends. His arms playfully flung around Sridama’s neck, tightly held Bhadra to his bosom, and then lifted Pradeep to his shoulders delightfully.

The whole of Gokul was dancing in happiness and bliss.
Overwhelmed Sulekha Kaki was standing in a corner. Waves of gaiety were flowing through her heart upon beholding this heavenly sight. Her eyes had moistened just like those of the hundred others present there. She touched her forehead. Her fever had vanished. The spirits had triumphed the flesh.