Because of its honeycomb-like structure, Samichi had informally named the complex Bees Quarter. Sita had liked it so much that it had become the official name!
There was still the problem of temporary accommodation for the slum dwellers, while their new homes were being constructed. Sita had had another innovative idea. She converted the moat outside the fort wall into a lake, to store rain water and to aid agriculture. The uninhabited area between the outer fort wall and the inner fort wall was partly handed over to the slum dwellers. They built temporary houses for themselves there with bamboo and cloth. They used the remaining land to grow food crops, cotton and medicinal herbs. This newly allotted land would remain in their possession even after they moved back into the Bees Quarter, which would be ready in a few months.
This had multiple benefits. Firstly, the land between the outer fort wall and the inner fort wall, which had been left unoccupied as a security measure, was put to good use. Agricultural productivity improved. This provided additional income for the slum dwellers. Moving agriculture within the city wall would also provide food security during times of siege; unlikely though it seemed that impoverished Mithila would ever be attacked.
Most importantly, Mithilans became self-reliant in terms of food, medicines and other essentials. This reduced their dependence on the Sankashya river port.
Samichi had warned Sita that this might tempt Kushadhwaj to militarily attack them. But Sita doubted it. It would be politically difficult for her uncle to justify his army attacking the saintly king of Mithila. It would probably stoke rebellion even among the citizens of Sankashya. Notwithstanding this, it was wise to be prepared for even the most unlikely event.
Sita had always been uneasy about the outer moat being the city’s main water supply. In the unlikely event of a siege, an enemy could poison the water outside and cause havoc. She decreed that a deep lake be constructed within the city as a precaution. In addition to this, she also strengthened the two protective walls of Mithila.
She organised the chaotic central market of the city. Permanent, uniform stalls were given to the vendors, ensuring cleanliness and orderliness. Sales increased, along with a reduction in pilferage and wastage. This led to a virtuous cycle of decrease in prices, further enhancing business.
All these moves also dramatically increased Sita’s popularity. At least, among the poor. Their lives had improved considerably, and the young princess was responsible.
‘I must admit, I am surprised,’ said Jatayu. ‘I didn’t expect a police chief to efficiently oversee the construction of your Bees Quarter so smoothly.’
Sita sat with Jatayu outside the city limits. The day had entered the third prahar. The sun still shone high in the sky.
She smiled. ‘Samichi is talented. No doubt.’
‘Yes. But …’
Sita looked at him and frowned. ‘But what, Jatayuji?’
‘Please don’t misunderstand me, great Vishnu. It is your kingdom. You are the prime minister. And, we Malayaputras concern ourselves with the whole country, not just Mithila …’
‘What is it, Jatayuji?’ interrupted Sita. ‘You know I trust you completely. Please speak openly.’
‘My people in your police force talk to the other officers. It’s about Samichi. About her …’
Sita sighed. ‘I know … It’s obvious that she has a problem with men …’
‘It’s more like hatred for men, rather than just a problem.’
‘There has to be a reason for it. Some man must have …’
‘But hating all men because of one man’s actions, whatever they may have been, is a sign of an unstable personality. Reverse-bias is also bias. Reverse-racism is also racism. Reverse-sexism is also sexism.’
‘I agree.’
‘If she kept her feelings to herself that would be fine. But her prejudice is impacting her work. Men are being targeted unfairly. You don’t want to trigger a rebellion.’
‘She does not allow me to help her in the personal space. But I will ensure that her hatred does not impact her work. I’ll do something.’
‘I am only concerned about your larger interest, great Vishnu. There is no doubt in my mind that she is personally very loyal to you.’
‘I guess it helps that I am not a man!’
Jatayu burst out laughing.
‘How are you, Naarad?’ asked Hanuman.
Hanuman had just returned from a trip to Pariha. He had sailed into the port of Lothal in Gujarat, on his way eastward, deeper into the heart of India. He had been met at the port by his friend Naarad, a brilliant trader in Lothal who was also a lover of art, poetry and the latest gossip! Naarad had immediately escorted his friend, along with his companions, to the office behind his shop.
‘I’m all right,’ said Naarad heartily. ‘Any better would be a sin.’
Hanuman smiled. ‘I don’t think you try too hard to stay away from sin, Naarad!’
Naarad laughed and changed the topic. ‘The usual supplies, my friend? For you and your band?’
A small platoon of Parihans accompanied Hanuman on his travels.
‘Yes, thank you.’
Naarad nodded and whispered some instructions to his aide.
‘And, I thank you further,’ continued Hanuman, ‘for not asking where I am going.’
The statement was too obvious a bait, especially for Naarad. He swallowed it hook, line, and sinker.
‘Why would I ask you? I already know you are going to meet Guru Vashishtha!’
Vashishtha was the royal guru of the kingdom of Ayodhya. It was well known that he had taken the four princes of Ayodhya — Ram, Bharat, Lakshman and Shatrughan— to his gurukul to train and educate them. The location of the gurukul, however, was a well-kept secret.
Hanuman stared at Naarad, not saying anything.
‘Don’t worry, my friend,’ said Naarad, smiling. ‘Almost nobody, besides me of course, knows who you are going to meet. And nobody, not even me, knows where the gurukul is.’
Hanuman smiled. He was about to retort when a loud feminine voice was heard.
‘Hans!’
Hanuman closed his eyes for a moment, winced and turned around. It was Sursa, an employee of Naarad who was obsessed with him.
Hanuman folded his hands together into a Namaste and spoke with extreme politeness, ‘Madam, my name is Hanuman, not Hans.’
‘I know that,’ said Sursa, sashaying towards Hanuman. ‘But I think Hans sounds so much better. Also, don’t you think Sur is better than madam?’
Naarad giggled with mirth as Sursa came uncomfortably close to Hanuman. The Naga glared at his friend before taking a few steps back and distancing himself from his admirer. ‘Madam, I was engaged in an important conversation with Naarad and …’
Sursa cut him short. ‘And, I’ve decided to interrupt. Deal with it.’
‘Madam …’