The night was shrouded in a mysterious darkness, with shadows dancing in the flickering torchlight. Krishna and Balram reached the city of Samyamani, the capital of Yamraj. The gates of the city loomed ahead, tall and imposing.

The streets were lined with towering buildings that glowed with an otherworldly light, casting an eerie yet mesmerizing glow over the city. The sound of distant whispers and the rustling of unseen spirits filled the air, creating a sense of both unease and wonder. It was indeed a place where the boundary between the living and the dead blurred.

As they approached the gates, Krishna raised his divine conch shell, Panchjanya, to his lips. A thunderous sound resonated through the still night, piercing the silence with its powerful vibrations. It's sound reverberated like thunder, shaking the very foundations of the city, reaching the ears of its inhabitants and sending a ripple of awe and reverence through the air.

Within moments, the massive gates swung open, revealing the imposing figure of Yamraj himself, flanked by his entourage of fierce-looking attendants. With a sense of reverence, the god of the dead, offered flowers at the feet of Krishna and Balram, recognizing their divine presence.

"O Vishnu ! Batayiye mai aapki sewa kaise karu ? O Balram, jo manushya hone ki leela kar rahe hai, kahiye mai kya karu aapko prasann karne ke liye ?" Yam asked.

Krishna calmly said, "Apne poorv karmo ke fal ke karan, mere Guru Sandipani ka putra aapke lok mei aagaya hai. Maharaj, mere aadesh ka palan kar, Bina kisi vilamb use mujhe saup de."

Yamraj bowed his head, "Awashya."

Without a moment's hesitation, he swiftly turned and disappeared into the city of Samyamani. The entourage watched in awe as Yamraj returned, leading the young boy by the hand. Though his touch was gentle, it wasn't able to reassure the timid child, whose eyes were downcast.

Krishna's gaze softened as he approached the boy, his voice gentle yet commanding, "Daro mat, vats. Tum ab surakshit ho."

The boy looked up, his eyes meeting Krishna's compassionate gaze. With a reassuring smile, Krishna took the boy's hand, and a sense of calm enveloped the young child.

Balram kept a hand over his shoulder, "Gurubhrata, hum tumhe lene aaye hai. Ab tum apne ghar laut sakte ho."

The boy's demeanor softened, tears of relief streaming down his cheeks. Feeling the warmth and protection of the divine brothers.

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Tears streamed down her face as she held her child tightly, her sobs echoing through the surroundings. The relief of seeing her son alive, the pain of losing him, and the gratitude towards Krishna and Balram clashed within her.

"Mera putra... mera putra..." She trembling hands caressed her son's face, feeling the warmth of his living presence. Her cries were a blend of sorrow and joy, a release of pent-up emotions that had consumed her during the time her son was missing.

Sandipani stood beside her, his hand resting gently on her shoulder. His usually composed demeanor was shattered, replaced by tears welling up in his eyes. With his other hand, he brushed back the hair of his son, whose return seemed nothing short of a miracle.

Gurupatni looked up through tear-filled eyes, her gaze meeting those of Krishna and Balram. In that moment, she saw the truth in their smiles – the son she had lost was now restored to her, brought back from the city of the dead by their miraculous powers.

With trembling hands, she clasped them together in a gesture of deep reverence and gratitude. The morning sun cast a golden glow on the scene, illuminating the raw emotions etched on Gurupatni's face. Her eyes, red from crying, flickered with a mixture of pain and joy.

With a bowed head, Krishna asked, "Koi aur aagya hai Gurudev ?"

Sandipani shook his head, his voice choked with emotion, "Aapke jaisa shishya praapt karne ke baad, aapka keval sanidhya praapt karne ke baad koi iccha nahi rehti. Mai aap dono ko Guru-hrin se mukt karta hu. Ab aap Mathura prasthaan kare." Sandipani said, joining his hands in a gesture of deep respect and gratitude.

Krishna and Balram, sensing the solemnity of the moment, quietly walked out of the hut. But then a somber hush fell over the surroundings. The familiar faces of their friends and the residents of the ashram gathered in front of them, eyes filled with emotions.

"Tum jaa rahe ho Krishna ?" Sudama asked.

Krishna nodded gently, "Jaane ka samaye ho gaya hai mitra."

Sudama stepped forward and embraced Krishna tightly, tears streaming down his face. The atmosphere was heavy with emotion as everyone realized that the time had come for the two brothers to leave. The other students and teachers of the Gurukul stood silently, their hearts heavy at the thought of Krishna and Balram departing

"Isme rone wali kaunsi baat hai, sakha ?" Krishna wiped away the tears of Sudama, "Tum kabhi bhi mujhse milne aa sakte ho. Mujhe atyant prasannata hogi."

"Krishna ?" Aarvi, with Dilip by her side, approached them with a small bundle of food for their journey, "Yeh bhojan aapke yatra hetu."  

Her eyes reflected a mix of pride and sadness as she handed over the provisions, knowing that they were about to embark on a new chapter in their lives. Krishna's eyes glistened with unshed tears as he accepted the bundle from Aarvi.

He said, "Aapne ek badi behen ke bhaati humara dhyaan rakha hai, Aarvi. Iska fal aapko awashya mikega."

His heart swelled with gratitude for the love and care he had received during his time at the ashram. Looking at Dilip, he said, "Haiheya, aap apni chintao ko samaye par chhod de. Jab sahi samaye aayega, aapko apna yash, kirti, vaibhav, aur sammaan, sab dugna hoke milega."

As the brothers bid farewell to everyone, there were tears and heartfelt goodbyes exchanged. The air was heavy with emotions as Krishna and Balram prepared to leave the place they had called home for so long.  With a heavy heart but determination in their eyes, Krishna and Balram mounted their chariot and rode away from the ashram.

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A/N

Chalo Krishna and Balram ka Gurukul purn huya 😍✨