‘Dada and I have discussed this,’ said Kartik. ‘And we believe we should not assume Magadh will come to our side. We should also be prepared to conquer Magadh, if need be.’

‘Well, hopefully that situation will not arise,’ said Shiva, turning towards Ganesh. ‘But yes, we should make contingent plans to fight Magadh. It could be one of our opening gambits in the war.’

‘Then I shall start making plans for our departure to Magadh,’ said Gopal.

‘Are you going to come with us, Panditji?’ asked a surprised Shiva. ‘That would reveal your allegiance openly.’

‘There was a time to remain hidden, my friend,’ said Gopal. ‘But now we need to come out in the open, for the battle with Evil is upon us. We have to pick our side openly. There are no bystanders in a holy war.’

Parvateshwar and Anandmayi rode their favourite steeds, whispering to each other. He had leaned a bit to his right, holding Anandmayi’s hand. He had just told her that if it came to a war, he would have no choice but to fight on the side of Meluha. Anandmayi, in turn, had told Parvateshwar that she would have no choice but to oppose Meluha.

‘Aren’t you even going to ask me why?’ asked Anandmayi.

Parvateshwar shook his head. ‘I don’t need to. I know how you think.’

Anandmayi looked at her husband, her eyes moist.

‘And I guess you know how I think,’ said Parvateshwar. ‘For you didn’t ask me either.’

Anandmayi smiled sadly at Parvateshwar, squeezing his hand.

‘What do we do now?’ asked Parvateshwar.

Anandmayi took a deep breath. ‘Keep riding together.’

Parvateshwar stared at his wife.

‘Till our paths allow us...’

Shiva leaned against the balustrade of the ship as it sailed gently down the Chambal. Beyond the banks, he could see dense forests. There was no sign of human habitation for miles in any direction. He looked back at the five ships following them, a small part of the fifty-ship Vasudev fleet. It had taken the Vasudevs a mere two months to mobilise for departure.

‘What are you thinking, my friend?’ asked Gopal.