Flanked by Malhar and Krushanu, Vayu stood on the banks of Veerawati, or rather what was still left of Veerawati.

Gajendra had not exaggerated. The river, which had always been full of life and vigour, was now comparable to a bubbling brook. Many small boats and two large ones stood stranded on the riverbed. If one looked closer, fish could be seen densely gathered in spots which still had enough water — now easy prey for the birds swooping down in glee.

A big crowd had gathered along the bank. The air was thick with their fear and anxiety. Some had tears rolling down their cheeks.

A few soldiers rushed to where Vayu stood and one uttered "Raja-sa! One of the men sent up north has returned, but he is badly wounded."

Casting one last glance at the river, Vayu and the others briskly headed to where the injured soldier was being offered some water. Seeing his king, the man waved away the water and started sharing an update in a raspy voice "We were attacked... even before we reached our outpost. The others... didn't make it. It seems Panchagadh has taken over our outpost. Before we were attacked... we met some shepherd boys... they said they had seen some construction going on near Umargum about a week back, but Panchagadh soldiers had scared them away. Since then, the area was heavily guarded."

After ordering that the injured man be promptly treated, Vayu headed to a makeshift area setup for him and his men to work from by the river. The problem was unprecedented and hence there was no clear backup strategy to adhere to.

Eyes narrowed; Malhar remarked "He has perfectly timed this. Niramal must be aware that part of our army is on its way to Umbrali for the joint exercise. We will need a few days to call them back."

Vayu mused aloud "Kaka-sa, the more I ponder this... I think it will be imprudent of us to attack them without fully understanding who else is aligned with Panchagadh."

Malhar nodded in agreement "I will dispatch our envoys to all the neighbouring provinces to establish where they stand."

Krushanu entered the tent and spoke looking troubled "Raja-sa, people are growing very anxious. We need to issue some statement."

Running a hand through his hair, Vayu muttered "We hardly know anything worth sharing! Just assure them that we are planning an attack on Panchagadh and that Veerawati will freely flow again. Very soon!"

* * *

Needless to say, like the rest of Sudhagadh, the mood in Dasi Mahal had been very tense since dawn.

Taking his parting words to heart, Harinakshi spent some time in the pooja room, praying to all the gods and goddesses she could think of. Tarika and few other women joined her too.

But her practical mind kept drifting to the actual problem, its possible outcomes and how she thought Vayu was likely to handle it.

Lighting another diya, she left the others to pray and headed to the foyer. The guards left behind were debating amongst themselves about the validity of the news. When she enquired, they did not have any updates to share as no one had come back from the town.

There was no question of her going to the market with her mobile clinic that day, hence she watched the road for a bit. And as she watched, she worried about Vayu and when she would see him again. As much as she hoped that he would return soon, she knew it was unlikely. For it was certain that this issue would not be resolved easily. If Niramal has come up with this ingenious plan to clandestinely build a dam, he must have a plan to deal with all the consequences too.

As she tried to recall all that she could of Panchagadh's history and allies, Hari wondered about the politics in that region in general and how this dam was likely to affect alliances. One thing that she knew very well was, friendships between kingdoms were like a line drawn in sand. It's going to be a very testing time for Raja-sa...

Her heart grew heavier recalling his withdrawal of the last couple of days. Just the night before, she had been worrying about him leaving her. But now, all she wanted was for him to stay unscathed in the coming days.

Probably wanting to feel his essence, her feet headed towards his work room. Apart from their chamber, it was the one place where he spent the maximum time while in the haveli. His dedication to work - it always impressed her. For she knew of many royals who were happy to dedicate their lives to hedonistic pleasures.

Standing in the doorway, she glanced inside. A few volumes and ledgers that had been delivered few days back were stacked on top of a chest. As always, scrolls covered his desk and carelessly tossed quills lay broken on the floor. A silver cup stood at one end of the table. The attendants had left in a hurry that morning without a chance to tidy the room.

She stepped in and walked over to the window, where he often stood gazing outside as he mulled over some information or decision. Sparrows were noisily twittering in the trees outside. Chanchal sat under a lemon tree with one eye aimed at the birds.

Do the birds not care that the life source of Sudhagadh is disappearing?? Maybe it doesn't matter to them... perhaps they will just choose to fly away and build another nest where the fruits still grow. For a minute or so, she stood wondering if birds, like humans, form attachments to places and surroundings. Whose instinct for survival is stronger? And what does survival really mean? Is it just waking up another day irrespective of whether our heart hums a happy tune?

In the past, someone had decided for her what sort of life was worthy of living. And perhaps it was easier that way, because then she just had to go with the flow. But now, no longer under her mother's or Chandrika's protection, she had to learn to spread her own wings and decide which tree to perch on. Dasi Mahal had come to feel like home, more home than her childhood home or the kotha in Chandanpur. But did it feel like home only because of the happy times spent with him?

Some time back, after much deliberation, she had decided that sharing him with another woman seemed inevitable. But had she been too naïve in thinking that he would continue to be the same man that she had come to love? And if he changed, wasn't it inevitable that her love would change too?

Her heart panged at the thought of not being able to love him as she wanted to. Would she be able to dispassionately love him and live here? 

Dispassionate love – is that even possible??

And what would be the point of staying with him if their love ebbed? Maybe she couldn't survive in the outside world without him... but wouldn't it be better than staying in the safety of these walls with her shattered pride?

Shaking her head, she turned to pick the cup left on his desk. Instead of the madira she had expected it had traces of turmeric milk. So, he was working last night before coming to fetch me for bed. She felt a little lighter knowing he hadn't been just avoiding her.

Hari's eyes lingered over a missive he had started penning for some general enquiring about his experience with some new style of bows that his regiment was trialing.

Considering it wouldn't be finished anytime soon, she picked it up to add to the pile of other discarded parchments in an iron pot. All the king's discarded communications were to be burnt to avoid any unauthorized access. That morning his attendants had failed to complete their task. Deciding she would do it, Hari picked up the blackened iron vessel.

She was startled, as her eyes unwittingly read a few words. Samidha?? Why is he writing to her?!

Her grip on the pot tightened, as she wondered if he had been replying to some demand from Samidha to set aside his first wife before the planned wedding. Her apprehensions from the previous night returned with a vengeance.

Briefly, she wrestled with the dilemma if it would be right to read his private communications. But only for a mere moment. Deciding she had every right to know what was going on in his head and heart, she picked up the parchment. To her surprise, there was another addressed to Samidha, and then a few more.

Sorting the discarded parchments from the pot, she counted five drafts.

Draft 1

Draft 2

Draft 3

Draft 4

Draft 5

Part stunned and part deliriously happy, Hari read the letters again and again trying to guess the order of the first four drafts, not that it mattered. For the one that mattered was the last one, the one covering everything he really wanted Samidha to know.

Nibbling on her lower lip, she anxiously pondered if he had finished the final draft, till she recalled seeing two messengers riding out the previous night while she stood in the terrace. At that time, she had briefly wondered what could be of such great importance that they had been tasked with riding through the night, but then considering that wasn't uncommon when it came to Vayu, she hadn't dwelled on it for long.

Nervously, she continued to bite on her lip – But then why did he not mention the letter to me last night??

She gasped as suddenly his strange behaviour of the last few days made sense. He wasn't getting ready to break our relationship... he was just trying to figure out the best way to end his engagement with Samidha! His gloominess wasn't for my heartbreak... it was out of concern for Samidha. Samidha, who he has cared for so long as an almost-sister. And of course, he is worried about the repercussions!

Despite me cautioning him against inviting the wrath of Udaygadh, he has done just that! All for me. Harinakshi felt like her heart would explode with love and pride.

After reading all the drafts once more, she set them on fire. And as she watched them burn, she surrendered all her apprehensions to the fire too and was resolved to never doubt the strength of his love for her.

Overcome with joy, eyes glistening, she announced to no one in particular "And if I forget, you must remind me!"

Dasi Mahal listened.

* * *

It was evening.

After spending the day on the banks of Veerawati huddled with ministers, commanders and envoys from surrounding kingdoms, Vayu had just returned to the palace. As expected, Vaidehi, eager to hear the truth from him, had rushed to receive him. After sharing necessary updates with her, Vayu had retired to his chamber to freshen up. But a bath and meal did nothing to ease his troubled mind and fatigued body.

Once again, he spent hours discussing the options proposed by his trusted administrators and with mediators identified for conducting talks with Panchagadh. Though Vayu was certain that Niramal wouldn't be amicable to any negotiations considering he had the upper hand, they still had to give it a try.

Various reports that had been dwindling in since morning were scrutinized and then filed away, either as fantasy concocted by someone's overactive fear induced imagination or worth further investigation.

It was hours past midnight that everyone retired to catch some sleep.

And still, sleep evaded Vayu. Standing at a window, he stared into the distance. It was hard to comprehend that just last night he had been asleep next to Harinakshi. It felt like a lot more time had elapsed, for so much had happened. His chamber felt empty beyond words. Despite the unending discussions that had spanned the day, he was restless to unburden his mind, or rather share his burdens with her.

Over time, he had come to depend on her to listen and then provide her unique perspective on so many matters. Whenever together, it had become their routine to stroll in the garden or a terrace after dinner. And as they walked, they talked. He hadn't realised when exactly he had started discussing sensitive matters related to state with her, but it had felt like a natural progression. Probably because his own mother was a strong and intelligent woman, he had never considered matters of state outside his wife's purview. Yes, at times he had snapped when she had touched a nerve or fearlessly pointed out his failings. But he wanted to believe that he was improving in that area.

The disquiet of the last few days between them had been very unsettling. For both. But he had been in the process of making some hard decisions. Decisions that had the potential to impact and hurt so many other lives. Having brought up to believe that every king had to aspire to leave behind a legacy worthy of pride, he had been digging deep within to determine what he wanted his legacy to be. In the end, he had decided that all he could do was be true to himself and let history decide what sort of king he had been.

But right now, I need to get some sleep. He headed to bed.

One of his last thoughts before falling asleep, another hour later, was - Hope Rudra Bhai-sa soon returns with part of the army he has taken. We will need the numbers to intimidate Niramal.

* * *

It seemed the planets were in retrograde motion for Sudhagadh, for the next morning brought more bad tidings.

Vayu listened in a dazed state, as one of his generals shared an update, "Forgive me Raja-sa, but I bring you terrible news. A big fire is blazing in the forest near Chiri. Rudra-sa will not be able to lead the army back for at least another week, probably longer."

The whole court erupted into an uproar. All their strategizing from the previous day had been heavily reliant of Rudra's return.

The king roared "It cannot be a coincidence! Find out what you can about the fire." A small pause later he added "I did not expect Niramal to stoop to these levels! Risking the lives of the tribes living in that forest... and destroying so much vegetation... it's an absolute outrage!"

He ordered Krushanu "Identify other likely areas he might target to make more trouble and assign you best men to gather intel. We cannot risk a reoccurrence. Arrange for aid to be sent to the habitants of Chiri."

Worry etched on his forehead, Malhar uttered "Not only has he cut-off Rudra's way back, but no one from Umbrali or that direction can come to our immediate assistance."

Vayu's neck prickled with anxiety. It felt like he was back to that same moment three years back when, after his father and brother's untimely passing, he had been left to save Sudhagadh. Only this time, he would have to bear the weight of every decision and its outcome.

The day passed with an endless number of people coming to request his audience. Citizens who had been frozen the previous day, sprang into action with petitions and updates.

Merchants arrived with reports of shipments stuck on boats stranded downriver. The ministry in charge of the granary set out to calculate how long it would be before Sudhagadh would start running out of essentials.

Fear was spreading wide, and people were trying to stock what they could, mostly water. Veerawati was at the centre of their existence. Without her, life as they, and their ancestors, had known would be over.

When Vayu headed to the port for some time for a quick survey, he noticed many holy men had set-up hawans along the riverbank, where his citizens were lining up make offerings in a bid to appease the river goddess.

Sadly, he wondered - Is it faith or fear??

Watching them, he recalled the visit to the river from some time back when he had offered his prayers with Harinakshi. Even amidst all the chaos, he experienced a moment of calmness at the memory. It reminded him of something else too. Summoning an attendant, Vayu issued him an order.

* * *

Hari was in the back yard packing away some herbs that she had put out to dry, when Kanta informed her that a messenger had arrived from Raja-sa. By the time she rushed to the foyer, eager for some news, some other habitants of Dasi Mahal were gathered there too. Of course, most of servants from the haveli had already been to the town since the previous morning and returned with shocking accounts.

Bowing, the man spoke "Khamma Ghani, Bai-sa. Raja-sa wanted to let you know that he is well. But he won't be able to return till the situation is resolved. He will keep you updated."

That's it?? Of course... what else can he say at a time like this? And that too when he is sending word with a messenger... She nodded half-heartedly.

Thinking of something, she asked him to wait and hurried to his work room. Quickly penning him a note she brought it out and tasked the messenger to deliver it to his king.

When the messenger reached the palace, Vayu was surprised to receive a note from Harinakshi, but was pleased with her initiative. Though short, the note conveyed her warmth.

The next morning a letter was delivered for Hari. Almost running to the privacy of their chamber, she read the contents.

She quickly penned him a short reply and sent it back with the messenger.

Two days later another note arrived for Hari.

Hari stood clutching the letter. Since his last missive, though she had been anxiously hoping for an amicable outcome, she too had her reservations. Indeed, why would Niramal embark on this clever enterprise only to easily relinquish the water.

Now, her anxiety soared reading Vayu was about to lead an attack against Panchagadh. The retaliation was required, but without the part of the army that was away under Rudra's command Vayu's chances of victory were diminished.

Couple of days back, she had been worried about losing him to another woman and consequent distance. But that fear had been a mere hazy shadow of what she now experienced at the thought of him going away to battle. Hey Ram... right now... while he is in Sudhagadh... I can at least expect a line or two from him... but what after he goes away??

* * *

Stern faced, brow now seemingly permanently creased, Vayu was hunched over some maps and strategies for the strike against Panchagadh.

"Raja-sa, we cannot use the path along the river as it will give them the advantage of being able to track our movements very easily. Though longer, the approach via the foothills of Torawati will give us better camouflage and shelter. I have already sent our best scouts. They will return with a plan by tomorrow." one of the assembled men shared.

Another added "Krushanu-sa has already started sending back word of how many men the Thakurs are committing. We are hopeful that he will be able to round up at least fifty. That will still bring us to just under three hundred. Are you sure we shouldn't send for our troops stationed at Sompura or Palan?"

Vayu dismissed the idea "Absolutely not! That will make all our borders vulnerable." Turning to Malhar, he asked sounding a little hesitant "Kaka-sa... do you think... the Thakurs around Torawati will come to our aid?"

"Truthfully, provided Niramal hasn't already promised them a big share of the spoils, I think the best we can expect from them is safe passage. Vayu, remember not to trust them easily. You are aware of their behaviour of the past and how they let down your father." the older man did not sugar coat his thoughts.

Not wishing to dwell on the painful memories, with a slight nod to his uncle, Vayu quickly diverted the discussion to the readiness of the armoury.

It was late afternoon when Vayu's grim conversation with the treasurer was pleasantly interrupted by a loud and very familiar woofing. Shera burst into the room, and running to Vayu showered him with his unique flavour of love.

Scratching behind Shera's ears, Vayu enquired "How did he get here? Has a messenger arrived from Dasi Mahal??"

The servant accompanying Shera bowed "Raja-sa, may I have a word in private?" and shared as soon as they were at some distance from the men assembled there, "Harinakshi Bai-sa has brought him over."

To put it mildly, Vayu was very surprised "She is here?! Where??"

The man looked ill at ease "She wants to know if she can see you for some time. We weren't sure... what to do. We invited her to rest in one of the guest reception rooms, but she refused to enter the palace."

"That does not answer my question! Where is she now?!"

"In the stables. She expressed her wish to see the royal stables while she awaits your reply." the man quickly responded.

Vayu announced to the room "I will be back in some time."

The curiosity with which the stable boys were observing Harinakshi, as she inspected and enquired about a couple of rare breeds, quickly turned to awe when their king briskly strode and greeted the young lady, "Harinakshi! Are you well? And why did you bring Shera over?? I wanted to leave him there for your protection."

Ignoring his query, she rushed forward and uttered "Raja-sa! When did you last sleep? You look so exhausted! Tell Jagat to add some nutmeg to the turmeric milk you have before going to bed."

As he dismissively shook his head, she added "I am sure, with these terrible events, sleep is the last thing on your mind. But you still need your rest!" and asked anxiously, "Has there been any development? Have you heard—"

"Let's take a walk." Vayu stopped her from saying more around the stable hands.

Once they were at some distance, clasping her hand, he spoke earnestly "You have no idea how glad I am to see you! I have missed you so much."

Though extremely happy to hear his admission, she first pouted slightly "I find it hard to believe that you have had time to think of anyone else but Veerawati these past few days." and added somberly "Raja-sa, my heart aches for your and Sudhagadh's troubles."

Looking harrowed, he ran a hand through his hair. After few moments of silence, he spoke "I won't hide from you. We have neither the hoped for numbers nor enough intel on which provinces are supporting Niramal." For a moment, he resembled a lost young lad as he admitted "Harinakshi, I don't know if the strategy I am choosing, to embark an attack soon, is the right one. But if we wait for too long... we will appear weak and kingdoms which are currently sitting on the fence might side with Panchagadh!"

"So, have you finalised your plan? When do you leave?" her warm brown eyes were tinged with worry.

Could this be our last meeting?? Knowing how treacherous battlefields were, he was suddenly overcome with uncertainty.

Striving to keep his thoughts and words optimistic, he replied "Day after. Krushanu is expected to return with additional men by tomorrow. Actually, the more I think of it... I am starting to believe attacking with a smaller battalion might prove to our advantage. It will help us move faster and explore other ways of retaliatory action. And if we quickly cause them a lot of damage, Niramal might come around to seeing reason sooner than expected."

She nodded looking a little distracted while he spoke, and poised a question as soon as he paused "How long do you think the campaign will last?"

Unsure how to respond, he shrugged "A fortnight... or maybe longer. It's hard to tell as of now."

"Of course..." looking thoughtful, she went quite for a bit, before speaking again "Send me word when the plans are finalised."

This is it?! He almost recoiled at her matter-of-fact tone. 

It wasn't the first time he was heading into battle. Every time his mother had seen him off, she too had put on a stoic face, but her eyes would still speak of the fear gripping her heart.

Feeling a little disappointed, he let go of her hand "You should head back now." When she just nodded, he continued "I am glad you came by to say goodbye."

Suddenly his voice grew thick with emotions as he almost whispered, clasping her hand again "Wish me luck. God knows, I will need it!"

"I won't. Not here and not like this!"

Pleased that this hadn't been her way of seeing him off, he hopefully uttered "Harinakshi... I won't be able to visit Dasi Mahal. But it will make me very happy if you stay in the palace while I am here. Even if it's only for a few hours at night, we will get to talk."

She shook her head "Sorry... but I cannot stay. I have much to do before we leave day after tomorrow."

Thinking he had misheard, or she had misspoken, he asked "What do you have to prepare for my journey?? My attendants will take care of—"

"O ho... I know your attendants will take care of your packing! But I must pack my luggage. Don't worry... I will pack very light... just the essentials. But I will bring my medicines along... that way I can help look after the animals."

"Where are you going?! I meant it when I told you to stay in Dasi Mahal and not venture far. It is not safe!" he was exasperated.

After nervously licking her lip, she replied "You need not worry about my safety, because... I am going with you."

"Going with me? Where??" he was flabbergasted.

Fiddling with her odhani, she muttered "Wherever you are going... I am going with you."

After uncomprehendingly blinking for few moments, he asked "You want to travel with me on the campaign??" When she quickly nodded, smiling slightly, he held her shoulders "While your wish is endearing, it cannot be!"

Taking a deep breath, she jutted out her chin "Raja-sa, it's not my wish. It's my decision. I know what it is like to travel as part of your camp, so am aware of what it would entail."

A part of him was ecstatic thinking of the depth of her love that she was willing to endanger her life for him. But he knew that the risks were far greater than what she could imagine.

"What's wrong with you?? You cannot accompany me! Travelling with the camp from Chandanpur was one thing... and going into battle... very different! It just cannot be." he was quick to dismiss her idea.

But she was adamant "Let me remind you that you have given me your word. It was one of my conditions sent with Krushanu-sa, that you accepted – that I will be free to do as I want. And I want to accompany you."

Over the next few minutes, Vayu tried to present multiple arguments. But Hari did not relent, harping on her right to do as she pleased and that he was bound by his word to honour her decision. Convinced that she would not budge, he finally gave in.

Eyes twinkling at the victory, she smiled "I will join you en route once you leave Sudhagadh."

As her carriage departed, Vayu haplessly wondered - Did I really agree to let her accompany me? A part of him mocked back – She didn't ask for your permission. She just shared her decision!

* * *

(Hi Everyone,

How did you find this chapter? When I last wrote that the story will take a turn, I was referring to the plot or events, not HaVa's integrity. Hope Vayu has redeemed himself and proven that he is truly Sameer in making! 😊

Credit for creating the letters as images in order to give them an authentic feel goes to my darling daughter Inu. Hope you enjoyed reading them!

Take care all of you and do share your thoughts.

Lots of love, May)