Both the god and goddess in disguise looked at each other, and then back at her with a smile, before joining their hands, "Ab aagya de."
"Aagya hai." Yashoda nodded with a smile.
With that, both of them walking ahead, stepping out of the threshold, they saw a crowd of men, gathered around something, with wonder and admiration in their eyes.
"Kya balshaali bael hai !"
"Itne sundar aur vishaal bael maine aaj tak nahi dekhe !"
Nayika looked at them with a frown, while Nayak had a knowing smile on his face.
"Arrey hato hato sab !" He said approaching the crowd, who looked at him and made way to a bullock-cart.
The moment Nayika's eyes fell on the two bulls, one tawny yet fiery in colour while other white with an unnatural blue tint, she kept her hand over her lips, trying not to gasp, for it didn't take her more than a moment to guess that they were their divine vahans.
Suvarchas lowered his head in embarrassment, 'Prabhu ne kaisa vesh diya hai !'
'Lajja toh mujhe aani chahiye, tumhe toh apne buddhi anusaar hi roop mila hai.' Jaladri mischievously mentally communicated, earning a side hit from him.
"Shaant !" Nayak said keeping his hand over their humps.
The men were amazed at how big and strong these bulls looked, they had never seen anything quite like so, "Yeh aapke bael hai ?" They couldn't help but ask.
Nayak looked at them and nodded with a smile.
"Kaha se mile ? Kaunsi jaati ke hai ?" One of the inquired.
Nayak chuckled, "Devtao ka aashirwad hai. Itne saralta se nahi milte."
"Oh." The crowd became silent, admiring the bulls, unaware of their true forms.
Nayak gazed back at Nayika who didn't know whether to pity their vahans or laugh at her husband's plan, "Shigreh karo bhagyavati." He called.
She suppressed her laugh and went towards him. He offered his hand to help her onto the cart. She accepted his assistance, her eyes shining in the moonlight. With a gentle hand, Nayak helped her climb onto the wooden platform of the cart, making sure she was comfortable before joining her on the driver's seat.
The sound of the bullocks' hooves on the dirt path echoed through the still night as Nayak guided the cart out of the village. The air was filled with the scent of jasmine, tied to her hair, and the only sound was the occasional chirping of crickets and the rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze.
Nayak's gaze shifted towards Nayika, her countenance bathed in the gentle radiance of the moon. "Aap sakushal toh hai na?" he inquired, his voice resonating with tenderness, seeking assurance of her comfort.
Although she nodded affirmatively, he discerned her delicate form fidgeting slightly. As the cart traversed the uneven terrain, Nayika's discomfort became palpable, her body pressed against the unforgiving coldness of the wooden seat. Sensing her unease, Nayak momentarily relinquished the reins, pulling her onto his lap, enveloping her in his sturdy embrace, providing solace and security.
She gasped in surprise, her eyes widening as she looked up at him. Nayak chuckled softly, finding her reaction irresistibly endearing. Overwhelmed, Nayika shielded her face with her hands, the blush on her cheeks becoming apparent even in the dimly lit surroundings of a sleeping village.
Unable to resist, he commented, "Devi, varsh nahi yug beet gaye humare vivah ko, parantu aap aaj bhi nav vadhu ke bhaati lajaati hai."
She lowered her hand, her expression slightly furrowed, a gentle pout adorning her lips. "Kyuki aap prem hi aisa karte hai jaise humara naya naya vivah huya ho." she replied.
Nayak burst into laughter, causing her pout to transform into a radiant smile as she joined in the mirth. Nestling into his embrace, Nayika felt an overwhelming sense of safety and love as they continued their journey through the enchanting moonlit forest.
And once they were outside the village premises she asked, "Kaha jaa rahe hai hum ?"
"Yamuna ke uss paar." He said.
And then it dawned upon her, why and where he was taking her, "Toh woh kshan bhi aa hi gaya !" She beamed.
The trees swayed gently in the cool night breeze, their leaves rustling softly. The branches of the ancient banyan trees formed intricate patterns against the starry sky, creating a mesmerizing sight. The night was alive with the sounds of nature, especially that of the hooting of owls.
The night seems to stretch on endlessly, and as they journey deeper into the heart of the forest, the sky begins to gradually lighten with the approach of dawn by the time they reach Yamuna.
As Suvarchas and Jaladri ventured deeper into the forest, their eyes strained to catch any sign of a nearby bridge through which they could cross the raging river. Yet, their efforts were in vain.
Confusion began to creep into their minds, until the Mayaputra, with a flick of his hand, unleashed a power that defied all logic. The entire cart, along with its occupants, was lifted into the air, defying gravity itself.
For a moment, the vahans were suspended in mid-air, their hearts pounding with a mix of anxiousness and awe. It was as if time had stood still, allowing them to gather their wits before embarking on this extraordinary feat. And then, with a newfound confidence, they began to walk on air, defying the laws of nature and begin crossing the mighty river with ease.
As they made their way across the river, the first rays of sunlight began to pierce through the dense foliage, casting a magical glow upon the surroundings. The sky transformed into a canvas of vibrant hues, as shades of pink and orange danced across the horizon.
The vahans in the disguise of bulls gracefully glide through the air, their hooves barely touching an invisible surface beneath them. Suvarchas and Jaladri exchange amazed glances while Nayak maintains his calm composure, and Nayika keeps smiling as they successfully cross the roaring Yamuna.
The first hints of sunlight begin to peek through the dense foliage, painting the sky with hues of pink and orange. As they move forward, the dense foliage starts to thin out, allowing rays of sunlight to filter through the trees. The warm glow illuminates their path, casting long shadows on the ground.
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A/N
How did none of you guess what Srinav planned to do with Suvarchas and Jaladri ! 🤣🤣🤣
Anyway a SriSri moment after long ✨
ALSO ! Guess kar sakte ho next chapter mei kya hone wala hai ? 🌝