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Kanha - Blog Posts
Merchants of Dwarka
As the sun cast long golden streaks over the docks, Arjuna’s gaze fell upon a spice merchant deep in negotiation. The man was draped in a simple yet fine cotton shawl, his fingers adorned with rings-not ostentatious, but the kind that spoke of wealth gained through years of trade. Before him stood a customer, a lean man with keen eyes, gesturing toward a sack of cinnamon sticks.
“This is not quality,” the buyer said, shaking his head. “These are thin and brittle. I can get better ones from the southern traders for half your price.”
The merchant sighed, rubbing his forehead as if exhausted. “Ah, my friend, you wound me. Do you take me for a liar?” He reached into the sack, pulled out a cinnamon stick, and snapped it in half. A rich, warm aroma filled the air. “Do you smell that? The deep scent, the color-this is the finest from Malaya.”
The buyer frowned, clearly reluctant to concede. “Even if that is so, your price is too high.”
The merchant smiled knowingly. “And yet, here you are, still bargaining.”
Arjuna watched, intrigued. There was a battle happening here-one of words, patience, and careful maneuvering. The merchant was neither aggressive nor desperate. He simply stood firm, confident in the value of his goods.
Arjuna stepped closer, deciding to test the man himself. “You seem very sure of your price,” he said.
The merchant turned, taking in Arjuna’s attire-simple yet unmistakably fine. He studied his face a moment longer before smiling. “Ah, a new customer! And one with the curiosity of a scholar. Tell me, prince, what do you seek?”
Arjuna raised a brow but said nothing about being recognized. “Tell me instead-how do you always know when a buyer will return?”
The merchant’s eyes twinkled. “Because people are predictable. A man who truly thinks something is overpriced will walk away. But a man who stays to argue?” He chuckled. “He wants it. He just doesn’t want to admit it.”
Arjuna smirked. “So, you play a game of patience.”
“Patience, my lord,” the merchant said, “and knowledge. A warrior studies his enemy, does he not? I study my buyers. See that man over there?” He nodded toward a richly dressed trader examining silk. “He will buy, but not until I let him believe he has won a bargain. And that woman?” He gestured toward a lady running her fingers over a set of ivory bangles. “She values rarity. I will not offer her a discount-but I will tell her they are the last of their kind.”
Arjuna exhaled, impressed. “You know people well.”
“A merchant must.” The man clasped his hands together. “And so must a prince.”
Arjuna glanced at Krishna, who, as expected, was smiling as if he had planned this encounter all along.
“Tell me, prince,” the merchant continued, his tone now playful. “If you were to buy from me, how would you bargain?”
Arjuna considered the question. A test.
He picked up a handful of black peppercorns from a nearby basket, rolling them between his fingers. “These-how much for a measure?”
The merchant named his price without hesitation.
Arjuna gave a thoughtful hum. “I hear the traders from the east have brought fresher stock. Their pepper is larger, stronger in taste.”
The merchant did not waver. “Then you should buy from them.”
“But your stall is closer,” Arjuna countered, watching the man carefully. “And I do not wish to walk that far. Perhaps if your price were more reasonable…”
The merchant chuckled, shaking his head. “Ah, you bargain well. But if I lower my price, what will that say of my goods? That they are worth less? No, prince. I will not cheapen them.”
Arjuna studied him for a moment before nodding in approval. “Then you are a merchant of worth.”
The man grinned. “And you, a buyer of wisdom.” He took a small handful of peppercorns and pressed them into Arjuna’s palm. “A gift. For the lesson you let me teach.”
Arjuna inclined his head in gratitude, then turned to Krishna, who had been quietly observing. “Did I pass your test?”
Krishna only laughed. “Parth, the lessons of life do not come with scores. Only experience.”
Arjuna shook his head, suppressing a smile. He had learned something valuable today-words and patience could win battles just as surely as steel. And perhaps, if he ever found himself in another kind of war, the lessons of Dwarka’s merchants would serve him well.
Drew in my sketchbook after a long time
And well drew my beloved peacock boy🦚💕
" मेरा दिल यही बोला, मेरा दिल यही बोला
यारा, राज ये उसने है मुझ पर खोला
के है इश्क़ मोहब्बत, जिसके दिल में
उसको पसंद करता है मौला मेरा.."
(This song is made for him you can't tell me otherwise )
Sorry tumblr ruined the quality
🌷Lord of all worldly maya🌷
Late night sketches 🦚
Krishna crossdressed as a gopi :3
Bonus:
Arjun, you ok my guy?
It's not radha's first time seeing it lol
Little doodle of krishna crossdressed as a gopi (or shyama devi) hehe
Also I made a side blog: @kamal-nayan
just for rambling and simping over him, check it out if you're interested :)
Been obsessed with him <3
Kanha, you beauty! ♥️🫶🏻
Some clicks from my recent trip to Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh. More to follow!