“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.
