The other day, Jack was busy doing his job as always, his focus solely on the task at hand. It was a typical day, with the sun shining brightly overhead.
Raghu, who has now became his trusted companion, stood by his side, silently observing as Jack worked. Their routine was well-established.
As Jack paused to wipe the sweat from his brow, Raghu seized the opportunity to nudge his hand, seeking attention. Jack smiled and scratched Raghu behind the ears, their bond evident in the simple gesture.
"Almost done, boy," Jack whispered, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
Raghu's tail wagged in understanding, and he settled back into his watchful stance, ever vigilant.
Their day unfolded like many others, marked by hard work and companionship. Yet, amidst the familiarity, Jack's thoughts drifted to Indra, their last encounter still etched in his mind.
Raghu's keen eyes noticed Jack's distant gaze and sensed a change in his demeanor. Concern etched on his face, Raghu approached Jack, his voice soft.
"Jack, kuch huwa hai kya?(Jack, is something wrong?)" Raghu asked, his tone gentle.
Jack's reverie shattered, and he focused on Raghu. He could understand what Raghu is asking by the look on Raghu's face. For a moment, he considered opening up, sharing his thoughts. But habits of silence were hard to break.
Raghu's expectant gaze met Jack's, seeking understanding. Yet, Jack's lips remained sealed, his expression masking the turmoil within.
"Nothing, Raghu," Jack replied, his voice measured.
Raghu's eyes narrowed, sensing the evasion. He knew Jack well enough to recognize the subtle signs of turmoil. Still, he respected Jack's boundaries, knowing that silence was sometimes the only answer.
Raghu nodded, returning to his watchful stance beside Jack. Watching Raghu Jack couldn't hold his thoughts.
Jack broke his silence, curiosity getting the better of him. "Hey, Raghu, what do you think of the princess?" he asked, eyes seeking understanding.
Raghu stared, confused. "Hmm?"
"Princess," Jack repeated, emphasizing the word.
Raghu's expression remained puzzled, "hmm."
Jack struggled to explain. "Umm... princess... uh... You know, the one from the palace."
Raghu's confusion deepened.
After thinking a lot inspiration struck Jack's mind. He seized a nearby stick and began etching Indra's image on the ground. As the rough outline took shape, Jack's thoughts drifted to the princess.
He recalled her striking emerald eyes, bold and bright. Her rosy cheeks flushed with laughter, and her glossy lips curved into a gentle smile. The warm evening sun danced across her tanned skin, illuminating every contour.
Jack's gaze wandered, lost in the memory of her long, wavy hair cascading down her back like a waterfall of night. His mind swirled with the vibrant colors of her presence.
Engrossed in his reverie, Jack forgot Raghu's watchful gaze. Time stood still as he struggled to capture Indra's essence on the ground.
However, despite the vivid images in his mind, Jack's artistic skills failed him. The stick scribbled awkward lines, and Indra's beauty eluded his crude rendering.
Raghu was watching silently as Jack's poor artistry became apparent.
Just as Jack realized his drawing wouldn't work, Raghu exclaimed, "Ah, Rajkumari Indravati!" His face lit up with understanding.
Jack's doubts faded. "Ah yes, Rajkumari... Indra... Indravati."
In his mind, Jack chastised himself, "Why didn't I just say her name? I'm such a fool!"
Raghu's gaze locked onto Jack's. "Hmm."
Jack gestured, seeking Raghu's opinion on Indra's nature. "What's she like?"
Raghu grasped Jack's meaning. "Wo bohut acchi hai. Unka dil sheshe ki tarah saf hai." (She's very kind. Her heart is as pure as glass.)
Jack struggled to interpret, as his language skills were limited.
Raghu pointed to his chest and made an expansive gesture with both of his hands, indicating Indra's kind heart.
But Jack misinterpreted, blushing furiously. "Haah! What are you saying? You think she has... um... big... assets?"
Jack made a gesture that made Raghu realized Jack's mistake. That made him blushed too and embarrassed.
"Nahi! (No!)" , Raghu smacked Jack's head, he was embarrassed as if how he even think of that.
Raghu clarified, pointing to Jack's chest. "Dil, dil!" (Heart, heart!)
He gestured emphatically, ensuring Jack understood.
Jack's embarrassment deepened. "Oh, umm... ok. I'm such an idiot!"
Raghu smiled, patting Jack's back. "Koi baat nahi, Jack." (No worries, Jack.)
The duo stood static for a minute, both relieved.
Finally, Jack spoke up, changing the subject. "Hey, let's draw something else."
Raghu stayed still.
Jack drew a crude dog. "What's this?"
"Kutta," Raghu replied with a smile.
"This?" Jack drew a fish.
"Machli."
"This?" Jack drew a rat.
"Chooha."
Jack was confused wondering how he could even understand this. They both looked at each other and bust in laughter.
Their laughter filled the air, dispelling the earlier awkwardness.
**Setting of sun**
As night descended, the stars twinkling above, Jack and Raghu's work hours stretched longer than usual. One of the camels, had fallen ill, and the duo stayed late to tend to it.
Jack struggled to calm the distressed animal, its moans and labored breathing unsettling. Raghu intervened, his gentle touch and soothing voice easing the camel's anxiety.
Raghu helped Jack by guiding his hands to support the camel's trembling legs.
Together, they worked in harmony, Raghu's expertise complementing Jack's eagerness. Jack watched, fascinated, as Raghu expertly administered medicine and wrapped a warm compress around the camel's neck.
As the night wore on, the camel's condition stabilized, its eyes growing less wild.
"Ah, finally, his complexion's looking good," Jack said, relief washing over his face.
Raghu noticed Jack's exhaustion, his eyes drooping. "You... go," Raghu urged, concern etched.
"No, I cannot leave you alone," Jack protested.
Raghu's expression turned firm. "No, you... go!" He insisted.
Jack hesitated, then nodded. "Okay, but you better leave soon too."
"Go rest, Raghu" Jack called.
Raghu smiled, waving Jack away.
As Jack left, Raghu checked the camel's condition once more before following Jack's advice.
As Jack was on his way toward his chambers with exhaustion weighing him down, a melancholic melody wafted through the corridors. The sorrowful notes resonated deep within, drawing Jack to their source.
He followed the sound to a nearby room, where an elderly man sat cross-legged on a cushion, his fingers dancing upon the strings of a veena. The instrument's haunting tones filled the space, enveloping Jack in a soothing tranquility.
All fatigue forgotten, Jack stood transfixed, his eyes fixed on the old man's skilled hands. The veena's lamenting voice seemed to speak directly to Jack's soul, awakening a deep sense of longing.
Time stood still as Jack listened, mesmerized. The music conjured images of distant lands, forgotten memories, and unspoken emotions. The old man's eyes, closed in reverie, seemed to hold a world of wisdom.
As the final notes faded, Jack felt a sense of peace settle within. He breathed deeply, his mind cleared.
The old man opened his eyes, catching Jack's gaze. A gentle smile spread across his face.
"Come in boy"