Rewriting the War (Duryodhan)

Chapter 6 - Design a Drama

Both sides mingled after Dhritarashtra's exultant speech, and only then did I remember the slate in my hand.

"Dushala, can you introduce me to Lord Balaram?" I peered earnestly into her soul.

The Princess nodded wordlessly and helped me reach the Prince of Mathura, who was surrounded by many others.

"Greetings, Lord Balaram." Dushala formally addressed him, while I studied his braided hair with interest.

"This is my childhood friend from Gandhara, Amara." She added.

He regarded me with confusion at the random introduction before remembering his manners.

"I hope you will deliver my message to Lord Krishna." I bluntly requested once the formalities were over.

I held out the shawl-wrapped slate, and as soon as he grabbed it, I bowed my head and took my leave from the conversation.

My abrupt decision to depart was a result of momentary panic.

I had already seen questions simmering in his head, and if I had spent a minute longer, I would have been at the receiving end of it.

Dushala joined me minutes later while I was browsing through the food present.

"You should have told me you were going to leave after handing it. He grilled me about you, your life, your parents, and what not."

She muttered as she reached out to take a pink coloured sherbet from the table.

"He only left me after I said that the Queen had been the one to supervise your travel here." Dushala sighed after sipping into her drink while I shrugged, noncommittally.

"Tell me about yourself." I asked, picking up a good-looking piece of barfi.

It was for the better that I knew her.

"Me?" She looked surprised, as if she had never been asked this question before. It sent a sense of deja vu to me.

"Yes?"

"Well, I have more than a hundred brothers."

"That is rather impressive, but I asked about you."

"I like the colour of the rose?" She asked, unsure.

"That's good taste." I smiled reassuringly. "Roses are pretty. Is that why you have worn the dress of the same colour today?"

"Yes." She professed excitedly. "I asked the tailor to stitch this for me, and I must admit, she has done a great job at replicating my design."

Indeed, a great job; her dress was genuinely stunning to behold.

"You sketched the design?" I asked, totally interested in knowing further about her life.

"Oh yes, it's a hobby of mine. I showed her my drawing, and she made it."

Damn, she was an excellent fashion designer.

"Do you know how to sew?"

"A little bit. I have been learning it for a year or so."

"Perhaps one day you can create a dress from your designs?"

"Yes! That's what I hope too."

"If that's the case, I want a dress as well."

"Deal."

We both smiled at each other, and in that moment I knew we were friends, and it wasn't just for the night.

While drowning in the comfortable silence as we ate, Dushala seemed to remember something.