Morning awakened Nanda's household in Vraja. Krishna had gone out toward the cowshed and pasture. Balarama was with Him among the cows and herders. Yashoda immediately thought about their meal. She knew they would return tired and hungry. She gathered the maidservants and household helpers. Each received a task suited to her skill. The kitchen filled with vessels and ingredients. Still Yashoda checked everything for herself. A mother's concern guided her every step.
She told Rohini how much the boys ran about. Even with servants at hand, they tended the cows themselves. Sometimes they played so long that they forgot to eat. Yashoda wanted a meal they would truly enjoy. She asked Rohini to prepare their favorite dishes. Milk, rice, ghee, and vegetables came into the kitchen. Fruits, spices, and fresh leaves were arranged there. Clay pots waited upon the clean shelves. Nothing was chosen merely to display abundance. Everything was meant for Krishna and Balarama.
Then Kundalata arrived and greeted Yashoda. The mother remembered Radha's special cooking skill. In the account, the sage Durvasa had blessed her. Food prepared by her would be especially delicious. Yashoda knew Krishna delighted in such dishes. She asked Kundalata to invite Radha. Permission was to be sought from her household too. Radha's friends could accompany her. The invitation carried respect as well as hope. Yashoda awaited their arrival with joy.
Radha set out for Nandagram with her sakhis. Lalita and Vishakha walked beside her. The path led them toward Yashoda's courtyard. They talked and smiled along the way. At the threshold Radha bowed to their hostess. Yashoda raised her and embraced her warmly. With tears of joy she asked how Radha was. She welcomed the other girls like family. Then she led them to the place of preparation. Their visit had become part of the family morning.
Yashoda told them what Krishna liked best. One friend was given the savory dishes. Another tended the dishes dressed with yogurt. Some cooked with ghee, while others used sugar. Rohini accompanied Radha into the kitchen. They worked close together at different tasks. Conversation joined them while their hands were busy. Yashoda suggested flavors she remembered from yesterday. Radha listened carefully to her wishes. Skill and care met at the same table.
Fresh milk warmed in the large pots. Rice was made ready for a sweet dish. Fruit, coconut, and spices lay within reach. Lalita prepared sweetened, thickened milk. Vishakha made a refreshing drink. Others stirred yogurt and watched the hearths. Soft sweets were planned for Krishna. A meal was being prepared for Balarama as well. Fragrance slowly spread through the house. Each friend brought something of her own to the service.
Radha set aside her ornaments before beginning. She washed her hands and feet with water brought to her. With respect she bowed before Rohini. Rohini received her with tenderness and trust. Then Radha entered among the pots and hearths. She followed the order of preparation without haste. One pot needed stirring, another careful seasoning. Helpers brought more ingredients from the storeroom. Meanwhile Yashoda arranged the water for bathing. The whole home worked toward the same morning welcome.
Yashoda kept looking toward the road. She questioned each person returning from the pasture. One said Krishna was feeding the calves. Another spoke of His games with the cowherd boys. She sent Raktaka to call them home. Krishna, Balarama, and Madhumangala were to come. As she waited, she entered the kitchen once more. She asked Rohini to show her the dishes. The long table was already lined with vessels. Anticipation made every fragrance more vivid.
Rohini showed her Radha's sweet rice. Then she pointed out soft pastries and porridge. There were vegetables, dal, and fresh flatbreads. Different fruits lay arranged on plates. Some flavors were mild, others sweet and tart. Ordinary ingredients had become a varied feast. Rohini praised Radha in front of Yashoda. Radha lowered her eyes with modesty. Yashoda saw how hard she had worked. She asked the helpers to fan her gently.
The prepared dishes remained carefully covered. The rice would be finished when the boys returned. Yashoda looked once more around the kitchen. She saw everyone's devotion in the food. Then she went again to the village gate. Her eyes searched the path for Krishna. Radha and her friends stayed beside Rohini. Their work had made the house ready for reunion. The gate remained open for their return. And the kitchen held food prepared with love.