A while after his chat with Amiraj, Vayu had left the camp with some of his men. Watching him ride away, Hari scowled briefly thinking – O... so, the informing about his whereabouts was meant to be only for a day!

But then her earlier feeling of gratitude returned with a bang. He wants to empower me, so that I don't have to depend on anyone for my safety!

Suddenly Hari found herself daydreaming of fighting tyrants and leaving behind a trail of wounded, vanquished enemies. Recalling his words from the tent, she eyed her hand – Can I really use just this to injure an attacker?

Her heart hammered in anticipation as she imagined some ferocious looking man crumbling at her feet after she delivered a might blow!

Though Amiraj had been shocked by the king's unusual request to assign trainers for the women, he had immediately set a plan into action.

That evening itself he carried out the introductions "Bai-sa, this is Bhairon. He is very skilled at hand-to-hand combat. I have explained to him that Raja-sa especially wishes for you to learn self-defence."

Harinakshi had often seen him training the soldiers. She bowed to the serious looking man, who seemed to be in his mid-twenties "I am afraid you will find us very lacking compared to your usual students. I must confess, neither of us have any experience in this area."

Still sceptical about this new assignment, Bhairon replied "I am up for the challenge, if you are. Though I won't endeavour to make this too difficult for you, please bear in mind it won't be easy either."

When Kanta shuffled uneasily "I don't think I need this... there are so many other things to do... please go ahead without–", Hari squashed her argument midway "Absolutely not! You are not getting out of this."

She addressed Bhairon "I understand. We will try our best. And I am very grateful for this opportunity."

But the path to making dreams come true is often filled with many trials.

The first lesson, the following morning, proved to be a big eye opener. Though there wasn't any actual combat involved, just the warmup and exercise given by Bhairon for strengthening their core muscles and increasing stamina left the two women panting and aching all over.

Apart from the physical discomfort, the women also had the spectators to deal with. The camp buzzed with the news of their training. Almost everyone tried to find a reason to pass by and gawk at them. But for a change, Hari was too pre-occupied with the tasks at hand to glare back at the observers!

On returning from his day-long meetings with local feudal lords, Vayu, accompanied by Shera at his side, approached a rather fatigued Harinakshi, who was slumped in an open bullock cart. Kamal sat next to her, fussing over Hanuman.

"So, when do you think Hanuman will embark on his flight to Lanka?" he asked the boy with a bemused expression. For the following few minutes, lips twitching, he listened to an update on Hanuman's achievements for the day.

"Good to hear he is doing well!" he nodded and then turned his attention to Harinakshi "And how did you enjoy your first lesson?"

Her tired muscles couldn't even manage a deep scowl as she muttered "Enjoy??? How can anyone enjoy that! I don't think I can even walk the few feet to my tent..."

He replied with a thoughtful expression "Hmmm... that I can help with. Just let me know when you wish to be carried to the tent."

He chortled, as she tried shooting daggers with her eyes, and then, sounding serious, added "Your body will get used to the movements soon enough, and it won't hurt as much. Just give it some time. Don't even think about discontinuing the lessons!"

Not wanting to admit that she was indeed wrestling with the urge to abandon this new pursuit, she defiantly squared her shoulders "I wasn't planning to!"

Finding this entire exercise of loitering around pointless, Shera started whining and woofing. Vayu reluctantly muttered "I better take him out for a walk... Shera, let's go."

After watching him walking away, she muttered at the bird "It's easy for Kamal to tell you to fly to Lanka... but before that you will have to bear the pain of building strong wings!"

When she was getting ready to retire for the night, Madho came with glass of turmeric-milk "Raja-sa asked Kaka to send this for you."

Hari's eyes blurred as she muttered "I miss Bai-sa... she used to always make me drink this whenever I was feeling even a little unwell."

Kanta grumbled "Why are we doing this Hari? We are surrounded by Raja-sa's soldiers all the time. Tell him tomorrow... Surely, they can defend us!"

As she crashed on her mattress, Hari mumbled "Sleep now. We can't give up..."

* * *

Though their muscles screamed in agony the next day, Bhairon did not go easy on them. The only concession he was willing to make was that instead of training them on the hard bare ground, the training area was covered with some mats.

That day Harinakshi's respect for the soldiers grew tenfold. It was clear that the men around them must have been subjected to a much more rigorous training.

When Vayu returned that evening, it was still daylight. On enquiring, he learnt that she was down by the river.

As he wandered in the direction shared by her guard, he heard a melodious humming.

Jamuna kinare mero gaao...

O... Jamuna kinare mero gaao,

Saware aai jaiyyo, Saware aai jaiyyo

Jamuna kinare mero gaao...

True to her word, she did not sound like a highly skilled singer, but her voice was sweet. And in the serene silence of the woods, it sounded even more soothing.

He paused for a few moments. And then stealthily made his way towards her as she continued -

Jamuna kinare mori unchi haveli...

Jamuna kinare mori unchi haveli

Main Brij ki gopika naveli, Radha Rangeeli mero naam,

O... Radha Rangeeli mero naam,

Saware aai jaiyyo, Saware aai jaiyyo

Jamuna kinare mero gaao...

She was sitting on a rock by the bank, the lehenga pulled up almost to her knees and legs immersed in the water.

"That better be a Bhajan." Harinakshi let out a startled squeal hearing his words. 

As she looked over her shoulder to see him standing behind her, he added "Cause lying to the king of Sudhagadh can cost you your pretty neck."

It was hard to tell from his indecipherable expression if he was kidding or being serious.

She replied gruffly "Considering, Radha sings it for Krishna, I am sure it is a Bhajan!"

He shrugged "In that case, you may keep singing it without any fear of the sword."

Before she could think of a response, Hari realised his gaze was now fixed on her half-exposed legs. She reflexively scrambled to cover her legs, which resulted in the lehenga getting soaked.

Eyeing the drenched garment, he smirked "No need to hide them... I have seen many." When she retorted grumpily "Well, I haven't shown mine to many!", he shot back "And nor are you allowed to!"

When she just scoffed in reply, he sat down next to her and forwarded a small reed container.

"Worms for Han.. the bird??" she muttered. He shook his head "No... something for you."

When she frowned "What??", he reached out to push apart her furrowed eyebrows and then gestured to the basket "Open it."

The container revealed the local delicacy of Dilkushar: little sweet squares made by roasting besan and mawa in copious amount of ghee and then sprinkled with cardamom and chopped dried fruits.

"Why??" she sounded surprised. It was his turn to frown now – What does she mean by why?? Already I am at my wits ends trying to woo her with inconspicuous gifts! Do I need a reason to bring her some simple sweets too?

After struggling to come up with a reply for a bit, he shared what wasn't the truth but not a lie either "They caught my eye while passing through the market." While she wondered – But why bring them for me?? he smiled "Maa-sa always tells that she used to crave these when she was pregnant with me. I blame it for my fondness for sweets."

Her gaze softened – Oh... he is missing his mother.

Musing on how his mother might be, she picked up a piece. But before she could bring it to her lips, he pulled her hand and took a bite.

Seeing her pout, he shrugged "I ate your jhoota... you should eat mine too."

Hari sat staring at the sweet in her hand. The way he nonchalantly tried to impress upon her that she belonged to him... or this budding familiarity between them... it was disconcerting. The thought of him breaking through her defences and making a real place in her life terrified her. She did not want to turn into one of those women who stood evening after evening at the window, awaiting the arrival of a specific carriage. 

Vayu watched the indecision in her eyes with growing disappointment. Gulping down some of it, he snatched the sweet from her hand. Gobbling it, he feigned a teasing tone "Too late! Only the early bird gets the worm."

Then eyes twinkling with real amusement, he added "A lesson you should teach our Hanuman!"

Her face scrunched with frustration at his last line. Then poking her tongue at him, she picked up another piece of Dilkushar and took a small bite.

He chuckled at her childish antics, and then both sat looking at the flowing water and the surroundings for a few minutes.

He spoke again "Why are you sitting down here?" She grimaced "My legs are in a lot of pain. I thought putting them in the cold water might help." He nodded and then said, "I am happy to see that you did not abandon the training." She hummed in agreement but did not speak.

A few migratory birds twittered loudly in a tree; the couple stretched their necks to catch a glimpse of the unusual plumage.

Though her gaze was directed at the birds, Hari's mind was somewhere else. For the last few days, his words from that night atop the hill would keep popping up in her head – Figure out what you want and let me know.

Try as she might, she couldn't figure it out. She had spent some time staring at the jewellery stored at the bottom of her mother's wooden box. Though there were a few valuables in there, they weren't enough to provide for her for years. She was aware that Chandrika had already borrowed some money to make sure that she sent Hari to Raja-sa with all those gifts. And though the doors of that haveli or wherever else Chandrika chose to live in the future would always be open to her, she knew that wasn't the life she wanted to return to.

Ever since Bhikaji had mentioned that Vayu spent a lot of time away from Sudhagadh, she had been pondering on that information too. If that was true, it seemed she wouldn't be spending much time around him. This had resulted in some curiosity arising about that place he had mentioned, and her expected role there.

When she muttered "I hear that you often prefer to travel with the army..." though a little surprised by her remark but pleased that she was keen to learn about his life, he nodded "I do."

"Dasi-Mahal... that's where I will live, right?" she wanted to know next. He confirmed "Yes, you will be housed there."

Eyes narrowed, she asked "And is it close to your palace? Part of the main town??" He shook his head "No, it's away... about half an hour's ride from the main palace." "So, it's away from the marketplace too??" she asked again.

As he nodded in reply, Vayu was thinking – I suppose the prospect of living away from the hustle and bustle of the town is not appealing... His heart hopefully wondered - Or could she be worried about the distance between us while I am in the palace?

She enquired next "So, how many women do you house there?" 

The question caught him off-guard.

Why does she ask about that now?? He shifted a little uncomfortably on the rock.

Does she feel jealous about sharing me? This thought was satisfying.

Not willing to share the details, he shrugged ambiguously "About two dozen or so... I don't keep a track of the exact count."

Contrary to his expectation, her eyes brightened "Hmmm... so, considering you keep about two dozen women there... including the staff, there must be well over fifty people living there!"

He was confounded "So, you are not worried about sharing me?"

Seeing the scowl return to her face, he rushed to add "Not that you should be! I intend to make you a priority."

She fervently shook her head "No! Promise me, that you will not give me any preference over your other women! They all deserve your attention, and I do not wish to rob anyone of their right!"

Even as he tried to make sense of her words, she continued earnestly "Raja-sa, considering I will have a lot of free time... I was hoping that I could keep a few animals at Dasi-Mahal. Not too many... but just enough to make it self-sufficient. Maybe about two to three cows and few goats... and of course some hens. Do you have a stable there??"

Without waiting for his response, she smiled "Of course, there must be... you must have a few carriages for your women there, right? I will get involved in the overseeing of the horses too!"

Mulling on this idea for a few moments, she declared "Yes, that will do nicely..." 

Then recalling his outburst from the last time he had reprimanded her about prioritising the animals over him, she added in an appeasing tone "Don't worry... I will make sure that I attend to you whenever it's my turn... but considering you travel a lot... and there are so many others, it won't be often, right? So, the animals will keep me busy when you are otherwise occupied."

A small smile bloomed on her lips. Finally, she was able to envision a life for herself that was appealing.

After watching her intently for some time, Vayu acquiesced "Sure... you may keep some animals."

She smiled broader at his reply and gushed "Thank you so much! I will learn all I can now and apply it when I get there."

Eyes narrowed, he asked "Does that mean the goat has made peace with her captivity??"

Her smile instantly vanished.

Breathing deeply, she replied with a sardonic expression "That dream of freedom... even as you dangled it in front of me... you knew it was just a mirage." Her voice embittered, as she posed a rhetorical question "After all, where can I go? And live on what??"

His jaw clenched.

Harinakshi's eyes held a faraway look, as she wistfully whispered "Who knows... maybe in another time or place... I could have easily earned a respectable living and made my way in life. But here and now... I must make do with what is."

Turning to look at him, she uttered "But thank you for encouraging the goat to grow some claws. Who knows, she might still need them!"

He nodded slightly and then asked "Shall we head back? Soon it will be very dark."

As they walked back to the camp, the tightness in his chest grew. Though she had acknowledged that she did not wish to leave him, it was not out of any affection for him.

Forget affection, not even basic attraction! And she is more than happy to share me with countless other women! While this might have been a dream come true for many men, if did not gladden his heart.

While a few yards away from the camp, Vayu declared "Harinakshi, those claws... you might still need them with others. But not with me. I will never force you. I will wait till you are ready... till you want to take the next step."

She asked, the surprise clear in her doe-shaped eyes "Do you really mean it?!" He nodded and then briskly walked towards the camp.

Once again, she stood staring at his back in disbelief. He really does not mean to make me bend to his will...

* * *

"Vayu?? Where are you?" Amardeep nudged his shoulder, and then added chuckling "We thought you were just staring out of the window, not ignoring us! Looks like you have flown away with the wind!"

Turning around to face the five other men in the room, Vayu muttered "Sorry... what did you say? I was just... thinking about something."

Standing up, using the wall for support, an elder man jovially remarked "I think it's time to stop for some lunch. And before that I need to relive myself." Seeing Amardeep roll his eyes, the man snorted "You won't find it so funny when you get to my age!" Amardeep bowed slightly "Apologies Kaka-sa, I wasn't making fun of you."

As others rose to their feet, Amardeep spoke "Vayu and I will join you all in sometime. I wish to talk to him in private."

Once on their own, he asked "So, what's wrong?"

Vayu shrugged "Nothing... why would you think something is wrong?"

Amardeep raised his brow "Are you sure??" and then continued sounding smug "I have a lot of experience in these matters. You can talk to me if you are facing any problems."

Vayu was perplexed "Problems with what??" The older man exclaimed "With that woman, what else?!" The young man bristled "I have no idea what you are talking about!"

"Stop being so stubborn! If there is a problem in that area... it can be treated. I know a Vaidya who is very discreet. Many men go to seek treatment for their bedroom problems. Though such problems at your age are uncommon..." Amardeep's voice uncertainly trailed off.

"I do not have any problem! In any area!!" Vayu almost screamed.

Amardeep just looked confounded at this claim. Then arriving at another conclusion, he uttered "If there is no problem in that area... then you not summoning her to your tent can only mean..."

Vayu sounded strangled "Where did you hear that??"

Amardeep dismissively shrugged "Oh... you know, how news travels... my footman chats to someone from you camp... anyway that is not important. But clearly something is not right between you two. I noticed she doesn't wear chura.... so, it's not serious??" Eyes narrowed, he continued "Are you regretting bringing her along? Is she the frigid types? But she looked rather fiery..." Smirking he continued "Or is she too hot to handle for you? If so, I will be happy to take her off your hands-"

Before Amardeep could make any sense, Vayu had drawn out his sword and held it close to his neck "Not another word! If you wish to live."

All traces of humour disappeared from Amardeep's face, as he gritted out "Don't do something stupid! Drop the sword this very instant."

Vayu snarled "She is not to be talked or thought about! Is that clear?" Amardeep stiffly nodded in reply.

As Vayu put his sword away, the older man stated sounding strained "One piece of advice... because I have always considered you like a younger brother. No woman is worth going to war over. And that is exactly what will happen if you ever draw your sword against me!"

After taking a few paces towards the door, Amardeep scoffed over his shoulder "And another thing... women, who are not satisfied by their man, go looking for someone else. Believe me, I know."

"I don't need any advice about how to treat women from the likes of you! Everyone knows your views on that matter only too well. And you are nothing like my elder brother!" Vayu almost sneered.

Halting in the doorway, Amardeep turned about and stood silently. His clenching jaw was the only indication of his ire, as he uttered "You have placed Agni on a pedestal, that he did not deserve! You think he complied with your mother's demands to embody the noble one-woman-man Shri Ram?! You are greatly mistaken if you think he was leading a life of celibacy waiting for that child to grow up. Agni and I were friends because we understood each other."

Hearing Amardeep's words the colour drained off Vayu's face, but he managed to mutter "Leave Agni Bhai-sa out of this..."

The other man's voice thickened "I don't want to bring the one who has left this world into anything... And only for his sake, I still consider you like a brother."

Turning abruptly, Amardeep left Vayu alone in the room.

All appetite lost; Vayu did not join the others for lunch. Instead, he stomped off to the porch, ordered for his horse and rode away.

Waves of fury radiated from him –Our physical intimacy... or rather the lack of it... is a topic of conversation?? This is preposterous! Well, I will make sure they have something to talk about!

Not knowing what had enraged his king, Krushanu rushed inside to make some excuses and then headed to the camp with the rest of their men.

* * *

(Hi Everyone, 

Hope you all are keeping well. 

What did you think of this part? Do share your thoughts on how are you finding the changing equation between HaVa. Is the pace satisfactory? 

I am excited for the next part! What do you think is Vayu planning to do?? 

Take care all of you. 

Love always, May)