Back in her tent, free to lay in any position she wished, Harinakshi had expected to sleep very soundly that night. But sleep still evaded her for a long time.

She had kept her word to Bai-sa and complied with all her instructions. But as much as she tried to overlook the implications, it only increased the agitation in her heart. Though the decision had been already made when Vayu had accepted their conditions and the execution started when she arrived at the camp. Now, it was set in stone.

What have I done?! Have I really tied myself to him? What type of life have I chosen for myself? Will he really honour his word?? The turmoil grew by the second.

Her mind tried to diffuse some of her worries – Well, he did keep his word to eat any Paan I serve... so, that's a good start, right? And if he is a man of word, he will keep his other promises too.

In the other tent, Vayu too tossed and turned on his cot as he mulled over the happenings of the past few hours.

After she had left the tent, Krushanu had darkly warned the guards before dismissing them "Nobody is to utter a word of this outside this tent!" Once on their own, Krushanu had asked sounding worked up "How could you let this happen? Why did you do that?!"

Sounding defensive, Vayu countered "What have I done that you find so upsetting?!" Then he added "I agree, her entry in the tent with all these gifts was unexpected. But I could hardly refuse to accept her or Chandrika Bai's gesture of paying respect. I suppose, it is her way of acknowledging me as her king now."

For a moment, Krushanu haplessly wondered - Has Vayu really not grasped the meaning of what just transpired in this tent? Or is he just refusing to admit it??

He added passionately "Even if she acknowledges you as her king a hundred times... you cannot acknowledge her as anything! And what she just did... that was her marking you as her man!"

Vayu's chest swelled as he countered "And am I not her man?? For that is exactly what I wish for!"

Still not done with expressing his strong reservations, Krushanu questioned hotly "Do you not understand the predicament you have placed us in?!"

"Us?? You need not concern yourself with my personal affairs!" Vayu's reply was short and scathing.

Krushanu faltered before he spoke again "Forgive me Raja-sa. But the King's affairs are never personal. You know that the Raja of Udaygadh is bound to have planted a few informers amongst the men out there. And Rajmata-sa... and your Kaka-sa too. Can you imagine the uproar the moment this news gets back to them that you have... bestowed your favour on a woman of no consequence?"

Trying to diffuse this friend's anxiety and probably his own too, the young king tried to present the situation as insignificant. "You are unnecessarily reading too much into this situation. Aren't you forgetting that it has been settled that she will never enter the palace nor hold any royal position? She won't be anything more than a woman housed in Dasi Mahal."

Krushanu bowed slightly, but added before he left "Raja-sa, for everyone's sake, I hope that she doesn't become more than that. Cause even her just being housed in Dasi Mahal is going to cause you enough headaches. And please do not elevate her importance in the eyes of your men by giving her any preference. Make sure that her place in your life, or rather the lack of it, is clear to all."

As Vayu now waited for sleep to arrive, he tried to ease his mind - Well, it will be quite some time before we return to Sudhagadh. Till then I refuse to dwell on the consequences!

But Krushanu's caution was not lost on him. And yet again, Vayu wondered if he had far too brash in his decision to send for her.

* * *

Having disposed of all the gifts that she had been lugging around, Harinakshi found the next morning's routine far more amicable.

The day progressed unremarkably, but she did notice a shift in the soldier's conduct towards her and Kanta. A lot of eyes lowered a little in her presence, and more than a few hands voluntarily offered their assistance. When she and Kanta approached the queues at lunchtime, the men insisted on the women skipping the queue and cooking their food first. Though there was still unbridled curiosity, the tone of their remarks and questions posed to Kanta changed.

Krushanu watched the change with slight misgivings. It seemed despite his warning, some report of what had taken place in the king's tent the evening before had leaked out. But there wasn't much that he could do about it.

Vayu observed her from afar, when she and Kanta settled in the shade of a tree to partake of their simple lunch. She constantly shifted in her seat, rearranging the placement of her legs as she ate. And then quickly finishing her meal, she briskly walked around. Even from a distance, he could detect the restlessness bubbling in her.

Maybe she finds being constantly confined to the cart rather tiresome... Would she like to ride on horseback? But the idea of her being proficient at riding seemed unlikely. Might be fun to see her screaming in fear as the horse gallops! The image of her clutching to him if they rode atop the same horse held a lot of appeal.

That evening, they had barely stopped to camp for the night when a messenger arrived from a nearby feudal lord. Vayu had been invited to partake of their hospitality for the night. After conversing with his commander, he left accompanied by Krushanu and about ten of his other men. Shera joined their party too.

The sun was still to set, and the sky was clear. They had set camp on top of a small hill, which accorded them a good view of the surrounding area, which was mostly covered in scattered shrubs and just a few trees. The scouts had chosen the spot as a rivulet was located at about five-minute walk.

Following the king's departure, all the soldiers were relaxed and the general atmosphere around the camp was cheery. Considering they would be camping there for two nights, there wasn't a sense of urgency to anyone's movements. Requests were made to the cook for a decent meal and then a few men set out in search of the ingredients from the neighbouring farms.

After observing the activities around the camp for some time, Hari said to Kanta "Let's go for a walk by the stream. And carry a change of clothes, I would like to wash myself properly."

As they walked away from the camp, she noticed that a couple of young lads were following them. Turning around, hands on her hips, she demanded "Why are you following us? Do you have nothing better to do than trying to spy on us?!"

One of the young men stuttered "Bai-sa... we are on duty... the commander has ordered us to accompany you."

"Accompany us for what?! We would like to have some privacy." Hari scowled.

The man mumbled in reply "We will stop at a distance and won't watch you near the stream. But we must follow you."

Though the area surrounding the stream was very tranquil, the wash wasn't what Hari had hoped for. Conscious of the company, despite their assurance that the women wouldn't be watched, she did not feel comfortable disrobing. Both the women tried to clean themselves the best they could considering the constraints.

All the way back Hari glared at the two soldiers and then quickly retired to her tent to change. Considering it was starting to get dark, she decided that they would have to return to the stream the next morning to wash the soiled clothes.

While the meal was still cooking, the soldiers gathered around some bonfires and started entertaining themselves. Some simple musical instruments like the Ektara, Manjeera and Ghugroo were brought out. Folk songs were sung and few of the party quickly broke into a spontaneous dance around the fire.

Hari watched from a distance. The music and dance that she was used to in the Kotha was very different to what she was witnessing. While the artists in the Kotha performed to entertain others, here the objective was to amuse oneself. No one here was a trained musician, and yet their music had its own charm.

As she listened, her mind drifted to some childhood memories when such performances were occasionally held in their courtyard. As some pleasant memories of the hustle and bustle of that household, the squealing of kids, festivals and family celebrations came to her mind, Hari realised that there had been some good times too. But the dark memories had completely eclipsed the good ones.

Well, almost. Through all the murky ones, the memory of one face shone, warm and bright. Her mother, Arunika.

* * *

Arunika had been a petite lady, naturally graceful and extremely beautiful. But her beauty had been the cause of her miseries. It had been the reason she had incited one man's passions to distraction and was in turn detested by many others who vied for his favour.

Having struggled with the curse of being the-preferred-woman of a much older man since she had barely come of age, Arunika had been resolved that her daughter, Harinakshi, would not be sacrificed at a similar altar. As soon as the possibility had manifested, she had handed over her life's joy and whatever else she could to Chandra, a humble but very intelligent servant, and her only confidant in the household.

The journey from Chandra to Chandrika Bai-sa had been fraught with many trials. But Chandra had done all she could to protect the young girl entrusted to her.

After trying her hand at a few odd jobs here and there, Chandra had been relieved to have landed employment in a Thakur's household as an attendant to the women of the family. But the relief had been short lived, when Harinakshi had caught the eye of one of the young men from the family. When Chandra had complained to the lady-of-the-house of his unwelcome advances, the older woman had chosen to turn a blind eye muttering something on the lines of young men needing to get rid of the extra heat.

In that moment, Chandra had realised that the only way she could really keep herself and her ward safe was by establishing an enterprise which would generate a substantial income and guarantee the patronage of the influential. The times that she lived in, and her humble origins, did not afford her many such opportunities. And hence, she had turned to one of the oldest businesses, or probably the only one, that helpless women often did.

An acquaintance with a lady she had often run into while shopping at the local market had paved the way for the future. Chandra had taken up a job in a Kotha in a neighbouring town, to assist Anupama, the ailing owner, with the general running of the establishment. There's hadn't been much on offer in terms of money, but the owner had promised the safety of both the women.

True to her word, Anupama had ensured that the visitors never caught a glimpse of Harinakshi. For the year they had stayed in that Kotha, Chandra had tirelessly worked to learn the business. Though Harinakshi helped with some chores around the house, she was mostly found scampering around the backyard or chasing the neighbourhood kids. But instead of censoring her activities, Chandra contentedly watched the twinkle slowly return to the young girl's eyes.

Then one day, after hearing of an aging friend of Anupama who wanted to retire and was on a lookout for a someone to take over her business, Chandra hesitantly expressed her interest. Initially Anupama was absolutely dumbfounded by the proposition. But then she realised that not only was Chandra serious, but she had the funds to invest too.

Over few months the finer details of the transaction were worked out and finally Chandra and Harinakshi moved to Chandanpur. She had again toiled ceaselessly to revive the business and find the right performers to add the glamour required to make it a success amongst the elite clients of Chandanpur.

All this while, she had tried to emulate Arunika's warmth, while trying to nurture Harinakshi in a world where she had to become Chandrika Bai ­– providing the soothing moonlight her patrons came searching for in the darkness.

As much as possible, Chandra had kept the young girl away and out of sight. But she knew that Harinakshi's discovery was inevitable. Though the girl wouldn't have been considered an ethereal beauty like her mother, she was pretty enough and blessed with a fire hard to veil and which was bound to draw her fair share of moths.

Though she at times complained about Hari's penchant for trouble, Chandra's heart swelled with pride every time she looked at the strong young woman Hari has grown into. For encouraging and allowing a strong spirit to flourish in a woman is a much bigger feat than giving birth.

* * *

Harinakshi's eyes clouded as she wondered what had become of her mother.

Arunika, ailing from an unknown illness for months, had been very frail. Not wanting to slow down Harinakshi and Chandra, she had been unwilling to join them in their attempt of fleeing to freedom.

Harinakshi often wondered if the price of leaving behind her sick mother had been worth the life, she found herself living.

Though it was highly unlikely, a part of her still prayed for a miracle and hoped to meet her mother again.

Breaking her reverie, Kanta slumped down next to her and offered her some roasted tender jowar in a cup made from dried leaves. "Dinner should be ready soon. But I know you like these!" gazing upwards at the sky, she continued "It's a beautiful night... feels so good to see the stars after the last few days of grey clouds."

Hari just hummed in response.

Sensing her lowly spirits, Kanta teased "Why the long face? Are you missing your Raja-sa??"

Hari grimaced "Why would I miss him?? In fact, I am glad that he is not around! Just look around the camp... it's so peaceful and relaxing. It's so annoying the way he keeps staring whenever we stop, like he is trying to catch me doing something wrong!"

Enjoying Hari's vexation, Kanta added "Maybe he is just eyeing his woman... And if I had a man like him, I would surely miss him."

"Well, he is not my man, and I don't miss him!" the doe-eyed girl declared hotly.

"I really don't understand you... how are you ever going to keep him interested if you don't treat him right? Do you know why Urvashi always has all the men eating out of her palm? Because she knows what they like. She says, every man likes to be treated like he is the only man on earth who makes your heart flutter and there is no one else like him!" Kanta shook her head wearily.

"I have no interest in keeping him or his interest. I would have been much happier if Urvashi had caught his fancy. At least, I wouldn't have been sitting here feeling grimy without a proper wash for days!" Hari muttered darkly.

Kanta rolled her eyes "You are strange! Back in Chandanpur you complained when Bai-sa wanted you to stop scampering around and act like a lady... and now you complain about getting dirty."

Huffing, Hari stood up. Marching in the direction of the temporary kitchen where the cook was in the process of adding the final touches, she asked the older man "Kaka, do you need any help?" Looking rather alarmed at the idea, he muttered "It's okay Bai-sa... I am almost done. My boys are watching the Baatis in the fire. Food will be ready soon."

Seeing the uncleaned bunches of coriander, Hari started picking the leaves "You will need these for garnishing the dal. Let me do something... I am getting really bored." Relived that there wasn't any real risk of her burning something, the cook nodded.

Few moments later, she asked "So, are those boys your sons??"

He shook his head "No, they are my nephews. My brother and his wife died of a fever last year. They haven't got anyone else, so I requested Raja-sa to let them join me. They help around the camp, and I am teaching them how to cook for the army when we are on a campaign."

She nodded and then asked "What's your name? I mean... there are so many men here... I can't keep calling everyone just Kaka..."

The man smiled "I am Bhikaji, but you can call me Bhiku kaka. That's what Madho and Kamal call me."

Madho, the eldest of the boys, was about eleven, while Kamal was about eight.

Over the next few minutes, Harinakshi exchanged some light conversation with Bhikaji as she worked alongside him. She first chopped some garnishes for the huge pot of dal simmering over the fire and then helped him mix some dry chutney powder into oil.

She learnt for how long they had been on the road, and the different places they had visited. Every now and then, Bhikaji pointed out some of the important people in the camp and shared some titbits about them.

Their commander Amiraj, an exceptionally tall and broad man with a very thick moustache, was greatly feared and respected amongst his men. Apparently, he was a stickler for discipline and expected nothing but the utmost dedication from all.

A young man named Shardul was in-charge of looking after the horses and cattle that travelled with them. He also assisted Amiraj with scouting the surrounding areas for easy access to food and water and possible campsites. As was clear from the dancing he was currently a part of, according to Bhiku, Shardul was a people's person and always ready to lend the men a hand or an ear when needed.

"Is that the Vaidya? The man under that tree at the back?" Hari pointed out a lean tall man with a gentle demeanour, who she had observed the men approached one at a time. Sometimes he took their pulse or spent time in discussion.

Bhiku nodded "Yes, that's Devrat, who looks after the physical wellbeing of the legion. Madho helps him with grinding the medicinal herbs and powders at times."

Walking over, his younger nephew, Kamal, shared "The Baatis are ready. Can we start getting them out of the fire??" Bhiku nodded and followed him with an empty bamboo basket.

Dinner was an enjoyable affair as everyone relished the spicy Dal and Baati, along with some simple accompaniments like freshly chopped onion, green chillies, and chutneys. A few of the men brought out some of their personal supplies of pickles and shared with their friends.

As soon as dinner was done, one of the soldiers who had followed them to the stream approached Kanta and offered to stand guard if they wanted to head to the bushes to answer nature's call before retiring for the night.

Once back to the camp, the women retired to their tent. But the laughter and conversation outside kept Hari up.

After tossing and turning for a while, she decided that gazing at the stars might help. But she was stopped by the two guards who informed her that the commander had stationed them outside her tent.

Hari questioned incredulously "What does that mean? Am I a prisoner in this tent?!" But the men just shrugged in reply. 

Returning to her mattress, she huffed at the absurdity of the situation. First, they were not allowed to leave the camp without company, and now she wasn't even free to step out of her tent!

The next day, after each eating a multigrain ladoo that Kaki had packed for them, the women headed to the stream to wash their soiled clothes. Several soldiers were already doing their laundry. Over the course of the morning, the camp was filled with clothes hung out to dry.

Not having much else to do, perched atop an unharnessed cart, Hari observed the activities around the camp. Kanta had volunteered to help the cook with sorting and organising of their mobile pantry.

Little before lunchtime, two of the men who had accompanied Vayu returned to the camp. Hari observed them conversing with Amiraj. Some orders were issued, and some men sprang into action.

About an hour later the two men left with a loaded cart. As Hari watched the cart disappearing in the distance, Kanta climbed in next to her and shared "Word arrived that Raja-sa will be staying with the Thakur he is visiting for a couple of days. The men had come to take few essentials."

When Hari asked, "Why is he staying there??" Kanta just shrugged. Hari wondered aloud "But what will the men in the camp do now? I suppose it's a good chance for them to relax..."

But to her astonishment, the soldiers did not share her idea. Amiraj immediately allocated various the tasks to his platoon.

Some set out to forage woodfire and on their return started sorting the bundles, deciding which were ready to be lit and which needed to dry some more. Few men worked on creating new arrows, while other set about sharpening the blades of their weapons. Some were engaged in mending the wear and tear to the tents and other things around the camp. Others were dispatched to buy grains and other essentials from the nearby hamlets. Amiraj then assigned some men to assist the cook with milling.

It was clear that everyone was committed to being constructive. The camp hummed with purpose.

The first day, Hari just mostly watched the activities. But she had never been one to sit idle. The next morning, she approached Shardul "It's very boring sitting idle around the camp... I was wondering if I could help you with the animals?"

Looking rather taken aback, he exclaimed "You want to work with the animal?! Why?? I mean, what can you possibly do with them?!"

Eyes sparkling, she responded "I love working with animals! Whether it is grooming, feeding, or looking after the sick ones... I can do it all!"

Shardul stared at her uncomprehendingly – Who is she?? I thought she is here to warm Raja-sa's bed... to entertain him... but she wants to clean and feed the animals?? What will Raja-sa think of this? But how can I say no to her... after all, she is his...

"So, what can I do?" Hari's words jolted him. Quickly deciding to check if she was any good with the animals, he replied "I am about to groom the horses... why don't you join me?" Nodding enthusiastically, she followed him.

He assigned her to a work on a very placid horse, while he worked a slightly more temperamental animal.

Shardul soon discovered that she had not made any false claims. Enquiring the animal's name, she first offered the horse a few pieces of jaggery in her open palm. Then she spoke to the animal in a soothing voice for a bit before she started brushing and massaging his back.

Noting how she carefully worked on the animal, Shardul asked her "May I ask how you learnt to do these things?"

She replied absentmindedly "Bai-sa had sent me to live with Hritvi. I used to spend a lot of time in the stables there. Thakur-sa kept seven of his horses at the haveli where we lived. There were two cows and three goats as well. And three dogs... and there were at least twenty hens... oh, and he had five... no, six parrots. Of which two talked!"

As they groomed the horses, she spoke about the various times when she had helped look after different animals and what she had learnt regarding their care and wellbeing.

Impressed with her aptitude and dedication, over the next few days Shardul got her more involved in working with the animals travelling with them. To his surprise, she was up for anything and everything. Whether it was massaging the bullocks, brushing the most persistent knots out of the horse's tails, helping calm the animals while the stones lodged in their hooves were removed, or cleaning any minor injuries and applying salve, Harinakshi welcomed every opportunity!

* * *

(Hi Dearies, 

Hope you enjoyed this part providing bit more insight into Hari's past and of course how our girl is settling into her new life. 

I promise there is much more of HaVa in the next one! 

Love always, May)