Mandakini whispered back, gazing at her with unaltered devotion. “Find the joy within your heart, mistress, and I will be happy.”  

“Time to leave, Mandakini,” Hariaksa broke in, gesturing toward the chariot.

Nikunja leapt into the driver’s seat and took hold of the reins and Mandakini walked back to the chariot, turning back to toss them both loving looks. When Ishvari made to follow, intending to thank Vasudeva for his amazing courage in saving their lives, Hariaksa restrained her with a firm hand on her arm. “Mandakini will convey your gratitude,” he said, reading her mind as usual. “Now, my spark of light, you and I are walking down to the river.”

Ψ

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