Pri-Sanyo Reunion Script (Parts 19 - 22)

Hello Friends,🤗

Hiii, me Piyu, I m back with my story, which I left incomplete three months ago. Due to some high priority work and commitments, I couldn't take out time to write further 😭. Actually I have decided to complete the story and post all the parts together, but it could have taken some more days. So I completed some parts and decided to post them at least. I know the misunderstanding is cleared in the soap but still I felt like completing this.
I sincerely apologize to them who were waiting for the next updates😔. Specially Asha03, Bhuvana, Sarajee, Minnie, Shruti, Sam..... many more.
I am bit free since sunday and so completed some more parts, please accept them, hope I won't disappointment you and sorry once again for making you guys wait for so long.

Summary of the story (last 18 parts) till now...

Pri-Sanyo reunion script is about how the misunderstanding, caused due to the politics of Delhi Throne, between Prithvi and Sanyogita gets clear and how they reunite after four years of separation.
The story starts right after Dig-Vijay Mission. Prithvi expanded his kingdom and became the most powerful king and gained success in his work and duty. But at the same time he was hurt and sad from inside. He was missing his love, his life, his Sanyogita, whom he loves more than anything. As promised, he did not try to keep any contact with her, and left her way completely. But she was there in him, in his thoughts, in his heart and everywhere around him and that was the most hurting thing for him. He spoke about his feelings to his younger sister, Pratha. Pratha who couldn't see her brother sad, innocently made him promise that he will meet Nandini for his own happiness.
Same was the case with Sanyogita, though she asked him to go away from his life, she was missing him; not for a single day she could forget him and his memories. Her smile, cheerfulness, bubbly and care-free nature was lost. She too was hurt from inside. To come out of the depression and solitude she went to stay with Maya Maa in her aashram. There she engaged herself in learning new things and helped Maya Maa in all sort of work. Then there in the aashram, Nagaon's princess Payal Singh came to stay and learn. She was tomboyinsh and impish princess. With in few days Sanyogita and Payal became very good and close friends. Payal came to know everything about Sanyogita and helped her forget the sorrow in her life, even though Payal had her sorrows, when in the early age she lost her father. But the fact that Payal did not get carried away by sorrows, attracted Sanyogita towards her and she decided to live the life fullest like Payal. She and Payal learned all arts and martial skills, sword fighting, archery, horse riding, aiming etc.
Every year Goddess Santoshi's festival is celebrated in Seetapur, a village in Nagaon empire. Seven days camp is set every year, which is attended by devotees from all other empires too. Maya Maa attended it every year. That year Payal convinced Maya Maa and she and Sanyogirta landed in the utsaav as common girls, without informing their families.
Delhi had many missions, among them one was about expansion. Intelligent system of Delhi was governed by Prithvi himself. It was the most powerful weapon of Delhi across its kingdom and borders and and kept Delhi safe from its enemies. There were many mission with it too. If intelligent system is weaken, Delhi's foes will have advantage, by eaisily intruding the empire and weakening it. But the link of system and spies was strong and to make it more strong, Prithvi decided to go on a round in disguise to the south of his empire and spread messages and collect informations. Plan was changed on eleventh hour, when Delhi's enemy came to know about it and so the mission started few days before the planned date. Instead of spies, Prithvi went in disguise in the name of Lakshman along with his friends. Delhi's enemies received that information too, but late.
Prithvi and his friends while returning home from their almost successful mission, with the collected information, got landed in Santoshi Maa's utsaav held in Seetapur of Nagaon, due to his enemy's trap, who wanted to know about their plan and intelligent system's secrets. The main bridge connecting the northern region near Seetapur was destroyed and Prithvi and his friends were forced to stay in the camp unknowingly. But Sanjam bravely took initiative and completed their plan by taking their documents to the destined place, proceeding through the same way.
Payal, in the camp, suspected some people in the camp as the wrongdoers and kept track of them and their actions. She stole a letter from their tent and when they came to know about it they decided to finish her off. Payal and Sanyogita were attacked when they went to watch sunset away from the camp. Prithvi, fortunately met Sanyogita there, saved her. They came to take shelter in the camp with Payal and Sanyogita.
Payal came to know that Lakshman is Prithviraj Chauhan, from his and Sanyogita's conversation, which she overheard. She considered Sanyogita as her elder sister and wanted to bring happiness in her life. From Arjun and Pundir, Payal came to know the politics behind Delhi's throne and the real reasons of misunderstanding. She knew they stll love each other and so decided to make use of opportunity and reunite Prithvi and Sanyogita by clearing the misunderstanding and Arjun and Pundir too joined her. They started with creating jealousy in Sanyogita which was very easy.
Prithvi decided to stay in the camp to find out who are following them and why? He and his friends came to know that they were purposefully being taken to the camp to know about their mission
A guy named Madan, whom Payal suspected from beginning, again entered the camp with his men, after meeting his king, and they were searching for their remaining colleagues around, who were already present there and who had recognised Delhi Spies; but they were all killed by Prithvi and his friends. Also there was one from Nagaon, who was helping Madan and his fellows.
While being accidentally together, Prithvi and Sanyogita got tied up with the rope near the well, by the kids named Ishu and Karan, playfully. Some people of the camp caught them, took them wrong and blamed them for their so called romantic behaviour and decided to punish them, since that was a religious place.
Here, Sarpanch of Seetapur named Hasmukhlal is also tied by Ishu and Karan to a tree in the jungle and everyone is searching for him. There Arjun, Pundir and Payal involved Sanjam in reuniting Prithvi and Sanyogita. He visited the utsaav the next day, by handing the docs to Kanha. Sanjam erroneously introduces himself as Hasmukhlal - sarpanch of Seetapur and as Sanyogita's childhood friend to Prithvi. Prithvi felt jealous of him after learning about him. And Sanjam is introduced as Jaichand's friend to Sanyogita by Payal and as Lakshman(who is punished) to Maya maa. This is another plan to reunite Prithvi and Sanyogita. In this mission, Payal and Pundir too came close to each other.
Prithvi and Sanjam (as Hasmukhlal) ended up in small squabble. During the night's Mehndi and Music function Madan attacked Payal and Sanyogita in an isolated place, but Prithvi, Pundir and Jeevan (security incharge of the camp) reached there in time and they were saved. Madan fell unconscious. Maha mantri too reached there with soldiers. Prithvi found some different story going on in the camp from Jeevan and Maha Mantri. According to them, Madan is there to create chaos and target some royal folks attending the festival. Prithvi asked to hand over Madan to them, but he was taken and kept trapped in Jeevan's tent for interrogation.
In the function, Punishment was announced that Prithvi is supposed to draw Heena designs on Sanyogita's hand. That night all friends met Chamki who came to attend the last and the main day of the function. Everyone were surprised to see her. Chamki's family, Surali, Amrit and his family (their companions of Koteshwar yatra) all were attending the function for the last day. The mehndi function went on nicely and Prithvi Sanyogita became some what friendly and came close. After the function, Maya Maa showed Sanyogita and Payal a letter from Jaichand, and considering his request, Maya Maa decided to send Payal and Sanyogita back to the aashram, the next day itself.

Links for the previous parts:

http://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=833742

Ab aage.....

************************ Part 19 ***************************

Sanyogita woke up suddenly with reeling head. She was shivering and clenching her teeth due to the cold. Some worry in her mind reflected on her fair, skinny and beautiful face; which was half hidden among the braids settled stiffly on her face. The kohl was was spread beneath her eyes. When she forced herself, she was able to retrieve last night's memories and incidents. She glanced once around in the tent, it was dark, no lantern was burning, Payal and Maya Maa were sleeping. Without thinking anymore, she removed the blanket covering her and got down quickly. Spreading gauzy cream colour veil over her shoulders, she went out through the back door and took her way towards Prithvi's tent.
It was dark and chill outside. Up the violet sky was starry. There was a thin fog layer spread around and the trees were soaked with dew drops and were fleetly tripping. Insects from the chaparrals ululated. As she moved ahead, in the murky environment, she saw a silhouette of a substantial figure at a distance, tall and healthy, a macho having broad shoulders; standing beneath a banyan tree with his one hand rested high on the branch and other on the waist. He was in a white and golden king's attire. He was facing the other side. His golden, wavy and shoulder-length hair were swaying back with the gentle swooshing wind blowing from east. As Sanyogita proceeded towards him, the same wind touched her, embracing her softly and swaying her open hair back. She felt ensorcelled. Like a magnet his form pulled her towards him. Stars began to disappear and the day became bright slowly with the creamy light scattering around. Swiftly moving near him, Sanyogita kept her trembling hand on his shoulder and softly called him "Prithvi..."
He turned at her gallantly with a slight graceful smile. She blinked her eyes and felt gratified looking at his bright face, which once seen no one would ever forget; straight long nose; wide and shinning forehead having bravery and victory written on it; sharp, deep and big dark brown eyes bestowing love and care; muscular and strong physique ready to bear all pains and difficulties of the world. This was the satisfying view, which her eyes were always eager to see. He gazed into her eyes and she felt surrounding becoming more bright. Prithvi was standing at the edge, beyond which there was a valley covered with morning fog and the white clouds.
"Hum wapas Kannauj ja rahe hai Prithvi." Her sweet but quivering voice reverberated softly. She felt it difficult to speak with his constant stare.
"Pitajine hume aadesh diya hai. Weh hume bula rahe hai..... Hume jana padega." Saying this she closed her eyes and bent her head down. "Tumse dur, hamesha ke liye."
He kept quite watching her while she continued shivering. He moved near her and majestically held her hands in his, patting them. With the warmth of his hands, she felt like she got a firm footing as support beneath her feet. She opened her eyes and eyed him. He had maintained a plain face, but his grip on her hands made her feel better than before, though there was some panic remained in her.
"Iss pal ke baad hum phir kabhi nahi mil payenge Prithvi. Kabhi mulaqaat nahi hogi." She was on the verge of tears. "Hume rokoge nahi?"
He continued maintaining his silence but was looking at her with concern.
"Kuch toh kaho?" Sanyogita asked with grimace. She was dying to hear his voice.
"Sanyogita..." He moved close to her. "Mein toh keh dunga, par kya tum mujhe samaj paogi?"
"Hum Koshish karenge? Ha.." She flicked her eyes. "Tum Delhi..."
"Sanyogita!!! Zakhmi aur behoshi ke haalat mein, nanaji ne mujhe Delhi sambhalne ko kaha, mein unhe inkaar kaise karta?" He spoke softly. Cool breeze was playing with their hair swinging them across their face but they didn't seem to care. Thick white fog was floating around.
"Hum yeh baat samaj chuke hai."
"Mere aur tumhare bich naa kabhi koi singhasan tha aur naa kabhi hoga."
"Prithvi hum..."
He raised her joined hands.
"Mein tumhare liye saari duniya chod sakta hu, par tumhe nahi khona chahta." A gust of wind wiped off hair buds from her shining face and she could clearly watch him.
"Toh hume aaj yaha se jane mat do, hume rok lo Prithvi." A tear rolled down on her right cheek. "Humme shayad itni himmat nahi hai, Hume rok lo."
Prithvi wiped the rolling tear on her cheek with his electrifying fingers. "Mein tumhare bina nahi ji sakta." He shook his head with forlorn looks.
She held her tears further. "Prithvi hum bhi tumse bahot pyaar karte hai."
"Toh phir kyun roka hai apne aapko? Kiska dar hai tumhe? Kyun pyaar karnese ghabara rahi ho tum?" He asked worriedly.
"Kyunki, kyunki hum..."

"Rajkumari Sanyogitaaaa???" Suddenly a familiar voice roared in the surrounding. "Prithviraj Chauhannn???...."
They sharply turned in that direction. The strong sun rays replaced softness and pleasantness of the enviornment.
Shocked liked anything Sanyogita reacted immediately "Pitaji???... "
Sanyogita's father, Prithvi's foe, King Jaichand of Kannauj; with dozen of soldiers around him was standing few feet away in his signature suite and traditinal turban. His soldiers were equipped with swords held ready. King Jaichand had a lank personality with short beard hanging on his lean face. Below thick black brows, there was burning rage in his tiny but sharp eyes. His right hand was on his sword hilt, hanging on his waist. He was breathing heavily out of anger.
"Pitaji... a..aa ..aap yaha??" Sanyogita asked fearfully and being affrighted moved close to Prithvi. He curled his arm around her, looking with attitude at Jaichand.
"Sanyogitaaa....." Jaichand shouted more than before, widely opening his thin mouth. "Humara hukum nahi mana aapne aur yaha hamare dushman ke saath..." He took out his sword execrating Prithvi and started marching towards them. Soldiers followed him.
Sanyogita panicked and her heart started beating fast.
"Nahi..." She left Prithvi's hand and ran towards Jaichand to stop him.
"Prithvi se pyaar karne ki himmat kaise ki aapne?" He shouted approaching her. "Yeh jante hue bhi ke yeh hamara sabse bada dushman hai... iss ghustaki ki saja aapko jarur milegi."
Prithvi stepped forward and broaden his chest in anger, ready to answer back.
"Hume maaf kar dijiye Pitaji." She was worried about the worst to happen in front of her eyes.
"Delhi pe sirf hamara haq hai Prithvi." Jaichand shouted and the soldiers proceded more. Sanyogita was panic-stricken hearing the noise of their footsteps.
"Nanaji ne Delhi Mujhe saupa hai, uski aur kabhi aankh uthake dekha toh Prithviraj Chanuhan se vasta hai bhulna mat." Prithvi too raised his voice and threatened him. He closed his fist tight and started walking towards Jaichand, ready to fight.
Sanyogita stood in front of Jaichand and blocked his way "Hamari baat suniye Pitaji."
"Ab kehne sunane ko kuch baki nahi hai Sanyogita..... Hume badnaam kiya hai aapne" He hold her arm. "Hume dhoka diya aapne..."
"Humne kuch galat nahi kiya hai pitaji."
"Humara aapmaan kiya hai aapne,..... Hamara pyaar aapne dekha hai, ab aap hamara ghussa aur hamari nafarat bhi dekhengi...aap hamare saath Kannauj chal rahi ho."
"Nahi..... par Prithvi.." She tried to go near Prithvi, but Jaichand stopped her by holdng her arm tight.
"Naam mat lena uska."
"Khatam kar do Prithvi ko." Jaichand again roared voraciously. Obeying his orders, his soldiers moved near Prithvi who was standing armless. They circled him and simultaneously raised their swords on him.
"Nahiiiii.... Prithviiiii....." She had pulled herself in Prithvi's direction with full force standing almost in a slanted position.
Jaichand tighten his grip when she tried to free herself "Usse chod dijiye pitaji... hum usase bahot pyaar karte hai."
Pulling her towards him, Jaichand gave her a tight slap.

And with it, the brightness vanished, Jaichand vanished, soldiers were gone and Prithvi too disappeared. The milieu changed. There was no noise but silence, no light but dark everywhere. "Nahi.." Sanyogita opened her eyes with stupor, lying on her bed and holding her cheek where Jaichand slapped her. There was darkness everywhere. It took her some moment to realise that it was a dream.
"Haaa... " She got up sighing and looked around worriedly. She was in her warm tent and on her warm bed. Her heart was beating fast. She felt scared and wondered why she saw such things. She actually asked Prithvi to stop her from going back to Kannauj and more than that she told him that she loves her. She closed her eyes, recalling her dream. She did not remember and could not recall what happened to Prithvi when soldiers attacked him. All she could remember was that Jaichand had restrained her from saving Prithvi. She did not want him to die in her dreams too. A current of fear passed through her. She tightly shut her eyes and tried to manipulate her dream. There was sweat and tensed wrinkle formed on her face. She forced herself to see Prithvi with his sword standing beneath the same banyan tree. She created a continuous motion picture of Prithvi defending himself with sword. She imagined that he finished off all the soldiers one by one alone and he was saved. She succeeded in it with great efforts. Finally feeling unbosomed, she opened her eyes slowly.
"Par pitaji yaha kyun aayenge?" She consoled herself and moved hand on her forehead to wipe the sweat. Dried particles of heena from her palm fall on her face and clothes. She then realised and felt heena's smell spread on her palms and in the tent also. She looked down at her hands. The design which Prithvi drew on her hands last night took the dark crimson colour. Slanted lines and abrupt designs made her feel back in the world. She remembered last night's memories and how much efforts Prithvi took to undergo the punishment of applying Heena on her hand. She smiled nervously to her surprise and again looked around consciously. She realised that the tent was empty. She was alone inside.

With a jurk, Prithvi too woke up from his sleep all of a sudden and sat on his bed. He flashed his eyes. Some worry made him jump in his bed. What was it? He asked himself. He tried to remember the dream, if he had seen any. Why suddenly some unknown worry conquered his mind and he had no choice but to think about it blankly? What the matter was? Is everything fine? Is everything going to be fine? For sometime he closed his eyes and kept quite. But that restlessness was still there, he got down from his bed and picked up his sword which was kept near his bed. He held the hilt of his sword tight to reduce his nervousness and made himself comfortable. Slowly he felt relaxed in the silence and did not allow himself to think of anything. Prithvi glanced once in his dark tent, Pundir and Arjun were fast asleep. Taking his sword he went near the small window and looked outside, it was dawn; sleepy yet engergizing dawn. There was filmy fog floating. Twinkling stars appeared to be fast asleep along with the half moon in the violet sky. Wind was gushing musically.

Day began early in the camp with the bracing primitive hours of the dawn. It was the last and the main day of Goddess Santoshi's function. Torches were burning since there was slight darkness everywhere. Different human figures; big and small, tall and short, thin and fat; appeared to be moving around actively in the dark. Some were carrying torches with them. People got engaged in their morning activities very early than before. Noisy disturbance was heard from the bath ghats of men and women. Atmosphere was rackety in the temple, in the tents, near the well, near the gate. Many women were busy carrying pots of water from well, many were sweeping the place outside their tents and sprinkling water on the ground. Smoke was dancing above the chullahs. Cheerful noises came from the big temple kitchen. Volunteers were roaming around. Appointed folk of women were drawing Rangoli (Designs with white and coulourful fine powder) on the ground near the gate. Indulged in their work, some volunteers and guards did not sleep the whole night.
Temple was shinning with numerous small lamps lighted inside and outside it. Many were engaged in lightening the remaining lamps. Melodious sound of ringing bells continuously echoed from the temple asking everyone to get up, the new day has begun. Pandits blew the conch and the inspiring sound coming out from it asked the devotees to get ready and welcome the rising sun before he welcomes us. Everyone tried to get ready as early as possible. Along with children everybody's spirit were high for the upcoming activities.

Chirping birds who perched on the tree above, woke him up from his painful nap. He felt the same malaise which he was experiencing since the last night. There was cramp on his bended thighs and legs, also in his arms and back. Two kids in their innocence tied him up as a reply to the injustice done to them by him. They were proud of themselves and of their actions, but were unaware of the consequences of hurting a proud man's ego and defeating him. Each time he thought of them and of their stupid, childish but a big affecting act, his blood started boiling. He was planning and planning to teach those two kids a good lesson once he is out the current problem he was facing. He made movements again, to free himself. He shook his body. Very tactfully and quickly he was tied by them. His hands were tied behind and his mouth was closed with cloth stripe. He wished to shout but could not.
There were loads of work pending for him. He had agnized Delhi spies, and he too came to know that they were accompanied by none other then King of Delhi, Prithviraj Chauhan himself. This was the hot, big and happening news he had which will shake the camp, he was sure. He was excited to tell this to Maha Mantri, Jeevan and everyone. He knew he had done a great job and he will be awarded for it. He smiled for a second with the thought of it. He knew people must be waiting there for him. He has to end the game of Delhi spies he undertook and win the name and fame as well as money, but all of a sudden he his stuck with a tree unnecessarily just due to foolishness of two kids. But he knew he cannot give up, if the plan fails just because of him, he won't be trusted hence forth or the worst, he will be no more to be trusted and he started shaking himself hard, uttering painful cries and dribbling uncontrollably at the same time. Anger again rose in him and there was noise emitted by his crawling and creeping. Somehow if he managed to remove cloth stripe, he could shout and call for help.

"Itna kya soch rahi ho tum?" Sanyogita asked Payal, when Payal, who normally couldn't keep quite even for a minute, did not speak since they woke up.
Sanyogita and Payal were outside their tent, packing their things to go back to the asharam. They were almost done with it and were ready. A lantern was burning near them. Sanyogita had wore an orange and silver colour glittering long skirt and blouse of half sleeves. Same type of dupatta was covering her head. She had ornamented herself more than she did in the last six days. Payal was sitting on the cot and rolling the end of her lemon yellow veil on her index finger. Both ladies were unhappy, in spite of the rocking atmosphere around.
Sanyogita went in front of Payal and kneeled down. "Kya baat hai Payal?" She asked holding her hands. "Kis baat ki pareshani hai?" Their palms were dark red with heena and its strong smell was diffused everywhere.
Payal was busy thinking.
"Payal??" Sanyogita shook her.
"Pata nahi Sanyogita.." Payal spoke at last. "Kuch ajjeb hi lag raha hai." There were forlorn expressions on her face.
Sanyogita dabbed on her hands.
Payal softly said looking down at her "Ek ajjeeb si chinta, ya pareshaani, ya kuch aur?"
Sanyogita watched her carefully. Tension did not suit Payal's bubbly round face.
"Tumhare bhaiya ki datt se toh pareshaan nahi ho naa tum? Woh yaha aa rahe hai toh?"
"Nahi." Releasing her hands, Payal got up and moved away. She had seen some unusual dream, it was thought provoking and was disturbing her.
"Humne kal ek ajeebsa sapna dekha aur woh yaad hi nahi aa raha, par woh sapna achha nahi tha."
"Ajeeb sa sapna toh humne bhi dekha... aur.." Sanyogita too got up glinting at Prithvi's tent. Payal did not hear her and continued "Hume aaisa lag raha hai ke..... ke yeh sab .. " she moved her eyes in the campus and watched everything till far end, her sight could reach. "Ji bhar ke ... yeh zindagi ji le..... phir pata nahi kal kya??" She paused "Phir hum yaha kabhi aayenge bhi?"
Sanyogita smiled nervously "Pagli, toh sidisi baat hai. Tum yeh utsaav adhura chod ke jana nahi chahti ho."
"Nahi.." Payal was not able to explain her queasiness.
Till then one noisy group of women going towards a bath ghat, hustled by, preoccupied with the talks of excitement. Turning in their direction Payal stared in oblivion till their shadows in the buring torches disappeared.
"Ha... Sanyogita!!.. Thik kaha tumne." Payal looked into Sanyogita's eyes.
"Hum yeh utsaav adhura chod ke nahi ja sakte." She confirmed something with herself and made a decision. "Bas!!! Humne taay kar liya hai, hum aaj yahi rahenge." She cried.
Sanyogita: "Kyya?"
Payal: "Ha."
"Par Payal..."
"Hum wapas nahi jayenge, Sanyogita."
"Payal..... maya maa.."
"Hume parvah nahi."
"Yeh thik nahi hai."
"Sab kuch thik hai.."
"Payal!!!" Sanyogita obnoxiously called her.
"Sanyogita Kya tum yaha nahi rehna chahti? Sach batao."
Sanyogita glanced at Prithvi's tent "Ha, Par maya maa hume wapas jane ka hukum de chuki hai Payal."

"Arey Sanyogita???"
Chamki came there with her fresh mood, leaping joyfully and ready for the day. She already had her bath and was dressed up in bottle green colour lehenga-choli and gliterring veil. She had weaved her hair high in plaits, ornamented herself with matching jewellery. Her palms were carmine with Heena applied by Sanjam the previous night.
"Yeh basta leke tum kaha jane ki tayyari kar rahi ho?" She asked when she saw Sanyogita with her bag, outside her tent. She smiled at both of them who smiled back nervously.
"Hum tumhare pass aane hi wale thhe." Sanyogita kept the bag on the cot and went near her.
"Ha.. par tum dono ko kya hua?" Chamki noticed their nervousness.
"Hum wapas, aasharam ja rahe Chamki."
"Wapas!!" Exclaimed Chamki with shock "Par kyun?" She paused and looked from one to other. "Hua kya?"
Sanyogita told her about the letter she received from King Jaichand and Maya maa's inexorable decision to send them back to the aashram.
After giving deplorable reactions on everything what Sanyogita said, finally Chamki asked lamentably "Toh kya tum dono sach mein abhi nikalne wale ho?"
"Ha." Sanyogita sighed.
"Nahi." Payal again cried.
"Nahi??" Sanyogita and Chamki asked together.
Payal: "Hum aashram nahi lautenge, hum yahi rahenge, utsaav pura karke hi jayenge." She was firmed.
"Payal yeh kaise ho sakta hai?"
Payal gave Sanyogita a wide smile thus giving her nervousness and bad intutions a back seat.
"Ho sakta hai aur Jarur ho sakta hai. Hum Maya maa ke samne jane ka natak karenge aur chup ke se yahi rahenge."
Sanyogita and Chamki watched her puckish reflexions with surprise.
"Aur sainikon ka kya..... Maya maa ne uthate hi unhe hukum de diya hai."
"Sanyogita, Maya maa thodi naa hume utsaav ke mukhya dwaar tak chodne aayengi. Hum jake do teen sainikon ko wapas rath leke bhej denge..... maya maa ka hukum hai karke."
"Yeh toh kamal ki yojna hai..." Chamki cheerfully supported Payal who wore cocksure attitude.
"Tum sabko bewakuf kyun samajhti ho Payal?" Sanyogita was not convinced with her plans and felt irritate predicting that Payal will not stop once decided on something. "Kya sipahi tumhari baat manenge?"
"Hum aaisi baat karenge ke siphai kya, Maya Maa ko bhi humpe vishwaas rakhna hi padega."
Sanyogita was about to open her mouth to argue, but Chamki excitedly started planning with Payal and unable to find any words to argue or to plan with them, Sanyogita kept quite. She peeked once at Prithvi's tent. If Payal and she could manage to stay in the camp, than nothing better than that she thought. And one more day she would get to savor and feel happy before going back and facing the somber reality. She wanted to complete the function. At the same time she was worried and felt guilty of the prevarication Payal was planning. And what if Maya maa saw them there? Other than this one more doubt erupted in her mind and she interrupted loudly.
"Par hum rahenge kaha?"
"Mere tambu mein" Chamki answered quickly as if she knew Sanyogita would raise that doubt.
"Chamki!!" Payal went close to her and holding her arms said happily "Chamki!! meri sakhi, meri behen..... tumne toh hamari ek aur mushkil aasaan kar di." They rotated in circle joyfully and their laughter spread in the mild day light.
"Kya aasaan kar di?" Sanyogita stopped them feeling irritate that she couldn't enjoy like them out of vexation. She was tensed with Payal's and Chamki's wild plans. "Payal, Chamki ke gharwale hume pehchante hai."
"Dekho Sanyogita, ab iss utsaav mein hum dono ko apna ghungat oodh ke hi rehna hai, toh bas apna chehra dikhana mat kisiko."
Chamki suddenly wore confusion "Par Payal, meri dadi ko tum nahi janti, woh toh tambu mein Sanyogita ka chehra dekh ke hi dam legi."
Sanyogita: "Ha, aur... aur Surali bhi toh tumhare tambu mein ruki hai."
Payal: "Toh koi baat nahi, Sanyogita tum sabko bata dena, ke tumhari nayi shadi hui hai aur tumne apne pati ke sukhi jeevan ke liye mannat mangi hai, ke jab tak yeh utsaav khatam nahi hota tum kisiko apna chehra nahi dikhaogi."
"Kya??"
Chamki's face again glowed in the dark "Lo yeh pareshani bhi khatam." She turned at Sanyogita for her approval and asked for clap.
Sanyogita who saw this plan as a risky one, moved her hand away in frustation and uncessarily raised other doubt "Par hamari aawaj Surali ne pehchan li toh?"
"Toh thik hai naa." Payal who was over-whelmed by new and out-of-box ideas, again answered excitedly "Chamki tum Keh dena ke isne ek aur mannat mangi hai apne bachon ke sukhi jeevan ke liye, ke jab tak yeh utsaav khatam nahi ho jata yeh maun vrat dharan karegi."
Chamki laughed "Tumhare pass toh har musibat ka ilaj hai." She raised her palm for clap. Payal clapped back. Proud settled on their cheerful faces. The world seemed running fast for them and their confidence knew no bounds.
"Yeh kya ilaj hai? Aiise do do mannate rakhi hai kya kisine?" Sanyogita was going nervous with the feeling that she is getting dragged in their plan.
"Nahi rakhi, toh tum rakhna."
"Tum dono ko yeh sab kehna bahot aasaan lag raha hai, par humko yeh sab karna padega, isme kitna khatra hai iska aandaja hai tumhe?"
Chamki: "Ha hai."
"Hai??" Sanyogita nodded her head at Chamki sarcastically and with slight anger, she started counting on fingers "Surali se bachke raho, Chamki ke gharwalon se, Maya maa se aur yaha jo sab log hume achhe se janane lage hai, unse bhi bachke rehna padega... aur "
"Hum rajputni hai Sanyogita." Payal interrupted her slightly raising her voice than hers "Jab hum bade bade Khatron se khelne ki himmat rakhte hai, phir yeh khatra kya chij hai? Kis baat ka dar hai tumhe?"
For few moments Sanyogita kept quite pondering on her last words. She found her heart beating fast. Then in a calm down and in a serious tone she spoke staring in void "Dar toh hai Payal, dar vishwaas todne ka hai, dar maryada tutane ka hai...... Dar badnami ka hai, Dar kabu khone ka bhi hai..." She knew the force with which was getting pulled towards Prithvi was much more powerful than the force of odium she tried to create against him. She feared that she wouldn't be able to resist it and will again fall for Prithvi like how she was getting trap in his world the previous night. Prithvi's smiling face flashed in front of her eyes and she felt like hugging him tight. She shook herself and said in a helpless tone "Hume dar hai kahi hum aapne hosh naa kho de."
"Matlab, mein samjhi nahi." Chamki asked innocently. But Payal got what Sanyogita mean. With earnestness looks on her face Payal asked "Tumme aapne aapko sambhal ne ki taqat hai Sanyogita. Aur kya tumhe lagta hai tumne kuch galat kiya hai, ya kar rahi ho?"
Sanyogita knew she is fighting a tempest of emotions in her mind and its upshots were reverberated by her actions, which were out of her control, which the world might take as a wrong deed, except for few who understood her very well. But in spite of that she was sure she hadn't done anything wrong and will never do anything wrong. She shook her head.
"Toh phir daro mat, bas apni dil ki suno. Aur tumhara dil keh raha hai ke utsaav pura karo."
"Maya maa se juth bolna bhi toh thik nahi hoga Payal, weh humse bahot pyaar karti hai."
"Hum jante hai. Par utsaav hum adhura chodke kaise ja sakte hai? Maya Maa ko baad mein saari baat hum samjha denge aur uhne mana bhi lenge. Aur weh man jeyengi hume pura yakeen hai, hum bhi toh majboor hai naa Sanyogita."
"Waise mein yeh soch rahi hu, aaisi bhi kya majburi hai?" Chamki said holding her chin.
"Mera matlab hai..... mein yeh soch rahi hu.." She paused when Payal and Sanyogita turned at her seriously and she continued "Maharaj Jaichand ko yeh pata kaise chala, ke Sanyogita yaha hai?"
Sanyogita who had cornered this problem got tensed again with it. "Yehi sawaal toh subah se hume pareshaan kar raha hai, ke aakhir hume yaha pehchana kisne?"
Chamki guessed "Woh tumhare dost Hasmukhlal??"
"Nahi." Payal reacted quickly. "Sanj... mera matlab hai Hasmukhlal nahi. Woh toh kal hi yaha aaye hai, itne jaldi thodi naa Maharaj Jaichand ko sandesh bhej sakte hai."
Sanyogita: "Toh phir Pitaji ko kaise pata chala?"
Payal: "Aashram se kisine sandesh bheja ho Maharaj ko?"
Sanyogita: "Par koi aaisa kyun karega? Aur kisiko pata bhi nahi ke hum Maya Maa ke saath yaha aanewale hai."
Payal: "Ho sakta hai Indravati ko pata chala ho?"
"Kya Indravati?" Sanyogita smirked with attitude. "Tumhara matlab woh Rajkumari Indravati."
"Ha.. yeh kaam uss nakchadi Indravati ka bhi ho sakta hai." Payal let out her guesses excitedly. "Usine tumhare pitaji ko sandesh bheja ho. Ha....., tumhine bataya tha naa, woh pehle bhi do baar aaisa kar chuki hai. Ek baar Prithvi ko tumhare naam ka sandesh bheja tha Nandini ki sachai likh kar aur dusri baar, tumhare pitaji ko sandesh bheja tha apne pitaji ke naam se. Woh kuch bhi kar sakti hai."
"Par Payal usse thodi naa pata hai ke hum yaha aaye hai." Sanyogita tried to be reasonable "Woh toh hamare nikalnese pehle hi aashram se Ujjaain ke liye nikal gayi thi."
"Ujjain... ha yaad aaya, mein tumhe yeh khabar dena hi bhul gayi" Chamki almost shouted by hearing name Ujjain "Maine snan-ghar mein kuch ladkiyon ko kehte suna, ke koi Ujjain ki Rajkumari aaj yaha aanewali hai apne mata-pita ke saath."
"Kyaaa?" Sanyogita and Payal exchanged shocking looks. "Indravati yaha??"
Chamki nodded "Ha... waise bahot se Raja Maharaja aaj yaha padharne wale hai. Toh ladkiyan bahot si rajkumariyon ka naam le rahi thi, aur pata hai, usme mein tumhara bhi naam shamil tha Sanyogita."
"Hamara??"
"Ha keh rahi thi Kannauj ki rajkumari, Nagaon ki Rajkumari, gujarat, Ajmer..."
"Kya afwayen pahilti hai logon mein." Payal was surprised.
"Ab kisi rajya ke Maharaj yaha aanewale hai, toh logon ka yeh sochna swabhavik hai ke unki rajkumariyan bhi yaha aayengi."
"Aur aaisme unke jasus bhi."
Sanyogita: "Kya?"
Payal: "Har raja kisi bhi samohik utsaav mein jane se pehle, apne jasus uss jagah bejta hai. Toh Ujjain ke jasusone tumhe yaha pehchana ho aur Ujjain ke maharaj ke aadesh se Maharaj Jaichand ko yeh khabar di ho."
"Agar yeh baat hai." Chamki looked around nervously "Toh baki saare rajyon ke jasus bhi yaha honge.
"Tumhe lagta hai Ujjain ke jasus hume pehchante hai?"
"Kyun nahi? Rajkumari Sanyogita saare jaha mein mashhur jo hai, apne sundarta ke liye." Chamki said making proud gestures of face and hands. Though she felt proud, Sanyogita did not smile and continued shaking her head "Par unhe kya padi hai, hamare baaremein hamare ptajiko batane ki?"
Payal: "Kya pata, shayad koi baat hogi."
"Hume nahi lagta... yeh kaam indravati aur uske pitaji ka nahi ho sakta." Sanyogita folded her hands and started thinking "Aur kaun pehchan sakta hai hume?"
"Ek pal ruko hum itni dur Ujjain taqk kyun ja rahe hai?" Chamki raised her finger "Sanyogita tumhare yaha aane ki baat logon mein hai, iska yeh bhi toh matlab hua ke Maharaj Jaichand yah aanewale ho .."
Sanyogita gasp in horror by hearing Chamki and Payal's expressions were like why she didn't think of it before.
Meanwhile Chamki continued "Aur unke jasus bhi yaha ho aur uhnone tumhe jhat se pehchaan liya ho aur Maharaj ko tumhare yaha hone ki baat batayi ho."
"Matalb Kannuaj ke jasus yaha hai." Payal cried suddenly.
"Kannauj ke Jasus??"
Payal added almost leaping on the place "Yehi hua hai... ha.. varna koi kyun Maharaj Jaichand ko tumhare yaha hone ki khabar dega? Tumne sahi kaha, Kise kya padi hai?" and then she realized many things suddenly. She turned at Prithvi's tent shockingly and gasp at Sanyogita.
"Yeh nahi ho sakta." Sanyogita shook her head and Payal nodded opposing her. On the other hand Chamki, who did not get anything, turned her head from one to other ingenuously.

"Toh aap dono tayyar ho?" Maya maa came there from the bath ghat and distracted them. She was carrying clothes. She was perfectly dressed up, with her dark brown opaque veil fixed on her head. The surrounding was yet dim and the sky above was violet and the eastern sky was pink.
"Ha Maya maa." Payal quickly reminded herself of the arcanum they planned, while Sanyogita transposed worried looks with Chamki. Her heart continued beating fast. But Maya Maa came and stood quite. She was looking worried and was thinking on something. Sanyogita noticed that. She moved towards her and asked "Kya baat hai Maya maa aap pareshaan dikh rahi ho?"
"Pareshani ki hi baat hai. Weh Lakshman aur unki patni Sanyogita." Maya maa skewed at Chamki with angry looks and chamki on catching May Maa's words pursed her lips embarrassingly, slightly turning on other side. Maya whispered in low tone so that Chamki could not hear. "Unke karan gadbad ho rahi hai. Khamakha aapki badnami ho rahi hai. Ab aapka yaha se chale jana hi behtar hai."
Sanyogita was listening and gawking at Maya Maa and did wish to query her further but Payal moved towards them and restlessly asked observing Sanyogita "Matlab hua kya?"
"Sab logon mein yeh galat feimi phail gayi hai, ke Sanyogita aap." Maya Maa pointed her finger at Sanyogita "Uss Lakshman ki" Maya Maa moved her raised hand towards Prithvi's tent and said "Aap Lakshman ki patni ho. Maha Mantri ke sainikon ne bhi humse aaj yeh baat puchi."
"Kya??" Payal and Sanyogita exchanged horrified looks. "Par .. par unhe kya padi hai?"
"Pata nahi.. par humne bhi saaf keh diya ke aap hamare saath aashram se aayi hai, ab tak kuwari ho aur Lakshman se aapka koi vasta nahi hai, jo do din pehle hi yaha aaye hai apne doston ke saath. Waise kal raat ko kya aap unke saath thi?"
Sanyogita's felt like her breathing was choked. "Ji??"
"Hamara matlab hai... sangeet aur mehndi mein."
Sanyogita kept quiet, she couldn't lie anymore. But Payal answered on her behalf "Maya maa Sanyogita ke saath to hum thhe aur sabhi log bhi toh thhe."
"Bahot achhe, par hume kuch gadbad lag rahi hai, yaha ke sipahi Lakshman aur unke saathiyon ko dhund rahe hai."
"Kyun??"
"Koi baat hogi."
With both hands Payal shook Snyogita who was in deep disturbing thoughts.
"Ab aap chaliye." Maya said, keping her accessories on the cot.

Payal took her bag, hang it on her shoulder across and said "Achaa maya maa hum chalte." She went near Maya maa and touched her feet. Sanyogita imitated Payal's action. She was then eager to stay back and solve the rising mysteries. With smile, Maya maa moved her hand on their heads as a blessing. "Apna khayal rakhna aap dono."
"Ji."
"Aapko bhi wapas bhejne ki ek aur wajeh hai Payal" Maya maa said "Sanyogita ko bhi safar mein saath milega, hum inhe akele nahi bhejna chahte the."
"Koi baat nahi Maya maa humara saath toh hamesha achha hi rehta hai." Payal said gleefully.
"Achha toh hum nikalte hai." She turned at Chamki and reminded her of their clandestine through gestures, and Chamki nodded her head.
Payal and Sanyogita started moving and Chamki too took her way towards her tent when suddenly out of the blue Maya said "Arey Rukiye toh aap dono, kaha chal diye."
Sanyogita and Payal turned around with surprise "Kya matlab??" Some hopes rised in Sanyogita. Chamki too stopped.
"Hum nahi jaye??" Payal asked hopefully.
Maya went near them and with smile said "Hum bhi aapke saath mukhya dwaar tak aapko chodne chalte hai."
"Kya??" Payal and Sanyogita together expressed shock.
"Aap dono ko rath mein thik se bitha de."
"Kyun??"
"Kyun matlab?"
"Matlab... sab thik hai"
Maya maa moved ahead. "Chalo bhi."
"Nahi, iski koi jarurat nahi hai. Hum chale jayenge." Payal said nervously.
"Hume sipahion ko bhi kuch aur hukum dene hai." Maya maa continued.
"Aap kyun taqlif utha rahi ho?" Sanyogita asked.
"Isme taklif kaisi? Aap dono ke jane ki vyavastha thik se honi hi chahiye."
"Hum hai naa... hum aapke saare hukum sainikonko suna denge."
"Ha." Payal added.
Chamki looked at three of them nervously holding her neckless.
Maya maa went near them and with witty smile said "Kya hum aapko jante nahi hai?"
"Matlab?" Payal asked exchanging nervous looks with Sanyogita.
"Chaliye, aap dono ko der ho rahi hai. Suryoday hote hi aapko kundan nadi tak toh pohchna chahiye, varna aashram pohchne tak andhera ho jayega."
Sanyogita could not believe how their plan was going flop. Now there was no option left. She looked at Payal again. Payal was quite and it was appearant from her face that she was planning something.
Sanyogita again tried to convince. "Par Maya maa hum..."

"Toh Maya maa app yaha ho." Some women who were voluntering in the kitchen came there to have a word with Maya maa.
Payal got a chance "Aap rukiye, hum abhi Ishu aur Karan se milke aate hai." saying this she moved.
"Nahi Payal aapko der ho..."
"Bas kuch hi pal maya maa.." Payal ran away.
"Yeh ladki.." Maya maa shook her head. She went towards those women and got engaged in the talk.
Taking a deep breathe, Sanyogita quietly went near Chamki and hugged her. "Ab toh jana hi hoga Chamki."
"Ha." Chamki hugged her back sadly "Hume socha tha aaj saath rahenge, maje kerenge, par..."
Sayogita broke apart from hug "Tum toh yaha ka pura anand uthana."
Chamki nodded her head with smile. "Kannauj pohchte hi mein tumse milne aaungi, aur yaha ki saari baatein bataungi." Chamki tried to console her.
Sanyogita smiled sadly and while turning saw Prithvi's tent. A wish aroused in her mind to see him once. She did not pay attention to Chamki's solacing words and was busy searching Prithvi around. Where is Prithvi? She wondered. She knew the moment has come for them to bid good bye for ever. Uncontrollably she started moving towards his tent.
"Sanyogita??" Chamki called her. She did not listen and continued walking. She saw the Banyan tree where Prithvi was standing in her dream. But now no one was beneath it and there wasn't any valley beyond it. Till Payal was back, Sanyogita had a last chance to see him or talk to him. She rememberd in thier yatra, on the last day, she could not meet him, though she tried hard and later felt repented. She was terribly missing him then. But now she decided to talk to him before leaving, for the last time and tell him that she is going back and somehow she wished to tell him about her dream. She continued moving towards his tent and Chamki followed her.
"Ruko toh Sanyogita." Chamki yelled.
Payal came back running. "Arey Sanyogita kaha ja rahi ho?" She paused to breathe "Waha tambu mein toh koi nahi hai."
Sanyogita stopped. "Koi nahi hai? Phir kaha hai woh?"

Prithvi was alone, far away from the camp and crowd, performing Surya Namaskar (Particular form of streching excercise consisting of 12 sequential steps) on some plain ground he found among the bushes. He had unornamented himself and was in white dhoti. He even kept his sun locket - the sign of royal member and a King of Ajmer and Delhi, near the tree. Excercise and practicing sword fight were the useful means for him to get rid of restlessness, stress and sorrow. His sword was with him, Jeevan had allowed him to keep it with him.
Indulged in his favourite work item, he was successful in relaxing his mind. After exercise he started practicing with his sword. He tried out different strokes and stunts with all strength, uttering cries. Turning around, with each stroke he tried wiping out all the images one after the other from his head. For some time he wished to forget everything. He was getting wet with sweat and his upper part was shining in the mild light. He was enjoying and breathing fast while taking different and difficult postures with swords. Totally submerged, he gave some more non-stop and speedy strokes with his sword in the air, horizontally, vertically, diagonally. He felt lighter and lighter as he continued his practice. Sun was about to rise. Sky on the east was coloured with pink and orange colours and dark trees started gainig their bright greenish shade back. Enviornment was full of loud chirping of the birds roosted on the trees and branches everywhere.
Rising sun's first ray fall on his shinning body and enlightened his face. He brought his practice to a halt, suspiring. He kept his sword near the tree and took small pot of water which he brought with himself there, to offer prayers by pouring water to Sun God.
Holding pot in both hands he faced the sun and closed his eyes. And like how the blocked stream pours down forcefully when it is suddenly unblocked, his thoughts got a way to rush out. His mind was flooded with many thoughts amd images. He firstly saw Sanyogita; her smile, her laughter, her anger, her tears and then last night's memory roved over him. He failed again to make her understand, just like he failed to explain her that night, three years ago, when he tried to kill Jaichand. He remembered that day when Jaichand insulted him and Maharaj Anangpal, in Ajmer's court. How Jaichand tried to trap him and kill his friends along with him. And when he tried to narrate all those incidents to Sanyogita she slapped him. Prithvi quickly opened his eyes and looked at the sun. The rays were mild.
"Vicharon ko jitna dabane ki koshish karoge, woh maan pe aur ghera karenge." He recalled his guru's teachings followed by his questions. "Toh phir apne maan ko vichar rahit karke mein kaise prarthana karu gurudev?"
"Vichraron ko nazar andaz karo Prithvi, unpe dhyaan mat do, aate hai toh aane do. Unse vaise hi peshao, jaise hum bin bulaye aur naa pasand mehmanon se pesh aate hai."
He closed his eyes and saw orange shades. He did as per the instructions of his guru he had learned during his gurkul days. He succeded in vacuuming his mind by concentrating on the warmth of sun rays capsulizing him.
He opened his eyes and again eyed the sun. He was suddenly cued of his duties and responsibilities. He have to prepare himself for his kingdom, for the welfare of his people, he has to make his mind strong in spite of all difficulties. He has a responsibility of a younger sister and mother and a great country to look after. At any cost he cannot become weak and allow his foes to have any opportunity to win against him. He should not forget that he has destined to rule the world and spread the welfare and create a history. He again closed eyes and captured the moment and could read the proud and smile on his father's face because of him.
"Tum jante ho tumhari sabse badi kamjori kya hai Prithvi?" His guru had asked him when they were baking themselves in the warm morning sun in the asharam porch, years back. Young Prithvi, of around 11 years, was eagerly waiting to know his weakness from his guru.
"Tumhara kamjor dil!!!"
"Mujhe kisise dar nahi lagta gurudev, mein har khatre se ladunga. Har dushman ko muh tod jawab dunga. Duniya mein sab kuch sehne ki himmat mein jhutlaunga." Prithvi said as if being provoked to prove himself. His small, skinny and charming face was full of worries and questions.
Hearing him, his Guru silently smiled with love in his eyes. "Sirf daar insaan ko kamjor nahi banata Prithvi, aur tum daar ke aage nikal jaoge iska hume pura yakeen hai. Tum har himmat juthlaoge Prithvi."
"Toh phir gurudev?"
"Lagan."
"Lagan??"
"Kisise jarurat se jyada lagaan tumhe kamjor naa bana de, iss baat ka dhyan rakhana."
Prithvi flashed his eyes. This time he saw violet and dark shades and again Sanyogita's smiling face flaunted in between.
"Mein Sanyogita ko nahi bhula sakunga. Uske bina mein" He paused "..... mujhe uske bina"
"Ek raja ko dukh se aur taklifon se darna nahi chahiye." Again he remembered his guru.
"Toh mein kya karu?" He actually spoke.
"Jab hume lage ke baat hamare bas mein naa ho, toh usse bhagvaan pe chod do, iss vishwas ke saath ke jo hoga achha hi hoga."
Prithvi slowly poured the remaining water and viewed the golden Sun throught it.
"Sanyogita.."
When he saw no movements anywhere around for some time, Prithvi called Sanyogita standing outside their tent. He searched her in the kitchen, in the temple but she was nowhere. He made his mind to talk to her once and for the last time about the misunderstanding errupted between them. He framed his dialogues and decided how to proceed and what to say. If there comes some positive outcome out of that, then its his good luck and a very good move too, otherwise he will leave her way for ever. "Sanyogita." He again called going near the door.
"Kya baat hai?" Maya maa came from behind.
Prithvi turned around "Ji namaste...." He joined his hands. Maya maa did the same in return, without speaking and with serious expressions.
"Maya maa..... mujhe Sanyogita se kuch kaam tha."
Maya Maa stared him thinking why is he asking for her? She had formed some awless image of him since morning.
"Maya maa Sanyogita kaha hai?" Prithvi asked.
"Woh toh chali gayi." said Maya maa.
"Chali gayi??" Prithvi asked shockingly, slowly registering what he heard. "Kaha??"
"Ghar chali gayi."
"Ghar??"
"Ha... hum abhi unhe ravana kar ke aa rahe hai."
"Par utsaav adhura chodke aur mujhe bataya....." There was panic in his voice and observing that Maya maa squinted at him.
"Mera matlab hai.."
"Bahot jaruri kaam tha." Maya Maa interrupted "Isliye unhe aur Payal ko wapas jana pada."
She moved ahead, crossed him and went inside leaving dismayed Prithvi with loads of questions.
Prithvi could not believe what he heard from Maya Maa. He never expected something like that would happen. Sanyogita did not even feel like telling him that she was going away. Was there such a big gap in their relationship, that normal communication had stopped between them? It did hurt him a lot. He knew then there was almost no chance to meet her again and won't get such brilliant opportunity which he got in that function. He felt depressed and wished to cry. He sadly started walking. At a few distance he saw Arjun and Pundir standing in his way and looking at him with concern. He went near them.
"Sanyogita chali gayi, wapas apne ghar..... aur ab hamesha ke liye." Prithvi said with chocked voice looking anywhere but at them "Mujhase bataya bhi nahi, kuch kaha bhi nahi, mujhase aakhri baar milna bhi nahi chaha usne, ab phir shayad kabhi nahi mil paunga mein usse." He smiled nervously and tried to block his tears when the cool morning breeze caressed his face as if consoling him. Arjun and Pundir felt bad for him, but did not say anything. When none of them reacted, he looked at Pundir and said "Aur Payal bhi chali gayi."
Pundir nodded his head with blinking eyes.
"Hum jante hai Prithvi." Arjun said keeping hand on his shoulder. "Tumse kuch kehna hai."
Prithvi stared at them for a second or two and realized that there is some improtant matter with them.
"Kya baat hai?" He asked instantly keeping aside his somberness.

*********************** End of Part 19 ***********************

************************ Part 20 ***************************

In the cheerful and festal environment of the camp where everyone were relishing, some folks, wearing the thorn like crowns were busy tackling worries and problems.

"Maha Mantriji!!" Jeevan rushed inside Maha Manrti's tent."Yeh hum kya sun rahe hai, Madan ne Lakshman ka naam liya? Usne kaha Lakshman uske saath hai? Par yeh kaise ho sakta hai? Woh aur Lakshman toh ek dusarese kal lad rahe thhe? Lakshman aur uske dost ne unn ladkiyon ko bhi bachaya Madan se, Lakshman ne mujhe bhi bachaya... yeh nahi ho sakta.."
"Aap pehle shaant ho jayiye Jeevan." Maha Mantri said calmly as opposite to Jeevan's mind state. Jeevan was going more restless and becoming irritate watching Maha Mantri's serene posture.
"Jaise hi Madan ko hosh aaya." Maha Mantri spoke in low voice after few seconds "Humne usase puch tash shuru ki. Sipahiyon se bahot maar khane ke baad usne kaha ke Lakshman hi woh khass insaan hai jo usase mila hua hai."
Jeevan widened his eyes.
"Woh mile hue kaise hai? Hum bata rahe hai kal woh ek dusare ke khilaf..."
"Kya aapne aapni aankhonse dekha unhe ladte?"
Jeevan recalled, when he reached the chaos place last night, he only saw that Madan was attacking Payal and Sanyogita. But he was sure Lakshman saved him from Madan. Or was it a drama?
"Jeevan!!" Maha Mantri shook him.
"Par, Maha Mantriji, Madan un do ladkiyon ko marne wala tha, jinmese ek Lakshman ki patni hai."
"Ha iss baat par yeh sipahi kuch kahega." Maha Mantri pointed at a soldier with whom he was discussing.
"Kya? Kaho." Jeevan asked the soldier restlessly.
Soldier bowed down and said "Maya maa, jo unn ladkiyon ke saath hai, unse baat hui, aur unhone kaha ke woh ladki Sanyogita, Lakshman ki patni nahi hai. Unka Lakshman se koi vasta nahi hai."
"Phir kaun hai yeh Sanyogita?"
"Ji woh Maya maa ke saath aashram mein hi rehti hai uar unke saath utsaav manane aayi hai."
"Phir woh kal mehndi ki saja woh sab..... "
"Ek natak tha." Maha Mantri answered. He waved his hand and asked soldier to leave, who bowed and left.
"Lakshman aur uske saathi humse bachne ke liye uss ladki ke saath thhe. Unke bartaav se unpe koi shaq karta hi nahi ke woh yaha kisi aur maqsad se aaye hai." Maha mantri told Jeevan who neither nodded nor shook his head.
"Aapka matlab hai woh ladkiya unse mili hui hai?"
"Kuch keh nahi sakte, ho sakta hia unn ladkiyon ka yeh sirf istamla kar rahe ho. Lakshman do din pehle hi yaha aaya hai apne saathiyon ke saath, thik uss pul ke tutne ke baad. Aur Hasmukhlal ne bhi hume ussi din yeh khabar di thi, ke unhone yaha Delhi ke jasuson ko pehchaan liya hai."
Maha mantri smirked and keeping his hands behind, took a round.
Jeevan observed him and slowly said "Kahi aap Lakshman pe shaq toh nahi kar rahe hai? Matlab aap usse Delhi ka koi khaas....."
"Shaq ki toh koi gunjaish hi nahi hai, hume toh yakeen hai Jeevan. Hume Lakshman par kal shaam se hi shaq tha, bas unn ladkiyon ko marne ki wajeh..."
"Phir bhi... woh Delhi ka hi hai yeh baat saaf nahi hai. Madan ne aur kya bataya, kaunse rajya se hai woh?" Jeevan was thinking fast.
"Yeh batane se pehle hi woh phir se behosh ho gaya." Maha Mantri sat on his chair.
"KYA?? yeh kya..."
"Aaj yeh saari baatein Maharaj ko bhi hume samjhani hai. Humne sipahiyon ko Lakshman ko dhundne ko kaha hai. Ek baar Hasmukhlal ko Lakshman se mila de phir saari baat saaf ho jayegi."
Jeevan moved near his chair and looked down at his face. "Hasmukhlal Kyun?"
"Unke pass bahot saboot hai aaisa hume pata chala." Maha Mantri replied guessing Jeevan's next question.
"Kya woh wapas aaye?"
"Nahi, hume aaisa lag raha hai, ke unhe kisine agva kiya hai." He then smirked "Kisine hi kyun? Inhi logon ne. Pata nahi bechare kaha phase honge. Aur Madan aur Lakshman ke saathi bhi yaha khule aam ghum rahe hai."
"Yeh Madan juth bhi toh bol sakta hai, Lakshman ko phasane ke liye."
"Phir toh hume janana hi hoga ke Lakshman hi kyun? Madan ne Lakshman ka hi naam kyun liya? Matlab Lakshman koi khass insaan toh hai. Wohi Lakshman, jispe hume shaq tha kal se. Par jiss halat mein Madan ne gawahi di, hume nahi lagta woh juth bol raha hai. Yeh baat toh saaf hai ke Lakshman kahi naa kahi is sab se juda hua hai. Ab yeh Lakshman aakhir hai kaun yeh toh hume janana hi hai." Maha mantri shook his head and then smiled "Aur ab tumhare kiye gaye sawaal ka hume jawab mila."
Jeevan squited at Maha Mantri. "Kaun sa sawaal?"
"Yehi ke Lakshman aur unke saathi kal Madan ko apne saath rakhne mein itne utsuk kyun thhe? Kyunki unn logon ke pass bach nikalne ka koi rasta nahi tha." Maha Mantri waved his hands sitting on his chair.

"Maha Mantri ki jai!!" A soldier entered Maha mantri's tent and greeted him.
"Kya khabar hai?" Maha mantri asked closing his eyes.
"Ek buri khabar hai,..." Soldier hesistated.
Maha mantri opened his eyes and sat straight and Jeevan too got alert, waiting eagerly for the soldier to speak.
"Kaho."
"Woh do musafir jo pul tutne karan kal yaha ruke thhe, aur kalse gumshuda ho gaye thhe, unki laashe mili."
"Kya??" Maha mantri got up expressing shock.
"Ji." Soldier bend his head. "Aur unke saath ek aurat ki bhi."
"Hey Bhagwan!!" Maha mantri shook his head instantly. "Yeh khun kaharaba yaha iss paavan jagah pe? Kisne?"
Jeevan too was somewhat panicked "Kaha pe?" He asked soldier.
"Yahi pass jungle mein, par unhe sahi jagah ab hum le gaye." He said looking at Maha Mantri who immediately said "Ha... aam logon tak yeh baat pohchni nahi chahiye, kisi bhi haal mein..... varna aatang phail jayega..... Utsaav ko kamyaab banana hai, yeh Nagaon ke shaan ka sawaal hai."
"Ji Maha Mantriji!!!"
"Koi surag mila tumhe?" Jeevan asked soldier.
"Ji ek ke haath mein, yeh mala mili." He raised his hand and showed them the locket.
Maha mantri moved forward and took it. It was a bronze locket, with circular sun pendant having a smiling face, replicating God Sun and rays were shown emitting out through the circle.
Examining it, Maha Mantri mummered "Yeh toh Surya mala hai." He quickly went in the other room and opend his box. There was one more similar locket having sun pendent kept inside. Maha mantri took it, juxtaposed and observed them for a second or two, and then came out.
He handed both to Jeevan, who was shocked to learn what Maha Mantri was showing him. He too saw them carefully back n forth.
"Marte waqt marne wale ke gale se yeh mala uss musafirone chini hogi." Maha mantri guessed confidently.
"Yeh Surya mala toh....." Jeevan was speechless. "Yahi hai woh surag jo aapko kal Madan ki talashi lete waqt mila?"
Maha mantri nodded his head. "Aur yeh tum achhe bhale jante ho, yeh 'surya' kiski nishani hai. Isase pehle aur logon ki jaane jaye.."
"Yeh nahi ho sakta." Jeevan shook his head stubbornly watching the locket.
"Jeevan, ab toh Maharaj Abhay Singh ka andaza bilkul sahi hai. Ab kya pareshani hai aapko?" Maha Mantri felt irritate when Jeevan was admant on his belief. Since last two days they were having some difference of opinions regarding Madan, Lakshman and all the incidents tacking place there.
"Maaf kijiye Maha Mantriji, par koi bhi ilzaam lagane ke liye yeh saboot pakke nahi hai. Yeh rajyon ke rishton ka sawaal hai." Saying that Jeevan bend his head down, since he felt heat out from Maha mantri. Then suddenly remembering something, he turned at the soldier forgetting Maha Mantri's rage.
"Aur woh aadmi jo kal behoshi mein "Delhi ke Jasus" karke kuch bol raha tha, usse hosh aaya?"
"Nahi. " Maha Mantri answered him abashly. "Hum usse bhi dekhke aaye."
Jeevan was getting disturbed "Woh hamare liye pakka sabut ban sakta hai Maha Mantriji." Maha Mantri gave him stern look. Jeevan did not react, trying to understand his position which was in danger.
"Thik hai Jeevan, jab tak Madan aur uss aadmi ko hosh nahi aata, hum ek aur sabot dhundte hai."
"Sipahi" Maha Mantri called.
Soldier took two steps towards him and bowed down.
"Lakshman aur unke saathi ko dhundne kaha tha, mile woh?
"Koshish jari hai, bahar logon ki bheed bahot hai."
"Jaldi unhe dhundo aur humare pass le aao. Aur iss baat ka khayal rakhna ke woh yaha se bhag na paye. Unn ladkiyon pe bhi nazar rakho."
"Jo hukum."
Jeevan could not understand Maha Mantri's fear or impaitaience. He was about to argue or comment, but Maha Mantri raised his hands and asked him to keep quiet. He waved his hand at the soldier who again bowed down and left.
"Madan juth bhi toh bol sakta hai Maha Mantriji." Jeevan knew there is something fishy in every going.
"Par aap hi toh keh rahe the ke Lakshman aapko aam insaan nahi laga jo yaha sirf utsaav manane aaya hoga. Lakshman se puchtaash karke bahotsi baatein saaf ho sakti hai Jeevan."
Jeevan found some sense in Maha Mantri's last conclusions. Lakshman was eager to keep Madan with him or to meet him when he is awake. That time Jeevan thought, because Madan attacked Lakshman's wife, Lakshman wanted to take revenge or something. But that possibilty is not aplicable now when they came to know Sanyogita and Lakshman are not husband wife. According to Jeevan, Lakshman was definitely not a common man. Then what was that, that happened last night? And if it is a drama, then why was it played in front of them? What is the game? Who is playing it? Why? And who is this Lakshman?
"Hume koi jokhim nahi uthani hai Jeevan, aap unn logon pe nazar rakhna shuru kijiye." Maha Mantri again shook him from the confusion.
"Ji!"
"Aur abhi hum yeh chahte hai ke aap sipahi bhejiye Hasmukhlal ko dhundne, hum prarthana karte hai woh thik ho. Unki ab jyada jarurat hai hume."
"Thik hai." Without saying anything else Jeevan unsatifiedly left his tent.

"Hasmukhlalji." Someone in a rough voice whispered in Sanjam's ear when he was standing in a queue for bath. At first it did not strike him, then following the loud voice, he turned around. Since many Ajmer people present there could recognize him, Sanjam continued to be in disguise, wearing Hasmukhlal's clothes. There was rush around and no space to stand or breathe comfortably. He was being pressed and pushed by the impaitient people around carrying bathing stuffs.
Bath-ghat was a big square place enclosed by tall fence made of wooden frames. Small stone bathrooms were made each having an access to a long continuous open tank on opposite side of door, where water was continuosly supplied. The tank was a single one, running through all the bathrooms.
A man came and stood beside Sanjam almost colliding with him. "Kaha reh jate hai aap? Kabse dhund rahe hai sab aapko? Kitna kaam adhura pada hai aapke bina."
Sanjam stared at him when he could not catch his words. "Nahi aapko galat faimi hui hai, mein Has.. mukh..... Hasmukhlal... .. hu" Then he remembered he was the same guy among the two who asked him to have a few important words last night thinking that Sanjam is Sarpanch Hasmukhlal.
Sanjam slowly asked "Kya baat hai?"
That guy was about to answer but he toppled forward by the push from behind.
"Shor mat machao bhaiiyo aur dhakka mat do." Someone shouted and pushed the queue back. "Dheeraj rakho."
Sanjam and that guy were carried back with everyone and uttered cries along with others.
"Ab waqt kam hai hum logon ke pass. Tayyari bhi bahot karni hai, aap chale kaha jate ho?" That guy again let out his irritation coming face to face with Sanjam. "Maharaj aanewale hai, unhe bhi toh jawab dena hai hume aur aapko bhi."
"Maharaj??"
Again they were pushed forward and Sanjam and that guy was thrown out of the queue on either sides. They somehow accommodated themselves in the same packed queue.
"Baat toh batao?" Sanjam was observing that guy and noticed he was in normal costume.
"Baat kya matlab, appko sab bataya gaya tha naa?"
They both eyed each other suspiciously.
"Woh... ha ... mera matlab hai, ab aage kya?" Sanjam answered thinking quickly.
"Aage kya? Maharaj ke aane se pehle sara bandobast achhe se karna hai. Aur ab aap yaha ke gupt jagah par aake humse miliye aapka waha intazaar ho raha hai." Saying this he left the place and disappeared in the rush.
"Par suno toh..." Sanjam left his queue and tried to follow him pushing the people on the way and ignoring their raging looks back at him. He had no idea where the mentioned place is, so he decided to follow him quietly. But till Sanjam came out in open, outside the men bath-ghat, that man was seen no where.
Sanjam knew Hasmukhlal is the Sarpanch of Seetapur. Since the last night he was seen no where and some people as well as Seetapur guards were searching him. He came to know from Pundir that, mischievously, two kids stuck him somewhere. Sanjam had two options, find Hasmukhlal and give him their message or otherwise go to them as Hasmukhlal. There must be some administration work pending due to Hasmukhlal's absence, then why should he interfere, he thought. But a doubt arouse, how these people could not recognize the real Hasmukhlal, their Sarpanch? And if they haven't seen him before then who are they?

"Suryaaaaa...."

"Nandini..... Nandiniii..."
Sweet, innocent and stress-free voices echoed..... making the surrounding merry in Koteshwar yatra.

"Mujhe apna haath do."
"Hum tumhe apna haath kabhi nahi denge."
"Dekho zid mat karo... mujhe apna haath do."
"Nahi... tum jaooo yaha sseee."

"Mujhe bhi raah chalte logon ki madat karne ka koi shauk nahi hai."

"Meri anguthi mujhe wapas do.."

"Majak ki bhi ek had hoti hai Surya..'"

"Nandini.. Meri baat toh suno "

"Na mafi na shukriya..."

"Aaindase baat mat karna humse tum. "
"Ha... ha.. mein toh mar raha hu tumse baat karne ke liye."

"Tum sach mein ek jungli billi ho. Jungli, baddimakh aur nakchadi"
"Aur tum... Bigde raiij... jo ek kaam bhi thik se nahi kar sakte, isliye toh tumhare charon chamche tumhare aur charon ghumte rehte hai chaubisau ghante..."

"Toh wada karo tum hamara vishwaas phir kabhi nahi todoge."
"Mar kar bhi nahi."

Sanyogita could not help herself from going in past and in the sweet and immortal memories of Koteshwar yatra which she attended four years back with Prithvi. That was her first journey. To see and know the how the world is outside the walls of palace she forced her grandmother to send her to that journey and the next day she was attending it enthusiastically and cheerfully with her maids and friends. To enjoy and know the real life, she asked everyone to call her Nandini and made her friend Chamki, the Princess. Prithvi, as Surya a common guy, attended the Koteshwar yatra along with his friends to save the God Shankar's shivling from Bhimdev's culprit plans against Ajmer. Though he was on work and duty, he enjoyed the journey

as never before. Those were the best days of their life.
That was the place and journey when Prithvi and Sanyogita's fates crossed each other and for ever. That was that pre-identified time, for two souls to come close to each other, feel each other, know each other and realize that they are made for each other. They saw, met, talk, fought with each other, became friends, worked together, lived together thus creating an infrangible bond between them. The innocent and bubbly love blossomed between young Prithvi and Sanyogita in such a way that it created history for all the lovers.

Sanyogita was sitting in an open chariot, reclining on the edge, along with Payal, returning back to the asharam. Their chariot was moving with a slow pace, since the road was not smooth. Her eyes were bit swollen and she had closed them. Locks of braids were gently playing on her face as she was flipping and lurching slightly along with the chariot. Few sainiks in front and few from back were trotting to keep up with the speed of the chariot.
Sanyogita and Payal failed to fool Maya maa and stay back in the camp. Few distance away from the main gate of the camp, their chariot was ready for them without coming into notice of other attendees. Maya Maa made sure soldiers take them properly without halting anywhere and bid them good bye.
Payal was looking impaitent but sitting quitely and sadly watching slowly coursing fields and trees on either side of the road. There was no topic to discuss, no cheerfulness, inspite of the bright morning and beautiful verdant landscapes running everywhere around. "Clip clap..." tapping of horse feet added melody in the silent journey, but none of them felt like enjoying it.
Sanyogita knew after reaching asharam, in a day or two she will go back to Kannauj. She was worried to face the reality from which she kept on running away. But that day is near, very near, she knew and she has no choice but to face the life. Also at the same time there was one ray of light to look forward and that was her meeting with her grandmother. She will meet her after so many days. Her grandmother, Rajmata Roopsundari, was more like her best friend. Sanyogita was more closed to her, than her parents. She shared every secret with her. She was aware of Prithvi and Sanyogita's Love-story. Roopsundari fulfilled every wish of Sanyogita but at the same time correctly advised her. If Sanyogita could have followed every advice of her grandmother right from the beginning, things could have turned out differently in her life.
"Par aap aaisa kyun keh rahi ho dadi? Kya sapne dekhna galat hai?"
"Sapne dekhna galat nahi hai Sanyogita." Roopsundari lovingly moved her hand on Sanyogita's smooth, long and neatly combed hair. "Par sapno mein kho kar asliyaat ko bhula dena, yeh galat hai, jo aap kabhi kabhi karti ho."
Sanyogita wore embarrased expressions sitting at the feet of her grandmother. "Ji..." She nodded her head accepting her fault.
Roopsundari inspite of her old age had a glow on her face. The exquisite traditional attire, heavy worked veil on her head, the rich jewelries of her aristocratic status always magnified her royal beauty. More than that what was special about her was her kind mind and broad vision. Her presence was the only ray of hope in the Kannauj Palace and for the people living there.
"Aur hume hamari galati ka bhi ehsaas ho gaya dadi." Sanyogita said innocently. "Humne maa se kehke uss dasi ki saja maaf ker di."
"Bahot achha kiya." Her grandmother smiled. "Har ek harqat ke piche koi wajah hoti hai beti. Bina puri baat jaan le, aap koi faisla nahi karogi." Roopsundari said seriously.
"Woh hume itna ghussa aaya tha toh ..... toh ghusseme hume uss dasi ko saja suna di."
"Toh pehle apne aap ko shant ki jiye aur phir uss baat par har tarah se sochiye."

Cool breeze dabbed her face and she was tempted to think of Prithvi. Their cart maintained the same speed. She was experiencing some mild flicks of the cart. Newly risen sun was hidden in the clouds and the filtered rays were showered on them through clouds. Fields, trees, bushes, flowers around were dancing in the tune of pleasnt air. Birds seemed to be moving with them singing melodiously.
Sanyogita speculated on Delhi's politics. She thought of that day when her father was burning in the fire of revenge after returning from Ajmer.
"Delhi hamara hai, aur hum usse hasil karke hi rahenge, bhik mein nahi balki apni talwar ke bal par."
"Ab tumhi socho Sanyogita, kya Maharaj Anagpal pehlese hi Delhi mujhe nahi saupna chahte thhe?"
"Mein tumhare liye saari duniya chod skta hu, par tumhe nahi khona chahta."
She suddenly sat straight and recalled Prithvi's words. "Zakhmi aur behoshi ke haalat mein, nanaji ne mujhe Delhi sambhalne ko kaha, mein unhe inkaar kaise karta?"
Sanyogita felt restless and a thought errupted that might be King Of Delhi, Anagpal, had wishfully handed the throne of Delhi to Prithvi and he had not snatched it. There arouse a strong wish in her mind to meet Prithvi and clear her mind. She turned her head left and right, thinking how to stop? What to do next?

"Kya hua?" Payal noticed her restlessness.
"Payal ... Payal ... hume ek baar..." She nervously looked at the cart man then again at Payal "Hume ek baar.."
"Prithvi se milna hai, hai naa?" Payal completed her sentence.
"Ha... nahi... mera matlab hai, kuch baatein ... " She suddenly realised something and turned sharply on right at her "Toh tumhe pata chal gaya ke Lakshman hi Prithvi hai?"
Payal noded her head with serious expressions.
Feeling guilty, Sanyogita said "Hum tumse yeh baat chupana toh nahi chahte thhe Payal, par... pata nahi kyun hume yeh baat dil mein hi rakhni chahi." Payal knew that and did not care for such petty things.
And then remembering Payal's provoking behaviour towards her, Sanyogita guessed, wasn't she purposefully teasing her. "Par tumhe kaise pata chala? Mera matlab hai tumhe yeh kisne bataya ke Lakshman hi Prithvi hai? Arjun aur Pundir ne? Aur tum kya jaan buchke..."
"Isse chodeo, yeh baat abhi itni jaruri nahi hai, Kuch aur jaruri baatein bhi hai." Payal cut off.
"Matlab?"
"Matlab tumne dekha naa Sanyogita." Payal lowered her voice and started a sober conversation. "Prithvi abhi bhi tumse kitna pyaar karta hai.... aur tum bhi usase dur nahi reh sakti. Kab tak tum usase ruthi rahogi, usse.."
"Par usne jo kiya uska kya?" There was grimace on Sanyogita's face.
"Tum abhi bhi usse galat samaj rahi ho? Prithvi ek raja hai Sanyogita. Ek raja ki tarah sochna uska pehla kartavya hai. Maharaj Jaichand aur Prithvi ke bich jo bhi rajaniti hai woh ek alag mudda hai, woh rajya aur janta se juda hua hai, tumse nahi. Tum Kannauj ki Rajkumari Sanyogita ho yeh janane ke baad bhi woh tumhe paana chahta hai. Rajniti ko tumse alag rakhake woh tumse pyaar karta hai, Kya yeh koi badi baat nahi? Tum do rajyon ki rajniti ke shikar mat bano aur uska asar apne rishte pe mat padne do."
"Kaisa rishta? Hume dhoka diya, hamare pitaji se Delhi .."
"Sanyogita" Payal angrily interrupted with raised voice "Agar, ab tak, tumhe ek pal ke liye bhi aaisa laga ho ke Prithvi sach keh raha hai, toh tum sikke ki dono baju janane ki koshish karogi."
"Payal Maharaj Anagpal se hamare pitaji ko aaya sandesh humne khud pada tha, usme saaf saaf likha tha ke woh hamare pitaji ko Delhi ke maharaj banane wale hai."
"Woh isliye kyunki Prithvi ke naam se jhuta sandesh kannauj se Maharaj Anagpal ko gaya tha, jisme likha tha ke Prithvi Delhi ka singhasan tyag raha hai. Par sachaai tab samne aayi jab Prithvi aur Maharaj Anagpal ki Delhi mein mulaqat hui, tab jab Maharaj Anagpal buri tarah se zakhmi ho gaye thhe."
"Nahi... Yeh kya keh rahi tum? Tum soch samaj ke bolo Payal." Sanyogita who had seen her father as an ideal person since childhood, could not imagine him doing any wrong deed. She was not able to bear it. "Yeh kabhi nahi ho sakta. Aur tumse yeh sab hamare pitaji ke baare mein kisne kaha?"
Payal felt irritate and was angry at her nescient atitude. "Tum aaisa kyun nahi karti." Payal raised her voice "Maahraj Anagpal se hi sachhai jaan lo, tab dudh ka dudh aur pani ka pani ho jayega. Bas jo bhi dekha suna usko sach manke aaise haath pe haath rakhe baithi mat raho. Yeh tumhare zindagi ka sawaal hai, kuch karo, kahi aaisa naa ho tumhe aaga jake sirf pashtana pade aur kuch nahi." She paused and added a imploring tone "Kismat tumhe mauke de rahi hai Sanyogita, varna kyun milti Prithvi se tum yaha?"
Sanyogita stared at her. Her eyes were filled with tears of fear, tears of intolerance and with the wind touching her face, they rolled randomly on her cheeks. She found some unreasonable guilt in her and couldn't explain her restlessness. Turning on the other side she rubbed her cheeks and recalled Prithvi's words about Delhi and thought that he might be right. She knew and the whole world knew how powerful, great and brave king Prithvi is and that must be the reason why Anagpal handed him the throne of Delhi.
For some time, none of them spoke. Payal was angry for her admantness and became quiet.
Sanyogita decided to talk to her father first on this matter, after going to Kannauj and then to King Anangpal also. Then she suddenly thought of the letter and their guesses of Maharaj Jaichand visiting function.
"Kya sach mein Kannuaj ke jasus yaha ho sakte hai?" After thinking a lot, Sanyogsita broke the silence.
Payal: "Hume toh yehi lagta hai, varna Maharaj ko tumhare yaha hone ki kahbar mili kaise? Unke jasusone hi unko bataya hoga."
Sanyogita: "Phir iska yeh matlab hua, ke pitaji yaha aa rahe hai, utsaav mein."
Payal: "Ha yeh toh hai. Par hum yeh soch rahe hai ke unhone tumhe bhi apne saath yaha kyun nahi rakha? Tumhe wapas aashram kyun bhej diya aur woh bhi aaj ke aaj?"
Sanyogita: "Shayad woh humse naraj ho, hum unhe bina bitaye utsaav mein aa gaye isliye."
Payal: "Ya phir woh kisi maqsad se yaha aanewale hai, jisme woh nahi chahte ke tum shamil ho, pichli baar ki tarah."
"Kya matlab?" Sanyogita asked quickly as her heart again started beating with faster pace.
Payal slighty turned towards her and was ready to spit out the truth she understood, not minding Sanyogita's rage "Dekho Sanyogita yeh... yeh baat saaf hai. Yeh mamla Delhi ke jasuson se juda hua hai, Prithvi se juda hua hai."
Sanyogita felt like someone pinched her. She asked in an offensive tone unable to listen anything against her father or kingdom "Tum kehna kya chahti ho?"
"Sanyogita sach sunane ki aur samajne ki himmat rakho. Yeh yaha Kannauj aur Delhi ke bich jo khel chal raha..."

Payal suddenly toppled forward and along with Sanyogita was tapped on the front beam. There was an abrupt movement and a sudden brake was applied to the running cart, when the cart man pulled horse reins at once. Horses neighed loudly and raised their fore legs. Their chariot became imbalanced. Sanyogita and Payal held the egdes and saved themselves from falling down.

"YEH KYA HO RAHA HAI? Kya baat hai?" Sanyogita shouted.
Four men running behind, came forward. Sanyogita and Payal could not make out what was wrong. There was panic around. Before Sanyogita and Payal could get up and understand the matter, they heard shouts of attacks and counterattacks of the asharam sainiks from ahead. Sanyogita and Payal got up and took out their swords automatically. They were shocked to see some eight to ten men in black dress fighting with aashram sainiks. Two of them came running wildly and shouting badly towards the chariot. Sanyogita and Payal were scared but were ready to fight. One of those came towards Sanyogita and was about to climb but Sanyogita kicked him with full force on his face. He bumbled back. Sanyogita jumped down and with full strength gave him strokes with her sword finally killing him. Payal too jumped and ducked when she was about to receive a blow. She slugged her sword with the opposite one, finally piercing her sword in him.
A big fight arouse and Sanyogita and Payal along with the remaining sainiks were fighting bravely in spite of losing strength. Those men left no opportunity to harm or swig girls who defended themselves tactfully. Even the horses got injuries and were whinning in pain jumping in the place. No one understood what was the matter and reason behind attack. Payal and Sanyogita took them as dacoits and thought that they were behind their jewelries. But then suddenly somebody shouted, "Rajkumari bachni nahi chahiye." Sanyogita paused and was shocked to hear that. If not dacoits then, who are these men she didn't get. She was sweating and respiring hardly as she moved her sword rapidly to save herself from the stroke of the opposite one. Her skirt became muddy and her veil fall down on her shoulders. Almost six aashram's sainiks were killed in the fight.
"SANYOGITA BAchke" Payal hollered out just when sanyogita was about to relax. Two men raised their sword from behind but she turned, ducked and stopped their attack with her sword helding it diagonally. She couldn't resist the force and her sword fall down. She realised the lack of strength in her compared to those men. She moved back and collasped. "Sanyogita..." Payal again cried. Two had blocked Payal's way in reaching Sanyogita and she was fighting non-stop with those.
Sanyogita moved back scarily and her back shored up the chariot wheel. She kicked on one's legs and he collasped, but again got up.
As one gave stroke Sanyogita quickly turned on other side, dodging the strike. She felt weak but she did not give up. She was ready to dodge again when those men will raised their sword. But instead, she heard their cry of pain and they fall down in front of her crying painfully. She saw dagger struck at their back and blood flowing speedily. Someone killed them. She got up and looked to her left to know who threw the dagger. And to her surprise she saw Prithvi and Pundir coming towards them, riding on the horses like gusts of wind. Even in the state of consternation, she took time to confirm that she is not hallucinating him or imagining him. She took steps ahead and became sure that it is actually him, her Prithvi. She was shocked and at the same time could not explain how much relief she felt on having Prithvi present there.

In the camp.....
Against her wish, Chamki's mother took her into the big temple kitchen where thirty to fourty women were voluntering and Royal chefs were engaged for the evening feast preparations. Before King Abhay enter's the camp and aarti begins, Chamki's mother decided to help in the kitchen and ask Chamki to do the same, who had no choice. Chamki quitely obeyed her mother, feeling doleful, since all her enthusiasm lolled as Sanyogita left. And she desparetely needed a friend with whom she wanted to share many uneasy feelings, she was encountering since last night.
Temple Kitchen was a big rectangular hall with many round pillars and slanted roof . There were many small and same size windows, placed at an equal distance on the big opposite walls. In one right shaped corner there were chullahs burning and large size cauldrons were kept over it. Parallel to the walls there were waist length platforms for mixing things, cutting vegetables. At another corner there were racks made in the wall, where sacks of vegetables, fruits, grains and other utensils were kept.
Chamki was cutting vegetables, where Maya Maa was working near by. Maya Maa saw her but did not talk to her. Chamki too snubbed her. She was actually angry on Maya Maa who asked Sanyogita and Payal to leave the camp.
"Aur aalu lane bol diya hai Maya Maa." A women came to her who was accompanied by Shraddha chachi. Maya Maa smiled in reply and asked looking at Shradhha chachi "Kaisi ho Shradhha? Kal se toh tumse baat hi nahi hui"
"Ha... bas aati anand utha rahi hu Utsaav ka." She laughed "Aur kal aap ke bhajan aur geeton ne toh utsaav ko char chaand laga diye."
"Dhanyawaad." Maya Maa grinned taking few more potatoes to chop.
"Aur aapki Sanyogita aur uske pati Lakshman unke karan toh bada maja aaya."
Chamki gasp in horror and looked at them worriedly. At the same time she too felt relief since her mother was not around. "Nahi nahi inke Sanyogita ko saja nahi mili... aa woh aalu kaha rakhe hai... chaliye hum le aate hai." She tried to change the subject.
"Sanyogita ko hi saja ...."
"Phir se galat faimi." Maya Maa stabbed the knife down with frustration. "Hume subhah se do baar yeh baat dohra chuke hai." Chamki meanwhile tried to escape. "Jo Sanyogita hamare saath thi unhe saja nahi mili, balki iss Sanyogita ko saja mili hai... jo" Maya Maa spoke loudly and pointed at Chamki "Rukiye aap Sanyogita." She raised her voice on finding that Chamki is trying to escape. Chamki turned at them with tensed looks.
"Aaaaa..." Shradhha chachi and other woman with her, looked at Chamki holding their chin and Chamki shook her head nervously.
"Aap hi ho naa uss Lakshman ki patni jinhe saja mili thi?" Maya Maa asked Chamki.
"Nahi nahi yeh woh Sanyogita nahi hai." Shradhha chachi said confidently. "Kuwe ke pass jin logon ne unhe range haath pakda, unn logonme mein bhi thi Maya Maa. Aur woh Sanyogita yeh nahi balki aapki Sanyogita hai, mein yakeen ke saath kehti hu."
Maya Maa was staring her with mouth agape.
"Ha" Other woman added. "Aapki Sanyogita aur unke pati Lakshman jo apne doston ke karan appke pass ke tambu mein ruke hai, weh dono hi ek dusare se bande hue thhe rassi se aur... aur prem ubhar aa raha tha unme." Saying this she shyly covered her mouth with her veil and giggled with others.
Maya Maa recalled how Maha Mantri's soldiers were enquiring about the same matter and out of frustration she spoke. "Nahi..... Hamari Sanyogita aur uss Lakshman ka koi vasta nahi hai. Yeh nahi ho sakta kyuni hamari sanyogita ki toh ab tak shadi hi nahi hui aur yeh Sanyogita .." She turned to point Chamki, but Chamki escaped without letting anybody know. Maya Maa suddenly realised what she spat out in front of everyone and felt repented and guilty. She couldn't understand how to mend her words.
Other woman present there exchanged surprised looks and some more gathered on hearing intresting words.
"Aapke yaha jo ruki hui hai woh Sanyogita kuwari hai, Phir woh Lakshman? Aur uske saath aaise... mehndi bhi laga li unhone toh... Maya Maa kahi koi prem ka chaakar toh nahi?" Shradhha chachi tried to find out reasons. She did not wish to blame them for any reason, because she liked and fancied them a lot. Others started discussing. "Prem ka chakkar??"
"Aur hai toh kya hua, par aaisi harqate, aaise jagah pe..... "
Maya Maa felt hurt listening to the gossips and more than that she felt bad that Sanyogita lied her and Payal too. She tried to find out reasons behind that. Was that beacuse of fear? Or she was hiding something more from her? Maya Maa felt bruised. She recalled Lakshamn's conversation just some time before, when he was asking about Sanyogita.
"Aur yeh toh paramparik aur dharmik utsaav hai." Others continued. "Shadi hui nahi toh karva do ab."
Shradhha chachi read Maya Maa's tensed expressions and told others "Aap log yaha kya baatein bana rahi ho, jayiye kaam kijiye, dekhiye kitna kaam baki hai."
Everyone dispersed mummring.
When Shradhha chachi and Maya Maa were left alone, Shradhha chachi asked with concern "Koi baat toh jarur hai Maya Maa, varna Sanyogita itni pyaari aur samajdaar ladki hai..."
Maya Maa nodded her head with forlorn looks.
"Kaun hai yeh Lakshman?" Shradhha chachi asked.
"Ab yeh baat toh hume bhi pata karni hogi, ke yeh Lakshman aakhir hai kaun, Sanyogita se uska kya rishta hai? Aur yaha kyun aaya hai?" Maya Maa said more to herself and at the same time she thanked herself that she send Sanyogita away from the camp, otherwise Sanyogita would have been bombarded with lancinating questions by others.

Payal, before leaving the camp, met Arjun and Pundir and told them that they are leaving the place and the reasons behind it. Payal explained that they did not want to leave the function incomplete and asked for their help. At first Pundir asked her to obey Maya maa, but when she insisted more, Arjun and Pundir agreed. Pundir couldn't deny. Actually they could not say no when someone, specially a lady, is asking for help. Payal asked Pundir and Arjun to come in Sainiks's disguise and take them back to the camp telling that is Maya Maa's order. Other sainiks who were with Payal and Sanyogita might agree. Arjun explained this plan to Prithvi and since he knew, Prithvi was missing Sanyogita and his eagerness to meet her and talk to her once, he asked Prithvi to go instead of him with Pundir. Prithvi and Pundir were too fast compared to the gait of chariot, and hence reached there in time, where Payal and Sanyogita were attacked.

Prithvi threw dagger on those men who were approaching Sanyogita. He and Pundir pulled the horse harnesses at once, dismounted themselves from their horses and helped the remaining sainiks in their counterstrikes. Prithvi and Pundir dashed towards Sanyogita and Payal respectively.
Sanyogita got up and again dodged the attack as she was armless and in this attempt she got a sharp cut on her back just below her neck. "Aaaaaa..." She screamed with pain. Her blouse from back was instantly soaked in blood.
"Sanyogitaaaa.." Prithvi shouted and fled towards her. Helding that guy furiosusly by his neck, he lifted him single handed "Tumhari itni himmat." Suddenly emotional strength bestirred in him. He clenched his teeh angrily and tighten his grip around that guys neck. That man fluttered. Prithvi angrily bumped his head thrice on the chariot with all strength and killed him. "Tum rath mein baitho Sanyogita." Prithvi hastily told her. Sanyogita who was feeling very weak, somehow picked her sword and climbed the chariot. Prithvi fought with two more with rage and yawls, when they sprang on him.
"Sanyogita ko chune ki himat kaise ki tumne?" He shouted badly and finished them off with in no time by piercing his sword through and fro.
"Hai koi aur yaha???" He was ready with his sword raised high and was looking around, throwing waves of fury while breathing intemperately. He sensed a violent agitation rising in him. He was unable to bear anyone hurting Sanyogita.
Three were left. Pundir held one by his neck and started questioning about their whereabouts and who are they.
Prithvi blocked the other two and injured one of them badly with his sword and roared like a lion again. He received a kick on his back and fall near the horses who were going crazy.
"Nahi..." Sanyogita cried.
With a summersault Prithvi kicked that guy back and made him fall down. That guy blindly moved his sword and hurt the terrified horses. Prithvi killed that person with his sword and got up.
Horses whinned madly, raised their fore legs and crazily started running, pulling the chariot abruptly. Chariot catched up the speed at once as horses applied all strength out of fear and nuttiness. Payal and Pundir were distracted watching the cart move. The person whom Pundir caught, escaped.
"ROKO rath KO.." Sanyogita screamed looking here and there and tried to draw reins.
"Tum usse pakdo." Prithvi went panic and yelled in Pundir and Payal's direction "Mein Sanyogita ke piche jata hu." He stuck his sword back in the sword case hanging on his waist. Within no time he climbed the near horse and rode behind Sanyogita's accelerating chariot as fast as he could.

*********************** End of Part 20 ***********************

************************* Part 21 ***************************

It was a bright and cool morning. Sun's mild rays and light grey clouds had encapsulated the pollyannaish camp. Jeevan was seated under a tree, shocked and confused, when he learned from Maha mantri that Madan might be Delhi's spy and Lakshman was with him. More than that he was shocked to have Lakshman's name involved as the Delhi's spy. Last night, the way Lakshman was keen on keeping the camp safe and secured, Jeevan was not ready to doubt him completely. Also very confidently he had asked Lakshamn and Pundir to help him and they were ready. Lakshman suggested to spread soldiers everywhere, and look out for the culprits. And if he is with Madan, why did he ask so? When Jeevan tried to explain Maha Mantri about it, Maha mantri stubbornly refused to think on it, saying that was a drama to fool them and escape from them and he order Jeevan to look up for Lakshman and his friends. Though half wishing to do so, Jeevan followed the orders. When soldiers were set to search for Lakshman, nor he neither his friends were were seen anywhere. He learned that even Sanyogita and another lady with her too left the camp. When asked for reasons, Maya Maa angrily refused but then said that Sanyogita was not feeling well so she left. This sudden disappearance of all created doubt in Jeevan's confused mind, and he forcefully marked that Lakshman was keen to keep Madan with him and Jeevan could not think of any strong reason behind it.

He was sitting with some letters from royal folks of different kingdoms. He had opened the letter but wasn't reading them. He was disturbed and worried of some different politics played around. Indications which he got from his king about the possibility of riots or troubles for the coming day was troubling him and according to Maha Mantri, Lakshman has to do something with it. Jeevan knew something is going wrong and he suspected right persons for the some wrong happenings, one among them was Madan, still unconscious, tied in his tent after uttering Lakshman's name. Jeevan knew there are more people present in the camp, apart from Lakshman, helping him in his mission. Who might be those? Many person's true faces were left to be uncovered.

Right from the day when Goddess Santoshi's seven days function was planned on a larger scale compared to the previous years, by inviting almost all the neighboring kingdoms, to strengthen the mutual relationship; Jeevan sensed some loop-holes in all the plans. At first he thought the function was made target by few culprits or Nagaon's foes, but things changed out differently later. After Ajmer's victory over Gujarat, Delhi announced mission DigVijay, and in that instead of going against Prithviraj Chauhan, Nagaon joined hands with Delhi in order to maintain peace. After suuccessful implementation of DigVijay mission, trade started growing between the two kingdoms regarding grains, crops, minerals, weapons, etc. Not only Nagaon but many kingdoms to the south of it were in treaty with Delhi and were also involved in other political matters. Nagaon decided to be away from the politics related to expansion. But Nagaon became major trade partner of Delhi in the south.

Nagaon and Kannauj came close due to the water problem persisting in the villages on the Nagaon's border region near Kannauj. Abhay asked for Kannauj's help to allow the villages on the border to make use the water of the Kundan river flowing entirely in Kannauj empire, by channelzing it or by building dam across. After long and many discussions and letter business, Kannauj agreed. It came as a shock when Kannauj asked for nothing in return but friendship. And with the treaty of Nagaon and Kannauj the major problem of the masses on the border of Nagaon was solved.

Here a great business on wheat was going to be signed between Delhi and Nagaon, when Kannauj came up with another fruitful and friendly deal. Sudden interest of Kannauj in Nagoan was an issue of concern. Kannauj offered wheat business at a cheaper rate than Delhi in exchange of mustard which was the major production of Nagaon as well as Delhi. Nagaon was in search of market for mustard other than Delhi, when Kannauj came forward and since it was a beneficial and friendly deal Nagaon accepted it whole-heartedly. Also that Nagaon was always waiting for friendship opportunity. Kannauj showed interest Nagaon's social activities, and goddess Santoshi's famous function held annually came in focus. Maharaj Abhay Singh being very emotional and touched by Kannauj's affinity, invited Maharaj Jaichand as a chief Guest for the last and main day of the fundtion.

And after that many unusual things started happening. Preparations at the site started abruptly. Discipline followed every year in the camp was weaken and changed. Many activities started without official permission, tents were being set more than required. The main bridge near the camp accessing northern region was suddenly destroyed and travelers were diverted into the camp and the worst there were murders and mass killing to the south of Seetapur right after bridge accident. Many people from the camp who stayed for shelter disappeared suddenly and many were killed. All the things were related, Jeevan was sure of it.

After accepting the invitation as a chief guest on the last day of the function, Kannauj emoted worry that Delhi might cause trouble to their presence in the function due to the old enemity, jealously or revenge for their loss of business. Such a situation was created in front of Abhay Singh that he did not wish to take any risk and warned Maha Mantri that Kannaj's safety and the peace in the function might be harmed and asked him to be alert everywhere. Abhay was half sure about it but still informed them that Delhi might cause trouble and asked Nagaon's security to look for delhi soldiers and spies or suspicious people. And unexpected problems were actually occurring inside as well as outside the camp.

The major problem with Nagaon was that, they had already invited Ajmer and Delhi for the function and Nagaon has to maintain friendly relation with Delhi along with Kannauj. Nagaon cannot directly blame Delhi without proof, so silently made movements in that direction. It was tough for the Camp's security incharge to maintain peace and pretend everything is fine while investigating the root cause of troubles.

Hasmukhlal, Sarpanch of Seetapur informed Maha Mantri and Jeevan the day when bridge collasped, that he doubted some people as Delhi's spies and was following them with his men. He said he recognized them there and was planning to finished them off, but Jeevan stopped him and argued with him on this matter and decided to catch them red-handed and with proof, since he was suspecting and following Madan as a culprit too and his and Hasmukhlal's investigation results were clashing. After argument with Jeevan, Hasmukhlal paid no attention towards Jeevan's plan out of ego, though he was involved in the meetings on Maha Mantri's order. According to Jeevan, Hasmukhlal is over sentimental and has supererogatory fond regards towards Seetapur, function and the people there. The way he was jumping to the conclusions and actions, Jeevan found him insane. On the other hand general people's reaction was that he was over-ambitious, egoist and unpredictable. Being over-whelmed by Hasmukhlal's sincerity and courtesy towards his people, Maha Mantri gave him the major obligation of the security of the camp without King's permission, but later informed him on Jeevan's advice. Jeevan observed Hasmukhlal was less attentive towards his work and which Maha mantri ignored, when informed. And then all of a sudden Hasmukhlal vanished. Since the previous evening Hasmukhlal was seen nowhere when he was mostly needed everywhere. And according to Maha Mantri, Delhi spies kidnapped him.

As Jeevan was deeply involved in his thought process, Arjun came to him. To hide himself from known people, Arjun took a disguise of a common gujarati man with green and red traditional dress, mustache, turban and tikka on his forehead. At first Jeevan ignored him, but when Arjun told that he is Lakshman's friend and knows everything about Madan and the problems, Jeevan started doubting him. Arjun also reminded him that he has asked Pundir and Lakshman to help him. Jeevan became alert with some pre-occupations in mind. He came to know from Arjun that Lakshman has gone out from the camp and will be returning back. He tried to confirm from Arjun that Lakshman and Sanyogita are not husband-wife, but Arjun said yes they are. He also asked where are Payal and Sanyogita, and Arjun felt offended by his statement and wondered why is he asking about them. He replied they have some work out. Arjun finally requested to let him interrogate with Madan, since its urgent and related to the safety of the camp, but Jeevan who started doubting him, ignored his request and asked him to meet him near his tent after the commencement of the fair. And Jeevan left quickly, since a soldier came to him saying that Maha Mantri is calling him near the main gate to welcome the king, who will be reaching there with in no time. After going few steps away, Jeevan asked a soldier to keep an eye on Arjun and take away his sword. Soldier came to Arjun and asked for his sword as per the rule. After lot of arguments, Arjun finally gave away his sword.
Arjun sat down helplessly on the rotund porch built around a tree when Sanjam came there and narrated him the bath-ghat story.
"Gupt jagah?" Arjun repeated behind Sanjam. "Yeh sarpanch ki kaunsi gupt jagah ho sakti hai? "
Sanjam: "Wohi toh? Aaisa kya kaam hai, jo woh gupt jagah pe karta hai?"
"Ho sakta hai koi utsaav ka kaam ho, jo logon tak woh nahi le jana chata."
Sanjam shrugged his soilders.
"Par mujhe aaisa lag raha hai tumhe uske saath jana chaiye tha Sanjam."
"Keh toh raha hu, woh bheed mein gayab ho gaya."
Arjun: "Unhe ab dhundenge kaise?"
Sanjam: "Pata nahi. Phir se unhe hi hume dhundne do. Par ab bahot hua, mein khud Sarpanch Hasmukhlal kehke unke saaath unke gupt jagah par jaunga aur pata lagaunga ke aakhir ho kya raha hai."
"Ha..... mujhe yeh Hasmukhlal kuch gadbad wala insaan malum pad raha hai."
"Aur yeh log jo bhi unhe dhund rahe hai, Sarpanch ko kaise nahi jante?"
"Mujhe aaisi paheliya bilkul pasand nahi." Arjun banged his hand saying that. He was looking disturbed and started digging the mud with his foot.
"Koi baat nahi Arjun." Sanjam sighed keeping hand on his shoulder "Ab tak toh kisi musibat ki aahat sunai nahi de rahi."
"Musibat chup chap bhi toh aati hai Sanjam."
Arjun told Sanjam his conversation with Jeevan and ended with "Lagta hai Sanyogita aur Payal ke yaha se jane ki baat sabko pata chal gayi par inn logon ko unn se kya kaam ho sakta hai?"
Sanjam was thinking something, when Arjun again spoke "Mujhe aaisa kyun lag raha hai ke Jeevan humse baat chupa raha hai? Abhi bhi woh Madan se milne ki baat tal raha tha."
"Ho sakta woh iss mamle mein humpe bharosa nahi karna chata."
Arjun got up "Yehi toh Sanjam, aakhir mamla hai kya? Kyun naa hum unhe apni sachai bata de."
"Ya phir woh hume kuch aur hi samaj rahe ho?"
"Ho sakta hai, mujhase meri talwar bhi le li unn logon ne toh."
"Meri bhi." Sanjam sighed "Aaj subah."

"Hasmukhlalji....... Payal didi aur Sanyogita didi kaha hai ?"
Ishu and Karan came there and asked Sanjam while laughing. Sanjam look down at his costume, he thought there is something wrong with it. "Kis baat ki hasi aa rahi hai?" He asked with slight anger.
Arjun smiled, he was enjoying Sanjam's angry attitude since the previous day.
"Bas aapko dekhke hasi aa gayi."
"Hasna hai toh jao yah se."
"Nahi nahi... yehi haso." Arjun said lightsomely. "Waise apne Hasmukhlal kisi vidushak se kam nahi lag rahe, hai naa?"
"Haa.." Ishu, Karan and Arjun laughed, while Sanjam hit Arjun on his head.
"Aap kaun ho? " Ishu asked observing Arjun and his get up "Wohi ho kya jo Lakshman aur Pundir bhaiyya ke saath thhe?"
"Bhai wah kya baat hai!!" Arjun pulled Ishu towards him and patted proudly on his back. "Sabki khabar rehti hai tum dono ko, bade bahadur bachhe ho!! Maan gaye" He over-praised them while Sanjam made face.
Ishu and Karan smiled proudly at Arjun and commented "Woh toh hum hai hi."
Karan: "Batao naa Payal aur Sanyogita didi kaha hai? Weh kal aapke saath thi naa? Hume aaj subah se dikhi hi nahi."
"Weh dono bahar gayi hai kuch kaam tha isliye, aa jayengi." Arjun replied.
"Aur Lakshman?"
"Bahadur bachhe ho naa, toh khud pata karvao." Sanjam interrupted.
Karan and Ishu angrily looked up at Sanjam.
"Hum bachhe nahi rahe bade ho gaye, aur hume ek baat malum padi hai unke bare mein."
"Kya?"
"Yahi ke unki aur Sanyogita didi ki shadi hui nahi hai ab tak..... aur kal woh natak kar rahe thhe."
Arjun and Sanjam exchanged alarming looks.
"Tumko yeh baat kisne batai?"
"Sab logon mein charche hai, rasoi ghar mein bhi auratein issi baat ki charcha kar rahi hai. Maya Maa se pata chala unn sabko aur Maha Mantri ko bhi kehte hue suna humne."
"Achha?" Arjun and Sanjam swallowed hard. Arjun recalled his conversation with Jeevan and was terrified on knowing that he told that Lakshman and Sanyogita are Husband-wife. Has Jeevan catched his evasion and took him in a wrong way, he feared. But what Lakshman and Sanyogita has got to do with anything?
"Par hum yeh keh rahe hai, weh pati-patni nahi hai toh nahi hai, usme itna hangama kyun macha rahe hai sab log?" Karan asked innocently.
"Bhai Wah!!" Arjun said shaking hands with Karan "Iss utsaav mein agar koi samajdaar hai, toh woh tum ho."
Karan and Ishu grinned.
"Par Maha Mantri ki baat tumhe kaise pata?" Sanjam asked who was thinking on the matter.
"Hum aur jankari ke liye unke khidki ke pass gaye thhe, chup ke se." He paused to giggle "Unke sipahiyon ko ullu banaya."
Arjun: "Kaisi Jankari?"
"Yehi ke aaj kaun aanewala hai, aur hume pata hai kya mila yeh." Saying this Ishu took out a letter hanging on his waist and waved it gallantly. "Iss mein unn sabhi rajaon ke naam hai, jo aaj yaha aanewale hai."
Arjun was stunned and being eager to take it from them again praised them "Sach mein tum dono bade bahadur ho, ek din bade jasus banoge."
"Dhanywaad."
"Ab hume dikhaoge yeh."
Ishu and Karan looked at each other and after gesticulating for few moments, gave him.
Arjun impaitently took it from them and unfolded it. Sanjam peeped in and they started reading the list.

Arjun and Sanjam stood there agape with daze.
"Maharaj Jaichand yaha ....??? Pramukh Atithi!!!!! Yeh kab hua?"
"Matlab, Pundir ne sahi pehchana." whispered Arjun. "Aur yeh jasus....." He gasp at Sanjam.
When Payal went to them for help, she told them everything about the letter and they discussed about it. There Pundir made a guess that Jaichand might be visiting the function and his spies must have recognised her there and they also put light on the things happening with them since they came to the camp.
They read further with excitement.

"Rani maa aa rahi hai?"
"Yeh sab kya gadbab hai?"
Further...

Shocked like anything..... Arjun folded the doc and stood thinking.
Ishu who knew nothing, casually said looking around at the noisy crowd "Hume suna hai aur kuch log bhi aa rahe hai.... jinke naam yaha nahi hai."
Karan pointed at the gang of children coming towards them.
"Ishu Karan!!!"
Some children and Karan's sister came there running excitedly.
"Jaldi chalo mukhya dwaar ke pass.... Maharaj Abhay Singh ki baarat aanewali hai...... Haathi honge, ghode honge.... maja aayega."
"Ha Chalo jaldi..."
Everyone ran away and Ishu and Karan were about to go, but Sanjam stopped them.
"Ek pal ruko..... bas itna batate jao, asli Hasmukhlal kaha hai? Dekho tum bahot bahadur ho...." Sanajm unnecesaarily added the last sentence of praise.
"Ha batado hume." Arjun too pleaded.
"Karan chal...." His sister came back and again called him.
"Woh ab tak ped se bande hai... aur unhe bande hi rehne do, varna hume saja milegi."
And they ran away.
"Arey par..."
Arjun and Sanjam kept quite thinking on their own. Arjun stuck the parchment in his belt and said "Yeh Prithvi kab lautega?"
"Ab??" said Sanjam.
After staring in oblivion for a second or two Arjun said "Mujhe lagta hai Sanjam, hume Jeevan aur Maha mantri ka picha chodna nahi chahiye."
Sanjam nodded his head "Mera bhi yehi khayal hai. Chalo woh Maharaj Abhay Singh ke swagat ke liye gaye hai. Hum bhi chalkar dekhte hai."

On an uneven land, crazy horses drew the hurtling chariot with full force and ran as fast as they could carrying a delicate and helpless princess with them.

Prithvi trounced his horse and rode faster behind her chariot. Open wind was cutting his face and ruffling his hair. It seemed as if they were racing. Loud noise of rotating wheels, mad horses and the speed resisting the opposite wind, spread everywhere in the surroundings as they proceeded. The path was long and straight ahead, but was slopy. Balancing herself, Sanyogita harnessed the horses with the reins in her hands and tried to stop the pitching carriage. Her efforts were useless. Horses sped up more than before. Veil on her head was tore and fallan on her shoulders, her tresses were wricked and set open. She found it difficult even to stand properly and kept falling on the seat repeatedly. She clenched the beam of her chariot with the trembling hand. The situation was that at any movement she could lose balance and fall down from a running and tumbling cart.
"BACHAOOO...." She shouted helplessly.
The speed she was expericing was spine-tingling. The surrounding was going up and down in a deadly manner. She somehow turned back to look how far Prithvi has reached.
"MEIN AA RAHA HU, SANYOGITA."
He straped the reins and hit his horse hard. His horse neighed and accelerated on the grass beside the road. After few distance it was difficult since the sugarcane fields began on both the sides. Aimfully, he stretched out his left hand as his horse came near her chariot and bend towards his left and brought his legs on one side. While overtaking, the moment his horse was running beside the carriage, he jumped into the chariot, leaving his horse. His horse continued running with whinny noise and vanished out of the site into the fields. The chariot shook with great stroke, Sanyogita cried with the fear of falling down. The chariot bend on other side lifting its right wheel slightly. Horses neighed loudly and they left the road and took their way into the tall sugarcane fields. Sanyogita lost her balance and was about to fall back, but Prithvi held her wrist and pulled her towards him. She collided on him. He made her stand behind him holding her by her waist when she grabbed his arm tightly. Single handedly, Prithvi snaffled the reins and started pulling them forcefully keeping away the sugarcane sprigs which clashed on their faces. Sugarcanes were destroyed as the cart moved uncontrollably into them. Horses went more wild when the grown twigs in the fields and the tall grass itched their faces and irritated them and forcefully decreased their pace. Prithvi pulled reins even more, horses angrily raised their forelimbs thus losing their balance and collasped down heavily. The chariot tootumbled badly. "Aaaaaa..."Sanyogita cried. Prithvi held Sanyogita close by her waist and left the reins when they were hurtled on to the muddy land of the fields. They rolled over the ground on each other and fall into a ditch. During that movement, Prithvi took care that she doesn't hit hard on ground. He held his hand beneath her head while rolling thus gaining scratches. A loud noise arouse in the surroundings out of the accident. Horses neighed non-stop. With few painful rolls Prithvi and Sanyogita came to halt. After some time horses stood up and rambled on, in a desultory manner on the place.

The huge gate at the entrance of the Santoshi Mata's camp was embellished by flowers and colourful material. Rangoli was made near the gate. Guards were placed outside and inside the gate. At one corner, inside, women were ready with plates of aarti. From the gate, there was a red carpet laid to the Royal tents of Kings and Queens in the secured area of the camp. Many people were assigned the task to shower flower petals on the king as he proceeds towards his tent. Maha mantri was standing there surrounded by couple of faithful servants at his orders. He had wore his formal costume and a turban. A stole was hanging on his right hand. He was looking tired inspite of fresh morning. There were crinkles of worry on his big fat face. He was nervously ready to welcome his King.
"Sab raste se hat jao, bich mein koi nahi aayega." A man was announcing loudly at the main gate of camp. "Sab log raste ke dono taraf khade ho jao. Maharaj Abhay Singh bas aane hi wale hai."
There was sweet sounding commotion near the main gate to welcome King of Nagaon and to watch the marvelous entry of his battalion. Children repeatedly peeped standing out of the gate and enjoyed. People were dressed up well and everyone seemed happy. The morning's aarti was to be conducted by King Abhay Singh and after the aarti he was going to commence the fair and take a round of it. Everyone was excited and waiting for the fair to start.
Jeevan came there. "Rassi raste ke dono taraf bandho aur rassi ke piche logon ko khada karo." Jeevan order the soldiers looking at the crowd. He then went near Maha mantri. Soldiers brought the rope and held it edging the red carpet on both sides. Garboil of the crowd increased.
As soon as Jeevan went to him, Maha Mantri out of nervousness started again by discussing and confirming everything from Jeevan. He asked about Lakshman, Hasmukhlal, whether thier soldiers found them and Madan and security of the camp. Jeevan paiteintly answered him.
"Aarti ke baad, Maharaj mele ka daura karenge." People were chatting around where Jeevan and Maha Mantri were softly discussing.
"Yeh mela shuru kab hoga?"
Arjun and Sanjam became the part of the crowd and tried to be near Jeevan. It was difficult to overhear them with the thrusts and pushes of the people around. After great attempt they reached near them, but by that time, MahaMantri and Jeevan dispered and finally Arjun and Sanjam gave up.

Sanjam causally scanned the surrounding and spotted a sweet and innocent face of Chamki in the sea of people. With her sight he experienced the immense silence in the noise around him and felt like ignoring all petty things going on. Smile spread across his face and he was seemed lost. She was standing on the other side of the red carpet almost in the midst of the mob waiting to watch King Abhay's entry.
The story of Sanyogita being not a wife of Lakshman was spread everywhere. And everyone were gossiping on it and creating their own theores. Chamki felt like running away from there. When Surali who became doubtful asked Chamki who is this Sanyogita. Chamki took Surali away from that part of crowd and somehow convinced Surali that Sanyogita whom she heard is a common girl staying in aashram.
Sanjam who lost Chamki's view again spotted her. He decided to seize the opportunity and talk to Chamki. He tapped on Arjun's arm and gesticulated him to move on other side of the path near Chamki. Quietly, without getting noticed by anyone in the crowd, Arjun and Sanjam bend down and came in front of the rope held along the red carpet. They quickly crossed the road and became part of the crowd on the other side.
On reaching other side, Arjun and Sanjam surprisingly noticed and recognised Surali standing along with Chamki. Surali was in maroon lehenga. She was in her forties with dry skin and aged face. Surali was from Kannauj, the head servant of Sanyogita's maids. She was a faithful and trustworthy maid of Sanyogita's grandmother too. She was practical and kind in nature. With the Sanyogita's grandmother's order, she attended Koteshwar yatra with Sanyogita, Chamki and their other friends. Sanyogita respected and liked her a lot. Surali would have reported Sanyogita's grandmother, if she had seen Sanyogita in the Utsaav. That was the reason why Sanyogita wanted to hide herself from Surali's watchful eyes.
Before Sanjam could go and talk to Chamki, another guy went to her. He was Amrit. They knew each other well again because of Koteshwar yatra. He was a tall and thin guy who was proud of his status and richness. Four years back he attended Koteshwar yatra with his parents and servant, servant who was a part of the plot of stealing Shivling from the temple along with baba, Chanakya and soldiers of Bhimdev. Amrit's father, Devavrat was blackmailed to help them in this plot. His son Amrit was in danger, if he had uncovered the plan of stealing Shivling to anybody. But at last, in fear, Devavrat revealed everything to Prithvi, and Prithvi assured them the protection. Amrit too decided to give full support to Prithvi and his friends. He was bit ashamed of their weakness and inability to fight back. But he soon came out of it and got back to his old style of lounging everywhere with proud.
"Namaste Suraliji" Amrit spoke loudly. Surali shuddered and looked up. It took her some time to recognize who was greeting her.
"Pehchana hume?"
Surali as well as Chamki were surprised to see him.
Raising her finger Surali said "Aap.... aap uss Koteshwar yatra mein..... Devratji ke bete, Amrit.. "
"Bilkul sahi pehchana." Amrit almost shouted.
"Kaisi ho Chamki?" He then asked her with foolish smile. "Mujhe pehchana naa tumne?"
She nodded her head.
"Hum Jaan chuke thhe tum Rajkumari nahi ho..." And saying that he laughed.
Chamki sarcastically smiled at him and then made face looking in font.
"Yeh toh Aamrit hai." Said Sanjam who was near by in the crowd.
"Ha Devrat ka beta."
"Yeh yaha kya kar raha hai?" asked Sanjm bitterly.
"Woh aaisa hai naa Sanjam, saare jaane pehchane log aaj hume yehi milne hai." Arjun answered with artificial smile.
Sanjam went and stood behind Amrit to overhear them, making it very obvious. Amrit and Surali eyed him suspiciously. Arjun too joined them. Ignoring Sanjam, Amrit started chatting non-stop with them, discussing their yatra and enquiring about everyone. "Nandini kaisi hai? Woh tumhare saath yaha nahi aayi?" Surali who was more eager to watch Abhay Singh's entry, irritatingly answered Amrit in pieces.
"Bahot achhi hai woh, nahi aa payi yaha."
He smirked and trying to be smart said "Yatra khatam hote hi hum yeh jaan gaye thhe, woh Nandini koi aur nahi balki Kannauj ki Rajkumari Sanyogita hai."
"Kya??" Surali and Chamki looked at him with surprise.
"Rajkumari Sanyogita..... kya kaha aapne.." A woman heard Amrit and let out her excitement.
"Ha woh bhi toh aayengi aaj." Others around reacted.
"Sach mein Rajkumari Sanyogita bhi..... humne suna hai badi sundar hai woh... aaj dekhne ko milega." Two girls cried.
Chamki was tensed and was shaking her head looking at everyone "Nahi woh yaha nahi aayengi. Amrit aap afwayen mat phailaiye."
Amrit stood besides her "Humne toh kuch nahi kaha Chamki." He turned at everyone around "Hum toh Koteshwar yatra ki baat kar rahe the." And then he explained others their journey and how Sanyogita and Prithviraj were attending the yatra in disguise. People gathered around him on hearing great names by him and he enjoyed the attention. He added his own spice in the story of Koteshwar yatra. Chamki slapped her forehead.
"Ha maine suna tha, ke bade bahaduri se Shivling bachaya, par iss tarah..... wwah kamal ke hai Maharaj Prithviraj Chauhan." Someone in the crowd commented enthuly.
"Aur batao..."
Amrit was finished of stories and so told everyone that Chamki is Sanyogita's friend and Surali too knew her. Mob rushed towards them to know more. Chamki felt exhausted in the crowd and couldn't understand how to handle the bombardment of questions. Sanjam and Arjun somehow moved near her and Surali, and brought them out of the crowd tactfully with some pushes and collides. Chamki did not turn to know who helped them, she hurriedly moved ahead and stood in the first row near the rope with Surali.
"Pagal hai sab log." Amrit too appeared there in no time.
Surali became furious "Amrit ab aap koi baat mat chediyega."
"Nahi hum kuch nahi kahenge... hum toh bas yaadein ....." And started again.
His nonchalant talk was disturbing Chamki who was not in a mood to speak to anyone. First of all she had faced a big disappointment, when she learned that Sanjam is not there with his friends and secondly Sanyogita left the camp. Since last night, she was encountering some unanswered queasiness. If she hadn't met Prithvi and Sanjam's friends there, then things would have not turned out so badly for her. For a peck of moment with inexplicable happiness she thought Sanjam is surely there attending the utsaav and the other moment she learned he didn't come there at all. She was missing Sanjam like never before and couldn't find an answer for it. Even before she had missed him many times, then what was special or wrong that day? She did not expect Sanjam in the camp before meeting Sanyogita. Then what was the reason of the gloominess she was experiencing? She was also nervous with the previous day's talk with her parents, when they decided to get her marry after going back to Kannauj after the utsaav. Marrying and steeping into a new life with someone unknown was making her anxious and main reason was that her childhood and some important persons she knew, she would have to leave back or give them less priority in life henceforth. And Sanjam was counted in them. She considers Sanjam as a special person in her life, right from the beginning, but she was totally unaware of his feelings towards her. Unable to confirm to herself whether she is in love or its just a fatal attraction, and why she was missing him, she was too much disturbed. Suddenly coming out of the thought she tried to catch up what Amrit was muttering standing near her.
Men and women around her were engaged in excited conversation.
"Mele mein toh maja aane wala hai."
"Ha par asli maja toh shaam ko aayega, jab saare mehmaan yaha padharenge."
Chamki wished to go away from there in solitude and cry.
"Woh Surya aur koi nahi balki Maharaj Prithviraj Chauhan hai, yeh bhi hum sabse pehle matlab Maha Shivratri se pehle hi jaan gaye thhe." Amrit continued loudly.
"Kya Maharaj Prithviraj Chauhan? kaha??"
Amrit's sharp and loud voice again eaisily reached everyone's ears.
Someone again reacted excitedly. Chaos aroused and rumour lit up in the crowd. Prithvi and his extra-ordinary deeds were famous everywhere and among kings and princess. His bravey and chivalory was discussed among youngsters and children. His handsomeness was hot topic among women folk. People were always eager to see him. Since many royal people were going to visit the camp, this rumour of Prithvi coming there spread like a fire. It was also lited by sarpanch Hasmukhlal's soldiers and servants a day before.
"Maharaj Prithviraj Chauhan bhi aanewale hai." Many girls cried together joyfully.
"Maharaj Prithviraj Chauhan...."
"Sach mein??"
"Mujhe toh yakeen hi nahi ho raha hai?"
"Wakai mein."
Chamki, Surali, Arjun and Sanjam were frustrated by Amrit's thwarting soliloquy and its consequences around. Arjun and Sanjam did not want mob to know Prithvi's presence there. Even a single doubt in the crowd could make them pay a huge cost.
"Nahi woh yaha nahi hai." Chamki said nervously looking randomnly at everyone around.
"Toh kab aa rahe hai?"
Sanjam went near Amrit and pulled his cheeks with bitter expressions and said "He.. he..he.. Yeh bachha juth bol raha hai, Maharaj Prithviraj yaha nahi aanewale bhai, pakki kahbar hai."
"Nahi aanewale..." someone sighed sadly.
Chamki turned back sharply. She felt like she heard Sanjma's voice.
Amrit retracted himself from Sanjam's grip "Humne aaisa kuch nahi kaha." He said with rage. His ego was slightly hurt. "Aur badon ko bachha kehte hue sharam nahi aati."
"Hamare liye toh tum bachhe hi ho... he.. he..h" He stopped abruptly when he saw Chamki staring him with suspicious looks.
"Chamki..." He said in Hasmukhlal's tone and smiled. Chamki pursed her lips angrily. She hated Hasmukhlal.
She was sure that something is really wrong with her, since she is hallucinating Sanjam's voice; Chamki ignored Hasmukhlal and moved aside sadly. Sanjam tried to follow her but Amrit stopped him.
"Aap aapna kaam kijiye. Apni umar ka khayal karo... Ladki ko chedoge toh pachtaoge." Amrit threatened him out of the blue and went behind Chamki.
"Kya??" Sanjam stood agape at Amrit's words.

The fields were fresh and green due to rainfall of the previous night. Since the road was wet, chariot wheels left prints on the swampy way. Pundir and Payal followed those and rode on the horses in search of Prithvi and Sanyogita. The climate was cloudy and cool. They were riding with a normal pace following the track. There was worry on their minds about the well-being of Prithvi and Sanyogita.
Payal and Pundir could not question the remaining dacoit or goon or whoever he was, who attacked Payal and Sanyogita with others. He died on spot when a aashram sainik aimed a dagger at him. The remaining asharam sainiks agreed to take care of the wounded and dead soldiers by taking them to the near by village, while Payal and Pundir went behind Prithvi and Sanyogita. Payal told soldiers that she and Sanyogita will go back to the camp and inform Maya Maa and they need not worry about them.
After riding with speed for some time, Pundir slowed down his horse and came to a halt. Payal riding behind him too stopped. "Kya hua?" She asked with her pulse racing fast.
"Yeh dekh rahi ho?" He patiently pointed at the marks of wheels while his eyes eagerly followed them into the fields.
Payal got down and went near him to have a clear look. "Yeh nishan toh kheton mein ja rahe hai. Yeh yaha kaha chale gaye?"
"Ghode bekabu ho gaye thhe, kahi bhi ja sakte hai." Pundir too got down.
"Hey bhagwan, Sanyogita thik toh hogi!!!" Payal emoted worridely.
"Hum yehi se aandar kheton mein jate hai. Ghodon ko yahi chod dete hai."
They loosely tied their horses to the near by tree. "Chalo." He held her hand and set off into the muddy land of sugarcane field on feet.
With their swords they moved and cut the crops in their way to have a better look of the wheel marks on the ground. The tall sugarcane blocked the day light and were reluctant to let them through.

Main gate was thrown open and everyone started appaulsing and shouting with joy. Crowd ran at the gate and near the rope people were pushed back and forth by the soldiers and the mob. Drums struck in rhythm thrice and everyone hushed.
"Nagaon ke chahite Maharaj, aadarshta ke pratik, Maharaj Abhay Singh, Santoshi mata ke utsaav mein padhaar rahe haiiiiiiiii......"
A loud announcement was made followed by fast drums strokes and sound from other instruments. People started clapping and making noise. Drums struck again and first a group of eight walking soldiers with swords and shields marched in. Children were jumping in their places and were astonished to view the wonderful sequence.
Then came four decorated brown horses followed by triumph cry by an elephant. Swinging his trunk elephant stepped in accompanied by two equestrians and walking soldiers on either side waving Nagaon's flag up high in the air with proud. Elephant was graced with glittering cloth and velvets on the trunk as well as on the back. It had cushion filled seat on its back, having a beautifully decorated umbrella under which King Abhay Singh was seated. As the batallion moved ahead. Crowd Cheerfully made applause.
"Maharaj Abhay Singh ki...... Jaiiii" Two senapatis followed the king on horses. Behind them rode four more horses and then around eight to ten soldiers with swords and spears. They marched slowly and steadily in rhythm with music for sometime and halted after a specific distance.

"Maharaj Abhay Singh ki...... Jaiiii" Everyone said at a time while clapping hands. Chamki and Surali too clapped and viewed the scene fancily. Arjun and Sanjam too were watching everything with blooming heck. Abhay waved his right hand at everyone with smile. His left hand held the hilt of the sword that had hung concealed on his waist. He looked fresh and cheerful. Worry or stress about the festival was hidden behind the smile on his face. He was fair and of medium height. Like Payal he too had a round face and curly hair falling till shoulders. But his eyes were small, unlike his sister's whose were big and brown. He was in white and purple suite, normally wore while travelling. There was a royal silver turban on his head.
After the last paraders were inside at the fixed location, elephant was made to sit down and two soldiers came forward with bench for the knig to step down. Abhay Singh got down after his feet were washed with rose-petals water. Maha mantri moved forward with smile and welcomed him by garlanding him as he got down. Women came forward and did the aarti with diya and applied tiklak on his forehead and then moved back gracefully in queue. Jeevan came there. Body guards encircled the King. Arjun and Sanjam went near them through the crowd with great efforts.
"Maharaj Abhay Singh ka Santoshi mata ke utsaav mein swagat hai." Maha mantri bowed down. Jeevan and other soldiers too bowed down after him.
"Aapne bahot achhi tayyari ki hai Maha mantriji. Hume badi prasannata ho rahi hai." Abhay praised maha mantri.
"Dhanyavaad Maharaj." Maha mantri smiled. He then turned at Jeevan "Yeh Jeevan hai, jisne iss utsaav mein hamari badi madat ki. Suraksha aur saari vyavastha inhone hi sambhali hai." Jeevan joined his hands in response to his praise and again bowed in front of his king.
"Kush raho Jeevan, dikh raha hai bahot mehnat ki hai aapne." He then moved his eyes on the crowd. "Sabka josh aur khushi dekh ke achha laga. Har saal ke tulana mein, iss saal bheed jyada hai. Yeh badi kushi ki baat hai." He completely turned at the crowd encircling him beyond guards. "Iss maha Utsaav mein aap sabhi bhaktajanon ka swagat hai."
Everyone clapped again.
"Maharaj Abhay Singh ki...... Jaiiii"
Abhay raised his hands and people became quite to hear more from him. Looking at Maha Mantri and Jeevan he asked "Par Seetapur ke sarpanch hume kahi nahi nazar aa rahe?"
Sanjam slightly bend his head down.
"Weh bahot hi jaruri kaam ke liye gaye hai, aa jayenge." Jeevan replied instantly. "Waqt par pohoch nahi payenge isliye sharmindgi jatayi hai unhone aur mafi bhi mangi hai."
"Koi baat nahi, woh aaye toh kehna humne unhe bulaya hai. Baaki sab thik?"
"Ji sab thik" Maha mantri said "Chaliye Maharaj." He movevd forward "Hum aapko aapke kaksh mein le chalte hai." Maha Mantri moved his hand showing him the red carpet which will straightly take them to the place where royal tents were set. Holding the sword in the case, Abhay smiled turning left and right at the men, women and children standing on both sides of the path behind ropes held by Seetapur soldiers.
"Maharaj Abhay Singh ki..... Jai."
"Maharaj Abhay Singh ki..... Jai."


For some minutes Prithvi lied on the ground to get rid of the birl in his head. He then made a spastic movement and got up quickly with jerk. He experienced onerousness since his clothes were wet and muddy as he collasped in a pot-holes. He looked around, his sight was blocked by tall crops from all side. There was a silent terror filled in the fields. He scanned the area and saw Sanyogita lying unconscious on the muddy ground at the foot of slanted sugarcanes. She had lost her consciousness because of shock.
Prithvi quickly dashed towards her with tumbles, since he had a cramp in his legs. He kneeled down besides her"Sanyogita..." He said fearfully watching her. With clenching teeths he apprehensively erupted the sugarcanes fallen on her to make her breathe openly. Moving ahead on knees he delicately raised her head by neck and rested it in his lap. "Sanyogita... " He wiped tresses and small leaves from her face and shook her slightly. "Aankhe kholo Sanyogita..." He patted her cheeks with his free hand. He could feel his pulse running fast and his heart palpitating. "Utho Sanyogita..... aankhen kholo." She did not respond. Ignoring rising terror in him he looked around for help and to his relief he heard the voices of approaching footsteps. By placing his finger below her nostrils he felt the air exhaled by her and felt a bit relief.
"Sanyogita....." This time he shook her hard and again patted her cheeks exquisitely. Horses were whinning in pain behind them. Sanyogita slowly made some movement. He rasied her up some more and paitiently watched the movements of her closed eyes and dried lips, waiting for her to wake up. Her face was covered with patches of mud. "Sanyogita..." calling her again he wiped her face with his trembling hand and started carasseing her face.
She opened her eyes and coughed. Prithvi raised her more and she suspired heavily, tring to understand the situation, her condition and slowly realised her pain. Above her she saw a familiar face eyeing her with concern. "Tum thik ho naa?" He asked.
Suddenly she got up. She sat on the ground shaking and clutching her dupatta tight with her fingers near her chest. With short quick breaths she looked around with her eyes moving in a ergodic fashion. She hadn't come out of the the trance of the accident she had faced. She was unable to register whats happening and where she is. Horses again gave out a sound of pain and then she recalled the danger she was in and she shivered. Prithvi was worried for her by watching her painful expressions. "Sanyogita..."He kept his hand on her shoulder.
She then noticed him and his presence besides her and she almost broke down crying "Prithvi........ Prithvi.."She cried and hugged him tightly sitting on the ground. "Prithvi.." Prithvi, without any hesitation hugged her back with concern, covering her with his arms and resting his chin on her head. He narrowed his brows deep in worry and there were tensed looks on his face. Closing his eyes, he patted her back and moved hand on her head to make her comfortable.
"Hum... hum dar gaye thhe..."
Prithvi opened his eyes."Kuch nahi hua hai Sanyogita...." He weaved his fingers in her tousled hair. "Sab thik hai... tum daro mat ... main hu naa." Saying that he kissed on her hair. She tighten her grip around him, pillowed her head on his chest comfortably and closed her eyes with relief, trying to breathe eaisily. Meanwhile he continued patting her.

They did not know how long they were freezed there in the same position, when he slowly moved his hand on her back, below her neck and unintentionally touched the wound she received with sword while defending herself "Aaa..."She yeild out a sigh of pain and broke apart from the hug with a grimace on her face.
"Kya hua Sanyogita?" Prithvi asked with worriedly. He again took his hand behind her and moved it randomly on her back and touched the wound below neck. "Aaa... nahi." She cried again. Prithvi brought his hand in front was shocked to see his hand red with blood.
"Kisne kiya yeh? Kisne chot pohchayi tumhe?" He couldn't bear that and tried to remember the faces of those people with whom he fought. His blood again started boiling with rage and concern. He held her arms and asked. "Kaun thhe woh log Sanyogita? Kiske aadmi thhe? Tum janti ho unhe?"
Unable to answer his vehement questions, she feebly shook her head.
"Batao mujhe mein unhe nahi CHODUNGA."Unknowingly out of overwhelming emotions he yelled. "KHATAM KAR DUNGA MEIN UNN SABKO..."
"Hume nahi pata..." She said fearfully eyeing him and was on the verge of crying and that sight of her made him realize his incomprehensible voilent emotions and he calmed down instantly. He exquisitely released her arms which were held tightly by him and felt guilty for his behaviour. Moving his trembling hand on her head, he softly asked with chocked voice "Bahot dard ho raha hai?"
She nodded her head feeling better with his kind attention. He was about to hug her again when one horse nickered and got up on his own and they heard the clear voices of people from above.
"Thik toh tum dono?"
"Yeh kya ho gaya???"
"Yeh rath kaise gir gaya...??"
"Lagta hai ghode bekabu ho gaye thhe...... jorose aawaj aayi."
Prithvi got up stumbling and looked at everyone.
"Chhori thik toh hai." Saying this two women went near Sanyogita and along with Pritvhi helped her to get up.
Three men present there calmed down the horses and lift the chariot.
By that time Prithvi and Sanyogita's heart beat became normal.
Prithvi consciously watched and examined the area and the people around. From their clothes they seemed to be farmers. He saw round and shallow cauldron, axe and choppers in their hands. Their clothes were muddy. They had tied a cloth on their head.
"Aap dono thik ho? Aur yeh hadsa hua kaise."
"Kahase ho?"
Thinking quickly, Prithvi answered"Hum yahi Seetapur ke Santoshi mata ke utsaav mein ja rahe thhe, aur ghode achanak bekabu ho gaye."
He wiped the sweat on his forehead by his sleeves.
"Arey dekho toh, chori kaise kaap rahi hai, kapde gile ho gaye and mitti lagi hai." A women shouted excitedly.
"Nahi, hum thik hai.." Sanyogita said avoiding the embarrasing situation.
"Thik kaise? Pith se toh khun bhe raha hai.... hai ram" The same women gasped in horror and touched the wound.
Sanyogita twinged with agony and squalled, making Prithvi stabbed too.
"Hum chalte hai." Sanyogita said and moved near Prithvi. He could make out she was not fine.
"Nahi nahi.. aaisi halat mein kaha jaoge. Aap hum logon ke saath chaliye, dawa patti lagayi, thik ho jayiye, phir chale jana."
"Nahi abhi hume nikalna hoga." Sanyogita spoke in sharp tone.
Prithvi scanned the area again "Par aap log.. "
But before Prithvi completed his sentence, one guy said "Hum kisaan babuji. Yehi pass mein hamari basti hai. Aap chaliye hamare saath."
Watching everyone, Prithvi slowly nodded his head.
"NAHI...." Sanyogita almost shouted looking at everyone. "Humne kaha naa hume wapas jana hai." She found that it difficult control her anger out of pain and worry.
Everyone present there exchanged strange looks at her intransigent behaviour. Prithvi however, understood her intolerance.
"Hume jaldi wapas jana chahiye." Sanyogita met her eyes with Prithvi's. Prithvi saw there was torment on her face.
"Dekho, zid mat karo tumhari chot gehri hai, dawa lagake tum thik ho jao, phir hum wapas chalte hai."
"Payal... " She whispered worridely. "Hume Payal ki phikar ho rahi hai Prithvi... woh waha.."
"Pundir hai uske saath. Mein usse aaise khatreme akele chodke kaise aata? Tum uski phikar mat karo woh Pundir ke saath surakshit hogi. Tumhara dard kam ho jaye phir hum usi raste se wapas utsaav chalte hai."
Sanyogita wasn't fully satisfied, but did not argue on knowing that Pundir is there with Payal.
Without wasting anytime, Prithvi told farmers "Chaliye, hum aapke saath aate hai."

"Bolo maa Santoshi ki..... Jaiii."
Temple pandits were done with the pooja and certain rituals. Rituals were performed with utmost care to provide a very astheric and spiritual experience for the festival. Aarti was about to begin. Pleasant fragnance of agarbatti (incense sticks) and dhup (aromatic coal cubes) made the enviornment lively and enchanting. The air in and around temple was filled with bouquet of flower garlands. Many buds in the gardlands on the walls had blossomed into flowers. The little lamps along the walls were glowing.
Security was strict around and inside the temple. The shrine and main porch in its front was closed with ropes on all sides. It was cleaned and well decorated and pandits did not want it to be untidy untill evening's main aarti was done by the hands of chief guest. People were standing beyond the rope, in the adjacent halls and corridors full of beams and pillars. In the evening after maha-aarti, door of the shrine will be opened for everyone.
People were ready completing all their morining activities for the aarti. Along with all devotees Chamki, her family and surali were standing in the temple hall, joining hands. She met Devrat's parents who were happy to see her and Surali.
Chamki was standing with closed eyes and joined hands, waiting for aarti to begin. She turned back when she sensed some weird movement behind her. And to her utter disgust, she saw Hasmukhlal standing with Arjun who was in disguise too. She did not recognize Arjun. Hasmukhlal smiled fearfully at Chamki joing his hands, meanwhile Arjun tried to control his laughter. "Besharam Budhha!!" Chamki muttered showing disdain on her face. Amrit who did not have any company there, except his parents, decided to be with Chamki. He too was there and standing behind her, thinking that he is behaving gentlemanly by blocking Hasmukhlal from reaching and disturbing her.
"Yeh kya ho raha hai?" Surali noticed, Chamki's uneaisiness.
"Woh Hasmukhlal, kal raat se mera picha nahi chod rahe hai. Par woh Maharaj Jaichand aur Sanyogita ke dost hai." Chamki continued quickly, before Surali reacted. "Isliye chup baithna hi thik hai."
"Ha... ha"
Surali shot a disgusting look at Sanjam, to which Sanjam reacted with shock and confusion.
Leaving Surali and her parents, Chamki moved ahead and disappeared in the crowd of devottees who were waiting with joined hands, for the aarti to begin. Amrit too followed her who doubted Hasmukhlal's action and gave him a revengeful look. Sanjam and Arjun ignored him and they too followed Chamki passing through the crowd. Chamki turned back and her fear confirmed when she again saw Hasmukhlal with the same smile. But this time instead of anger, there was doubt and tension on her face. She was scared and ignored him with scourn looks. There was no place to move but still she slightly kept on shifting away on her foot.
"Woh mujhe galat samaj rahi hai." Sanjam whispered in Arjun's ear, joining his hands and looking in front.
"Galat samjhegi hi. Tum aaisi harkate jo kar rahe ho." Arjun smirked "Jaldi se bata kyun nahi dete ke tum kaun ho? Aaishi picha karte rahe toh chata padega uska."
Sanjam quickly kept hand on his cheeks.
"Woh mauka de toh naa?" Sanjam said sadly. "Aur upar se yeh bevakopof Amrit. Par mein usse jhat se bol dunga ab." saying this he started moving near her.
"Apna khayal rakhna." Arjun wished him smiling naughtily.
"Tum bhi chalo." Sanjam snatched him.

"Sambhalke" Pundir held Payal by her arms when she was about to fall down because of the slippary ground. "Ha... hum thik hai." She consciously managed not to collaspe again.
"Mera haath pakad lo."
She held his hand tight and they continued making their way through the murky field.
"Prithvi aur Sanyogita ka toh kahi naam-o-nishaan nazar nahi aa raha hai." Payal was non-stop framing her worries in words. "Ghode yaha se kaha bhage honge? Aage koi khai toh nahi hai naa?"
With each step they were saving their face and arms from cuts of the throne and twigs. Payal's hair had gone bushy and she had tied her dupatta on one side. Pundir too was tensed but he was silent and was acting and thinking quickly.
"Umeed Hai Sanyogita thik hogi."
"Phikar mat karo, Prithvi gaya tha uske piche, woh usse kuch nahi hone dega." Pundir replied.
After walking few distance they heard sound of the horse tapping its feet and they procedded in that direction. They saw the prints of horse and wheels. They Quickly reached the placed where Prithvi and Sanyogita were hurled. They saw horses and the vacant chariot.
Payal: "Rath toh Yeh raha. Lagta hai weh yahi gir gaye honge aur bach bhi gaye."
Pundir: "Par yaha se kaha gaye?" He rotated and scanned the place. And again he saw foot-prints of many legs on the ground. "Lagta hai yaha aur bhi log thhe." He carefully observed the marks on the land and he was sure that no fight like thing happened there.
"Matlab?" Asked Payal looking at the ground when Pundir pointed his finger.
"Matlab ke, unhe yaha kisine bachaya hoga."
"Kisne?"
"Yaha kaun ho sakta hai?"
"Kissan??"
"Sahi kaha... Ho sakta kisanon ne unki madat ki ho. Chalo inn kadmo ke nishano ka picha karte hai." Keeping sword ready in one hand and helding Payal's hand in other, he tried to sense danger, if any, hidden in the tall sugarcanes. Standing on his toes he saw the area till far end his sight could reach and followed the foot prints.

Being impatient to tell her his true identity, Sanjam again positioned himself near Chamki who was then standing with her head slightly bent, hands joined and eyes closed, in the temple hall with other devotees. Sanjam stared at her, appreciating and admiring her simple and innocent form. She opend her eyes and gasp in horror when saw Hasmukhlal staring her.
"Itni himmat?" Tough scared of thinking on what Hasmukhlal is upto, she shot him an angry look. Sanjam closed his eyes with hands joined and then tried to askant at her through corner of his eyes. She did the same.
"Kya chahiye aapko?" Fianlly Chamki asked angrily, though she did not want to create any scene there.
"Tum."
"Kya??" Chamki widened her eyes in rage and her brows disappeared in the hair buds on her forehead.
"Mera matlab hai, tumse jaruri baat karni hai Chamki."
"Chamkiji kaho!!"
"Chamkiji dekho, naa mat bolna, mein tum... aapko mere baare mein sab dikhana ... nahi batana chata hu."
"Sharam nahi aati aapko."
Sanjam looked confused. "Usme sharam aanewali kya baat hai?" He gesticulated.
"Besharam budhhe, dur ....."
"Kya baat hai Chamki?" Amrit came behind them. "Yeh aadmi tumhe tang kar raha hai?"
"Ha." Chamki answered bitterly. "Picha kar raha hai mera kabse."
"Tum phikar mat karo, mein hu naa." Amrit pushed Sanjam slightly and stood near Chamki.
Feeling annoyed, Sanjam was about to hit Amrit on his head, but Arjun held his hand at the right moment. "Abhi nahi mere bhai, shantise kaam lo."
"SHANTISE..." Sanjam shouted uncontrollably.
Everyone turned at him. "Shhhh..."
Feeling abhashed, he said "Kuch nahi... maaf karna...."
"Kya hai... aage dekho naa.." Sanjam told a guy who was angrily looking at him.
Amrit turned at him "Yeh mandir hai, yaha tameez se pesh aana samjhe, varna..."
Sanjam: "Varna ? Varna kya karoge tum?"
Arjun whipered "Nahi ..."
"Mein..." Amrit took his sleeves back. Sanjam did the same.

Till then there were movements in the front and they experienced automatic forward drive from the back. King Abhay entered along with Maha mantri and Jeevan in the shrine of the temple through a private door. Somebody shouted, "Maharaj Abhay Singh ki Jai." But Abhay came out in the porch and asked them to keep quiet by raising his hands. "Hum mandir mein khade hai." He said with serious expressions "Yaha sirf Santoshi maa ke naam ka jayjay kaar hoga."
He then raised his hand and smiled at Pandit.
Pandit gave him the aarti plate and turning towards mob cried "Bolo Maa Santoshi ki......."
"JAIIIII........"
The aarti began with clangoring sounds of bells, clappings and powerful yet melodious voices of devottes. The atmosphere was charged. Sanjam and Chamki too started clapping with everyone and kept eyeing and missing glances of each other through the corner of their eyes. Arjun meanwhile was waiting for Jeevan to glance at him once and noticed that Jeevan was avoiding his presence.

*********************** End of Part 20 ***********************

************************* Part 22 ***************************

Farmers channelized Prithvi and Sanyogita through a beeline that started with the end of sugarcane fields. The road was narrow packed by trees, with dense bushes and plants blossoming colourful flowers on both sides. There were many pebbles, big stones and pot-holes laid on the brown earth on their way. The sun was rising with mild rays spread on the eastern sky and giving the yellowish glow to the environs. The climate was cool since it rained the previous night and the visible sky above was almost covered by light grey clouds with sun rays glinting through breaches of the clouds. Earth around was clean and green, the rain had washed out the dust from leaves and branches and flowers. Even the wild flowers along the way looked beautiful waving with the wind and were smiling at the passers.
"Bas aa hi gayi hamari basti." A farmer named Gopal said pointing his hand straight ahead and smiling excitingly at Prithvi who was waiting to see any locality around. One woman and a small girl with snotty nose, in shabby clothes were walking on either side of Sanyogita. The little girl was holding Sanyogita's hand. She was periodically glancing back at Prithvi who gave her a smile each time she turned. Also she was fancily staring Sanyogita looking up through her small, innocent and popping eyes and smiling foolishly. She hadn't seen such a beautiful fille as Sanyogita. But Sanyogita who was involved in bearing the pain on her back, hardly paid attention to the small girl's smile and wondering expressions. Sanyogita's left foot was ailing slightly as she stepped.
Prithvi was walking tardily behind her, thinking what to do next. He wished to carry her in his arms as he did last time, when he saved her from dacoits. That was a throbbing moment for him when he saw his Nandini (that time he did not know her real identity) lying alone, helpless and in a piteous condition under a tree at night while dacoits were approaching her. It was absolutely intolerable for him to find her hurt and affrighted. He couldn't explain how much he was thankful to God then, for sending him there at the right place and at the right time, otherwise; he slightly quivered at the thought, what would have happened to his Sanyogita that night. He shook his head and prayed God to keep Sanyogita safe and if needed always send him to help her, protect her from any danger and to fight for her. He remembered he had scolded her that night for her insanity of coming alone in the jungle behind a messenger and then he remembered his pleasing experience of nourishing her wounds and lifting her in his arms. But now everything has changed between them, he knew, since he waffled to do so. He was again loaded with many doubts and worries. He has to return back with Sanyogita to Santoshi mata's camp, complete his mission, complete the function too and solve the remaining mystery. Once their wounds were alimented, he has to take a way back. He was wondering which is this place and why is he there so unexpectedly? But walking in that bush-packed and flowery lane was very refreshing and his weakness was disappearing. In spite of small pains and hurts he was feeling happy and hoped the same for Sanyogita.
An old man was walking with him with the help of stick and was bombarding Prithvi with questions about his whereabouts. Prithvi told him that he was merchant's son "Surya".
"Kaha ke ho?"
Prithvi: "Yehi Seetapur ke pass."
"Vyapariyo ke basti mein?"
Prithvi: "Ha."
"Aur Kitni kheti-baadi hai tumhare pass?"
Prithvi: "Kheti??"
On asking whether Sanyogita is his wife, Prithvi nodded his head. Sanyogita was listening to their talk and she was sure that Prithvi nodded his head. By then they were used to that typical husband-wife drama.
"Bachhe kitne?"
"Bachhe...??" Prithvi raised his brows. "Ha.. woh.. do char"
Sanyogita turned back at him sharply.
"Aaaaa... nahi" Looking at her, Prithvi changed his reply "Waise... usike liye hi hume Santoshi mata ke Utsaav jana hai. Bas Maa ka aashirwad le le."
"Bahot achha.. bahot achha." Saying that the old man and women blushed.
Unknown to themselves Prithvi and Sanyogita too smiled watching other's innocence and smile.

In the camp.....
The vast space area far behind the temple and beyond the tents was divided in two parts. On one side preparations for the evening function was going on by making sitting arrangements for the all the dignity members, other people, Chief guest, companions and host. On the other part the wondrous and sumptuous fair was set, for the last day celebration of Goddess Santoshi's festival.
At the first sight of the pearlescent view of the fair, anyone's vivification and exhilaration would be double. It was lively, it was attractive, it was noisy and pleasant and crowded with cheerful faces. What was special about it was that along with fun and 'unity in diversity' theme, the fair promoted the sale and use of goods and products of different regions which are unique and special in their own way, thus uplifting and thriving the business of every valuable things as well as regional art across the empires and nation. There was sale cum exhibition of variety of things in the fair. The ground was arranged in blocks of tents, each with its own identity being named after the region or tradition. People had raised the flags of their regions high in the sky. There were colourful stalls running in well maintained queues selling variety of items like bangles, jewelries, dresses, potteries, paintings, utensils, crops, grains, wooden items, tools etc depicting the traditions of different kingdoms. Food stalls with different regional tastes were set in one area. Different rides and swings handled by manual efforts, labyrinths, bull fights, wrestling and games like shooting, aiming, archery, balancing on head, quizzes were arranged in different corners. Also there were palmists, soothsayers and sorcerers tents set. Special athletes and jocks were invited to perform various stunts and adventurous sports to entertain the crowd.
Maharaj Abhay Singh in a kingly attire, commenced the fair by unveiling the grand statue of his grandfather riding a horse and then lightened the lamps placed at the main entrance of the fair. He was accompanied by his senaptis, Maha Mantri, Jeevan, soldiers and huge herd of devotees. There was a big sound of applaud followed by Abhay's speech on the purpose of the festival, on widening vision and on mutual co-operation. There were slogans "Maharaj Abhay Singh ki..... Jai" spread on the big ground. The gates were opened for everyone who let out a cry of joy and excitement.
"Yehhhhhhh.....!!!"
Abhay as a formality visited few stalls, met few athletes, artists and palmists and then left for his tent on an urgent basis. The screams and giggles of fairgoers, the smell of eatables went wafting through the air. Noisy and boisterous revelry of the devotees engaged in enjoying the fair, illumed the spirits of the camp.

Up and down the lane they walked for some time, till they came out in the open fields. Prithvi saw there was a small clean rivulet passing ahead. It was shallow letting anyone to cross it on feet. "Pata hai..... iss nagar ko Sangam nagar bulate hai. Pahadon se ek zharna iss chotisi nadi ko milta aur yeh nadi jake yaha ke uss badi nadi ko ja milti hai." Gopal said happily. "Iss jagah pe sangam hote hai babuji."
Prithvi smiled looking at Gopal and then saw on the far right there were mustard fields and beyond them there were small hills covered with trees. On the far left there were queues of multi-colored flowers. Right beyond the rivulet, on the other bank of the river he saw many huts forming a small locality. Those were the same type of huts whose slanting roofs were covered with hay. Among them at a far end a temple roof was also seen on the hill .

Each time he saw a different type of beauty in her and wondered how much more should he appreciate her beauteousness. The more he did the lesser it was. Her fair complexion glowed with the dress she wore or the costume was looking good since she wore it, he could not make out. It made her look more slim and tall. Ornaments she wore were like lucent morning dew drops lying on the flower petals. She had set her hair open behind her veil. Prithvi moved his eyes as the hair bud which was dancing on her left smooth cheek. He hadn't stopped appreciating her unique beauty completely when somebody's cheerful shout distracted him.

"Tumhe thik lag raha hai ab?" He asked in low voice remembering that she was hurt few moments before.
Sanyogita nodded her head and shly made sure her wound at back is covered by spreading her hair and veil. She thought he might innocently ask her to show the wound to him and he did ask the very next moment "Zakham toh thik hai naa? Dikhao mujhe". She abashly shook and nodded her head in a random fashion saying "Nahi... bas..woh...woh.. thik hai."
Prithvi kept quite and turned to a side realizing what he was asking for. He was standing awkwardly with her, pursing his lips and rubbing his hands, at the same time he was busy thinking who must have hurt her.
"Tumhe kisipe shak hai Sanyogita? Kaun ho sakte hai woh log, jinohne tumpe aur Payal pe hamala kiya?"
"Pata nahi. Hume pehele laga ke woh daku hai, par unhe toh hume mar dalne ki padi thi."
Prithvi closed his fist tight, unable to hear it. "Par tum aaj Kannauj laut rahi ho, yeh baat toh sirf tumhe, Payal ko aur Maya maa ko pata thi naa??.... nahi par??, Jaichand,... mera matlab hai Maharaj Jaichandne tumhe aaj subeh wapas aashram jane ko kaha hai..... yeh baat aur kisiko bhi toh pata chal chuki hogi."
"Aur kisiko?"
"Kannauj ka dushman ya jo tumhe marna chahta ho,...... par kaun? Aur Kyun?." He thought who were the foes of Jaichand. He was off-course the first one, but he would prefarably die, if such thought even occcured to him to fullfill his enmity. Then who must be the one? He pondered on his neighbouring kingdoms, Kannauj's trade business. He was well-known and updated with all the news about Kannauj, till he reached Santoshi mata's place. He couldn't guess any name.
"Par Prithvi." Sanyogita distracted him. "Woh hamala Payal pe bhi toh hua hoga."
"Payal pe?" He wondered why "Woh kya koi ..."
"Rajkumari hai woh bhi."
"Ha??" Prithvi squinched at her. Through Payal's behaviour, he felt that she is definitely not a commoner. But he did not thought on that matter much. With Sanyogita with him, how could he think or pay attention to anybody else?
"Woh Nagaon ki Rajkumari hai." Sanyogita said.
"Nagaon ki.....??" Prithvi was surprised "Matlab Maharaj Abhay Singh..."
Sanyogita: "Uske bade bhai hai."
"Achha!!!" For sometime he stood thinking on it. Now he got the answers for Payal's bossy and brave nature. "Aur woh apne hi utsaav mein tumhari tarah ek aam ladki ban ke shamil thi."
Sanyogita nodded her head.
"Aur kya Maharaj Abhay Singh ko iss baat ki khabar hai?"
"Nahi..... isliye toh Maya maa ne usse bhi hamare saath asharam bhejna chaha, hamare pitaji ka khat milne par."
"Khat!! Toh tumhe kya lagta hai, Maharaj Jaichand ko tumhare yaha hone ki khabar kaise mili?"
Prithvi had some guesses but he decided not to speak and spoil the mood. Sanyogita recalled her discussions with Chamki and Payal
"Samaj mein nahi aa raha.... woh jasus.."
"Maarooo aur jor se maaroo.." Cheering for the wrestlling was in the air.
Prithvi and Sanyogita were automatically mixed up with the cheering crowd roaming around.
"Yee... aur..."
Sanyogita and Prithvi looked at the matmen, both were equally fat and tall. Their bellies jounced up and down as they were wriggling. They attacked on each other's dhoti to defeat and that scene was very amusing to watch which made Prithvi and Sanyogita grin. They again moved out of the crowd.
With the same smiling face Prithvi said, "Jaise hi hamare kapde suk jaye hum utsaav laut jayenge, thik hai."
"Thik hai." Sanyogita answered "Hum umeed karta hai Payal aur Pundir utsaav pohch gaye honge."
"Nahi, mujhe nahi lata, Pundir hume dhundne ki puri koshish kar raha hoga, Kya pata woh hume dhundte dhundte yaha bhi aa jaye."
For a moment Sanyogita thought of asking him how he reached in time the place where she and Payal were attacked? What made him leave the camp and come behind her? But then she realised she did not need answers to those questions. It was more than enough for her, that he was there at the right time when she really needed him. And this was not for the first time, she knew. Even before this had happened, he came for her whenever she thought of him and awaited for him the most. "Kya Prithvi ek vardan nahi hai tumhare zindagi mein?" A question aroused in her mind followed by Payal's words "Kismat tumhe mauke de rahi hai Sanyogita, varna kyun milti Prithvi se tum yaha?"
"Waise.. Prithvi" She open her mouth to thank him.
"Nahi.." Prithvi stopped her and whispered "Tum mujhe yaha Surya bulao, thik hai."
Sanyogita shyly tucked her hair bud behind her ear bending her head down and remembering the Surya she met in yatra, while Prithvi endearingly kept on watching her smile which was locked in her fair and smooth cheeks .
"Thik hai Surya" Sanyogita looked up at him "Aur tum hume Nandini kaho."
Prithvi grinned and said "Toh Nandani kya baat hai?"
Sanyogita tried to smile at him. "Hum tumhe dhanyawad kehna chahte hai.." After much effort she spoke.
"Kis baat ka?"
"Abhi daudte rath se hume bachaya aur pehle bhi agar tum aur Pundir waqt pe nahi aate toh... hum aaj mar.."
Prithvi quickly placed hand on her lips fearing to hear anything unbearing or bad from her. "Aaisi baat mat karo Nandani, jab tak mere dam mein dam hai, mein tumhe kuch nahi hone dunga." He shook his head with concern.
His words touched her heart and she felt very badly that she is wrong somewhere in understanding him. She felt like crying because she did not know what to do. Out of edginess her eyelashes flickered and he retracted his hands from her mouth. He shifted himself and his mind on the combatants, trying to catch who was winning.
"Tumse ek baat karni hai Surya." Sanyogita again moved forward near him.
"Ha kaho.."
"Woh ... hum" She did not understand, What to say, How to start and was feeling nervous.
"Bhaiyya girao usse...... jor se... yeeee" Everyone was shouting in the background.
"Bahot achhe" Prithvi turned there clapping hands and laughed with others.

Prithvi held off for her to speak up and felt her fidgetiness. Moving near her, he said with pleading tone."Nandini, mein tumse ek gujarish karna chahta hu." He intermitted for her to nod her head or reply, but she was silently observing his gestures, so he continued without disinclination. "Bas yeh ek aakhari baar.... tum bhul jao ke tum mujhse nafarat karti ho, hamare bich koi kadavahat hai. Kuch pal ke liye...." He paused "Utsaav lautne tak hi, sab kuch bhulake dosti hi kar lo mujhase. Jo bhi gile shikve hai woh baad mein chedna. Mein bhi tumse vaada karta tumhe beete hue kal ki kahani yaad dilake, tumhe aur pareshaan nahi karunga." Ha again paused "Cahlo ek baar phirse wohi ajnabi Surya aur Nandini ban jate hai ek dusare ke liye. Mein... mein tumhara ehsanndmand rahunga. " He glanced around treasuring the nature's green and pure beauty, cheerful and fresh atmosphere, smelling the pleasant and mesmerizing smell of the watered earth and enjoying the breeze which was kissing softly on their faces. "Woh... baat yeh hai, apni zimmedari nibhate nibhate mein toh yeh bhul hi gaya tha ke duniya ke kisi kone mein aaise pyaari jagah bhi hai jo tumse kahe ke pal bhar ke liye zindagi khusi se ji lo." He smiled shyly. "Barso baat aaise nazare dekh raha hu, toh pata nahi kyun par itne pyaare mausamme.... mein udasi nahi chahta, mein hasna chahta hu, ji bhar ke kush hona chahta hu, jhumna chahta hu aur....." Prithvi did not come to know when his eyes were locked with hers. Sanyogita felt like he should go on talking to her for eternity and let no time stop them. Being transfixed she did not respond him, but stared till Anita brought a glass of milk for Prithvi.
"Bibiji dudh thanda ho raha hai, pijiye... aur Suyraji yeh aapke liye." He took the glass of milk. Sanyogita without looking anywhere drank half of it and felt nice for something gone in stomach after a strange experience.
A flock of parrots flew over them with sweet screeching noise. "Surya upar dekho..." Sanyogita said quickly with smile, keeping hand on his shoulder. Prithvi saw around fifteen to twenty green parrots swiftly moved over them to the west, towards the blue clear mountains. While flying together they appeared as a single green entity in the vast blue sky covered with cotton like clouds forming wonderful shapes.
"Kitna sundar nazara tha, hai naa." Sanyogita spoke. "Kaha ja rahe honge yeh?"
"Woh waha." Prithvi pointed his finger at the apparent picturesque horizon where the light blue sky met the dark purple mountains. "Jaha dharti aur aasman mil rahe hai." He smiled. "Yeh jagah sach mein ek SangamNagar hai."
"Hum bhi udna chahte hai waha." Sanyogita said dreamily watching parrots till they became minute specks. There was sensualism in her expressions, body language and tone.
Noise around brought Sanyogita back from dreams. "Jeet gaye ... bhaiya jeet gaye,....." Children squalled and the winner raised his hands high with proud. "Hai koi aur..." He was issuing a challenge to the people around. More elder people joined in the crowd, who were continously laughing and babbling in a weird manner. Prithvi saw they were even not able to walk properly and collasped on each other. Prithvi and Sanyogita couldn't help laughing.
Prithvi was challenged and slowly after arguing a lot was dragged in the small chamber meant for wrestling. Opponent was healthier and taller than Prithvi. Their fight started with ducks and dodges, few blows by him and self-defending stunts by Prithvi. It was more of a fun than a competition. Prithvi's opponent's egotism was hurt by his inability to defeat Prithvi for a long time and his own people too started cheering for Prithvi. To divert his anger and calm himself down, Prithvi's opponent drank more milk. His strength increased as he drank milk with every pause, and Prithvi did not mind his breaks. Prithvi too drank one forth half glass of milk when Anita and Sanyogita insisted strongly. Prithvi and his opponent started drubbing each other slightly. At last Prithvi made him lie on the ground and sat on his big and fat, macho bare stomach, cheering playfully and teasing him like a child, instigating him, slightly pinching him and dabbing his stomach while laughing.
Sanyogita laughed loudly and whole-heartedly at the funny scene in front of her eyes. She had never seen Prithvi so joyous and so impish before. In enjoyment, she finished the milk from her glass. After the playful battle and ending the cheers with everyone, Prithvi went towards Sanyogita. She handed him his glass with laughter as the breeze fondled her face and hair lightly. For a moment she felt as if she was falling down and held Anita standing beside for support. After staring in nothingness for a moment she again started laughing.

"Itna kyun has rahi ho?"

"Woh dekho koi basti dikh rahi hai." Pundir ran forward till the edge of the water and scanned the area beyond it. He saw the way made through the shallow rivulet and decided to cross it. Payal came behind him suspiring. She was again exhausted with a long muddy walk. Her long skirt was dingy at the bottom. Watching the locality on other side she said excitedly "Woh toh kisaanon ki basti lag rahi ahi, ho sakta hai Prithvi aur Sanyogita wohi gaye ho."
"Ha, chalo hum wahi jake puchte hai."
They crossed the rivulet and were welcomed in the same way as Pritrhvi and Sanyogita were welcomed with wondering stares. On enquiring, Pundir and Payal came to know that there were two unknown guests at Gopal's house. Farmers guided them towards Gopal's house.
The situation was same outside Gopal's house. All family members were busy in weird activities and drinking milk. Payal was watching everyone with mouth agape. She was filled with suprise and excitement looking around and was grinning and pointing every unusual act of people to Pundir. "Unhe toh dekho". She said and laughed. "Aur woh dekho kya ka rahe hai."
Pundir however was searching Prithvi and Sanyogita everywhere ignoring the strange facts.
Gopal's family member too gathered and encircled them. Payal started feeling weird when others were observing and admiring them like Sanyogita and Prithvi. She smiled artificially at everyone and made "What-is-this-going-on" Kind of gestures at Pundir. Pundir quickly started his enquiry again.
"Kahi aap Surya aur Nandini ki baat toh nahi kar rahe?" Gopal asked after Pundir finished.
Payal: "Surya aur Naandini?? Nahi .. hum toh..."
"Ha ha.. sahi kaha tumne.." Pundir interuppted "Ha woh Surya aur Nandini ...bilkul., toh kaha hai woh?"
"Par aap log?"
Pundir: "Hum unke dost hai, unke saath hi thhe, unke ghode bekabu ho gaye..."
"Tote tote.." A man was singing standing near him and pointing his finger in the sky and laughed again "Tote pakad rahe hai."
Payal looked up, being bewildered.
Another guy standing there started crying and few were giggling.
"Yaha kya bheed lagai hai, jao yaha se ... sab pagal ho gaye hai." Those who were in better condition drived weird people away.
"Surya aur Nandini thik toh hai naa?" Payal fearfully asked Gopal whom she found as the only sensible guy there.
"Ha ha... aap unki phikar mat karo woh bilkul sahi salamat hai." Goapl replied.
Payal and Pundir felt relief to hear this and they exchanged smile.
"Phir hai kaha woh dono?" Pundir asked looking at each face standing close to them.
On asking this few people standing there embarrasly started looking at each other. Pundir noticed their hesitation and nervousness. "Kya hua?"
"Woh thik hai, hai naa?" Payal reassured watching their expressions.
"Ji woh baat yeh hai." Gopal came forward and glinting at Anita and Sunita said "Hamari badi beti ki shadi kal hi taay hui, hamare parivaar ki dushmani khatam ho gayi, hamare yaha khushiya chaa gayi."
Payal and Pundir exchanged strange looks on hearing Gopal's irrelevant talk and they could not make out a word he was trying to explain.
"Toh kal hi humne taay kiya ki aaj hum khushiya manayenge." A women joined Gopal.
Payal and Pundir were going impaitent.
"Surya aur Nandini kaha hai?" Pundir asked worriedly since nobody was answering them properly.

*********************** End of Part 22 ***********************

Precap of next Parts:

Gracefully lifting her skirt by one hand, Sanyogita while sidling beside the flower bed, swiftly moved the other hand on the waving and blossomed flower buds and thus enjoying their blissfull touch she cheerfully added "Dekho toh yeh kaliya kaise khil uthi hai."
Totally submerged into a fascinated world and relishing the charm he was encountering, Prithvi plucked a bonny flower and while admiring its beauty, he handed it to her with a graceful smile, softly adding "Kuch kaliyan chune par hi khilti hai!!!"
Unable to understand his words and think further being mesmerized by his persona, she took the flower, gently touching his fingers and eyeing him seductively, asked "Kaise?"
She was getting lost in his eyes as she saw him approaching her and at the same time she tried to take heed of the melodiuos sound of the flowing lucent stream near by.

"Pani pinese tumhari moch thik ho jayegi?" Pundir commented and started doubting her.
"Haaa..... "
"Bano mat Payal." He squinched at her.
"Hum sach keh rahe hai, aur hume pyaas bhi lagi hai, kya tum hmne pani bhi nahi pilaoge?"
"Thik hai phir, chalo jaldi, par ..... tum zharne ke pass pohchogi kaise?"
"Tumhare saath."
"Mein kya kar sakta hu?"
"Uthake le chalo."
"Tumhe??"
"Nahi iss pathhar ko." Smiling sarcastically Payal pointed at he stone on which she was sitting, then made an obtuse face at him.
Never ever being in such a diffident situation, Pundir hesitated. He was astonished by the open and frank attitude of Payal. He looked around aimlessly and swallowed hard. "Dekho maine kabhi kisiko aaise uthaya nahi hai. Mujhe yeh sab nahi aata, mein tumhare liye pani yaha lane ka kuch intazaqam karta hu."
"Tab tak der nahi hogi? Prithvi aur Sanyogita ka dhundna hai naa jaldise." Payal said hiding the smile getting displayed on her bubbly face.
"Toh pehle mein unhe dhund ke lata hu.." Pundir became confused "Tab tak tum yahi..."
"Tum hume yaha akele aur pyaase chod doge?"
"Nahi.." Pundir quickly answered when she spoke in a hapless tone, pursing his lips, he started sweating. He hesisted to even to bend down to carry her, but ultimately stretched out his hands and eaisily lifted her in his arms.

"Dekho mein tumhe bata deti hu, mein kisi aur se pyaar karti hu."
Chamki said while trying to block her tears. Again glancing around to find some way to escape from the labyrinth in which she was trapped with Sanjam, she tried to make herself secure by uttering the truth she realized on the spur of the moment.
Taken aback, Sanjam stared her and pondered on what he heard. Keeping aside the thrill he was experiencing, he mustered the courage and spoke up "Kisase?"
"Delhi ke Sanjam Rai se." Undoubtedly Chamki answered with grimace on her face, while Sanjam encountered a flock of happiness, which he had never ever received. His breathe was held and mouth agape he stared her with stunned looks which ultimately turned into a naughty one. He tried his best to stop the overwhelming emotions reflecting on his face in the form of blushing. Meanwhile Chamki, while scarily moving back propped on the green, chaparral covered labyrinth wall.

"Woh Sanyogita jo Maya Maa ke saath thi, woh koi aur nahi balki, Kannauj ki Rajkumari Sanyogita hai."
"KYAAA??"
"Ha.."
"Rajkumari Sanyogita!!!"
"Toh weh Prithviraj Chauhan ke saath kya rahi thi?"
"Yehi toh sochne wali baat hai."

All four Prithvi, Pundir, Sanyogita and Payal returned to the camp. Prithvi and Sanyogita took disguise of Hajarimal and Sundri.

I will try to udate the next parts soon.

hey finally u are back..........
i was waiting for it from so long............
almost 3 months.......
its my fav ff ever on this forum....
u are great
going to read now and then give my views.......
till then

👏
for posting them and a big thanks..........

thanks for the update pls. continue ...great work I must say ppiyu 😳 😃

👏 Finally! BTW I somehow knew that the first part was a dream..but damn good though 😃

Waiting for next part! 😃

Yieeeeeepyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy 😆
Ppiya Back With Reunion...🤗
Will Read It n then Comment But itz gonna be Fantastic as alwayz 😃

ge8 piyu amazing thx yaar for posting ur story i just love itu kow that how much i love ur story thats why i always ask for ur story cant wait to read next part post soon and dont send sayongita back