Read NIDRA :: Marriage Affair

Rashva is sitting on his wooden armchair on the verandah. Varaha and Karni have returned. Rashva is too deep in his thoughts to notice their arrival. Varaha walks up to Rashva and wakes him from his thoughts.

Rashva - "I have decided to get your brother married."

Varaha - "Again! Does brother know what you're planning?"

Rashva - "He knows to trust my judgement."

Varaha smiles and replies - "He sure does."

Karni paddles away at the grindstone to sharpen his sword.

Arkha and the two masked mercenaries arrive at the estate.

Arkha walks up to the grindstone. She looks at Karni. Karni is uninterested and ignores them.

Arkha - "I have news for you. You will be fighting in this year's arena."

Karni stops his paddling and looks at Arkha - "Is that what Vikara wants?"

Arkha - "Yes. What better way to restore our honour against the Khasis than to kill Irdan Khasim in fair combat?"

Karni - "How was honour lost?"

Arkha - "They sent bandits. Dhamini could have died! You are our caretaker. If you're unable to kill Irdan in the arena...non of us would consider you worthy of being our caretaker."

Karni - "I'll gladly give up that position."

Arkha - "So you won't fight?"

Karni - "If I have to, I will. Don't try to threaten me like that ever again. Would end badly for you."

Arkha is irritated but keeps shut.

There is a commotion at the gates.

It is the farmer's son with a group of boys.

The guard warns them - "Step back right now! You force us and heads will roll!"

The young boy calmly replies - "We don't come for violence. We wanted to speak to Karni Valmiki Jairam."

Karni is standing beside the main gate. He steps up and confronts the young boy - "What do you want to say?"

The young boy - "You and young master Varaha came by our farm yesterday. We will forever be grateful for what you did for us."

Karni - "I shall tell Master Varaha that you came. Unfortunately, we can't let you inside. "

The young boy - "That would suffice. We'll take our leave then. Once again thank you."

The group of boys leave the premises.

As night falls, the beauty of Urvarakshetra becomes almost mystical. Fireflies are projecting an image of the land's geography.

The estate building is glowing as though it is a beacon sitting in the middle of the city.

Inside the estate, Rashva and his children are having dinner.

Rashva abruptly starts - "I have something important I want to disclose, Vikara."

Vikara smiles and replies - "Go ahead, Father."

Rashva - "I want you to get married again."

Vikara - "Oh...have anyone in mind?"

Rashva - "Remember the land I gave up?"

Vikara - "Yeah I do."

Rashva - "That land was written off as an assurance of trust to your soon-to-be inlaws."

Vikara - "Wait...but why?"

Rashva - "The family of Pragat owns plenty of land outside Urvarakshetra. Trust me on this - It will be beneficial to own a part of their wealth to your name."

Vikara - "Fine. I will play the groom once more."

Rashva - "Knew you wouldn't disappoint me."

Vikara smiles and continues.

Varaha looks concerned. Dhamini seems like she's happy for her brother.

Karni is lying down on his bed by the stables.

Varaha walks towards him.

Varaha - "Asleep yet?"

Karni - "No."

Varaha - "What do you think about Vikara getting married again?"

Karni - "He's marrying again?"

Varaha - "Unfortunately yes."

Karni - "So who is the bride?"