(Before you start reading this part, I would like to clarify regarding Harinakshi's and Vayu's age in this story. In the prologue, which is set in the past, I have mentioned as Harinakshi as being about fourteen. In the present, where the story is now unfolding, I have envisioned her about seventeen and Vayu about twenty.

From today's societal and legal standards, they will be considered as minors, but this story is based few centuries back. According to Ayurveda, which was followed as the guideline in ancient India, a female completely matures at the age of sixteen and hence this was the recommended age for parents to marry their daughters. Though most parents followed this, there were some who felt it was alright to marry off a much younger girl as soon as she started menstruating which obviously led to problems.

One of the things that we have bear in mind is that back then the average life span of the common man/woman was thirty-five for so. Only the rich with access to ample food and hygienic living lived longer. And this played a part in people getting married earlier too, as it was only natural that the parents wanted to be around to see their children growing up and starting a family of their own.

I do not advocate marriage or physical relationship between minors, but this is a historical fiction and I want to keep it realistic.)

* * *

The next evening, after enduring the king's dark moods and sharp tongue for the better part of the day, Krushanu finally rebuked his friend "Stop tormenting everyone around you because of this obsession with that girl. Do what you need to and get her out of your system!"

Vayu started to object "I am not obsessing over any girl..." But then abandoning the pretence, frowned "I don't get it! She should be bending over backwards... thanking all the gods that I am sparing her a glance... instead she is always eager to escape! Even yesterday, when I abruptly dismissed her, instead of wondering what displeased me she was glad to rush inside!"

Krushanu muttered dismissively "Don't dwell on it. Because she's either a tease... or a fool!" Patting Vayu's shoulder, he emphasized "Forget what she wants. Decide what you want, because only that should matter."

Vayu stood staring out of the window.

What do I want?

He couldn't find an easy answer. All he could feel was an overwhelming need to cloud all her senses with thoughts of him. Just like she had wormed her way into his.

Why do I want her thus?

Parts of him longed for her with an intensity that he had never known before. Having grown up as a prince, so sure of his hold over everyone around him, she felt like an anomaly. He wasn't sure if it was her clear indifference to his title or her disinterest in him personally... but it had felt like a challenge. And he was too much of a Rajput to shrink back from a challenge. Would it have been different if she had smiled as readily or batted her eyelids as the other dancer? He wasn't sure. But it was clear that she had hooked him with her unique charm.

So, what are my options?

At the thought that she might effortlessly forget the few evenings spent together, he felt a dark serpent coiling around his heart. Walking away without imprinting himself on her did not seem like an option. At least, not a welcome one. For some unknown and illogical reason, he was sure memories of her would follow him for a long, long time. So, wouldn't it be only fair that they should haunt her too?

His eyes scanned the horizon. Though there were only some lightly scattered clouds in the sky, they were dark. And the wind suggested that more would arrive in due course.

After brooding silently for a minute, Vayu nodded in agreement "Yes, ask for the carriage to be kept ready."

* * *

Chandrika warmly welcomed the young king. After watching the interactions of the previous two evenings, she was fairly convinced that he was only after some light-hearted banter with a young woman. After all, as a king, there must be very few opportunities for him to informally mingle with women. There must be a lot of royal protocol to be followed during all his social interactions, with very little chance to be just a young man teasing a pretty girl.

The news of his arrival annoyed Hari, who was once again expected to tidy up and serve the Khadus Raja-sa.

What sort of king is he?! Does he have nothing better to do than attend mehfils in quest of the perfect Paan?? And that stupid Urvashi keeps hounding me for what he likes, what he talks about and if he asks about her! Why doesn't Bai-sa ask her to make his Paan?!  She fumed as she got ready to face him.

Vayu watched her approach, with a determined gleam in his eyes.

She was donning a black lehenga again, but it was paired with a bright red odhani. Her hair was tied up in a bun adorned with a string of jasmine. The bindi drawn on her forehead was more intricate that evening. She was looking more elegant and a little older.

Her silver anklets seemed to tinkle more than usual, or perhaps he had just learnt to recognise them better now.

Greeting him, she sat down on what had now been established as her spot.

As soon she opened the Paandani, he announced "I am not in the mood for a Paan yet."

Starting to get up, she muttered "Shall I come back later??"

What's wrong with her?? First, she comes out trying to look even more desirable... and then wants to bolt back inside!  Vayu stared at her trying to make some sense of this paradox.

In the end, he simply said "No, stay here."

Feeling irritated, Harinakshi plopped back in her seat. After sitting still for some time, she opened the Paandani and started making a Paan.

"I said, not yet." Vayu firmly reminded her. But she continued fixing one, completely ignoring all his following remarks like – "That's too little Chuna" or "You must know, I don't like the betel nut chopped that fine" to "That's too much gulkand!"

As she folded the Paan, he glared "I will not have that. Leave it!"

Finally, she disarmingly smiled at him "I made this one for myself. As per my taste!" and popped it into her mouth.

Contrary to her expectations, he threw back his head chortling. Even her impertinent actions delighted him that day.

Suddenly the singer's words registered with him.

Latt Ulajhi, Sulajha Jaa Baalam,

Latt Ulajhi, Sulajha Jaa...

Eyeing the bun at the back of her head, he wondered how she would look with her hair tumbling down. Is it soft and silky? Or wavy like mine? Doesn't seem like it could be curly.

Haathan Mehandi Lagee More Baalam,

Haathan Mehandi Lagee More Baalam,

Latt Ulajhi, Suljha Jaa...

His gaze drifted to her palms. They were not decorated with any henna, instead had a couple of small cuts. His heart pinched. Did she get them while practicing the chopping of the betel nuts??

Maathe Kii Bindiyan Bekhar Gaye Sej pe,

Maathe Kii Bindiyan....

Maathe Kii Bindiyan Bekhar Gaye Sej pe,

Apana Haath Sajaa Jaa Baalam....

Vayu's eyes had a glazed look as he wondered if her carefully applied bindiyan would end up smeared on the bedspread? Or will it leave a smudge on my pristine white kurta?

Heart hammering furiously in her ribcage, Hari was quivering on the inside. Why won't he stop staring?! What is he thinking??

Contemplating the direction of his thoughts, she coloured deeply. Without realising, a smile spread on his face.

Trying to shake off her nervousness, she immediately tried to persuade herself – The way he is now smiling can only mean one thing. He has just come up with a new plan to torture me! Maybe he is going to ask me to hollow the betel nuts and stuff the leaf in it...

Strangely, she found this idea much more comforting!

Feeling a little calmer, she wondered when he was going to ask her to make the Paan. I have already been sitting here for more than an hour. Doing nothing! Does he think I have nothing better to do? Maybe that's the problem!

Taking a deep breath, she asked "Raja-sa... if you don't want anything... may I be excused?"

"Do you have to be anywhere more important??" He arched a brow.

She immediately started explaining "Well, Kaki was complaining that Rama has been fussing a lot these days... he struggles to fall asleep without me. And you see, Kaki can't see very well at nights now, so she also easily gets cranky."

When he frowned at this information "Why does this Rama need somebody to help him sleep?", she tutted "O ho... little kids need someone to hold them. And he is just a baby! So, I have to rock him to sleep..."

"You have a baby?!" Vayu was shocked.

But she sounded even more so "How can I have a baby?!"

As he thought – Well, you sure look more than old enough... she grabbed his sleeve and pointed out "Can you see that woman serving the drinks there... she is married to our carriage driver. Rama is their baby."

His eyes were drawn to her fingers on his sleeve... the familiarity was endearing.

Dragging his gaze away, Vayu asked "Oh... so, you put him to bed every night??"

She nodded "Yes." And then added trying to emphasize that she had real work to do "And not only him but all the other kids too! Someone must look after them while their parents are working, right? And they all love listening to the stories I tell. Meghana, Manjusha's daughter, makes me repeat the story about Prince who was turned to stone at least three times! It is her favourite."

So, she is like a nanny for the kids of the staff here?? Then why did Chandrika Bai ask her to serve the Paan? Maybe, she is trying to promote her into a new job... Vayu half wondered, and half listened to Harinakshi go on about which kids liked what.

Maybe he will soon get bored of hearing about people he doesn't know at all and let me retire... and this is so much better than sitting here doing absolutely nothing!  Hari decided and prattled on, first about the kids, then the staff and later about some of the patrons who frequented the kotha.

Her sound of her voice soothed something deep within him, and his shoulders relaxed. 

The dark serpent unfurled from around his heart and slithered away as Vayu watched her animated gestures and expressions. Her big brown eyes twinkled whenever she thought she was sharing some juicy gossip. Every time she talked about something annoying, her face would scrunch up and then she would quickly shake her head as if she was trying to shake off the memory itself. 

Watching them, Chandrika concluded with a light heart - She definitely fascinates him!

Suddenly he interrupted "So, Bhuvan and Kisna both like Jugni, and she likes Kisna. Then why does Chandrika Bai want her to marry Bhuvan??"

Hey Ram... he is actually listening to everything?! She blinked in surprise and then started explaining "Kisna spends all his earnings on drinking. Bai-sa worries that he will not keep Jugni happy."

Seemingly intrigued by the drama in the lives of strangers, Vayu asked "So, why does Jugni prefer him over that other guy?"

Harinakshi rolled her eyes "Because Kisna is very good-looking!" Her eyes roamed about the room for a bit before she pointed "See that guy offering the bald guy the hooka... that's Kisna."

She thinks he is handsome?? Though the guy was tall and well-built, Vayu did not see any noteworthy charms in him. But before he could question her judgement in this area, he saw Harinakshi wave someone over.

Soon, Urvashi sauntered over. "Raja-sa, this is Urvashi, our much-admired dancer. She has been very keen to make your acquaintance." Hari carried out the introductions.

Not waiting for any further invitation, Urvashi gracefully settled down on the carpet, to Vayu's other side.

"Raja-sa, it has been my great pleasure to perform for you these last few nights." As Vayu acknowledged Urvashi's address with a silent nod, she continued "I wanted to personally thank you for the honour. I hope you have found the experience equally pleasurable?"

He assented "Of course. Chandrika Bai definitely knows how to make her mehfils a success." After a small pause, he added graciously "You are very talented. In fact, you have a very big admirer here."

As Urvashi swelled with pride, he gestured to the man next to him "Since he has seen you, Krushanu has been hardly talking of anything else."

Though this was not quite the compliment she had been hoping for, Urvashi smiled seductively "You are too kind and generous. Please tell me what type of dance has been most to your liking, and I will be very happy to oblige any special requests for tonight."

Seeing that he was busy conversing with Urvashi, Harinakshi attempted to slip away. But as soon as she started to get up, he questioned "Where are you off to?" When she muttered "Urvashi can keep you company for some time..." he demanded "I want a Paan now."

After not being in the mood for Paan all evening, he suddenly wants one now! How can he be so whimsical?? Well, I suppose it's a perk of being a king! Trying to push her luck, she spoke "Urvashi, you are very good at making Paan! Why don't you make one for Raja-sa today?"

Vayu almost growled "No. Only you."

Annoyed at him, Harinakshi went silent and started chopping the betel nuts. Many betel leaves were once again prepared. But of course, he did not taste even one!

At some point, happy to have spent some time around the handsome king and convinced that she had captivated him, Urvashi left to resume her performance.

Looking at Harinakshi, who was applying the Chuna on another betel leaf with an extremely irked expression, Krushanu softly mocked his friend "Why are you stuck on tormenting this poor girl when that beauty is so willing to oblige you?"

Vayu countered "Please feel free to admire and enjoy that beauty as much as you wish." And then added with a smirk "In fact, you should be happy that I am not interested, else you wouldn't have a chance!"

Immediately Vayu's attention returned to the one who had caught his eye. His gaze darkened as it took in her flushed glowing face.

Wow... he has really got it hard for her!  Krushanu laughed aloud, drawing a confused glance from Harinakshi and an irritated one from Vayu.

The clouds that had started converging on Chandanpur earlier in the evening had finally arrived. And with them, they brought thunder and lightning. In anticipation of the bad weather, the mehfil had not been as crowded to start with that evening. And most of the attendees had bid early goodbyes.

After seeing off one of the patrons, Chandrika approached Vayu "Raja-sa, I hope you are enjoying the evening. May I pour you some more madira? Or are you eager to return to the north bank before the rains get worse?"

Krushanu spoke on his behalf "Chandrika Bai, if it's not a bother, we would like to spend the night here. I would rather not have Raja-sa risk crossing the river tonight."

Chandrika smiled obligingly "Of course. We keep a few guestrooms here for our esteemed guest's convenience. Thakur-sa has stayed here on several occasions too."

After she had poured the two young men some madira, she summoned a servant and instructed him to ensure that two rooms were readied for the guests and to ensure that their carriage driver and attendants were fed and accommodated for the night.

Having wrapped up her performance for the evening, Urvashi returned to seat herself near Vayu. The artist on the Sarangi played some soothing tunes, almost like he was entreating nature to cease its outbursts.

The group assembled around Vayu engaged in some cordial conversation.

After he had been forced to drag his gaze off Harinakshi for the umpteenth time, Vayu declared "Chandrika Bai, I wish to retire for the night."

Chandrika stood up "Of course Raja-sa. Kisna will take you and Krushanu-sa to your rooms. Please let me know if you need anything."

Batting her eyelids, Urvashi spoke suggestively "Raja-sa, how about I give you some time to settle in and then bring you another cup of madira?"

Vayu deadpanned "I am not inclined to have any more madira tonight, but I am sure Krushanu will be pleased to take you up on that offer."

While Urvashi tried to swallow the insult, he had just dished out, he addressed Chandrika, "But, do send over some Paan to mine."

Chandrika stilled for a moment and then responded "Very well Raja-sa. I will have Mohini bring some over."

He scoffed "Why would I want someone else to make my Paan after I have spent so much time teaching her how I like it?"

"Harinakshi does not serve in the guestrooms. If you like, she will make you another one out here." Chandrika stated civilly.

Eyes narrowed; Vayu tried to decipher – Just what game is she playing? After strutting Harinakshi in front of me all these days, she now denies my wish??

She sure is a shrewd businesswoman. Removing the string of pearls from his neck, he held them out and spoke in a clipped tone "Send her."

But Chandrika firmly stated "Forgive me Raja-sa. I cannot take that."

Simmering with rage, as he slipped the pearls in his pocket, Vayu addressed Krushanu in a taunt voice "On second thoughts, I don't wish to spend the night here. And yes, make sure you tip them all generously because we won't be returning."

Having said his piece, he stormed off into the dark, wet, windy night. Harinakshi, who had so far been stunned into silence, banged the Paandani on the floor and marched inside.

As Krushanu handed over a bag of coins to Chandrika, he stated the obvious in a disapproving tone "You have greatly irked Raja-sa."

The older woman having lost her bravado, mumbled "Sorry... but I cannot send her for a night."

"Where the hell is my carriage?!" Vayu bellowed from the courtyard. Krushanu rushed out as Chandrika instructed the servants to quickly send for his carriage and driver.

For the next few minutes, whilst the horse was harnessed and the driver brought out the carriage, Vayu paced in the courtyard in the rain. Chandrika's entreaties, to take shelter in the porch, were completely ignored.

As his carriage rode away, a very angry Hari stood gripping the ledge of a window overlooking the courtyard. Whether twenty or forty... all men are the same!

* * *

(Hi Dearies, 

Hope you are keeping well and enjoyed the drama in this part! 

Do share your thoughts on how the story is progressing and if you are liking Vayu and Harinakshi's evolving dynamics. 

And Eid Mubarak to those who will be celebrating it this week!

Take care. 

Lots of love, May)