Hari and Kanta were helping Bhiku kaka with the cleaning of the new stock of pulses, when Krushanu rode into the camp. Her eyes scanned the group for Raja-sa, but he hadn't accompanied them. Of course, it's too early for him to return!

Something didn't seem right though. Krushanu had a quick conversation with Amiraj, who in turn barked some orders. A few soldiers sprung on the horses and rode off in different directions.

After some hushed conversation with Satpal, Kanta reported to Hari "Seems like Raja-sa left that place looking angry... without any explanation. The men have been sent out to locate him."

Over the course of the next few hours most of the soldiers rode back, one at a time. Their expressions clearly indicated that they had failed at their mission. And with the return of each man, Hari's unease grew - What could be the matter? Why couldn't he take someone with him? Or at least inform Krushanu-sa? Hope he didn't go riding in the woods and injure... Badal.

The sun was low on the horizon when, drenched in sweat, he galloped back to the camp. And Hari, who was chopping some onions, breathed easier.

Jumping off Badal's back, Vayu handed the rein to the stable hand. Then ordering his attendant to bring a set of fresh clothes to the spring, he immediately headed there to bathe.

Post dinner, Krushanu entered Vayu's tent "Are you alright?" The young king shrugged "Why wouldn't I be??"

His friend muttered "Something happened between you and Amardeep-sa. So, why won't you tell me?" He added sounding worried "You have stopped confiding in me... How am I to perform my duties and help you with problems if you won't talk?!"

Vayu shook his head. "It's not work related. You need not worry." Knowing their families were close, Krushanu asked uncertainly. "Some family related issue??"

But Vayu replied dismissively "No. It's just personal."

Looking hurt, Krushanu asked "Vayu, since when have you not been able to talk to me about personal stuff?"

Turning to stare him in the eye, Vayu replied "Since you have started evaluating my every action as the aide to the Raja of Sudhagadh. Since you have stopped understanding that I cannot be the king all the time, and sometimes I am just a man!"

Shoulder slumping, Krushanu replied "I am sorry. I suppose, in trying to support the king, I have let down my friend. Tell me what you need. How can I help Vayu?"

Frustratedly running a hand through his hair, Vayu confessed "I drew my sword against Amardeep-sa today..." Krushanu's eyes widened "Why??!", as his friend added "He said some things about her... some doubts about my relationship with her... some gossip from the camp."

"I will ensure that tongues which dared to run loose are cut!" Krushanu seethed.

"Calm down... I have already given it much thought since this afternoon. What would be the point for punishing few men? Yes, issue some warnings but don't take any rash actions!" Vayu quickly responded.

A pause later, he continued "But, it made me realise that your caution about informants sending news back to Sudhagadh and Udaygadh is valid. And I cannot allow for any ambiguity to creep into the minds of people about her. Others cannot regard her as irrelevant."

He almost started a war with a powerful ally! And the only thing he is worried about is people's impressions about her? Krushanu's gut twisted with apprehension. In the past, when he had worried what the entanglement with that woman might cost Vayu, he had been worried about the reactions of the royal family and friction with them. But he had never envisioned Vayu drawing arms or starting wars over her!

"Is everything okay with Amardeep-sa now? Shall we still return to continue the discussions tomorrow?" he enquired anxiously.

Vayu nodded "Yes, we shall return and continue settling the new trade agreements. We are alright... I think he clearly understands where I draw the line."

About ten minutes later, Krushanu exited Vayu's tent and stood surveying the camp. The men were scattered in groups indulging in some idle chit-chat. A sizable group was gathered around Harinakshi, listening as she told some stories requested by Bhikaji's boys.

Beckoning over one of his trusted men, Krushanu instructed him "Gather everyone who have been mingling with Amardeep-sa's men these last few days. Bring them to my tent."

Then he walked over to where Harinakshi sat. When she paused the storytelling, seeing him stop close-by, he announced "Raja-sa has called for you." As she wondered what he wanted to talk to her about, Krushanu added "Freshen up if you wish to, but don't keep him waiting for too long."

As she tried to make some sense of these sudden summons, the men around rose and shuffled away.

Kanta too scrambled to her feet and urged "Come quickly, I will ready you."

But Hari just sat with a befuddled expression. Just the day before, he had assured her that he would not rush her. And today, he calls me to his tent? Did his patience run out in a day??

Then some hope arose – Maybe he just wishes to check how my training is coming along...

Rising to her feet, she first brushed away Kanta's offer "I shall go to him right now. As I am." But then thinking of something murmured "I will stop by our tent for a minute though."

A few minutes later, hearing her instruct the guard to "Please announce my arrival to Raja-sa.', Vayu sighed at her stubbornness and called out loudly "Consider yourself announced!"

The guard bowed slightly and waved her in.

He was seated at the table with a long scroll in his hands, and Shera lay at his feet. The dog perked his ears and attentively watched her enter.

"Khamma Ghani, Raja-sa" Hari extended the expected greeting. Looking pre-occupied, Vayu tilted his head in acknowledgement, and then muttered "Make yourself comfortable."

As her eyes darted across the tent, they paused on the bed. Pillows covered in red and orange velvet were placed towards the head of the bed, which was covered with a velvet bedspread – mostly red with an orange ruffle trim. She gulped, anxiously musing – Did it have so many pillows the other day too? Or has he ordered them especially tonight??

Just looking at the bed made her more nervous. Deciding there was no question of venturing near it, she glanced at the rest of the tent. The only other option was the chairs around the table. She quickly perched on one.

Not looking forward to the upcoming conversation, Vayu shifted a little uncomfortably in his chair, and then doggedly continued focusing on the scroll in his hand.

She strived to sit silently for a while, sneaking glances around the tent and at him, waiting patiently for him to broach the reason for his summons. But about two minutes later, her patience ran out and she spoke hesitantly "Raja-sa, why did you wish to see me now? Did you wish to... discuss something?? If it's not urgent, maybe we can talk about it tomorrow morning..."

Much to her surprise, he muttered vaguely "Just sit here for an hour or so... and then you may return to your tent."

Glancing around the tent, she enquired quizzically "Do you need my assistance with something?"

He shook his head "The only way you can help me is sit here... till I ask you to."

"Sit here doing nothing? But why??" she was very puzzled.

Plopping the scroll on the table, he exasperatedly exclaimed "Because we need to act as if something is happening here between us! People are wondering about the reason for the lack of... your visits to my tent. And I cannot have anyone questioning my manliness!"

Her eyes widened as his words registered. People are talking about us? About that?? Oh... So, we are pretending to be...

She absentmindedly nodded, understanding his need to squash any rumours about his lack of virility. And then wondered – Is that the real reason why he has not summoned me to his tent before tonight? Maybe he does have a problem... Because come to think of it, why else has he not wanted to... even after agreeing to all the demands presented by Bai-sa and I. Hmmm... looks like he really does have a problem in that area.

After quietly recalling what she had heard women in the kotha gossip about, she tried to reassure him "Raja-sa, please don't feel bad about the problem."

He spoke sharply "I don't have any problem! There is nothing wrong with me."

She uttered in a cajoling voice "O ho... who said anything it wrong? From what I have heard... it happens with many men."

He incredulously stared at her – She does not believe me? She thinks... I am not man enough!

Springing up from his chair, eyes blazing, he pulled her up to her feet.

The very next second, tightly gripping her left hand, he hissed "Stop trying to reach for the dagger! I am not about to force myself on you."

Sounding shocked, she uttered "My dagger?? How did you know I have it on me?!"

"Since you have stepped in the tent, you have patted that spot by your left hip at least ten times! It's clear that you have something stashed there... and what else can it be??" Vayu scoffed in reply.

Then he added "Can you not feel it against your hip? What is the need to check for it again and again? It will be a clear giveaway to your enemy. Is that understood??"

She nodded, mumbling "It's the first time I'm carrying it... I'm afraid it might just fall off."

"So, you haven't secured it with something??" he scowled.

She scrunched her face "Well, I have wedged it inside my lehenga... but it can still slip, right?"

After pondering her predicament for a moment, he muttered "I will get a special belt made for you to secure it in. One that you can easily wear under your garments." As she nodded, he frowned "And what was the need to bring it in here? Are you still not convinced of my word to you that I won't force you?"

Not quite wanting to admit that she had been a little scared, she replied "I was... worried, when Krushanu-sa informed me that you have called for me. He made it sound so ominous!" She rambled on, looking relieved, "But only because I didn't know about your problem... I mean... it's not a problem... but your... condition! Now, I won't worry."

Vayu couldn't decide how to feel about her deciding that he was harmless.

Despite the blow to his male ego, she did look quite adorable as she continued trying to reassure him "And you shouldn't worry either. I am sure if you approach him, Vaidya-sa will be able to help you. And even if he can't... there must be some other solution."

Hari paused to ponder – Does he already have any sons? I doubt it... because now that I think about it, I haven't heard anyone mention any children... maybe he is worried about not producing an heir for the kingdom. That can be a big problem! But when he can't be with even a single woman, why does he keep so many women in that Dasi Mahal??

Although he couldn't fathom what was going on in her head, going by her expressions, he was sure she was over-analysing the situation.

Recalling a remark made by Amardeep earlier in the day, his eyes wandered to her wrists. Though graced with several silver bangles, the ivory chura bangles worn by women as a mark of their marital status were missing. So, not only do others not regard her completely as my woman, but she now thinks I am incapable of being her man?!

As she contemplatively bit on her lip, for a few moments he completely forgot about his predicaments. With her eyes lowered, almost closed, the eyelashes looked extra dark and long. The lower lip, when she released it, was far too enticingly rosy. The blood in his arteries surged with all his manly hormones and rushed to his manhood.

"Do you keep so many women in that Dasi Mahal just to hide your... condition?? I suppose it must be very hard..." she pouted slightly.

At her words, his felt his condition stiffen even more.

Though he did not intend to pressure her to hasten any intimacy, in that moment, outrage clouded his judgement. Slipping his arm around her waist, he pulled her flush against himself. Tightening his grip around her waist, he asked hoarsely "Based on my current condition, do you still think I have a problem in that area??"

She blinked furiously, trying to draw in her stomach, away from his pulsating hardened condition. But the quivering soft belly only made matters worse. To him it felt like a gentle caress and Vayu's breathing grew heavy.

The knowledge that she affected him greatly wasn't new, yet he had not been prepared for the hurricane he found himself engulfed in. His heart, body, soul, and mind all wrenching him wildly in different directions. But strangely, never had he felt more at peace than in that moment.

She let out a small shriek feeling something cold and wet brush against her lower leg. And Vayu drew away surprised by her scream.

The possessive dog had decided that he couldn't tolerate any more closeness between his person and that girl!

Both stood staring at Shera, who, now pressed against Vayu's legs, was looking up at him expectantly.

Hari felt like she had never loved any other animal more than she loved that beast just then! And for the first time ever, Vayu was infuriated at the dog! Shera, completely oblivious of his accomplishment, happily licked his person's hand, but Vayu jerked it away and returned to his previous seat at the table.

Having clearly established that he did not have any problems in that area, after nervously oscillating her gaze between the bed and the chair for a bit, Hari chose to walk away and settled down on the ground, leaning against one of the big chests.

For the next half an hour or so, she internally cursed herself for spouting all that nonsense in front of him. Granted, it had been well intended and meant to feel him better... but instead she had ended up feeling his perfectly functioning not-condition!

Hey Ram... she bemoaned. But realised it had not been just internally, when he muttered, "Stop groaning. Nobody has ordered you to sit on the ground!"

Squinting in his direction, she asked hopefully "May I leave now??"

Returning the quill to the stand, he carefully blew on the scroll till the ink wasn't as wet. Then setting it to one side, he replied "Wait till the guard calls out the hour."

She muttered "Why do you need so much time? Can't we pretend that... half an hour was enough??"

He shook his head "Don't be silly, it's your first night in my tent... if you leave so soon, people will talk even more!"

Suddenly eyes going very wide, she gasped "Raja-sa!! How are we supposedly doing something in here with him watching? Send Shera out this very minute! Else, I will leave!"

Shera sat up straight, recognising his name and the word 'out'. Then he woofed loudly at Vayu, as if asking 'who is she to be ordering me out?'.

After looking equally shocked at the oversight, Vayu ushered Shera out of the tent and ordered the guards to take him for a long walk.

On returning, he instructed her "Considering I have just sent him out, you should stay here for another hour. Feel free to nap on the bed if you wish, I will continue with some letters I need to send out."

When she just muttered grumpily "I am fine here...", he shook his head, frustrated at her stubbornness, and returned to his work. Making it a point to occupy a chair with his back to her, Vayu endeavoured to immerse himself in answering the numerous letters from Sudhagadh, both personal and work-related.

As the light on the table started flickering, Vayu was about to call for the guard to add more oil but stopped recalling her presence. Surprised how she had managed to stay silent for so long, he turned around. A corner of his lips curved upwards, noting she had dozed off leaning against the wooden trunk.

Approaching her, he noticed with mixed feelings that even in sleep her right hand was lightly clutching some clothing close to the waistband, presumably where the dagger was hidden at her hip. Part of him forlornly whined - So, we are still stuck with her distrusting me... another part mocked – What did you expect after you practically rubbed yourself off on her? While yet another protested – I just wanted her to know that I don't have a problem... or a condition!

His neck flushed at the recent memory. Even now, he could feel his body responding in earnest.

His gaze softened. Few wisps of hair falling over one cheek, lips slightly parted, the kajal almost faded away, she was a charming picture. Her odhani was wrinkled but still tightly wrapped. She always ensured that odhani stayed in place, never revealing even a bit of her waist.

His eyes lingered on her waistband, as he tried to unsuccessfully recall if he had ever seen her without it. Just a trinket... not even particularly strong. It will snap with just one powerful pull and yet she trusts it to keep her honour intact. He almost laughed at the irony.

Defences down, and without a scowl... she was a sight he wanted to behold for long.

But she looked very uncomfortably positioned. For a moment, he considered moving her to the bed. And though the image of her in his bed was extremely appealing, he decided that it was most likely that any such attempt would only result in either her trying to attack him with the dagger or in screaming the whole camp awake!

And it seemed Shera's patience was running out too, cause his barks now echoed in the otherwise silent camp.

As soon as he had nudged the sleeping beauty awake, he spoke softly "Go back to your tent and sleep comfortably. I will ask the guards to let Shera back in. He is getting noisy."

After issuing instructions to one of the guards to bring Shera back to his tent, he walked Hari over to hers. Though majority of the soldiers had retired for the night, about twenty odd men assigned to standing guard for the first half of the night were scattered around the camp. The ones they passed by silently bowed; their faces impassive but eyes flickering with curiosity. Vayu knew the next day his midnight trip to Harinakshi's tent would be a topic of hushed conversations.

Standing outside the tent, he muttered awkwardly "Make sure that whatever happens... or does not happen in there, stays just between us. Don't reveal the truth even to your Kanta. If she blabbers to anyone outside-"

She interjected "It will defeat the purpose. I understand, Raja-sa. You need not worry."

Just before she entered her tent, Harinakshi paused and gave him a cheeky smile "And now sleep well. For you must be very tired!"

Tying to supress a giggle at the shock on his face, she rushed inside.

Hari had barely taken a few steps inside when Kanta rose to her feet carrying a lamp. The older woman approached her with an anxious look "Are you okay? I was so worried for you..."

But then as Hari nodded "I am fine..." Kanta exclaimed "You two just talked... again!"

Unnerved by this claim, Hari started mumbling "Of course not... why would you say so? We-"

Shaking her head, Kanta interjected "Just one glance at you and it's clear that nothing has happened! Not a single hair out of place... and the bindiyan is still perfectly applied!"

Baffled, she continued "What do you two have so much to talk about? And why does he like to talk more than doing anything??" Then looking scandalised, she lowered her voice "Hari, do you think his man parts do not work properly??"

"Why would you think that? I am sure... they work..." the young girl stuttered.

Kanta continued voicing her hypothesises "If nothing happened... you must have quarrelled with him! Hey Bhagwan... when will you grow some sense? Mark my word... now he will never send for you! What if he–"

"Kanta, we did not quarrel! He wants me back in his tent again tomorrow. So, calm down and not another word! Let me sleep now." Hari blew out the lamp and, retiring to her mat, pretended to fall asleep.

* * *

(Hi Dearies, 

Since I am going to be out and about for most of tomorrow and won't be able to add more to this part, thought of sharing it a little early 😊 

Hope you enjoyed this light update. Full marks to all you rightly guessed what Vayu would do to squash any gossip about them! 

Take care and have a great weekend! 

Lots of love, May)