KNOCK KNOCK
"Oye, ladke, bhojan karne samaya ho gaja hai (Oye boy, It's time for the supper)", one of the workers called out.
"Hmm…", boy replied, following him.
As they walked through the corridor, the boy hesitatively asked a question, "Umm… excuse me… I know this rude to ask but do you know a girl who have gorgeous emerald eyes. I'm asking you since not many of people have such eyes. Uh… they were beautiful and she has really long hair." The boy keeps on babbling for some time.
"No English", said the worker in a very broken English.
"Oh… yea…, guess it can't be helped", said the boy with a slightly disappointed face.
They entered a grand hall where the workers were enjoying their feast. The aroma of spices and fresh bread filled the air, and the boy's stomach growled in anticipation.
As they sat down to eat, the hall resonated with lively chatter and laughter. Amidst the joy-filled chaos, the boy's gaze locked onto Raghu, but his voice was drowned out by the cacophony.
"Ra... Raghu!" he called out, his voice barely audible.
Undeterred, he tried again, shouting, "Raghuuuuu!" This time, his loud voice captured the attention of the entire hall.
"Oooh... pardesi ladka (Oooh... foreigner boy)!" one of the men exclaimed.
The room fell silent as curious faces surrounded the boy. Whispers of wonder filled the air:
"Safed chamdhi (pale skin)"
"Nili aakhein (blue eyes)"
"Sunehare baal (golden hair)"
A collective "Ooooooooooooo" echoed through the hall.
Even though it was British rule at time in India, some people may have encountered English men but not all people have seen English men, since the British rule was still expanding at that time, it not reached rural parts of Rajasthan and many other places like that in the early 1800s. So, it was kind of new thing for most of the men present in the hall and with that the boy also has extraordinary beauty that attracted most of the attention.
Raghu intervened, noticing the boy's discomfort as the men's curiosity turned into a frenzy. He grasped the boy's hand and swiftly led him out of the hallway, navigating through the crowded corridors.
"tum jao (you go)," Raghu urged, releasing the boy's hand, his eyes conveying a sense of urgency.
The boy understood Raghu's intention despite the language barrier. They parted ways, the boy dashing through the labyrinthine palace.
*Bang*
His heart racing, the boy sprinted, unaware of his surroundings, until he collided with the enchanting green-eyed girl.
"Come here!" she exclaimed, covering his mouth with her delicate hand.
Her face captivated him - porcelain skin, emerald eyes, and raven hair. The boy's gaze lingered, entranced.
Once the pursuers left, she removed her hand, her expression a mix of concern and amusement.
"Ha ha... ha," the boy panted, his chest heaving.
"They've gone. You should leave now," Indravati advised, her voice melodious.
"Umm... Your name?" the boy asked hesitantly, his curiosity getting the better of him.
"Princess Indravati," Mala announced, her voice stern.
A chill ran down their spines as Mala approached.
"What brings you here at this hour, Princess?" Mala inquired, her tone laced with suspicion.
"Nothing, Mala," Indra replied, her voice steady.
Mala's doubtful expression lingered.
"This isn't a good time, Princess. Return to your quarters," Mala cautioned.
"Yes, I'm leaving now," Indra assured, her eyes locked on the boy.
Mala sensed secrecy.
"Are you hiding something, Princess?" Mala probed.
"No, Mala. Why would I?" Indra responded, her tone defensive.
Mala approached Indra, her eyes scanning the area, but found nothing.
The boy had escaped, vanishing into the shadows.
Had Mala discovered them together, it would have sparked trouble, jeopardizing the boy's safety and Indra's reputation.
Breathless and blushing, the boy returned to his room, his mind reeling.
"Ha! Why am I obsessing over her? She's a princess, for goodness' sake! I don't stand a chance, Haaah F#ck it" the boy thought, his mind racing with conflicting emotions.
Frustration, longing, and confusion swirled within him. He tossed and turned on his bed, unable to shake off Indravati's captivating image.
"What am I doing? This is ridiculous," he muttered, throwing his hands up in exasperation.
Hours passed, with the boy lost in thought, reliving their brief encounter. His emotions seesawed between excitement and despair.
Finally, exhaustion took over, and he drifted into a restless sleep, Indravati's emerald eyes lingering in his mind.
To be continued...