The afternoon sun shone over Vrindavan forest. Krishna was among the cows and cowherd boys. Balarama and the friends talked with Him. Some played flutes and cowherd horns. Others told jokes and posed riddles. Madhumangala had something to say again. The boys listened to his wit with laughter. Under the trees they rested after their games. The cows grazed in different parts of the forest. Slowly the time to return drew near.
Krishna noticed that the herd was widely scattered. Some cows stood farther away among the trees. Others grazed quietly on the grass. He raised His flute. Its melody spread through the forest. Then He began calling the cows by name. He called Padma, Harini, and Rangini. He called Ganga, Dhavala, and Kalindi too. His voice reached different parts of the herd. Each call was full of tenderness.
The cows heard the familiar sound. They raised their ears and looked toward Him. Some still held grass in their mouths. Mooing joyfully, they began to approach Him. Their bells sounded as they moved. Soon many cows gathered around Krishna. He stroked them with His hands. He spoke to them lovingly as to mothers. He reminded them that their calves waited at home. Then He led them toward the path to Vraja.
The cowherd boys helped gather the whole herd. Each watched over the animals in his care. Bells with different tones rang along the way. Krishna walked with His friends. At times He played, at times He talked with them. The friends sang and found reasons to laugh again. He decorated some of them with flowers. The herd moved slowly toward the village. Soft dust rose from their hooves. It settled on Krishna's hair and garlands.
Meanwhile Radha returned to Her home. With Her friends She prepared food for Krishna. Then She climbed to a high terrace. From there She could watch the road toward Vraja. Other girls waited in high places too. Every gaze searched for the procession in the distance. Radha listened carefully to the sounds along the road. She hoped to hear the flute soon. The day of separation had seemed long. The thought of meeting brought Her joy.
Yashoda too was waiting for her son. With Rohini and her loved ones she prepared an evening meal. Baskets of fruit and vegetables arrived at the house. Each person received a task in the preparations. Still Yashoda often looked toward the road. At last she went to the village gate. Nanda and his relatives looked out for Krishna. He wanted to see the dust raised by the cows. That dust would announce their arrival. Everyone awaited the return with affection.
On the way home Krishna stopped by a lake. With His flute He gathered the cows by the water. He let them drink and rest. Then He counted them in groups. He recognized them by the ornaments around their necks. He counted His friends' cows as well. If any were missing, He called them with His flute. Hearing her own name, each returned to her group. Krishna made sure they were all together. Only then did He continue with them toward Vraja.
A cloud of dust appeared in the distance. Bells and the boys' voices could be heard. The flute's song reached the village. The residents came out to welcome them. Radha saw Krishna from afar. He returned Her look with a smile. Nanda and Yashoda hurried toward their boys. Rohini left her work and came out with them. The parents stretched out their arms to embrace them. The long wait became a meeting.
Yashoda and Nanda embraced Krishna. They gently brushed the dust from His hair. They looked at His face with delight. The friends and their families greeted one another too. Krishna brought the cows to the cowshed. He made sure each group reached its place. The calves were again near their mothers. Nanda and Yashoda wanted to take Him home. He first thought of caring for the cows. Then His parents called Him to rest.
Vraja was once again full of familiar voices. Cows and calves gathered after the forest day. The boys told their families about their games. Yashoda saw her son close beside her. Rohini and the others continued preparing the meal. Radha cherished the joy of His return. The flute had fulfilled its task. It gathered the animals and announced the meeting to all. In the quiet evening, Vraja's care could be felt. Each was called home with love.