Daksha nodded. Veerini smiled, bent closer and kissed her husband. ‘I’ll make the arrangements.’ A happy Veerini turned and walked out of the room. She had a lot to do. As she stepped out, she saw Sati and Parvateshwar sitting outside. She patted Sati on her head. ‘Go in, my child. Tell your father how much you love him. He needs you. I’ll be back soon.’ As Veerini was hurrying away, she saw Brahmanayak walking back towards her husband’s chamber. The Meluhan Queen was jolted back to the present by some dolphin calls. The more than a century old memory still drew a tear from her eyes. She turned to look at her husband and shook her head. She had never really understood what happened that day. What had Bramhanayak said? All she knew was that when she had gone back to Daksha’s chamber the next day with their escape plans, he had refused to leave. He had decided that he wanted to become Emperor. Your stupid ego and need for approval from your father destroyed our lives!
‘The secret?’ asked Shiva, recalling his conversation with Parshuram. Shiva was sitting with Parshuram, Parvateshwar, Veerbhadra and Nandi. Kali had just entered the chamber. Ganesh, still unsure of his position vis-a-vis Shiva, was standing quietly at the back. Shiva had acknowledged Sati’s elder son with a short nod, nothing more. ‘Yes, I think you need to know,’ said Kali. ‘It is India’s need that the Neelkanth know the secret the Nagas have been keeping. Thereafter, you can decide whether what we have done is right or wrong. Determine what must be done now.’ ‘Why can’t you tell me here?’ ‘I need you to trust me. I can’t.’ Shiva’s eyes bored into Kali’s. He could see no malice or deceit in them. He felt he could trust her. ‘How many days will it take to reach Panchavati?’ ‘A little more than a year,’ answered Kali. ‘A year?!’ ‘Yes, Lord Neelkanth. We will travel up to Branga by river boats, right down the Madhumati river. Then travel by foot through the Dandakaranya . The journey takes time.’ ‘There is no direct route?’ Kali smiled but refused to be drawn in. She didn’t want to reveal the secrets of the forests of Dandak . It was the primary defence for her city. ‘I’m trusting you. But it appears that you don’t trust me.’ ‘I trust you completely, Lord Neelkanth.’ Shiva smiled, understanding Kali’s predicament. She could trust him but not everyone with him. ‘All right. Let’s go to Panchavati. It is perhaps the route I have to take in order to discharge my duty.’ Shiva turned to Parvateshwar. ‘Can you make the arrangements, General?’ ‘It will be done, My Lord,’ said Parvateshwar. Kali bowed towards Shiva and turned to leave, stretching her hand out to Ganesh. ‘And, Kali...’ said Shiva. Kali spun around. ‘I prefer Shiva, not Neelkanth. You are my wife’s sister. You are family.’ Kali smiled and bowed her head. ‘As you wish... Shiva.’