A new novel reimagines the life of the eldest Pandava daughter-in-law, Bhima’s wife Hidimbi

The moon floated high. From her bare bed she could see every object clearly in the room. The window was wide open, but no air came to her. She was feeling sore and uneasy lying there. She couldn’t sleep. Her mind dwelt on her brother and what he had said, and she sweated with fury. Then she rested on her elbow, chewing her underlip and thought of Kirmira and how he had failed her.

Sitting up impatiently, she glanced at the moon outside. It must have been past midnight. Her orders were to scour for the new trespassers in the jungle. And kill them. She grimaced as she straightened up and swung her long legs to the ground. Her mind churned, restless and frustrated. She needed some fresh air and a brisk walk.

She walked into the shadowed woods, a rough shawl draped over her shoulders, aware that two stout soldiers were eyeing her, taking in her lissom figure. Their eyes approved, but by now, she was used to approving male stares. Approval no longer interested her; she needed more. She needed action, a person who would act upon his intentions.

Her long strides took her almost to the fringe of the forest. The...

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