Vrishabhanu decided to invite Nanda and his family to his home. He wished Radha to take charge of preparing the feast. Therefore he sent Sucharita to summon Her. She came to Radha and Her friends and conveyed the invitation. She explained that permission from the elders had already been obtained. Shyama was to come too, together with Lalita and Vishakha. Lalita asked how this great feast had suddenly arisen. Sucharita replied that the wish was not sudden. On Krishna's birthday Nanda had invited everyone to his home. Then Vrishabhanu had wished to return their hospitality.
Radha and Her friends went to Vrishabhanu's house. Her father welcomed his daughter with great tenderness. He asked Her to display Her skill in cooking. Nanda, Yashoda, Balarama, and Krishna were to dine there the next day. Lalita asked whether all the necessary ingredients were ready. Vrishabhanu replied that preparations had been underway for some time. He invited them to inspect what was ready and what was still needed. The girls entered and bowed to Radha's mother. Then they examined the prepared provisions. They could also request anything else they needed.
When Krishna returned from tending the cows, Yashoda told Him of the invitation. She asked Him not to go to the forest the next day. His friends could watch the cows nearby. But Krishna did not wish to attend the feast without them. He said that otherwise He would rather decline the invitation. Yashoda accepted His attachment to His friends. She told Him that they would come with Him too. The next morning another courteous invitation arrived from Vrishabhanu. Yashoda was to come with her husband, sons, Rohini, and household. Preparations for bathing and dressing awaited them at their host's home as well.
The approach was decorated with full vessels, fresh shoots, and coconuts. Banana stems and other festive decorations stood along its sides. Drums and other musical instruments could be heard. Krishna arrived with His friends. Yashoda and the family came after Him, followed by Nanda and his company. Vrishabhanu welcomed them respectfully and embraced Krishna. He led them inside and arranged their places appropriately. Water for their feet and other honors of hospitality were offered. The attendants took care of bathing, clothing, and adornment. Then Yashoda entered the kitchen where Radha was cooking with great attention.
Radha bowed to her, and Yashoda addressed Her affectionately. She said that cooking was a fine art but worried about Her exertion. She asked Radha to show her what had been prepared. Radha bashfully showed her the dishes. Their appearance and fragrance delighted Yashoda. She embraced Radha and praised Her skill. She also greeted Shyama, Lalita, and Vishakha, rejoicing in their friendship. Speaking with Rohini, she admired Radha's qualities. Rohini compared Nanda's son and Vrishabhanu's daughter to two precious jewels. Radha became bashful, and Her companions exchanged gentle smiles.
Then Yashoda called Kirtida and embraced her. She asked why her daughter had been burdened with so much work beside the fire. Kirtida explained that Radha had eagerly undertaken the cooking Herself. Her hands, she said, gave beauty, flavor, and fragrance to the dishes. Then she asked Yashoda to oversee the serving. At first Yashoda proposed that Rohini serve. Kirtida instead wished Radha to serve the honored guests. With gentle objections, Radha and Shyama each offered the task to the other. At last Yashoda decided that both should serve together. She herself would guide them in what to do.
Seats with clean coverings were arranged in the spacious reception area. Nanda sat between his sons. Balarama was on his right, and Krishna on his left. Kusumasava sat beside Krishna, followed by Subala and the other friends. The guests' feet were washed, and the meal began. Radha served Nanda with great respect. Shyama served Balarama. When Krishna's turn came, Yashoda called on Radha to serve Him personally. Her hands trembled slightly with bashfulness and deep feeling. Nevertheless She fulfilled the request and continued Her service.
Then both served Kusumasava and the remaining friends. Kusumasava began praising Radha's food aloud. He compared Her to the goddess of fortune and said that other food would not please in the same way afterward. With apparent sternness Krishna asked him to stop his joking. Kusumasava replied that even a thousand mouths could not describe such a meal. Nearby the parrot was eating rice Krishna had given it. The bird lifted its neck as though wishing to speak. Yashoda addressed it as the best among the twice-born. Kusumasava thought that the praise was meant for him. Yashoda explained that she was asking the parrot.
The parrot immediately continued the witty exchange with the young brahmana. Then it objected to comparing its mistress with Rama, the goddess of fortune. In its devoted estimation, Radha stood beyond such a comparison. Nanda asked where this learned bird came from. Yashoda explained its connection with Radha and its earlier arrival before Krishna. Bashful at the praise, Radha tried to hand the serving over to Shyama. Yashoda again encouraged Her to serve in order. The guests happily tasted the prepared dishes. Krishna also experienced the special joy of food cooked and served by Radha. Laughter, wordplay, and mutual affection accompanied the meal.
After the meal Vrishabhanu honored the guests with clothing, ornaments, and other gifts. While they rested, Yashoda and Rohini sat down to eat. Radha served them. Both repeated that other food would hardly please them after such a meal. Yashoda told Radha that she wished Her to continue cooking for Krishna. She would speak with Her elders and seek their permission. Thus Radha could come to her home for that service. Radha's mother joyfully accepted the proposal. She said that her daughter could come regularly to Yashoda. From that event onward, their comings and goings became freer of apprehension.