Somebody's donkey has crossed the bridge

"How many times have I told you not to engage in such dangerous tasks? What is the need of undertaking these missions along with Trini? I can understand your going to Adra to familiarise yourself with the environment and conditions or to meet useful people. But these stupid kidnapping and fighting assignments are beneath your identity," said Mandodari in an impassioned voice.

Katyayani smiled at the concerned woman. "Dai Maa, I don't want to be a princess who only knows how to train and engage in mock clashes. How will I become capable and prepare for the future battle if I don't have real life experiences? Please don't worry. I have a sense of measure. I won't stupidly endanger myself. Moreover, Teacher Trini has my back at all times. If you don't believe me, at least show faith in her capabilities."

Mandodari's eyes turned into frowning slits. "Your clever tongue is a contribution from your father. He was also quite adept at turning black into white. How else do you think he entrapped your mother? Hmph!"

Katyayani knew that her nanny looked down upon her father due to various reasons.

She didn't respond but gave the older woman a cute smile, trying to calm her down.

"It's getting late now. I have to go back. I will come and see you again soon, Dai Maa. You must not over tire yourself. You are not getting any younger now," she nagged the old woman in a gentle voice a few minutes later.

"Hushhh… anyone listening to this conversation would assume that you are my nanny! I am an old woman who doesn't do much during the day. With so much staff that you have left at my disposal, aren't you worried that I will turn into a statue soon?" She grumbled good-naturedly.

The four women standing in the room laughed silently. Instead of bending down to touch her feet, Katyayani looped her arms around Mandodari's shoulders and gave them an affectionate squeeze.

Bali Mansion

"Eldest Miss, the horse has been prepared. Are you ready to leave?" A maid came and asked Dharitri.

"Tell the stable to bring the horse to the side gate. Miss Dharitri will be there in a bit," Ekshika spoke from behind the silk screen where she was helping her mistress change into a riding habit.

After a few minutes, Dhairtri stepped out wearing a pink top which was fitted at the bosom and flared from the waist, reaching till her calves. A butterfly motif was embroidered all over the top in pale blue color, giving it a delicate look. The beige pants were snug fitting and were hidden behind long brown boots which came up to her knees.

Ekshika braided her hair and then coiled it on top of her head in a bun. "I have enquired as per your instructions, Eldest Miss. This guy has become a frequent gambler in the casino located in the adjoining city of Kohila and indulges in all kinds of nefarious activities as per his landlady. He has quit the job which I arranged for him in the household where my cousin sister works. "

Dharitri was expressionless but her mind was churning overtime.

"Eldest Sister, even I want to come riding with you," Dharani's coquettish voice filtered through the corridor to reach Dharitri.

At the sudden interruption, Dharitri had a dismayed expression on her face. Did her younger sister hear something?

"Before you scold me, let me tell you that I have finished all my homework and even attended the classes with full sincerity," Dharani cajoled her even before her sister could raise an objection.

"Inform the stable to prepare another horse," Dharitri told Ekshika in a neutral voice.

The attendant looked perturbed but bowed her head and walked out.

"You are the best sister in the whole world. Not only are you pretty, but also kind! I am so lucky," Dharani's chirpy voice managed to elicit a smile out of Dharitri's lips.

"What a sweet mouth!" Dharitri chided her gently.

Midnight, Bali Mansion

Trini and Katyayani were returning from their nightly exercise routine when they encountered a startling sight. They were currently standing at the rooftop of the Bali mansion, from where the courtyards of all members of the family were visible.

At this hour, most courtyards were shrouded in darkness which is why the swaying lamps in the stable caught their eyes.

Someone wanted to go riding at midnight?

The two of them looked at each other and wordlessly climbed down in an agile manner, using the jutting carvings on the outer walls as scaffolding to help them descend.

"I will go inside the stable, you keep a watch outside. One long whistle signal for distress," whispered Katyayani before Trini could say the exact same to her.

"Be careful!" Trini whispered back before turning around.

She wasn't worried about Katyayani getting caught or being threatened by these city-bred people.

She had trained the girl long and hard over the years. Moreover, Katyayani had faced much trickier situations. This was nothing more than watching a drama. Still, her mistress's identity was noble and such actions were beneath her.

"Long time, no see, Eldest Miss. Hope you have been well!" Ganak's lazy, mocking words made Dharitri grit her teeth.

"State your purpose in seeking my mistress. You were instructed to stay away from the mansion and appropriate compensation is given to you regularly. Then why have you brought your ugly face here again?" Ekakshi said sternly.

"Eldest Miss, your maid is very noisy. Should we talk elsewhere, somewhere a bit more quiet?" Ganak's attitude remained unperturbed and insolent.

"Rude!" Dharitri finally reacted to his provocation.

In a flash, she pulled out a sharp knife from her wide sleeved gown and brought it in front of his face.

But Ganal wasn't fazed and the sarcastic smile remained stretched on his lips. He crossed the gap between them, and his alcohol laden breath landed on Dharitri, making her flinch in disgust.

"Eldest Miss, these hands are suited to playing with delicate things. Don't dirty them by holding such sharp objects. My heart will ache if you accidentally hurt yourself," with that, he pulled the knife from her hand, blade first.

"What the hell do you want? Considering that I have been supporting your comfortable living despite the fact that you failed the task miserably, your presence here is nothing but a sign of ungratefulness," she said in an enraged whisper.

"Tut-tut! Eldest Miss, don't you know what the most expensive and useless things are for poor people? Morals and values! We can't afford them," Ganak said in a nonchalant voice.