Neelkanth.’
‘I didn’t drop from the sky, Ayurvati. My body is as human as Sati’s. As human as yours.
Let’s just try it!’
Parvateshwar did not need any more convincing. He dashed out to find Vraka sitting on a
stool. Vraka immediately rose and saluted his commander.
‘Vraka,’ said Parvateshwar. ‘The temple could still have some Somras powder. It was the
main production centre of the area. I want that powder. Now’
‘You will have it in ten minutes, my Lord,’ boomed Vraka as he rushed off with his guards.
‘There is nothing else to do but wait,’ said Ayurvati as Sati fell asleep. The Somras had been
administered — a stronger dose than usual. ‘Parvateshwar, you are tired. You need to recover
from your wounds. Please go and sleep.’
‘I don’t need sleep,’ said Parvateshwar stubbornly. ‘I am staying on guard with my soldiers
at the perimeter. You can’t trust those Chandravanshis. They may launch a counterattack at
night.’
A frustrated Ayurvati glared at Parvateshwar, her belief reinforced that the machismo of the
Kshatriyas made them impossible patients.
‘Are you going to bed, my Lord?’ asked Ayurvati, turning towards Shiva, hoping that at least
he would listen. ‘There is nothing you can do now. We just have to wait. And you need the rest.’
Shiva just shook his head. Wild horses could not drag him away from Sati.
‘We could arrange a bed in this hut,’ continued Ayurvati. ‘You could sleep here if you wish so
that you can keep an eye on Sati.’
‘Thank you, but I am not going to sleep,’ said Shiva, briefly looking at Ayurvati before turning
towards Sati. ‘I am staying here. You go to sleep. I will call you if there is any change.’
Ayurvati glared at Shiva and then whispered, ‘As you wish, my Lord.’
A tired Ayurvati walked towards her own hut. She needed to get some rest since the next
day would be busy. She would have to check the wounds of all the injured to ensure that
recovery was proceeding properly. The first twenty-four hours were crucial. Her medical corps
had been broken into groups to keep a staggered, all-night vigil for any emergencies.
‘I will be with the soldiers, Shiva,’ said Parvateshwar. ‘Nandi and Veerbhadra are on duty
outside along with some of my personal guards.’
Shiva knew what Parvateshwar actually wanted to say.
‘I will call you as soon as there is a change, Parvateshwar,’ said Shiva, looking up at the
General.
Parvateshwar smiled weakly and nodded to Shiva. He rushed out before his feelings could
cause him any embarrassment.
Parvateshwar sat silently, his soldiers at a respectful distance. They could tell when their
Lord wanted to be left alone. Parvateshwar was lost in thoughts of Sati. Why should a person