It was late afternoon of the following day. Standing at the window in her room in Tajveer's haveli, Hari was observing the continuous stream of carriages of guests that were departing post lunch.

The wedding rituals had been completed just a couple of hours before dawn. Afterwards, the guests had retired to rest for a few hours. Post an early breakfast, the bride had taken leave of her family and left with the groom and his family. Watching the Bidaai, Hari's mind had drifted to her own when she had left to join his camp. Though her departure from the kotha had been tearful enough, the arrival in the camp had been rather underwhelming.

She now smiled, thinking it was only right since that hadn't really meant anything to her. Tomorrow when I leave for Sudhagadh with him... it will be a real Bidaai. Though I left Bai-sa back then... I had not been eager to be by his side.

She absentmindedly pulled on an unravelling thread from the embroidery on her pallu. That morning Hari had been thankful for the ruse that the occasion provided and had asked Kanta to lay out one of the nicer outfits. Reverting to her usual garb of dark, plain cottons hadn't been appealing. Not while her heart was still enveloped in the warm glow of a new bride.

Kanta entered the room and, after observing her for some time, remarked "What's wrong with you? You seem a little strange today..."

"Strange?? What do you mean? Is this orange lehenga not right? Should I change??" Hari sounded flustered.

Kanta tsked "Lehenga is perfectly fine... but you seem... lost. Earlier too, when those ladies were asking you questions... you missed answering many!"

"O ho... that time I was just pretending. They were being nosy for no reason!" Hari frowned "Has any message arrived from Raja-sa?"

Kanta responded "No... It was just one of the servants asking if we wished to take a carriage out for a ride. But considering we must travel again tomorrow; I didn't think you would like to. Do you want to head out??"

Hari shook her head thinking - What if he sends for me like yesterday? The way he looked at me last night... surely has he understood why I left the pouch behind, right? Hey Ram... I hope he found it! What if he didn't see it at all?? And thinks that I kept it?! Why did I just leave it on the table? I should have handed it back to him and clearly told him that...

She gulped nervously - But told him what?? Would telling him that I don't wish to leave mean the same as I accept him? Will he expect me to say it clearly? Well... if he sends for me today, that would mean he understands. But what if he doesn't??

Rolling her eyes, Kanta muttered to herself "And her strange expressions are back!"

Afternoon turned to evening, and then to dusk. Harinakshi spent some time in the courtyard, mostly a silent spectator, as the women of the house went about discussing the wedding and the guests who had left in minute detail.

The hoped-for summons from Raja-sa did not arrive. But finally, before dinner, an attendant arrived with a question for Harinakshi "Bai-sa, Raja-sa wishes to confirm that you will be ready to leave for Sudhagadh at dawn tomorrow?"

He left post Hari's assurance "Yes, please tell him I am looking forward to seeing the much heard about Sudhagadh!"

Puzzled, Kanta muttered "Why does he ask?? Of course, we will be ready! I have already finished all the packing... And he can hardly leave us here!"

After dinner, Dadi-sa issued some instructions to her daughter-in-law. The Thakurani presented Harinakshi with a package wrapped in a red muslin cloth and a few small baskets filled with sweets and fruits "Since you will be leaving early tomorrow morning... here are some tokens of our appreciation for attending this joyous occasion."

Eyeing the many baskets, Hari reflexively muttered "What was the need for so much??" And then thinking that most of it must be meant for the king, she rushed to add "Don't worry, I will hand them to Raja-sa's attendants."

The Thakurani offered a fake smile "Don't worry about that... I have already sent all the gifts for the royal family to the Chhoti-haveli. There are many valuable items in there... I did not see the need to burden you with the responsibility. This all is just for you."

You are worried that I might keep the valuables for myself?? If only you knew of the precious jewels, he handed me just yesterday and I returned! Hari scoffed on the inside but returned the fake smile "Thank you for your thoughtfulness." Turning to Kanta, she instructed "Please make sure that the food is distributed amongst the men tomorrow. They will do it better justice than I can!"

Stiffening a little, Thakurani asked her mother-in-law "Maa-sa, any other protocol that you wish us to follow?" Dadi-sa ignored the jibe and instead smiled at Hari "It has been lovely getting to know you. Do come visiting again if you happen to pass this way."

Harinakshi, once more, sought the older lady's blessings and then retired to her room.

Kanta updated her that Tejveer had organised another mehfil in Raja-sa's honour that evening. Again, Hari tossed and turned till the din from Rang-Haveli ceased. Luckily, considering the platoon had planned for an early start, the celebration didn't last for very long.

* * *

The next morning, the two women heading to Sudhagadh were up and ready to get on the road, even before sunrise.

When their cart left the estate, Hari cast back a few nostalgic glances. Though she was not leaving the place with any fondness for the occupants, other than Dadi-sa, she knew the venue itself would always hold a very special place in her heart. For it was where she had surrendered her heart into his keeping.

When they stopped for lunch, Kamal and Madho rushed to her with Hanuman. As the bird tweeted, the boys excitedly shared news of the garrisons and what they had been up to for the past three days. But for once, Hari barely listened to any of their chatter. Her eyes were only fixed on Vayu, who at some distance, was in conversation with Amiraj and Krushanu.

"Raja-sa, the messengers dispatched to Sudhagadh must have reached yesterday evening. If the weather does not take an unexpected turn for the worse, we should be there by nightfall. I have sent Rudra-sa the list of soldiers who are keen to take some time off to visit their families on reaching Sudhagadh." Amiraj spoke for some time, sharing some updates and seeking directions from Vayu on some issues.

When the commander finally left, Vayu asked Krushanu, "And what of the arrangements for Harinakshi?"

"I've assigned two more guards to her. Her cart and guards will directly proceed to Dasi Mahal. I've asked one of the messengers sent to Sudhagadh to inform Dasi Mahal to expect her and prepare her chambers." Taking a small pause, Krushanu enquired anxiously "Have you sent any word of her to Rajmata-sa?"

Shaking his head in negation, Vayu muttered "I did not see the point. Might as well face the music in person, right? Though I am sure she must have already heard of it!"

Chuckling nervously, Krushanu asked "Are you hoping that her anger will subside by the time we get there? That was always your strategy when we were younger... Remember the time we hid in the stables for the whole day when you broke that huge vase in Rajmata's chamber? And that time you tried to run away in the back of one of the merchant carts when you accidently let her exotic birds out of their cage?! On both occasions, by the time you were found, she was so worried about you that she didn't care about the loss."

Vayu's eyes crinkled in humour recalling those simpler times.

Then he sighed "This time she won't let me off the hook so easily. Well, so be it. I knew of the risks involved when I made my decision."

And has it been worth it? Krushanu wondered but didn't voice the question, realising it would be pointless. For Raja-sa's eyes, now fixed on Hari, were lit with a peculiar warmth. His king purposefully strode off in her direction. Krushanu concluded that their relationship had moved on to a stronger footing when, in silent understanding, she took a few steps away from her companions.

Vayu appraised her appearance as he closed the distance between them. She was dressed in a dark green cotton lehenga with deep red bandhej dupatta. The sparkling jewels which she had donned for the wedding ceremony had once again been discarded in favour of the silver Shringar sent by him.

"Good you removed all those bright jewels." he remarked, stopping in front of her.

Bewildered, she muttered "Khamma Ghani, Raja-sa. But the occasion and my association with you required that I dress up..."

He nodded in response, "Yes, but it's hard on the eyes to keep staring at such a dazzling vision!"

Harinakshi fought the urge to pull the dupatta to cover her now flushed face.

Leaning forward slightly, he added softly "But the sight of pink cheeks... that I can easily watch for hours."

Her cheeks now turned red. This was new territory; compliments that left her speechless. Harinakshi failed at constructing a sensible response to his words.

His eyes lingered on her mehndi decorated palms. The design had turned a deep, dark red. Almost black in some places. The intricate pattern reminded him of a fisherman's net. It felt right, for he had definitely gotten tangled in some invisible net, cast by the enchantress in front of him.

Suddenly recalling the source of her anxiety for the past two days, she muttered "Did you find the pouch of gems? I left it on the table... maybe I should have returned them to you... they are obviously very expensive... hope they haven't been mis-"

"I found them. And I am very pleased!" He put a stop to her anxious rant.

With neither sure what to say next, an awkward silence followed till he cleared his throat "So, what do you think of my kingdom? I mean, whatever you have seen so far."

Grabbing the safe topic he had offered, she started gushing "It's beautiful! Everything...the mountains, the fields, the little hamlets, the people-"

"And what about the sky or water... or the vayu here?" he interjected in a playful tone

Lips pressed together, she smiled for a few moments before responding "The Aakash, Varun, Dharti... and everything else is fine."

"Good... so, you approve of everything. Looks like the wind is blowing in the right direction." His eyes crinkled in humour.

Keen to divert the direction of the conversation, she remarked "I have heard that we will reach Sudhagadh by nightfall..."

He hummed in agreement and then added "Harinakshi, you will be proceeding to Dasi Mahal along with some guards. They are expecting you there." Though she nodded in understanding, he noticed her smile slipping away.

"When will I see you? You will visit Dasi Mahal soon??" She wondered aloud.

Is it not strange that though we wish to see our beloved always smiling, some tears of separation soothe our hearts too?

As if seeking further assurance of her feelings, he replied, watching her intently, "I will visit in a couple of days. But don't you think that after you have exclusively spent time with me these two months, it's only fair that all my other women there get my attention now?"

And he wasn't disappointed when she paled and stuttered "But we... I mean... it's been so long since we spoke."

As she felt her face tingle with emotions rushing towards her eyes, Hari took a deep breath and continued "But you are right. None of them have... seen you for even longer. I will wait till it is my turn."

Not wanting to give way to any tears in front of him, she bowed slightly "Excuse me Raja-sa. I need to freshen up before we board the cart."

While Vayu ruminated on the words that he had swallowed, a few men arrived on horseback. Amiraj advised him that the leaders from the close-by villages wished to pay their respects. Knowing this meant that they wished to share their grievances and concerns, Vayu settled down to receive them.

* * *

As she nibbled on her own meal, Hari watched him converse with visitors while one of his officers made some notes. Won't he eat any lunch?

When the platoon resumed the last leg of its journey, her heart was already heavy thinking about the distance she would have to maintain from here-on. And with every mile travelled, her despondency grew as the image of a big haveli filled with two dozen of Raja-sa's women developed in her mind.

As much as she tried to remind herself that this is what she had agreed to, and it wasn't even unexpected, her heart struggled to reconcile with the facts. It sullenly forecasted - If he visits Dasi Mahal every two to three days... then... it will be about two months before I get to meet him again.

Her head taunted - Don't you think it's a little late for all these calculations?? Maybe you should have thought of all this before taking the Pheras with him! Now learn how to put up with the agony of watching him with all of them. And while you burn, don't forget that you were one to tell him not to prioritise you above the others! Now wallow in the glory of becoming the epitome of selflessness!

When Kanta excitedly babbled on about their destination, Hari rebuked her "Can't you stay silent for some time? I feel like my head is about to burst open!"

The other woman retorted "That's what happens when you hardly eat anything!" Eyes sparkling, she exclaimed in a hushed tone "Do you think you could be with child? That would explain your lack of appetite!"

"What?!" Hari nervously gulped so hard that she choked on her own saliva and started coughing.

Patting her back with unwarranted force, Kanta continued muttering "It would be too early to tell... but be extra careful. Good thing that Bhairon won't be forcing us to train now!"

Harinakshi tuned out the rest of Kanta's chatter and tried to focus on the surroundings. The way he had asked what she thought of his kingdom... his voice had been tinged with an underlying nervousness, like her opinion mattered. Her heart surged at the thought till her mind was once again filled with doubts of what awaited her at Dasi Mahal.

Unease uncoiled within, speculating what kind of reception she would receive. The women there would hardly be pleased that another was entering their ranks. Does the place have any hierarchy? Surely not all two dozen must be enjoying the same privileges. Will they shun me? Or squabble endlessly? Or maybe they have gone past the point of caring...

Her heartbeat turned to a dull thud as Hari wondered if one day her own heart would be left so disillusioned that the number of occupants of that place would stop mattering.

Lost in her dark thoughts about the future, she did not notice the fast-disappearing daylight. The present registered only when Satpal riding alongside their cart spoke "Bai-sa, we have almost reached Sudhagadh. After we reach the foot of this hill, the road will fork into two. Raja-sa and the platoon will take the right, and we will continue to the left towards Dasi Mahal."

* * *

On reaching the fork, though it was unlikely that she would see him in the dark, Vayu waved back in her direction and then galloped away. It had been many months since he had left Sudhagadh. The familiar landscape never failed to soothe him. A hill that he had often raced up with Krushanu in their younger days, the lake where he used to go boating with his siblings and cousins, or the temple of their Kul-Devi Durga on the outskirts where his mother often offered prayers. Everything was woven into the fabric of his being.

Though it was dark, many citizens - mostly men with a child atop their shoulders and a few others trailing behind - were lining the roads of Sudhagadh. On spotting their king, the crowd erupted into a chorus of welcoming chants. Despite having heard them so many times before, they humbled him afresh.

Before he left Sudhagadh on this campaign, an aunt had come visiting after many years. She had affectionately observed "Look at his broad shoulders now! I still remember him as a scrawny adolescent."

Much to her bafflement, Vayu had cryptically remarked "Their trust is a heavy yoke."

Vayu waved at his subjects, donning a smile which he hoped would be categorised as benevolent. Though he had received endless instructions since his childhood on the how to meet, greet and acknowledge people based on which social strata they belonged to, as a king there was no room for mistakes.

His arrival being expected, divas were lit in the niches on the stone pillars flanking the path to the palace, which itself sparkled like a new bride. A lantern was hung in every window of the imposing three-storey structure.

The moment he dismounted Badal, conches sounded. Many women carrying aarti thalis stood at the top of the steps leading to the foyer, while young girls stood on each step with reed baskets filled with petals. As Vayu climbed the stairs, he was showered with the petals and smiles by the maidens.

On reaching the top step, a willowy lady of about forty, attired in an ivory silk lehenga and ornaments made with just pearls, stepped forward "Welcome home Raja-sa. Every eye in Sudhagadh has been eagerly watching the horizon for your arrival."

Vayu bowed deeply "Khamma Ghani, Maa-sa. It is so good to be back! And I am happy to report, that thanks to your blessings, the campaign has been very fruitful."

Vaidehi smiled "Of course! Nothing less would be expected from a king of the great dynasty of Sudhagadh." Turning around she gestured to a lady attired in a heavy orange lehenga "Welcome him."

After the lady moved the aarti thali in the clockwise motion thrice and applied the tilak on Vayu's forehead, he enquired "Kaki-sa, have you been well?"

An elder man stepped to the front "All is well with her! We are all just glad that you are back."

Vayu smiled "Khamma Ghani, Kaka-sa. I am sure you must have ensured that everything here is well."

A young man, who appeared a couple of years older than Vayu, boisterously greeted him "Welcome back Va-, I mean, Raja-sa!" Embracing Vayu, he continued "It's not fair that you always get to chase all the adventures while I am imprisoned here with all these wise old people!"

Vayu smirked "The brave Rudra imprisoned! That is impossible!" Lowering his voice, he added "I too have missed you Bhai-sa."

"Let's proceed inside. I am sure you must be starving. But first freshen up." Vaidehi put a stop to any further banter.

After a quick bath, a freshly attired Vayu arrived in the dining area. All the family members had already eaten at sunset as per the tradition followed, hence only one place was set for Vayu. But the rest of the family eager to hear of his travel was assembled in the dinner area. The decades old silverware sparkled like it was new. A long line of attendants served a countless number of vegetables, dals, and flatbreads made from various grains.

As a server was about to add another accompaniment to Vayu's plate, he waved it away "That's enough! No point in wasting good food..."

Chuckling, Rudra addressed Vaidehi "Kaki-sa, looks like you son has forgotten to eat like a king!" Turing to Vayu, he continued "You have been away for too long. Since when have you started worrying about the food on your plate? We must quickly remedy this situation and remind your taste buds of your royal standing."

While Vayu mock glared at Rudra, knowing it was all part of their playful banter, Vaidehi solemnly stated "Rudra is right. After all, the Raja of Sudhagadh cannot indulge in sub-par tastes!"

Donning an impassive expression, Vayu pretended to not have understood his mother's loaded words and continued eating. This is just the beginning. She must be itching to subject me to an interrogation about Harinakshi.

For the umpteenth time since his arrival in the palace, he wondered how she must be faring. He smirked thinking of her surprise on reaching Dasi Mahal and wished he could have been there to witness it.

* * *

A few miles away, sometime earlier, Harinakshi had craned her neck to catch a glimpse of her new home when the cart driver shared that they had almost reached their destination.

The fence was densely covered with some creepers. The cart soon passed through a wooden arched gate, where two men stood guard. Noting both were elderly and bent at their waist, Hari wondered -How they were expected to guard the numerous beauties housed inside?!

Even at night, the two-storey structure looked impressive. Surprisingly it was mostly shrouded in darkness. Though not one to be easily frightened, Hari's pulse started racing, noticing the deserted look of the structure.

Kanta voiced her thoughts "Hari, have they brought us to the right place??"

Hari too muttered uncertainly "Where are all the people?? Maybe they have already retired for the night..."

Luckily, as they disembarked from the cart in front of the steps leading into a foyer, a few women rushed outside. Two of them were carrying some lanterns, while an older woman carried an Aarti thali.

Unlike the rest of the building, little diyas had been placed on the steps, lighting the path into the haveli. As the ladies curiously appraised the new arrivals climbing the steps, Satpal announced to the ladies "This is Harinakshi Bai-sa. And her attendant Kanta."

Smiling warmly, the older woman with the aarti thali stepped forward "Come... you must be tired and hungry. We have been taking turns watching the road from the upstairs window since evening!" After performing the aarti, she beckoned another woman who presented a plate filled with vermillion "Step into it before entering the haveli."

Though astounded by this unexpected reception, Harinakshi did as she was instructed. Ushering her inside, the lady uttered "Call me Bhanumati Masi." And then called out to a younger woman "Kasthuri, offer her the sweets."

Kasthuri... so, he already has another deer. Hari experienced a pang as she observed the slim and striking looking woman approach her with a small plate full of ladoos. Fair skinned with sharp attractive features and amber eyes, she was taller than Hari by at least two-three inches and seemed to be about twenty-three.

But the other woman did not seem to regard Hari as competition. Offering Hari bite of the ladoo, she smiled "It is so good to have a young woman joining us here!"

Bhanumati retorted in a teasing tone "No need to highlight that I am a dull, old woman!"

Perplexed, Hari watched the interaction. Three other women of varying ages, from late twenties to early thirties, were present other than Bhanumati and Kasthuri. One was them was dressed like Bhanumati and Kasthuri while the other two looked more like their attendants.

Bhanumati soon introduced the better dressed one "And this is Tarika." Tarika, a seemingly subdued woman in her late twenties, offered a small smile. But overall, the women seemed happy to see her.

It was clear that everyone assembled in the room looked up to Bhanumati, who issued many instructions.

Hari and Kanta were soon guided to a washroom to quickly freshen up and then served a piping hot meal of Dal, Baati, Churma and an assortment of pickles and chutneys. As they ate, the women made several enquiries about their journey.

Kasthuri disappeared for some time to advise the guards, who wanted to know what was to be done with Harinakshi and Kanta's luggage. On her return, she informed Bhanumati "Jiji-sa, the luggage is put their rooms and I have asked the servants to serve them food and then show them to the outhouse."

After nodding approvingly, Bhanumati addressed Hari "An upstairs room has been readied for you. And we have allocated a room for your attendant just across the corridor... that way you can call for her when required."

When dinner was done, Bhanumati urged her "Go, rest now. We can talk properly tomorrow. Kasthuri will show you to your rooms."

As they followed Kasthuri, Kanta muttered "It sure is huge... must be three to four times of our Haveli in Chandanpur... no wonder it is called a Mahal!" Though Hari nodded in agreement, she was surprised that though the structure was huge and beautifully designed, it didn't seem to be well looked after. There were numerous huge lamp shades placed around but most of them looked like they hadn't been lit recently.

Kasthuri cautioned as they climbed the stairs "Watch out for the third step, the stone is chipped..."

Soon she pointed to an open room "You will be living in here as it is next to the main bedroom, which is meant for Raja-sa."

Hari's eyes quickly swept through the room. It was spacious with a big wooden bed placed almost in the middle. A few intricately carved wooden chests were placed along a wall. A cool breeze was flying into the room through two good sized windows. Though the upper part of the window was completely open, the windows extended to the floor, with the lower part covered with a beautiful wooden lattice. The pulled back curtains, made from a red satin, were faded in places giving them multi-coloured hues.

Hari guessed that a door, currently closed, probably connected the room to the king's chamber.

The sandstone walls were mostly bare, except a set of wooden pegs next to the door. One dark odhani was messily hung on a peg, indicating that the room had been recently occupied by someone else.

Noting the direction of her gaze, Kasthuri removed the odhani and mumbled "Sorry, we received word of your arrival just yesterday. Hence it was bit of a rush emptying and readying the room for you... Tomorrow, we will help you organise it properly."

Heart clenching at the thought of the other woman, Hari muttered uneasily "Why was the room emptied for me? I am sure there must be another room somewhere else that I could use... she must hate me now... I mean, whoever was here before..."

To her extreme surprise, Kasthuri smiled "No no... Jiji-sa doesn't mind!"

"Why doesn't she mind?? All the other women have shown their displeasure at my arrival by staying away... not that I was expecting them to happily welcome me!" Hari blurted, perplexed.

Scrunching her face in confusion, Kasthuri asked "What other women??"

Hari replied in a low voice "Who else but the king's other women..."

After a moment of reflection, Kasthuri responded "Well, after he was gone, some of them decided to leave. Now, it's just us three left."

They left because he went away on a campaign for few months?? Does he even know that they have run away behind his back?! Hey Ram... he is going to be so mad when finds out! But I suppose it's good for me... if it's only four of us here then I won't have to wait for months to see him... Wait a minute! Bhanumati Masi and Tarika are his women?? Aren't they old for him? But then, this one also looks older than him... Does he have a thing for older woman?!

Kasthuri's voice nudged her out of her thoughts "Are you okay?? You look... troubled..."

Not sure how to voice her doubts, Hari first shook her head "It's nothing... I was just remembering something..." and then added "Does Raja-sa come here frequently??"

Kasthuri frowned "Why would he have come here? In fact, I haven't even seen him yet! His father used to talk of him sometimes... but then Raja-sa used to talk more about the Yuvraj Angi." Then she smiled "But now that you are here... I am sure we will finally get to see the new Raja-sa!"

As some comprehension started dawning on Hari, Kanta beat her to the next question "Does the current Raja-sa not visit his women here?? We heard he keeps some two dozen!"

Thinking Kanta probably was a little simple minded, Kasthuri uttered every word slowly and clearly "Raja Vayu Pratap Singh does not keep any women here. Hence, he does not visit Dasi Mahal. We were his father's mistresses."

Harinakshi reached out to tightly clutch the bed's wooden frame. So, I am his only woman.

During the wedding at Sompura, she had already learnt from the guests assembled that he hadn't taken a wife yet. But thinking of his two dozen women in Dasi Mahal, she hadn't found that news worth rejoicing.

It barely registered with Hari when Kasthuri left after bidding them a good night, and Kanta helped her change into a fresh set of clothes. Only one line uttered by him many weeks back, atop the hill in the serene darkness of the night, resounded in her heart - I chose you.

Suddenly the depth of his sentiment behind those three simple words hit her. He has truly chosen me. And only me!

* * *

(Hi Everyone,

Hope you are all enjoying the weekend! And this update has added a little to your enjoyment 😊

Finally, Hari knows she is his only woman! Bechari ko bahot pareshan kiya na maine? Par Raja-sa ko itna tadpane ki thodi toh saza banti hi thi! 😉

Please note, I have guests visiting this week... so, won't be able to share an update next weekend.

Waiting to here your thoughts as always. Take care all of you.

Lots of love, May.)