Chapter 159

First on I would like to appreciate someone who expressed a thought many overlooked:

Smrikta: You are the only one who came close to pouncing on that idea. Indeed, why was the General naked, why was the General suddenly so sad, why was the General singing the very same song that was in the air around the other couple?

Russelskushi: Congrats on hitting the throne! And I am so happy that you were appreciated my favourite's chapter!

Lovedrops: I am loving the way you are expressing your heart! It warms up mine too and I am thrilled to be sharing this story with you, dear. And thank you for liking the other comments too.

Amira: Amira dear! How are you? I see the contrasting chapter confused you and I am excited by the flurry of questions you were pricked with in the aftermath of the chapter. The mystery is the magic of the tale, indeed, and I can't wait for the day all is revealed!

Anjs: My most practical reader! Always out there thinking and connecting and vividly assuming! Exciting to see your thoughts churning out possibilities! And thank you, dear, for sharing it with me...

Mpuhan: "Horrible General"? *sniff* Thou breakest my hearties! And wow! What a lot of queries, mpuahn! All so well placed! And all with fitting answers to. But no, dearie, I am not the one who gives the answers. It's the tale and your own heart that will answer them for you...

Vidya: How are you today, vidya? Everytime I see you, I remember the old Forum days when the show was on air and I was making posts and...*sigh* But I couldn't stop myself from chuckling with delight after seeing your quip on "navarasas!" Indeed, all nine are there! And maybe even a tenth too! Which reminds me, do you dance classical?

Siamesecat: And here she comes! Readerji siamesecat, thank you for your beautiful comments. They sure do mean a lot coming from you. And please continuing being "not so ecstatic for the couple." For now. Let's see if my words have the power to change your mind! *wink*

Uttara: I am starting to look forward to your appearances now. Really, really touched that you loved the chapter, dear. Thank you.

Varshapan: Varsha, how are you dear? You rarely visit but each visit does brighten up the moment! And no, my General is NOT evil like the one in the show. Bad scripting of the character was what happened to the lawyer Shyam, but I am certain to rectify that in this tale. You stay hooked, dearie, while I unfurl the character for you! Erm...which will take some time, of course.

KajenAllDaWay: Hello there dear! You are new to the Inn I see! Welcome on behalf of all my readers and Comrades. Yes, the plot is smooth and hence slow. I mean, is crossed 237 chapters! Who in the world writes in a story that's 300-400 chapters!! But thank you dear for coming by and loving the tale. Hoping you will like your further visits to the Inn when you make them.

Rockingsoni: How are you, dear soni? I am sorry I got you worried about the mother and child, but you must be, technically. It's the way the story runs...

Athena: Athena! Back with you thinking cap, dearie? How are you, by the way? And yes, Genny and Lordy shown in contrasts by your brilliant words! And no, I don't want to be a freaking poet! I want to be a freaking novelist!!

Shas: I loved your description of Lordy's transformation was so gripping, I could have gripped you in a hug right then and there. But there are a few corrections I would like to add. The quote on Page 119 is not from Anonymous but from the Bible, and the quote on Page 123 is from Dylan and not Dylon. He is a famous post-war poet. Had to study him, you see, and now that I am teaching his poems, I am sensitive to how my poets are spelled especially in exam papers! But man! I didn't know he had such a quote! What a choice pick, Shas! And haveth thou finished "processing" the Dream? I guess you want to run a test of the process with Hoopoe before you report me the results, eh? Takey your timey. Love you too!

Sansu: You and Ms. Frog!! *shakes head exasperately* So you two were the ones sneaking on the romancing couple, eh? How very naughty of you too! Especially you, Ms. Frog, coz the wild is not your home like it is for Sansu.

Shas and Sansu: Don't you DARE!!!!! I forbid this tyranny all together and unban all bans that banned the banning of the slurpies *yuck!* and rib-breaking huggies! *runs out screaming for life*

Bablio: I know you must be busy but I was thrilled to see you likes in the whereabouts!! *hugs*

Mehreen: My dear, you deserve my thanks when I offer them to you. It is love of my readers that keeps the writer writing...

Aafreen: I am still certain that you are the youngest reader in the lot I have! I still remember how excited you were about the story in the yesteryear and how your comments were all jumpy and colourful!

Aparnav: I love mentioning you dear aparna, when I can get the time and space to do you justice. The General is no one's favourite, dearie, except mine and I think I like to keep it that way. But I am so happy to know that you love this tale and are always excitedly waiting for it. Thank you dear, for loving it your way...

Dpriyad and flowers4u: Thank you, dears, for loving the chapters for what they conveyed.

Hoopoe: *tight hugs* I am only happy I could do this little for you, dear hoopoe. But you deserve more! As to the song being more apt for General, you know I will only support that claim, him being my favourite! But I want you to "hear" the song and not "watch" it because it is the "song" that is for the two of them and not the "video." But I am sure, you knew that. When you close your eyes and listen to the song, you can find both men revealed in its depths but the background score is one of pathos and it might be more fittingly attributed to the greater beast among the two. And what more can I say to your thoughts and conclusions with regard to the chapter: A "Perfect" Interpretation that deserves more than a standing ovation! Love you for everything, dearest Hoopoe!

Mouktika: I am always so jumpy when I see that you have commented and I am extremely delighted by your thoughtful questions, dear. And let me assure you that they have ready answers. I can't tell them here though for the tale is yet to unroll. Just a little more patience, dear, and your heart's queries I will content.

Urvi: I never compel my readers to comment, but truthfully it is such a happy feeling that rises in my heart when I see that one of the busy ones has caught time to peep in and say hi. It is good seeing you, dear, and it is alright if you can't comment always. I am humbled that you thinking the tale phenomenal and I am doubly excited to be narrating the rest of the tale to you. Take care, dear.

Sarahehsan: Sarah darling, your footprints are over the place! It's a delight having you walking about, loving the tale and loving everyone gathered at the Inn...

Casper: I am struck speechless. Literally speechless by the magnificence of your analysis. How you decipher the "body language," the story of "walls" in two hearts, and the interpretation of where one's "home" is. *holds hand to heart* You have touched me by your appraisal and I humbled by your words. I had seen your "like" under another comment and was thinking of mentioning you in my pre-note when I came across this page and found that you had whole-heartedly commented. Thank you dear for coming to the Inn, for finding the tale, and for loving not just the story but even the comments of my dear readers and Comrades... On behalf of them all, I welcome you to our little gathering.

Taking this moment to appreciate some of the fervent likers: nonie3081, funloving, sweettintu,sadiasazia, shreelakshan, aparnav, kdhaliwal, reeshree, TrueLoveIs4ever, arnavkhushi398, libbyferns, MEsw, Mouktika, Bentley, Deepikikamandal, maria1878, shoobie, yushswt, Atyay, jtammareddy, dasudisa, Leafs, kkyajo, gayatri_y, samarablog, Angel1618, Chaverah_TF, tanya_vi, dhrashtee,Siaa, Keerthi,

BARUNODAYA, russelskhushi, meem17, gmsk, maverickmartin, kaur94, Msfrootie, march2011, seshatree, moonlight2630, sanjana yadav, nadiafarjana, Shalve, -afsha-, MysticRiver

Because I need some college work attended to, I won't be PMing the next few chapters either. But I will PM them all when I get a break in the weekend. Until then, stalkers enjoy the chapters and treat yourself to some Arhasia!

Chapter 238: Treating the Two at the Town

The morning bird's song outside her bedroom window penetrated into her sleep and Kushi sighed into her pillow as she awoke.

Opening her eyes, she looked to her side and found her husband sitting in bed beside her, his back leaning against the headboard as he watched her waking.

Her first blush for the day crept across her cheeks and, as a desperate attempt to hide it, she pulled the blanket over her head.

Lord Arnav didn't make any move to extract her from beneath the blanket but she could sense him bend over her, his face close to where her ear was supposed to be.

"Hurry up, sleepy head," he told her, "The morning's passing by and we're late already."

"Late?" Kushi was taken aback as she removed the blanket and stared at him, "Late for what?"

Her heart worried if the seven days were already up and they were leaving for the Castle already.

Lord Arnav had gotten out of bed and was picking up his shirt that lay on the arm of the chair, "I promised Ram that I would take him to the Market to get him a new kite after the first one got torn."

Kushi sat up, her long hair dishevelled and her red night robe still smelling of grass, "You are going with Ram to the Market?"

"Yes," Lord Arnav looked at her as he buttoned his shirt, "And I want you to come along as well."

The carriage, the frame of which Lord Arnav had helped to make, was readied, painted dark red with gold borders on it and Lord Arnav had informed Master Happy that it was that very carriage that he wanted for a ride into the Market.

After breakfast, Lord Arnav left for Master Happy's cottage, told Ram to hitch the carriage and insisted that the little boy wear his best garb.

Kushi was excited. The aftermath of last night's enchantment still lingered in her mind as she prepared herself for the little trip to the Market.

Since she was to be seen along with her husband, she knew she had to be in her best First Lady attire, ultimately choosing a pale blue gown with white flower patterns on it, and for accessories a hat with a ribbon of the same colours and white satin gloves.

When Kushi descended down the stairs, the Gupta family stared in disbelief at her for it was impossible to convince their eyes that the exquisite lady on the stairs was their hapless youngest.

Garima's eyes were filled with tears as she stepped forward and embraced Kushi, "My daughter...the First Lady of Arhasia."

Master Shashi teasingly bent down to look under the rim of Kushi's hat and smiled on seeing her face, "Ah, found her! My little Princess."

"Babuji!" Kushi hugged him, wishing she was small again so her father could lift her up in the air to hear her giggle.

Mistress Madhumati shook her head, "You see, she became the First Lady and she's forgotten her Buaji!"

"I did not!" claimed Kushi and she turned to her aunt who crushed her in a loving embrace within her beefy arms, "Oh, I can't bear to think you are leaving us tomorrow."

Kushi's heart sank but she forced a smile, "I'll come again the next week. With Jiji."

Madhumati patted her cheek, "You better get along now or the horses will grow impatient."

Kushi rolled her eyes knowing well that it was not the impatience of the horses her aunt was concerned about.

The First Lord and Ram were waiting outside before the carriage.

When Kushi emerged from the front door of Bauji's cottage, it was little Ram who saw her first and he stared in amazement which caught Lord Arnav's attention.

The First Lord looked over his shoulder and his eyes lit with pride as he gazed at his admirable wife who was crossing the garden of the cottage, heading for the open gate in the fence.

Kushi reached the carriage and looked at her husband from under the rim of her hat, "Shall we go, my lord?"

"If you are so in earnest, my lady," he smirked and then offered her his hand to help her into the carriage.

The whole Market town was in uproar when Lord Arnav stepped out from the carriage with his wife in hand and the little boy trotting after them.

Every shopkeeper wanted the privilege of the First Lord's presence in his little sanctuary and every bystander the honour of a handshake or a nod of acknowledgment after bowing to the First Lord and First Lady.

When they began their rounds of purchasing, Kushi was surprised to find Lord Arnav turn overtly profligate, squandering his coins on his wife and the little boy.

He bought Ram toys of tin and wood, sweets of assorted colours and shapes, a new pair of shoes and a smart little hat, as well as a kite, bigger than the one before and hence promising of greater heights of flight.

For Kushi, though she asserted that he not buy her anything, he brought the richest necklace of pearls there was to be bought in Arhasia and, he would have bought her a piece of every jewellery there was to be found in that shop, if she hadn't interrupted his decision with the demand that she would cherish his gifts more if they were books and not womanly accessories.

This riveted the little parade to the musty little bookstore in the town and, in compensation for the jewellery he could not buy for his wife, he bought twice a dozen books ranging from poetry to prose, all in antique hardcover.

As a final treat, Lord Arnav led Ram and Kushi to the nearest inn where the customers were less but the innkeeper was a courteous old man.

"Revered Lord Raizada!" the innkeeper stepped forward to welcome the trio walking through his door, offering to relieve them of their hats and overcoats, "What an honour to have you under my humble hover."

He bowed low to the First Lord and the First Lady and then addressed the latter, "And how exquisite you look, my good lady!"

"You are too kind, sir," Kushi greeted him in return and then introduced the innkeeper to Ram, "This is our little friend, Ram. It is his first visit to an Inn."

The innkeeper beamed at the little boy, "Then you may be assured, my lady, that your little friend will be given the finest experience an Inn can provide."

"Thank you, good sir," Kushi smiled gratefully.

The innkeeper led his esteemed visitors to the round table that seated three, situated close to the window that had the sunlit town for its view.

"What shall it be, sire?" the innkeeper asked, wanting to personally take the orders from his respectable callers.

Lord Arnav looked at Ram, "Have you tasted "iced cream" before, Ram?"

Ram was puzzled by the word and shook his head.

Lord Arnav looked at the innkeeper, "Do you have any "iced creams"?"

The innkeeper appeared apologetic, "It is a new invention and hence hard to come by but I can get you three if you could wait a little while."

"We'll wait," assured Lord Arnav and the innkeeper bowed hastily and rushed to get the "iced creams."

"What are "iced creams"?" Kushi was curious.

"It's a dessert that found its way into fame," Lord Arnav enlightened the two as they listened with rapture, "Initially consumed as snow with fruit toppings, it was later created out of more viable ingredients to constitute its rich taste."

"What is it made of?" Kushi wondered.

"Sugared milk and sweet cream," said Lord Arnav, and he saw Kushi's expression fall but he comforted her, "It does not taste like milk AT ALL."

Ram signed with his fingers. Does it have snow in it?

Lord Arnav shook his head, "They don't put snow in it any longer. The cream is put in a big bowl and the bowl is placed in a box that is filled with ice and snow from the mountains."

Won't the ice melt? Ram wanted to know.

"The box is strong and, when it is shut, the ice remains within without melting for a few hours," said Lord Arnav.

Ram and Kushi were fascinated by the story of this edible sweetness and, as if on cue of their appetite, a young girl stepped towards the table with a tray on which were three bowls and three silver spoons.

As she placed the bowls on the table before them, Ram stared at the bowl that had been slid in front of him.

His young dancing eyes studied keenly the frost on the outside of the bowl, the light vapour of mist that rose from the white dessert and the rich red strawberries that had been dipped in honey before being placed on the crest of the white globes of milk and cream.

Kushi was speechless as she stared at the delight before her and then she looked up to thank the waitress who had brought it for them only to find her speech restrained on recognizing the girl.

Kushi blinked at the girl's face, "You're- you're-"

The girl blushed on being regarded by the First Lady and bowed low, "My father and I are grateful for your presence in our Inn, good sir and good lady."

And then before Kushi could get her remaining words out, the girl had turned about and left.

Lord Arnav stared at Kushi's bewildered expression, "What is it, Kushi?"

"Didn't you recognize her?" Kushi asked him excitedly.

Lord Arnav shrugged, clueless about what Kushi was all flustered about.

"That's the girl who comes with her father to provide a week's stock of vegetables for our Castle!"

Lord Arnav was still unabashed, "So?"

"So?" Kushi was taken aback by his complete lack of interest, "She's-"

Kushi paused. Ofcourse, what was she getting all excited about with a man who had no knowledge about the people who served him. If she told him that the girl was the vegetable seller's daughter who was the ladylove of his servant JayPrakash, the First Lord would probably react by asking who JayPrakash was!

Deciding it wiser to keep her excitement to herself, she cheerfully picked up the spoon, "Time to put to trial your iced cream!"

Oy la! I am not giving a description on what the "iced cream" tastes like but I leave it to your wonderful imaginations! *wink* And to help you in your picturesque process, I've asked the InnKeeper of our beloved Inn to hand you ALL a slice of his very special "iced cream cake"!! Dig in, everyone! It's all yours!