An interlude to Sunset

The part where Divinity enters - Krishna

While making their way to Indraprasth during the long hours of night, while Krishna fluctuated between uneasy sleep and wakefulness, Daruka had hesitantly asked, "My Lord, I have had the fortune and the misfortune of seeing some of the struggles you have faced. I have also been fortunate to meet several of your friends, who all hold great merit. I have seen Prince Arjun's prowess and the graciousness of his behavior. But, if you do not feel my question to be impertinent, what makes him your closest friend?"

Krishna had thought for a while; he had not felt Daruka's question to be impertinent. Daruka was one of those precious few who shared Krishna's confidences. Daruka knew first-hand the sheer might Krishna was capable of in a battle, a might which was impossible to be entirely human and yet Daruka never cowered before him.

The easy going and charming nature of the Dwarakadhish fooled many a person who took him lightly.  Krishna trusted Daruka completely even though he had once been a close ally of his maternal uncle Kans. There are things Daruka knows of which only few others did. "Is there any specific reason for the question, Daruka?" Krishna had asked.

"Just my impudent curiosity, My Lord, and an inept way to maybe get to know a little more about the illusive Prince Arjun."

Krishna had laughed long and hard. "Illusive? And my dear Parth? I have never known a man who wears his heart on his sleeve any more obviously than Arjun."

Daruka had shook his head. "Not for us, My Lord. All know of his exploits, but few know the man."

"You may well be correct, Daruka." Krishna sat back on the chariot seat and he had smiled. "It is not difficult to know Arjun; you need to observe instead of just looking. Arjun is the quintessential man, with all the qualities and shortcomings. But what separates and elevates him, is his earnestness to rectify his shortcomings and his willingness to recognize his limitations. That is a hard-earned quality, Daruka. And this endears him to me, and there is little I would not do for this Pandava. I have seen and felt his struggles Daruka, and I am afraid that he would be dragged through worse in the future. Despite the struggle he faces, his calmness of mind, his sense of justice and most importantly, his sensitivity towards others is no less than phenomenal.   Valour and artistry in a single soul with compassion stirred in, is very uncommon, Daruka."

"As is heard everywhere, he is Nara and you, Lord, are Narayana."

Krishna had starred intently at Daruka. "Arjun is indeed Nara, my friend, but Narayana? Narayana resides in all and for that, all residing on this earth is Narayana. I am not special. I have had just the fortune of knowing and understanding my true inner self."

Daruka had again shaken his head and Krishna knew that there was no fooling his charioteer. But as was his predisposition, Daruka accepted what was offered.  The journey through the dark forests had continued and Krishna had again surrendered himself to the gentle call of sleep, trusting his charioteer to keep him safe.

As the morning light illuminated the surroundings, Krishna could not help missing the surprising serenity of the night. Everything goes slower then and there always seems to be time to get things done. But the advent of the day, the sight of Surya Narayan spurs you on, urging you to discard languor and to get on with doing what needed to be done. As much as Krishna wished that he would not have to set sights on a fallen Arjun, he acknowledged that much efforts would be needed to revive his friend.

"We are here, My Lord." Daruka's voice penetrated Krishna's thoughts and he noted that Daruka had not stationed the chariot at the main entrance of the palace but had instead chosen one of the side entrances which was better guarded but much secluded.