Vayu had just finished his lunch when two guards delivered a package. He instructed his attendant to take it to his chamber.

When Hari accompanied him to his chamber that noon, handing her the royal-blue bundle, he smiled "For you. Open it."

"What's the need for these?! I didn't ask for any ornaments." Her curiosity turned to incredulity when, on opening, the bundle revealed many red velvet jewellery boxes.

Opening one of the bigger ones, he drew out an exquisite pearl choker, studded with rubies in various sizes. Moving behind her, he pulled the odhani off her head and put the choker around her neck.

Turning her around, he uttered "Beautiful! I knew the pearls would suit you more than gold. Their beauty is like yours – natural and pure. And though some gems can add to it, they are not required", eyes glinting with pleasure. As she flushed at his compliment, tilting up her chin, he added "And now your glow is competing with their natural lustre."

"And who is the winner??" she asked cheekily, and then complained as he reached out to playfully pinch her cheeks "O ho! That hurts..."

He laughed "Now that they are even rosier than before... your glow definitely wins."

The remaining boxes were opened to reveal more ornaments made from pearls – another necklace made of long strings, jhumkas, kangans, maang tikka and anklets.

"Raja-sa they are very beautiful, but there is no occasion for such gift... then why??" Hari asked as her fingers traced the fine craftsmanship on one of the kangans.

Nervously running his fingers through his hair, Vayu spoke "Harinakshi, I have greatly regretted my decision to send some paltry silver ornaments as part of your Sola Shringar. I doubted Chandrika Bai's intentions... and in turn, must have caused you much disappointment by the way of gifts sent for you."

Recalling Chandrika's distress, she uttered with a pinched look "I wasn't really affected by it... but Bai-sa was. It broke her hopes for my future."

Pointing to a box, he said "This set, made with mother of pearls rather than pearls, is for Chandrika Bai. I owe her an apology. And a thanks for nurturing my precious pearl all these years. Don't you think it's an apt gift for her??"

After smiling broadly, she muttered "When will you send it to her? I would have loved to see her face when she received the gift... she will be so pleased to see me so happy with you."

Pulling her into a hug, he announced "Alright then, we will gift it to her together." Reading the confusion on her countenance, he added with a mischievous glint "Harinaskhi, whenever I next visit Chandanpur, I will take you along. Then you can tell her how happy I make you!" Her eyes lit up with profound joy at the thought of meeting Chandrika.

As she wordlessly returned his warm embrace, Vayu led her to towards the bed. Once comfortably settled, he spoke again, albeit a little uncertainly "Why do you never speak of your birth parents? Do you not remember them??"

Colour drained off her face at the unexpected turn of the conversation. Nervously, licking her lips, she mumbled "Why do you ask now?"

He shrugged "Is my curiosity not natural??"

Skilfully avoiding any mention of her father, she responded "Bai-sa worked where I lived with my mother. They shared a great deal of warmth." A small pause later, she continued in a trembling voice "My mother... was very beautiful. Though others mostly saw her outer beauty... her real beauty lay in her kind heart and brave spirit. But even brave spirits cannot last for long in a frail body. I was very young when her body was riddled by illness. She fought against it, for my sake, for as long as she could. But believing her end was near, she trusted Bai-sa with my responsibility. She did not want my destiny to be determined by my birth... She wanted me to have a chance at a better life. And Bai-sa has always tried her best to fulfil my mother's hopes."

Misinterpreting her words, Vayu believed Harinakshi's mother must have been a beautiful courtesan in some kotha, who – not wishing the same life for her daughter – had tasked Chandrika with the responsibility of finding her better prospects. And Hari omitting any mention of her father convinced Vayu that she probably did not know who had fathered her.

Wanting to assure her that he did not begrudge her origins, he uttered "Vishnu's beloved lotus, that he likes to be venerated with, grows only in muddy waters."

Her smiled was tinged with melancholy "True as that is, nobody willingly steps into those muddy waters for fear of staining their clothes. And if a spec accidently lands on them, they relentlessly try to scrub it off."

He stayed silent in the face of her argument, knowing it was the truth.

* * *

The next evening, as Vayu sat down for dinner, Hari beamed at him "Today's meal is special! Can you guess the reason?"

After observing that the contents of the plate didn't seem very different to what they usually were, Vayu quizzically muttering "Did you cook this?? But the flatbread is not burnt... so it seems unlikely... Or have you been learning to cook?" A part of him was flattered by the notion.

Her smile instantly morphed into a scowl "When have I feed you burnt flatbread?!" and the frown grew deeper when he smirked "I had heard Krushanu, and the men remark about it in the camp."

"Rest assured; I haven't cooked today's meal!" she first huffed but added looking smug "But everything on the plate today has been earned by me! Bhanumati Masi thought it would be a lovely idea... so she has been keeping aside everything that I was gifted for treating the animals these past few days."

Astonished, Vayu listened as she recited who had given her the pumpkin for treating their goat and how she had received a bag of millet for treating the oxen. The pride in her voice as she shared "And the curd and kheer are made from the milk of my goats!" reflected as a warm glow on his face.

The dimples in her cheeks bloomed, as she added playfully, "Actually there's something in it that I haven't earned! The salt. It has come from the Raja of Sudhagadh! So, you can still claim some credit for contributing to the meal... I know how you enjoy claiming credit for my accomplishments!"

Sounding awed, he whispered "You really are special! And not just because you are mine." As she blushed, he gently caressed her cheek "Harinakshi, without doubt, this is the most special meal of my life."

Then, drawing her hand to his lips, Vayu kissed each finger.

She quickly pulled her hand away nodding in the direction of the door "The servants are standing just outside... they might come in to serve something else."

Vayu grunted in annoyance "I hate being constantly surrounded by them! Sometimes, I just want to send them all away."

"Like you could really survive without them waiting on you all the time!" she quipped, rolling her eyes.

His eyes narrowed in reply "Yes, I could! You are wrong if you think that I wouldn't be able to manage on my own!"

"Really?" she smirked "So, you can cook and clean? And wash your own clothes??"

Frowning, he claimed "Yes, I am sure I could do it all, if required. But it looks like you don't believe me. Well, I will show you one day!"

Though not completely convinced, she dropped the debate. Instead, smiling sweetly, she dipped a piece of flatbread in the kheer in her plate and brought it to his lips.

The warm sweetness of the jaggery in the kheer was nothing compared to that which filled his heart. This moment, sans the injured arm of course, was the very thing he had been craving. For a very long time!

The meal was completed in a contented silence, where their eyes and smiles spoke volumes.

As he washed his hands, eyes sparkling, Vayu summoned his personal attendant and instructed him to fetch something from his chamber. As the man rushed away to do his bidding, Hari rolled her eyes thinking – He can't go even few minutes without his attendants! And talks of self-sufficiency...

But the incredulity was soon forgotten, when the man returned and handed Vayu with a small velvet bag, which seemed strangely familiar.

Forwarding it to Hari, Vayu answered her questioning look, "Consider this a gift, similar to one that is given for the pehli rasoi." When she started "But I didn't cook–", he interrupted "To me, this is much more impressive. And precious. So, thank you."

"This is too much! You have already gifted me all those jewels just yesterday!" her pleasure at the compliment gave way to astonishment as precious stones spilled out of the pouch. Eyes narrowing, she asked "Aren't these the same ones that you have given to me in Sompura? When you offered to set me free??"

Nodding, he responded with a grin "Yes, but there is no freedom on offer now. You, my lady, are not allowed to leave your poor, injured husband's side!"

Laughing softly at his words, she pressed on "Then why are you giving me this? What need do I have for these now??"

"Keep them, for my sake. So that I know that you, and our children, will not want for anything, if I am unable to return to you."

Her cheeks lost all colour "Why would you not return?! Are you getting married to that–"

"Harinakshi! I am thinking of if I don't return from a battlefield. Know that nothing but death will keep me away from you!" His eyes blazed with determination.

Swallowing the fear his words had provoked, Hari muttered listlessly "Please do not speak of something so dreadful. What need would I have of anything else if you are gone?"

Pulling her hand to his lips, he tenderly kissed her knuckles "Keep them for my peace of mind. Though, I would never wish to be separated from you, I am a warrior. And wish to prepare for all eventualities."

Smiling slightly, he added "Today's meal has proven that you can earn your own living. But I would rather have you following your passion for the joy of it, not out of necessity." His expression turned solemn "Do not worry, I will speak to Rudra Bhai-sa and Krushanu. They will always ensure your safety in my absence."

Forehead furrowed deeply; she pulled her hand away "Why do you insist on dwelling on such dire thoughts?? Raja-sa, you are ruining a perfectly happy moment!"

He winked "My arm feels much better now. I am sure we will be able to create many happy and sweet moments in your chamber soon."

But she resolutely announced, "The only sweet you will be getting from me for a while is the honey in your kadha!"

* * *

Two days later, Harinakshi had to go into confinement. Her moving into the room at the far end of the backyard left Vayu feeling rather wretched. For the first time ever, he started questioning this practice. Recalling the pain and discomfort she had experienced during the travel, he almost interrogated Kanta about her health and if she was in need of anything. Finally, not satisfied by the answers, much to everyone surprise, he headed to the backyard himself to enquire of her wellbeing.

Instead of calming her, his first visit left her very flustered. Hey Raam... what is he doing?! Soon everyone will start gossiping about how Raja-sa came to visit a woman in confinement!

When he was couple of yards away, she screeched "Stay where you are! You cannot come any closer. Raja-sa, everyone will hate me if anything happens to you!"

Despite his numerous arguments, she refused to cave in and finally Vayu promised that he wouldn't cross a certain lakshman rekha. A couple of portable cots were set up under the shade of a mango tree, at what was deemed as a safe distance.

Over the next few days, every now and then, Vayu would venture into the backyard to perch on the cot and engage in some mundane conversations. Though, considering the distance, the conservations often sounded more like a shouting match. And of course, Shera, who loved to linger by Vayu's side, boisterously joined in with his own views on many subjects!

Mealtimes became an interesting affair too. While he ate the usual food sitting atop the cot, she would settle close to the door of her room with a plain plate of food which was considered especially nutritious for that time of the month. Often, a debate would follow between the two when he questioned this practice of her eating lesser than usual when her body was already fatigued. After awkwardly sitting though one such lunch, Krushanu made it a point to head back to the main palace before lunchtime.

For someone who took great pride in his ability to fall asleep anywhere and anytime, Vayu discovered that succumbing to sleep alone while in Dasi Mahal was rather challenging. The idea that she was so close by and yet not close enough was extremely frustrating.

And a restless Vayu was not good for anyone's peace of mind.

Soon, his attendants and others in Dasi Mahal were counting down to the end of Harinakshi's confinement!

* * *

The day Hari ended her isolation, everyone in Dasi Mahal breathed a little easier.

As Kanta helped her dress and then braided her hair, she muttered crossly "I hope you are soon with child, at least then we won't have to see a repeat of these last few days for some time!" As Hari chuckled, Kanta scowled at her "Easy for you to laugh! He has been running the rest of us in circles these past few days. Nothing was to his taste... the kadha was either not sweet enough or was too sweet! One day the dal was too salty and another time the pulav was too dry... The number of pillows on the bed was never right either... and nor the placement. Even Shera got told off a few times for demanding a walk or following him too closely!"

While Kanta readied her, Hari's repeatedly urged her to hurry as her heart grew even more impatient to meet him. A smile played on her lips, wondering if he was just as eager for the close-up meeting. That day, she finally understood the wisdom behind the custom of a wife coming out of confinement to paying respect to her husband. Maybe it was more about quenching the thirst in the couple's hearts for a glimpse of their beloved after the forced separation, than the wife worshiping her husband.

As soon as Kanta decided she had done her best, after briefly stopping by the kitchen, Hari headed to his work room where he was with Krushanu and one of his officers who had come to discuss something with the king.

"Khamma Ghani, Raja-sa. I have brought you all some freshly made halwa. Of course, only if it is a good time..." She stood at the entrance.

"Come in. A bit of sweet is just what we need to digest all the bitter reports Jaisingh is here to deliver!" Vayu was quick to invite her in.

Hari stepped in the room, followed by Neera who was carrying a silver tray, atop which sat a few halwa-filled silver bowls and some cups filled with sherbat.

He watched with mounting pleasure as she walked towards him, dressed in an understated maroon lehenga, paired with a beautiful golden-yellow bandhej odhani. The freshly applied, dark and well-defined kajal was adding to the allure of her ever talkative eyes. She was wearing a pearl maang tikka and the pearl choker interwoven with rubies, recently gifted by him. The fragrance of the jasmine strings in her hair tantalisingly assaulted him.

Standing a couple of feet apart, both greedily tried to get their fill of each other's presence. It was the closest they had been in the last five days. When his gaze did not stary from her face for almost a minute, as she directed Neera to serve the king and his guests, she struggled to control a giggle.

Moving closer to him, she softly teased "I can see that the halwa has been very well received."

"Oh yes! I can hardly wait to gobble it up." He promised with a dark, mischievous glint in his eyes.

After few moments of being rendered speechless, Harinakshi cleared her throat and moved towards Krushanu "Bhai-sa, I hope all is well in the palace."

Then turning to Jaisingh, she smiled "Raja-sa was very concerned when we received news of some attacks in that region. Hope your journey back wasn't too arduous??"

Not expecting to be addressed by Harinakshi, Jaisingh, caught a little off-guard, fumbled with his reply "Rani-s... I mean... Bai-sa, unfortunately the situation is getting grimmer. We had to face several guerrilla attacks, which have left about twenty of our soldiers injured. They had to be left in our camp at Bundha to recuperate. The commander has sent me to fetch new men and additional armoury."

Pondering on the update, she nodded solemnly "I am sorry to hear of their plight. Make sure you seek advice and medicine from Devrat Vaidya-sa before heading back. And were any animals injured as well during the attacks? If so, talk to Shardul if he is in Sudhagadh."

As Jaisingh quickly nodded in agreement, she turned to Vayu "I will leave you all to carry on with your meeting. Please send word if you need anything else."

Keen to retire to the privacy of the bedchamber, Vayu instructed "I expect the work to be wrapped up soon. Inform the kitchen that we will have an early lunch today. Krushanu will be heading back with Jaisingh, so it will be just me."

Pulling the odhani to partially cover her face, now flaming from the insinuation, she rushed out of the room muttering "As you wish."

* * *

As soon as they stepped into the bedchamber, he pulled her close "I have missed you so much!"

Lips pressed into a smile, she countered "But, we have been talking all the time... In fact, I don't think I have ever talked so much while being in confinement before!"

Nuzzling his nose against the gajras in her hair, he grumbled "Clearly, you don't love me as much as I love you. Else, the distance wouldn't have been so easy on you. Do you have any idea how lonely this room felt without you??"

Hugging him very tightly, she showered ardent kisses against his chest, interlaced with her reply "Do you... now... understand... how every day without you here... is for me??"

Nothing his breathing was turning a little heavy, she started pulling away "Raja-sa please rest... I will adjust your pillows... Kanta said you were constantly complaining about them..."

Not letting her pull away, he uttered huskily "I don't need any pillows under me... only you."

"O ho... I told you... nothing will be happening here except sleeping till you are completely recovered." lightly slapping his arms, she wiggled out of his embrace.

Frowning, he discarded the angarkha and untied the bandage over his wounded arm, "Here... it's almost healed. I have fought battles with wounds much bigger than this!"

Her eyes sparkled noting that he had indeed almost recovered, but dulled the very next moment. She uttered in a small voice "Yes, it has definitely healed."

"Then why are you disappointed? Is the prospect of making love so disagreeable??" he was baffled by her reaction.

"O ho! I am disappointed because that means you will soon return to the palace..."

Chuckling softly, he pulled her close and whispered in her ear "And who will tell Maa-sa that my injury has completely healed??"

Laughing gayly at his words, she asked "So, you won't go?!"

Shaking his head in negation, Vayu scooped her up in his arms and announced to a squealing Harinakshi "I think... I can hear a bed calling out to us."

There is a reason why poets write volumes romanticizing the pain of separation. Because everyone who has been in love knows that nothing can surpass the sweet joy of union that follows. That night, it was the same for Vayu and Hari, as they came together after what seemed like eternity. 

* * *

True to his word, Vayu did not make any plans to leave Dasi Mahal. Whenever letters arrived from Vaidehi enquiring after his health, he sent back some vague replies implying that he was still in recovery.

But not used to a sedentary lifestyle, Vayu couldn't stand being confined in Dasi Mahal for long either. Often, he would venture out on walks in the mornings with Krushanu and in the evenings with Harinakshi.

Late afternoon, as soon as the intensity of the sun waned, the young couple, followed by a few soldiers, would set out for a hike in the woods surrounding Dasi Mahal. The stroll would be accompanied by Hari's almost non-stop chatter. From the complaints received from Bansi about the two goats that had wandered into a ravine, to Bhanumati Masi's doubts that they would soon run out of saffron, and every animal that someone had approached her for help with – she religiously reported everything.

They would then find a spot atop a hill and sit down to catch a glimpse of the sunset before heading back to Dasi Mahal.

The first few times, Shera was perturbed at this invasion of his private time with Vayu and barked a lot. But he grudgingly gave in and continued his protest only by mostly ignoring Hari.

Once, as they sat watching the sky turn rosy, recalling what she had shared some time back, Vayu mused "Rather than making trips to see one animal at a time, why don't you ask them to spread the word around whenever you are planning a visit so that everyone around can approach you for assistance at the same time?"

Eyes twinkling, she exclaimed "Raja-sa, I was thinking on similar lines too! But I was thinking... what if I start scheduling a visit to the three big marketplaces in this region on different days. That way the people don't have to travel all the way to Dasi Mahal. And I can let them know that I will be available to meet with them for a couple of hours in the morning, so that way I won't have to spend all day in the market."

"I can go to the Lal Tadki market on Monday, the one in Bheemi on Wednesday and the Cattle market in Rampura on Saturdays. Of course, if someone wishes to seek urgent advice, they can come to Dasi Mahal. What do you think?" She eagerly sought his thoughts.

He arched a brow "Are you ready for the Rampura Cattle market? That one can get intense."

Looking undaunted by the idea, she shrugged "What could be the worst thing to happen?? I might not have solutions to all their problems... in which case, I will know which aliments I still need to learn about. Plus, I have heard that there is a good animal Vaidya who frequents the Rampura market... I am hoping I can learn from him... that is, if he is willing to teach me."

"Looks like you have already thought it all through!" Vayu chuckled approvingly.

* * *

The next day, deciding to completely drop the pretence of his recovering arm, he ordered for the carriage to be readied and informed Harinakshi that they would be heading out to explore the surrounding areas.

Delighted, she shared "Raja-sa, I would like to offer my thanks to the Goddess. Before anything else, can we go to the Durga temple?"

Needless to say, he was happy to oblige.

Not wishing to repeat her previous mistake, Hari dressed up for the occasion in her pretty orange ghagra and the new pearl choker and maang tikka, along with her usual mix of gold and silver ornaments.

Contrary to her last experience, arriving at the temple in the king's carriage caused quite a stir amongst the other devotees. The market soon buzzed with the news that Raja-sa was there to pray at the temple. And in marginally hushed tones, the reports spread that he was accompanied by his chosen companion, Harinakshi.

Seeing a crowd gathering, Vayu informed his men that he would meet with the petitioners with urgent issues after visiting the temple.

As the young couple climbed up the hill, Harinakshi felt a euphoria arising within. Not only had he come back to her, but he was also accompanying her to the temple. And yet, her feet faltered as they approached the entrance where a couple of priests already stood, expecting the king. Suddenly an uncertainty seized her heart and she timidly lingered back.

The head priest greeted Vayu "Khamma Ghani, Raja-sa. We are extremely pleased to see you in good health. Since the reports of your injury, special prayers have been organised in the temple at sunrise and sundown."

"Thank you Pandit-sa. While so many of you pray for me, my safety is assured." Vayu bowed his head in respect.

"It's good you have come to seek the kuldevi's blessings. May Durga always protect you from every evil. I have ordered for a special puja to be organised as soon as we received word of your arrival. The preparations should be in order by now. Please come in." the priest gestured for Vayu to enter.

After taking a couple of steps, Vayu stopped and turning around addressed Harinakshi looking confused "Why are you standing? Come, we are here as per your wish. Let them know if you wish to offer any special prayers." As she hastened towards him, he shared with the priest "Today, we are here at her behest. She wishes to offer her prayers to Devi-maa."

The head priest stood silently, looking conflicted. After few moments, he addressed a junior priest "Please take her in through the other door to the section reserved for the female devotees and oversee whatever puja she wishes to perform."

Though she paled, Harinakshi bowed to the Panditji "I just wish to thank Devi-maa for Raja-sa's safe return and pray for his well-being. I don't need any special puja to be set up."

As she made to follow the junior priest, Vayu spoke up "If she does not wish to perform any special puja, Harinakshi will join me. She and I will pray together."

Awkwardly, clearing his throat, Panditji stated "Raja-sa, I think it will be better for her to pray in the section reserved for the female population."

Narrowing his eyes, Vayu demanded "Why?? Maa-sa often accompanies me for prayers, so it's not like women are not allowed to enter the inner sanctum via the main door."

The priest deadpanned "We make that exception only for the females of the royal family. After all, this is your Kul-Devi."

"Good, then it shouldn't be a problem. She is family." The young king stated, staring back.

Unwilling to back down from his stance, the priest asked Harinakshi "What is your Gotra?"

Hari, already feeling like a doe caught in the middle of a frenzy of arrows disguised as words flying around her, drew in a sharp breath. How can I share my Gotra without giving a glimpse into my past... my origins??

Her big eyes painfully implored Vayu "Raja-sa, it's okay. I will pray in the other section and meet you out here again."

"No." he was unshakeable.

"Pandit-sa, why do you ask her? Just like my mother who inherited the royal family's Gotra, Harinakshi's is the same as mine too."

Not expecting this reply, Panditji swallowed uncomfortably. But deciding that this was the moment of setting or breaking a precedent, he stated "Raja-sa, please forgive what might seem like my impudence. But please remember that just like you are one of the many protectors of this kingdom, I am one of many tasked with ensuring the integrity of our traditions. I cannot make exceptions and exalt the status of someone who is a passing ship, temporarily anchored on the shores of Sudhagadh."

"There is nothing temporary about this ship." Vayu almost gritted out. Glancing in Harinakshi's direction, he added "But I can see why you are mistaken. For the banner heralding this ship as mine is missing. And I must admit it has been an oversight on my part. So, let me set it right this very moment."

Covering the distance between them in three brisk steps, Vayu gripped Harinakshi's arm and wordlessly pulled her inside, while the flustered priest stood gaping. Not sure of what was on his mind, she stumbled behind him, almost running to match his pace.

The mystery was short lived.

Once inside, Vayu grabbed a pinch of sindhoor from one of puja thali's and smeared it in her mang, "There... It's done. Now, her gotra is the same as mine. Let's get on with the pooja."

Hari's heartbeats reached a chaotic pace. The pheras her soul had taken with him, which she believed had been witnessed by all the Gods and Goddesses, had been enough for her. But still this gesture in the temple witnessed by the priests and other devotees assembled there felt monumental.

Why is it that the approval of mere mortals holds more relevance than that of their maker?

Smirking at the priest's befuddled expression, Vayu raised a brow "If you still aren't convinced ... do you want us to take the pheras or something else in your presence? I am sure all the visitors flocking to the temple today will be thrilled to witness some impromptu royal wedding rituals."

Not wanting to create a public spectacle, the priest shook his head "No need for that Raja-sa."

Beckoning Harinakshi closer, he applied the tilak "Come, pray to the Goddess."

Still a little dazed, she held out her pooja thali. The priest uttered mantras accompanied by many instructions, which she tried her best to follow. But her eyes frequently wandered to the man who had so casually just filled her maang. What is he feeling? Did it affect him the same??

After the young couple descended the temple steps, Vayu spent some time with the subjects waiting to pay their respects. Though their petitions were submitted to their king, all their curious glances were directed at the woman hovering behind him. Their gaze lingered on the sindhoor in her parting and the hushed tones reached a new crescendo.

After Vayu had spent some time with his subjects, it was announced that the meet-and-greet was concluded as the king wished to spend some time in the marketplace.

"Buy whatever catches your eye." Vayu instructed Hari, as they strolled through the market.

With her head still playing the memory of the moment from the temple on loop, her heart wasn't in the activity "Raja-sa... maybe another day. I don't need anything anyway..."

But she was startled when he countered "The shopping is not optional!"

Slightly shaking his head, Vayu explained "Harinakshi, after hearing that we are here, all the shopkeepers must have been looking forward to making a good profit today. We cannot disappoint them. Buy whatever you wish - for yourself... for the other women in Dasi Mahal... utensils for the kitchen... or grain... anything that you can think of!"

The hope peaking from the vendor's eyes was unmissable as everyone called out to their Raja-sa imploring them to visit their stall. And the young couple made it their endeavour to ensure nobody was disappointed.

Heaps of earthenware, pots and pans, yards and yards of cloth, and trinkets for all the women in Dasi Mahal were bought. Most of the shopkeepers would hand a little something from their wares as a gift to Harinakshi, while uttering something like – 'you healed an oxen from my hamlet' or 'my brother-in-law had come to you when his donkey's wound wouldn't heal' or 'we have heard a great deal about you, finally we got to see you!'

While the people's warmth left Hari smiling, it left Vayu deep in thought.

A young woman, selling wooden toys, timidly asked, "My sister's cow, though still young enough, isn't giving much milk these days... can you please recommend some solution??"

As he watched Harinakshi attentively discussing the cow's health, new hope started budding in his heart - Maybe... instead of focusing on Maa-sa's disapproval, I should start working on gaining widespread approval for Harinakshi amongst the masses. If the subjects of Sudhagadh become amicable to accepting her as their queen, it will make a huge dent in the opposition from the royal family.

After she had spent a long-time surveying and trying all the dainty, pretty glass bangles in a shop, and was still unable to decide which colours to buy, Vayu finally reached the end of his patience! He gruffly ordered the vendor "Pack a set each, of all the colours that you have in her size!"

"As you wish, Raja-sa!" the elderly man quickly bowed, and then added hesitantly "Forgive me, your majesty, but I have a newly married daughter. But unlike her, Rani-sa's wrists look empty. You're your permission, shall I also pack a set of Chura?"

Vayu pondered on the question for a few moments as he recalled Amardeep's observation about Harinakshi not wearing Chura and the doubt that cast over their relationship. He realised that not many would have the guts to voice the doubts, but clearly it played on the minds of the people when they looked at Harinakshi. As per him, the lack of the Chura on her wrists did not really define their relationship but it's presence would increase the odds in the favour of his new strategy. Everyone needed to see her as an integral part of his life.

Nodding his permission, Vayu instructed his attendant "Give him a gold coin for the Chura and hand them to me when we board the carriage."

As soon as they were in the carriage, Harinakshi started earnestly "Raja-sa! Why did you buy the Chura?!"

"What do you mean by why? The old man said your wrists look empty. Don't all married women wear it??" He shrugged.

"Yes, but... I had clarified that I will not wear your Chura... I don't want the complications. It will only further anger Rajmata-sa and your family." She fidgeted with the ends of her odhani.

Eyes narrowed; he spoke "Don't worry. I am trying to rid of a complication."

Bestowing her with a smirk, he continued in teasing tone "And if your objective of not wearing a Chura is to hide your marital status, I will not allow that either! Now, may I??"

As the horses galloped towards Dasi Mahal, Vayu slowly slipped a bangle at a time of the Chura on to her wrists. Overcome with emotions, Hari decided – First the sindhoor and now the Chura! The stars must be aligned in some extraordinary formation today. And that too in the kuldevi's temple! Our union is truly blessed.

Wildfire is often credited with the ability to spread at super speed, but it is news – especially gossip – that travels fastest. Hence, it was no surprise that by end of the hour, Vaidehi's forehead was creased. And by the next morning, most of Sudhagadh was debating if Raja-sa's moving to Dasi Mahal was an indication that something much bigger was at play. Some swore that some acquaintance had been present at the temple where the priest had got Raja-sa and Harinakshi officially married, after which the king had taken his new bride shopping. A few went as far as claiming that Raja-sa had instructed the temple to carry out special poojas for the safety of the new heir in Harinakshi's womb!

Unaware of the storm that Vayu had set in motion, the atmosphere in Dasi Mahal that evening was festive.

When the cart laden with the day's shopping arrived, Hari happily distributed the contents. All the habitants of Dasi Mahal received something or the other.

Kanta was extremely pleased with the yellow bolt of cloth that Hari had picked for her and happily exclaimed "If I start embroidering this soon... I will have a new ghagra ready in time for Deepawali!"

Bhanumati warmly expressed her appreciation for the new bedspread and fragrant hair oil. Even Tarika smiled her approval of the fabric for new curtains for her chamber and the incense for her pooja-ghar.

But Hari was a little surprised by the lukewarm response from Kasthuri for the beautiful shawl she had picked for her after much deliberation. In fact, she was baffled by Kasthuri's recent behaviour in general. Sometimes she was snappy for no reason. And at others, when Vayu was expecting Hari back in their chamber, she would linger and try to engage Hari in a long, unnecessary conversations. Where she had expected Kasthuri to gush over her Sindhoor and Chura, the other woman had stayed disconcertingly silent.

Trying to shake off her disappointment, Hari walked away to show Bhanumati all the other essentials she had bought for the haweli.

Noting the sindhoor and gold-embellished-red chura that Hari was donning, Bhanumati first questioned her about the happenings in the temple and then immediately ordered the kitchen to cook a feast.

After all, if Vayu was all set to take a stand for Harinakshi, then the winds of change were blowing, and Dasi Mahal's fortune was on the rise. Which meant a celebration was long overdue in Dasi Mahal.

* * *

(Hi Everyone, 

Hope you all are doing great and enjoyedthis update! Did you enjoy the Sindhoor scene? I remember some readersrequesting for it. Had always planned it for this point of the story. Do shareyour thoughts. 

Take care. 

Lots of love, May)