As they strolled through the vibrant carnival, the boy and Indra discovered wonders they had never seen before. The air was alive with excitement, filled with the sweet fragrances of Indian sweets and savory food.
The street was a culinary paradise, tempting their senses with:
Jalebi's golden spirals, dripping with sweet syrup
Rasogulla's soft, fluffy texture, soaked in sugary delight
Crunchy kachoris, bursting with flavorful fillings
Under the starry night sky, the carnival's colorful lights danced around them, creating a magical ambiance.
"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Indra asked, her eyes sparkling.
"Truly fascinating," the boy replied, mesmerized.
"Have you experienced something like this before?" Indra inquired, her gaze filled with anticipation.
The boy hesitated. "Not really. Even though I don't remember much, I know I've never seen anything like this."
Indra's voice dropped to a whisper. "Not this you idiot. I meant, have you ever snuck out at night with a girl?"
The boy leaned in, straining to hear. "What... did you say?"
Indra swiftly covered, her cheeks flushing. "Nothing!"
The boy furrowed his brow, sensing he missed something.
"What is she pouting about?" the boy wondered aloud.
As they wandered, the boy's eyes landed on a captivating game: Ring Toss. The vibrant stalls and booths surrounding it seemed to beckon him to try his luck.
Indra noticed his interest and smiled mischievously. "Do you want to try it?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with challenge.
"No... not really, anyways it's just a waste of money," the boy replied.
"I don't think so, it is waste of money when you are enjoying it," Indra countered, "unless someone's aim is terrible." She teased him with a smile.
"This? Child's play," the boy boasted.
"Prove it then," Indra challenged. "We won't know unless you try."
Indra purchased hoops from the shopkeeper and handed them to the boy, her fingers brushing against his.
"What do you want?" he asked, his gaze locked on hers.
"Anything that fits in the hoop," Indra teased, her lips curling upward.
"Seriously, what do you want?" the boy pressed, his voice laced with curiosity.
Indra looked for a minute and saw a beautiful pair of silver earrings.
Indra's grin turned mischievous. "Those earrings," she said, pointing to a nearby stall.
"Okay, Your Highness," the boy said with a theatrical bow.
"We'll see," Indra replied, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
The boy took aim, focused, and threw the hoop with confidence. However, it clattered to the ground, missing its target entirely.
Indra burst into laughter at his aimless throw. "Looks like child's play isn't so easy after all!" she teased.
Undeterred, the boy tried again and again, each attempt meeting with failure. Indra's giggles turned into a persistent chuckle.
After numerous tries, the boy finally won a prize – a small, colorful puppet made from clay.
"Well, congratulations!" Indra said, still grinning. "You're now the proud owner of a lovely clay puppet."
The boy smiled wryly. "Not exactly what I was aiming for."
"Maybe next time you'll get the earrings," Indra said, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
As the night wore on, the carnival's magic only intensified. The boy and Indra wandered, laughing and exploring the vibrant stalls.
They played games of skill and chance, testing their luck and competing with each other. The boy won a stuffed tiger at a balloon darts game, while Indra triumphed at ring toss, earning a glittering silver necklace.
Their culinary adventure took them to stalls serving savory delights: crispy samosas, flavorful chaat, and sweet, syrupy gulab jamun. They sampled local specialties, exclaiming over flavors and textures.
As they strolled, the carnival's sounds and scents enveloped them: laughter, music, and the aroma of sugary treats. The night air sparkled with twinkling lights, creating a whimsical atmosphere.
Their carefree evening was filled with joy, laughter, and connection. Time seemed to fade into the background as they lost themselves in the carnival's enchantment.
"Umm... Princess, I think we should head back," the boy said, concern etched on his face.
"But I want to explore more," Indra insisted, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Please, it's almost dawn. We shouldn't risk being seen," the boy urged.
Indra relented with a sigh. "Hmm... okay, if you insist."
As they returned to the castle, climbing the tree to reach the boy's bedroom, he turned serious. "Princess, you should leave. If someone sees you here, it won't be good."
Indra's gaze locked onto his. "Okay... but before I go, tell me what to call you. I can't always say 'you'."
She took his hand, her touch sending a flutter through his chest.
"Umm... I don't remember my name," he admitted, his eyes dropping.
"I know you've said that before," Indra teased. "Then what about Raju, Pinku, Selam, Lily, Luffy...?"
The boy chuckled, interrupting her. "Wait, leave it. Just leave it."
Indra's grin persisted. "Jack?"
He hesitated, "Hmm... Jack"
Indra's eyes sparkled. "How about Jack, sounds good."
"Jack, huh?" he repeated, a small smile spreading across his face as he nodded acceptance of his new name.
Indra's eyes twinkled. "Till then, goodbye... Jack," she said, her voice soft.
The boy's eyes widened in surprise. "Wait, how did you—"
But Indra just laughed and disappeared into the night, leaving Jack alone with more questions than answers.
Jack stood at the window, watching the darkness swallow her whole. A faint smile lingered on his lips.
"Goodbye, Princess," he whispered.
To be continued....