‘Don’t you know Parvateshwar? Do you think he will ever do anything unethical? He used to walk away whenever you spoke about the Lord Neelkanth’s directives. He’s not aware of any of your “confidential” military plans!’

‘You’re right. I’m sorry.’

‘Then why is he under arrest?’

‘Anandmayi, it wasn’t my decision...’

‘That’s rubbish! Why is he under arrest?’

‘He might escape if...’

‘Do you think he couldn’t have escaped had he wanted to? He is waiting to meet the Lord Neelkanth. Only then will he leave for Meluha.’

‘That’s what he said but...’

‘But? What the hell do you mean “but”? Do you think Parvateshwar can lie? Do you think he is even capable of lying?’

‘No.’

‘If he has said that he will not leave till Lord Shiva returns, then believe me he’s not going anywhere!’

Bhagirath remained silent.

Anandmayi stepped up to her brother. ‘Are you planning to assassinate him?’

‘No, Anandmayi!’ cried a shocked Bhagirath. ‘How can you even think I would do such a thing?’

‘Don’t pull this injured act on me, Bhagirath. If anything were to happen to my husband, even an accident, you know that the Lord Neelkanth’s anger will be terrible. You and your allies may discount me, but you are scared of him. Remember his rage before you do something stupid.’

‘Anandmayi, we are not...’

‘The Lord Neelkanth will be back in a week. Until then, I’m going to keep a constant vigil outside the chamber where you have imprisoned him. If anyone wants to harm him, he will have to contend with me first.’

‘Anandmayi, nobody is going to...’

She turned and strode away stiffly, causing Bhagirath to trail off mid-sentence. She pushed aside the diminutive Kashi soldier standing in her path and slammed the door behind her even as the soldier fell.

Ayurvati placed a hand on Anandmayi’s shoulders. The Ayodhyan princess was sitting outside the chamber where Parvateshwar had been imprisoned. She had refused to move for the last few days.

‘Why don’t you go to your room and sleep,’ said Ayurvati. ‘I’ll sit here.’

A determined Anandmayi shook her head. Wild horses couldn’t drag her away.

‘Anandmayi...’

‘They aren’t even letting me meet him, Ayurvati,’ sobbed Anandmayi.

Ayurvati sat down next to Anandmayi. ‘I know...’

Anandmayi turned towards the Naga soldiers standing guard at the door. ‘MY HUSBAND IS NO CRIMINAL!’

Ayurvati took Anandmayi’s hand in hers. ‘Calm down... These soldiers are only following orders...’

‘He’s no criminal... He’s a good man...’

‘I know...’

Anandmayi rested her head on Ayurvati’s shoulders and began to cry.

‘Calm down,’ said Ayurvati soothingly.

Anandmayi raised her head and looked at Ayurvati. ‘I don’t care if the entire world turns against him. I don’t even care if the Neelkanth turns against him. I will stand by my husband. He is a good man... a good man!’