As any feast would entail, copious amount of food was cooked and served. The guards and other male servants, except those on active duty, partook of madira too.

Seated in the veranda, Vayu and Harinakshi watched the celebration in the courtyard. Dasi Mahal echoed with the sound of music and folk songs. Some spontaneous dancing followed.

When Harinakshi handed him a silver cup filled with madira, he remarked "The red chura suits your wrists."

Scrunching her face, she countered "Why did you ask him to pack all those colourful bangles?? How will I be able to wear those while my wrists are already full of these?!"

"Why is it so difficult to please you?! Any other woman would have been happy to swap any glass bangles for my chura!" he shook his head in disbelief.

"O ho... I am not unhappy about the chura... but I was looking forward to wearing the colourful bangles for you." Smiling, she was quick to voice her heart's desire.

But then confusion clouded her gaze, as her head questioned - Since when have you started to focus on all this Shringar? Have you not always detested the idea of beautifying yourself for a man??

Her heart protested – He is not a man! I mean... of course, he is a man. But not just any man! What is wrong with wanting to flaunt some pretty glass bangles around him??

Part of her head scoffed at her – Look at you! Are you ready to discard a belief of so many years for him in just a few months? Hari... you are changing... and turning into one of those silly girls who obsessed with wanting to look pretty for a man!

As Hari's head and heart debated, Vayu watched the activities in the courtyard with amusement. A couple of young lads had haphazardly wrapped some odhanis and were playing the role of female dancers, while the other men sang and hooted at them.

After he had slowly drained his cup, Vayu held it out for a refill. But before the attendant could fill it, Harinakshi objected "O ho... you should still focus on your recovery. And madira does not promote good health!"

Leaning closer, he softly uttered "After last night, do you still doubt my recovery?? Or maybe I should prove it again."

"Raja-sa! Please... we are surrounded." Hari was flustered. But only momentarily. Regaining her composure, she whispered, leaning even closer, "As I remember it... I did most of the work... while you were laying back comfortably."

"And as I remember it... you were in the mood to be on top. And seemed very enraptured by the experience!" he shamelessly pointed out.

Wanting to put an end to this brazen conversation, that her husband seemed to be in the mood for, scowling, Harinakshi filled his cup to the top. "Please sit here and drink as much as you wish! I think I will retire for the night." She started to get up.

Chuckling, he held her hand "I will be up soon. I am sure the men will relax and enjoy more, once I head upstairs. And don't worry, I will do my share of the hard work tonight."

Though she huffed, while pulling her hand away, a small smile mingled with much anticipation played at the corner of her lips. His promise of what the night would bring set her heart racing.

Little later, as she stood in front of the mirror, Hari first admired the red Sindhoor and Chura for some time. She had never allowed her heart to dream of these symbols of marriage. Like a forbidden fantasy, the dream had stayed hidden somewhere deep. She was overcome with emotion seeing the woman staring back. A woman, the world was now expected to view as respectable.

As her heart once again fluttered, recalling the moment in the temple when he had applied the Sindhoor in her maang, she beseeched Durga – Come what may, please bless me with his love in every lifetime!

But then, as the confrontation with the priest in temple came to her mind, along with it arrived a sense of trepidation. What is he trying to accomplish by provoking the holy men? Surely. Rajmata-sa must have heard of it by now. What will she do now?? Post his public stance, she will definitely rise in arms! How will she retaliate? Will she order him back to the palace?? She won't put up with his flimsy excuses for not returning to the palace for long...

Harinakshi was at the window of her chamber un-braiding her hair, when walking into the room Vayu asked, "Are you still not ready for bed?" When she wordlessly shook her head, moving closer, he slipped his arms around her waist "Where are you lost?? You seemed preoccupied earlier too."

Turning around, she stood staring at him awhile before replying "You are changing me. Taking away my beliefs, one at a time. Slowly moulding me into someone I have never wished to be."

"I don't understand. I have respected all your wishes since the day we met." He was baffled by her accusation.

"If that was true, you wouldn't have made me put on this chura!" she countered.

Narrowing his eyes, Vayu demanded "Are you still stuck on it? The old man shared an observation, and I thought it was worth addressing it! Why are you making a big deal over this?!"

She incredulously replied "Because it is a big deal! Raja-sa, why can't you understand that I don't wish to be caught in the ugly and ruthless storm of the royal family's politics. Your mother... and others will take this as a challenge. And why did you not stop that bangle vendor when he addressed me as Rani-sa?? Someone might accuse me of distorting the facts. I could be severely punished for trying to aspire for a station far beyond my place. I am not the queen and nor do I aspire to be!"

"And what if I aspire to make you the queen?" his words sounded more a statement than a question.

Her face paled, almost matching the moon shining outside, as she whispered "Because I cannot. I am not worthy of it." Her heart silently moaned – And not worthy of your trust and love either... You will cast me aside in a moment... if you ever find out whose blood runs in my veins. I cannot let you wage a pointless a war!

He shoulders sagged "I am not delusional. I know, it won't be easy to get people to see beyond the fact that you come from a kotha. But how will we find out if it's possible without even trying? Today, that vendor addressed you as Rani-sa... tomorrow hundred others might do that and hopefully next week thousands! Harinakshi, I don't want to surrender without fighting. That is not a true Rajput does!"

"Yes, but, as a king, you must put strategy above everything else. A wise king always chooses his battles." Her voice was firm.

Perturbed at her response, he demanded, the anguish in his voice palpable "What do you wish of me?! On one hand, you can't bear the idea of me marrying Samidha, and on the other hand, you don't wish to become the queen either! You cannot have it both ways. Either be ready to fight for your place by my side or be ready to share me with the Queen of Sudhagadh! Because I cannot walk away from my duties to the crown. I am not a mere man, free to live my life as per my, or your, personal whims!"

Hari trembled on the inside. That pivotal moment, of committing to a choice, which she had been trying to evade was here. And though she knew what her choice must be, wishing to delay the inevitable, she softly uttered "Raja-sa, please retire for the night. I am in need of some solitude and will take a walk in the terrace."

"You are choosing to run away?!" he scoffed.

Placing her palms on his chest, she earnestly replied, before walking out of the chamber "Not running away... just taking some time. I will never run away from you."

Clenching his jaw, Vayu stalked off to his chamber. Hearing the door bang, she let out a sigh, but stuck to her plan.

Without him by her side, the terrace was eerily quiet at that time of the night. An almost half moon hung in the sky. Exhausted from the partying earlier, most of the Dasi Mahal had tumbled into their beds. An owl hooted in the distance, as Hari walked her odhani pulled tightly around herself and the open hair flying in the light breeze.

With every breath of cold air that she inhaled, she tried to numb her emotions. Not wanting to let her heart rule her decision, she wanted a clear head.

Once she believed herself capable of just that, she started evaluating what might be the possible outcomes of Vayu's desire to try to make her the Queen of Sudhagadh. As much as she found his wish endearing, her head decided it was too farfetched.

Rajmata-sa already hates me. If Raja-sa decides to go down this path, his uncle and others who have so far turned a blind-eye to my presence will also take a stand against him.

In this moment, he might think me worthy of so much friction with his family... but once their censure becomes too hard to handle, he will start resenting me as the cause of it all.

Just few, uninfluential, subjects accidently address me as Rani-sa while in the presence of their king does not mean the entire kingdom will welcome a woman from a kotha with open arms as their queen. The bangle seller was probably only looking to make a big sale!

And if people start considering it, the royal family will start digging deep into my past... And then, they all will truly hate me. Including him. All his love will be lost... No! I cannot risk his love for an official title!

Also, what of the debt owed to Udaygadh??

Couple of hours slipped by. And yet, her head continued deliberating on various scenarios.

Tried from walking, at some time she settled down against the parapet wall. Which is how Vayu found her when he stepped into the terrace just before dawn.

"How much more time do you need?? And do you have to do all your thinking tonight?!" Vayu gruffly demanded, standing in front of her. Holding out a hand, he ordered "Get up and come to bed now."

Shaking her head, she instead pulled him down to sit next to her.

Earnestly looking into his eyes, she started presenting her, now well-rehearsed, argument "Raja-sa... please know that just the thought of you wishing to take this stand for me... considering me worthy of sitting on the throne next to you... it means the world to me!"

"But??" he interjected, rightly guessing she was about to present some objection.

Her gaze uncomfortably shifted away "But, I would consider it my failure if I let you take a stand which will only bring you much heartache and headache. I cannot imagine you having to fight your family and your subjects on my account."

Taking a nervous pause, she continued "I realise, I have put you in a difficult position by nagging you about Samidha. And though it will always be hard to deal with, I will do my best to accept what you must do as the King of Sudhagadh. Please don't provoke Udaygadh into a war which will cost Sudhagadh many lives."

Her voice trembled, when she spoke again "Raja-sa... and if you find it hard to balance this relationship after... Samidha's arrival... I won't insist that you visit Dasi Mahal."

"Do you seriously think I can ever stay away from Dasi Mahal while you are here?!" he scoffed in disbelief.

She flinched "I will disappear if it makes your life easier."

"Didn't you say earlier, in the chamber that you will never run away from me?!" he challenged. When she stayed quiet, grabbing her hand, he placed it on his head "Promise me, you will never run away. That you will never leave my side! I order you, both as your husband and king."

Clinging to him, she whispered "I promise... But you cannot force the subjects and soldiers of Sudhagadh to pay the price of our love. Our heartaches aren't more important than their lives."

He acknowledged with a catch in his voice "Yes, the price of wearing the crown... must be paid by the head carrying it."

On returning to their chamber, both lay silently enveloped in each other's embrace. Though the rising sun's rays filtered into the chamber couple of hours later, its light did not drive away the dusk in their heart.

* * *

The next morning, everyone started their day a little later than usual. Contrary to the jubilant atmosphere of the previous day, everyone was slightly subdued. While others were just tired, Hari and Vayu had their conversation to blame for.

After Krushanu's daily visit, Vayu summoned Bhanumati for a private audience.

And since one can only give of what one has, Vayu shared the gloom clinging to him. He admitted to the elderly lady that, unfortunately, his men were struggling to locate Abha and her husband.

Though he assured her "Trust me, the search will not be abandoned. But it is hard to tell when it will bear fruit. I will let you know as soon as there is any progress.", Bhanumati left the room with a very heavy heart, thinking - though he said when it bears fruit... he probably meant if the search ever produces any result...

All hope that she had been building since approaching Vayu with her request started to crash. Every fearful thought that she had been striving to hold at bay, invaded her mind. Her life felt futile. Devoid of hope, the woman who had held Dasi Mahal together for decades, started crumbling.

Just a day passed but it added a decade to Bhanumati's appearance – lackluster eyes, dull grey tinged skin and unkept hair. The next morning, she remained in her chamber, not caring if and what was being cooked.

Like a rudderless ship, the kitchen and the household were in disarray that day. Hari felt rather frazzled when Kanta and Neera started approaching her for directions on every little thing. Running Dasi Mahal was not a simple thing and Hari was reluctant to take it on at the cost of her plans to start the mobile clinic for the animals at the different marketplaces. Surprisingly, Tarika stepped up the next day and was soon running the kitchen with an iron fist.

Another day and Dasi Mahal creakingly settled into its new dynamics.

Over those two days, Vayu and Hari reached an unspoken agreement to not revisit the topic of Harinakshi becoming the queen. Both tried hard to mask the disquiet left behind with cheerful, albeit slightly forced, conversations and activities.

* * *

On the third day, very early in the morning, as expected by Hari, Vaidehi sent a strongly worded letter to Vayu demanding that since his health was restored it was time he returned to the palace. The letter worsened his already edgy mood. While struggling to come up with a new excuse, Vayu did what Hari had come to recognise as one of his flaws. Probably his only one, as per her. Seeking momentary escape from the situation, he announced that he wished to take her riding.

The couple set out, closely followed by about a dozen of his men. This time, Hari rode on a mare of her own. After about half an hour of familiarising herself with the mare, and instructions from Vayu, her cautious canter changed to gallop. Soon, the unease of the last few days was overshadowed by exhilaration as they sprinted across the surrounding landscape.

Vayu once again shared some information about the area and residents. Her heart twitched a little, torn between pride that he had wanted to lay this kingdom that he held so close to his heart at her feet, and disappointment that his dream was a mirage.

After few hours of riding, sweaty and tired, they stopped by the river side. After they dismounted and his men led the horses downstream to drink, Vayu spoke "Come, lets pray. This river is the life force of Sudhagadh. My ancestors established this kingdom on its banks long ago... and have fought many wars to defend it."

Handed folded, they venerated the river goddess. Afterwards, pointing toward the bank, Vayu continued "For the last few years, it has rained sparsely and hence so much of the riverbed is exposed. When we are blessed with abundant rains, the water levels rise almost to the line of trees up there. But because of our location, even during the worst of times, the river has enough water to meet the needs of Sudhagadh."

Couple of boats loaded with trading supplies, slowly making their way upstream were visible in the distance. 

She observed "The port greatly sustains the economy of Sudhagadh. Your ancestors were very wise in recognising the strategic importance of this location."

Nodding, Vayu led her to a rock closer to the water. Once settled on it, pleased with her inquisitive mind, he spoke about the part the river, and in turn Sudhagadh, played in the trade and politics of the region.

Hari listened with pride as he told her how he was contemplating on building another smaller port downstream which would prove beneficial to the regions to the south and would increase Sudhagadh's revenue. Vayu explained the challenges with the feasibility of this idea as the new port would be functional only for a few months of the year.

As the sun's intensity increased, Vayu announced "Lets swim before we head back." "Swim?? Here?! Raja-sa, how can we ride back in soaked garments??" she was baffled.

"Don't be silly, we won't be swimming fully dressed." Quickly squashing her doubts, he started striping to his loin cloth.

"Are you suggesting I disrobe here, in the open, while your men stand yards away?! And there are boats passing by!" Hari stared back like he had grown two horns.

Nonchalantly, he shrugged "I will order the men to stand further away with their backs to the river. And the boats have already moved on far enough. Come, you will feel refreshed."

"Absolutely not!" she was adamant.

When he tried to cajole her some more, eyes narrowed, hand on her hips, she chastised him "I will not join you in the water in the open! I am sure you have much more than an innocent swim on your mind!"

Realising she had seen recognised his intentions, Vayu smirked before jumping in the water "If not today, I will have you join me for a swim another time. I will make sure of it."

After his swim, as they rode back to Dasi Mahal and the dilemma's awaiting him, Vayu came up with a common solution to two of his problems.

On reaching Dasi Mahal, he sent out two missives. One to his mother, advising her that he would return to the palace after he had finalised the plans and kicked off a project for some new construction at Dasi Mahal. And another was sent summoning the royal architect.

When the architect arrived, Vayu asked him to survey the grounds of Dasi Mahal, identify a spot for building a swimming pool and come up with some designs.

When Hari protested "Why are you getting a pool built here?! We don't need it... there are some many other improvements Dasi Mahal can benefit from..." he turned the table on her "Well, since you won't swim with me in the open, I must bring a pond to the privacy of Dasi Mahal." Pulling her closer, he smirked "By now, you should have learnt that if I really want something I don't take no for an answer."

"And what if I refuse to enter this new pond as well?" she countered cheekily. He burst into laughter "Do you seriously think that you will be given the option to say no?! If need be, I will personally carry you into it."

Shaking her head at his bullheadedness, she walked away.

Even as the architect was coming up with designs, a large crew arrived and started digging at the chosen spot. The site of construction was soon very messy. Hari complained to him "Bhagwan knows when the pool will be ready... but till then all the animals will constantly keep running into that muddy patch. Shera leaves his muddy paws marks everywhere in the haweli! Tarika jiji is always cross because of it."

He scowled back thinking – All these women are so impatient! One must put up with a lot of chaos and mess before something beautiful can be materialise. Just like... His scowl turned to delight as an idea dawned. Sending for the architect, he ordered "I want the pool to be shaped like a lotus." And then silently added to himself – A lotus for my lotus to bathe in.

* * *

Though she was delighted that Vayu had found an excuse to prolong his stay in Dasi Mahal for some time, Hari knew that it was a temporary solution. The anxiety of what might follow still lingered. Once again, trusting her animals to provide the necessary solace, Harinakshi decided to set her plan for the mobile clinic in motion. Vayu was very supporting of her idea and ordered his men to ensure that she got whatever she needed for this new endeavor. A covered bullock cart was allocated for this activity. Hari got it filled with easily stackable reed boxes which could be used for storing all her commonly used medicinal herbs, roots etc.

On the coming Monday, accompanied by Satpal and couple of other guards, she headed to the Lal Takdi market. The market was small and wasn't terribly crowded; hence, other than inspecting a vendor's mule's infected ear and making a salve for it, she just ended chit-chatting with the people assembled and sharing her plans.

Two days later, at the Bheemi market, about half a dozen people sought treatment for their animals. To her slight frustration, it turned out only three had a genuine problem, the rest were just looking for an excuse to meet Harinakshi! But she was glad that the word was spreading.

Every person she met with looked at her in awe and went back his or her hamlet to confirm that she was indeed a pretty, young, down to earth woman with a healer's touch. And of course, that she wore Raja Vayu Pratap Singh's Chura and Sindhoor. And in most places the elders debated the consequences of the king's action.

Vayu was very pleased to hear of her experience since it meant his subject's curiosity about her and in turn her popularity was growing. For somewhere, deep in his heart, the 'maybes' still lingered. Though he had not raised the idea with her again, Vayu had not completely given up on testing the waters.  

The day she arrived in the marketplace at Rampura, there was a long queue already waiting to see her. But her initial excitement slowly faded when she realised that most of the people with real issues, after meeting with her headed to the vet who was well known in the area for a long time. She was still being viewed more as an oddity. Understandably, it would take time to gain their trust on her ability, yet it was a little disheartening.

At the end of the day, pushing aside her disappointment, she headed to the meet the animal Vaidya, Yogendra. The temporarily erected tent was almost empty. Yogendra was instructing a couple of helpers to pack away for the day.

"Khamma Ghanni, Vaidya-sa. I should have stopped by to pay my respects earlier but as you must be aware both of us have been busy." Noting the older man was starting to bristle at her words, she laughed softly "But clearly with two different things! I have been the novelty act in the market today, and you have been treating the animal's ailments."

As Yogendra's expression softened at her words, she bowed "Vaidya-sa, I wish to learn from you. I have picked up some skills from various people over the years, but I have never had the opportunity to train under an esteemed Vaidya with such extensive experience of treating animals."

"Before I take on an apprentice, I always make it clear that I expect complete commitment. Please don't take this the wrong way, but treating animals is hard and messy work. Just being fond of them isn't enough. The otherwise sweet and cuddly looking animals will kick and poop all over you when sick. If a cow is birthing, you might have to sacrifice your soft bed and spend the whole night in the barn with her. Can you handle that?" Yogendra didn't mince his words.

She responded, equally bluntly, "I can understand your qualms about taking on a female apprentice, but I am not one to shy from some dirt, poop or blood. Please rest assured that you will not find my commitment lacking in any respect."

"Vaidya-sa, I can vouch for her dedication to her beloved animals. They are often showered with more attention than even me!"

Everyone's attention shifted to the young man, attired in a simple black dhoti-kurta and hair tied back standing at the entrance of the tent.

"And you are?? Do you realise who you are talking about!" Yogendra was bewildered by the seemly strange claim made by some arbitrary man about the king's companion.

Hari too exclaimed "Raja-sa! What are you doing here??"

Bowing deeply, Yogendra addressed Vayu "Khamma Ghani, Raja-sa! Please forgive my earlier outburst. I have never had the fortune of seeing you at such close quarters... and was confused by your appearance."

Waving away Yogendra's apology, Vayu responded to Harinakshi "When you did not return at noon as per your original plan, after first contemplating sending more guards, I decided to venture out here myself. It's been a while since I have attended the Rampura market, so it seemed like a good distraction. And the market has lived up to my expectations this past hour that I have spent walking around."

Turning his attention to Yogendra, he uttered "As I was saying, she will prove to be a diligent student."

Yogendra rushed to assure him "Raja-sa! I had no intention of turning her away. I only wished to impress upon her that it is hard work."

"Good." Nodding his approval, Vayu addressed Hari again "I will leave you to decide the details of your training. I wish to speak in private to the merchants who have recently returned from their travels to the north. Come find me when you are ready to leave."

* * *

On the way back, Harinakshi nudged him "You look troubled. Didn't the meeting with the merchants go well? Where have they been travelling??"

There were multiple reasons for his subdued mood. One of which he had decided to refrain from sharing with Harinakshi.

Instead, Vayu shared the reason related to his meeting with the merchants.

"They have recently spent some time trading in Panchagadh." he sighed. After silently brooding awhile, he added "Panchagadh's subtly changing policies and treatment of our traders worries me. Once again, our traders were not offered a fair deal. It's almost like Niramal's administration is trying to provoke us. But I am struggling to understand – to what end?"

"What reports have your spies sent?" she asked, and then added in explanation when he quirked a brow "The other day... when I stopped by your work room... I heard part of your conversation with Krushanu-sa."

When he didn't teasingly counter something on the expected lines of, 'Do you know what's the punishment for eavesdropping??' she knew he was more worried than he was letting on.

"So, what have you heard??" she probed again.

When he uttered "The reports don't make any sense... Instead of focusing on the usual coal, they have been digging up huge boulders from their mines." she countered "Perhaps, Niramal is planning to embark on some building project..."

Vayu nodded "Yes, but what worries me is the amount of secrecy being maintained about the project. Whenever a king embarks on a big construction... it is widely advertised in a bid to infuse his subjects with enthusiasm and hope of work. Committing to a big plan is used to impress upon the other provinces the depth of the king's treasury. Whether it's a new fort or a palace or a temple... it's a sign of prosperity, to be touted. So, why is Niramal staying so close lipped?"

Her eyes narrowed in understanding "Hmmm... so, if Panchagadh wishes to keep it under wraps... it must be something that needs to stay undetected. Something that if revealed early on will deprive them of an advantage they desire."

When he grunted in frustration, she questioned "Where are they moving the rocks? Surely, they aren't just piling them up outside the mines??"

"They are being transferred towards their southern areas. But seemingly just for storage."

Hari frowned "So, close to our border??"

He shook his head "Not quite at our border. It's still some way up north, near their village called Umargam."

Various theories were tossed around, but Vayu felt like they weren't any closer to the truth.

Later that evening, as Vayu stood in one of the balconies overlooking the area where the construction of the swimming pond was in progress, his brow was creased recalling the other reason for his unease post the market visit.

While in the market, he had happened to listen in on a conversation between a few men assembled there.

Someone had asked "Have you seen the king's woman? I hear she is in the market today."

When a young man had excitedly responded "Of course! I spent a long time waiting to see her." an elderly man, most probably his father, had rebuked him "Stop wasting your time on such useless activities and concentrate on the shop! The king will add another ten women in that Dasi Mahal... and if you waste your time trying to catch a glimpse of each one of them, your family will starve. And what is so special about that girl??"

The young man had argued "People are saying Raja-sa really favours her and might even make her the queen. She is a healer."

The old man had scoffed "Healer indeed! And that too from a kotha! Must be skilled indeed... that the king is enamoured with her... but you are a fool to think she will ever be accepted even as his wife, forget as the queen of Sudhagadh. Raja-sa will enjoy her charms while they last... but he won't risk going to war with Udaygadh over her. Mark this old man's word, that will never happen. So, stop dwelling on all this nonsense and focus on the taking stock of the inventory and make a note of what do we need to buy before the next market."

Feeling very frustrated, he ran his fingers through his hair – Is this the true sentiment of the majority? His leftover optimism too was slowly draining away, a drop at a time.

* * *

Two days later, post dinner, as they settled in her favourite terrace to play a game of Chaturanga, Vayu said "Let's play for some stakes today. And something other than sweets!"

"All I have is my goats and chickens... and I love them very much, so please don't expect me to bet on them!" She grinned back.

He smirked "You are conveniently forgetting all the jewels gifted by me... but anyways, I am not thinking of objects. Let's stake a wish today."

"A wish? What sort of wish??" Hari pouted. He smiled "Obviously the wish will depend on who wins! And the other person must fulfil it."

Watching him keenly, she stated "So, you have already decided what you want." He smiled smugly "Maybe... And though the chances of me losing are very low... still, you should think of what you will wish for."

The game lasted for longer than usual as both were set on getting their wish fulfilled.

As she played, along with strategizing her next few moves, Hari also tried to figure out what she would demand of him.

Jewels and riches had never held much appeal, so the ideas running through her mind were more like – Maybe I should ask him to take a day completely off from work... no meetings or discussions with Krushanu-sa or any other business of state! Or should I challenge him to dismiss his attendants for a day?? It will be great fun so see if he can really fend for himself!

When she let out a small giggle imagining him struggling to carry out all his personal chores, Vayu raised an eyebrow "What's funny about this move?!" and then smirked "Or are you already daydreaming of your victory?? In which case, you better rein in your wild horses because I have no intention of indulging you today."

"Indulging me?? Every time I win, it's all because of my skill! Not because you are being generous!" she countered jutting out her chin. Shrugging nonchalantly, he gestured towards the board "Your move."

Sometime later, Hari glared at Vayu when he emerged victorious, annoyed at having lost her chance to make him bow to her wishes. Looking extremely pleased, he announced "Knowing what's at stake, there was no chance of me losing today! So, get ready to pay up."

"What's going to be so special about this wish? Don't I fulfil all your wishes anyway?!" Harinakshi started rising to her feet in a huff.

Pulling her down into his lap, he huskily murmured against the sensitive shell of her ear "For four days, I wish to have you all to myself." As squinted in confusion, he continued "Away from everyone... just you and me..."

"Not even your attendants?!"

"No, not even my attendants. Just you and me. We will travel in the surrounding area incognito. I want to see the real Sudhagadh through your eyes." he elaborated.

He wants the same thing that I was going to wish for! No attendants and no work!! I will have him all to myself for four days!!! Her joy knew no bounds.

To Vayu's surprise, she quickly pecked his cheek "As I wish."

"As you wish?? No, I won! It will be as per my wish!" he tried to impress upon her.

Kissing his other cheek, she smiled sweety "Alright then, as you wish! But when shall we go? And how will you convince your guards to leave your side??"

"We will figure out the plan. I am thinking in about three-four days from now. I am waiting for some important communication to arrive from Jaswant-sa."

She asked, "He is married to Ruchika Jiji-sa... Rudra Bhai-sa's sister... right?"

Vayu fondly shared "Yes, she is a little younger to me. When we were younger, she used to always trail behind us wanting to join our games... and we would find ways to run away!"

As he recounted some stories, she remembered her own childhood and times shared with her half-brothers and half-sisters. Since her mother was resented by the other wives, and the animosity had not been limited to Arunika, the other children had never been particularly loving towards Hari either. Occasionally they had allowed her to join in their games, but it been mostly to just round of the numbers for a team.

Wistfully, she hoped that it would be different for her children. Yes, away from the royal family... they will enjoy a carefree childhood surrounded by their own siblings!

Hope overtook longing and her lips curved, dreaming of the pitter-patter of little feet that would run through Dasi Mahal.

Taking in the joy shining brightly from her eyes, he lightly traced one of her brows "I love your Naina! Feels like my whole world starts and end with them."

"Are you planning to abandon your sword in favour of the quill and start writing poetry??" she teased even as some colour flooded to her cheeks.

Donning a thoughtful expression, he responded "Hmmm... not a bad idea... But I will dwell more on it in the light of the day. Let's go to bed. There is a different kind of poetry that I wish to write on you for now."

"O ho... you always have only one thing on your mind!" as she frowned, he nuzzled against her cheek "Only because of you! It wasn't like this before you cast your black magic on me."

Her tinkling laughter mingled with the wind and carried into the night.

* * *

(Hi Everyone, 

Hope you all are doing great. Sorry, I am not able to share frequent updates as my workload has greatly increased due to new projects. But rest assured I will keep writing and sharing as often as possible. 

Do share your thoughts on this part. 

Take care and lots of love, May)