INSEPARABLE I

XXIV

Prem and Noor were among the last people to arrive in the King's quarters for breakfast. Their playful smiles were long gone by the time they noticed both their fathers and some prominent cabinet members from Kurral and Basher seated at the feast. The rest of their family members also hung out in the background. There was tension in the air as the room grew inevitably quiet at their arrival. Prem's eyes landed on Prince Udam and Gulab towards the front of the room and he led Noor straight over to them.

They bowed before the King and Queen and folded their hands in greetings before the other seniors in the room. Some responded, others did not. Prem took a seat next to the Prince and Noor sat down beside him. The room continued to be silent as the guests watched their every move. Breakfast platters were brought out and placed before each individual in the circle around the feast. "Let us begin." The King warmly stated.

As they began reaching for their food, the door opened once again and Veer Dhaliwal entered. "Good Morning, Your Grace!" His enthusiastic greeting to the King penetrated the otherwise clamorous silence in the room.

A small laugh escaped the Prince's lips at the words 'Your Grace' and he looked over at Prem who cleared his throat trying to control his own laughter. Noor exchanged a look with Gulab in a knowing smile before quietly eyeing the food in her platter.

"Everything okay, Udam?" The Queen asked her son noticing the amused expressions of all four friends. All eyes in the room were on them.

"Yes, Ma." The Prince courteously replied in lowered eyes still making attempts to wipe away his smile. "All good. Right, Prem?"

Prem cleared his throat yet again. "Yes, Your Grace." He managed in between his mischievous smile. "All good."

"You see that, Ajit? Arjan?" The King spoke up addressing both Prem and Noor's fathers. "Our children are all grown. They now laugh at secret jokes."

The fathers of both Prem and Noor simply nodded in agreement studying their children's radiating smiles in longing eyes. Smiles they seemed to have otherwise banished from their children's lives.

Noticing the gazes of their fathers, Prem and Noor cleared away their smiles and began with their food. The room grew silent again. There was some light hearted conversation created by the King and Queen as they ate but the feast took place in silence for the most part.

When breakfast was concluded and the guests began dispersing, Prem and Noor stood next to the Prince waiting on Gulab as she spoke with her mother. They were ready to head out as soon as Gulab was free. Prem and Noor knew avoiding a conversation with their respective families would not be a solution to anything but they did want to delay it for as long as possible. Their families, however, were well aware of their intentions so they were approached within no time.

As Arjan Sandhu saw Ajit Dhaliwal also headed in the same direction as him, he straightened his posture and kept his eyes focused on his daughter. They arrived before their children at the time same time and waited for a few moments for the other to speak up first.

Ajit Dhaliwal finally cleared his throat. Disappointment was visible on his face as he addressed his son, "you will meet your uncle and I at 10 am in my chambers today." He was straightforward.

"I.." Prem had just begun when his father interrupted him.

"It's an order." He said firmly before turning and walking away.

Prem sighed knowing there was no room for negotiation. He then shifted his attention to Noor and her father.

"And our family will be waiting for you in our quarters at 10 am." Arjan Sandhu informed his daughter.