INSEPARABLE I

XXVI

"The cabinet is expecting to hear the final decision at the meeting tomorrow afternoon." Arjan Singh Dhaliwal addressed his elder brother rubbing his forehead. They watched the post wedding festivities in full swing right outside the small chambers they were seated in. Among the excited guests sat the heir of their family with the daughter of their biggest enemy. There was visible dejection on both their faces as if they were fully aware of just what they were fated for next.

"Arjan..." His brother suddenly spoke. "Should we..." he hesitated, "try to talk to the girl?"

The ex-chief of Kurral allowed a small smile. "Bai (brother), I've even tried that before."

"Well, there's more at stake this time around. It might be worth it." The elder brother insisted.

"Why not?" Prem's father ended up agreeing. "She is the only one with the power to actually convince Prem to stay back."

Prem had just left Noor's side to grab a drink for the two of them when a maid approached her. "Lord Dhaliwal sends for you." She informed Noor. Knowing Prem was still within earshot, her eyes first rushed to his father and uncle seated in the chambers to the side looking out at them and to Prem for his reaction. He shook his head in denial. Noor nodded at the maid and rose to her feet. Giving Prem a look that said, 'I will not disrespect my in-laws by ignoring their request before a room full of guests,' she began after the maid. The celebratory buzz came to a halt for a few moments as the guests curiously watched Noor make her way out.

Her exit grabbed the attention of both her aunt and her father. Prem left the drinks untouched and followed Noor right over to his father and uncle.

"Good Afternoon, My Lords." Noor bowed slightly before the Senior Dhaliwals. She could hear one of her cousins pick up the conversation behind her in attempts to divert the guest's attention away from her. He was successful as the chatting began again.

"Thank you for joining us, Chief." Prem's father smiled her. "Please, have a seat." He requested.

When Prem stepped in behind Noor, his father and uncle looked at him unwelcomingly but allowed him to take a take a seat next to Noor, nonetheless.

Before they could say a word to Noor, however, another voice echoed Noor's greeting to them. "Good Afternoon, My Lords." It belonged to Noor's aunt and next to her stood Noor's father. They were not going to let their daughter face the enemy alone.

"Sahiba!" Prem's uncle acknowledged her. He used her first name as if to establish the tone of the unexpected gathering to a casual and familiar one. "Both surprised and honored to find you here!"

"The honor is all mine, veere (brother)." Noor's aunt replied making her way over to them. Referring to him in the casual as well, she seemed to have accepted his invitation to keep the meeting off the record. She knew the two men very well. Her position as the wife of the head commander of the army meant she had to host political relationships with the leaders of each state, including Kurral.

"Sandhu." Prem's father too nodded in a greeting at the ex-chief of Basher. "Veer," he then called out to his nephew just outside their chambers, "having additional seating arranged." He ordered.

It took a mere look from Veer for the servants in the area to instantly hustle and bring in two more cushioned chairs for the Senior Sandhu's. Veer stood at the side in silence as both the Sandhu's took their seats.

"Your niece inherits your courage and intelligence, Sahiba." Prem's father complimented both Noor and her aunt.

"Thank you, Veere." Noor's aunt replied courteously. "Basher believes in raising strong women."