Yashoda waited at the gate of Nandagram. Krishna was returning from His morning visit to the cowshed. Balarama and Madhumangala were with Him. His mother at once called her son closer. She said the food had been prepared with great care. She worried that the dishes would cool while waiting. She greeted the boys who came with Him too. She knew Krishna loved to eat with His friends. She invited all of them to her home. They happily went to get ready for the meal.
Yashoda led Krishna, Balarama, and Madhumangala home. The attendants brought water for bathing. They washed Krishna's feet with tenderness. They arranged His hair and helped Him dress. Clean yellow clothes shone after His bath. Yashoda moved among them with a mother's care. She checked that each had everything he needed. Balarama and Madhumangala prepared themselves too. Many fragrant dishes were waiting in the kitchen. Radha and Her friends had helped prepare them.
When all was ready, Yashoda led them to the meal. The friends gathered around Krishna. Sridama and Subala sat on His left. Balarama and the others sat on His right. Madhumangala found a place facing Krishna. Dishes and drinks were brought close by. Yashoda served everyone with joy. The friends handed her the dishes they had made. Radha had also brought sweets from Her own home. The meal became a place of shared affection.
Krishna talked and joked with the boys. Now and then He glanced toward Radha. Yashoda pointed out which dish He should taste. She encouraged Him to eat a little more. Krishna smiled at her caring concern. He knew which food each friend liked best. So He offered them portions from His own plate. The boys accepted His gifts with delight. One asked for more rice, another wanted sweets. Each was served with attention.
Madhumangala noticed how concerned Yashoda was. He joked that he could eat in Krishna's place. He said that would help his friend. The boys immediately listened to his words. Krishna laughed and offered him food. Madhumangala began eating with a great appetite. Then he asked Yashoda for some yogurt too. But he had another trick ready. He pointed aside and mentioned a dancing monkey. All the boys looked that way with curiosity.
While their eyes were turned elsewhere, Madhumangala moved his food onto their plates. Then he proudly announced that he had eaten it all. Yashoda returned carrying the yogurt he had requested. He asked for more sweet rice. The boys laughed at his clever trick. Rohini brought sweet rice prepared by Radha. Radha had carefully cooled it before it was served. Then She handed Rohini other dishes as well. Flatbreads, vegetables, and sweets reached the meal.
Yashoda rejoiced to see Krishna eating. Still she thought He needed more food. Rohini gently encouraged Him to taste more. She told Him how carefully they had prepared it. Krishna said He had already eaten a great deal. But He continued to please the mothers. Yashoda pointed out His favorite dishes. Madhumangala and the boys kept up their cheerful talk. Radha and Her friends rejoiced at the sight. The meal was filled with laughter and attention.
When the boys finished, they washed their hands. The servants brought them clean fragrant water. Krishna rested while His friends waited. Radha left the kitchen and washed Her hands. Yashoda wanted Her to rest and eat too. She invited Her to sit with Her friends. Radha was shy before the lady of the house. Yashoda spoke to Her with a mother's tenderness. She called the other girls to eat as well. She wanted all who had worked to be cared for.
After the rest the attendants adorned Krishna again. They gave Him a flower garland and peacock feather. They prepared His flute and cowherd horn nearby. His friends arrived with their own instruments. All eagerly awaited their day in the forest. Yashoda watched them gather. Radha and the sakhis remained at home after their service. Krishna met His friends once more. Their smiles promised fresh games. Then together they set out for the forest.
The memory of the happy breakfast remained at home. Yashoda was glad to have fed the boys. Rohini and Radha saw the fruit of their care. Their friends gathered the vessels after the meal. Madhumangala's joke was still being retold. Each remembered a different funny detail. Meanwhile Krishna and His friends followed the path. A mother's love sent Him forth from the doorway. The food had been prepared and shared with devotion. Thus an ordinary morning became a cherished Vraja pastime.