The atmosphere in the Chandrika's haveli had been rather tense since Vayu had stormed off into the night.

The next day, after Hari and Chandrika had spent about an hour behind closed doors, the young woman had left the haveli in a huff. Following Bai-sa's orders, Kanta had scampered behind Hari.

Whilst she anxiously awaited Hari's return, Chandrika had to attend to an unusually high number of visitors that dropped by the haveli throughout the day. Apparently, the news of Vayu's dramatic departure had quickly spread amongst the other patrons and locals.

Many vendors who supplied the haveli with milk, grain, madira, hay for the animals and so on, stopped by to call on Chandrika. All of them iterated how sorry they would be to lose her business, if Thakur-sa and then in turn the other patrons decided to abandon her establishment.

Couple of clients sent word, that despite the unfortunate incident they hoped that Chandrika would still stick around, and they would like to continue their patronage.

Why are they wondering if I will stick around? Or are they worried that Thakur-sa won't allow it?! Chandrika paced around a great deal.

Just as the sun's rays had started dimming, Hari and Kanta returned. Looking subdued Hari immediately headed to her room, while an exhausted Kanta updated Bai-sa that they had visited the Shiva temple located at the top of the mountain and Hari had spent a lot of time praying there.

That evening the mehfil was very crowded, and every attendee tried to suss out what had transpired.

Smarting from her bruised ego, Urvashi had been in a gloomy mood all day, but it only worsened when everyone kept enquiring about the girl who was at the centre of this drama. Time and again, Chandrika tried to brush away all their questions saying that it had all been only a misunderstanding and that the serving girl had just suddenly taken ill.

The next afternoon, just as they were finishing a late lunch, a servant informed "Bai-sa the Raja-sa's aide is here." As Hari looked at her with a questioning look, the older woman muttered "You finish your lunch. I will talk to him..."

Hastily washing her hands, Chandrika rushed to the outer lounge where Krushanu had been seated. Seeing the young man, she started "Forgive me for keeping you waiting... hope you are well."

Shaking his head dismissively, Krushanu responded "Let's not waste any time. I am here to ask you just one question." taking a small pause, he added "you said that you won't send her for a night. So, for how many?"

Before Chandrika could respond, he went on "I am sure the one thing we will both agree on is everything and everyone has a price. Frankly, I don't think the girl is worth much. But for some reason he wants her. And my king's pleasure is priceless. So, what will it take?"

"And what have you been authorised to offer?" she countered.

Slightly taken aback, Krushanu replied "I am not here on his behest. He doesn't know." He went on bitterly "I come here because I have never seen him in such a state! She has lit a restlessness... a fire in him. And now she must douse it. We have important work ahead of us and I cannot let him leave Chandanpur like this! So, how many nights and how much?"

After few moments of quiet contemplation, Chandrika stated "Forever."

Seeing Krushanu's confused expression, she elaborated "I will send Harinakshi to him only if he promises to never abandon her. And as for how much, tell him I demand Sola Shringhar for her."

He stayed silent for some time trying to fathom what she was implying. Then letting out a disbelieving laugh, Krushanu asked "Are you seriously suggesting that the Raja of Sudhagadh should take a serving girl from this kotha as one of his concubines and permanently move her into his palace?! You want him to send Chura for her?? That is impossible!"

As Hari stood behind the door listening in, the conversation from the day before with Bai-sa was running through her mind.

* * *

Chandrika had come to Hari's room and locked the door. She had started blabbering "I am going to send a message to Aaramya and ask if you can go stay with her for few months. In fact, it might be better if you just leave soon. I don't want you to be around when Thakur-sa returns. I will make up some story... maybe tell him you are ill and had to be sent away... or that you were promised to someone, and he sent for you... or something. But it's important that we get you out of here soon. If Raja-sa has taken offense, which I am sure that he has, then Thakur-sa will come demanding retribution!"

Hari had angrily demanded "Why did you keep sending me in front of Raja-sa?? What did you think was going to happen? Did you think he would ask for my hand in marriage?!"

Her lips quivering, the older woman had whispered "Hari... I just want what your mother would have wanted for you... to secure your future... to see you taken care of by a decent, young man..."

Looking around, Hari had questioned "And you think Maa-sa would have wanted this for me?!"

Chandrika's eyes had glistened, as she clasped Hari's hand "She would have wanted much more for you... but this is all that I could manage. I am so sorry... I can't do more. I had thought I would be able to keep you safe always. But I have realised that I won't be able to keep you away from all the prying eyes forever. Just last week, Lalaji enquired about some young woman he had spotted in the bazar with Bala. I think, he saw you the day when you have gone to complain about the fodder we received. Before long there will be others enquiring about you."

Wiping away a few tears, she continued "Hari, you have seen how hard life has been for the past few years, without a strong man to have our backs... I just wanted you to go far away from this place. Did you not tell me how happy Hritvi is with Balraj Thakur-sa? How he adores her and fulfils all her wishes..."

"That's only because Hritvi worships the ground he walks on! And she is most sweet natured girl I have ever seen. Everyone loves her!" Hari exclaimed.

And then added in quieter voice "From what I have heard, Manjusha deeply loved that man who had promised her his undying love. But he left her and their child to their fate once that love evaporated. And you know, there are more Manjushas in this world than Hritvis."

Sighing, Chandrika continued "It was very unfortunate what has happened with Manjusha. But Raja-sa seems like a good man, I thought he would keep you safe... and happy too. Believe me, he likes you. I have seen how he looks at you!"

Likes me?! Is she out of her mind?? The only thing he likes is to torment me with his endless and needless demands for a Paan! Hari huffed.

But then she conceded "Well, I suppose Maa-sa would have been pleased, that at least he was young. Anyway, no point dwelling on it. It's done and he is gone. I will start packing. Let me know when you would like me to leave."

For some time, the two women had continued planning the strategy for the next few months.

* * *

Coming out of her reverie, Hari gazed at Bai-sa from the doorway for the longest moment whilst remembering all the sacrifices the woman had made for her.

The day Chandra had helped Hari get away from the dreadful fate awaiting her, the woman had also selflessly bid goodbye to her own chance at love and a family. The man, a blacksmith, she had been supposed to marry the next month had been away with the army. They never found out if he returned. And to not risk the information falling in the wrong hands Chandra neither left a word for him nor ever tried to find him after they left.

Now is my turn to sacrifice and ensure that Bai-sa gets to keep this place and stay safe. 

Her eyes shone with determination as she decided - And maybe it doesn't have to cost me my pride and freedom...

Hari stepped into the day-lounge. and announced, "I don't want his Chura and nor will I ever move into his palace."

As Chandrika started "Harinakshi, I am talking to him" the young woman interjected "I heard what you have asked of him. But if I am to go to him, I have some conditions of my own."

Surprised by her feisty attitude, Krushanu was speechless for a bit. Then he mocked "Do you think I should list them down??"

To his surprise, Hari gestured towards the little writing desk the corner "Please feel free to use one of the fresh scrolls. Let me know when you are ready." 

Feeling both intrigued and annoyed by the serving girl's high-handed behaviour, he settled behind the desk.

Noting the quill was ready, she started "I want his word that -

He will not send me to any men.

I will not be expected to serve or entertain any other man, in any way.

He will treat me in a respectable manner.

I will be allowed to live my life without any restrictions.

I will not be forced to move into his palace, and he will keep me in a separate accommodation.

And he will always..."

As he noted down her list, Krushanu's incredulity grew. Is she for real?? A list of demands for Raja-sa! And that too these... I suppose he finds her absurd behaviour rather diverting!

After she stopped reciting, he carefully rolled the scroll and offered an exaggerated mocking bow "I shall convey these to Raja-sa and send for you very soon!" Then he winked "Just don't hold your breath."

Before he left, he addressed Chandrika, "I can see that I have completely wasted my time coming here."

As she turned around to head inside, Hari muttered to the older woman "I am almost packed. Just let me know when the convoy is planning to leave and who will accompany me."

* * *

When Krushanu returned to Vikrant's mansion, he learnt that Vayu had gone out hunting.

It was well past sundown when the hunting party returned. Looking at the animal's carcass, Krushanu remarked sounding disgruntled "Well, looks like you managed to catch at least one deer!"

Vayu's brow creased in confusion for a moment till he realised that Krushanu was referring to Harinakshi who had evaded him. As all the frustration that he had tried to rid of during the hunt came rushing back, the king darkly muttered "That better be the last time anyone refers to her in my presence."

Realising his mistake, Krushanu winced and started to apologise, but Vayu had already stormed inside barking an order at one of the servants to get his bath ready.

When Krushanu entered Vayu's chamber a little later, he found the king, freshly bathed and attired in black, reading some scrolls. Some admin related discussion followed and Krushanu promised to send some messengers out early next morning.

After standing at the window for some time staring into the night, Vayu suddenly uttered "God knows why we haven't heard from Mama-sa yet... I can't wait to get away from this place!" When Krushanu stayed silent, he asked rhetorically "Why did I have to accompany Mama-sa to that cursed Kotha?!" His voice embittered "And who is she to refuse me?? Me... Raja Vayu Pratap Singh of Sudhagadh!"

Krushanu, who strongly shared his sentiment, scoffed "An absolute nobody! And she has the gall to present a list of demands!"

Seeming lost, Vayu asked "What list of demands??"

Gulping nervously, Krushanu started tentatively "Vayu..."

The moment he heard Krushanu address him by his name, Vayu instinctively knew that his friend was about to confess something he would not like. This was Krushanu's way of asking him to treat him like his friend and not the king.

"What have you done?" Vayu's voice was calm, far too calm.

Krushanu explained how seeing him so out of sorts he had taken it upon himself to approach Chandrika. He ranted "I just wanted to get her for you. But their demands are ludicrous!"

As he started sharing what Chandrika had asked for, Vayu was momentarily puzzled "Sola Shringar??" and then he almost spat "So, a pearl necklace was not enough. She wants me to cover Harinakshi with jewels! And what has Chandrika Bai asked for herself?"

Krushanu shook his head "She hasn't asked anything for herself."

Vayu asked again "Are you sure, she has not asked for anything more than the Shringar for Harinakshi?"

When Krushanu answered in negative, Vayu mused "Oh... so, maybe Chandrika Bai thinks that if I were to take Harinakshi as my concubine, that in turn will exalt her status and grant her access to our royal contacts??"

Krushanu shrugged "Maybe... but Harinakshi flat out refused to accept a Chura."

This statement truly shocked Vayu. "She doesn't want a position in the royal household??!"

"No. But wait till I read out to you the demands her highness Harinakshi made me write down!" Pulling out a scroll Krushanu started reading the list she had dictated to him.

Vayu's bafflement grew by the second as he listened to Hari's demands. Why is she so worried about being sent to other men? He gritted his teeth, as even the idea of some other man touching her disgusted him.

But a cloud of unease surrounded him when he heard her demand that she would never enter his palace and wanted a separate residence. Dasi Mahal?? No, that will cause too much friction with Maa-sa.

He was so preoccupied by this dilemma that he almost missed the last one "What was that??"

Krushanu chuckled "That one is truly bizarre! You must give her your word, that you will always eat any Paan that she makes for you and that too without a single complaint."

Vayu burst out laughing. He could almost imagine the way her eyes must have glinted with murderous mischief while she stated that demand.

He stood awhile at the window that night, deliberating on this new turn of events. 

Early next morning, the much-awaited messenger from Vikrant arrived. Taking into consideration the information sent by Vikrant it was decided that they would leave Chandanpur three days later and proceed towards the next stop on their agenda.

After the plans to decamp from Chandanpur had been finalised, eyes glinting with determination, Vayu ordered his friend "And yes, send word to Chandrika Bai. Tell her, I accept all their conditions. The 'Sola Shringar' will be sent the day after, and Harinakshi is to join us at our camp that evening."

Krushanu did something that he did very rarely. He stuttered. "You want... to... send for her... and... agree to their conditions. But... how can we?"

"You heard me right. Send the message." Vayu's mind was made.

After processing this information for a few moments, Krushanu sounded more collected "You will be inviting unnecessary trouble with Rajmata-sa. And please think of Rajkumari Samidha. Vayu, that girl not worth it. She is just a passing fancy that you will forget in a few-"

Vayu curtly responded "You should focus on what your king wants! I will handle the royal politics. And as I said to that girl, as a king, I can afford to indulge in my fancies."

Feeling defeated, Krushanu spoke stiffly "My apologies, Raja-sa. I will first send the note to Chandrika Bai, and then order the choicest of ornaments for Harinakshi Bai."

Smirking, the king stated "No. The jewellery to be sent will be as per my instructions. Chandrika Bai thinks she has been very clever, refusing the pearl necklace and demanding that I cover Harinakshi with ornaments. That necklace is a priceless family heirloom that I was willing to pay for just a night with Harinakshi! But she will soon understand what a fool she has been, when she realises that she has agreed to send that girl to me forever and that too for so little in return!"

Is Harinakshi your desire? Or just an obstinate wish? Krushanu did not have the guts to voice his doubts. But he was sure, that whatever it was, it was going to cost many people, starting with Vayu, a lot!

***

For a change, Hari was stunned into silence and immobility. She sat on her cot while people around her moved in a frenzy. Earlier in the day, Chandrika had received a message from Vayu that had turned the young girl's world upside down!

He had accepted all their conditions.

And Hari was struggling to make some sense of it. What exactly does it mean? Why has he agreed? What does he want from me? Well, except from the obvious that is... But, why me? Why not someone prettier, like Urvashi? She would have been thrilled by a proposition like this!

But she knew that she had set the ball rolling when she had dictated those demands to Krushanu. And now, she had to own her decision. And walk the path she had paved. But the path seemed almost non-existent. It seemed more likely that she would need an axe to cut her way through the dense overgrowth. 

For the rest of the day and night, Hari moved in a daze. Every now and then, Kaki or someone supervising her packing would ask her some questions or advise her of something. Various habitants of the house dropped by to share their pearls of wisdom, most of them, with her best interest at their heart. Little mementoes were pressed into her clammy hands as promises of lifelong memories and affection were made to each other.

The next day, when Kaki entered her room, she found Manjusha and her daughter Meghana sitting with Hari. Meghana was comfortably perched in Hari's lap, just the way the little toddler often was. Her voice heavy, Hari was reciting Meghana's favourite story, probably for the last time ever.

As the story ended, Kaki shooed the little girl away "Go play with the other kids. We have a lot to do!" then she addressed Hari "I have brought your favourite chutneys, pickles and papads. And I have got some fresh spice mix ground for you. Make sure you pack them."

Manjusha muttered "I will let you get on... Hari, Meghana and I will miss you a lot. Take care of yourself and don't forget what I have told you, okay?" Giving Hari a quick hug, she left "I will see you tomorrow before you leave."

Frowning slightly, Kaki remarked "That's surprising... Manjusha coming out of her room during the day! What was she doing here?"

Hari gestured at a few items on the bed "She brought me some lip colour paste, anklets and bangles that don't fit her now... and some sandalwood powder to apply on the face and few other things..."

Momentarily, Kaki's expression softened "Poor girl... she has never been the same since that man sent her back." Then she added "Anyway, Bai-sa has called for you. She wants to explain to you what is to be done with all the things that she is organising."

When Hari knocked on her door, Chandrika waved her in "Come see all the preparations that I have been making. It's all too rushed! But I am trying to do what we must."

Glancing at the numerous bamboo baskets and brass plates scattered around the room, Hari mumbled "Why do I need all this?"

Gently seating the young girl on the bed, the older woman tenderly caressed her face "You deserve so much more."

Smiling sadly, she added "This is nothing compared to what your Maa-sa would have done for you. In fact, she would have never sent you away like this... But unfortunately, this is the only send-off I can give you." 

Taking a small pause , she highlighted the stark reality " Hari, once a woman calls the Kotha her home, she does not leave the place dressed as a bride. But always remember that I have tried to give you, what I truly believe is, a chance at a good and happy life. At least, as per our circumstances."

Chandrika shared advise, that she hoped would make Hari's coming years easier, "Make a place for yourself in his heart and he will treat you right. Remember your position in the world out there is only as strong as your hold on him. And remember, even if you never hold an official title in his life, the woman who rules the king's heart is his true queen. So, I wish and pray for your long and happy reign."

Not wanting to cause any further anxiety to the woman who had tried to become a mother to her in so many ways, Hari nodded along.

Over the next hour or so, Chandrika shared many instructions. Some of them repeatedly, till she was convinced that they would be followed to the tee.

That night or maybe in the wee hours of the next morning, after bidding goodbye to her guests, Chandrika slipped into Hari's narrow cot and held her tight. Both the women sought reassurance in each other's warm, loving embrace. Reassurance that the future would bring some joy to Hari.

* * *

(Hi Everyone, 

Hope you all are doing well and enjoyed this part. 

Did you find it surprising? If yes, did you like the twist? Eagerly waiting to hear your thoughts, as always! 

Take care. 

Lots of love, May)