Nakul woke up to early rays of the sun as the dasis removed the curtains. He turned to find an empty bed and furrowed his eyebrows in confusion. Generally he was the one to wake up first except for the nights Abhijishya had trouble sleeping (which were rare.)

"Dasi, do you know where is  Abhijishya?" he asked.

"Pardon me Rajkumar. I am not aware of Rajkumari's whereabouts. Perhaps I could ask the dasis who were supposed to stay near your chambers at night?" said a dasi with bowed head.

"Yes. Find out and let me know as soon as possible," Nakul said. He suppressed a groan and leaned back against the pillows once again. He didn't like starting his day without seeing his beloved's face. He pondered  what could've happened that Abhijishya left the bed without waking him. He was a warrior so naturally he was a light sleeper. Although he was quite tired yesterday, he should've woken up to the tinkling of her anklets.

It was almost time for his sword skill practice. He had to bathe and then offer his daily prayers to Mahadev. So without further wasting his time, Nakul got up. That was when he noticed that Abhijishya's anklets along with all the jewellery she wore yesterday were still there where she had taken off and kept before going to bed. He was about to leave for the bathing room when two dasis appeared.

"Pranipaat Rajkumar, yesterday night Rajkumari asked Charu here to show her the way to the seaside," the dasi said.

"Where is she now?" Nakul asked.

Charu joined her hands and replied with her head bowed," I think Rajkumari is still there. After I took her to the beach, she asked me to return back to the servant quarters. None of us have seen Rajkumari in the palace this morning."

Nakul was beginning to worry.

"Alright. You all may go now," he dismissed them. Making up his mind to seek out his wife, Nakul quickly got ready. He couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed while choosing his clothes to wear for the day. He really liked it when his beloved chose what he would wear as much as he liked to choose her attire.

He walking down the corridor when he spotted his now brother-in-law Vasudev Krishna.

"Pranipaat Bhratashree," Nakul greeted.

Krishna turned back and smiled pleasantly. "Where are you off to this morning, Nakul?"

"Abhijishya went to the seaside last night and still hasn't returned. So I am going to find her," Nakul said.

"Ah yes, she seemed agitated last night. I spoke to her and left her to her pondering," Krishna said.

"You spoke to her then? Did she say what upset her?" Nakul asked trying to hide the little hurt he felt because his Abhijishya approached Krishna instead of him.

Krishna smiled knowingly and said," I sought her out. By the sea, she was simply pondering on a situation she came across."

Nakul felt embarrassed and averted his eyes. Bhrata Arjun was right when he said that his Madhav always knew what one was thinking. Instead he asked," What situation, Bhratashree?"

Krishna told him what Abhijishya found out about Charu. Nakul was confused. "But it is law that a person unable to fulfill his or her debt has to spend their life in service to whom he or she owes till their debt is considered over. If that person is unable to then it is passed on to their immediate family who can claim rights to that person's property. What is wrong with that?"

"The law at it's base is quite functional and effective Nakul. It is fair too but you as well know that not all das and dasis are made from this condition alone. Magadhnaresh is known to take every living family member of the defeated side and are made to serve as slaves for three generations. Whereas in some parts, slaves are mistreated; even forced in carnal activities. Abhijishya has just scrapped the top layer of a huge pit Nakul. She is from the land of free thoughts, free opinions and free people. So she does not agree with slavery in any form," Krishna said.

Nakul nodded accepting Krishna's words. He still had much to learn about Abhijishya's past. But the society was build as such that the slaves were an integral part. It was difficult for him to understand why the entire concept was wrong to Abhijishya. He of course did not agree with ill treatment and forced sexual slavery. In Kuru kingdom, if any one dared to mistreat or force themselves on the slaves then they were ostracized from the society, their property seized by the King and the slave was given ample compensations. Other than that, he couldn't see what was wrong with having das and dasis.

"Come now, Nakul. I think I know where we can find my dear sister," Krishna's voice broke him from his musings.

Nakul smiled and nodded. They walked towards the weapons practicing arena. Clangs of swords, thuds of maces and arrows tearing through air became audible.

A small gathering caught Nakul's eye. It looked like a spar had gained the attention of the Yadav warriors.

"Let's go there," Krishna said with a smile. Nakul followed.

In the middle of the gathering, there was Abhijishya going toe to toe with another warrior. She was still in the lehenga from the day before. Her hair was braided with the churamani glinting in the sunlight. She wore no other jewellery except the single lotus necklace which she never took off. Her face held a grin and eyes danced from the thrill of the fight.

"COME ON, SATYAKI. DON'T LOSE TO A WO-" shouted a nearby young man while the man beside him clamped his mouth before he could finish the sentence.

Abhijishya scoffed and rolled her eyes. Nakul looked properly at her opponent.

"That is cousin Satyaki, son of Kakashree Satyak, one of us Vrishnis. Before Jyesth Yudhisthir became Yuvraj, when Arjun visited Dwarka, he took Satyaki as his pupil. I have trained him myself too. His choice of weapon is his bow but he is handy with his sword too. Abhijishya is fairing well against him. You have taught her well," said Krishna.

"She is a very dedicated learner," Nakul said fondly.

Satyaki now was increasing his pace and landing strike after strike with his sword which Abhijishya expertly deflected. Nakul noticed her footwork had improved a lot too.

Sweat glistened her neck and dripped down her collarbone to her bosom. Her movements were feline and strong. She landed a strike on Satyaki's shoulder with the flat of the blade. Satyaki jerked back no doubt in surprise as he didn't really expect for the blow to land. But that didn't   interfere much with his rhythm. This time Satyaki struck hard against Abhijishya's sword and it fell on the ground some distance away.

Abhijishya simple rolled on the ground and grabbed the sword with her left hand and attacked. Satyaki who thought the spar to over as soon as Abhijishya's sword fell on the ground was a tad moment late to respond. 

The swords clashed harder this time and fighters leaped apart once again. Satyaki more or less stumbled back but didn't lose his balance.

He went on offensive and aimed for Abhijishya's head. Her left grip was not as good as her right hand so Abhijishya lost her sword once again. But in a flash, Abhijishya kicked Satyaki's foot which made him fall on his knees. Nakul's throat went dry, pupils dilated and breath hitched as he took in the sight of Abhijishya standing over a kneeling Satyaki while holding Satyaki's dagger to his throat which she had taken at the last moment from his waist band and gripping his wrist with her left hand which stopped the sword an inch away from her ribcage. If it were not for the people gathered and decorum, Nakul would've ravished her at the very moment.

Abhijishya still hadn't noticed him and Krishna. Her breaths were heavy. "Yield?"she asked.

Satyaki humbly inclined his head and said,"I concede."

She stepped back and handed the dagger back. Taking his dagger, Satyaki got up and grinned. "Great fight. But I want a rematch soon," he said. She nodded. "Tomorrow then."

Satyaki smiled and agreed. Abhijishya turned towards the one who commented earlier. She cocked her head and raised an eyebrow," You were saying?"

The young man looked down clearly embarrassed. The one who had shut him up said seriously,"You owe cousin Abhijishya an apology, Utkarsh."

"Kritavarma is right. You should apologise," Satyaki said.

Utkarsh joined his hands and said," Pardon me, Rajkumari Abhijishya. I should not have underestimated you."

Abhijishya smiled and said," It is alright. Just keep in mind that it is much profitable to overestimate one's opponent than underestimate them. I shall only accept this apology if you refer to me as a sister not Rajkumari."

Utkarsh smiled and nodded. "As you wish, Abhijishya didi."

"Splendid spar," Krishna said out loud. Abhijishya turned around and spotted them.

"N- Arya," she said; her face lighting up in happiness and walked towards them followed by Satyaki. It was strange for Abhijishya to call Nakul 'Arya' but it was work in progress. The gathering was slowly dispersing.

"Right. Looks like I am unwanted here. My dear sister and long time sakhi is outright ignoring me," Krishna said with fake sadness.

Abhijishya laughed. "Oh Gopal, you and your dramatics! No matter what, your presence has always been welcome and will always be welcome."

"Be careful what you say, Abhijishya. Words cannot be taken back," Krishna said with a smile but Abhijishya didn't miss the warning tone.

Abhijishya said with a soft smile," I won't take these words back. You are always welcome."

Krishna smiled sadly and said," If you say so."

"You did well, love," Nakul said with pride.

"I still have much to learn. When will you teach me to wield swords with both hands? I also need to work on my left hand grip," Abhijishya commented.

Nakul chuckled at her enthusiasm. "Soon." He addressed Satyaki and said," I hope I can spar with you too sometime."

Satyaki nodded. "Of course. I have heard great praise of your swork fighting skills. I look forward to sparring with you." Then he turned towards Abhijishya and said," Come to the Vyadji's quarters the day after tomorrow after lunch. On second thought, Rajkumar Nakul," he looked at Nakul and continued," Behena (sister) Abhijishya and I had quite an interesting discussion on medicinal herbs and surgery. I know you are also a healer. Would you like to join us?"

"Sure," Nakul said.

Satyaki smiled. He did pranam and left.

"I didn't know someone from the Yadu clan practised surgery," Nakul said.

"Ah yes, Satyaki is passionate about surgery as much as archery. He has taken it upon himself to research books and study animal bodies. He wanted to study human bodies too but the clan elders are still sceptical," Krishna said.

Abhijishya looked thoughtful. "Maybe if Satyaki and I insisted on it together then they would seriously consider it. If surgery is applied along with medicine then many more lives can be saved."

"You must remember that the procedures are quite crude and severe compared to what you had back home," Krishna reminded.

"Yes, Gopal. I won't proceed without mastering the current available procedures. Perhaps I could include my observations too," Abhijishya said with excitement. After a long time living in the Dvapar yug, she felt she finally had a purpose.

"I know you will be careful," Krishna said. He looked at sun's position in the sky. "Well, among so many topics of discussion I got delayed. I was to inform you that my wives would like you to accompany them in their morning aarti of Ekanamsha Devi. If you hurry now, you won't be late. Come on, I know you don't know the way back to your chambers."

Abhijishya nodded sheepishly. They quickly went to Nakul and her chambers.

"Now I must take leave. Baldau expects me to be present in the council meeting today. I can't avoid it anymore," Krishna said.

"Have a good day, Bhrata," Abhijishya smiled. Krishna smiled back with affection and left.

No sooner had Gopal left, Nakul pulled Abhijishya into his arms and said," Parihar (Privacy)." The few dasis present in the room left.

Abhijishya frowned and tried to pry off his hands. Nakul only pulled her closer. "Areh, leave me. I am sweaty and dirty. I'll get your clothes dirty too." She knew how much Nakul disliked shabby clothes.

"You have know no idea how hard it was to control myself when I saw you in the aren. You were simply magnificent," he said and kissed her passionately on her lips which she returned with equal eagerness.

He leaned down and kissed her jaw. Placing light kisses on her neck, Nakul kissed the nape of her neck and sucked lightly. Abhijishya moaned low and clung to him.

She tugged on his hair making him leave her neck and kissed him on his lips.

"Rajkumari, dasi Charu is asking for permission to enter. She says you asked her to meet you today," came a voice from outside.

"Noooooo," Nakul closed his eyes and whined softly. He burrowed his face on her collarbone. Abhijishya chuckled. "Come on, leave me," she insisted.

Nakul reluctantly let her go and stood a respectable distance away.

"Yes, send her in," Abhijishya called out while patting down her rumpled veil.

Charu entered and did pranam. "Pardon me, Rajkumari. Swami (master) said I had no use for any written statement as I am a dasi. But then I said that you wanted to know," she hesitated to speak further.

"Go on. What did he say?" Abhijishya asked.

Charu looked down and said softly," He said that an outsider has no business interfering in matters of Dwarka."

Nakul frowned. So far everyone were welcoming and accepting towards Abhijishya. Who was this person then?

Abhijishya had expected something like this. She needed to access the records of the Royal Treasury then. There had to be some written records.

"Say Charu, when and exactly how many times did your father take loan from Royal Treasurer Yadav Satrajit?"she asked.

"One time only to my knowledge, Rajkumari," Charu replied.

"And how many years did your mother serve as a dasi and how many years have you been serving?" Abhijishya asked.

"Maa served for eleven years and I have already served one year. This is my second year," Charu said.

"Alright. Last few queries. Are you assigned specifically to someone? And what was the name of your father?" she asked. A rough plan of action was forming in her head.

"I serve under Rani Satyabhama. I have been assigned to you for the days you will be staying here. My father is late Sthapati (architect) Mohan. Later he was most known as Matta (drunkard) Mohan," Charu replied; distaste clear in her tone.

"You may go now. I think I might need you later," Abhijishya said.

"As you wish, Rajkumari," Charu did pranam and left.

"Why are you involving yourself in this?" Nakul asked.

"Something is off about this particular  case. Charu is just fifteen. She was told she had to serve twenty three years to clear off the debt of her father. It is absurdly long time. Now elder Satrajit doesn't want to say the particular amount he loaned for some reason," Abhijishya replied.

"It could be so because he might have found your involvement disrespectful. And twenty three years is nothing compared to some das and dasis who have to serve till their last day. In this case, this dasi's father must have taken huge amount of gold," Nakul said.

Abhijishya felt oddly disappointed in Nakul. "Really?," she asked. "That is what you have to say? I'll do you one better. I think he has something to hide. Initially Charu didn't even mention me but he didn't tell her."

Nakul remained silent. Abhijishya softly said,"If das and dasis are spending their entire lives serving their masters then it is a major problem. A child ,that is pushed into slavery just because his parents took loan or were taken prisoner, grows up knowing nothing more than bowing and following orders. That is inhumane, Nakul. That child is given no choice, no freedom. That kind of life is far worse and cruel. The worst thing is that child will know no better because that is normal for them. You cannot seriously think this is just and fair to anyone."

Nakul looked visibly shaken. He said," I never really thought like that. But this is the way of our society. For generations, slavery has been considered fair and dharma."

Abhijishya smiled sadly," Then, darling, looks like people either don't care or don't know what dharma is. Just because something has been practiced for a decades doesn't make it right."

"You are right," he took her hands in his and said," Tell me what do I need to do. How can I help?"

"I think you should stay out of this issue. Your help might look like Kuru's interference in Dwarka's matters. I'll speak to Bhratashree Balram, Pitashree Vasudev and Gopal. I'll figure something out. Just tell me about this das pratha (slavery custom) sometime soon in detail," Abhijishya said.

"Alright," Nakul said and placed a kiss on her forehead. "Try not to create unnecessary enemity with Yadava Satrajit."

Abhijishya nodded. "Don't worry. Now let me go. I am getting late."

She rushed to the bathing room. Nakul flopped down on the bed and sighed. The memory of Abhijishya's fierce stance, thrilled eyes, smirking lips danced in his mind. If it continued like this, he would surely die of deprivation. She was such a tease.

He shook himself from his thoughts and got up. Nakul looked through her clothes and jewellery. Atleast he could take the pleasure of dressing his wife for now.

'Later, later,' he promised himself.

A.N. - Another chapter up. Tell me your thoughts about this.

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Until the next time,

Byeee ;")