The Aryavarta Chronicles Kurukshetra: Book 3 by Krishna Udayasankar

has already met with Emperor Dharma. He…’
    Uttara stopped short as she realized that the only thing that could embarrass her more had come to pass. Govinda Shauri stood, unnoticed, leaning against the doorway. In a manner that immediately explained where Abhimanyu had acquired the traits that irritated her, he teased, ‘You’re remarkably well informed, Princess.’
    ‘Father…err…Uncle…’ Abhimanyu greeted Govinda, his usual confusion at not knowing how to address his elder drawing a warm smile from the others.
    Govinda studied him briefly, his emotions inscrutable, but then turned away to address Panchali with unmistakable warmth, ‘Yes, I met Dharma Yudhisthir. I’d expected you to be there, Empress.’
    ‘You’re hurt,’ she responded.
    ‘It’s nothing,’ Govinda said, pleased that she had noticed. He had not thought she had looked at him when he entered, though he could never hold back from looking at her.
    Meanwhile, Uttara had regained her composure, having taken advantage of the moment to close the entrance to the secret passage, but Abhimanyu was doing his best to avoid everyone’s eyes, especially his father, Partha’s. Stifling her laughter at their actions, Panchali turned to Govinda and said, ‘We all thought it best that you and Dharma have a conversation alone. It went well?’
    ‘It did. We need to start sending our emissaries out at once, see who is willing to ally with us. And that,’ Govinda turned to Uttara and Abhimanyu, ‘brings us to you. I have a task for you two, one that I cannot entrust to anyone else…’
    ‘Of course!’ Abhimanyu was eager. ‘What would you have me do?’
    ‘I can’t tell you yet, Abhimanyu. It’s a secret.’
    It was only an instant of hesitation as Abhimanyu looked from Govinda to Partha and the others, wondering what it was that Govinda would not speak of in front of them all, but it was enough for Uttara. ‘Let him be, Commander,’ she said, disdainful. ‘I will see it done. Unlike someone here, I lack neither courage nor trust…’ She threw every bit of venom she could muster into the words, desperately trying to redeem herself of the attraction she had felt a short while ago. It helped, for Abhimanyu’s eyes narrowed and settled into a cold glare.
    Govinda looked at Panchali, hoping for some indication as to what he ought to do next. She shook her head, a sign that he should wait. He did. At length, Abhimanyu said, ‘I will go. You know I will, and you know I’ll do as you say. But this woman…’
    ‘…is coming with you.’ Partha spoke, his tone indicating that he would have no argument.
    ‘What!’
    ‘Why not?’ Uttara countered.
    ‘Father, you can’t…’
    ‘Commander, you know I…’
    ‘…be serious about…’
    ‘…would never question…’
    The others began laughing, forcing the young couple into a simmering sulk. After a while, Govinda cleared his throat and explained, ‘I can’t have your absence questioned, nor would it help for everyone to know where you have gone. And so we are going to announce that you two newlywed lovebirds plan to spend some time together, visiting various temples and places of pilgrimage while preparations are made for war.’
    ‘That sounds silly,’ Uttara complained.
    ‘I agree,’ Abhimanyu said. ‘Who in their right minds would go off on a jaunt while there’s a war in the offing?’
    Eyes twinkling, Govinda said, ‘Love makes us all do silly things, Abhimanyu. Besides, it provides us with decent excuses to do so.’ In a more serious tone, he added, ‘It’s not just the two of you who shall be off on a jaunt. Nakul, Sadev, I need you to go see your uncle, Shalya of Madra. I too will need to make some diplomatic visits of my own.’
    ‘Are we mustering forces?’ Bhim asked.
    ‘We are,’ Govinda replied. ‘You can be sure Syoddhan has already done the same. Except…’
    ‘Hmm?’
    ‘Sooner or later, he will be pushed to war. As will we. You can’t kindle a fire