Krishna awakened Radha and spoke gently. He needed to go home briefly for important work. He suggested visiting the Chandana and Champa forests with the gopis.
He assured her that his mind remained turned toward her. Then he embraced her and prepared to leave.
Radha asked him to stay. The thought of separation filled her with sorrow. Without him, she said, a moment seemed like a yuga. She begged him not to abandon her, for she had taken refuge in him.
She recalled Garga’s words about his divinity. She asked forgiveness for words spoken in pride. Overwhelmed, she fell unconscious.
Krishna revived her and embraced her. He tried to console her, but her sorrow remained.
That day Krishna did not leave for Vraja. He took Radha beside the lake. There, through their shared pastimes, her anguish at separation subsided. Adorned with flowers and sandalwood paste, Radha remained with Krishna.