This part is dedicated to Aakashi_S, for her birthday on 19th March!!

The caravan trudged on for days, stopping by at places to trade goods, taking on bales of fine Chanderi muslin which had zari bands for border or selvedge. First woven by Muslim julahas, Koshti weavers from Jhansi began settling in and weaving the fine muslins of Chanderi. The Bundela Rajputs rulers encouraged and patronised the art, the fabric as fine as 300 counts, rivaling the finest muslin of Dhaka. The gold edged sarees or turbans made in pure cotton, pure silk or a blend of cotton silk were popularly in demand within the princely states of Central India. An Imperial Mughal Karkhana supplied high quality fabrics to the court of the Moghuls, so reputed were the textiles of Chanderi. 

Likewise the merchants had also stocked up on rich brocaded silk of Benaras, especially the Kinkhab which was so laden with gold and silver thread that the silk could be barely seen beneath it. It could be used for sarees, shawls, stoles and sherwanis, popular over centuries due to royal patronage. With a rich cargo of precious stones, pearls, spices, silk and muslin fabrics the need for security was vital as the routes were ridden with thugs and dacoits. Over weeks both Samsher and Randhir provided the much needed safety for the merchants, keeping criminal elements away, sometimes at a considerable risk to their own life and limb. 

As the caravan continued it's march the Rajput guards were no longer strangers to the growing familiarity between the Shekhawat scion and the merchant's young daughter, although fortunately her family remained blissfully unaware of the lovers' nightly rendezvous as their sleep was often assisted by the administering of harmless soporifics in their meals by the crafty Sanyukta. Whenever she did that she was seen spending the night in the company of Randhir, slipping back to her own side just before dawnbreak, her clothes and hair in a disarray. By now she dropped all pretence before the guards as she entered or exited the space occupied by Randhir, the sentry often witnessing silhouettes of the couple in their moments of passion, but choosing to look the other way. 

Randhir treated his men with dignity and led by example, they could hardly resent his private dalliance with a willing nubile maiden. However his integrity toward his team was proven in an unfortunate incident involving a surprise raid by bandits in broad daylight. As the lookout called out the warning the guardsmen assumed their defensive positions as dictated by protocol. The bandits often have a locational advantage over the parties they raid as unlike their victims they are very familiar with the local terrain and escape routes. The marauders descended upon the caravan rapidly, engaging the brave guards in a pitched combat. The women in Sanyukta's carriage were dazed and confused, not knowing what to expect as they had been warned to lie low. 

As Randhir rushed to assist Samsher and his men, he engaged in a mortal combat, slaying bandits without giving any quarter. Ruthlessness was a necessary survival craft, if spared the enemy could be encouraged to attack again. Hearing screams from the women's carriage he rushed back to witness a man trying to drag Sanyukta away, even as she kicked and punched him in self-defence causing him to land a hard slap on her face. Murderous rage coursed through Randhir as he drove the blade of his sword through the bandit's heart, splattering Sanyukta with the man's blood. Too shocked to witness him kill a person in her vicinity she froze on the spot even as Randhir screamed at her to rush back to the safety of the carriage. 

Within a few minutes the Rajputs had successfully defended the caravan and the merchants as well as Samsher took stock of their respective sides. While not much damage had been inflicted upon the goods and lives of the merchants, one guard called Suraj Singh had fallen while trying to put up a brave defence. After pitching camp the man was cremated and his ashes gathered to be delivered to his family. A sombre air settled on the camp. The injured were treated for their wounds and the women lit fires to prepare a simple repast for the family as well as for the Rajputs who were mourning the loss of their comrade. Sanyukta and the other women placed pots of food before Samsher and left, requesting them to break bread. 

In a few days the Hindu rites for a formal closure of mourning were performed by the Rajputs. During this period Sanyukta kept her distance from Randhir who looked calm outwardly but she knew better. There had been a huge argument between Randhir and Sanyukta's father over compensation for the fallen man's family, ending on such a bitter note that the Baniya furiously refused to fulfil his obligation. When Randhir reminded him of honour he taunted him that the Kachwaha Rajputs should refrain from commenting about honour as they had appeased the Mughals by sending away their daughters to the Mughal harems, a historical fact that was a bone of contention amongst the various Rajput clans. A furious Randhir, snubbed and insulted, simmered in angst swearing to himself that he would make the Baniya pay for his arrogance. 

The whole camp had been witness to the animosity between Randhir and the Baniya from the time the young man had joined the guards in Bundelkhand, but now it had reached a pinnacle. Sanyukta withdrew into herself, too afraid to face Randhir's ire. As Rajputana grew nearer she became increasingly nervous, uncertain about her future. Randhir had shut her out completely, embittered over the attitude of her father. She carried the guilt silently, knowing well that Randhir had been fair in demanding compensation on behalf of the deceased man's family. That night she stole into Samsher's tent, covered in her ghoongat, handing him over a bundle tied in a piece of fabric. "What is this Baisa?" The man asked, puzzled. 

"It is some of my personal jewellery and my savings in silver coins, please accept this for Suraj Singhji's family. But please do not mention this to your nephew." "She whispered, unable to look at him. "Baisa, we cannot accept this, because compensation is an obligation fulfilled by the employer during eventualities, not by the women of his family even if they are willing to part with their dowry. My dharma does not permit me." Samsher said firmly. "This is not a part of my dowry, rather it is my Streedhan and I am at liberty to dispose it off the way I see fit." She replied promptly. "Does your father know and have you taken his consent? If not my response is the same which I gave you earlier." Just as he spoke the words, Randhir entered, and she dashed out  not wanting to face his ire. 

"What was she doing here?" Randhir asked in irritation. "She has given this as compensation for Suraj Singh's family."Samsher handed him the bundle. As Randhir unknotted it he could see her personal jewellery in silver and gold, along with a pouch that held about a few dozen silver coins, probably her spending money that she put aside for a rainy day. "Let me throw this back at her father's feet, we don't need charity from women in the place of fair compensation." Randhir spoke angrily. "Easy Banna, your trouble is with her father, don't blame her, she is not at fault. Do you realise her love for you is making her do this? Do you want to see her father thrash her openly again? And I called you here to share a matter that concerns her. There is word that she is to be married off to a man of dubious character. I have called for more details, though it will take time." Samsher sighed.

"I don't know what to do Kakasa! I am not angry at her, but her father is something else. How do I help her escape a marriage trap? I need your advice." Randhir spoke, feeling powerless. "I know you love her, and love will find a way. I have an idea, but it is ridden with danger. And we have to wait until we get to Rajputana first. Most importantly, you cannot discuss this matter with anyone, not even her, or the mission will be compromised." Randhir felt a little assured as he left to return to his own tent. A pair of familiar arms were thrown around him immediately. "Please don't be angry with me. You know I cannot stay away from you!" She sobbed. "Like I promised earlier, I will do what I can to bail you out of your situation. Do not try to contact me till then, I cannot help you otherwise." Before he could finish her lips captured his and they melted in each other's arms once more."That was not enough, I am ready for more, please find a way before it is too late." She remarked as she left his tent after a while. That night she managed to doze off dreaming of a happy future with him.