THE ROYAL AFFAIR

THE PICNIC

Vikram was closely observing the two of them. Vishal tucking her hair made his blood boil. and then there was no reaction of Shnaya on this. Infact she seemed to be oblivious to anyone looking at her.

The picnic spot was around two hours but Vishal had many childhood anecdotes to narrate so time passed away quickly.The place was picturesque with a small lake . It was surrounded by mountains on one side and forest on the other. But there seemed to be no one. When Shnaya enquired he told her that this was an artificial lake built for the royal family so outsiders were not allowed. Deeper in the forest was another big lake which was open to the public .

He also told her that this forest was a preserved area so hunting was not allowed.

Shnaya shivered on the mention of hunting and Vishal smiled."Do you know who is one of the best hunters- your husband Vikram?

"Please change the topic Vishal. Vishal the view is breathtaking . But how do you plan to spend the day here?

"You wait and watch Shnaya what all I have planned for us today?"

He made her sit on the porch where two chairs and a table with two glasses and a jug of lemonade was placed for them with some butter cookies.Shnaya had not eaten any breakfast so she ate some cookies with her lemonade.

She was looking out over the lake when within ten minutes a motorboat and a traditional wooden boat arrived for them.

"Which would you prefer ?"

Shnaya selected the wooden one. Vishal himself took the oars and started to row. Though the lake was not very big but the pleasant weather and cool breeze lead them to spending an hour in it. Shnaya was enjoying herself so she playfully threw some water on Vishal. vishal settled the boat in the midle and then used one hand to throw water on her. Shnaya and Vishal played with water for sometime and then came back to the porch.

When they came back on the porch They were quite wet. magically a maid appeared with two towels for them. A group of traditional Rajasthani dancers was waiting for them.They performed on Beautiful Rajasthani folk songs One of the dancer was a young girl of thirteen or fourteen years. Shnaya called her spoke with her for a few seconds and then removed a gold bangle and gave it to her.

It was time for lunch . Lunch was again a traditional affair with dal bati choorma, gatte ki sabzi, kadhi, rice and bajre ki roti.

Vishal I have eaten so much that I feel like falling asleep. shnaya yawned . No sooner had the words escaped her mouth that two tents were set up one for each one of them to sleep.

A lady appeared out of nowhere with a small hand fan so that Shnaya could sleep peacefully.She closed her eyes and fell asleep.

Vishal was wide awake watching her . He had a wistful look in his eyes. He couldn't take his eyes of her . She was so pretty and elegant. If it would have been any of his girlfriend they would have been bored of this peaceful place but not Shnaya. She was a simple girl who enjoyed simple things.Vikram was a very lucky man to have her as his wife.He decided to take rest for sometime so he too moved to his tent.

Shnaya slept peacefully for an hour and woke up to a tantalising smell of coffee.

She found Vishal sitting at the porch having his tea."Shnaya the sleeping beauty awake at last. I know you don't drink tea so I had coffee prepared for you.Also try theses pastries .They are simply delicious"

To say tea time was a light affair would be an exaggeration. Their were at least ten types of pastries, rolls,cookies and sandwiches. It was an entire spread and most of things were her favorites.Vishal had actually gone through a lot of trouble to make her feel happy.

"Vishal how did you know that I like pastries and drink coffee?"

""That's a secret. you enjoy the tea. then we will take a stroll near the lake and leave."

Shnaya finished her coffee and together they walked near the lake. It was so peaceful away from the crowds and the hustle and bustle of the palace. Here she needn't pretend she was the future queen.

She had fallen in love with this place and would definitely visit again.It was getting late or she would have loved to explore the jungle.

Casually Vishal took her hand in his during the stroll. Since the ambience was so nice and it seemed a friendly gesture she didn't object and together they walked the entire perimeter of the lake hand in hand without even speaking a word to each other.

Their peace was disturbed by a car horn. Vishal's face paled and he quickly removed his hand from Shnaya's.

When Shnaya turned back she saw the driver of the car- it was Vikram.