Two days later, another message arrived from Raja-sa that his return had been delayed by a few more days.

The activities in the camp continued as they had for the first few days. Alongside the odd jobs, the soldiers trained and practised their skills with weapons.

Evenings, like the first one, were spent with some light banter and entertainment around the bonfires. Of course, the cook didn't make elaborate dishes for every meal, but the men were happy to cook their own flatbreads for lunch and then enjoy whatever was served in the evenings.

Though she had travelled with some caravans in the past, Harinakshi found the experience of being part of the militia encampment quite exhilarating. And her face glowed with satisfaction while in the company of her beloved animals.

After she discovered that Devrat was also well versed in treating animals, she slowly started interacting with him too. And post some initial scepticism, Devrat – like Shardul – started indulging her curiosity and roped in her help for simple tasks. While grinding pastes for salves, Harinakshi would ask him countless questions about ways to treat different ailments in animals and prattle away about her own limited experience in that area.

The men around the camp watched her with a mix of uncertainty and admiration. To most of them, she was unlike any other young woman they had ever come across.

Hence it was only when she sat idle, not able to sneak away for a solitary swim in the stream or a trek to one of the nearby mountains, that her irritation at being held a prisoner returned!

* * *

It was late afternoon, the fifth day after Vayu's departure.

Hari was observing some of the soldiers that were exercising the horses when Kanta joined her. After taking in Hari's messy hair and crumpled clothes, the other woman chided her "Do you have any idea how you look?! If Raja-sa were to come back now and see you in this state, he would immediately send us back to Chandanpur!"

When Hari rolled her eyes, Kanta frowned "I know you have been enjoying yourself these last few days... But do you think Raja-sa will keep you around for his animals if you can't please him??"

As Hari stayed silent, the other woman tsked "There is no point in trying to talk any sense into you! Well, enjoy the company of your animals while you can."

Huffing in reply, Harinakshi marched off to pick Devrat's brains about something.

Few miles away, Vayu was engaged in a spirited discussion with a few men about their common problem; the rise of Panchagadh's power and the ensuing imbalance of power in the region. Most of the regional provinces depended on each other for trade and sharing trade routes. Over the past few years, after the last major regional war in which so much had been lost, the kingdoms tried to maintain peace.

But recently it had started becoming harder to understand what Panchagadh was up to. The King of Panchagadh, Niramal, had reneged on several treaties with his neighbours. Though blessed with good mining opportunities, the topography of Panchagadh made it almost impossible for its citizens to engage in agriculture on a wide and sustainable scale. It was in an area with a steady incline where most of the rainwater quickly gushed into the river which then tumultuously flowed downwards to Sudhagadh and onwards. Due to this Panchagadh greatly depended on its neighbours for food. It was difficult to comprehend how Niramal planned to meet his people's needs after risking friction with the other kingdoms.

After much anticipation, Vikrant had sent word for Vayu. The couriers, on discovering that Raja-sa was visiting the Thakur, had delivered the message there.

Invitations had then been sent to some of the close-by allies. And Vayu had shared the news of some strange reports which had trickled from some workers who had returned after working in the mines in Panchagadh. But despite numerous debates and discussions, it had been hard to arrive at any conclusions. Finally, it was decided that they would await further intel from spies recently dispatched to Panchagadh.

Standing at the window, Vayu absentmindedly ran a hand through his hair. When he was younger, he hadn't realised that even when not engaged in active warfare, a king is never really at peace. The mind games he was constantly engaged in were no less than any war!

Sighing deeply, he stretched his neck. At least I can return to the camp now.

The Thakur had wanted him to stay back for another night, promising some out-of-world entertainment. But Vayu had flat out refused. He had already stayed away for far too long.

A lazy smile played on his lips, as the face of a doe-eyed beauty sprung to his mind. He wondered what she had been up to the last few days. He left a little guilty thinking - Life in an army encampment can hardly be what she must have aspired to when she agreed to join me. After all the glamour that she must have witnessed in the Kotha, the camp wouldn't have anything to hold her attention.

Then, another part of him whispered hopefully – Perhaps, she impatiently awaits my return...

* * *

As she sorted some medicinal roots as per Devrat's instructions, Hari grumpily listened to the conversation amongst few soldiers who had returned after exploring the woods around. What does he think of himself?! I had explicitly included a clause – that I would be free to live my life as I want. And he has placed me under guard from the very beginning!

Even the sight of his majestic black stallion, as Vayu galloped into the camp, did not appease Hari's ire.

After the young man gracefully dismounted his steed, he handed over the reins to a groom and had a quick word with him. More of his men soon arrived on horseback, while a cart could be seen approaching close behind them.

Even from a distance, Vayu looked clean and well dressed. Suddenly feeling even more piqued at her own dust matted hair due to the lack of opportunity to bathe freely, Harinakshi briskly moved in his direction.

Vayu watched her approach him, first with mounting pleasure and then uncertainty. She is even more impatient for my arrival than I expected! But, why the glare??? Is she annoyed that I stayed away for so many days?!

"Khamma Ghani, Raja-sa." She stiffly greeted him. And then added, as soon as he nodded at her, "For some reason, I thought your word would carry the same weight as all other Rajputs."

Vayu bristled at the accusation. Is she questioning my integrity?!

"Or maybe, you don't trust my word. If that is the case, let me assure you that I have come here of my free will and have no intention of running away! So, there is absolutely no need to place me under a camp... or tent arrest!" Harinakshi finished sharing her thoughts.

Shera, who meanwhile had jumped off the cart and raced to join Vayu, snarled at her tone.

Casting an annoyed glance at the dog, she turned away. But as she started to take a step, she felt Vayu's vice like grip on her hand pulling her back around to face him.

"Are you quite out of your mind?! What is the meaning of such a baseless accusation?" Vayu was seething.

"Baseless?? Ask your men, who have been stationed outside my tent every night or who follow me every time I head to the stream! I have been told that I am not allowed to leave the camp unaccompanied. Are you saying they have been doing all this of their own accord?" She responded heatedly.

A hush had fallen over the bystanders. Not wanting to draw the king's attention, no one dared to make the slightest of movement.

"Amiraj!!" he bellowed.

Hari unsuccessfully tried to pry her hand out of his grip while the commander rushed towards them.

As soon as Amiraj was close enough, Vayu questioned him "What were my orders to you about her?"

The huge man bowed slightly and replied in an unwavering voice "That I am to ensure the safety of the two women, at all times. Raja-sa, I have allocated two men to stand guard outside their tent at night and accompany them whenever they wish to venture outside the camp."

"And did you or anyone stop her from moving around or leaving the camp?" Vayu probed. Amiraj shook his head in denial "No, Raja-sa. The men might have asked the women to stay in the tent at night for their own safety, but they have been free to do as they please at other times."

Harinakshi tried to recall if anyone had explicitly told her that she was not free to explore the surroundings or had she misunderstood the situation.

"So??" she felt Vayu's burning, questioning gaze.

Suddenly feeling a little uncertain, she mumbled "I thought... I wasn't allowed to leave... and being followed all the time is hardly freedom..."

He let go of her hand with a warning "This will be the first and last time that you have spoken to me thus! I will not tolerate such an insolent tone."

The couple of yards back to her tent felt like a mile long walk of shame. Though most of the men averted their eyes, she was acutely of the thoughts running through their minds.

On rushing to their tent, Kanta found a red nosed Hari sitting in a corner staring into nothing. Dread lacing her voice, Kanta spoke "What were you thinking talking to him like that?! Do you have a death wish?"

Thrusting her hand forward, Hari pointed out the faint marks on her wrist "Did you not see what he did to me?!"

Looking at Hari with utter disbelief, Kanta asked "You are surprised that he grabbed your hand? Be thankful that he did not wring your neck! He is the King, not Bai-sa who has always let you get away with your sassy behaviour. Enough with this foolishness! Go apologise to him. But not right now... first give him some time to cool down."

Though the look on Hari's face did not fill her with confidence, Kanta hoped the girl would come to her senses.

After the unexpected showdown with Harinakshi, barely containing his rage, Vayu stomped off to his tent. Once inside he paced for a few minutes and then sent for Amiraj.

Contrary to the commander's expectations, Vayu did not utter a single word about Harinakshi. The only topics discussed were focussed on the happenings in the camp for the past few days and the plans for their future travel.

When Krushanu arrived at the camp later that evening, after dealing with some business, he heard various reports about the confrontation between Vayu and Harinakshi. Choosing to do the prudent thing he did not broach the topic with Vayu. But was satisfied – At least Vayu has openly made clear that she will not receive any preferential treatment.

Harinakshi did not step out of her tent for dinner that night. The plate sent by Bhikaji was returned untouched.

She was still in a very dark mood the following morning too. After stepping away from the camp for the essentials, she once again withdrew to her tent. Every time she recalled how he had publicly humiliated her; her resentment would surge – Why did he have to come back and spoil everything?! Just when things were starting to look up! Is this how it will always be? Will he always expect me to unquestioningly bow to all his whims?

When Kanta informed her towards lunchtime that they would be on the move again from the next morning, she wordlessly set about sorting and packing their belongings. That night too she did not leave the tent for dinner, but ate the food sent by Bhikaji and immediately retired to bed.

This stunt of hiding in her tent did not go down well with Vayu. While he inspected the preparations around the camp, or listened to reports from various officers, his eyes would occasionally land on her tent. Though his expressions did not give it away, he was fuming inside - What does she mean to achieve by hiding in there? Does she consider herself to be the injured party here?! If she thinks I will ever apologise to her for anything she is definitely delusional! Keep hiding in there forever! Like I care... She is not some apsara that I am going mad to catch a glimpse of!

* * *

But once on the move the following day, Harinakshi did not have a tent to disappear into when they stopped for lunch. Plus, she had decided that if she was free to do as she pleased, then she might as well make the most of it!

As she stood assessing the injury on hind leg of a bullock, Shardul approached. He spoke hesitantly "It's good to see you out and about. Are you alright?"

She beamed back "I am fine. And looks like his wound has almost healed! I must ask Devrat if this treatment works on all goats and mules too."

Seeing her spirits were completely revived, Shardul announced sounding pleased "Come, I will show you how to remove ticks from a horse. I was just about to work on one." As they walked towards the horse, Hari attentively listened.

Vayu's jaw clenched as he observed the duo from across the camp. What the hell are they up to?! Smiling at each other like two fools! She obviously has nothing better to do but does Shardul have nothing better to do than chat up girls while on the job?!

He had to exercise a lot of control to not approach her immediately. Still smarting from her behaviour, he knew that any confrontation with her in this state was only likely to further anger him.

Couple of times when their eyes met, neither are quick to look away. A not so subtle glaring contest issued, both believing themselves to be the righteous and injured party.

Luckily, Hari was soon called away by Kanta as their flatbreads were ready.

* * *

When they camped that evening, seeing there was still some light left, Hari immediately set off to climb a close by hill. Having slightly sprained her ankle, Kanta was not up for any hiking. One of the assigned guards followed her at a discreet distance.

Perched atop the hill Harinakshi contentedly gazed at the surrounding area. Thanks to the recent rains, nature had rolled out the miles-long green carpet.

Not blessed with an abundance of rainfall, the people in the region very much identified with the peacocks that were quick to dance when the clouds smiled on them. Though it was widely recognised that the peacocks danced in a bid to entice a peahen to mate with them, Harinakshi liked to think that it was also their way to express gratitude to Indra. She mused - Though humans no longer accord the King of Gods the same reverence that they once did, maybe the animals still follow the old gods...

Her eyes involuntarily wandered towards the camp, at the bottom, where another King stood tall amongst his men.

What is it about him that riles me so?? Why can't I exercise some control over my tongue around him?!

After much introspection, Harinakshi had finally acknowledged, at least to herself, that confronting him in the presence of his men had been impudent.

Recalling Kanta's caution, she wondered if she was indeed jeopardizing the opportunity to follow her true passion by risking his ire.

The rational part of her tried to reason – Just how hard can it be to massage his male ego by using your feminine wiles? Just dress pretty, occasionally bat your eyes at him and giggle for absolutely no reason!

But then Hari's eyes burned with unshed tears, remembering how her mother, even when she had been very ill, had preened herself and tried to sway her husband's mind. The man had heartlessly enjoyed Arunika's attentions and body but had refused to change his decision regarding their daughter's future.

Though few would ever know the true reason, that was the moment Harinakshi developed a strong distaste for prettifying for a man. She abhorred the idea that all her worth lay in how her looks pleased someone. And hence the apparently dull garb sent by Vayu for her had been of no consequence. In fact, it had been welcome!

Her head tried another tact - Well, don't dress up for him... but at least appear a bit more courteous... Even you can manage that!

"Bai-sa... it will be dark soon. Shall we head down??" The guard called from a distance. She reluctantly stood up and trudged downhill behind the man as he tried to find the safest route back.

Refreshed by her walk, Harinakshi returned to the camp in a cheerier mood. After a quick dinner, she immediately retired to her tent for the night.

A restless pair of dark eyes first followed her up and down the hill, then around the camp and finally to the tent. 

It has been two days since the incident, and she has still not deemed it necessary to beg my forgiveness! This eventuality had never occurred to him and now he could not decide what should be the way to move forward.

Maybe just summon her to the tent and... But the thought of taking something from her forcibly, while her big, beautiful eyes did not sparkle and smile, did not hold any appeal. 

Suddenly, it hit him. It's not enough that I want her. I need her to want me!

* * *

(Hi dearies,

Hope you all are keeping well. Considering I am going to be out for the rest of the day and won't be able to work on this part more, decided to publish it earlier in the day. 

Hope you are enjoying the fireworks between HaVa. Because every time these two are together there are bound to be many of those! 😊

Hari cannot be charmed easily, and Vayu is going to have to really work for it 😉

Take care and keep sharing your thoughts.

Lots of love, May)