Beyond The Palace Walls| ONGOING

Chapter - 25

Pali, Royal Dining Hall

Meera and Agastya sat down for lunch, but the atmosphere felt off. They were used to Achintya and Sumitra joining them, but today, they were nowhere to be found.

Meera asked a maid, "Where are Maa and Baba? It's unusual for them to miss lunch."

The maid replied, "They've gone to the neighboring Kingdom, Your Highness. They're inviting king Jayant for your marriage and seeking financial aid. King Achintya considered him a brotherly figure."

Meera's heart sank at the mention of her marriage, but before she could respond, Harshith walked in.

Agastya teased, "Ah, Harshith, you've already eaten at the food court, yet you're here for lunch again? You're going to turn into a food mountain!"

Harshith chuckled, "Hey, I'm just making sure I don't waste away to nothing. Besides, I heard the palace chef made his famous Ghevar today."

Meera forced a smile, trying to hide her unease. Agastya, sensing her discomfort, reached under the table and gently squeezed her hand.

As they ate, Meera couldn't shake off the feeling that her life was being dictated by others. She felt like a pawn in a game of chess, with her parents making moves without her consent.

Agastya's touch sparked a sense of rebellion within her. She began to wonder if there was a way to take control of her own destiny, to follow her heart and be with the one she truly loved.

As lunch concluded, Meera excused herself. Agastya nodded understandingly, his eyes lingering on hers for a moment before she departed.

Harshith, oblivious to the undercurrents, regaled Agastya with tales of his adventures in the food court, leaving Agastya to listen with a mixture of amusement and distraction.

Meanwhile, Meera retreated to her chambers, her mind racing with thoughts of her parents' plans and her own desires. She felt trapped, like a bird in a gilded cage, longing to soar free.

As she paced, an idea began to form. She would speak with Agastya, and together, they would devise a plan to change the course of her fate.

Just then, a soft knock at the door interrupted her thoughts. It was Agastya, his eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief.

"I couldn't wait until later," he whispered, slipping inside. "We need to talk, Meera. About our future."

Meera's heart skipped a beat. Was he thinking what she was thinking? That they could find a way to be together, against all odds?

"Agastya, I-"

"Main jaanta hu ye mushkil hai," Agastya continued, his voice low and husky. "Par aap samajh nahi Rahi ki mujhpe kya beet Rahi hai . Mein aapke sath rehna chahta hu. Always."
("I know it's difficult," Agastya continued, his voice low and husky. "But you don't understand what I'm going through. I want to be with you. Always.")

Meera's breath caught in her throat as Agastya took a step closer, his face inches from hers.

"I want that too," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Agastya's eyes flashed with hope, and he reached out, his fingers brushing against Meera's cheek.

Agastya's eyes never left Meera's face. "Can we spend some time together, just us? No thoughts of duty, or family, or anything else?"

Meera nodded, her heart skipping a beat.

She glanced at her maid, who was blushing furiously as she gazed at the two of them. Meera smiled and gave her a curt nod, dismissing her.