It was almost mid-day, by the time the pooja was concluded. The priests and their disciples were served lunch first, and only after that did the royal family eat as well.

After watching Vayu wince for the umpteenth time, Vaidehi addressed Malhar "I think it's high time the king takes some time out for himself. A break from all the duties of state will allow him some time to heal and restore his strength."

"Maa-sa, the wound isn't too deep. It will heal in a week or two." Vayu tried to object, but his mother's mind was set.

"You have been working and travelling non-stop for the past couple of years. Time away will do you good. Take Rudra with you and go to the palace in the north. Unburden your mind and enjoy some leisure with your cousin. In fact, invite some of your friends to join as well. Devar-sa and I will manage in your absence."

The notion of some time away from his duties did hold appeal. His mother was very pleased when, after mulling on it for a bit, he conceded "Maa-sa, I will consider your advice, but let me first discuss a few things with Krushanu."

But Vaidehi's relief and joy at having succeeded at her agenda to keep Vayu away from Dasi Mahal was very short-lived, when he shared few hours later, in the presence of Malhar and few other ministers "I have decided to oblige with Rajmata-sa's wishes and step away from the duties of the kingdom for a few weeks. But, considering the on-going issues in the bordering areas, my heart will not be at ease staying at a distance at the palace in the north. Instead, I have decided to move to Dasi Mahal for some time."

Vaidehi was quick to voice her objections "That will be highly inappropriate! You cannot make it your official residence even for a short time. It will convey the wrong impression to your subjects and Dasi Mahal cannot be deemed as a seat of power!"

But the king's mind was made up, "Maa-sa, I think you are reading too much into it. Why would anyone consider Dasi Mahal as the seat of power? After all, I am stepping away from the royal duties. I have already advised Krushanu to start looking into the necessary arrangements."

Turing to Rudra, he continued "I will be only too happy if you join me there, but I doubt you will find the place has much to offer in terms of entertainment."

Controlling his urge to laugh aloud at his cousin's attempt at diplomacy, Rudra bowed slightly "Raja-sa, thank you for the invitation, but I would like to take this time to take mother to visit her brothers. She has been missing them terribly these last few months."

"Of course. Please convey my regards to your maternal uncles and their families." Vayu nodded and addressed Malhar "Kaka-sa, I will head there tomorrow post-lunch but please feel free to send word to me if anything requires my urgent attention."

* * *

To begin with, Hari was over the moon when Krushanu arrived with the news of kings planned move, accompanied by about two dozen men and a few carts laden with what was deemed as essentials for the king's stay. Standing in the porch, she happily observed the king's right hand issue orders to the men in the courtyard.

But her excitement ebbed when Satpal rushed to share "Bai-sa, I have just learnt that Raja-sa has been injured during a clash with some bandits. Fortunately, the wound isn't big but-"

Before he could utter another word, she hurried down the stairs to Krushanu "Why am I hearing of his injuries from Satpal?! Do you not deem it important to inform me of his health?"

"Raja-sa did not wish me to worry you." The young man replied offhandedly.

She snapped back "Even if it is worrisome, I wish to be appraised of everything related to him!"

Krushanu narrowed his eyes "Forgive me, but I take orders only from my king. Only his wishes matter."

"Being kept abreast of my husband's wellbeing is my right." squaring her shoulders, she glared back.

Momentarily taken aback, he stood staring at this new avatar of Harinakshi. Her interest in his king had come a long way - from the girl who had barely spared Vayu a glance on joining the camp. But, as he recalled the time when she had dictated her set of demands for Vayu in the kotha, he realised that her fiery side had always been simmering just under the surface.

Smirking slightly, he responded "Though, I do not recall it being one of your demands that Raja-sa agreed to, I will make an exception on this occasion. The wound to his arm is not too deep. And luckily, he did not sustain any other injuries during the attack. Of course, the bandits, who ambushed him while he was alone, will not consider themselves lucky and must be burning in hell as we speak!"

"Why was he alone?! Where were you? Or the rest of his army??" nostrils flared, she demanded.

He shrugged "Well, usually the king prefers to bathe alone." And then continued in a mocking tone, "But, if you wish, I will let him know that her highness Harinakshi wishes that he shouldn't be allowed any privacy."

"That is not what I mean... you are twisting my words!" she huffed and headed back in muttering "I will speak to him myself... I don't need you to convey any messages between us."

He silently rolled his eyes and returned his focus to the tasks at hand.

After much consideration, Krushanu chose a lounge on the ground floor to be used as a temporary office. A few tables, chairs and a couple of crates filled with scrolls were soon set-up in that room.

As she watched the preparations, Hari frowned – What sort of vacation requires an elaborately set up work area?? Especially, when he is supposed to recuperate...

The rest of the day passed in a frenzy for Hari. Much had to be done around the haweli to accommodate the two dozen men who would be stationed there over the coming weeks, along with Vayu.

That evening, Hari stood at her window and gazed at the road, bemoaning that fact that he had decided to spend the night in the palace rather than rushing to Dasi Mahal.

Her heart was filled with a melancholy that would be voiced by a Nightingale many centuries later –

Raina beeti jaye, Shyam na aaye
Raina beeti jaye..

Kis sautan ne roki dagariya
Kis sautan ne roki dagariya
Kis bairan se laagi nazariya
Nindiya na aaye, nindiya na aaye

Raina beeti jaye, Shyam na aaye...

She fretted about his wound all through the night, barely managing to fall asleep for a few hours close to dawn.

* * *

The next afternoon when Vayu arrived, seeing he was in a carriage instead of on horseback, Hari's anxiety reached new levels.

Rushing forward, she uttered, as he stepped down from the carriage "Khamma Ghani, Raja-sa! How could this happen?! Is your wounded arm causing much pain? Please don't move it till it is completely healed. All you need to do is call for me. And I have already kept the poultice ready as Vaidya-sa had taught me. I have also ordered the kitchen to cook a special broth for you, it will help with the recovery. Maybe I should setup a bedchamber for you downstairs..."

"Take a breath! It's not that bad. Shall we head inside first?" Vayu coloured a little at all her fussing, in the presence of his men.

Just then, jumping out of a trailing cart, Shera inquisitively ran around the yard for a bit. He suspiciously sniffed at Hari's feet, probably wondering why he frequently smelt her on Vayu, before returning to his master's side and woofing aloud as if questioning where they were.

After patting the dog with his good arm, Vayu shushed him "Calm down... we will be living here now." Calling for an attendant, Vayu instructed "Walk him around the grounds and familiarise him with the animals, else he will continue creating a ruckus."

Turning to Krushanu, he spoke "You may leave now. I will see you tomorrow."

"Raja-sa, let me show you the work chamber set up for you." Krushanu nodded. And then after flashing a fake smile at Harinakshi, he addressed Vayu again "I will make any adjustments as you wish before I leave."

Vayu frowned fleetingly, wondering if he had imagined the unnecessary emphasis on the words 'as you wish'. Discarding the thought, he uttered "Yes, let's do that."

Hari stood at the entrance of the workspace, fidgeting with her odhani, as Krushanu explained what was already arranged on the tables and the contents of various chests.

After two minutes of glaring at Krushanu, who seemed to be enjoying her ire, she addressed Vayu, scowling a little "Raja-sa, I wish you to completely rest today. Krushanu-sa can show you all this tomorrow, or even better... next week!"

Amused by her authoritative behaviour, Vayu winked at his friend "Your Bhabhi-sa has spoken. I think it will be in our best interests to do as told."

After bestowing Krushanu with a triumphant smile, Harinakshi softly addressed Vayu "Raja-sa, rest assured, all my wishes will always be in your best interest. Please get comfortable in your bedchamber, I will shortly bring you the broth."

Sometime later, after he was settled upstairs, she brought him the broth. As she insisted on feeding it to him, Vayu answered an endless stream of questions from her about the attack.

"Why did you have the dagger on you while swimming?! I mean, I am glad that you did... but why??" She asked wide-eyed. Caressing her cheek with the fingers of his uninjured hand, he muttered "Just because, I was missing you a great deal."

Her eyes glistened, hearing that the dagger which had bonded them in matrimony had also been the instrument of his safe return to her. For the first time ever, she felt fondness for the weapon which had belonged to her father. When she was fleeing, her mother had insisted that she take it and advised 'Someday, give it to the man your heart deems worthy of your love.'

When Hari had handed it to Vayu, as per Chandrika's instructions, he had not occupied even a corner of her heart. But now, her heart was overflowing with love for him.

Maa-sa, you would have liked him. He is just what you had wished for me – a young, honourable, loving man, with a heart of gold. I couldn't have found anyone more worthy of my love had I travelled to every corner of this world!

Swallowing the lump gathering at the back of her throat, Hari urged him "Please finish the last of the broth and then nap for some time. Later, we can sit in the terrace or play a board game... whatever you wish."

* * *

That evening, she constantly ran up and down the stairs; sometimes to fetch him broth or fruit, sometimes to oversee the boiling of the muslin to be used for bandaging his wound and sometimes to grind a new batch of herbs to be applied as a poultice. Despite Vayu's numerous reminders that his attendants were perfectly capable of carrying out most of the tasks, she insisted on doing it all.

When he huffed, frazzled by her fussing, "You are treating me like an invalid! Apart from the slight ache, I am perfectly fine!"

"Well, I am not fine! That arrow could have just as easily pierced your chest or belly or..." she scowled back. "No wonder, I had that terrible nightmare! Good thing, I listened to Bhanumati Masi and went to offer prayers to the family deity." After a moment of silence, she muttered "Once you are a little better, I will visit the temple again to thank the Goddess for your safe return."

Suddenly she asked him with an expectant look "Did Rajmata-sa say anything about me??"

Recalling his mother's implications that Harinakshi's presence in his life was bringing him bad luck, he shrugged dismissively "Why would she talk about you..."

Looking a little sullen, she muttered "Well, I thought, she might have... considering I gifted her with her favourite sweet. But maybe she didn't taste it... yes, she must have probably given it away to her attendants. I should have known that she won't eat it... but it was the day we heard the news of Jiji-sa's new baby. So-"

"One moment! How and when did you gift her sweets? Did you send it to the palace??" he was confounded by her mutterings.

"O ho... why would I send it? I gave them to her when we met in the temple that day... She was there distributing alms. And I was there to offer prayers for you."

Vayu exclaimed "You actually met Maa-sa?! In person?? Did you two talk? Did she know recognise you??"

"Didn't I just say just that?? I hope she recognised me... considering I introduced myself to her!" she pouted.

Shaking his head, he instructed "Share everything from the very beginning. And very slowly!"

And so, Hari shared the details of her encounter with his mother during the temple visit. At the end, she dispassionately uttered "If she didn't mention the meeting, maybe she doesn't think me worth mentioning or just not important enough in your life."

Entwining their fingers, Vayu kissed her knuckles "She knows you are extremely important. As does everyone who knows me. What else would anyone infer from my staying here??" 

Her dimples blossomed at his reassurance.

* * *

Over the next couple of days, Dasi Mahal settled into a new routine. Well, maybe not so much of a routine... because Hari ensured that everyone dropped whatever they were doing to immediately cater to whatever her Raja-sa wished for!

The other dwellers of Dasi Mahal were also mostly delighted by Raja-sa's stay. For with so many people living under the roof, the atmosphere turned very lively.

Days were filled with much activity, and everyone was always busy. Kanta and Neera with seemingly unending chores. Bhanumati was caught up in overseeing the preparation of nutritious meals for the king. Kasthuri assisted Bhanumati when she was not sneaking envious glances at the young couple.

Tarika too reduced the time spent in her chamber and helped a bit more around the haweli, or at least took the soldiers to task for creating too much smoke in the backyard or for the loud chatter that bothered her during the time reserved for her prayers.

And then, there was the on-going game of chase between Shera and Chanchal. Both the animals had taken a keen interest in each other. Chanchal would sneak up on Shera wherever he lay, nudge with him with paw and then scamper up the nearest tree, wall or furniture. Shera would then incessantly bark at him for the next five minutes! Their antics become a source of much amusement for all the observers.

At nights, the lively banter between the soldiers continued for long and even after everyone had returned to bed, the silence was occasionally broken by the guards calling out the hour. And of course, Shera bouts of barking!

If Hari's goats and chickens felt neglected, they did not complain much. Or perhaps they were getting too much unwarranted attention from the guards now crowding the yard!

Vayu often stood in one of the balconies overlooking the courtyard, the rhythm of Dasi Mahal reverberating in his heart. Or maybe it was just the music of her bangles, anklets, chatter, and laughter that was steeping into his soul. But there was profound peace. Every time she entered a room, or just glanced in as she passed by, his eyes would light up. The girl in the dark, simple grab kept on him enchanting him afresh with each passing day.

Much to his relief, she had not brought up any references to Samidha since his return. Perhaps she was too focused on his health or maybe she had decided to live in the moment rather than dwelling on the future.

* * *

Krushanu returned every mid-morning to check on his king. For the first few days, he stayed for just half an hour. But then slowly his visits started extending. They would spend some time discussing work, and then slowly slip into a relaxing chit-chat. The conversations mostly revolved around reminiscing about their childhood, adventures during their adolescence or some more recent and gruesome memories from the battlefield. Often, he would stay for lunch. Post which, Harinakshi would plaster on a smile, which closely resembled a grimace, and utter something like "Krushanu-sa, the broth and poultices will help hasten Raja-sa's recovery, but he definitely needs his rest too."

Looking like two kids caught stealing from the ladoo container, the friends would utter some goodbyes and then Vayu would head upstairs for a nap.

Since he insisted that he slept better while she was next to him, Hari would first adjust his pillows for much longer than required and then let him sleep when she felt he was comfortable.

Tilting his head to one side, Shera would watch the proceeding with interest for a bit and then doze off in a corner.

Not used to napping during the day, Hari would fight the urge to fidget as she lay next to him for an hour or so. And often, as she lay gazing at him, she would find herself daydreaming how wonderful life would be if it could always be like this – him by her side, without the gloomy thoughts of his return to the main palace.

One afternoon, he woke up from the siesta to find her watching him with glistening eyes. "What happened? Is something wrong??" worry laced his voice.

Blinking away the moisture in her eyes, she brushed away his concern "What could be wrong when you are here with me?" and continued in a lighter tone "I was just admiring my Raja-sa... am I not allowed to do that??"

He responded with a thoughtful expression "Hmmm... I am fairly sure that spying on the sleeping king is an offence... as per what is the punishment for that... I can't recall it."

"O... so now, you will punish me for looking at you?! In that case, don't expect me to sit by you side!" Pouting, she started moving out of the bed.

Grabbing her arm, he pulled her back against his chest and quirked a brow "If the thought of a small punishment is enough to drive you away, how will you stay by my side if my mother decides to declare war against you??"

She stuttered "Will she really... choose to fight me??" Sounding anguished, she went on earnestly "But why does she hate me so much? I am staying far away from the royal court and palace... I don't aspire to any control or position... I haven't demanded any favours... jewels or lands of you. What more can I do to assure her that I do not wish to cause any trouble or any friction within the royal family?! Have I crossed any boundaries??"

"You have her son! She would be more than happy if all you demanded were some jewels or lands."

"Well, it was your choice to make me part of your life! I did not come vying for your attentions. So, why does she consider me the enemy??" Hari demanded hotly.

He sighed "Let us not quarrel over what we cannot control. She is still in shock over my decision. I suppose, I have let her down in an unexpected manner. Let's hope she mellows down with time. And irrespective of whether she does or not... you don't have to worry about it. I will deal with her censure."

"And how will you deal with it?? By rushing into another unnecessary battle as soon as the opportunity arises?!" she glared back.

Silence reigned in the room for some time as his jaw clenched.

Slipping out of her bed, he stood in the door between their chambers, stating "Now, you are crossing a boundary. Do not presume to understand how the matters of state work!" 

Face flaming, Hari stormed out of her chamber and ran downstairs.

The rage swirling in her eyes did not escape Bhanumati's notice, who immediately enquired, sounding alarmed, "What's the matter?!"

But the young woman was quick to shake her head "Nothing... If the kadha is ready, please send it up with Neera. And yes, no need to add the honey. Some taste of bitter will do him good!"

So, they have fought... Bhanumati sighed and continued to add some honey before sending it up with Neera.

* * *

Vayu had stubbornly refrained from sending for her, for few hours since their little spat. But after she didn't arrive even when his attendant enquired if he wished to partake in dinner, he ordered "Ask Harinakshi to bring the kadha first. And tell her to not skimp on the honey like earlier today!"

Looking a little flustered, the man muttered "Raja-sa, Bai-sa is out... I will add extra honey to the kadha."

"Out at this time of the evening?! Did someone come seeking treatment for their animal??"

But contrary to Vayu's assumption, the attendant explained that sometime back, Hari had headed to the close-by hill for a walk. And asked timidly "Should I advise the kitchen to delay serving dinner till she comes back? Or perhaps, you wish to venture on a walk yourself... to fetch her??"

Clenching his jaw, Vayu retorted "I am sure she knows her way back! And I am very hungry. Serve dinner soon."

For one so hungry, Vayu didn't eat much.

When she still hadn't returned an hour after his meal, Vayu grumpily set out. I suppose some things never change... She is as stubborn as the mules she treats... Obstinate as the oxen... And maddening like... Herself!

If his arrival registered with her, Hari didn't acknowledge it. Not even after he heavily sat down next to her. Silence reigned, only occasionally broken by the chirping of the crickets.

Maybe it was the dull ache in his arm, but tonight his patience was running short. Without giving her the few minutes, which were usually enough to get her started, he gruffly demanded "What are you upset about? I only stated the facts. Do you have the slightest clue of how to run a kingdom?! Or the intricacies of foreign diplomacy!"

Instead of apologising, he is here to point out my inadequacies, as per him! Her ire spiked, and she retorted, "Maybe I do understand it much better than you think!"
 

"Oh.. Really?? And where exactly did you gain this knowledge? At Chandrika Bai's kotha? Or the one before that?!"

Had his eyes been trained on her face, he would have seen the blood drain away.
 

"Is that what you truly associate me with??" Not giving him chance to respond, she continued in a dull, strained voice "I didn't realise that when you look at me, all you see is a girl from a kotha."

"Harinakshi, I have never treated you like that!" He hotly responded.

"Yet it is what you think of me." She sighed.

He replied scowling "No... But nor do I think you are qualified to censure my decision."

"Clearly you believe that I am incapable of understanding your important matters of state... That can't be your view about women in general... considering your mother rules in your absence. So, it must be just my ability that you find questionable." A frown graced her pretty, and now perturbed, face.

Seeing she was unwilling to back down from the argument, his impatience flared "Treating ringworm in a mule... or mashing some herbs together for a goat is not the same as understanding the complexities of geo-politics! It takes years of studying! Just how many books have you read on the subject??" Pausing briefly, he scoffed "Come to think of it... I doubt that learning to read itself has been a priority for you! And yet, you are quick to criticize my foreign policy?!"

"Clearly, you think we are very ill matched! Perhaps, you should consider heeding your mother's wishes and return to the palace. I am sure your new wife will be very well versed in the intricacies of politics and diplomacy! Please leave me to my poor animals, who don't question my ability to read and write. Or my common sense!" Seething now, Hari stood up and stomped away.

Realising he had allowed anger to get the best of him, Vayu sheepishly ran a hand through his hair.

After taking a few breaths to calm himself, he rose to his feet and followed her "Harinakshi! Where are you heading now?? That way will only lead further into the woods... away from Dasi Mahal."

"Clearly, I was not taught any navigation skills either! Maybe, I am looking for a talking owl who will help me find my way back..." she darkly muttered and continued without sparing him a look.

After following her for a couple of minutes, Vayu decided the situation needed some desperate manipulation.

Abruptly stopping, Hari looked behind over her shoulder when she heard him yelp. He stood grimacing and clutching his injured arm.

Vayu knew he had hit the bull's eye, when instantly returning to his side, she started "What happened?!"

He mumbled without meeting her gaze "Nothing much... I think a branch brushed against it..."

She tutted "You are supposed to rest! Not roam the jungle at night! What if the wound opens again... or festers..."

"Well, I can hardly leave my wife to wander the woods in the dark. You should have thought of my injuries before stomping off." He almost pouted.

Not able to think of a counter agreement, she grudgingly responded "Let's head back... I will change the bandage when we get back. And did you take the kadha after dinner?"

He muttered back "I couldn't finish it... it didn't have enough honey..."

Exasperatedly, she glared at him "What sort of soldier are you? Who needs honey in his medicine?! What would you do if one of your men was to behave like this??"

Ignoring her question, he resumed the walk in Dasi Mahal's direction. With neither in a mood for any idle chit-chat, the journey of about fifteen minutes was completed in sullen silence.

After applying a fresh bandage and ensuring that he was comfortably settled in his chamber, Harinakshi went downstairs to grab some dinner.

Though she was committed to playing the dutiful nursemaid, his words from earlier were still lodged in her heart. Hence, she engaged in some conversation with the women for much longer than she usually did. On finding him dozing post her return, Hari retired to her own chamber.

Few hours later, when Vayu woke-up to an empty bed, he first spent some time dwelling on the conversations from earlier in the day. Then, he headed to her chamber.

Hari woke to the feeling of his arm slipping about her waist. For a moment, she instinctively nuzzled into his embrace, before recalling his injuries. Gently pulling away, she demanded "Why are you here?! Are you completely resolved to reverse all the healing?? Raja-sa, please stop being so obstinate!"

"Only when you stop quarrelling with me!" he tried to pull her back against his chest. She retorted "Oh... so, I am the quarrelsome one!"

He arched a brow "Are you accusing your king of something??"

"Are you here as my king? Or my husband??" She countered sassily.

Smiling, he pecked her lips "Always your husband..."

Trying to hide the smile starting to bloom on her lips, she gruffly replied "Sleep now. Or do you need any water?"

He nodded "Yes, some water please."

After draining the glass that she fetched, as she was getting in the bed, Vayu spoke haltingly "I did not mean to imply that I doubt your ability to learn anything... reading or writing... or even politics or diplomacy. You are very bright. And I am sure that if you had received the opportunities that come with being born into a privileged family, you would have made a skilled statesperson."

Then smiling a little, he added "In fact, it's never too late! I will engage you a teacher to start teaching you to read and write." His smile grew wider, as he exclaimed "Then you won't have to send me your complaints in the form of a Paan filled with chillies or something equally unpleasant! You can just write me long letters telling me how much you miss me. Imagine that!"

He was baffled by her reaction when instead of enthusiastically demanding how soon she could start her lessons, Harinakshi mumbled "What's the need for that... what need is there for me to spend time on learning things I am hardly ever going to use... forget it.. In fact, I accept I shouldn't have questioned your decision... what do I know of those things?! Raja-sa, I was just upset that you went away and came back injured."

Trying to end the conversation, she continued "Let me add another pillow to your side... and do you need another pillow under the arm? Sleep now... it's already been a tiring day."

Yet, he asked uncertainly "Are you sure you don't wish to learn? Harinakshi... it's never too late. You need not feel intimidated by the notion just because you never had the chance before. It will take some dedication... but I am sure you will be able to learn."

"Maybe later... Right now, I would rather concentrate on your health. And of course, the animals... Anyways the people who approach me for help can hardly read or write. I can continue my work, as is."

Hari was thankful for the darkness in the room, else, she was sure, he would have certainly caught her stonewalling.

Soon he started snoring, but the weight of her lies, which felt like a big boulder sitting atop her chest, kept Hari up for a long time.

And when she finally fell asleep, her dreams that night were woven with the memories of her childhood -

Of long, arduous sessions with her teachers while she was pushed to perfect her penmanship. In fact, she had developed two vastly different styles of writing. One to be used for mundane communications and another for sharing clandestine reports - to avoid being traced back to her if the letter were caught. 

Or learning to code and decode letters and conversations. 

Or how her father had drummed into her that hiding her bright mind would be the key to becoming an efficient spy. You must use your looks to distract him and the men around him! They will let their tongues loose only if they believe you to be a silly little girl. So, look pretty and keep your eyes and ears open.

The next day, the little tiff was set aside. And once again, both committed to enjoying their time together.

* * *

The evenings became Vayu's preferred part of the day when they would settle on the terrace to watch the setting sun. To his amusement and Hari's irritation, Shera still insisted on often pushing himself between the couple. Not wishing to be excluded, Chanchal would jump in Hari's lap and snuggle against her belly. Thus, accompanied by their two pets, the couple would spend hours talking.

Hari, keen to learn everything about him, would ask him endless questions and then absorb every titbit shared. His stories from the childhood days were her favourite, for that gave her glimpse of a carefree, mischievous lad.

As she listened, Krushanu's value in his life become more evident. And, without realising, her manner of addressing her husband's friend changed.

Much to Krushanu's surprise, one morning when she brought over some herbal concatenation for Vayu, she smiled at him "Bhai-sa, Bhanumati Masi is making Moong Dal Halwa and Raja-sa mentioned you are very fond of it. He told me of the time you both got into trouble for turning over the pot while trying to sneak some! I hope you can stay for lunch today."

Bowing stiffly, the young man gruffly responded, "As you wish."

Startled, she squinted at him "What did you say??"

Trying to appear nonchalant, Krushanu quickly tried to recover his composure "Sure, I will stay back for lunch. Thank you."

* * *

That night, when on his own, Krushanu nervously downed a few glasses of madira.

Rajmata-sa's snappy mood since Vayu's move to Dasi Mahal had not improved. If anything, the woman seemed to have embittered even more towards Harinakshi.

Though not aware of the contents, he knew that the frequency of letters being exchanged between Vaidehi and the Queen of Udaygadh had increased. Also, couple of days back, Vaidehi had summoned the royal priest to her chamber for a long, private audience.

Krushanu's sixth sense was warning him that Rajmata-sa was trying to hasten the union between Sudhagadh and Udaygadh, but he had refrained from sharing the doubts with his friend. Seeing how content Vayu looked with Harinakshi, he had not wanted to burst their bubble. That Vayu would have to do what was expected of him as the Raja of Sudhagadh seemed inevitable, but meanwhile it felt right that he should have a slice of peace, joy, and love.

And all this while, Krushanu tried to keep his own heart immune to Harinakshi. Allowing her to win his loyalty would not work. At least not in the long term. For one day, if he had to choose between Harinakshi and Samidha, he knew he would always feel compelled to make Sudhagadh the priority. Which in turn would mean its official Queen.

In some capacity or other, his family had loyally served the Crown of Sudhagadh for generations.

His great grandfather had worked in the army stables ensuring the horses going into battle were well trained and looked after. His grandfather had been a brave general, who had been part of many successful campaigns, till he succumbed to some illness. And his father had been the head of the previous king's personal guard.

Krushanu had been about eight when he had lost his mother. From that point on, the royal family had almost adopted him. The king had insisted that Krushanu should participate in most of the lessons alongside Vayu, as the boys were very close in age. The friendship that had blossomed between Vayu and him at a tender age had only grown stronger with the years and morphed into a brotherhood.

Later, when his father had perished on the same battlefield as Vayu's father, trying to whisk the injured king away to safety, both the friends had been forced to step into their father's shoes at the same time.

His loyalty to Vayu was absolute. But he was an extremely pragmatic man. Hence, Harinakshi addressing him as Bhai-sa or Vayu referring to her as Krushanu's Bhabhi-sa felt like he was being put in a difficult situation. Not wanting to indulge in any duplicity, he was trying to remain as noncommittal towards Harinakshi as possible.

* * *

(Hi Everyone, 

Hope you enjoyed this late but long update! Eagerly waiting to hear your thoughts. 

Take care. 

Lots of love, May)