Beyond The Palace Walls| ONGOING

Chapter - 37

Shekhala,

As they settled into their seats at the quaint restaurant in Shekhala, the aroma of local spices and herbs wafted through the air, tantalizing their taste buds. Meera's eyes scanned the menu, her stomach growling with anticipation.

Agastya, noticing her distraction, smiled. "What'll you have?"

Meera's gaze met his. "Whatever you recommend."

Agastya's eyes crinkled. "My favorite - Dal Bhati churma and watermelon juice."

Meera nodded, trusting his judgment.

As they ordered and waited for their food to arrive, Meera's thoughts began to wander.

"Agastya?" she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Yes?"

Meera's brow furrowed. "Hume Aisa lag raha hai... Kuch bura hone wala hai"
(I have this feeling... something bad is going to happen.)

Agastya's expression softened. "Don't think negative, Meera. We're together, and everything will be fine."

Meera's eyes searched his. "But what if...?"

Agastya reached across the table, his hand enveloping hers. "No what-ifs. Aage Jo bhi hoga hum uska milkar saamna karenge."
(We'll face whatever comes next, together)

Meera's doubts lingered, but Agastya's reassurance calmed her frazzled nerves.

Their food arrived, and they dug in, savoring the flavors.

As they ate, Meera's anxiety resurfaced.

"Agastya?"

"Yes?"

Meera's voice trembled. "What if Veer finds us?"

Agastya's jaw clenched. "He won't. We've taken precautions."

Meera nodded, though uncertainty lingered.

Agastya noticed her unease. "Hey," he said, his voice gentle.

Meera looked up.

"Trust me," Agastya said, his eyes locked onto hers. "I'll keep you safe."

Meera's heart swelled. She knew Agastya would do everything in his power to protect her.

As they finished their meal and prepared to leave, Meera felt a sense of resolve wash over her.

She would face whatever lay ahead, with Agastya by her side.

The sun beat down on them as they stepped out of the restaurant.

Sarbajeet waited patiently by the car already having eaten.

"All set, sir?" he asked.

Agastya nodded. "Yes. Chalo chalen."
(Let's move)

As they drove away from Shekhala, Meera's thoughts turned to Jaisalmer.

What secrets lay hidden in the ancient palace?

And what dangers awaited them?

Only time would tell.

As they drove through the endless desert landscape, Meera's restlessness grew. She fidgeted, her eyes scanning the horizon.

Agastya glanced at her, amused. "Bored?"

Meera shrugged, her shoulders barely rising.

Without warning, she reached out and began drawing on the back of Agastya's palm.