35. Talking and Listening

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Ruh;

After lunch, everyone retired to their chambers.

Aksh took Agastya to discuss something that he was hesitant sharing with me.

Finally, I had some time to myself and a chance to meet jihaan.

He was left with the other pets of the palace after a new caretaker was appointed for them. With everything that was going on, i couldn't get the chance to keep him with me.

As I strolled towards the garden area, i could see that the pets were in their best condition. I spotted jihaan from among the crowd, it looked like he was given a bath recently. His fur was clean and shiny.

Clearly, the new caretaker was doing a better job than I ever could. Really, I was not capable enough.

As I went ahead, jihan recognised me and came running towards me, clawing at my feet. He wanted me to pick him up, and I did. I took him up and cradled him, finding a place to sit down.

As soon as I did, he settled comfortably on my lap, conveying how much he missed me. I stroked his back gently, feeling his soft fur under my palm.

The garden was mostly empty at this time, with just the caretaker looking after the pets. I passed her a small smile and she reciprocated.

As I sat under the shade of the huge tree, jihaan snuggled further in my lap making me chuckle at his antics.

" Comfortable there ? " .......I recognised the voice instantly, and smiled wider than ever.

I turned around.

" Anuj. " ....I called out, and saw him strolling towards me with a smile.
He sat down beside me, patting jihaan while doing so.

" I knew you would be back. " .....he said, smiling widely.

It wasn't a long time, but it seemed like he'd gotten older. I did not know why, but he seemed like he'd losen the silly charm he had.
It was probably work. I remembered aksh telling me how he'd started taking over the duties after Agastya.

" When did you come back? Did you eat ?" ....I inquired.

" Just a little while back. I freshened up and decided to take a small walk before having lunch. "
........he responded with a tired voice.

I took jihan out of my lap and put him down, leaving him to play with the others.

" Come, I'll serve you lunch, first. Then, we've a lot to talk about. " .....I said and urged him to follow me.

He got up, covering the distance in two large strides.

" I'll ask the house helps, you don't have to do it. Bhai will kill me if he knows I made you serve me. " .....he rejoiced.

" Well, we'll see about your bhai later. You came back after such a long journey, eat first. " ......I answered.

He laughed behind me.

On reaching the dining area, i didn't have to do much as the helpers were already present.

He sat down and I asked the attendants to bring the food as I served him.

" So,.....all this while I didn't even know you real name, huh ?" ...I began.

He paused eating and looked at me through his lashes, surprised.

" Bhai told you ?" .....he asked.

" No, and that's not the question. You didn't think about telling me ?" ......I objected.

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⏰ Last updated: Apr 10 ⏰

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