Krishna had set out for the forest with His friends that morning. The paths led them through the land around Govardhana. They found a fresh meadow beside the water. There they spent time playing and talking. Madhumangala was beside Krishna. Meanwhile Radha remained with Her friends. Separation from Krishna filled Her with deep longing. Lalita saw the condition of Her dear friend. She wished news of Her to reach Him. So she sent friends toward Govardhana.
The messengers approached the place where Krishna was. They brought food sent by Dhanishtha. In the forest they found Krishna and Madhumangala. The meeting brought the girls joy. Krishna welcomed them with attention. He especially wanted to hear how Radha was. He asked Rupa Manjari about Her. Rupa knew the sadness that Radha felt. She spoke of Her longing and Her concern for Krishna. The friends had tried to comfort Her.
Rupa told Him that Radha thought of the forest paths. She worried about Krishna's feet among pebbles and thorns. Even the thought of His discomfort made Her sorrowful. She looked for Him in Her thoughts. Her friends sometimes brought His flower garland close to Her. Its familiar fragrance gave Her brief comfort. But Her wish to see Him again remained strong. Rupa did not hide that sorrow. Krishna listened carefully to the message. His eyes filled with tears of love.
Krishna asked Madhumangala to speak for Him. His voice trembled with feeling. Madhumangala understood his friend's concern. He asked Rupa to bring Radha to the forest. Krishna removed His garland of champaka flowers. He gave it to Rupa to take to Radha. In that gift was His tender message. Rupa hurried back to her beloved service. She placed the garland around Radha's neck. Krishna's fragrance brought Her comfort once more.
Radha's longing did not disappear entirely. She and Her friends prepared to go to the forest. Jatila allowed them to worship the sun god. The friends gathered what was needed for the worship. Radha also brought food She had prepared Herself. They attended to flowers, incense, and lamps. The preparations took a little time. Radha wished to set out as soon as possible. Her friends stayed with Her. Together they headed toward the gardens.
Krishna's flute sounded through the forest. Its song reached Radha and Her companions. They spoke of the beauty of its sound. Even the birds seemed to listen motionless. Radha lovingly watched the forest creatures. In the song She recognized Krishna's call. She and Her friends continued to the sun temple. There they bowed and offered their prayer. Then Radha entrusted the worship articles to the forest goddesses. With Her friends She went toward Radha-kunda.
Krishna felt Radha's nearness. His mind filled with hope of meeting Her. A gentle breeze brought Her fragrance. He stopped playing for a moment. Madhumangala noticed his friend's mood. He said that he wished to visit the sage Garga. He wanted to ask him a question about astrology. Krishna replied that He too wished to see the sage. But He thought it improper for them all to go together. Madhumangala suggested that only the two of them go.
The sun was approaching the middle of the sky. The other friends wanted to rest. They agreed that Krishna and Madhumangala could go on alone. The two passed through Pramoda forest. They traveled toward the land around Radha-kunda. The path led them among trees and flowers. Madhumangala was a cheerful companion. Krishna looked ahead eagerly. He wished to see Radha again. Friendship helped Him continue on the path.
As they approached, the forest glowed with golden light. Krishna wondered at the unusual sight. He asked Madhumangala where they had arrived. It seemed to Him that the whole landscape had changed. Meanwhile Radha looked at the bluish forest beside the pond. Its appearance reminded Her of Krishna. Radha's golden radiance and Krishna's dark beauty mingled with nature. From a distance they tried to recognize one another. Radha resembled lightning or a flowering vine. Krishna recalled a cloud or a dark tamala tree.
Thus the eighth chapter ends with their shared longing to meet. The path began with news brought by Rupa Manjari. The champaka garland became a sign of tender care. Madhumangala found a way to help Krishna. Radha's friends accompanied Her on Her way. The flute's song filled the forest. The prayer at the temple led them toward Radha-kunda. The landscape reflected the colors of Radha and Krishna. Every step was full of anticipation. The story remembers the friendship that accompanies longing.