Bhupati Madan Rai stopped at the borders of the state, where a gateway marked the end of their kingdom and the beginning of the state roadways between kingdoms that led straight to Neelambargarh. The gateway, ironically, was a sign of friendship between Aswar and Neelambargarh, built during the time of his father, when the alliance was fruitful. He let the soldiers set up camp as he waited for the messenger to arrive back from Neelambargarh’s capital. He had just finished his meal when the soldier led the messenger into his camp tent. The messenger bowed and handed over the message to him. Bhupati Madan Rai eyed his son, who had been present for the meal. Rajputra Medini Rai picked up the letter and read it.
“The Adhiraja of Neelambargarh doesn’t want to wage a war and cost the lives of those around him. He wants to talk to the Bhupati of Aswar and reach a favourable conclusion to the issue.” A frown formed on Rajputra Medini’s face as Bhupati Madan Rai smiled, a little relieved.
“It means the news was right.” He said to his son. “Neelambargarh indeed can't afford a war.”
Kumar Viraj had received the sealed letter and opened it eagerly. He had heard of the approaching army of Aswar and was in shock, imagining that Prithvi’s uncle could even think of attacking Neelambargarh, especially with Priyambada on the throne and given how small their army was compared to that of Neelambargarh. He hoped that if war were imminent, he would be summoned. Assuming the message to be such, he opened the seal and read in eager anticipation. Smriti was surprised when the maid said she had been summoned to Kumar Viraj’s room. Ever since that day, they haven’t talked about themselves or their feelings. A part of Smriti was happy that Viraj chose her, and another part of her doubted if he was being polite to Priyambada’s friend. She walked into the room to find a visibly pleased Kumar Viraj sitting on the writing desk.
“Read this.” He urged as she took the message from him. “We are going back to Neelambargarh.” The joy in his voice was inevitable. He wasn’t trying to hide it.
“Is there war?” She eyed the letterhead, a little scared.
“They want me to be their Defence Minister, Smriti. Do you know what that means?” His eyes lit up as Smriti’s heart sank a little. He wanted to go back to the place with haunting memories… and Priyambada. She nodded a little.
“It means I can finally fulfil Prithvi’s wishes, he always used to say, when I am king, you will be my defence minister.” His eyes shone a little as Smriti cleared her throat.
“When are we leaving?” She asked, trying hard not to sound unhappy at the thought of going back.
“As soon as possible. There is a war situation with Aswar.” Smriti’s brows shot up at his words. “Aren’t they…” Kumar Viraj nodded. “Kingship knows no kinship.”
Priyambada heaved a sigh of relief as she watched the entourage of Maharani Trinayani Devi leave with Sumedha. Sumedha hugged her and thanked her. She made a promise to keep in touch. Needless to say, there was no sign of Ishaan Dev there. Priyambada walked back to her chamber, lost in thought. She needed to tell the noble ladies something about Sumedha’s sudden departure. She couldn’t let the gossip mongers spread any rumours. But she needed to carefully quote the incidents to honour both Sumedha and the clan. She entered the chambers where she had spent a sleepless night. Every corner of her room had been searched. She felt sick to her stomach every time she thought of the past week. Urvi went about as if nothing had happened. Priyambada wondered how. She had to show up in court just to stop the rumours from aggravating. Devdoot had told her all the gossip that had been doing the rounds in the market. But going to court also meant facing Ishaan Dev. Even the mere mention of his name made her angry now. She teared up once again and tried to blink it away in vain.
“What would you like to do today, after the court session, my lady?” Urvi was keeping the dresses for the court appearance down as she spoke. Priyambada knew why. Urvi was concerned because she was unusually quiet. She sighed and smiled slightly, eyeing her housekeeper.
“I am fine.” She managed monotonously, “Nothing can keep me occupied enough to forget insults or ordeals.” Urvi stopped and cleared her throat.
“Umm… I will go check if the bath is ready.” She managed. Priyambada nodded.
“And oh, bring me the Veena before court sessions.” Her words were met with a relieved nod. Urvi turned to leave in a hurry when Priyambada rose from the windowsill and spoke.
“I also want to visit the Kothi.” Her words made the maids stop and stare at each other as Urvi looked a little pale.
“The Kothi?” She asked, unsure of what she heard. “But why… I mean… we can summon…”
“I need to personally go and thank Tarabai.” Priyambada shook her head. The maids stared in disbelief.
Adhiraja Ishaan Dev was pacing his room restlessly. He had gone to his mother’s chamber to bid her farewell and had no heart to even face Sumedha. But Priyambada? He felt that he had successfully rebuilt the wall that they had slowly broken between them. And this time, the wall was tougher to breach. Ishaan Dev cursed himself for the umpteenth time under his breath. What was he thinking? Why could he not see through? The sound of the Veena made his heart skip a beat. Raga Viraha played on, as the chirping magpie seemed to join in the melody of separation. Ishaan Dev’s throat felt dry. It was as though he was having a deja vu moment back to where it all started. The distances, the hatred, the despise. He needed to do something. Show his trust not in words but in actions. Perhaps even leave her alone. But he didn’t want to make her feel abandoned again. He wanted her to know he cared. He was perplexed. On one hand were the security concerns about Aswar, and on the other was this distance with Priyambada that seemed to grow by the minute. Ishaan Dev felt restless and alone. He needed a friend. But who could he confide in now?
The court was abuzz with all sorts of speculations. It had been a week since anyone had seen Maharani Priyambada. Like a madman, Vamsi Gupta claimed she was in prison. Most of the Suryapalian courtiers were in shock at his audacity, and the Neelambargarhis looked worried. If the Adhiraja did imprison their princess, all cooperation would be over. Neelambargarh will be ready to fight a civil war against their ruler. Some of them decided to ask Devdoot instead. He was of no help. The market gossip was worse. Who was spreading rumours about Maharani and her character was beyond them. Vamsi’s empty seat made everyone stare at each other with questioning eyes. He was never late to court sessions. It was then that the guards announced the arrival of the queen herself. Everyone rose to their feet as Maharani Priyambada entered the courtroom in slow, dignified steps. Her yellow drape hung over her shoulder, and the brown robe complemented her dusky skin. She eyed the happy faces of the courtiers, some even relieved. She took her high chair and eyed Devdoot. The Adhiraja was late to court. That was rare.
Adhiraja Ishaan Dev hurried into the courtroom as all eyes fell on him. He was relieved to see her in the high chair, going through a paper with Devdoot as he explained something to her. Everyone rose to greet him as she sat fixed to her spot. Ishaan Dev took the high chair, and the court session began.
“I want to start this session with an important development. Due to ill health, Vamsi Gupta has decided to quit his position and go back home.” A buzz went across the courtroom. Speculations were being whispered.
Why so suddenly?
Why now?
Is something wrong?
I told you he was going mad.
Priyambada stiffened as Ishaan Dev raised his hand to stop the courtiers.
“That means the position of Finance Minister remains empty.” He cleared his throat. “Hence we…” He stopped to eye Priyambada, who inhaled at his gaze. “We unanimously decided that Niranjan Verma would be perfect for the place.”
Niranjan Verma stood up to bow and spoke. “But Your Majesty, what about Defence? In the time of war…”
“Niranjan Verma.” It was the Maharani who spoke, as Ishaan Dev seemed suddenly relieved to hear her voice. “... for all your life you have served with utmost loyalty in all major wars. I think you should try this office. We need people we can trust with the Neelambargarhi treasury. And I feel your ailing wife will worry less if you were home.” Her impersonal choice of reasoning made Niranjan Verma smile sheepishly and agree. The courtiers exchanged glances.
“And as for Defence, I believe we need some new thinking and innovative ideas now to upgrade our methods.” Ishaan Dev spoke again. “I called on Kumar Viraj for the position.” Another speculation went around the courtroom.
“But Your Majesty, no offence, but he is only eighteen.” One of the Suryapalians spoke. “And Niranjan Verma has experience.”
“He is also not from either state.” One of the Neelambargarhi courtiers spoke.
“Kumar Viraj is family to the royals.” Priyambada looked a little taken aback by Ishaan Dev’s defence. “ And… We are in no way trying to demean Niranjan Verma’s experience either.” Ishaan Dev said, “I just feel…”
“We are also not experienced. Do you have complaints about who you serve?” Priyambada’s words made the man stare, a bit taken aback.
“No, Your Majesty, I… I…”
“Good, then, that is done, let's talk work, shall we?” Her words made Ishaan Dev turn to Devdoot. The courtiers were, in a way, relieved to see them working as a unit. All the rumours would die down soon. They weren’t real anyway.
“Devdoot?” He made the man clear his throat.
“A message has arrived from Aswar. Our spies say they are on the move through the state roads.” Devdoot spoke, “And this one came from their ruler.” He handed the scroll over to Ishaan Dev. He eyed the seal and, to Priyambada’s surprise, handed it over to her. Her jaws tightened. Under any other circumstances, she would have refused to take it, but now they were in the public eye. She opened the scroll.
“The king agrees to a talk with the Adhiraja.” She read as relief reflected on everyone’s faces.
“Fair enough.” Ishaan Dev rubbed his stubbled chin a little in thought. “We can set a date as soon as Kumar Viraj arrives here. I need him to attend it with me.” He spoke almost to himself.
“Your Majesty, if I am taking over the financial department, if I may be allowed, should I recheck the flood relief and see if some can be allocated back to defence?” Niranjan Verma’s cause was agreed upon.
“What is the update on the crops and cattle lost?” Priyambada asked the Minister of Husbandry.
“Winter is tough too, but with less rain, the farmers are tilting the soil, and the cattle given to them by the state are healthy.” He reported.
Ishaan Dev was out in the corridor as soon as the session ended. He had eyed Priyambada walking up to Niranjan Verma to enquire about his wife’s health when he walked away. He needed time to figure out his apologies properly. He was making his way up to the inner courtyards when he heard her anklets running towards him. Ishaan Dev stopped. His heart skipped a beat as his senses tricked him. He inhaled.
“I have something to say.” Her voice was firm, formal and cold. He turned to glance over his shoulder at her. Priyambada immediately looked away. Ishaan Dev waited, fixed to his spot.
“You may not trust me, but I will still go to the peace talk. I need to see that man eye to eye and…”
“It is not a place to be emotional.” Ishaan Dev cut her short. He stepped forward as Priyambada gave him a disapproving frown.
“I am not being emotional.” She snapped. “I have none of that left.” She looked up at his face as his jaws tightened. “For anyone.” She added as she walked past him to her wing, as he closed his eyes and tightened his fist to compose himself. When he glanced over his shoulder, she was gone.
Tarabai was making sure the ration that had arrived for the two full moons was well accounted for. In the turmoil of trust issues, she knew she could very well be targeted. Especially if the people behind it knew it was she who wrote the letter. As the man sat accounting for the ration in the courtyard of the Kothi, Tarabai sat on the swing, her feet up, her skirt dangling, as she took a paan from the box and pushed it in between her lips. She didn’t know calculations this big, but she trusted the royal accountant. The man seemed to be intimidated by the presence of the concubines as he refused to look up. A smile formed on her lips. She remembered the first time she had been summoned to serve Ishaan Dev. He was barely sixteen. She was in her twenties. He was unsure, and she had promised him that whatever happened between them would stay in the room and die as a secret with the night. Her smile disappeared. For the first time in years, she had breached the promise. She had dared to go over his head. Was he angry? What if he wanted nothing to do with her anymore? The thought of never seeing him again scared her. Although Ishaan had refrained from pleasure in their last few encounters, even being a confidant to him made Tarabai feel loved. After all, for women like her, love was all that they got in charity, in bits and pieces, and all they could do was imagine they were loved. At least in some odd way or the other. She sighed. She needed to see him. But how could she when she wasn’t allowed in the palace unless summoned?
The sudden commotion outside the Kothi made the girls peek from the balconies and open windows. The accountant looked up, and Tarabai saw some men rush to the door.
“What happened?” She asked with a slight frown. She didn’t like drunken noblemen asking for women to sleep with so early in the morning. It was a regular scene at Suryapali, but here she hadn’t faced so yet. She stood up, letting the swing sway a little and immediately saw the men standing alert. She frowned a little. Who could visit so early in the morning?
Maharani Priyambada walked into the courtyard as the accountant suddenly fumbled with his things and bowed. She eyed him and turned to Devdoot, who escorted the man out. She looked around the courtyards at the women. Women of various ages. Some as young as her, perhaps younger. Did Ishaan Dev bed them all? The thought made her imagination draw an image she chose to brush away. That was not her business. She turned to Tarabai, who was fixing her transparent drape, a little aware of her presence. Her low-cut knot hung loosely over her bosom, almost exposing a peek. Priyambada chose to look away.
“Her Majesty is here,” Tarabai spoke in disbelief. “Bow to her, girls.”
“It’s alright, I came to see you.” Maharani Priyambada stepped forward as the girls exchanged glances. Everyone was aware that Tarabai was Ishaan Dev’s favourite concubine. She was summoned the most in the palace, and most often when they did serve him, it was alongside her and never alone. Did the queen have a problem with that?
“You could have summoned me, Your Highness,” Tarabai spoke almost immediately.
“No…” She stopped to be aware of the crowd. “Can we talk alone? Inside?”
“Yes, of course.” Tarabai nodded, “So silly of me not to ask you that, pardon me. Please come inside.” Tarabai led Priyambada to the inner room, where hookahs and vessels of wine were kept. Although Tarabai offered a seat on the cushions, Priyambada chose to stand as she spoke. She had left behind a lot of her prejudice to walk into the Kothi, but she wasn’t going to sit in the rooms that witnessed such sins.
“I came by to thank you.” Priyambada almost whispered. “I know you wrote the letter, and I am eternally grateful for that.” Her eyes shone as Tarabai was taken aback by Priyambada’s words. “I have perhaps not been kind to you.”
“No, your Majesty.” Tarabai shook her head, “You have been kind enough.”
“I wanted to… ask you… umm… did anyone tell you to write to Maharani?” Priyambada’s voice had a hopeful tone. Tarabai’s throat felt dry as she shook her head. “I am afraid not, my lady.” She looked up at Priyambada’s pale face. Tarabai was not sure what to say next. She cleared her throat. “I heard what happened and…”
“Who told you?” Priyambada’s eyes met hers and sparkled a little.
“He…” Tarabai looked awkward.
“Can I ask you something?” Priyambada asked as she nodded.
“What made you think I am not a…” She inhaled, closing her eyes to compose herself. “Traitor?”
“Your Majesty… I…” Tarabai was not sure what to tell her. She had already broken her promises once.
“You were surely told otherwise.” A faint smile appeared on Priyambada’s face. She looked hurt. Tarabai stood in silence, not sure what to say to the young maiden who had seen so much. Priyambada shook her head.
“I am sorry, that is your private matter.”
“No, Your Majesty. Slaves don’t have private matters.” Tarabai made her look up. “We only have the secrets of our masters. I hope you understand.”
“I do.” Priyambada stepped back and looked around the Kothi. “I came with an offer, Tarabai. An offer I should have made long back.” She inhaled. “I have opened the basement wing for your stay. It has a separate entrance and access to the inner palace. I want you to shift there, immediately, with your girls.”
“But Your Majesty…” Tarabai frowned, a little taken aback.
“This is an order.” Priyambada’s voice of formality was back. “This is the least I can do. For you.” She looked away and exhaled. “And for him.” She whispered as she stepped back and turned to leave.
“My lady.” Tarabai stopped her at the threshold. “I think you should know something.” Priyambada froze as Tarabai continued. “He didn’t believe you were a traitor either. In his heart, he didn’t.” Priyambada glanced over her shoulder with a faint smile.
“It is alright, Tarabai, don’t lie to me.”
“I dare not lie to Her Majesty.” Tarabai shook her head.
“Then make sure you come by and settle down with your girls by evening?” She spoke as Tarabai bowed gratefully. She watched the Maharani walk away as she sighed. She was probably the only person in the world who knew the thoughts of both Ishaan Dev and Priyambada, but her hands were tied. She could do very little. She was sure Priyambada thought he wanted Tarabai close to him now that his wife was gone. Hence, she did what she did. Being in the palace meant Tarabai could at least request an audience with him, but it also meant she was unwillingly coming between two hearts already filled with misunderstandings.
Ishaan Dev had walked into his chambers in the evening and received the news that Kumar Viraj was on his way. He would be there by the next morning, and they could see the king of Aswar without further ado, the very next day. Priyambada’s words rang in his mind. He didn’t want her around for security concerns. Maybe she would listen to Viraj that it was indeed unsafe to go there herself. Lost in his thoughts, he sat down as Mallal knocked, making him look up.
“Tarabai wants an audience, Your Majesty.” Ishaan Dev frowned. How did she get into the inner palace?
Tarabai had walked into the room, wrapped in a shawl; she saw Ishaan Dev standing with his back to her, hands together behind him, looking out of the windows. She cleared her throat as Mallal walked away, closing the door behind him.
“I… know His Highness must be upset with me.” Tarabai looked up for reactions in vain. She continued. “I didn’t want to… that was the only way… His Highness was too angry to see through things.” She bit her tongue. “I apologise for being … so…”
“Unfiltered?” Ishaan Dev glanced over his shoulder at her, his face unreadable. “When did you start apologising for seeing through people?” His voice had a hint of taunt.
“I… don’t get me wrong…” Tarabai was clueless about what to say or do to make him feel better about her betrayal.
“How did you come here?” His question made her frown a little.
“What?” She asked, a little taken aback.
“I asked how you find your way into the inner palace? Did the guards not stop you? Ishaan Dev frowned.
“You don’t know?” She asked a little palely. “I thought that you…”
“Know what?” Ishaan Dev frowned.
“The Maharani gave us quarters in the basement.” Tarabai could sense the disbelief on his face.
“She did what?” Ishaan Dev frowned some more, approaching her. Tarabai nodded.
“I apologise, should I not stay?” Tarabai stepped back, looking at his not-so-pleasing demeanour and turned to leave.
“Wait.” Ishaan Dev stopped her as he walked up to her. His words made her eyes sparkle with relief. “And make sure you honour her trust.” His words were met with a nod. “I know I couldn’t.” He whispered as Tarabai looked worried. She was about to step forward to comfort him, running her hand over his shoulder and back, but she stopped. Instead, leaving Ishaan Dev to his thoughts, she stepped back and walked away, out of the room.
Priyambada was standing on the corridor balcony, feeling a little chilly to her bones at the sudden winter wind, when her eyes fell on the corridor. She could see Ishaan Dev’s chamber door open as light from inside the chamber fell on the corridor. Tarabai walked out, the shawl wrapped around her and walked away. Priyambada held her breath watching her go. Her eyes fell on his silhouette as he walked up to the door to shut it himself. His drape and robe were still visible in the flickering light. Ishaan Dev looked up in a reflex as though he was being watched. The corridor was dark, yet he could sense her there. A faint smile formed on his lips. Not all hope was lost. He was glad he didn’t let Tarabai stay the night. Was she testing him in her own cruel ways? If so, he wanted to pass them all.
