The morning after her arrival in Dasi Mahal had been spent organising her belongings in the new room.

Every now and then, Kanta had squealed, voicing the euphoria in Hari's heart. Of course, their thoughts hadn't always been in synch!

When Kanta exclaimed "He was just teasing you! There is no one else here." Hari grumbled to herself – He was tormenting me! Not teasing...

But when her attendant uttered "Can you imagine what that means?! You will be the only recipient of all his favours..." Hari's heart too rejoiced – All his time here will be mine! All mine!!

Later, Kasthuri showed her around the haveli. Well, the small part that was still used. For many rooms and lounges were never used and the occupants had given up trying to maintain them.

As they passed another hall where everything was covered with a thick film of dust, Kasthuri sheepishly muttered "In the beginning, we tried to keep it all clean... but then when Sulekha and Padmini left... and most of servants too, it was too much for us."

"But why did they leave?" Hari was curious.

The older woman shrugged "Sulekha and Padmini did not want to spend the rest of their life here and they had friends who were willing to welcome them. The servants had to be let go as we couldn't afford to pay them..."

Hari wondered why Kasthuri had chosen to stay back. Surprisingly, she looked content with her life.

It was evening and Hari was sitting in the porch that extended from the kitchen, overlooking a patch of vegetables. As she sipped on some sherbet, she listened to Bhanumati and Kasthuri share titbits about life in that haveli. Tarika was in her room, where it seemed she spent most of her time in prayer.

After seeing the kitchen and the food cooked it was clear that the rations available were limited. Having noted that the occupants of Dasi Mahal led a threadbare existence, Hari exclaimed "Bhanumati Masi, doesn't the royal treasury pay for the upkeep of this haveli? How can Raja-sa leave you all in such a state?!"

Considering speaking against your king would be an act of treason, Bhanumati replied diplomatically "Why would he know anything of this place? He has more important issues to address. Rajmata-sa looks after all household related things."

"And she hates us! Like we have committed some crime!" Tarika's sharp voice from the door startled everyone.

Turning around, Bhanumati scolded her "You scared us! Must you always sneak up on everyone? One of these days... I will drop dead of fright!"

Ignoring the older woman, Tarika continued bitterly "It's not like we had arrived here of our own choice! And yet, we are always treated like culprits who have purposefully robbed her. Well, we would rather starve to death than go grovelling to her for anything!"

Having said her piece, she grabbed herself some water and left, leaving behind an uncomfortable silence.

After a few moments, Bhanumati muttered "Don't mind her. She wasn't always like this... And we aren't left to starve. Some grain and other supplies are delivered every month."

Trying to make light of the situation, Kasthuri chuckled "And now that you are here, Dasi Mahal will once again come alive! Raja-sa wont risk displeasing his woman, right Jiji-sa?" Reaching out to tilt Hari's chin, she stated "Yes, you are just what this place needed!"

Later as Hari watched the Bhanumati overseeing the cooking of the dinner, she realised that whatever rations were sent monthly were basic. The scorn directed at the women living on the fringes of society wasn't new, and yet she felt let down that he allowed this.

Evening turned to night and Harinakshi retired to bed after standing at her bedroom window for some time. Kasthuri had pointed out that the first-floor rooms allocated to the king's women were built in a way that the windows offered a mile long view of the approaching road. Though she knew that expecting him the first day after his return to Sudhagadh was unrealistic, she couldn't stop her eyes from staring at the road.

Finally, when her legs couldn't support her heavy eyelids, she went to bed.

* * *

The beating of the hooves in the quiet of the night was loud, but not louder than Vayu's heartbeats. The whole day had been spent meeting with various ministers, receiving updates and understanding the status of various departments.

The granary was running short on some pulses and the officials wanted to discuss when the supplies would arrive thanks to the new treaties signed by Vayu during his campaign.

Some areas had not been able to pay their taxes on time; and the treasury minister wanted to know what action should be taken. Sometimes Vayu found these questions so futile! What is there to be done? Of course, you had to postpone the deadline for the taxes! But, then what of the emptying coffers??

When he was a child, he had lived under the illusion that as a king, his father had limitless riches. Sitting on the throne, he had learned that reality was far from it. And now, Sudhagadh's struggles had become his responsibility.

But that day, for the first time, his heart had not been as tightly gripped by the fears of his inadequacies. Her words had echoed in his ears reminding him that he was indeed doing his best. A good man trying to become a great king. Her belief in him had started displacing his disbelief in himself.

His pace reduced as Dasi-Mahal came into view. He had always looked at it from afar, with misgivings and confusion.

During his childhood, it had been beyond his comprehension why his father chose to spend his time in this place away from his family. Once when he was about seven, he had asked his elder brother.

"You are still too young to understand. Just remember, he loves us but needs some time to himself. He goes there to watch the dancers." Agni, feigning an adult expression, had repeated what he had probably heard from a grown-up.

Vayu had innocently asked "But why there? Daksha Jiji-sa has been learning to dance for years now! And didn't you see her performance at the puja the other day? Raja-sa liked it so much that he gave her new gold earrings and a bag of silver coins to her teacher too!"

Few years later, he had realised that the allure of this place did not wholly lay in the dancers and singers housed here.

And now as he approached it for the first time, he wondered if it had been more of a refuge his father had chosen to escape to from the relentless pressures of the palace and court than just rushing to the women here.

Is that why you are here? To escape the palace?? His head mocked him. But this time his heart retorted without the slightest of hesitation – She is not an escape!

* * *

"Hari wake up! Raja-sa is here."

As Kanta's words registered in her groggy mind, Hari muttered sleepily "Does Bai-sa want me bring out the Paan for him??"

"Forget the Paan!" Kanta sprinkled some water on her face "Bring yourself out for him!"

Hari sat up, registering her surroundings "He is here? Now?! Isn't it the middle of the night?" All Kanta could do was shrug in reply.

Quickly making herself personable, Harinakshi rushed downstairs. Kasthuri informed her that Raja-sa had been shown to the only semi-presentable lounge.

Standing in the doorway, she nervously watched him when she found that instead of being seated, Vayu was restlessly pacing the room. Noting the dark frown etched on his face, she gulped before uttering "Khamma Ghani, Raja-sa. I wasn't expecting you so late!"

Taking in her appearance, he raised a brow "Doesn't look like you were expecting me at all." Glancing around the room, he scowled "Nor does the place have a welcoming look! Not a single lamp was lit till I arrived here!"

For a moment she was caught off-guard, but recovering quickly and thrusting out her chin, Harinakshi stepped into the room "Forgive me Raja-sa, but this is what abandoned havelis look like. When there isn't enough oil for cooking, one cannot afford to burn it for someone who may or may not visit."

From her eyes still swollen with sleep, the wrinkled dark lehenga and messy tendrils escaping from under the odhani, it was clear that she had been asleep when he arrived. And yet, the fire returned as soon as she was awoken. Gone was the shy look that had graced her face the day before when they had stopped for lunch. But that one glimpse of her pink, flushed cheeks had been enough to satisfy his longing.

"After you so eagerly wanted to know when to expect me... I expected to find you standing at the window. Instead, you have been fast asleep!" he observed with a straight face.

She blinked a couple of times and then responded "As I remember... you said you would wish to spend time with all your other women before seeing me again! In fact, I don't know why Kanta decided to wake me..." Her brow furrowed, recalling the anxiety the thought of his two dozen women had caused her. And then added after a small pause "Oh wait! That must be because there is no one else here!"

"Are you disappointed about it? Because if that is the case... the situation can be easily remedied. I can always bring in a few more goats..." he quirked a brow.

Scowling deeper, she glared "You better be talking about real goats! The ones you promised me that I can keep here. I definitely don't want any other women here!"

Pouting like a petulant child, she added "Why did you lie to me about all those imaginary women?? All the way here, I was agonising over the thought..."

Hearing how much she abhorred the idea of sharing him with anyone else, euphoria arose within him. But keeping his expression neutral, he asked instead "Do you plan to keep me standing here the whole night??"

She blinked rapidly only focussing on his words – whole night. Then mumbled "Please take a seat..."

He replied "I don't like this dark and gloomy seating room. Lead me somewhere else."

"Somewhere else?? Where else... can we go at this time of the night?" she stuttered.

He shrugged "This is your home now... show me whatever place you have liked. Surely there must be some other places in this huge haveli that are cheerier than this room."

After fretfully fiddling with her dupatta for a bit, her eyes finally gleamed as an idea dawned. Hari left the room to issue some instructions to Kanta. Few minutes later, she returned to the lounge "Raja-sa, please follow me."

The servant walking ahead with a lantern tried to sneak a few glances at Raja-sa. The other residents of Dasi Mahal too tried to discreetly peak from the slits of almost closed doors. After all everyone was curious to catch a glimpse of the young king!

As she led him down some passageways and then up a flight of stairs, Vayu observed that the rest of the haveli appeared to be in a drearier state than the lounge he had been directed to.

As they stepped into a terrace, Harinakshi spoke "So far, I have liked this place the most! But considering it is too hot to be out here during the day... I thought this would be the right time."

The terrace, neither sprawling nor too cosy, was awash with the warm glow of a few lanterns placed around. The air was laden with the heady fragrance from the night jasmine creepers densely covering the parapet wall. A pergola, erected in the middle, was covered with bougainvillea which appeared almost purple at that time of the night. Seating arrangements had been made by placing a portable cot covered with a thick mattress and cylindrical cushions under the pergola.

"And you seem to enjoy watching the open sky... I have often noticed you gazing up at the stars, when we camped for the night..." she added nervously.

"What else have you noticed?" he smugly asked, leaning against the parapet.

Colouring a little, she muttered "Nothing else... Do you think I have nothing better to do than keep looking at what you are up to all the time?!"

"Of course not! I am quite aware that all the animals in this world have a bigger claim on your attentions than me." he responded in a teasing tone.

She retorted playfully "Well... not all... but definitely many!"

"And yet you don't want me to share my attention with other women..." He raised an eyebrow "That's not fair, is it?"

"But it is! I haven't complained about you spending more time with Badal and Shera, have I?" she smiled adorably.

He could almost hear Krushanu snickering in his head – Looks like you have met someone equally passionate about winning the war of words!

Kanta cleared her throat at the entrance to the terrace "I have brought some madira for Raja-sa."

When Hari instructed "Leave it on the stool by the cot.", the other woman asked timidly "They want to know downstairs if Raja-sa would like to eat something."

It had been hours since he last ate, and the late-night ride had left him a little peckish. Vayu replied "Yes, bring up a light meal."

"Yes, Raja-sa" Kanta bowed and left.

Once he had settled on the cot, Hari poured him a cup of madira and stood fidgeting with her dupatta.

"Are you going to keep standing all night?? Sit down!" he lightly chided her.

Smiling nervously, she settled on the cot leaving as much space possible between them. Hey Ram... why does he keep emphasizing on 'all night'? Of course, I understand that he will be staying the night! And have they readied his chamber? Why didn't I think to check it earlier today?!

"What's wrong now?? You look worried..." his voice broke through her thoughts.

"Worried?? Not at all... And nothing is wrong..." She tried to brush off his concern. And then reached for the madira carafe "Shall I pour you some more?"

He exclaimed surprised "More madira?? I have barely taken two sips!" Then leaning closer, he asked huskily "Are you trying to get me drunk? Should I be worried about your intentions??"

Not able to immediately conjure a coherent response, Hari soundlessly opened and closed her mouth a couple of times. Then noting his ill-concealed mirth, she grumpily turned her face away from him.

Chuckling softly, Vayu leaned back on the cushion and watched the sky. Except for a few wisps of clouds, the sky was clear and glittered with millions of stars. A crescent moon, just a few nights away from new moon, sparkled exquisitely. Though most people fawned over the beauty of the full moon, he had always found a thin crescent moon more captivating. It was probably its duality that was fascinating; for the same shape could signify the approaching night of complete darkness or the fact that the world had survived that dark night and was once again returning towards brightness.

"Do you know, some of those stars are bigger than our moon... in fact even bigger than our earth!"

Quickly turning to look at him, she asked "And how would you know??"

"It is written in the Vedas by our great sages." Vayu shrugged.

Still sounding sceptical, she muttered "But how can anyone know for sure without seeing them?"

"Are you saying you doubt the wisdom of all those great men?" he was surprised by her question.

She emphatically shook her head in denial "O ho... I am not doubting their wisdom! But how can anyone tell? For something to be so big and yet appear so small it would have to be really far... but then how can we see it from here? I can't even see your palace from here... and that's so much closer, right? Which is why-"

"Are you saying you have been trying to spot the palace? Is that how you spent your day today, waiting for me??" He interrupted, looking extremely smug.

The stars and her scientific curiosity were instantly forgotten. She fumbled with the reply "I was too busy to keep looking for you... or the palace... I had so much to unpack... and setup the room... and then Kasthuri showed me around the haveli!"

"So, when did you discover that you cannot see the palace from here??" He inquired very casually.

She tried to clarify "After Kasthuri explained how my room, along with most other rooms, faces the road approaching the haveli... I wondered if I could see any further if I went to the topmost terrace... but I couldn't see the palace even from there."

So, she went to the topmost point to try to catch a glimpse of the place where I was supposed to be... But won't accept it! Vayu smiled to himself.

"What else have you been up to? Are the arrangements to your liking?" He asked instead.

He was pleased to hear her enthusiastically share about the place. Even Vayu was taken aback on learning of the warm reception she had received the previous night. It was doubtful that Krushanu would have sent instructions for any rituals to be followed at her arrival. Which meant, the habitants of the haveli had undertaken the initiative of their own accord.

But he grew uneasy when she started talking about Bhanumati and Kasthuri. Quickly changing the subject, he asked "And have you decided how many goats and cows you would like to keep here?"

As hoped, she was easily distracted.

"Raja-sa... I haven't got around to giving it much thought yet. But tomorrow, I will walk around the grounds and decide how much space we can easily use to keep the animals. In fact, I am thinking we should try to grow more vegetables and maybe some fruit too. That way the women here won't have to depend so much on the palace for the supplies..."

"You really can't sit still, can you?!" he chuckled softly.

Pouting at his teasing tone, Hari muttered defensively "Maa-sa used to say that we should always put these God given hands and legs to good use. What is the point in dressing up like a doll and sitting immobile in a corner all day long?!"

She stilled when he reached out to clasp a hand and, drawing it closer, gently opened her palm.

Lightly tracing the mehndi, he almost whispered "As long as you ensure that your hands are always so prettily decorated, I don't mind how you use them otherwise."

It wasn't the first time that he had touched her, yet it felt like it. Hari thought she could feel the very atoms of her being reverberating with a new-found awareness. A tantalising shiver ran through her and her hand trembled. He clasped it tighter, silently promising to steady her whenever she was overwhelmed or was seized with any apprehensions.

"Though, you do make a very pretty doll when you make the effort..." As his gaze caressed her now blushing face, he added "Harinakshi, that day at the wedding... you looked so mesmerising... almost like a vision. I wanted to touch you... to assure myself that you were real. But you were too far away... across that crowded room."

Along with his heated gaze, she could still feel the warmth of the holy fire that had borne witness to her heart's betrothal.

She had never been a romantic at heart and had often rolled her eyes when Hrithvi made long-winded declarations of her love for Balraj Thakur-sa. But now, Hari was getting acquainted with the enchantment called love.

As her dazed eyes met his dark, stormy ones, she recalled the first time she had stared into them. Even then, in that first moment, her heart had instinctively recognised the danger of drowning in them.

Only months later, the idea of drowning no longer felt dangerous but rather exhilarating.

And inevitable.

Her fingers curled tighter into his. Instinctively their hands found the empty spaces in the other and filled them with unspoken promises.

In that moment, Hari knew without an iota of doubt that while he held her hand, she would follow him to the end of the earth. And even beyond, to any of those faraway flickering stars.

The profound adoration peeking through her eyes took his breath away. And the need for restraint became needless.

Neither realised when his other hand came to cradle her face, the pad of his thumb tentatively skimming over her lower lip. Both stilled, equally startled by the sensation. While his eyes widened, hers reflexively closed tight.

His fingers gently fluttered over her face, familiarising themselves with the slants and curves. She was close enough to be able to count every eyelash, even in the flickering light of the lamps, and yet not close enough. He leaned closer.

Her stomach clenched when his fingers once again brushed against her lips.

"Look at me."

When she denied his wish with the slightest, silent shake of her head, his voice was more commanding "Open your eyes. I want you to see what you do to me."

Her eyes opened, the demand leaving little room for argument. His eyes darkened from the desires streaking his soul.

The odhani slipped away, revealing the hair hastily confined in a chignon. Tugging on the bun, Vayu set the dark waves free to cascade down her back. He had touched them once before at her behest. Then he had yanked at them as per her instructions, but now he gently twirled his fingers through her tresses as his heart had always yearned for.

She wondered at the sensations. Many people had touched them in the past, mostly to oil and braid. At times she had complained and at times sat there indifferently. But his touch seemed to be magical. How else could hair, incapable of sensing, not only feel the tenderest of caress but also create havoc in her belly?!

His gaze drifted back to something else that his heart had been yearning for. Her soft lips, currently partially parted as if in slight surprise.

Harinakshi sitting still, not trying to reach for her dagger, could have been considered as consent. And yet, he once again softly trailed a finger over her lower lip in silent enquiry. His heart thudded aloud when she did not draw away, instead instinctively leaning closer to partially bury her face against his chest.

Hari felt his strong arms encircling her and pulling her even closer. It had been a long time since she had been so lovingly embraced. Though Chandrika has occasionally expressed her affection, this embrace left more like a homecoming. Her lips first stretched in a contented sigh and then pressed against his chest. If the endeavour was to consume his heart's longings, it was successful. For soon her own heart echoed with the same.

The inky darkness surrounding them waited in eager anticipation to become the keeper of secrets for another young couple.

Pushing back the veil of tresses that had partially covered her face, Vayu tilted her chin upwards. As he leaned in, she too moved, but in a dazed, uncoordinated manner. Instead of lips meeting lips, their noses collided!

Both mumbled some apologies, feeling mortified, but Hari continued sounding embarrassed "Did I hurt your nose? Sorry... I didn't know which way to turn... I can't remember if Mohini said anything about it... maybe I should have paid her more attention whe–"

Her naivete further endeared her to him. Smiling faintly, he put a stop to her nervous rant by pressing his lips against hers.

Time stopped for her as she stilled in his arms.

Only his closed lips moved, very tenderly and a little timidly. Overwhelmed, his kisses were a little hesitant he soaked in the exhilaration of the moment and tried to gauge her reactions.

There was no need to rush, as she sat head thrown back, offering him all of her.

After minutes, he gathered the nerve to open his lips. He gently bit her pout and swallowed the soft whimper that escaped from her.

They had just pulled apart to breath, and an enthralled Vayu was still gazing at her flushed face, when the trance was shattered. Kanta, accompanied by another servant, Neera, stepped into the terrace carrying wooden trays piled with a hastily conjured meal.

"Forgive me... for the intrusion... I... we just brought the meal... for Raja-sa" Kanta stuttered as Hari scrambled out of his embrace.

Greatly regretting his decision to send for a light meal, Vayu glared at the two women as they readied his plate. Kanta dropped the copper water cup, which clanged loudly, and Neera's hand trembled while serving the Gatte-ki-sabji. All this while, the young warrior was wondering how the servant's arrival had not registered with him. Usually, he was able to discern even the slightest rustle of grass even a hundred yards away!

But Hari was only vaguely aware of the happenings around her. As she drew the odhani to cover her head, she surreptitiously ran her tongue over her lips. And then feeling flustered, on realising that she had been trying to taste him, pulled it to partly cover her face.

As soon as the servants left, Vayu ordered "Buy them all anklets."

A moment after kissing me he wants to gift other women?? No... I must have misheard. She asked uncertainly "Anklets for whom??"

"For all the servants here. Make sure they are the loud ones, with many ghungroo. I don't want anyone sneaking up on us ever again!"

* * *

(Hi Everyone,

Hope you all are doing great!

How did you find this chapter? Hope HaVa's romance is budding as per your liking! 😊

Please note, I am going to take a small break for the next few weeks from sharing updates as I have a lot going on both home and work front. Will share the next chapter post Diwali. Thank you all for your patience and understanding in advance!

Lots of love, May)