Bursting with indignation, Vaidehi watched from afar as the carriage exited the palace grounds. 

How dare that girl visit the palace without anyone's permission! And smile so carelessly at a time like this?! Here, my son is preparing to face the enemy... and she is probably worried about the expenses of Dasi Mahal or construction of that new pool!

As soon as Vayu entered the palace, his mother confronted him "Why was she here?!"

"Clearly, to see me."

"What did she want? Was she here to complain of your absence from Dasi Mahal? Vayu, this is hardly the time for any silly romantic conversations!" Vaidehi sneered.

He snapped back "I don't need to explain to anyone the subject of any conversation with my wife! But rest assured, neither of us is that silly! Please excuse me, I have more important things to attend to."

As he stalked away, Vaidehi was incensed at that girl for causing unnecessary discord between her and her son.

She tried to placate herself with the reminder of what lay hidden in a chest in her chamber - Thank God, I had the presence of mind to anticipate his idiocy and monitor communications to Sudhagadh! What was he thinking while writing to Samidha to break off the engagement?! He knows very well we cannot afford to make an enemy of Udaygadh... and still he is willing to endanger Sudhagadh for that girl!

Some time back, wary of Harinakshi's growing hold over Vayu's heart, Vaidehi had issued a directive to the officer in charge of royal messengers that any communication from Vayu to Princess Samidha was to be first brought to her.

The same morning that Veerawati had disappeared, her foresight was rewarded, and the officer had handed over the letter that Vayu had dispatched for Samidha the night before. Vaidehi had amply compensated the officer and the messenger for their silence, assuring them that they were not betraying their king but were instead doing Sudhagadh a big service. The messenger was ordered to leave Sudhagadh and never return.

Any other day, Vaidehi would have immediately confronted Vayu about the contents of the letter but the catastrophe with the river had overshadowed everything else.

Bitterly, she continued ranting to herself - This is the difference between a royal and a lowborn! A true Rajputani would have known that he doesn't need any distractions right now. How dare she show up here! What if Samidha was already here? Once this problem with Panchagadh is resolved... I must find a permanent solution to this problem too. Yes... once Veerawati reappears... Harinakshi must disappear.

Was it her arrogance or her naivety? But not once did she pause to consider the possible cause or consequence of Harinakshi's disappearance from Sudhagadh.

* * *

The habitants of Dasi Mahal were extremely surprised by Harinakshi's decision to accompany Vayu. Everyone tried to persuade her against the idea, but her mind was set.

When Kanta burst into tears at the notion of riding into battle, Hari tried to ease her fears "O ho... you and I won't be actually going on the battlefield! We will be like the other support personnel... like the cook... or the blacksmith... we will just stay in the camp and help around."

But Kanta only wailed louder "How would an arrow know if I am servant or soldier?! Hari, this is not what I agreed to when Bai-sa asked me to accompany you..."

Deciding Vayu wouldn't be happy if she brought along a hysterical woman, Hari retorted "Then stay here and look after my animals! And help Tarika jiji-sa look after Bhanumati Massi." Muttering "All that self-defense training was absolutely wasted on you!" she left the room in a huff.

The two young women continued to be at odds with each other for the rest of the evening. And hence, Hari was in her chamber alone sorting through her clothes and other essentials when Tarika called from the doorway "How are you getting on? I was about to send Neera to assist you, but then decided to stop by myself."

If Hari was surprised at the initiative, she was quick to hide it "Please take a seat." Gesturing at the chest open on her bed, she added "I will just carry this one. I have already packed my clothes. Was just sorting through the accessories." Coloring a little, she muttered "I know... jewels and kajal should be the last thing on my mind at a time like this... but he likes to see me wearing some..."

Chuckling softly, Tarika responded "It's alright... nobody will judge you for it."

Hari opened her mother's jewel box and another slightly smaller one crammed with vials of many colors that she used for making her bindis, little pots of kajal and beeswax, some powders that could be easily made into face packs and so on.

Taking the smaller box, Tarika said "While you chose the ornaments, I will help you sort these."

As they got on with the task, Tarika spoke "You are very lucky to be with a man like Raja-sa. There aren't many like him." When Hari nodded with a smile, the older woman continued "The fact that he has asked you accompany him is nothing short of a miracle!"

"Well... he wasn't keen on it... but I told him I don't need his permission!" Hari was quick to set her right.

"Then that is an even bigger miracle!" Tarika mused aloud.

Occasionally checking what and how much Hari wanted, Tarika portioned and packed the make-up. When she came to a bundle of tiny herbal pills at the bottom of the box, Hari instructed her "Just tie about ten of those..."

After curiously inspecting the pills, Tarika sniffed at them for a few moments before staring at Hari, stunned. Why does she use these?? I would have never imagined!

Her bewilderment turned to ire as she recalled how desperate she had been to conceive, despite not being in love with her husband. How badly she had coveted motherhood and how fate had cruelly denied her even that joy.

Unable to contain her shock, she asked in a clipped voice "Why do you take these?"

Looking slightly embarrassed, Hari muttered "I don't know... if they really work... but Manjusha gave them to me when I was leaving Chandanpur. She said — if I take them every month after my menstruation, I will keep looking pretty... and Raja-sa won't leave me."

"What do you mean keep looking pretty??" Tarika sounded aghast.

Not sure why the older woman seemed annoyed, Hari tried to explain "It is for avoiding pimples... I never took any before... but during the journey from Chandanpur, probably due to all the dust on the roads, my skin started breaking out... so, I started taking them." Glancing at the mirror in the jewellery box, she murmured "They seemed to work... so I kept taking them..."

Uncertainly, Tarika asked "So, you are taking them just to avoid pimples... nothing else??"

Hari shrugged "Of course, what else?!"

When, nervously licking her lips, the other woman asked, "You do wish to bear Raja-sa's children, right?", Hari's eyes almost popped out.

Blushing a great deal, she mumbled "Of course... why wouldn't I?"

Tying the parcel of pills, Tarika responded after a long pause "Then stop taking these. I don't know why that woman advised you to take these. These are not for avoiding pimples but for avoiding a pregnancy."

Horrified, Hari almost croaked "Avoid pregnancy! No... I didn't... why would Manjusha lie to me? Are you sure??"

"For years, I was paranoid about someone wanting me to remain barren. I learnt about all herbs or foods that could adversely affect my ability to bear children. I know what this is and how it works. Stop taking it right away! Considering you have taken it for just a few months, hopefully the effect will wear off in a couple of months."

Hari vigorously nodded and chucked the pills in the bin.

For a long time, Hari wondered why Manjusha had treated her this way. Was she jealous of Raja-sa choosing me?? No, that doesn't make sense... then why?? She was always so nice to me... and knew how I loved spending time with Meghna... Then why??

Till it hit her – She was scared that history might repeat itself... that Raja-sa would cast me aside if I grew fat after having a baby! Oh Manjusha... how could you think that all men are shallow like your man was?

Realising that in her own twisted way, Manjusha had been trying to protect her, Hari couldn't even hate her.

That night as she lay in bed, for long, she anxiously hoped that her stupidity of blindly trusting Manjusha wouldn't cost her the joy of motherhood. She prayed, desperately begging the gods, that the next time her husband spilled his seed, her womb would bear fruit.

The following day, though Kanta still didn't agree to accompany Hari, the young women set aside their differences. Tsking over the job done by Hari the previous day, Kanta repacked Hari's luggage till it met her standards.

Hari spent the day chatting with the other women and issuing instructions to the help about looking after her animals.

Veerawati, the mare, was groomed and readied for Hari to ride one for the upcoming journey. People around Hari chose to take this as a good omen, and everyone patted the mare and fed her something as they tried to lift each other's spirits saying things like "When Veerawati sees that her namesake has arrived to free her, she will definitely break all bounds and flow freely once again!"

* * *

It was the morning of setting out for the campaign.

They exited the capital later than expected. Or maybe the delay was expected, as getting close to three hundred ready to march was no small feat, especially under these circumstances. Attempting to rally the spirits of the army, and their own too, most of Sudhagadh had gathered by the roadsides.

As Vayu occasionally waved, just like he had many times in the past, he could sense their fears and doubts like never before. But he couldn't begrudge them their faltering faith. For the first time, his mother had blessed him with wet eyes. Had that moisture glistening in her eyes been a sign of her growing sentimental with age or fears that had spilled out despite years of training?

On impulse, he had leaned forward offering his forehead for a kiss. But proving she still had a spine of iron, Vaidehi had just patted his head and ordered "Return victorious. Shield the honour of your ancestors and the future of your subjects."

Vayu had bowed, accepting that the past and future would always be deemed more important than the present. And him.

Even after leaving the city behind, the men, still brimming with energy and hope, continued chanting some battle cries, though it would be many days before they entered the battlefield.

Badal neighed aloud and garnered speed as they climbed up a small hill. The reason was clear as soon as they reached the top. At the bottom stood a bullock cart, a mare and young woman pacing besides it.

Spotting him, she enthusiastically waved and Badal flew down the hill recognizing his rider's anticipation.

She didn't change her mind. Pride and fear wrestled within him. Wind blowing his hair back, Vayu galloped to her. And as always, the past and future did not matter, only the present that awaited him with twinkling eyes. His Harinakshi.

"Khamma Ghani, Raja-sa!" She eagerly greeted him.

"Have you been waiting for long?" He enquired jumping off Badal. Noticing she was just accompanied by the four guards assigned to her, his brow creased "Where is Kanta??"

She shrugged "She does not have the stomach for this... so I asked her to stay back."

"Are you here without a female attendant?!" His incredulity grew.

Looking slightly unsure, she muttered "It's not like... I can't do my own hair... And I am hardly going to need to dress up..."

Yet again, doubts assailed him. Am I being selfish in indulging her demand? If I wish, I can strictly forbid her from joining. She would stay mad at me for some time... but eventually she will understand.

As if reading his mind, she quickly spoke "Let's get moving. I am sure you must wish to cover a lot of distance today. I will let your men decide if they want my cart to join the camp or would prefer to just transfer the luggage. I will ride alongside you."

The moment Harinakshi asserted she would ride alongside him, Vayu's objections faded away. Her presence felt destined. For the past two days, every time he thought of her decision, the fortune teller's prediction from long ago had come to his mind.

While she mounted her mare, Vayu had a quick conversation with his attendant about her cart, and then instructed him "And find a couple of female attendants for her as we pass through the coming villages. They can assist with other tasks around the camp too. Assure them of their safety and tell them they will be highly compensated for their service."

* * *

Though riding at some distance at the back, Krushanu's eyes were trained on the couple.

A certain restlessness had been bubbling within since the night before, when Vayu had disclosed that Harinakshi would be accompanying them on the campaign.

When Krushanu had objected "Vayu, I am not sure that is a good idea... I know she will bring solace to your heart amid all the chaos, but it won't be safe for her."

For the next few moments, Krushanu had watched his friend silently wrestling his own doubts.

Finally, running a hand through his hair, Vayu had spoken "I have to keep my word and honour her choice." Taking a deep breath, he had continued "If anything happens to me... on this... or any other campaign... you must ensure her safety. And her comfort."

"Of course. Why would you even ask this of me?!" Krushanu had rushed assure him that she would be looked after if the worst were to happen.

Now watching them ride side by side, Krushanu was impressed by her courage and dedication. And for the first time since he had taken it upon himself to approach Chandrika to acquire Harinakshi for his king's pleasure, his heart felt completely absolved of the consequence of his actions.

* * *

The pace was rushed, the stop for lunch very brief, and the army travelled for as long as they could that evening. It was well past sundown when they camped for the night.

After enquiring in several villages, Vayu's attendant had finally managed to find two women willing to join them as Harinakshi's attendants. But only because one of their cousins was already among the soldiers marching.

This time, there was no question about Hari staying in a separate tent. So, a small tent was setup for her attendants next to the king's tent, ensuring their safety and easy access to Hari when required.

After quickly freshening up, Vayu informed Harinakshi "I will eat with the commander and others. There is much to be discussed. Go to bed soon and get some rest as we will have an early start tomorrow."

Too tired to argue, she willingly obliged. It was the first time that she had ridden non-stop for so long and almost all her muscles were sore. Quickly swallowing few morsels of food as soon as dinner was ready, Hari collapsed in the bed.

On retuning to the tent few hours later, Vayu fondly watched her softly snoring form for a few moments and then he too, slipping an arm around her, drifted off to sleep.

The next day was an almost repeat other than the fact that they were on the road earlier than the previous day and barren road offered even less shade. And Hari's muscles had started screaming in agony.

That night, as the new attendants massaged her body with some herbal oils, Hari was immensely grateful to Vayu for his foresight of engaging them! For a moment, she wondered if Kanta's decision had been wiser after all. But only for a moment, as she decided – that all the physical hardships were well worth the joy of being around him and not living a life of material comforts in Dasi-Mahal while going mad with worry.

Luckily, the following day the army camped much earlier, around late afternoon, as they had reached the foothills of Torawati. Apart from the challenge of marching through the jungle at dusk, Vayu was wary of the Thakurs in that region and was keen to see if they offered assistance or resistance to his march.

Since she had chosen to ride in a bullock cart that day, Hari wasn't as fatigued and the soreness in her muscles had eased too. After conversing with Vayu for a few minutes, she directed her attendants to help the cook and then set out to assist the men tending to the animals.

Very soon, emissaries from couple of provinces dropped by. Though neither arrived offering their alliance for the war, Vayu was relieved that they had decided to stay neutral.

Kaka-sa's predictions are coming true. All they are willing to offer is safe passage. I suppose even that is a blessing in these times. Vayu mused as he headed to the nearby stream to freshen up.

And I would rather have them being upfront than making promises one moment and reneging on them the next! He grimaced, recalling their fickleness in the past, as he stripped to his loincloth and waded to the deepest part of the stream where the water reached about his hips .

He had been washing away the sweat and grime for just a minute or so, when a servant arrived to inform him "Raja-sa, you have a visitor from Patanpur."

Despite the cold water he stood in, Vayu's temper rose.

Before he could respond, a worried looking Krushanu rushed towards the stream. Ordering the attendants to stand at some distance, Krushanu started in a soft voice "Vayu... if you prefer, I will meet with the envoy from Patanpur. You don't have to receive them. I highly doubt that they are here to offer any real help."

"Who has Ajayraj sent?" Vayu questioned in a clipped tone.

"The youngest brother, Abhiraj."

After breathing deeply for a minute, Vayu responded "I will be back shortly. Let's see what lies they are here to spin. This time."

"As you wish." Taking a small pause, Krushanu continued, almost entreatingly "Vayu, your anger is justified, but please don't provoke them today. Right now, we really can't afford any new complications."

Nodding curtly, Vayu stepped out of the stream and gestured for the attendants to approach with a fresh change of clothes.

* * *

Abhiraj sat sipping on some sherbet in the tent he had been directed to. The area, specifically set-up to receive any emissaries that might call on Vayu, was almost bare apart from a rectangular table and six bamboo chairs placed around it. In an attempt to create an air of opulence, the table was covered with a richly decorated red velvet throw and the chairs had plump velvet cushions. Two wide silver bowls were place on the table, one filled with an assortment of fruits and another with some sweets which were covered with a muslin cloth.

Before leaving him to rest in the tent, Krushanu had informed him "Raja-sa has stepped away from the camp. Let me find out if he is close enough to receive you."

Close enough to receive me? Or willing to receive me?? Abhiraj smirked slightly understanding what Krushanu had left unsaid. Though he had not been personally responsible for any decisions taken about four years back, he knew, as a representative of Patanpur, he would have to take Vayu's ire in stride today. Well, if he refuses to meet with me today... so be it. We are here to assure him that we do not wish to further antagonise him.

He was setting down the empty Sherbet cup on the table, when the entrance to the tent opened, and to his surprise, Vayu stepped into the tent with Krushanu following on his heels.

Abhiraj immediately rose to his feet and offered his greeting "Khamma Ghani, Raja-sa. I am here on behalf of Patanpur to express our outrage at Niramal's actions. Playing with laws of nature in this manner is completely unacceptable!"

Lips curved in a manner that clearly conveyed his disdain, Vayu asked "And?"

Abhiraj hesitated for a moment before responding "And... we understand the need for this campaign that you have embarked on. I have brought some food for your men. Please accept this as a token of our well wishes."

Vayu scoffed "Food... So, this time you are not offering another sister?!"

Looking uncomfortable, Abhiraj started "Raja-sa... I think... we should try to move past—" but Vayu interrupted "Believe me, I have moved past your sister's proposal a long time ago! In fact, I consider it my good fortune that I was never tied down to her in the first place. If you haven't already hard, I have taken a wife of my choice."

Drawing out the dagger at his hip, Vayu placed it on the table and took a seat. Abhiraj noted the dagger placed on the table between them, closer to Vayu. The message was clear that Vayu did not trust them to not stab Sudhagadh in the back. Again.

As if he did not wish to leave anything unsaid, gesturing Abhiraj to sit, he continued "What I will never forget is the betrayal! But life is all about learning, right? So, I learnt my lesson back then. Don't trust the people of Patanpur as they clearly don't understand what loyalty means."

Picking up the dagger, Vayu started toying with it. Turning to Krushanu, he added "Please send the food back to be distributed as alms to the citizens of Patanpur."

Though the words meant to convey that Vayu suspected the food might be poisoned, Abhiraj couldn't help feeling a tinge of admiration for the fearless young King sitting opposite him. Father was so wrong. He would have made a great ally.

"Ajayraj bhai-sa wishes to bury the bitter past. Our father's decisions were his own. And believe me, we too have lost much."

Vayu chuckled humourlessly "Yes, I heard your sister, promised to the Raja of Jaigadh, ran away before the wedding. She did run away, right? Or did your father kill her for refusing to marry that old man??"

Abhiraj's face reddened and lips pressed into a thin line. Gritting his teeth, he responded "For one who claims to have moved past the proposal that was briefly under consideration, many years ago, you seem awfully concerned with what happened to my sister."

Coloring slightly, Vayu responded "Please don't mistake this as my concern for her. I never even bothered to learn her name! But my father was disappointed by your father's treachery and that bothers me a great deal."

Momentarily, Abhiraj was distracted by the dagger that Vayu was twirling in his hand. It was oddly familiar.

Dragging his gaze away to focus on the conversation, he spoke in a conciliatory tone "My father wasn't a patient man. When your father said that if we proceeded with the engagement the wedding would happen only after your brother was married and an heir was born, my father decided to consider other options. Raja-sa, you know how these things go... A strong alliance cemented now is always better than what may or may not be in the future."

When Vayu remained silent, Abhiraj continued more confidently "Please be assured, it was never meant to be a slight to Sudhagadh. Father was just eager to see my sister settled at the earliest possible. Her mother, my father's favourite wife, was very ill and wished to witness the wedding in her lifetime. Alas, both my father and the Raja of Jaigadh passed before tying the knot."

Deciding that he had far more important things to dwell on than an engagement that his father had once wished between him and one of the princesses of Patanpur, Vayu sighed "I hope your sister is happy wherever she is. Now, tell me, other than some food and best wishes, is Patanpur ready to offer any real aid?"

Krushanu breathed a little easier thinking - Perhaps, finally, the turmoil between Sudhagadh and Patanpur can be put to rest. With their support, trade in the regions beyond can flourish. And Vayu got an opportunity to vent his displeasure too. Ajayraj did well to send Abhiraj today. The young man is approachable and yet astute.

Abhiraj uttered softly "Raja-sa, as you know, Patanpur does not have a big army. We are a small province, with just one advantage to offer. Easy access to the lands on the other side of Torawati."

"Access which was denied to our allies when we needed their support! And that left my father and brother vulnerable on the battlefield!" Vayu thundered.

Bowing his head slightly, the other man stated "Though the actions of the past cannot be undone, they are deeply regretted. Ajayraj Bhai-sa wants to assure you that once you return victorious from your present endeavour, we would like to establish terms with Sudhagadh that will prove beneficial to both our kingdoms."

"If you are here only to make excuses for the past and promises for the future, this is not a good time. For right now, it is the present that I am concerned with." Vayu sharply spoke.

"Forgive me Raja-sa, we cannot offer much. But as a token of my personal commitment to your cause, I would like to offer you fifteen men from my personal guard. They will bring their own weapons too."

Though fifteen soldiers aren't much, every sword on the battlefield counts... But what about the past? Would father be disappointed that I am willing to let go of the bygones? No, he would have understood that I am putting Sudhagadh above my personal qualms, right? 

After deliberating on the offer for about thirty seconds, Vayu reluctantly conceded "Sudhagadh appreciates your offer. I hope we can find some common ground in the future. Krushanu will take your men to our commander."

"We will wholeheartedly welcome the opportunity to pave a new prosperous future!" Abhiraj smiled broadly.

As Vayu returned a slight smile, Abhiraj cleared his throat "Raja-sa, if you don't mind... may I have a closer look at your dagger? It looks... the craftsmanship is striking."

Though surprised by the request, Vayu held out the dagger.

Taking it, Abhiraj inspected it for a bit. The dagger was exactly like one that his mother had. As he recalled, his father had once ordered a set of identical daggers for all his wives. Baffled by this coincidence, he asked, "May I enquire how you came to own this??" Seeing a frown appear on Vayu's face, he quickly fibbed "Sorry... but the work seems rather familiar. I am just trying to recall where I have seen something like this before."

Vayu shrugged "It's a gift from my wife. I am not sure where she picked it up."

"It's very beautiful." placing it on the table, Abhiraj smiled and added "I must take your leave for now. Good luck with the campaign." With one last glance at the dagger, he left the tent.

Perplexed by Abhiraj's fascination with his dagger, Vayu stood lost in thought for a few moments. Shaking away the feeling, he addressed Krushanu "I hope Maa-sa and Kaka-sa will not begrudge me for expecting their gesture of friendship."

Krushanu was quick to assure him "Raja-sa, you have been very prudent. Everyone will understand the need of the hour."

"Yes. Always - needs of the kingdom above self... and the need of the hour before that of a lifetime... the choices one must make." Vayu almost muttered to himself.

A soldier called from the entrance "Raja-sa, I have fetched the maps you had asked for earlier."

As Vayu gestured him to enter, Krushanu said "Please excuse me, I will have a word with Raghavendra about the new soldiers."

* * *

After stepping out, Abhiraj joined two of his men who had been awaiting him outside the tent. Still musing on Vayu's dagger, he stood glancing around the camp. Though he had tried to downplay his curiosity in front of Vayu, he was extremely intrigued. Even unsettled. How had it landed in Vayu's wife's hands? Where did she find it?? Does it mean she had crossed paths with my half-sister? Would Vayu's wife know what happened to her??

Just then, one of his men exclaimed "Thakur-sa, do you see the woman there... the one tending to that horse? She is Raja-sa's wife! Apparently, she is very good at treating the animals and likes to work with them. Not only does she live outside the Sudhagadh palace but accompanies him on campaigns too! Can you imagine that?!" Lowering his voice, he added in a mischievous tone "From what I have gathered... Raja-sa is madly in love with her and indulges all her demands."

Abhiraj's eye widened. The lady I was just thinking about is here?! Perhaps, I could have a quick word with her... Muttering, "Then I should go pay my regards.", he walked in the lady's direction.

The woman, who was applying a paste to a small wound on the horse's hind leg, had her back towards him. Stopping a few paces away, Abhiraj greeted "Khamma Ghani, Rani-sa." As she half turned, scowling at the unexpected address, he added hastily "Please forgive the intrusion, I just wanted to have a few words with you as we might have a mutual acquaintance."

Wiping her brow as she turned to fully face him, Hari started "First of all, no one addresses me as Rani-sa. And I highly doubt I know anyone—". Taking a closer look at the man, she abruptly stopped.

Abhiraj too blinked in confusion.

Though both had grown and changed over the past four years, they hadn't changed enough to not recognise a sibling.

While his expression slowly morphed from confusion to utter astonishment, hers fleetingly turned to joy before fixing into one of dread.

"What are you doing here! You are married to Raja Vayu Pratap Singh? How did this happen?" Abhiraj questioned; his eyes almost bulging – noting how she had changed from a gangly adolescent who used to sneak around the haveli trying to blend in the background wary of being noticed, into a radiant young woman who was confident enough to stand in the middle of a camp full of soldiers uncaring of how many eyes lingered on her.

Hari's gaze darted between Vayu's tent and the gobsmacked man standing in front of her. What had been fuzzy growth on his face, when she had last seen him, was now replaced with a well-groomed moustache, that he obviously took great pride in. He didn't seem as tall tough, probably since she had grown a few inches since.

It could have been a moment of great joy. But her heart only thumped anxiously.

Blinking furiously, she automatically responded "I am... well. Hope all is well with you... and everyone back in Patanpur." Slowing gaining some composure, she added looking very shaken "I must go... before someone see me... Bhai-sa, please don't reveal our connection. Please excuse me."

As she hastily took a few steps away, still shocked, Abhiraj called out "Hari! Stop for a minute at least." When she nervously looked over her shoulder, he spoke urgently "Can we not meet somewhere in private? I must know where you have been all this time!"

"Thakur-sa, are you looking for something??" Krushanu called from few feet away.

Both the siblings were caught off-guard.

As Hari's eyes pleaded for his silence, Abhiraj responded "Yes, I was just looking around... as I wish to have a word with my men before I head back."

Eyes slightly narrowed, Krushanu spoke "Please let me accompany you. They are probably being briefed by our commander Raghavendra."

"Thank you. I will spend fifteen minutes with them before I return to Patanpur." Though he addressed Krushanu, Hari understood that the information was meant for her.

Entering her tent, she nervously paced, replaying the last few minutes in her mind. She had almost fled when Krushanu approached them. Fearfully, she wondered, if and what Krushanu had overheard. As the shock hit her afresh, she sat down with a thud.

Why is Abhiraj Bhai-sa here?! Could only be... to meet Raja-sa... If they met... does that mean they have reconciled? Has the animosity of the past been set aside?

What would that mean to my relationship with Raja-sa? Will this change anything??

No... what can it change? It will only sour everything between us. He will start seeing me as the daughter of the man that he considers partly responsible for the heavy damage suffered by Sudhagadh during that war. For the loss of his father and brother.

Suddenly she recoiled as her mother's memory rose to her mind. Maa-sa! I must find out what happened to her.

Shame coursed through her - Hey Raam... how could I be so self-absorbed in my fear of losing him that I didn't even ask about Maa-sa before running away from there?!

Recalling Abhiraj's words to Krushanu, she realised she would have to act fast. Grabbing a parchment from the table, one discarded by Vayu after he had seemingly misspelt the name of the person he had started to write to, she started penning a note on the other side.

* * *

About an hour later, seated on a log by the stream, Hari nervously awaited her brother. Though the surroundings were calm, her thoughts and feelings were chaotic. An end of the odhani that she had been fidgeting with non-stop for better part of the hour now was completely frayed. Her lower lip was slightly raw from the constant gnawing.

The taut muscles of her shoulders relaxed just a little when she caught sight of Abhiraj approaching her from the other side, wading through the shallow part of stream.

Though she hadn't been particularly close to any of her siblings, Abhiraj had been mostly pleasant towards her. But then, that was Abhiraj. Always pleasant and amicable. Probably because he had realised at an early age that, with four elder brothers, his role would always be that of a peace maker, never a decision maker.

The moment he was close enough, a single syllable slipped out of her quivering lips "Maa-sa??"

The regret swirling in his eyes answered her question, even before he shook his head.

Even though she had long suspected it, the confirmation felt like a sword slashing through her. Her knees buckled as red-hot pain erupted within.

Abhiraj quickly reached out to steady her by her shoulders. Once she seemed steady on her feet, he shared "She never recovered from her illness. Passed away about a month after we returned from the war."

Though she didn't ask, he volunteered "Bapu-sa got injured during the war. The wound festered for a while leaving him feverish for the most part and then he too was gone."

She took a step away from her brother. Disappointment surged through Hari hearing that her father had quickly followed her mother even into the afterlife. Even there, he couldn't leave her alone!

At length, she enquired "So, Ajayraj Bhai-sa rules Patanpur now?"

"Yes. At the beginning, it was very hard for him. We returned from the war to find that most of Patanpur was destroyed. Home burnt... families fled. It took a long time rebuilding it."

She nodded recalling her last glimpse of the smoke-filled skies of Patanpur.

"Hari where did you disappear? Nobody seemed to know what exactly happened to you in that chaos!" Though she didn't answer, he continued with the barrage of questions "When I saw him holding that dagger, I thought I would find someone who had once crossed paths with my sister. Imagine my surprise to find that you are his wife! And how did you end up with Vayu Pratap Singh? Where did you meet him? Have you been with him all these years?? Did he coming looking for you? Or did you go looking for him??"

Her forehead creased " Why would we have gone looking for each other?? Forget knowing each other... we didn't even know of each other. Our paths just happened to collide few months back, in Chandanpur, when he was visiting his uncle."

"And??"

She shrugged "And... nothing. I suppose, I caught his eye."

"So, just like that... he married you?! Without knowing you are the princess of Patanpur?!" Abhiraj was incredulous.

She scoffed "I am not the princess... just a daughter, born of a minor wife. No-one of consequence."

"Father considered you of great consequence. He always had big plans for you."

Her eyes dulled "Yes, like marrying me off to that Raja of Jaigadh who was almost on his deathbed. Bhai-sa, I was just a bargaining chip. Always. A warm body to be offered in return for some cold iron for weapons. Or to be planted in an influential royal household as a spy who would gather and pass on intel that would help father gain an edge with his allies."

That's life for the likes of us... Abhiraj wanted to point out. Instead, changing the topic, he asked "Are you happy now? I hear your husband is very smitten with you."

She nodded "He is a better man than most. And yes, he makes me very happy." Her eyes misted again, and pain laced her voice "Maa-sa would have really liked him. I wish she could have seen me with him! Even if just once! She was always so worried for me. I couldn't give her any peace!"

Moving closer, Abhiraj patted her head "I am sure, wherever she is... she is very happy to see that in the end you are married to Vayu Pratap Singh. Just as she—"

The snapping sound of some twigs alerted the siblings of another presence in their vicinity. Anxiously looking around, Hari took a few steps away. Pulling the odhani to partially cover her face, she uttered "I must return to the camp before someone sees me here and any misunderstandings take root."

"Hari, let me walk you back and have a word with Raja-sa. He will understand once I explain everything to him." Abhiraj was quick offer.

Appearing distressed, she adamantly shook her head, "No! I cannot risk his anger or, even worse, loss of his trust. He has accepted me, just for myself. I do not wish the past to taint the present."

When he acquiesced with a nod, she started to walk away. 

Few paces later, Hari called out over her shoulder "Thank you for keeping my secret." Abhiraj muttered "I hope we meet in better circumstances next time. Take care."

As she covered the distance back to the camp, the grief that she had held at bay while talking to Abhiraj started gathering over her. A big dark cloud that kept growing bigger and heavier with very step.

By the time she stepped into her tent, keeping it contained wasn't an option anymore.

* * *

(Hi Everyone, 

Hope you enjoyed the new twists in this chapter. Eagerly waiting to hear your thoughts!

Take care dearies.

Lots of love, May)