Chapter 20

Before going back to my room, I made my way to Subhadra's room and asked her to make arrangements for leaving tomorrow. She was surprised, but seeing my expressions didn't question much.

When I reached my room, I instantly fell on my bed, overthinking everything that happened. Was it very wrong of me to speak to the queen like that? I shook my head at that. I might be wrong due to the tone of my voice, but what she implied was definitely worse. And I was going to speak up for myself.

Then I called Vidhi and planned the night. It was definitely going to be in the garden I saw from above. I was going to make it as special as I could.

It took me an entire day to plan it. The toughest part was the food. I wanted to make him some Italian food. But I didn't know how to cook and those who knew didn't understand me. It took us a lot of time, but we figured something out. Well, they did and then promptly kicked me out of the kitchen.

In the evening, I stared at the dress I was planning to wear. It was a gorgeous one, black color, form fitting with a slit just above my knees. With it I had bought a long black fur coat, obviously fake fur but it felt almost real. This dress took half of the suitcase and the other half was filled by another one. I had also brought a black heel with it and gold color jewelry.

The only question was, is this dress appropriate to wear here? But if not now, then when. Anyways I didn't have much option and no one will be there, so who cares. I removed my small yet decent makeup box. I was planning on wearing bold red lipstick. It all came up looking pretty good. Who wouldn't like me? I thought looking in the mirror.

"Please, please, please let me go. I won't tell anyone."

"Why would I let you go? You were asking for it."

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Please. Please. PLEASE"

I sucked in a deep breath. Clam down. Calm down. CALM DOWN. I gave that thing two years of my life. I won't give a single second more. New start, new beginning in a new place. I will not let my past haunt me here.

I went down through a secret hallway, which Vidhi had told me. Even though I wasn't shy. I think this dress would be too much. I reached the venue without encountering anyone. I had asked for that garden to have limited entry tonight. Well, I had asked Duryodhan to ask that and the staff was familiar with Vidhi. She trusted them so I did too.

She met me near the entrance and instantly greeted me with compliment. "You look so good. Is this the traditional outfit of your country?"

"I guess so." I replied smiling. It was almost night. Huge fire stands illuminated the garden. There was a round table beautifully designed lamp, it was almost like the replacement of candles as I couldn't actually find candles. Also, on four corners around the table I had long stands with small dias placed spirally around it. It created a lot of light.

Everything looked good. It was almost the time for him to arrive, I thought as I paced. But what if he doesn't come because queen said no. Well, then going back would be very embarrassing. Looking at the brighter side. If he doesn't come, I get to eat everything. Even that didn't sound like a good option now. Please don't embarrass me.

By now most of the help went away. Only a few guards were standing in the end, when he came in shining like a star. No literally, it felt like he wore each and every gold item in his closet. I swallowed a laugh. Even his clothes looked like threaded gold. So out of place but just like him.

His eyes darkened as he saw me. I smiled at his reaction and made my way to the table. He took the seat against me. From behind, a guard came to help us serve the food. First bowed in the direction of Duryodhan and then turned towards me, sweetly smiled and I smiled back. He was about to bow when a heard an angry voice, "Leave."

I turned to look at Duryodhan as he continued, "And tell the others to leave as well. I want this garden empty within the next minute."

The guard scurried off before I could utter a word and then I spoke, "Why would you do that?"

"Tonight only I have the right to see you in-" his eyes travelled below my face and stopped there.

I blushed at that. "Now who will serve us?"

He got the hint and got up to remove the cover over the spaghetti. I was a hundred percent sure that I would have to be the one serving but he surprised me. Really, Duryodhan doing mundane work, this black dress has done some strong black magic.

He kept the bottle, which was apparently on his other hand which I didn't notice, on the table. But I before I could question it, I saw at his expression seeing spaghetti.

"What is this?" He asked.

"It is a part of Italian cuisine called spaghetti. It was one of my favorites at home." I replied as he served me and himself small portions of it.

He took a bite and scrunched up his face in disgust.

"Oh, come on it is not even that bad." I said as I tired it and then instantly regrated my words. The noodles were way too salty and the sauce was literally curry. Individually I like both Indian and Italian food but together I could barely swallow it.

"Never mind," I said and opened the desert. It was supposed to be a cake but it was so flat. I knew we had no baking powder and chocolate or vanilla extract. But this was way below my expectation. They also sent something else. I opened it and it was basundi. I think even the cooks knew it won't turn up good. I served it to both of us.

I looked up and said, "Sorry. I was hoping that I could recreate the original taste. But we were short of ingredients and recipe."

He laughed at that and said, "It's fine." Is he really the same Duryodhan I met on the first day?

We ate it and then he said, "Want some drink?" pointing at the bottle.

"Are you trying to get me drunk?" I laughed.

"I don't have to try, you do it to yourself."

"Oh, come on I am not that alcoholic."

We fell into our usual talks as we both filled a glass of vine and roamed around. We went near the lake I had seen in the morning. It was more beautiful close up. The water was crestal clear. I could even see the fishes in it. I removed the heels and then sat on a rock. I smiled and asked him to come sit near me.

He sat next to me on the same rock. I turned to look at him. We were so close that I could feel the warmth of breath. I felt butterflies in my stomach as he lightly kissed me and then came closer and whispered near my ear, "Marry me."

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