‘Yes, I still love her very much, but the empire is yours to lose not mine.’ Karam stood defiant. ‘How many Mughal dynasties have bloodied thrones, with their kith and kin killing for power? I always suspected you and so does she.’ Rano seethed with anger. She never knew Karam would harbour such a deep violent suspicion that she would plot against her sister. That he would gather evidence of her plotting. There was no time for pretences anymore. ‘Whatever you may be implying, just know this and know this well. The PVP party is in a huddle. There was a rumour that the wife was going to take over. But once she takes over, God only knows what is going to happen. We need to secure our interests. We need to share secrets, if any. Winter is coming, and a dark one at that.’

The day started on a beautiful note as Rajjo sat under a mango tree, on a bench bordering the lawns of the old Residency, listening to the drone of bees and the harsh cawing of crows. She enjoyed the crowded market street, old houses and traffic chaos right outside this peaceful haven. The narrow lanes of Aminabad bazaar in old Lucknow danced with colour and movement. Popular Bollywood film music blared out from small food kiosks. Flower sellers heaped marigold and jasmine garlands, and fruit and vegetable stalls were piled high with ripened produce. Cows ambled through the crowds, unhindered with an air of self-importance. The kaleidoscope of a busy bazaar was the beautiful change she needed to wash out the sterile hospital from her skin. To sit under the sheltering tree with sunlight throwing dancing specks of light through the leaves, where dust devils whirled briefly in the warm breeze, and the air carried the scent of marigold flowers was what her soul needed.

She was glad they had come to Lucknow for the meeting as Arjan and Kuljeet were stationed in a ashram around here for a month. This place smelt of the overripe fruit sold in the streets. It smelt of the delicious kebabs and saffron of the Awadhi biryanis. She knew life was going to change after meeting with her old friends and she wanted to enjoy and relish each and every moment of the day. As she waited for them she enjoyed the historical building with sculptured domes and minarets. The imambara. The complex included a mosque, the bhulbhulaiya (a labyrinth) and baoli (a step well with running water). Rajjo found the space almost lyrical as she walked around aimlessly. The only sound that followed her was Devi’s tinkling bangles. Devi wore a sari and anklet and was walking right behind her. It made her feel safe. She enjoyed the freedom to move around the decluttered halls as she approached her rendezvous point with Arjan and Kuljeet.