It was lighter outside than the last time she had woken up next to him. Considering they had been up for almost half the night, the late start to the day was expected.

At some point during the night, she had slipped on the choli and ghagra but hadn't managed to find the odhani. Vayu too had messily wrapped the dhoti, but the angarkha lay on the floor.

Some of the laaj that she had shed the night before still clung to her.

After shyly eyeing his upper body for a bit, she shifted her pursual to his face and then halted on the lips which had repeatedly tasted her, just hours ago. Gulping at the memories, she quickly lowered her gaze. It seemed the night had left behind a bit of itself on him, in the form of the darkened jawline. Her fingers skimmed over the prickly growth and moved to caress the hair resting on his shoulder.

Her heart swelled in pride, almost like it would burst out of her chest, at the thought that this honourable, handsome man loved her.

"How long should I keep pretending to be asleep??" he asked, eyes closed. Startled, she started drawing her hand away, but he swiftly held it.

She pouted "And why were you pretending?!"

Bringing her fingers to his lips, he smirked "Waiting for you to do this..."

"O ho... don't start again!" she pulled her hand away.

He chuckled in reply and then, kissing the tip of her nose, sat up.

Attendants were summoned to his chamber and helped him ready for the day. When breakfast arrived, Vayu was pleased to see that it consisted of the Puri-Sabji as per his liking.

Sometime later, he galloped away after promising her to be back at sundown.

With her body a little sore, Harinakshi returned to her chamber and spent the morning there. At times, smiling softly at the memories of the previous night, and at times, glancing surreptitiously at the bed where she had crossed the bridge from adolescence to womanhood.

Till she received the news that Raja-sa had sent some gifts for her.

Rushing downstairs, she found the astonished inhabitants of Dasi Mahal gathered around seven goats and ten chickens.

Kanta was quick to tease "Hari, looks like Raja-sa has figured out the way to your heart! In fact, he has found seventeen ways!"

Forgetting the soreness, Hari ran to stroke the goats and then got busy overseeing transfer of the animals to the designated area.

* * *

"With the famine spreading in that area, the number of bandits seems to have gone up." Rudra was updating the king about reports from their eastern border.

"Bhai-sa, are they locals? Or is infiltration on the rise?"

"The officials are trying to establish that... but they have proved rather elusive." He answered, running a frustrated hand through his hair.

Eyes narrowed; Vayu nodded "Increase the number of undercover soldiers in that area. Let's hope some of them get recruited by the bandits. That will be the easiest way to bring down that band of robbers."

After silently mulling for a few moments, he added "Also, ask our men to reach out to the discontented provinces, or anyone who considers themselves a victim of injustice. Someone might be keen to trade alliances."

While Rudra was grabbing himself a banana from the fruit-platter, an attendant shared "Raja-sa, word arrived earlier that as ordered the animals have been delivered to Dasi Mahal."

"What else?" Vayu raised an eyebrow.

The confused attendant mumbled "Was anything else to be sent too?? I wasn't aware... I will check."

"What else did the messenger say?" Vayu scowled at his idiocy.

Laughing merrily, Rudra chimed in "Raja-sa wishes to know how his gift has been received." Noting the look on Vayu's face, he continued "Don't be so surprised! These days, your visits to Dasi Mahal... and everything else related to that is the topic of hot gossip in the palace. Even I am intrigued by this choice of gifts... did you really send her goats??"

"Not just goats... some hens too! I know she will cherish them more than any silks or jewels." Vayu acknowledged, looking proud of his achievement.

"She seems like... a rare find." Rudra uttered for lack of a better words. Hesitantly he added "But I must confess... I am surprised by your decision. The one to bring her to Sudhagadh."

After a long spell of silence, Vayu admitted "So was I. In the beginning. But my mind is at peace now."

Rudra astutely observed "At peace... hmmm... then I must assume that Rajmata-sa hasn't spoken to you on this topic, yet."

Vayu just nodded in reply and then changed the topic "Have you heard from Umbrali about the grain dispatch?"

After sharing an update, Rudra boisterously stated "That's enough of brain games! Let's exercise our other muscles too. How about a wrestling match??"

Vayu grinned back "You read my mind! As long as you don't mind losing."

"Says the boy who has learnt from me." Rudra flippantly responded.

As they headed to the wrestling arena, some banter followed about what was more important – experience or a younger, fitter body.

Stripped to their dhotis and bodies gleaming with oil, three matches ensued. In the first one, the teacher proved that experience indeed matters. But in the following two, Vayu proved that he was in better shape of the two and could last longer!

Rudra smirked "This was just a one off... I will soon demand a re-match and prove that the teacher still rules supreme!"

"I look forward to it. Any time... any place." Vayu nodded with a slight smile.

***

But just before sundown, Badal once again galloped to Dasi Mahal. Harinakshi almost ran to welcome her Raja-sa and then excitedly showed him where the animals had been temporarily housed.

"Today we have put the chickens in that room at the back... but I will soon get the bamboo cages erected. Bansi is going to take the goats out to graze on the nearby hillocks every morning. Of course, we will need to order hay too..."

After listening to her prattle on about the right frequency and amounts for feeding the goats and chickens for a bit, Vayu interrupted "But who teaches the animals in the wild?? If they know these things intuitively, then why the animals in captivity can't follow the same?"

Shrugging away his doubt, she continued "I am still trying to come up with names for those three... you should name them!"

Name her goats?? He was flabbergasted at the request, "What sort of names are used for goats??"

"I have named the one with that white mark on her head Bijli and the one next to her Kali" she pointed out.

Seeing the black goat, he rolled his eyes "How original... by your logic, goats can have only three names!"

Poking out her tongue, she explained "I have named it after my Kali in Chandanpur."

"Oh... and have you named a goat or a chicken after our Hanuman??" he smirked.

As she scrunched her face in embarrassment, he chuckled and then leaning closer whispered "Last night you weren't this shy..."

Turning red, she started walking away. Catching up, he continued teasing "You seem very eager to return to the chamber. But can we eat something before?? Staying up night after night without any dinner... not a great idea."

Shushing him, she glanced around to check if anyone could have overheard him, and then rushed inside. Since he had worn the crown, protocol demanded that his subjects should always follow the Raja of Sudhagadh. But here, Vayu was happy to let her take the lead.

After seating Vayu in a lounge, brightly lit with many lamps, she ordered for the meal to be brought out. When the meal was served, re-calling various sets of instructions, Hari started fanning him.

He took a couple of bites and then asked her "When will you eat??"

"Later..." she muttered uncertainly

"Later we will retire to the chamber. Eat now."

"O ho... How can I eat with you? You know, it is not the way..." she shook her head.

"I don't want you to waste time eating after me... and delay the return to the chamber. And did you not eat with me in the camp??"

"Raja-sa! It was once... and we were travelling! I cannot ask them to send out a plate for me with you. Bhanumati Masi said it's against the protocol to-." Hari tried to explain.

He curtly cut her off "What I wish for... becomes protocol. Now eat. And if you are reluctant to order another plate, eat from mine."

Share his plate?? Hey Ram... Does he not realise that everyone will make fun of us... I mean, of their Raja-sa!

"I don't care!"

She was startled by his declaration "What?!"

"I don't care what others will think... either order a plate for yourself or start eating from this." He reiterated.

Another plate was sent for, and the meal was completed in relative silence. Post which the young couple headed upstairs.

That evening Harinakshi was bent on knowing his reaction to her housekeeping skills and hence eagerly rushed to his chamber. Expectantly looking at him, she pouted "Did you not like how I have redecorated it? I got them to scrub every inch of it! Even polish all the furniture!"

"It's fine." he observed straight-faced.

"Just fine??" she was disappointed by his response.

Eyes trained on the painting of Radha-Kisan, he feigned indifference "It's a bed chamber... like any other."

Then seeing her looking downcast, he drew her closer "Anyway, I prefer yours. So, shall we head there?"

Still feeling like she had failed in her first endeavour to do something for him, Hari muttered looking around the room "What is missing from the arrangements? Shall I get the position of the furniture changed? Or replace the curtains??"

Sighing at her stubbornness, he replied "Everything else is good. Just remove that painting." And then entered her chamber via the door between their chambers.

Squinting at the painting, Hari wondered what was wrong with it. Krishna, standing against a tree and playing the flute, had a contemplative yet peaceful look. While Radha sat on the ground looking up at him with adoration. She did not consider herself a connoisseur of the fine arts, but from a layman's eyes the painting looked pretty enough.

"Harinakshi! Come to bed." He summoned and she rushed to find him sprawled on her bed.

The painting in the other room was soon forgotten as he painted her with the colours of his love. His ardent embrace and kisses left her skin flushed with hues of pink, and his teeth left a little trail of reddish-purple hickeys all over her.

Along with the sweet torture that he inflicted on her, Hari had to contend with some self-inflected torture too. When his moustache had pricked the softness of her belly, a moan had erupted from her. He had been too lost in admiring the how her muscles quivered in response to his touch and missed the sound and her reaction to it.

Shocked by her own behaviour, Harinakshi had hastily clamped her lips. Hey Ram... did I just make those sounds?! Why did I do that?? He has forbidden it! He will be so mad that I did not keep my word...

Her only consolation was he had not noticed the slip. Completely committed to keeping her word to keep her lips sealed, Hari's teeth kept her lower lip imprisoned for the rest of their lovemaking.

* * *

The next morning, as he got ready for the day, Vayu's gaze frequently landed on the painting in his chamber. And every time it filled his heart with foreboding.

Few years back, a gift had arrived from Dasi Mahal on his father's birthday. The simple Radha-Kisna paining had seemed innocuous enough but had caused much friction between his parents. His father had wished to hang it in the palace, but his mother had taken offense at the notion and had dug in her heels that nothing from Dasi Mahal would be welcome in her home. There had been some whispers in the palace about how Rani-sa was being far too stubborn about a devotional painting.

Vayu and his older brother had tried to remain impassive, but curiosity had led to them sneaking into the room where it had been stored whilst its fate was being debated. Even after staring at the painting for a while neither had seen the reason for their father's obstinacy. All they had understood was that their father had tried to blur the boundary between his two worlds.

After four days of disagreement and a day of Vaidehi refusing touch food or water, his father had relented and sent the painting back to Dasi Mahal.

Over time, the incident had been forgotten by Vayu. Till he had seen it hanging in the royal bedchamber of Dasi Mahal. It had become clear that his father had cherished the sender's sentiments and acknowledged the importance of that gift till his death. Someone here had held a very special place in his father's heart.

The other thing in that room that gave arise to unease was the big bed. For it had witnessed his father's passions, for women other than his mother. Maybe the bed in the other chamber had too, but he was able to dissociate from that thought.

Hence, he was partially relived when a servant entered the room while he was eating his breakfast "Forgive the intrusion Raja-sa, but I will just be a minute. Harinakshi Bai-sa has ordered that the painting is to be removed right away."

* * *

The return to the palace was followed by the usual business of the court.

Vayu had retired to his chamber for some rest, post a late lunch, when a message was delivered "Raja-sa, Rajmata-sa is outside to see you."

Entering the chamber, Vaidehi dismissed all the attendants "Leave us alone."

Walking to a window, she stood, staring into the distance. After waiting for her to break the silence for some time, Vayu prompted "Maa-sa, hope your headache of the last few days has eased."

When she turned around, tears were rolling down her cheeks.

He rushed to her side "Maa-sa! Please sit down. Are you okay? Should I summon the Vaidya-sa?"

"I don't need to see any Vaidya..." She was quick to respond. Taking a breath, she continued "I heard you have ordered for extra provisions to be sent to that place."

Vayu gulped nervously, realising she had already received reports of him ordering for additional rations to be sent to Dasi Mahal. During his last couple of visits, based on Harinakshi's artless comments and the limited food served day after day, he had realised Dasi Mahal was not receiving enough rations. That morning, after returning to the Palace, he had asked Krushanu to look into the matter and send some supplies right away.

"I want the kitchen there to be equipped to serve food as per my liking." He attempted to make light of his actions.

She has already started pulling his strings! Scoffing softly, Vaidehi wiped away some of her tears, "Do you know what has been the bane of my life? What has always felt like my biggest failure??"

When he wordlessly shook his head, she spoke again "Dasi Mahal. I hate that place! It mocks me... and my name. Vaidehi is one of Sita's names. I grew up delusional... expecting to marry a man who would treasure me... and just me."

Looking heartbroken, she continued "When I first arrived in this palace, your father indulgently asked me what I would like. And naively, I asked to be the only woman in this palace. He promised to never bring a concubine into this household, and I was over the moon. But what did I know that it would only mean that my husband would end up spending so much time away from this palace. And now... you too have started favouring that place!"

While Vayu uncomfortably stared at the floor, she demanded "You have to stop seeing that woman!"

"Her name is Harinakshi."

Vaidehi retorted irately "Whatever her name... stop visiting her in Dasi Mahal."

"Only if you are ready to receive her here." Vayu tried to keep his voice calm.

Standing up, she glared at him "Receive her here?! A dancing girl from some kotha... Do you think, I don't know where you picked her up from?!"

"She is not a dancing girl!"

"Not a dancing girl... then what did she do there that caught your eye? Sing Bhajans?!" Vaidehi almost sneered.

Why are all these women obsessed with the idea of singing bhajans?? He haplessly wondered for a moment. Wanting to end that topic, he asked impassively "Maa-sa, is there anything else you wish to discuss?"

She uttered in disbelief "What else is there to be discussed?! Vayu, here in this very room, you had given me your word. That you will not stray... that you will maintain the sanctity of marriage! Is this how-"

"If you have already received all intel about her, then you must know that I have kept my word. And I have not strayed from my marital bed!"

"Vayu! Don't you dare call some lowly woman your-" before Vaidehi could finish the warning, he had already stormed out of the chamber.

After unsuccessfully spending about half-hour trying to focus on the discussion at hand, Vayu abruptly declared "Let's leave this for tomorrow."

Sensing his restlessness, Krushanu suggested "Raja-sa, a horse ride might do you some good. Shall I send word to the stables?"

He was rewarded with a big smile, as Vayu nodded "Yes, let's go!"

* * *

"Faster Raja-sa!! We must beat Krushanu-sa!"

Vayu grinned at her words. This is not what he had expected when, arriving at Dasi Mahal, he had wished to take her riding. After disappearing indoors for a short while, she had excitedly rushed where Vayu stood alongside his guards and horses.

When he had started instructing how to safely sit sideways, she had partially lifted her ghagra "O ho... what's the fun in riding like that?! See, I am wearing a shalwar underneath like the dancers wear in the kotha... It is useful for riding too! It has been so long since I have gone riding!"

"When did you go riding before??"

"Balraj Thakur-sa had six... no seven horses at the haveli. And he was happy for me to go riding." She smiled, patting Badal.

"He taught you to ride??" Vayu's voice was a little taunt.

"Of course not! I already knew..." looking at his men, she asked "Is Krushanu-sa also joining us?"

He sighed "Yes. Didn't I once tell you I am not as free as I seem either? Come, let me help you get on the horse. We will ride together on Badal."

Not only had she happily hopped atop Badal, but it was clear that she was a proficient rider. To start with they had stuck to a simple trot, all three getting used to the new dynamics; Vayu and Harinakshi learning to share the reins and Badal to the understanding the cues from both the riders. But slowly Badal had picked up the pace and her odhani fluttering behind forced Vayu to play peek-a-boo with the view.

Few months back, he had envisioned a scared girl clinging to him while riding atop Badal. Slowly, he had realised that Harinakshi could not be easily frightened, and yet he had not expected this competitive side of her.

"O ho... Make Badal run faster! We just need to cover another hundred yards to the top!!" she prompted Vayu again.

He laughed "Then stop holding the reins so tightly! And let him run free."

Whether it was Badal, who finally bucked up, or Krushanu decided to indulge the couple, but over the final few yards Harinakshi managed to emerge the winner in their little spontaneous race.

Her gleeful proclamation of "We won!!!" filled Vayu's heart with pride and joy that winning battles hadn't.

Krushanu playfully grumbled "Only because I was outnumbered. Two versus one is not a fair match!"

Badal neighed loudly. Though it was not clear if he was mocking Krushanu's logic or just trying to breathe easier!

Vayu pulled Harinakshi towards the edge of the cliff and started sharing "Krushanu and I would often race up this mountain when we were younger. It accords a good view of our lands. Well, at least the surrounding ones."

For a few minutes he pointed out in various directions and rattled off names of places and the Thakurs looking after them. A couple of times, he frowned when he fleetingly touched on the challenges in some regions.

Harinakshi tried to listen, but her mind and gaze kept drifting in the direction of a particular distant view. Finally, not able to hold back, she hesitantly pointed in its direction "Raja-sa, that mountain range... in the east... the one which is barely visible... is that Torawati?"

He nodded "Yes."

"And beyond that... lies Patanpur?"

He nodded again and uttered with admiration "Your knowledge of geography is impressive!"

"No... I just... I think I heard someone mention something..." she muttered, looking flustered. Eager to divert the topic, she pointed in another direction "And how far is our border in that direction??"

Settled on a rock at some distance, Krushanu cast infrequent glances in their direction. Though Raja-sa's choice still seemed unwise to him, he had accepted that Vayu was happy. Some scepticism still lingered in his heart. And some resentment too. Some redundant questions plagued his thoughts - Why did I go back to the Kotha when he hadn't asked me to?! Things could have been so much simpler... we would have left Chandanpur without him setting eyes on her again. He would have completely forgotten her by now. Will Raja-sa have to break Vayu's heart in the future??

His eyes darted in their direction when he heard her giggle "A little higher! I have almost got it!" Vayu was hoisting her up while she tried to reach the red flowers atop a tree. Once she managed to grasp the branch, she tenderly removed some of the flowers and added "Put me down now."

Once on her feet, she offered the flowers to Vayu. He was confused "Why are you giving them to me?"

"These are for you!" she replied, smiling brightly.

When he asked uncertainly "What am I to do with these?", she pouted "I picked them for you... taking so much effort! And you don't even appreciate it!"

"You took the efforts?? I did all the heavy lifting!" he reflexively snorted.

She glared back "I am fat??"

"When did I say that??" Vayu scowled.

"Raja-sa, you just said that I am heavy..." she countered with hands on her hips.

Chuckling softly, he responded "Well, you are hardly light as a feather!"

"If I was like a feather... I would have flown away, and you would have never caught hold of me! So, be thankful that I am not like a feather!" she poked out her tongue.

Slipping his arms around her waist, he asserted "No. You couldn't have flown away from me." Before she could present another argument, he leaned and whispered huskily against her ear "Because you would need Vayu to fly! Only I can help you fly."

"O ho... that's just your name... you are not really-" she stopped abruptly.

Nuzzling her ear, he demanded "I am not what?? Say it."

Pulling a little away, she protested "You know, I can't say it! It's not right to..." and then suddenly realising that they were not on their own, she pushed him away "Your men must be watching!"

"Only the ones who wish to lose their eyes." He muttered darkly.

A quick perusal established that nobody was looking in their direction. But the intimacy of the moment was gone.

As they headed back to the horses, Harinakshi addressed him "Earlier, I gave you the flowers wishing to thank you." When he questioningly raised an eyebrow, she continued "I... well, all of us at Dasi Mahal, appreciate the extra provisions that were sent this morning."

When he just nodded in reply, she added "I wanted to broach the topic with you... but Bhanumati Masi said Rajmata-sa looks after those arrangements... so-"

"It's still my responsibility. You need not worry, and it will not be problem in the future." He brusquely put the topic to rest.

* * *

(Hello dearies, 

Hope you all are doing well and enjoyed this update! Do share your thoughts. I will be eagerly waiting 😊

Have an awesome week ahead!

Lots of love, May)