Chapter 234: Last Date at capital
Purana Qila, royal dining room, night of April 23, 1557.
Under the soft glow of chandeliers and the flickering torchlights that illuminated the private dining chamber, the table was filled with South Indian cuisines.
The air was infused with the rich aroma of spices, creating an atmosphere that was both inviting and serene.
The room was elegantly furnished, with a long, ornate table placed at the center which was surrounded by plush chairs.
As Aditya entered the room wearing his usual red kurta and white dhoti, he was greeted by the alluring sight: Princess Meenakshi stood at the door, dressed in a majestic blue saree with beautiful golden embroidery that matched her shining jewellery and glowing complexion.
Aditya was charmed by her appearance. Just the sight of her seemed to wash away the day’s tensions. His gaze lingered momentarily on her smooth navel and slender waist on the gaps of her tucked saree, the temptation was too strong.. but he quickly reined himself by reminding ’Dont look there’ he forced to lock his eyes on her, ’She’s just a friend who happens to align with my tastes. Lets not repeat the same mistake.’
With a knowing smile, he greeted the princess with a teasing tone, his hands raised in namaste. "Am I in the right place, or is this some sort of divine realm where I happen to stumble upon a beauty who looks no less than a deity?"
Meenakshi giggled and returned the greeting with a polite namaste. "Please don’t embarrass me, Prince. I’m not sure if this is a divine realm or not, but I can assure you, this maiden is just a normal mortal like any other."
Aditya laughed it off. "A mere mortal and a maiden—what a combination."
Meenakshi smiled and motioned for him to sit. "Please, take your seat. I would like to show you my specialty today."
The table was filled with a minimum of nine to ten dishes, all in a big one golden plate. Aditya recognized five or six at a glance, as a Mumbaikar in his past life, these dishes were also common in his time.
In the center of the table lay a mound of rice, flanked by creamy dal and rich curries of fish and mutton, alongside a variety of vegetable dishes. To the right, there were dosas and sambhar, their crispy edges and aromatic fragrance inviting him to sample them. Further along, he noticed other rice-based dishes that seemed to have a touch of sweetness, giving the impression of a dessert.