The morning meal in Dwarka's bhojanshala had ended with laughter and the faint scent of makhan lingering from Rudra's mischief.
As Bahubali and Balaram lingered, discussing Magadha's reforms and Dwarka's maritime trade, Lord Krishna winked at Rudra, beckoning him with a playful tilt of his peacock feather. "Come, putra, let's explore Dwarka's wonders. Your Pitashree and Dau can talk of serious matters, but you and I? We'll chase the sea's secrets!"
Rudra's eyes sparkled, and he grabbed Krishna's hand, his green kurta bouncing as they slipped out of the palace into the vibrant city.
Dwarka buzzed with life—merchants hawked pearls and corals, fishermen mended nets by the sparkling shore, and children flew kites shaped like Garuda. Rudra tugged Krishna's dhoti, his voice brimming with questions. "Chacha ji, why does the sea make waves?"
Krishna's eyes twinkled. "The sea dances to Vayu's song, putra, each wave a breath of the wind."
Rudra tilted his head. "But why do fish swim together?"
"They're like families, Rudra, staying close to protect each other, guided by nature's wisdom."
"Why are some people kind and others mean?" Rudra asked, frowning as he watched a merchant share fruit with a child.
Krishna smiled gently. "People's hearts are shaped by their choices, putra. Some choose love, others fear, but all carry a spark of the divine."
Rudra's brow furrowed. "Divine? Like the Tridevs? Are they kind to everyone?"
"They are, but their roles differ," Krishna replied, leading him to a bench by the shore. "Brahma creates, Vishnu preserves, and Mahadev renews. Brahma and Vishnu must judge strictly to keep dharma's balance, rewarding or punishing as needed."
Rudra blinked, curious. "But what about Mahadev? Isn't He strict too?"
Krishna's smile widened. "Mahadev, Bholenath, is different, putra. His heart opens to all—human, dev, yaksha, naga, rakshasa, or asura—if their devotion is pure. A single bilva leaf offered with love pleases Him. Even asuras revere Him, like Asurguru Shukracharya, who chants His name with fervor."
Rudra's eyes widened, his voice awed. "Even asuras love Mahadev? But they fight devas!"
Krishna nodded. "True, but Mahadev's compassion touches all. He's easily pleased, seeing only the heart's truth. His tandava moves the cosmos, yet He loves simplicity."
Rudra grinned, clutching Krishna's arm. "Chacha ji, tell me more about Mahadev! Does He dance in the stars?"
Krishna laughed, ruffling his hair. "Oh, putra, His dance holds the universe's rhythm! Let's walk, and I'll share His tales."
As they wandered through Dwarka's markets and temples, Krishna spun stories of Shiva's battles with Tripurasura, His marriage to Parvati, and His meditation on Kailash, answering Rudra's endless questions about Mahadev's love and power.
Krishna smiled inwardly, knowing he'd kindled another devotee for Bholenath, Rudra's young heart ablaze with awe.
By afternoon, they returned to the palace, Rudra chattering about Shiva's trident. At the entrance, Rudra spotted Duryodhana, who had arrived an hour earlier, invited by Balaram.
The Kuru prince stood in a crimson kurta, laughing with Balaram and Bahubali, his mace resting against a pillar. "Mamashree!" Rudra shouted, sprinting toward him, arms outstretched.
Duryodhana turned, his stern face softening at the familiar voice. He knelt, spreading his arms, and Rudra barreled into him, their hug warm and tight. Duryodhana lifted him, chuckling, "Bhanje, my little lion! You've grown taller since the last time I saw you!"
Rudra beamed, perched in Duryodhana's arms. "Mamashree, I'm fine! How are you? Where's Mamishree Bhanumati and Bhrata Lakshman?"
Duryodhana's eyes crinkled. "I'm as strong as ever, putra. Bhanumati and Lakshman are with your Maa Dushala, chattering away. Go find them—they'll be thrilled to see you!"
Rudra wiggled down, bowing to Bahubali and Balaram. "Pranipat, Pitashree, Bade Chacha ji! I'm going to Maa!" He scampered off, leaving the men laughing.
"Krishna, what have you taught my son?" Bahubali teased, eyeing Rudra's retreating figure. Krishna grinned, feigning innocence. "Jyeshta, I only answered his questions—about the sea, dharma, and Mahadev's boundless heart!"
Balaram snorted, "Kanha, you've turned him into a little yogi!"
Duryodhana clapped Bahubali's shoulder. "Bahu, your son's a spark—Magadha's future shines bright."
Inside the palace, Rudra reached Dushala's chambers, where she sat with Bhanumati, both in vibrant saris, laughing over tea. Lakshman, Duryodhana's young son, played nearby with a wooden horse, his chubby hands galloping it across the floor.
Rudra burst in, bowing to Bhanumati. "Pranipat, Mamishree!" Bhanumati smiled, pulling him into a hug. "Rudra, my dear! Look at you, all dusty from Dwarka's streets! What adventures have you had?"
Rudra giggled, joining Lakshman on the rug. "Mamishree, I learned about Mahadev from Chacha Krishna! He loves everyone, even asuras! Bhrata, let's make our horses race!"
Lakshman squealed, and the boys began a playful chase, their laughter filling the room. Dushala watched, her heart swelling. "Bhanumati, our boys are like brothers already. Dwarka's celebration will be unforgettable with them together."
Bhanumati nodded, "Indeed, Dushala. Rudra and Lakshman will light up Aryavrat with their bond."
The palace hummed with warmth, the reunion of families setting the stage for Prince Pradyumna's celebration, as Rudra's devotion to Mahadev and his playful spirit promised more joyous moments under Dwarka's divine skies.