Krishna prepared another playful surprise in Vraja. This time He dressed as a young singer. He took an instrument and hid familiar signs. Kundalata accompanied Him on the way to Radha. Before the friends she introduced the visitor. Her name, she said, was Kalavali of Mathura. She had come drawn by Radha's fame.
Radha studied the unusual visitor. She asked Kundalata how she knew her. Kundalata described the singer's musical gift. She had supposedly learned from the renowned Brihaspati. She heard a difficult melody and remembered it at once. Then she amazed even the teacher himself. Radha wished to hear her voice.
Kalavali settled the veena in her hands. She began to sing before Radha and her friends. The melody rose and turned through the quiet room. Everyone listened to each movement of her voice. The song held both skill and warmth. Radha smiled at the beautiful performance. Kundalata watched her reaction with delight.
Radha wished to thank the singer. She offered precious gifts for the song. But Kalavali sought neither jewels nor wealth. She wished to remain close to Radha. The friends heard that request with interest. Gradually they recognized the jest in her voice. Under Kalavali's disguise stood their Krishna.
Lalita was first to question the performance. She asked about the teacher and her lessons. The other friends joined with playful remarks. Kundalata tried to defend the visitor. Every answer brought them a new smile. Krishna stubbornly remained in character. Radha watched the play grow around her.
Their laughter could not be entirely hidden. Kundalata found herself teased by her friends. Kalavali continued speaking like a singer. Lalita linked her words to the secret truth. The friends exchanged glances without saying all. Their chamber became a little stage for play. The song had opened the door to a new turn.
Jatila joined the gathering during the debate. She wanted the visitor to be well received. She did not know every hidden cause of laughter. She heard that Kundalata and Kalavali had quarreled. She urged them to make peace and embrace. The friends tried not to laugh aloud. Krishna kept up the disguise before her.
Jatila brought Kundalata and the guest together. Then she told Radha to greet Kalavali warmly. With her hands she guided them toward each other. Thus she herself helped their meeting. Radha and Krishna drew close amid the jest. The friends hid their smiles behind their veils. Jatila thought she had restored harmony.
She invited the guests to remain a while. Then she withdrew toward her chamber. Krishna spoke more freely to the friends. He acknowledged the success of song and disguise. Kundalata accepted their cheerful victory. Radha laughed at the unexpected assistance. The veena still lay beside the singer.
In this account music leads the beginning. The disguise fills the middle with playful words. At last Jatila brings Radha and Krishna together. Each friend knows the secret of the visitor's disguise. Yet the visitor plays her part to the end. Kalavali's song remains a memory of that meeting. And laughter brightens the night in Vraja.