Sanyukta was trained by Randhir in horseback riding as dedicatedly as she had been taught how to swim. The mare Bela had an agreeable temperament and she behaved like the perfectly trained horse that she was, after she was no longer in heat. Soon Sanyukta began accompanying Randhir as he rode Pawan in the early hours of the morning, when the summer heat was a little less bothersome. Randhir chose the routes carefully remembering to make sure that the horses did not have to jump across any obstacle. He was afraid that Sanyukta, who was still an amateur, could become unseated. 

She had just begun to learn balance and to train her muscles for riding comfortably but would need more time to master endurance. Her limbs did not hurt anymore once she grew accustomed to a rider's bearing. "It will be hard to guess that this pair was mated several times just a few days ago, Bela hardly acknowledges Pawan anymore!" Sanyukta remarked. "What you are seeing is normal equine behaviour. The mare does not tolerate a stallion unless she is in season. An aggressive stallion can hurt a mare and bite her on the neck in his frenzy to mate. The female will kick instinctively to discourage being mounted against her will."

"There is no such thing as romance between horses, their coupling is rather quick, lasting for just over a couple of minutes. In the wild the horse is a prey animal, it will not let its guard down longer than necessary to avoid being attacked by a predator." As Randhir shared more information Sanyukta began to realise how much she could possibly learn. As much as they valued their privacy Randhir and Sanyukta were always accompanied by a couple of guards on horseback trailing them from a respectable distance. 

This was on Randhir's instructions, he did not want to jeopardise her security. It was uncommon for a young woman to be out horseback riding in these parts of Rajputana, one could hardly anticipate what peril awaited them as they covered longer distances from the haveli each day. Fortunately so far they had not been bothered. "That dhaani over there is a Bishnoi settlement." Randhir mentioned. The landscape here was stark, a few hardy trees and brush vegetation made up the local flora.

"I have heard about Bishnois, though not much. Father once mentioned that they bury their dead instead of cremating them. Is this true?" Sanyukta asked. "The Bishnois abide by certain principles, the environment is sacred to them. They protect trees and living creatures. Cutting firewood is forbidden, they use only dead wood and cattle dung as fuel for cooking. To cremate one has to cut down trees for wood. Look closer and you can spot wild animals like blackbuck,  chinkara, nilgai and peacocks foraging fearlessly around their settlement, they know no harm will come to them from these people. Bishnois even scatter bajra and other feed for the benefit of injured or weak animals." He added.

"Can we take a closer look at their settlement?" Sanyukta was getting curious about the Bishnois. "I am not sure that would be such a good idea, they are wary of Rajputs who are fond of hunting game, there is often discord between the two communities as the Bishnois are fiercely protective toward wildlife. And unlike Rajputs who relish meat they are strict vegetarians." Randhir explained. "Hey, I am vegetarian too! You don't mind that, do you? My roots are here but I have never lived here. I would like to get to know the people of Rajputana better." She remarked with a smile.

 "Fine, we'll just stroll around nearby, but not too close. It is a good idea to ask them for a drink of water, that will not seem such an unusual request. And you better draw your ghoonghat or else they may find it strange to find an unveiled Rajputni among them." He suggested. Sanyukta pulled the ghoonghat over her forehead reluctantly, she wanted to have an unobtrusive view of the surroundings. She stepped forth and requested for some water for Randhir and her. She noticed that they were given filtered water kept cool in a terracotta pot to help beat the summer heat. A couple of deer and some fawns were foraging close by without any fear. 

Just then Sanyukta saw a Bishnoi woman tandem nursing her baby and a deer fawn together. She was so surprised she nearly pulled her ghoongat aside to get a better look. Randhir quickly asked Sanyukta to turn around leading her back to the horses. "Why did you ask me to turn around so soon?" She demanded of him. "You should have seen the expression on your face, almost as if you were seeing a freak of nature! The locals are familiar with the Bishnoi's compassion towards animals. A Bishnoi woman will not discriminate between her own child and an orphaned fawn who is hungry for milk. You almost declared openly that you are a stranger to these parts."

"Come on, we need to hurry back now or else Bhabhi sa will worry about us!" They were back in the saddle and on their way to the haveli. "I am looking forward to our trip to the Devi temple, even Jija is excited about the prospect of travelling there." She told Randhir happily. "As soon as we get you women back home safely we will embark on our journey to bring Bhai sa's new daughter home and then return here to take the two of you to meet our parents. The arrangements are already being made." Randhir said. "I hope that you don't take too long to come back for me!" She whispered. 

"How can I stay away from you, you are my drug, the morphine for all my stress. When I am away I shall miss you like crazy! Promise me that you will stay cheerful and look after yourself! I want you to be as effervescent as you are now when I am back for you!" He looked into her yes as he spoke to her earnestly. "I will, as long as you promise to stay safe and come quickly for me I will do so!" She replied. "As soon as I can, my dear!" The horses kicked up dust as they hurried back on the return journey.  "Jija is getting parwal ki mithai made based on my recipe. I cannot wait to try it!" She trilled happily and Randhir smiled to himself remembering how her days of eating lean and avoiding sweets were far behind her.