Page 64 of Sumanika: Vol 2

“Here, apply this,” he said, and I took the small box. As I opened it, I chuckled.

“You brought kohl,” I remarked, taking a bit on my finger, and applied it to my eyes.

He smudged his eyes with it, and we walked toward the brothel.

Nothing stupid, Agastya. You have a wife.

I reminded myself as we entered. Noticing the dim lighting and women in revealing clothes, I inhaled deeply. The smell of alcohol and smoke hung thick in the air. The deal felt substantial.

I signalled Eklavya, and we both went our separate ways as we entered. I scanned the area for a familiar face and spotted Kalsi, whom I had known for a long time. I walked toward her.

She was a formidable woman among men and could bring any man to his knees, but there was one issue: she didn’t accept money.

I inhaled deeply and walked over to her. She was sitting on a small couch.

Settling beside her, I asked,“How are you?”

She looked at me with a hint of surprise. But after a few moments, a broad smile spread across her face when she recognised me.

“Agastya,” She stood and took my hand, guiding us through the crowd into a quiet bedroom.

I glanced at the mattress lying on the floor in the dark room, lit only by a dim lamp hanging on the wall.

As I sat down, she asked,“Do you want something to drink?”

I shook my head in refusal.“I need you to do something for me,”

She smiled broadly and closed the door. My fist clenched as I watched her draw closer, settling beside me with her head propped on her elbow.

“Of course, where have you been for the last three years?” she asked.

“Busy,” I replied, ignoring her as she hiked her skirt up to her thighs.

“What do you mean? I heard your brother is now the king of Suryagarh. That makes you a prince,” she said, and I looked at her with a fixed smile.

“It’s just Agastya for you, and I’m in a bit of a hurry,” I said as she stepped closer.

“What's the hurry? Kunwar Aga—”

“Shh...” I quickly hushed her, not wanting her to finish. I wished to relish those two words just from one person.

Her expression changed.“What’s happening?” she inquired.

I bit my lip.“The head commander of Mehrangarh is visiting this place. I want you to know how he plans to use that grey powder,” I said, and she furrowed her brow.

“Elaborate,” she requested.

I explained,“They’re making grey powder, and I suspect they intend to use it in a war against Suryagarh. Therefore, I want you to find out how they will use it.”

She nodded.“Okay, consider it done,” she agreed.“But what about my prize?”

Her tone made me gulp, and I attempted to negotiate:“Any amount.”

Chuckling softly, she shook her head.“I have plenty of that,” Her eyes stared intensely into mine.“How about a night?”

I knew this would happen, so I just smiled and shook my head.“No, I’m swamped right now,” I said.

She cupped my cheek, making me look at her.“In what?” Her tone was brutal.“Fucking your wife? Are you married now?” Rage and jealousy dripped from her tongue.