THE ROYAL AFFAIR

THE INTERNATIONAL GUESTS

The international team had five members. There were three old ladies , one gentleman Mr Lewis who was one of the ladies husband and one lady had her son Eric accompany her.

They reached around 1 AM where a waiting car brought them to the palace . Although it had been decided that they would meet the royal family in the morning the Maharani was waiting to welcome them .

They spoke with each other for another fifteen minutes and then went to their rooms to rest .

Maharani wanted them to meet Shnaya but she had left for the shelter early in the morning to check the final arrangements .

At breakfast they were introduced to everyone including Vikram . Maya had taken the chair next to Vikram so they presumed that Maya was Vikram's wife .

After breakfast they were to go directly to the shelter.

Shnaya had spent a bad restless night thinking over what her life had become . Whenever things seem to improve between her and Vikram again something bad would happen and they would be back to square one . She knew that Maya was extremely beautiful and Vikram did have feelings for her . Vikram had been engaged to her and they had been intimate so she could understand the affection but now Vikram was her husband so he couldnt fool around with Maya who was his sister in law.

Maya should have tried to stop him as well .Both of them were to be blamed . Once these guests left she would have a heart to heart talk with Vikram and Maya .

Shnaya had come over early and double checked everything . For today's programme she had chosen to wear a very pretty dark orange tie and dye churidar suit with a printed dupatta .Her only jewellary was a pair of simple gold earrings .She had applied a light orange lipstick and kajal in her eyes .Her hair was tied in a loose ponytail . She looked not a day more than eighteen.

The orange colour enhanced her fair complexion making her all the more beautiful.

As the royal cars arrived Shnaya greeted the guests at the gate .Maharani ji, Maya and Vishal had accompanied them. Vikram had not come.

One of the girls applied the tikka while the second girl gave them flowers. They were then seated and the programme began.The younger girls sang many songs and also enacted one play while the elder ones gave dance performances.

Shnaya had prepared the girls for a group dance but they were nervous so she performed with them on the stage. Shnaya was a powerhouse performer and the guests were very impressed with her performance .

Eric was mesmerised with this girls performance. He wondered who she was ? Infact the moment he had laid eyes on her he had been attracted to her . Although she seemed to be quiet young but Eric himself was also in his late twenties. He decided to ask the Maharani later.

Lunch was served and Shnaya sat with the guests. Maya was the least bit interested so she had left after the performances .

"If you don"t mind miss could you give me a tour of the shelter ? And also what is your name please ?'asked Eric

"Eric this is Shnaya . Shnaya please give Eric a tour of the shelter while I sort out the other details with the other members ?"

Shnaya had fallen in love with this shelter and the girls who stayed in it . She showed Eric each and every room and also described the activities they undertook there .

Eric was impressed with the arrangements and he had already made up his mind to support them but he wanted to spend some more time with Shnaya so he lingered on .

They were to leave tomorrow evening so he asked Shnaya if she could spare sometime and show her around Rajgarh the next day .

Shnaya liked Eric . He was a nice person who had promised to donate to the shelter so the least she could do was show him around tomorrow so she agreed.

The Maharani had arranged for an evening dinner for the guests at a traditional Rajasthani restaurant. Eric asked Shnaya to accompany them . Since the Maharani was busy she asked Shnaya to go with the guests.

The restaurant was an hours drive from the palace . It had many levels depending on the price of the thali . For the common people the food was served at the ground level priced at 1100 per person . Then at the second level the thali was around 2500 per person and prior reservation were required .

Thr last and most expensive level was on the second floor . Here the food was served in silver utensils and the price was flexible depending on the food ordered . Also reservation was done a week in advance and no extra person in addition to the guests and the servers was allowed on this floor .

The ambiance was traditional Rajasthani. All the waiters were dressed in traditional outfits . The decor consisted of rajasthani wall hanging s and the table cloths snd napkins were of tie and dye . The entire restaurant was decorated in bright and bold colours

The snacks were served on the open terrace. For the snacks they had kachoris and pakodas with lassi .

There was a group of traditional musicians who sang various folk songs . After them a group of folk dancers danced as well . Shnaya liked one of the songs so she joined them in the dancing. Once again Eric was impressed with her dancing . He too joined her . Even though he had no idea of their dance he tried to match steps with Shnaya .

In the end he messed up and both Eric and Shnaya started laughing . Shnaya had been so upset but this lightened her mood .

"You know what Shnaya you are a wonderful dancer . When you dance your expressions show that it is your passion . Not only are you very beautiful but very talented as well "

"Thanks for the compliments Eric but I am not that talented . "

"No Shnaya don't underestimate yourself . You are actually tempting me to increase the duration of this trip . But I have lot of people depending on me so maybe next time "

The main course was served in the restaurant in a traditional manner where the guests were made to sit on handwoven stools placed on mats .

Eric was a foodie and he loved this traditional Rajasthani cuisine .

The main course was lavish from kadi pakoda , gatte ki dabzi to non veg varieties like laal mas and spicy chicken with bajre ki roti

During their meal Shnaya described the various dishes they were eating .

After dinner they were served kheer which was relished by everyone .

Since it was late they proceeded back to the palace .

"Goodnight everyone "Shnaya wished them .

"Shnaya what time tomorrow ? I hope you have not forgotten your promise to show me around " Eric asked her .

"No Eric be ready by eight . Goodnight "

Eric came close to her . He took her hand in his and then kissed it ,"Goodnight dear " he whispered .

Shnaya didn't hear but Vikram who was just entering after a business dinner had heard Eric call her dear .