“I refuse!” Veerata pounded his right fist on his knee.

As usual, he sat cross-legged in the mayor’s office. The merchants, sitting on floor mats before him, exchanged puzzled glances at his sudden outburst. It was their third scheduled meeting with the temporary mayor of Satvikshila regarding their myriad issues of trade and transport. The two senior scribes were also present, squatting on either side of the mayor’s spot.

“Senapati,” Ravi asked on behalf of everyone present. “Pardon me, but what do you refuse?”

Veerata blinked. Did I just say it out loud? Never mind. I refuse to accept your answer, Satya.

A week had passed since his visit to her store. His ill-timed confession and her outright refusal to marry him had weighed heavily on his mind. 

He had wanted to respect her feelings. The very next day, he had approved the special license and sent it to her store. He had even stopped visiting her at the university. But he could not submit to his fate.

Am I selfish? Then so be it! I’m the great general of Satayu. I refuse to accept that she wants to become a brahmavadini.

Ravi opened his mouth to speak again. Veerata raised a hand to stop him. Addressing the merchants, he altered his statement. 

“I mean, I won’t go over this agenda any longer. The new taxes on your trading depots shall remain. We have implemented these, with Samrat’s approval, to avoid future instances of slave trade and human trafficking. I have listened enough to your arguments. Refusing to comply with my governance makes you a rebel to the imperial throne of Satayu. I shall confiscate all your assets and send you to the palace in chains for Samrat Padmapani’s final verdict.”

“Senapati,” the merchant leader cried, joining his palms together. “Mercy!”

“No! I have already shown you ample mercy. You turned a blind eye to the previous mayor’s villainous acts and evil practices just because he approved all your contracts and allowed you to run your depots tax-free. You never once cared for the lives of those kidnapped girls sold off across our borders. Young and innocent underage children. Forcibly taken away from their families and homes. Some of them lost forever. And yet, you come before me again and again, and demand an explanation why I ordered the previous mayor’s execution overnight?”

“Forgive us, Senapati!” The entire congregation pleaded with their heads bowed.

“You don’t deserve my forgiveness,” Veerata continued. “You are all respected elders of this town. Yet, you lack basic moral principles. You must bear the costs of your own unscrupulous negligence. This discussion ends here. Pundit Ravi, I shall retire for the rest of the day.”

“As you wish, Senapati,” the old scribe replied.

Veerata rose and stormed out of the room before anyone could say another word. Once again, the junior scribes in the hall outside jumped in their seats as he thundered past. His personal guards tailed behind him, their footfalls in perfect sync with their leader. 

Without looking back, he barked orders, “To the courtyard! Assemble the troops!”

“Yes, Senapati!” they replied in unison.

One guard took a detour towards the temporary barracks, while the other followed the young general to his quarters. This time, none of the servants were surprised to see him. They actioned his commands and helped him change his clothes.

Did they notice my heartache?

He knew Ravi had already guessed something. The old scribe had always been patient with the restless young general. Since the last couple of days, he had become even more indulgent. No longer confined to the office, Veerata could step out any time during the day.

Being unable to see Satya for so many days, his heart yearned for her even more. The memory of that fateful kiss he stole from her in the storage room burned bright in his mind. Too innocent to detect his mood. Unprepared for his boldness. Stunned into silence. She had stood backed up against the door, gazing up at him with her deep brown eyes, never suspecting his actions until the mischief was already done. In truth, he regretted it all now.

How could I’ve been so stupid? Why did I lose control like that? What if I lost her forever? What if she really does become a brahmavadini? 

Dressed in his training armour and uniform, he emerged from his quarters and made his way to the palace courtyard with one guard still in tow.

Her uncle refused my proposal. Her aunt probably hates me. Her teacher doesn’t approve of me. 

The entire platoon stood at attention when he arrived. Despite having finished their morning training session, no one dared complain about the sudden summons.

What am I supposed to do? Demand that she marry me against her will? No! I’m not a tyrant or a monster.

For the next few hours, with such depressing thoughts churning in his head, Veerata supervised each soldier’s skills and performance. Archery, swordsmanship and even wrestling, he made them practice hardcore battle techniques. At regular intervals, he challenged those who displayed exemplary prowess to a duel, invariably winning each match.

At sunset, Ravi came to the courtyard and entreated Veerata to stop the excessive training. Both the young general and his troops looked exhausted beyond their limits. 

Veerata compiled, but his mind remained unsettled. Neither hunger, thirst, nor bodily exertion mattered to him. With a flick of his hand, he dismissed everyone and walked away. When his personal guards tried to follow him, he ordered them to bring his horse and withdraw.