Subala Milana

Once upon a time, a young cowherd boy named Subala, with a complexion as radiant as the moon, was sitting with his best friend, Krishna, by the banks of Radha-Kunda. It was a beautiful, peaceful midday. Krishna was gazing at the water, his mind far away, lost in thought of his beloved, Radharani.

Suddenly, Subala appeared, holding a beautiful garland woven from fresh flowers. He explained that the garland was from Radharani, who was dejected and confined to her home by her ever-watchful mother-in-law, Jatila.

Krishna's heart ached with longing upon hearing this. He was heartbroken that Radharani was unable to come to him. “My life is in your hands, my friend,” Krishna pleaded, his voice filled with sorrow. “Please, you must find a way to bring Radha here. I cannot live without her.”

Subala, though devoted to his friend, was perplexed. “But Krishna, it’s midday! Jatila is ever watchful. It’s impossible to bring her out now.”

Krishna's face grew pale. “If you can’t bring her, I will drown myself in the Yamuna River,” he declared, his voice trembling with despair.

Subala’s love for Krishna was greater than any fear. He knew he had to act. He came up with a clever plan and headed toward Radharani's home. As he approached, he took a calf he was carrying, twisted its tail, and let it run off. He then approached the house, where Jatila was sitting at the doorstep, having just finished her lunch.

“Why have you come here?” Jatila demanded suspiciously. “You are one of that rascal Krishna's friends! Get out of here!”

With a respectful bow, Subala replied, “Dear mother, I’ve lost my calf. His mother is crying for him, and I need to find him. Can you please check if he's inside?”

Jatila, tired and unwilling to move, waved him off impatiently. “I have just eaten. I cannot move. Go and look for yourself.”

Subala's heart leaped with joy. He knew this was his chance. He quickly slipped inside and found Radharani, who was weeping with longing. Subala explained the entire situation, telling her about Krishna’s despair and his threat to drown himself.

Radharani’s heart filled with fear. “How can I go?” she cried. “My mother-in-law is sitting right outside!”

Subala’s intelligence, inspired by divine grace, suddenly sparked. He knew that his features were remarkably similar to Radharani's. “We will exchange clothes!” he exclaimed.

Radharani took his dhoti, kurta, and turban, and gave him her sari. Disguised as a young cowherd boy, she held a calf close to her chest. Subala had told her to do so, since he had come to the house to look for his lost calf.

As she passed by Jatila, she spoke in a voice she hoped would sound like Subala's. “Mother, I found my calf!”

Jatila, distracted and relieved, waved her away. “Good. Now go!”

Radharani, in her disguise, hurried to Radha-Kunda. But when she saw Krishna, she realized he didn’t recognize her.

“Subala, you have returned without Radharani?” Krishna said sadly. “I cannot bear this separation any longer.”

A mischievous smile danced on Radharani's lips. She decided to play a small trick. “I couldn't bring her,” she said in a feigned boyish voice. “But if you wish, I can bring you Candravali instead.”

Krishna’s face fell even more. “Curd cannot quench the thirst for milk,” he said, his voice filled with profound sorrow. He was so dejected he was about to faint.

Seeing his extreme pain, Radharani could no longer bear the separation. She embraced him tightly. “My Lord,” she whispered in her sweet, melodious voice, “could you not recognize your maidservant?”

Hearing her voice, Krishna’s face transformed from sorrow to absolute joy. He had been so immersed in separation that he had failed to see her standing right in front of him. Their hearts reunited, and their love transcended all obstacles.