Though King Satyak had granted Satyashree permission to pursue his unusual course of education at Ratimandir, this permission came with strict conditions, designed to safeguard the family’s dignity and reputation.

It was agreed that Satyashree’s visits to the brothel would remain a closely guarded secret, unknown to the general populace. He would only venture out under the cover of darkness, ensuring he remained unseen by the city's watchful eyes. Furthermore, he would not go alone. Satyaki, along with a few trusted attendants, would accompany him on these nocturnal excursions, acting as both protectors and witnesses to his unconventional studies.

The visits to Ratimandir were to be shrouded in absolute secrecy. No one, not even the closest family members or trusted advisors, was to know of Satyashree’s unusual pursuit of knowledge. The reputation of the Yadava clan was paramount, and any hint of impropriety could have devastating consequences.

The importance of secrecy was impressed upon everyone involved. It was not just a matter of family pride, but also a matter of political expediency. The Yadavas held a prominent position in the kingdom, and any scandal could be used by their rivals to undermine their influence. Therefore, the veil of secrecy surrounding Satyashree’s education was a necessity.

As the sun had dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of deep purple and dusky orange, in his chambers, Satyashree prepared for his clandestine excursion.

Had he been going simply to learn, he would have donned the simple, unadorned attire of a Brahmachari, reflecting his commitment to his studies. However, the need for secrecy, the importance of maintaining appearances, dictated otherwise. He was dressed in rich silks, the fabric shimmering in the lamplight, and adorned with fine jewels that glittered against his skin.

The maids and servants flitting around him, assisting with his attire, were under the impression that he was embarking on a hunting trip, a night of sport and revelry with his friends. Satyashree, maintaining the charade with a playful smile, allowed them to believe the fabrication. He knew the less they knew, the better it would be for everyone.

Soon a young man entered the chamber. He wasn't particularly tall, but his build was sturdy and strong. His complexion was dark, but his features were pleasant and intelligent. This was Tandvik, Satyashree's personal attendant, a trusted companion and confidante. Being a trusted member of the household, he too had been chosen to accompany the prince on his clandestine visits to Ratimandir.

"Kumar," Tandvik approached Satyashree, bowing his head slightly. "Aapke prasthaan ki sabhi vyavastha kar di gayi hai."

Satyashree smiled, a genuine, warm smile that contrasted with the carefully crafted facade he had presented to the other servants. He placed a hand on Tandvik's shoulder, giving it a light, friendly squeeze.

"Toh chalo." He replied.

Satyashree walked out of the room, his rich attire swaying gently, and Tandvik followed closely behind. They reached the courtyard of their bhavan, where several horses stood saddled and ready. Satyaki and the other trusted men who would form their escort were already mounted on their steeds, waiting patiently.

Satyashree's gaze met Satyaki's, who offered a knowing smile. Though he might not fully understand his younger brother's unconventional methods of acquiring knowledge, Satyaki respected Satyashree's unwavering passion for learning.

With a subtle gesture, Satyaki indicated that it was time to leave, motioning for Satyashree to mount his horse.  Satyashree approached his steed, a majestic creature with a gleaming golden coat. With a graceful movement, he mounted the horse, his rich silks contrasting sharply with the animal's powerful form. Tandvik, his expression respectful and discreet, also mounted his own horse.

Satyaki, taking the lead, spurred his horse forward, heading towards the city gates. Behind him rode Satyashree, followed by Tandvik, and then the rest of their small, trusted entourage.

The streets of Mathura were mostly quiet, the city settling into its nightly rhythm. Most citizens were within the warm glow of their homes, enjoying their evening meals, while others had already succumbed to the embrace of sleep. Only a few stragglers, those still lingering in the twilight hours, witnessed the small procession of riders as they moved through the deserted streets.

The sight of the esteemed princes, Satyaki and Satyashree, riding at such a late hour piqued their curiosity. They recognized the royal insignia and the rich attire of the princes, but could only wonder about the purpose of their nocturnal journey. Whispers followed the riders as they passed – were they on a secret mission for Maharaj Ugrasen ? Were they going to meet some dignitaries ? Or perhaps they were simply enjoying a late-night ride, a moment of respite from their royal duties ?

Others, noting the direction they were headed, towards the dense forest surrounding the city, surmised that they were going on a hunt, perhaps to track down a rogue animal that threatened the nearby villages, or to apprehend a spy lurking in the shadows. The possibilities swirled in the minds of the onlookers, each more intriguing than the last.

Little did the curious onlookers suspect the true nature of the princes' journey. Satyaki, with a cleverness born of necessity, led the procession towards the dense forest bordering the city. This initial route served as a deliberate misdirection, throwing off any potential followers and reinforcing the impression of some other nocturnal activity in the woods.

He maintained this course for a considerable distance, weaving through the darkened paths, until he was sure they were no longer being observed.
Then, with a subtle shift in direction, Satyaki guided the group along the borders of the capital, skirting the city walls and avoiding the main thoroughfares. They moved silently, like shadows, their horses' hooves muffled by the soft earth of the outskirts.

This carefully planned detour brought them to their true destination: the rear entrance of Ratimandir.

Even from the back, the brothel’s grandeur was evident. It was not a place of squalor, but a lavish establishment, its walls adorned with intricate carvings and studded with glittering jewels that shimmered even in the dim light of the moon. The building exuded an air of opulence, a testament to the wealth and influence it commanded.

The sounds of music and laughter drifted from within, a tantalizing blend of melodies and mirth that promised both pleasure and intrigue. The scent of exotic flowers permeated the air, a carefully cultivated fragrance that skillfully masked the underlying aroma of wine and other indulgences. It was a place of hidden beauty, a world unto itself.

They dismounted their horses, the soft thud of their feet muffled by the earth.  With cautious steps, they traversed the boundary wall, their eyes scanning the surroundings for any sign of unwanted attention. Reaching the imposing entrance gate of Ratimandir, they paused briefly.

Satyaki, despite his worldly experience, felt a strange twinge of unease. He had never imagined he would cross the threshold of such a place. Tandvik and the other attendants shared a similar feeling of discomfort, a sense of being in unfamiliar and perhaps morally ambiguous territory. Satyashree, however, seemed unaffected by the atmosphere. His eyes, wide with curiosity, darted around, absorbing the sights and sounds of this unique establishment with an innocent fascination.

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A/N

Satyaki, Tandvik and others - ಠ⁠﹏⁠ಠ

Satyashree - (⁠ㆁ⁠ω⁠ㆁ⁠)