The night camp was set. Everyone had a little dinner and dozed off to sleep.
Rudra woke up midnight and decided to take a walk. He always kept his weapon handy.
Loneliness adds beauty to life, it makes the night air smell better. Rudra thought.
The moon was in its full glory. There was a lake beside the camp. The water was sparkling in the moonlight. This pleased him and he decided to take a bath.
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He stripped and jumped in the ice-cold water. His wounds hurt, but he didn't flinch. Those were battle-wounds, proud marks for a warrior.
After satisfying himself by bathing and swimming he came out. He saw the lady tied to a tree. He felt an urge to talk to her.
He went up to her. She hadn't slept the whole night. "What is your name?" Rudra enquired, quite polite this time. "Meera." She replied. "My name is Rudra. Why did Anumak want to kill me?" "In my profession, no questions are asked. We get the money and do our job!" "Is it? Have you eaten something?" Rudra asked. "No." Meera replied innocently.
Both of them were looking at each other.
"Which place do you belong to?" Rudra enquired, by the time had sat on the grass, just opposite to Meera. "I cannot reveal anymore. That is one of our basic laws." "You have laws too? Laws for killing people." Rudra mocked. "Why? Don't you kill people!" "I kill only in battles, we have a code of honour. We don't kill someone secretly behind their backs like you. We have the courage to fight openly." "Killing is killing! It doesn't matter by what way you do. I can kill as efficiently as you." Meera remarked. "Hmm....this argument can continue for centuries." Rudra laughed. He had become a little friendly with Meera.
She reminded him of his childhood friend who went away with her parents when he was young.
"Meera I know you tried to kill me but I believe in forgiveness. I don't want you as prisoner. We are only a few men left! (Sighing). I can cut your ropes if you want. But you have to promise me you won't run or do anything stupid. I will persuade my members to accept you, after all I am still their general!" Rudra said.
Meera was surprised. She thought of this as an opportunity to escape or to stay with the remaining squad. She wasn't able to decide. But first she had to had her ropes cut.
Either this man is stupid or he really trusts me. What should I do now? First, let me get rid of this rope. I will decide later.
"Promise me." Rudra repeated. "I promise." Meera said. She was eager to attain freedom again.
