After their merriment in the forest, Radha spoke with Lalita. Krishna had already shown His skill in many games. Now Radha wanted to try a different skill. She suggested a game that would reveal their cleverness. Lalita gladly welcomed the idea. The other gopis gathered around them. Radha invited Krishna to join them. She challenged Him to a game of dice. Krishna answered with a confident smile. The gathering prepared for a cheerful contest.
Sudevi brought the game board. They placed it before Radha and Krishna. Nandimukhi sat on Krishna's side as a witness. Vrinda took her place on Radha's side. Kundalata attended to the course of the game. Madhumangala stood ready to advise Krishna. Lalita became Radha's adviser. The gopis watched every preparation closely. Each participant received a role. Then the dice were placed in Radha's palm.
Radha threw the dice onto the board. Krishna watched their movement carefully. The friends counted the values that fell. Lalita immediately announced the result. Madhumangala tried to explain it differently. The gopis did not miss the chance for a joke. They answered him with witty words. Krishna took the dice for the next throw. Radha watched without losing Her smile. The game continued with new challenges.
Conversation and laughter followed every throw. The friends watched that no one skipped a turn. Lalita encouraged Radha to continue. Madhumangala cheered on his friend. Kundalata kept everyone attentive to the board. Nandimukhi and Vrinda heard both sides' claims. Krishna took pride in His skill. Radha answered His words with intelligence. In that small gathering everyone added to the merriment. No one remained merely a silent observer.
In one round Krishna lost the precious Kaustubha jewel. The gopis happily celebrated Radha's victory. Kundalata took the jewel. She placed it on Radha for everyone to see. Krishna noticed His own reflection in it. The sight gave rise to even more conversation. Madhumangala worried about the jewel's fate. He wanted to help his friend. But the sakhis laughingly answered every piece of advice. The merriment continued around the board.
Then Kundalata suggested another throw. This time Krishna's flute and Radha's vina were mentioned. Radha took the dice and won again. She asked Krishna to hand over His flute. Krishna reached for the sash where He kept it. But the flute was not in its place. He looked for it carefully once more. The friends watched His movements. Krishna turned to Madhumangala with a question. No one immediately revealed the missing flute.
The gopis enjoyed His bewilderment. They knew how dear the flute was to Him. Without it His hands looked unusually empty. Lalita and Vishakha exchanged glances. Krishna questioned the friends one by one. They answered Him with new questions. Madhumangala tried to help Him. But his words only increased the laughter. Radha watched their lively conversation. She kept Her victorious smile.
Soon they heard that Jatila was coming. The friends had to stop the game quickly. The board was no longer the center of attention. Kundalata prepared to welcome the elder woman. Lalita stayed beside Radha. Krishna and Madhumangala watched the change. The gathering concealed the signs of their merriment. But the question of the flute remained open. Krishna still wanted to know where it was. The gopis kept their little surprise.
The game gave everyone a chance to speak. Radha showed She could answer a challenge. Lalita advised Her with love for her friend. Madhumangala tried to stand by Krishna. Vrinda and Nandimukhi witnessed for both sides. Kundalata brought their voices together around the board. Krishna did not lose His desire for play. The gopis made the victory even more cheerful. The little flute remained a secret for the next meeting. In the forest pavilion their laughter was remembered.
This retelling follows the fifteenth chapter. Radha asks for a game that shows cleverness. Sudevi brings the board before the gathered friends. Lalita and Madhumangala advise the two players. Radha wins the precious Kaustubha jewel. Then She wins the round for the flute as well. Krishna cannot find His instrument. The gopis tease Him with smiles and questions. Jatila's arrival brings the game to a stop. The friends carry their joy into the rest of the day.