In the warm part of the day, the company came to the lakes. Radha and Krishna were with Their friends. Vrinda spoke to them about the beauty of the place. Before them shone Radha-kunda and Shyama-kunda. Around Radha-kunda stood the gardens of the sakhis. Lalita, Vishakha, and the others had their own flower bowers. The friends cared for the paths and flower-covered gates. Everyone looked forward to spending time beside the water.
A golden bridge joined the two lakes. Krishna stood on the bridge with His beloved companions. On the banks peacocks spread their feathers. Swans called across the water. Bees hummed around the flowers. Krishna showed Radha what He could see. They listened to birds singing in different ways. The gopis shared His delight.
High branches met above the lake. They made a pleasant shade over the water. The breeze passed through openings between the gardens. It carried the fragrance of lotuses with it. Krishna spoke of the beauty of Radha-kunda. It reminded Him of His beloved Radha. He compared the lotuses to Her face. Radha smiled as She listened to His words.
Vrinda helped the friends get ready. Then it was time for play in the lake. Krishna and the gopis went toward the water. Moving waves gathered around them. The friends formed a circle. They held hands around Krishna. With their palms they gently touched the surface. Small waves spread toward the lotuses.
Krishna stood in the middle of their circle. The dark water sparkled around the company. The gopis began to splash Him. He returned their playful splashes. Drops flew in every direction. The friends laughed and moved through the water. Radha was with Her beloved sakhis. The game grew more and more lively.
Kundalata stood on the bank and watched them. She encouraged their playful company. The friends joked about who would win. Nandimukhi joined the conversation too. The gopis replied with witty words. Krishna listened to them with a smile. Then He turned toward the circle again. The water sparkled with their splashing.
Madhumangala watched the game from the bank. He called out that Krishna had won. As a joke, he asked for a prize for the victory. He said he would buy sweets in Mathura. Lalita heard his suggestion at once. She playfully ran after him. His words brought more laughter to the bank. The game in the water continued.
The gopis gathered around Krishna again. Each tried to surprise Him with water. He moved among their waves. Sometimes the friends moved away laughing. Then they came close to one another again. Radha and Krishna enjoyed the company of the sakhis. Birds called from the surrounding trees. Lotuses swayed on the rippling surface.
When they finished, everyone returned to the bank. The friends helped them rest. Radha and Krishna entered a nearby temple. Vrinda offered Them different fruits and dishes. She saw to Their refreshment. The helpers brought water and garments. The company could rest after the game. The memory of their delight remained with them.
This scene is retold from the fourteenth chapter. Radha-kunda is surrounded by the gopis' gardens. Krishna and Radha see the beauty of the lake. The gopis form a circle and play with water. Kundalata and Nandimukhi watch over the company. Madhumangala and Lalita bring laughter with their jokes. Vrinda cares for the fruit after the game. Everyone shares the joy of this lila.