The news of Rudra's victory and betrothal traveled swiftly. King Vikramaditya of Avanthi, immensely relieved and deeply impressed by his future son-in-law, immediately dispatched a messenger to Magadha.
The letter, sealed with the royal crest, conveyed the joyous outcome of the swayamvar and formally invited Bahubali and Dushala to Avanthi to discuss and finalize the marriage date.
Upon receiving the invitation, Bahubali and Dushala wasted no time. Leaving the Magadha administration in the hands of Mahamantri Sahadeva, they set out for Avanthi.
In Avanthi, they were received with the highest honor. King Vikramaditya convened a meeting with his Kula Guru and the esteemed visitors.
"Maharaja Bahubali, Maharani Dushala," Vikramaditya began, gesturing to the aged priest, "Kulguru of Avanthi will now consult the stars and find the most auspicious date for the wedding of our children, Rudra and Avantika."
The Guru spent the better part of the day in deep deliberation, consulting the planetary charts and ancient texts. Finally, he announced his findings. "The heavens are most favorably aligned three months from this day. On that date, the union of Prince Rudra and Princess Avantika will be blessed with prosperity and longevity."
Both families readily agreed.
"Three months it is," Bahubali confirmed with a warm smile, "We shall return to Magadha and begin the preparations immediately."
After exchanging gifts and assurances, Bahubali, Dushala, and Rudra made the journey back. The Magadha court buzzed with excitement. Over the following weeks, elegant, personalized invitations were dispatched to every kingdom they held dear: to Hastinapur, to Anga, to the distant, splendid city of Dwaraka, to Kalinga, and to all their neighboring allies.
Three months melted away like snow in the summer sun. Now, the magnificent palace of Avanthi was a whirlwind of silk, flowers, and joyous noise. The entire Magadha retinue had been given separate, lavish quarters.
In his designated chamber, Rudra sat nervously on a low stool. He was dressed in plain white silks, awaiting the elaborate process of sringar—the ritual beautification before the ceremony.
The door opened, and a familiar figure walked in, radiating calm and mischief: Lord Sri Krishna, the King of Dwaraka.
"Kakashree!" Rudra exclaimed, jumping up in surprise, "What are you doing here?"
Krishna smiled, his eyes twinkling. "Why do you think I am here? Of course, to do your sringar, dear Rudra."
Rudra immediately shook his head. "Kakashree, that's unthinkable! You are a King, a revered one—how can you perform a servant's duty for me?"
Krishna chuckled softly, picking up a bowl of sandalwood paste. "King?" he mused. "What does being a king have to do with sringar? Can't a person do something for the people he loves? The joy of friendship and family rituals transcends all titles, my boy. Now sit."
Defeated but touched, Rudra shook his head, knowing he could never win an argument with his Kakashree. He sat down, submitting to the ritual. Krishna meticulously applied pastes and oils, decorated Rudra's turban with a delicate crest, and finally arranged the jeweled necklaces.
Once Krishna was finished, Rudra looked magnificent, radiating a youthful, solemn dignity. He was called to make his way to the marriage mandap (pavilion).
He opened the door and stepped out, halting in surprise. Lined up in the corridor to bless him were the most important figures in his life:
His proud parents, Bahubali and Dushala.
His paternal grandparents, Abhiram and Sumithra, who beamed with love.
His maternal grandparents, Maharaj Dhritarashtra and Dadi Gandhari from Hastinapur.
His uncle, Karna, the King of Anga, and his wife, Vrushali.
His uncle, Duryodhana, and his wife, Bhanumathi, along with the rest of the Kaurava brothers and their wives.
The mighty Lord Balarama and his wife, Revati.
And finally, Lord Krishna himself, now beside his queen, Devi Rukmini.
His parents stood first: Bahubali, looking immensely proud, his face a mask of restrained emotion, and Dushala, her eyes shining with unshed tears of happiness.
"Putra," Bahubali said, his voice deep, "today you begin your Dharma as a householder. Be her shield, and her counsel. We are so proud."
Dushala rushed forward and enveloped him in a fierce hug. "Oh, my sweet boy! Be kind, be patient, and remember to always tell her you love her, even when you are frustrated. Now, smile! You look too serious for a groom!"
Rudra received a stern, loving pat from his paternal grandfather, Abhiram, and a gentle embrace from Sumithra.
Next, he knelt before his maternal grandparents from Hastinapur. Maharaj Dhritarashtra reached out, his blind hands finding Rudra's face. "May your eyes always see the truth in her heart, my grandson. Be blessed."
Dadi Gandhari, her eyes covered, gave him a small, sacred thread. "Walk the path of righteousness, putra."
He rose to greet his favorite uncle, Karna, the King of Anga, who gripped his shoulder firmly. "Rudra. You fought well with Jayadratha. Now, the real battle begins: the daily battle of mutual respect," Karna joked, a rare smile gracing his lips. His wife, Vrushali, also blessed Rudra for a happy married life.
Then came Mamashree Duryodhana and Bhanumathi. Duryodhana, offering a sincere, loving hug. "Congratulations, nephew. She's a lioness, a good match for you. Take care of her."
Bhanumathi added, "And may you be spared some of the chaos your father and uncle create!"
Rudra offered his respects to the rest of the Kaurava brothers and their wives. He then bowed to the imposing figure of Lord Balarama, who clapped him on the back. "A fine match! Good fortune, young warrior." Revati wished him well with a warm smile.
Finally, Krishna, who had joined his beautiful Queen, Devi Rukmini, offered a last blessing. "Go now, Rudra. Your destiny awaits." Rukmini handed him a single, perfectly white lotus. "May your love remain pure and strong."
As he stood among them all, he felt an overwhelming sense of belonging. The only person missing was his master, Asuraguru Shukracharya, who, despite his unusual nature, had promised to come.
Taking a deep breath, Rudra led the procession, surrounded by the Kings and Queens of his family, making his way through the palace gates toward the beautiful marriage mandap where Avantika waited.