The night was slowly drawing to its close. A quiet flower grove lay beside the Yamuna. Radha and Krishna were together there. Their friends cared for Their meeting. Vrinda noticed the first signs of morning. She knew all Vraja would soon awaken. She wanted to remind Them gently that it was time to rise. So she signaled the birds of the forest. They had been waiting for her call. Then their morning song began.
The female parrots sang among the vines. The male parrots called from pomegranate trees. Cuckoos filled the branches with their voices. Doves answered from the neighboring trees. Peacocks called from tall kadambas. Bees hummed around the blossoming flowers. Each sound joined the others. The grove was no longer completely quiet. Morning entered it through song. Vrinda listened to her winged helpers.
The bird Manjubhashini addressed Radha and Krishna. She reminded Them that light appeared in the east. She wished Them to prepare carefully for Their return. Her words were woven with affection. Then the parrot Vicakshana sang. He greeted Krishna and the joy of Gokula. He reminded Him that His loved ones awaited Him at home. Another bird called Radha to wake. Their different voices carried the same message. It was time for a new day to begin.
Radha and Krishna heard the sounds. For a moment each pretended still to be asleep. They did not wish to leave Their shared place at once. Songs continued around the flower bower. Their friends approached with smiles. They watched dawn appear between the branches. But they too were absorbed in the meeting. Vrinda watched the passing time. With another sign she called the birds. They reminded everyone of morning once more.
One bird spoke to Radha of Vraja's paths. Soon people would begin to travel along them. The sun was already changing the sky above the forest. Radha understood Her friends' concern. She rose tenderly, a little sad at the separation. Krishna also prepared to come out. For a moment They held hands. Then They came out among the flowers and vines. Their friends followed with needed articles. Each attended to her own small service.
The colors of dawn appeared above the Yamuna. A lotus opened its petals. Bees moved around the morning flowers. The breeze swayed the vines by the water. Krishna showed Radha the beautiful landscape. They spoke of the birds and the new light. Lalita spoke wittily about the sun. Radha smiled at her words. Their friends enjoyed the conversation. For a moment they again forgot the road home.
Vrinda grew concerned about the time again. She knew love was keeping Them in the grove. An old monkey named Kakkhati sat in a tree. At Vrinda's sign she began to call out. Her words recalled the coming of day. They also mentioned the name of Jatila. Radha and Krishna understood that They must hurry. Their friends helped Them carefully. They gathered around Them before leaving. The forest saw Them off with its morning sounds.
Radha went toward Her home with Her friends. Krishna returned toward Nanda's home. Their paths differed, but the memory of meeting was shared. The birds remained among Vrindavan's branches. Vrinda watched each take the proper path. Her care accompanied Them even in separation. Dawn was brighter above the trees now. The new day brought new services and meetings. Radha and Krishna cherished the morning's tenderness. Their friends continued their tasks.
In this pastime the birds did not sing by chance. They answered Vrinda's call. Each song recalled the time and their affection. Manjubhashini and Vicakshana each had a voice. Cuckoos, peacocks, and bees joined them. Even small sounds became part of service. Vrinda brought the forest and friends together. She cared for the meeting and the return. Her attention was quiet but constant. Song became a way to show care.
As the sun rose, a new day began in Vraja. The flower grove remained full of life. Vines and trees swayed in the breeze again. The birds continued their songs. Radha and Krishna were already on Their paths. Each loved one cherished the joy of Their meeting. Separation marked the end of the night's pastime. It did not erase the love They had shared. Dawn and the birds' voices remained in memory. And so did Vrinda's tender service in Vrindavan.