A few days later, some workers arrived in Dasi Mahal to carry out the much-needed refurbishments.

Hari and the other inhabitants got busy pointing out the windows that didn't close properly, or the parts of the roof that leaked, even during the in-frequent rains. Walls were whitewashed, fences mended, some extra cupboards were built for the pantry. A new shed was added in the backyard to store the provisions for Hari's goats and chickens.

Another development that happened during this period was that people from the nearby areas started approaching Harinakshi for help with aliments with their cattle and other tamed animals. It started with Neera advising her cousin to talk to Harinakshi about the wound in his donkey's leg which was taking exceptionally long to heal. When the paste ground by Hari hastened the recovery, word spread. Soon others starting timidly requesting an audience with Harinakshi Bai-sa to discuss their issues when their own attempts at treating the animals failed.

Vayu was both intrigued, and pleased to note that she was applying her learning.

One evening when he arrived, Vayu presented her with a bamboo basket holding a cute kitten. It was mostly white, with some patches of black ear it's ears and nose.

When she smirked "Another gift?! I thought you weren't planning to gift me anymore animals...", he winked "This isn't for you. You are just supposed to look after it." Noting her confusion, he playfully added "It is for me. Something to help explain the scratches a supposed wild cat often leaves on my back when I visit Dasi Mahal."

Feeling flustered, she drew the odhani partially over her face and muttered "You could have just told me... there was no need for an actual cat. I will try to be more careful..."

Tenderly cupping her face, he spoke "There is no need for you to stop being yourself. I wasn't reprimanding you... or your actions. I only meant to tease you."

Scowling at the kitten, Harinakshi pouted "Just to let you know... I am not too fond of cats. They are far too temperamental and lax with their loyalty..."

"I haven't forgotten that you have always wanted a dog of your own. It was meant to be a surprise. But since it is taking longer than expected, know that I have ordered a puppy for you. It will be the same breed as Shera. I know his size intrigues you... and it greatly irks you that he refuses to warm up to you."

"One just like Shera?!" she squealed loudly, startling the kitten. Keenly aware of the audience, controlling the urge to embrace him that very second, she bestowed him with an extra bright smile.

Vayu soon realised that, despite not being particularly fond of cats, Harinakshi couldn't stay away from the kitten.

The little one was named 'Chanchal' as it was hard to keep track of its whereabouts in Dasi Mahal. On the nights when Vayu couldn't make it to Dasi Mahal, though rare, Chanchal would curl up atop an old blanket that Hari lined his basket with and sleep at the foot of her bed.

***

A couple of weeks went by. And though not much changed between Hari and Vayu, some challenges did arise. 

It was soon clear to Hari that Vayu did not wish to revisit the topic of his engagement, time and again. As per him - he had already shared everything and addressed all her doubts. So, what more was there to be said?! 

But she found it hard to overlook the demons supposedly laying asleep in a corner. Because it was clear that they wouldn't stay dormant forever.

Every now and then, Harinakshi would find herself making a biting remark or questioning him about hypothetical scenarios like – How can you be sure that you won't fall for her once she becomes your wife? Or what if I am waiting here for you and she says that she wishes to eat dinner with you? Or how many nights will you come to me? Or what will you do if she makes you a Paan? Promise me, you will never eat a Paan made by anyone else!

Vayu was increasingly harrowed by her questions. For, despite answering most of them to the best of his ability, she always seemed unconvinced by his response. Also, in some instances, he had absolutely no idea about how he would deal with those situations.

Often, he found himself desperately daydreaming that someone would find a long-hidden treasure which he could use to replay Udaygadh's debt and free himself of the engagement!

Once, he even ordered a thorough evaluation of whatever could be easily spared from the kingdom's treasury and of his personal assets too. Only to re-confirm, what he was already aware of, – the debt against Udaygadh could not be settled.

Also, whilst in the palace, his mother continued challenging his decision about Harinakshi. Often, Vaidehi kept on harping about the injustice he was meting out to Samidha.

On one occasion, after Vaidehi had delivered another lecture on the importance of integrity, Vayu challenged her "What about my integrity and duty towards Harinakshi?! Why do you choose to overlook the fact that I have accepted her as my wife."

"God knows what sort of black magic she has cast on you! Have you forgotten you are the Raja of Sudhagadh?!" his mother scoffed.

Vayu humourlessly chuckled "Oh believe me... I cannot forget it even for a moment! Do you think I would have willingly chosen this life? I hope, at least in the next one, God will spare me this prison and let me be free to live a simple life, all for myself!"

***

So, the moment an ally reached out for some assistance, instead of sending a battalion led by one of his generals, Vayu choose to lead it himself.

His attempt to momentarily escape the friction with the two women in his life was not lost on either of them.

Only difference was, while Vaidehi was relieved by the distance between the young couple, Harinakshi was extremely annoyed and bid him a farewell with a frowning face. All his attempts to elicit a smile from her failed.

The day after he had left Sudhagadh, Hari immediately started regretting her behaviour. Didn't I once tell him that farewells should always be sweet? Why can't I stop dwelling on the future and just enjoy the present?! Why do I always keep provoking him?? Hey Ram... what if he gets tired of my behaviour and stops visiting even before her arrival in the palace?

Seeing her forlorn state, the inhabitants of Dasi Mahal tried to divert her attention to the best of their abilities. Kanta often spoke to her of Chandanpur and tried to reminisce about the days from the kotha. Bhanumati tried to get her to participate in the preparation of papads and pickles. Even Tarika occasionally invited her to pray with her. But Hari found it hard to concentrate on anything.

Only Kasthuri seemed to achieve some amount of success. Often, she would join Hari in looking after the animals. Then one day, she reminded Hari about her initial idea of planting some new plants around the estate. This resulted in a spurt of energy and for the next few days Hari diligently worked on planning and planting new vegetable patches and some fruit trees. Whilst they worked alongside each other, Kasthuri would ramble on about the books she had read or the few places she had visited during her childhood years. Hari would mostly listen and nod, occasionally interjecting a question or remark. But Hari's silence did not deter Kasthuri and she continued her lively chatter.

Chanchal would occasionally rub against Hari's legs before wandering off in search of mice and small birds.

The only times when Hari seemed to forget her problems was when someone arrived seeking her assistance with treating their animals. When it was not possible to explain the issue well enough or bring the animal over, the villagers would request her to visit their home and examine it there. Slowly, but surely, her reputation as a healer grew. And with it, the respect in the hearts of the citizens too. Despite her objections, when she refused to accept any monetary reimbursement, they would gift her vegetables, fruits, eggs, pickles, chutneys or whatever else they deemed valuable.

***

Then one morning, unexpectedly, a bullock cart arrived, bringing with it some much needed cheer.

"Harinakshi Jiji!" screeching loudly, Kamal ran to the backyard where Hari was supervising a weeding session.

Stunned by his arrival, Hari exclaimed "What are you doing here?!"

"Kaka has brought me and Madho to visit you. And we have brought Hanuman too! Shardul bhai-sa said it's time we let him fly away. But I wanted you to see him fly away too. I have already told him that he must fly to Ayodhya!" Kamal prattled on.

After Hari had greeted Bhiku kaka, the older man explained "I have been assigned to the troops at our Northern border for the next few months. We will be leaving in a few days. I thought it would be a good idea to visit you, as the boys often talk of you."

"Jiji, first come see how big Hanuman has grown!" Kamal dragged her to where Madho stood with a cage in his hand. Though the Myna inside was average sized, Hari assured Kamal that it was the biggest Myna she had ever seen and that it would surely reach Ayodhya.

The day passed pleasantly, as all the female residents of Dasi Mahal fussed over the boys, especially Kamal.

Post lunch when the guests were resting, Harinakshi sneaked away with Hanuman's cage to a shady spot in the garden and cooed to it to her hearts content. Though the bird did not follow a word, she poured out her heart "Raja-sa has been gone for almost ten days now and he hasn't sent me a single word! And there was absolutely no reason for him to go away. And yet, he did. Just to stay away from Sudhagadh. Like I don't understand what he is trying to do! Do you think I am wrong to worry about another woman entering his life? Why doesn't he understand that I can't share him! Just the thought pierces my heart! But nobody seems to understand... if I say a word to Kanta, she just tells me that I should be thankful that he is so good to me otherwise. Bhanumati Masi says - she understands my fears but that I must learn to live with them."

Squinting at the sun peeking through the foliage overhead, she continued after a pause "Kasthuri says when he can't come here, she will ensure we have lots of fun activities planned. She really is strange... I mean, how can I possibly have fun here while he is away with someone else?? Just because she did not love her Raja-sa, and wasn't bothered about the other women, am I supposed to be uncaring like her too?!"

Rolling her eyes, she uttered in a lower voice "Hey Ram... she talks so much! Don't tell anyone, but often my mind wanders away and I don't hear half of what she said!" And then immediately added, sounding apologetic "But she is a good person... and a good friend."

Completely ignoring her, Hanuman continued watching the chickens running around the yard, chasing one which had caught a juicy, plump worm.

That night, Chanchal was temporarily banished from Hari's Chamber, and Kamal and Hanuman slept there.

The next morning, opening the door, Kamal set Hanuman free while Hari held the cage. As the watchers cheered, the bird tentatively flew around the terrace for a bit and then disappeared in the direction of the some far away trees, leaving behind two boys and their Jiji with moist eyes.

Hari stood awhile in the terrace, smiling nostalgically, wondering how Raja-sa would have teased her about their Hanuman flying away. He will probably claim all the credit for Hanuman being able to fly too!

Few hours later, Bhikaji and his boys said their goodbyes with the promise to come visit when they returned to Sudhagadh from the new assignment.

The two days spent with the visitors brought much-needed relief to Hari and lifted her spirits.

***

But a couple of days later, Hari woke-up from a nightmare in the wee hours of the morning. Her heart was pounding, and the choli was drenched in sweat. She couldn't recall the exact vision, just that Vayu had been injured. The belief that pre-dawn dreams often come true, left her even more distraught.

When she confessed her fears to Bhanumati, the elder woman advised "Go and offer prayers for him at the Durga temple. She is the royal family's Kul-Devi."

"Do you really think it will help?" Hari asked hopefully.

As Bhanumati encouragingly nodded, Kasthuri eagerly offered "I will accompany you. We can make into a fun day out. There is a nice market near the temple. We can go shopping too and pick up some pretty bangles and payals for you! And we can bring back some sweets for everyone."

Bhanumati agreed "Yes, dress up nicely and go have some fun! It's not good for young girls to be coped up in one place all the time. Harinakshi, come. I will get the pooja thali ready for you. I too used to go the temple once a month to pray for Raja-sa..."

Whilst readying for the visit to the temple, Hari insisted on a harried Kanta opening almost every chest and bundle in her room in search of a specific piece of jewellery. After an almost hour-long search, a tiny cloth bag was found. Some of her unease faded as she slipped on the silver nose pin which Vayu had once gifted her. Along with the worms for Hanuman!

***

In another chamber, bubbling with excitement, Kasthuri stood surveying the trunk filled with her nicer clothes. It had been long since she had felt like properly dressing up.

In the past, Raja-sa would sometimes take her out in his carriage, or at times he would just send the carriage for her to visit the marketplace.

A ride to the market couldn't be considered as a major event, but Kasthuri used to love dressing up. She always spent a lot of time deciding her outfit and accessories for the day. Though she had never confessed it to anyone, there was a certain charming shop in the market that her feet were always drawn to. Or had she found the shopkeeper charming??

Then during one visit, after Raja-sa passed away, she had discovered that the shopkeeper had moved to another village. Since that day, both the marketplace and dressing-up had lost its allure for Kasthuri.

It was only recently, after watching the young Raja-sa and Harinakshi together, that her heart had once again started humming a forgotten tune. The heated glances the young couple exchanged had melted the ice in her veins. Even watching them from afar, she could feel the longing pulsating in her belly.

Finally, she decided on a beautiful red ghagra that has been laying at the bottom of her trunk, untouched for far too long.

***

As Harinakshi, Kasthuri and Kanta waved from the bullock-cart, Bhanumati shook her head in slight disappointment at Hari's stubbornness.

But it was soon forgotten as her thoughts returned to more important things – I hope the Goddess is pleased with the Prasad sent... and I soon receive some news of Abha!

While Kasthuri and Kanta chattered, Hari mostly started at the surroundings.

The temple was located on a small hill on the outskirts of the main town of Sudhagadh. Though they did not pass through the town centre, her eyes eagerly soaked in what they could of Sudhagadh.

A strange energy coursed through her – I am in his town... where he was born! He must have ridden through these same streets on countless occasions. All these residents... they are his people.

The never-before-seen roads and structures felt strangely familiar.

She smiled softly thinking how she had started feeling an indescribable connection to everything linked to him. Her smile soon dropped, recalling the scary vision from the previous night.

Though it was early in the day, the marketplace at the foot of the hill was bustling. Their cart stopped at some distance under the shade of a big Peepal tree. As they walked towards the spot where the path winding up towards the temple started, Kasthuri started pointing out the shops they ought to visit after offering their prayers.

"Is the temple always guarded so heavily??" Hari enquired, as they passed about ten soldiers stationed near the beginning of the path.

Kasthuri was baffled too "It's unusual..."

As they started climbing the steep incline, Kasthuri muttered "Seems like something is happening... the activity is more than expected on a normal day. It's not a religious or fasting day that so many people would be visiting. Let's ask someone."

Hari's heart started fluttering wildly, when one of the vendors selling some fruit at the side shared "Rajmata-sa is up at the temple to offer thanks. Word arrived this morning that a third son has been born to princess Daksha."

Her first thought was – Raja-sa will be very pleased to hear Jiji-sa had borne another son! But that thought quickly slipped to the back of her mind as a bigger predicament arose.

"What should we do?? Is it still okay for us to visit the temple??" Kanta voiced the dilemma that has arisen in Hari's heart too.

Hari stood nibbling on her lower lip for a bit but the pooja thali in her hands provided the necessary motivation. Shaking away all apprehensions, she replied "We have come here to pray, just like everyone else. So, we will go up and worship the Goddess."

Then she added, almost to convince herself "She won't even see us!"

Kasthuri muttered "Doesn't matter, whether she see us or not... she will definitely learn of the presence of the women from Dasi Mahal." Hesitantly, she continued "Harinakshi, I think you should pay her your respects...  or at least convey your wish to do so. Else, it will be misinterpreted as a slight. Don't antagonise her, unnecessarily."

Though Kasthuri's advise seemed sensible, apprehension swirled in Hari's belly at the thought of encountering his mother and her possible reactions.

For the next fifteen minutes or so, they trudged up the hill in relative silence. All the while, Hari tried to bolster her morale by reminding herself – What can she possibly do? It's not like she can stop Raja-sa from seeing me... and he isn't even here! I don't think she will do anything big... after all, she will not want to make a spectacle of us. I am sure, she won't be looking forward to meeting me either... So, she will most probably refuse an audience! In which case, I would have done the needful and Raja-sa won't find any fault with me!

The self-talk must have worked, at least to some extent. For, when Kasthuri pointed out the regal, elder woman dressed in ivory silks and pearls, accompanied by her entourage, already on her way down, Hari stopped at a distance and sent Kanta ahead with the request.

One of Vaidehi's attendants hesitantly approached the elderly lady, "Rajmata-sa, this is a servant from Dasi Mahal. Her mistress, Harinakshi, is here to pray and begs an audience with you. She would like to pay her respects."

Vaidehi's gaze landed on the two women standing at some distance.

While one nervously fidgeted with her Pooja thali, the other one nonchalantly met her gaze. There was an air of indifference about her. Like she was confident that Vaidehi couldn't do her any harm.

Rajmata's expression hardened – Wishes to pay her respects? Does she consider herself respectable enough that I would meet with her?! She has entrapped Vayu with her beauty and now looks so proud of her achievement! I never realised my son was so gullible that he would fall for someone older and experienced in the art of seduction!

She was about to refuse the request, but then curiosity got better of her. Especially, considering she had received a letter from Sompura a few days back. The Thakur's mother had written to her thanking for the gifts received on her granddaughter's wedding. Most of the letter had been filled with the humdrum news. But one line had stood out – We are extremely happy that Raja-sa could grace the occasion, as well as for the opportunity get to know his charming companion. Since then, Vaidehi had been trying to figure out why the old woman had thought it necessary to mention Harinakshi and decode the meaning behind the word charming.

Plus, she was a firm believer that knowing your enemy gives one a better chance of defeating them.

Hari waited with bated breath, till Kanta returned and shared "Rajmata-sa will be distributing alms and meeting any petitioners in the area set up below. You may pay your respects there."

Though they paled at the insinuation, both the women bowed a little in Vaidehi's direction and then proceeded up the hill. Hari's, already anxious, heart grew more troubled at the prospect of the possible outcomes of their meeting. Hey Ram... why did I have to listen to Kasthuri?! Even if Rajmata-sa had somehow learnt of my being here today... she couldn't have sure whether I was aware of her presence... She doesn't seem keen to meet me anyways. What am I about to get into?!

But now that she had already made the first move, there was no going back.

On reaching the top, she admired the old stone structure, letting its strength seep into her bones. Reminding herself that inside that sanctuary, in front the Goddess, all women are equal, she entered.

On entering the temple, all apprehensions momentarily forgotten, Hari venerated Durga. The pooja thali included items usually offered to the Goddess; vermillion, sandalwood, jasmine gajras, glass bangles and sweets.

The serene yet enigmatic expression on Durga's face, flooded Hari's heart with calmness. The weapons in all her hands reminded Hari of the courage and bravery women are capable of. And the lion the Goddess rode struck a chord too; to Hari is seemed a depiction of a woman's ability to tame and even command the wilderness out in the world. Above all, Durga was a symbol that all the powerful men and Gods, when helpless, had turned to a woman for salvation.

Bowing her head, Hari prayed for Vayu's safe return. She also prayed that, though her place in his life might be contentious for the world, Vayu may never forsake her.

On returning to the foot of the scared mount, the trio asked around and then found their way towards the area where Rajmata-sa was seeing her subjects in the temporarily setup pendal. The white cloth of the tent, now beige from years of use, lightly fluttered in the breeze.

Seeing the long queue winding outside the pendal, Kasthuri grumpily muttered "Why couldn't she just let us greet her for a minute while on the hill?? Does she not realise that you already have Raja-sa?! What else can she possibly give you in alms?" Then she scoffed "Maybe she plans to ask you for something instead!"

What can I possibly give her?? Hari dismally shook her head. But then she started wondering – But greeting her empty handed will not seem apt too... especially since it's the first time. What would have Bai-sa asked me to do??

"Please hold our place in the queue. Kanta and I will go have a look around." Hari requested Kasthuri and set out to explore the marketplace. Though lively and filled with many merchants displaying a wide array of wares, most of the articles were everyday use items. And none that seemed an appropriate gift for the Rajmata of Sudhagadh.

Hari has started feeling rather disheartened when a stall caught her eye. Her eyes sparkled – Well, with Daksha Jiji-sa's safe delivery, today is a happy occasion for his family! And didn't he tell me...

***

As she handed out a parcel of grain to an old woman, Vaidehi's eyes impatiently scanned the crowd lining up to meet her till she spotted the women from Dasi Mahal at the back. So, she didn't run away?? Good. Though, I am surprised at her keenness and tenacity... Let's see how keen she is.

Unlike Vaidehi, her attendants were feeling apprehensive about word getting back to Raja-sa that his favoured woman had been kept waiting for long amongst the commoners. One of them approached Vaidehi "Rajmata-sa, there are still many people ahead of Harinakshi Bai-sa. Shall we call her forward?" But Vaidehi shook her head in negation.

After well over an hour of shuffling very slowly, the habitants of Dasi Mahal reached the front of the queue.

But to Vaidehi's surprise, instead of the fair, tall woman who was donning rubies and dressed in an expensive red ghagra, the younger woman, dressed in a much simpler dark-green cotton lehenga coupled with a red bandhej odhani and mostly silver ornaments stepped forward.

Falling to her knees in front of Vaidehi, she proceeded to massage Vaidehi's feet and uttered "Khamma Ghani, Rajmata-sa. Though unplanned, I am very glad of this opportunity to pay my respects."

Before Hari's hands to move to her calves to complete the Dhok, Vaidehi pulled back her feet and enquired suspiciously. "Who are you??"

Blinking in confusion, and not sure how exactly to introduce herself, the young woman at her feet responded, "I am Harinakshi."

"Then who is she??" Vaidehi asked gesturing at the elegant looking woman a few steps behind.

"She is Kasthuri." Harinakshi mumbled back.

Vaidehi's jaw clenched hearing that name. So, she is the last one he had added to his collection in Dasi Mahal!

Purposefully diverting her gaze away from Kasthuri, Vaidehi focussed it on Harinakshi.

The girl, who was looking up at her with beautiful doe-like eyes, didn't appear as exceptionally striking at the first glance. But it was easy to see her charm as one looked at her for longer. The heart-shaped face was graced with sweetness, and the kajal lined eyes lacked duplicity. Either she is truly naïve or a very good actor!

But Vaidehi was baffled by her attire. Why is she dressed like this?? Didn't Vayu shower her with silks and jewels? Does this mean all those reports of her apparently always playing with animals are true? Just how old is this girl??

Vaidehi peered closely at Hari – Well, looks old enough.... But what is it that draws Vayu to her? So much so that he has been standing up against me! Well, its time she learnt of her insignificance.

Whilst being subjected to the elderly woman's scrutiny, Hari recalled Bhanumati annoyance from earlier when she had refused dress up like Kasthuri. But after the unsettling dream, Hari had wanted to don the clothes and ornaments received from him, almost like wanting to create a semblance of being cocooned in his embrace. Hey Raam... what did I know that I would be running into his mother today! And now she is looking at me like I am something abnormal... probably wondering if I am really Raja-sa's woman...

It must have been just under a minute as Hari sat at Rajmata-sa's feet, awaiting her response, but it felt like much longer. And with every passing moment her composure started slipping away. Till all that was left behind was very tight bundle of nerves.

Finally, Vaidehi motioned for a bag of grain and held it out to Harinakshi.

Hari wasn't sure what she should have expected of this meeting. But she hadn't been prepared for this absolute indifference. For a moment, she considered countering that Dasi Mahal did not require the alms and that there were others who truly needed them. But then reminding herself that she sat before her Raja-sa's mother, she held out her odhani "Thank you for your blessings."

Whilst an astounded Vaidehi contemplated on how the girl had turned the intended slight into a blessing, Harinakshi handed the bag to Kasthuri and then gestured to Kanta. Taking a bamboo basket from her, she forwarded it to Vaidehi.

Looking down her nose, the older woman addressed one of her attendants "Looks like there has been confusion... do the people lining up not realise that I am here to distribute gifts, not the other way around?!"

For a moment Hari faltered, but then forced her lips into a polite smile "Rajmata-sa, this can hardly be considered a gift. It is just something to celebrate the joyous occasion of Jiji-sa being blessed with a healthy baby."

Noting how the young woman had casually claimed her connection with the family by referring to Daksha as Jiji-sa, Vaidehi's lips pressed into a thin line.

But she was even more shocked when, drawing back the red muslin, Harinakshi revealed the contents of the basket "Please except these sweets with my congratulations and best wishes for the baby."

Then as a sweet, genuine smile played on Harinakshi's lips, the dimples in her cheeks were revealed. In that moment, Vaidehi couldn't overlook the appeal that must have caught her son's eye. The small, silver, floral nose pin, somehow accentuated her natural, girlish beauty. With a faraway look in her eyes, which now twinkled at the memory, Hari softly added "Raja-sa once mentioned that you are fond of Dilkushar. That you craved it when you were expecting him... I hope you enjoy it today too, on the arrival of a new addition to the family."

Vayu talks to her so much! To the extent of sharing my pregnancy cravings?? What else has he shared?! While Vaidehi sat stunned into silence, Harinakshi, unsure of what should be her next step, demurely sat at her feet for a few more seconds. Finally, she awkwardly enquired "May I take your leave? There was many still awaiting their turn to pay their respects."

Following a slight nod from Vaidehi, Harinakshi rose to her feet, bowed deeply and walked away with her companions.

Though keen to stay aloof, Vaidehi couldn't stop her eyes from following Harinakshi as she threaded her way through the crowd to the exit. The way the girl carried herself exuded a quiet confidence and poise. Her back straight, and chin jutting out, she seemed enterally comfortable in her own skin. And yet, she seemed so approachable, as she quickly apologised to an elderly woman for accidently bumping into her. Vaidehi did not miss how several people assembled conversed among themselves in hushed tone, gesturing in Harinakshi's direction. Some offered her a slight bow too, and a couple approached her for a quick word. Unease swirled in the older woman's gut.

After the unexpected encounter, neither woman from Dasi Mahal was in the mood for any shopping. Hence, they decided to head back right away.

All the way back to Dasi Mahal, Hari mulled over the meeting with Rajmata-sa. The elder woman's every look, word, and gesture was dissected. She had never been under some illusion that Rajmata-sa would welcome her with open arms, and yet the cold shoulder during the encounter had affected her much more than expected. And she desperately hoped that her Raja-sa would come back soon and make all the hurt go away.

***

(Hi Everyone,

Happy 2023 to all of you! Hope you had a fantastic time celebrating the NYE with friends and family. God bless.

How did you find this chapter and the meeting between Vaidehi and Harinakshi?

Hope you enjoyed Hanuman's little reappearance before he set out for his adventures! 😊

Take care.

Lots of love, May)