While weaving a garland of parijatha blossoms, Rukmini remarked to Krishna, "When Bhumi Devi was submerged in the cosmic waters, Vishnu, in his Varaha avatar, rescued her, bearing her aloft on his tusks. Is that not the most romantic of all gestures, my lord? " Paused "shouldn't we celebrating this couple as an epitome of love?"
Rukmini paused to looked at Krishna. He was engrossed in the papers related to administration. He was writing a letter to the council of Dwarka. He stopped it for a while to think whatever Rukmini was trying to speak.
Krishna appeared perplexed. "Romantic? I fail to see the romantic aspect of it devj," he responded.
Rukmini did not answer.The matters stood there.
Months later, Rukmini, her eight sisters, and Krishna journeyed to Indraprastha to participate in the grihapravesha ceremony for the newly constructed palace, a marvel designed by Maya.
One afternoon Draupadi personally toured Rukmini through the palace.
"Truly, a palace of illusions, Panchali. " Rukmini commented.
"You won't believe it, Vaidharbhi, there's a pool in this room."
"A pool?" Rukmini looked around curiously.
"Why would anyone have a pool in the middle of a room, Panchali?"
"It's for aesthetic reasons, says Maya. He is, after all, the greatest architect," Draupadi replied.
Rukmini remained unconvinced. "But I don't see it anywhere," she countered. "What aesthetic qualities are you referring to?"
Draupadi was about to answer when there was a splash. Rukmini fell into a pool.
"Are you alright?" Come on it is just a pool , hardly 5 feet."
Rukmini looked pale and was about to collapse
It took only seconds for Draupadi to realize that Rukmini was suffering from a fear of water. It all stemmed from the dreadful incident when Dwarka's civilians were capsized in the ocean, a sabotage by Jarasandha's henchmen. Though aimed at Krishna's children, the plan misfired, leaving a deep scar on Rukmini. Though none of her people lost lives , Rukmini had to bear the emotional consequence of that event.
Pradyumna , Bhanu, Samba and Praghosh were targeted by political enemies of Krishna. She began to worry more,and water began to make her uncomfortable sense of insecurity. A feeling of uncertainty creeped her whenever she saw those oceans.
Rukmini heard faint voice of Draupadi trying to help her out.
Rukmini felt suffocated and was about to collapse. She heard a splash, and someone jumped . Rukmini, felt being lifted. The hands, the touch, looked familiar. She could hear a known voice whispering words of comfort.
Hours later, Rukmini awoke in her room. She saw Krishna and her sisters beside her. They consoled her and then left, but Krishna remained.
"Thank you, Krishna," she said. "You came to save me even before I called."
Krishna took Rukmini's hands in his. "You were right that day, Rukmini. The love between a man and his wife can be expressed most profoundly during times of distress, can it not?"
