As Nandalala goes with his friends with the cows for cattle-grazing, mother Yashoda is always worried for her son’s welfare. You cannot blame her as trouble befalls him  like a normal routine. Many times she asked him not to go cattle-grazing as they have so many servants; but you know how stubborn Lala is. He did not listen at all. Finally the parents became so helpless that they told Mansukha, one of his friends, to look after him very personally so that no one could hurt him. Mother Yashoda said, “Dear Mansukha, just to keep a eye on Lala all the time.” She even told some other friends to look after him.

                 But one day there was a forest-fire. It was set by king Kansas men’.  Lala’s friends and cows were in trouble. They asked for help. So Mohan asked them to close their eyes. All friends did it but Mansukha was looking through his fingers to keep an eye on Lala as he had promised mother Yashoda. He saw Krishna was drinking the fire by opening his mouth and he was quite surprised to watch it. Finally when all the fire had cooled down, he told Krishna – “I saw you drinking fire. You are very mischievous! Just you wait ! I will complain to Maiya and tell her that now onwards I can not look after you.” Krishna just smiled.

                   At the end of the day they all started for Nandgaon and Mansukha wanted to complain to Maiya for sure.  So Lala some how reached home early today and asked mother for hot and sweet milk as he was very hungry today. And mother heated the milk and gave him immediately. She was indeed  pleasantly surprised since he had admitted to feeling so much hungry. You see, on all other days, she had to follow him around with food – he was so fussy. As mother gave the milk to Lala, he said to Maiya – “it is very hot and difficult to drink fast; so dear Maiya, please cool it for me.” so Maiya did it. Lala drank the milk little bit and complained again.  “Oooh ! It is very hot!”….Maiya blew the milk. But again he complained.  This drama took place ten times back and forth between Maiya and Lala.  Finally Lala drank all the milk and became very happy.  So did Maiya.

                    Now Mansukha reached Lala’s palace and saw Lala was already there. he was surprised to see him. He told Maiya, “I cannot look after your son anymore.””Why?” asked Maiya.  Mansukha narrated the story of Davanal ( forest fire) and how Lala drank all fire. But Maiya told Mansukha that it is not possible as her Lala can not drink even hot milk, so she had to cool it down ten times and finally he drank it; then how could he drink the fire in forest!!! Maiya simply laughed at Mansukha’s story. She took ‘balaiya’ of her sweet child with affection by taking him in her lap. She smothered him with hugs and kisses….Poor Mansukha remained speechless although he did not agree. …..So just see, how Maiya’s Lala is tricky and full of amazing feats…. Yashoda nandan Braja  jan ranjan…..Yamuna tira banachari…………..Radhe Radhe !!!

Coutrsey ; Vijay dada