On the way back, Krushanu bid them a goodbye and headed back to his quarters in the Palace, while Vayu returned to Dasi Mahal with Harinakshi.

As soon as he had freshened up, Harinakshi approached him in his chamber "Raja-sa... Bhanumati Masi has requested an audience with you."

"Why??" he was confounded.

She shrugged "She didn't share what... but she wishes to discuss something with you."

Knowing that with his frequent visits it would be almost impossible to avoid the other residents of Dasi Mahal, Vayu reluctantly conceded "Send her in."

"Khamma Ghani, Raja-sa" the elder woman greeted from the doorway and entered on his nod of acknowledgement.

A moment of uncomfortable silence stretched between them, till Bhanumati spoke softly "Firstly, I wish to thank you for your generosity for the extra rations."

He waved dismissively "Think nothing of it. Considering I will be spending a lot of time here with my men, they are essential." Then he awkwardly added "Feel free to convey, through Harinakshi, if anything else is needed here. Clearly, some work is required around the haveli. I will soon order for the refurbishments."

Vayu expected her to leave, but she stood silently for a bit before tentatively speaking again "Raja-sa, I have a request for a personal favour... I wouldn't have bothered you unless... but I am not sure who else to approach."

Intrigued, he urged her "You may speak freely."

For the longest moment, Bhanumati's gaze lingered on the empty space on the wall which had been previously occupied by Radha-Kisan painting.

Dragging her moistened eyes away from the vacant spot; she spoke earnestly "It's about my daughter Abha... if you could please find out about her wellbeing. Little over six years ago, Raja-sa had... I mean, you father had arranged her marriage to Manohar-sa, who was then a promising apprentice to one of our ambassadors sent to maintain relations with our allies. For the first few years, sporadic messages used to arrive from Abha. But I haven't received any news of her for well over a year now. I worry a lot."

His throat dried as the words sunk in.

Abha... that sounds familiar. It was the name he had heard in context of some arguments between his parents. Yes, it was about that same painting that Maa-sa and Raja-sa had fought over.

Why can't you leave your petty jealously aside?! It's a gift from Abha! She has painted it for me with so much love... His father's long forgotten words surfaced.

Her daughter? So, my sister?? Vayu gulped uneasily, before asking "Are there others?"

Noting the older woman's baffled look, he asked tersely "Does he have any other children here?"

To his extreme relief, Bhanumati shook her head in negation.

"I will shortly assign someone to investigate this. Share all the details you can remember about them with that man. I will personally ensure that we locate her."

Bhanumati profusely thanked him and then withdrew from his chamber.

* * *

That evening Vayu wore a lost, brooding look as the discoveries of the past gnawed at his heart.

Why did I never ponder on this eventuality? Of course, there would have been other children... if he kept women here... But then, how come there is just one?? Was that the reason father treasured that painting? If she was married off about six years ago... she must have been a little younger to Daksha Jiji-sa... Abha... he even named her after the elements, just like the rest of us.

For a while, Harinakshi unsuccessfully tried to cheer him up with her chatter about everything she could think of under the sun.

She even asked him several questions about his family, his favourite childhood memories and so on. To her disappointment, he wasn't keen to talk about that either.

The only person he talked about a little was his elder sister Daksha. All that she learnt was his Daksha Jiji-sa had two sons and was expecting a third child now.

When Hari spontaneously uttered "She must be hoping for daughter now! I am sure the two boys must be a handful!", to her surprise, Vayu cryptically responded "I don't know what she is hoping for... but I hope this baby is a boy."

"Why are you opposed to the idea of a niece? Or is that a girl child in general"?? Hari lips pressed into a thin line.

Reaching out to twirl a tendril of her hair, his gaze softened "Of course not! It's just a selfish wish... because I want something for myself. After this one, she can have as many daughters as she likes."

Then he had again gone quiet.

Though his mood did perk up after she allowed the odhani to slip away and presented him with the alluring view of her knotted choli.

But soon, she was reminded of her own predicament, as Vayu started whispering endearments and discovered new pathways of pleasure for both.

He was softly sucking on the tender flesh of her earlobe, when she pushed him away sounding extremely flustered "Please no more!"

"Did I hurt you?? Sorry, I didn't realise my teeth were... I will be gentler." Leaving the earlobe, he shifted his attention down to the dusky nipples which seemed to hold the elixir of life. If not life for him, then at least intense pleasure.

"Not there either!" she exclaimed.

Vayu was flustered by her objections. "What's wrong?! Why are you saying no to everything?" then thinking of something, he continued "Are you in the mood for something specific? If so, feel free to tell me... I will be happy to oblige your pleasure too."

"I don't want any more pleasure! This is already too much! My lips already ache with all the biting!" she pulled the sheet over herself.

"Did I kiss you too hard?? I must have got caught up in the moment... but-" he started assuring her, but she interrupted "O ho! It's not you... I have been biting on my lips!"

"But why??"

Frazzled, she replied "What do you mean why?! Because you made me promise that I won't make those sounds! But what did I know it would be so hard... Raja-sa, either stop all this... or take back your order!"

"But... I haven't heard anything from you... anything to indicate that you are feeling that way..." he was stunned.

"How will you hear anything? Didn't I just explain I have been keeping silent as per your wish?!" she squinted at him wondering why he was finding it so hard to follow a simple conversation. And then added with a scowl "From what I recall, you once threatened me that not listening to the King of Sudhagadh can cost me my neck... my pretty neck as per your exact words!"

He momentarily frowned at her last line, but then quickly discarded it to refocus on the more important part of the conversation. "But didn't you say that women don't enjoy this intimacy and make fake noises??"

"O ho! That's what I was told... How was I to know that it wasn't right?" Hari nervously fidgeted with the sheet.

His neck flushed "So?? You, too, are really enjoying this?".

"Have I been speaking to you in some foreign language?!" she huffed in annoyance.

His eyes sparkled at the knowledge that their time together was giving her immense pleasure too.

Moving very close, he murmured against her ear "I take back my order. Feel free to scream awake this whole place..."

Looking scandalised, she tried to pull the sheets over her face, but he didn't allow it. And soon uncovered the rest of her too.

Though her uncaged moans did not awake the other occupants of Dasi Mahal, they did awake something very primal in him. Seeing how much she desired his every touch and thrust, left him burning for more. Irrespective of how much he took, it wasn't enough. And he wanted her to burn for him, just the same.

* * *

The following day, Hari was eating lunch, when a messenger arrived from the palace. Vayu had sent word that he had received news of some trouble in a nearby area and was heading there to investigate the problem. He was expecting to return in a couple of days.

The thought of a few lonely nights filled her days with gloom too.

Also, there was something else that was bothering her. The frequency of the dreams, rather nightmares, had increased.

In the beginning, after she had fled home, she had often dreamt of running away from a burning house, heart palpitating dreadfully, thinking of her mother left behind. There had been some variations too. Like waking up in her childhood home, in her cot next to the window which overlooked the neem tree in the back yard, only to find it completely deserted. Or getting stranded in a bullock cart in the middle of a dark forest.

There hadn't been any need to analyse the dreams. The reason had been clear, like the usual cloudless skies of Marwa.

Slowly, their frequency had subsided, as had the intensity of her trauma. Eventually, they were brushed away to some dark corner of her mind.

So, their reappearance was baffling. She couldn't understand why they had started haunting her nights again. Once again, she had started waking up with a hammering heart. Unless she was with Raja-sa. On those nights, while he held her close, the demons stayed away. Maybe, they tried visiting, but turned away seeing the swordsman laying next to her.

She wrestled with the dilemma. What does their return mean? It is an omen? A warning? Or just a stubborn silly fear??

Maybe, it was just her heart realising that, once again, it was vulnerable to love and loss.

Somehow, Hari managed to keep busy during the days, but the evenings seemed to drag forever. The first evening she was just a little out of sorts, but then grew moodier when he did not return on the second and third evening too.

After some attempts at engaging her in conversations, the other women realised it was better to leave her alone at that time of the day as she wandered the numerous terraces searching the horizon for clouds of dust.

As hope played peek-a-boo from her eyes, she would often keep humming the song –

Naina Moray taras gaye

Naina Moray taras gaye

Aaaja balam pardesi

Naina Moray taras gaye

Aaaja balam pardesi...

Mor papeha koyal bole

Mujh birhain ka jiyera dole

Mor papeha koyal bole

Mujh birhain ka jiyera dole

Kaale badal baras gaye

Kaale badal baras gaye

Aaaja balam pardesi...

On the fourth evening, while returning to Sudhagadh, Vayu directly headed to Dasi Mahal.

Though this gesture left Vaidehi seething, Harinakshi was immensely delighted by it. And, in turn, Vayu was gladdened beyond measure as his wife fused over him.

First, she ordered for a light-meal accompanied by Madeira as per his liking. Then after insisting on giving him a head massage, she organised a hot water bath "I have asked them to add oils to it which will soothe your muscles, tired from the long journey."

"Long journey?! I have barely ridden for more than half a day today!" he chuckled.

She frowned lightly "I can tell them that you don't need a bath... but then don't come to my chamber tonight!"

He swiftly pulled her close "Don't forget before everything else I am a soldier. And usually, soldier's wives are too relieved by their return to their arms to care about the dust clinging to them. Does this little dust bother you??"

Staring intently into his eyes, she stretched on her toes and playfully nipped at his chin.

His gaze darkened. 

The bath was forgotten as he slammed the door shut and carried her to the bed in her chamber. The love-filled, sweaty night washed away all the dust from his body and left hers gleaming too.

When both succumbed to slumber, enveloped by a feeling of bliss, Hari soundly slept through a dreamless night.

* * *

The next morning, though, was a different thing. As soon as he entered the court, Vaidehi stood up and left. The day dragged, filled with uncomfortable pauses in conversations and loaded words from his Kaka-sa, Malhar Singh.

To add to the tension already throbbing in the court, an emissary arrived from Brijraj Singh the Raja of Udaygadh. A celebration had been planned to celebrate a milestone birthday of the king's mother and Vayu along with his family were invited.

Rudra prudently cautioned Vayu "Don't go to Dasi Mahal while Udaygadh's ambassador is here. They will take it as a slight."

For the next two evenings, Harinakshi received messages that he won't be coming over.

Vayu in turn, received a Paan with a without any gulkand on the first evening and one with extra finely chopped betal nuts on the following evening. But now instead of hastily swallowing them, he slowly chewed on them savouring the emotions she had tried to convey. The lack of gulkand must mean – sweetness is missing from her evening because I am not with her... The crumbling betal nut is an indication of her frustration and annoyance!

On the second evening, Vayu had just retired to his chamber when Vaidehi's arrival was announced. Complaining of some health issue, she had chosen to stay away from the court since the arrival of the messenger from Udaygadh.

"Maa-sa, are you well now? I hope the rest of past few days has helped."

Shaking her head dismissively, Vaidehi replied "Let's not pretend. I am not unwell, but just wanted to lay the groundwork for my excuse for not attending the function in Udaygadh."

Vayu paled a little "You will not attend? Then-"

"Then you must attend by yourself. You may ask Rudra to accompany you. Because I won't be able to handle the accusation in the Maharani Ambala's eyes. Your deeds have not left me in a position to face their family! Do you finally understand the consequences of your actions?!" Vaidehi demanded in a high-pitched voice.

"I won't go either. Ask Kaka-sa and Kaki-sa to attend on our behalf." Vayu uttered, not meeting her eyes.

She scowled deeply "Not go?? That is your soon-to-be wife's house! Which you haven't visited for well over a year now. Go to Udaygadh and take part in the celebrations. Let your actions assure Brijraj-sa that his daughter will be become the queen of Sudhagadh as soon as... the right time arrives. It won't be long now. I have received some news from my informer in the inner palace there."

Noting his irate expression, she added "Think of that poor girl and your obligations to her! Can you imagine what Samidha must be going through?? All of them must be wondering if you still have any intention of making her your wife!"

"What does it matter if she becomes my wife or not?! For all of you... only her becoming the queen of Sudhagadh matters! And has anyone ever wanted to know what Samidha wants?!" he bitterly retorted.

Vaidehi snapped back "Neither you nor her are bigger than our kingdoms! And this is what Sudhagadh needs!"

He tried appealing to the woman, who had always resented sharing her husband "Maa-sa, please try to understand, my heart has already accepted Harinakshi as my wife. It will be an injustice to both her and Samidha..."

But his mother only sneered "Wife?! I refuse to accept some woman of dubious origins as your wife! She will never be anything to me... or this kingdom. Only Samidha will hold that place and sit on the throne. Is that clear?"

Desperation seeping out of each pore, he almost pleaded "For once, can you consider what Vayu needs?! Am I still not your son??".

For a moment, his mother's expression softened. But then recalling that the cause of this disagreement lived in Dasi Mahal, her gaze immediately hardened "Before everything, you are now the Raja of Sudhagadh. Neither of us should forget that. And this situation that you have created... is because you allowed yourself to forget!"

Fury flashed through him. Some at her, for laying the blame at his feet; and some at himself, knowing she wasn't completely off the mark.

The crashing sound of a vase hurtled across the room startled them both. Even as Vaidehi waited for him to apologise for his outburst, Vayu stormed out of his chamber and into the night.

* * *

Feeling disoriented, Hari tried to gain bearings of her surroundings. There had been a loud sound... did something fall? Or had it been the door??

The main door to her room was closed. But then it registered that the door between their chambers was open. But Raja-sa is not here... who could have dared use that door?

As she scrambled to find the odhani hung at the head of the bed, some movement to the other side of the room caught her eye. She almost started to scream till the moonlight illuminated his face.

She exclaimed "What are you doing here?! At this time of the night?" then noting his dark expression, visible even in the barely lit room, she jumped to a conclusion "Are you mad at me for chopping the betal nuts so finely? You know, you are not allowed to complain about my Paan!"

He silently disrobed and climbed into the bed. Without uttering a single word, he pried the odhani out of her hand and threw it on the floor. As he tried to kiss her, Hari muttered nervously "Is something wrong? Are you alright??"

"Everything is fine. Perfectly fine." he responded sharply and then claimed her lips.

The kiss was unlike any they had shared before. It was demanding something from her, something that he desperately needed, though she wasn't sure what. When he nipped at her neck, his teeth felt sharper than before. Her moan came out more like a whimper, which he probably realised because he quickly placed a kiss on the spot and then moved away a little to push the ghagra up.

Though taken aback by the abruptness of his actions, Hari facilitated the process.

His love-making that night walked the fine line between taking, giving, and demanding. Though not sure of the reason, she understood that with his every thrust he was trying to empty more than his seed. When he collapsed on her choli clad bosom, all spent, she tried to kiss away all his frustrations and anger.

The next morning, Vayu struggled to meet her eye. Guilt gnawed at him for allowing his ire at his mother and the situation with Udaygadh to shade his passion for her. Even her tender kisses showered so freely the previous night had not helped.

Hence, he stood staring out of the window as he shared "Don't expect me for sometime now. Day after tomorrow, I must go to Udaygadh for a few days."

Hugging him from behind, she asked, "How long will you be gone for?" and then added tentatively "Raja-sa, has something happened? Some new problem??"

Clasping her palm resting on his stomach, he muttered "No... not a new problem... Don't dwell on it. I will be back in about six-seven days."

Seven whole days without him?! Her eyes dulled and her embrace tightened.

Turning around, he studied her sullen expression. Tenderly kissing her forehead, he tried to cheer her up "What would you like me to bring back for you?" And then quickly added in a teasing tone "Something other than animals that is!"

Her eyes lit up at his wit. She responded in kind "As long as you bring back my tiger... I don't want anything else!"

Weight lifted off his heart – So, she is not put off by last night.

He quirked a brow "Tiger?? Looks like my deer has grown some sharp claws!"

"Be glad, I haven't shown them to you yet!" She smirked back.

He dropped a kiss on her nose "Call for my attendants. I must head back."

* * *

After watching him gallop away, Harinakshi returned inside looking forlorn. Bhanumati and the other women were breakfasting in the area adjacent to the kitchen.

"Is something wrong?" Kasthuri asked her brow creased in concern.

Shaking her head, Bhanumati teased "Come eat with us. He will be back in the evening! Or in the middle of the night!"

"No, he won't... he must go to Udaygadh for few days. And I am not hungry!" Hari responded still sulking.

As Bhanumati and Kasthuri exchanged a look, Tarika scoffed "That didn't last very long... I mean, Raja-sa's peaceful visits here. Yet again, the same old battles shall resume!"

"What do you mean?? Just because I am a little upset... does not mean I will quarrel with him for staying away for a few days!" Hari almost snapped.

Tarika responded "Then, either you have a bigger heart than most women, or you are stupid."

Bhanumati tried to interrupt "That's enough."

But Tarika continued addressing Hari "Just don't expect the Princess of Udaygadh to showcase this same spirit of generosity! And a word of caution... don't lay your heart at his feet. Because it will only get trampled."

"Tarika, there is no need to fill her heart with apprehensions!" Bhanumati's tone was sharper than before.

But the other woman was relentless "Jiji-sa, I am not trying to fill her heart with any undue fears, just her head with some sense! What if he gives into the queen's demands and stops coming here? Even if it doesn't come to that... he will surely visit less. She should be prepared to deal with all eventualities."

"You think Rajmata-sa will stop him from coming here??" Hari's voice quivered a little. And then she frowned "And how would any of this concern the Princess of Udaygadh??"

Now, even Bhanumati looked worried. The older woman tentatively enquired "Do you not know? Has Raja-sa not mentioned anything to you about... his relationship with Udaygadh??"

As Hari shook her head, Tarika muttered "So, he didn't tell you that he is going there to meet his future wife? Or that they have been engaged for years now?? Well, he probably didn't think it was important to share it with you..."

Whilst Tarika continued her muttering, Hari couldn't hear the words and dashed off to the privacy of her chamber.

Though calm on the outside, her own doubts and fears had started screaming within. Maybe not calm, but frozen, incapable of any reaction.

Is that why he was... the way he was last night? He was upset about something... Was he upset about going there?? So, he didn't want to go to her? She took heart in the thought.

But naturally, insecurities surfaced too. But, then why didn't he say anything to me? Why has he never mentioned her before? Nor has anyone else... And what does it matter whether he mentioned her or not... the fact remains, she will be arriving in Sudhagadh as the queen.

As his wife. Wanting to shrink away from the eventuality, Harinakshi tightly hugged herself.

When a few tears rushed to her eyes, she forced herself to swallow them, to keep them caged in her heart along with all the other feelings. Long back, she had promised herself that whatever life threw her way, she would not allow it to break her. Maybe, after losing so much during her tender years, she had grown used to the idea that life and loss walked hand in hand.

 For the rest of the day, she stayed in her room barely nibbling on the food brought up by Kanta, contemplating on what this would mean to their relationship.

* * *

(Hi Everyone,

Hope you all are doing great! 

What did you think of this chapter? With the drama kicking in, does it feel like the story is picking pace? Do share your thoughts! 

Take care and lots of love, 

May)