Krishna Welcomes Sudama

Long ago, in a small village, lived a kind, poor man named Sudama. His clothes were old and torn. His hut was tiny. But his heart was big.

When they were boys, Sudama and Krishna went to school together. They studied together. They laughed together. They were best friends.

Now Krishna was the king of Dwarka, the golden city by the sea.

One day, Sudama thought, "I will go and see my old friend." But what could he take? He had only a little poha, tied in a small cloth. "This will do," he smiled.

He walked and walked. His feet were dusty. At last, he saw the shining gates of Dwarka. The sea waves went swoosh, swoosh.

A tall guard stood at the gate. He spoke in a loud, stiff voice. "Stop! Who are you? This is the king's palace!"

Sudama spoke softly. "I am Sudama. Krishna is my friend."

The guard raised one eyebrow. "Hmm. Wait here." And he went inside.

"My lord, a poor man is at the gate. He says his name is Sudama."

Krishna jumped up from his seat. His eyes shone. "Sudama? My Sudama is here!"

He did not stop for his sandals. He ran barefoot across the cool marble floor. Pat, pat, pat, pat! His yellow cloth flew out behind him.

"My Sudama is here! My Sudama is here!"

He threw his arms around his friend. A big, warm hug! The guard's mouth fell open. "Oh!"

Krishna took Sudama inside. He gave him the best seat. He washed his dusty feet with cool water.

Then Krishna saw the little cloth bundle. "What did you bring for me, my friend?"

Sudama felt shy. He hid it behind his back. "Oh, it is nothing. Just a little poha."

Krishna laughed and took it. He opened it and ate a handful. Munch, munch. "Mmm! The tastiest poha in the whole world!"

Sudama smiled a big smile. Krishna smiled back. Then they talked about their school days.

"Do you remember how we laughed all night?" said Krishna.

"Yes!" said Sudama. "And you laughed the loudest!"

And so they laughed again, just like two little boys. Ha ha ha! The whole palace was full of their laughter. Even the guard at the gate began to smile.