Sanyukta was feeling miserable without Randhir. Their love had grown like the waxing moon after the wedding. They had been inseparable and his absence made her depressed. She was unsure whether her pining away was normal or if pregnancy hormones had aggravated her misery. To add to it she could barely keep much food down because of the morning sickness. Anokhi knew her state of mind and tried to spend as much time with her as possible, trying to get her to eat small meals throughout the day. "I am so glad  I have you Jija, I miss him so much it hurts!" Sanyukta would tell her. "Take heart my dear, you owe it to your baby to stay happy." Anokhi would respond, pushing her to eat as much as she could.

There were larger issues in life to worry about, the matter of a second marriage was so trivial it would blow over like an unexpected gust of wind and things would be normal before he realised it, Randhir convinced himself as he tried to sleep. He had to wake up early and go to the stables before the mansion dwellers woke up, he hoped that Ratnavali would keep her promise. If nothing else then curiosity would draw her out of bed, she was such a busybody! She believed that putting her ear to the ground or to a closed door provided a fascinating insight into confidential goings-on that were normally withheld from children.

Randhir tried hard not to miss Sanyukta although it was impossible for him to do so. She would cling to him with her bare skin trying to titillate him. From a feisty young girl she had gone on to become a passionate lover and more recently his legally wedded wife, all in a few months. If she missed her family it was hardly evident, their consummate lovemaking provided a strong distraction for both of them takin their minds off other issues. He knew he did not have to worry about her because he had left her in Anokhi's care. Anokhi was reliable because she was more mature, having endured adversity quite early in life.

He caressed the amulet that hung around his neck on its silver chain. It held Sanyukta's memories! He remembered how stressed she had been when the leopard attacked him. She had sneaked into his tent at night and put the amulet on his neck while it was still warm, having safely nestled in between her breasts. Although touching the amulet was poor compensation for having her in his arms he had to make do with it. Instinct told him that he had already planted his seed in her, it was just a matter of time before he found out. It would make him deliriously happy to know that she was pregnant.

He resolved to do everything in his might to stop being married off again. Even the thought of it would devastate Sanyukta, he owed it to her to put up a fight against being shackled to another. He knew that somehow Vidushi was behind this scheme. She had several reasons to get him hitched to a girl of her choice. It was a norm among noble families to have their sons marry girls from various clans in order to expand their clout. Besides, the rich dowries helped sustain the extravagant lifestyle and battles that characterised the Rajput existence. 

Vidushi was determined to get Randhir hitched to one of her cousins who could become his Chief wife as she was high born. Because the girl would be Vidushi's  blood relation she and her could subjugate the subordinate wives of both brothers and Vidushi could continue to remain the most powerful daughter-in-law. If Randhir chose a wife from a clan that was more influential than her's it could bring trouble in Vidushi's paradise- that family could influence Randhir's strategic decision-making, sometimes to the detriment of the Shekhawats, particularly Parth's.

Vidushi did not have malafide intentions but politics and power was about remaining on top! The dead soldier's sisters whom Parth and Randhir had married were inconsequential to her because they were ordinary peasant girls. She had never met them but she would ensure that they remained insignificant. Even if they bore their husbands children Vidushi would still remain the most formidable daughter-in-law. For her plan to work she had already convinced her in-laws to make a formal proposal of marriage for Randhir, now she just had to include her husband in the plan.

Vidushi did not see Parth raising an objection to the plan but Randhir was unpredictable. They did not share a rapport as she had wanted to, because he was wary of her, having sensed her need to control. She had to enlist Parth's help to convince Randhir. She set the stage for seduction by placing mounds of fragrant motia strings next to her bed and perfected the ambience with the soft glow of scented lamps in her chamber. That night was her night, both to reclaim her husband who had willingly enjoyed intimacy with his second wife as well as to get him to do her bidding in what would be her master stroke.

"It is incredible how desirable you look in just a few weeks after having become a mother!" Parth remarked. She still had to regain her original girth and her toned belly but her breasts were fuller and more attractive, their nubs darker now and more inviting. He kissed her deeply as she played with his locks. Their lovemaking was urgent and frenzied, which was unexpected. Parth had been expecting a royal snub because it was impossible for Vidushi to remain unaffected by his marriage to Anokhi. Amazingly, not only had she been eager to please and seek pleasure in return, she even encouraged him to taste the nectar from her bosom, though he was unsure about it.

"Baby or no baby, there will be no barriers between us, my love! I expect you to accept my leaking breasts and my stretched belly as much as you enjoyed making love to my flawless and firm body!" She declared triumphantly. She loved the fact that his interest in her had not receded, he sought to satisfy her as much as he used to previously. Nothing seemed to have changed, either his new wife had not made much difference to his marital bed or his guard was up and he managed to cleverly conceal any new tricks he had put into practice with her. Vidushi could not bear the thought of losing out to any other woman.

"You look different, I admit! But there is an appeal now that was not apparent earlier, maybe the distance has acted as a catalyst, helping to unearth hidden desires. Vidushi, you will always remain my Chief wife, my family and subjects will ensure that your place remains unchallenged, so rest assured!" He pecked her forehead gently. "I know you will always uphold my status no matter how many wives you take! I am not bothered about you marrying again. But it is time that you ensured that your younger brother too chooses a significant other to be his Chief wife, someone who is equal in status and who will help expand the boundaries of our fief by the dowry she brings to your family!" She had fired her salvo, the ball was now in Parth's court.