Racing heart!

"You are indeed very beautiful. Even more so when I look at you from this close, compared to last time when I saw you sitting on the stage with your mother. "

Aryan complimented her truthfully. 

"I feel the same way. Every since I saw you, I have always been cursing myself for not being bold enough to talk to you. Thankfully, I don't have to die with that regret. Thanks for coming! "

Dushala said emotionally as she caressed Aryan's face with her hands. 

"I believe you must have received Vasudev Krishna's message but I still came here to meet you and confirm your intentions one last time. " Aryan whispered, his voice a soft caress. "Are you ready to leave this place with me, Dushala?"

"Hmmm! "

Dushala nodded without hesitation, her eyes locked with Aryan's, conveying her determination. She had waited for this moment, for a chance at happiness amidst the constraints of her royal life.

As their eyes locked, Aryan could see the unwavering determination in Dushala's gaze. Her nod was resolute, affirming her readiness to leave behind the confines of her royal life and embark on this daring adventure with him.

"Very well," Aryan whispered, his voice filled with reassurance and commitment. " Meet me tomorrow in front of Lord Shiva's temple located 3 miles away from the east entrance at 11 am sharp."

Aryan's voice held a note of unwavering determination as he spoke those final words, sealing their pact to meet again. Dushala nodded in agreement, her trust in him unshaken.

As for the reason why Aryan chose the time of 11 am sharp, that's because he wanted to make the maximum use of his Sunshine ability in case he has to fight Bhisma and the others. With his "The One " state at 12 pm noon and Full Counter ability, Aryan had the confidence to face any enemy. 

"I think I should leave now or else someone might come over. "

As Aryan prepared to leave, the sudden sound of multiple footsteps approaching sent a jolt of alertness through him. He turned swiftly to face Dushala, their eyes meeting in a moment of shared urgency.

"Someone is coming, I need to hide," Aryan whispered urgently, realizing the importance of keeping their secret meeting concealed.

Without wasting another moment, he looked around for a suitable hiding place, hoping to remain out of sight as the unknown visitors drew nearer.

"You can hide in the bathroom. "

Dushala suggested anxiously and showed him the place to hide. 

Almost at the same time, the visitor finally arrived. 

"Dushala, where are you? "

Gandhari's voice came from outside the bathroom. 

Taking a last look at Aryan who was hiding in the bathroom, she came out and saw that Gandhari was already sitting on the bed accompanied by her maid Satya. 

"Mother, is there something you need, for you to visit me so late at night? "

Dushala asked curiously while suppressing the nervousness. 

"Yes Dushala, I brought this sarree for you to wear on your wedding day. I just wanted to ask if you like it. "

Following Gandhari's words, the maid unveiled the tray she was carrying, revealing a royal red saree with beautiful golden engraving patterns on it. 

"This is very beautiful mother. "

Dushala said honestly. 

"You like it? Good, so can you wear it for me once? I always wanted to see my daughter in her bridal clothes. Although I can't see, but I can feel and that's already enough for me. "

Gandhari said emotionally. 

Although Dushala wanted to refuse because Aryan was still hiding in the bathroom but seeing her mother's emotional face, she ultimately agreed and entered the bathroom with the sarree, preparing to change into it. 

As Dushala closed the door, she noticed Aryan looking at her playfully. And seeing her not moving, Aryan decided to tease her further and whispered in a low voice. 

"What happened Dushala? Your mother is waiting outside, hurry up and wear the sarree. "

Dushala's face turned beat red out of shame but suddenly she made a decision and looked at Aryan with determination and craftiness. 

Then before Aryan could understand the meaning of her expression, Dushala took off her clothes in front of him in one go. 

"Ah! "

Aryan gasped in shock as Dushala's naked body entered his vision without any hindrance. 

And seeing his stunned expression made Dushala feel happy and she became even more bold, stepping forward towards Aryan and hooked her arms around his neck. 

Aryan gulped nervously, not expecting Dushala to be so bold and his gaze unconsciously turned below at the pair of mounds with bown cherry at the top. 

"Are they good? "

Dushala whispered seductively. 

"Good, very good! "

Aryan answered mechanically. 

But before this ambiguous situation could escalate further, they were interrupted by Gandhari's voice from outside. 

"Dushala, how much time is it going to take? "

"Ah, just a few more minutes mother. "

Dushala's boldness melted away like snow and she anxiously started to wear the sarree, while Aryan also helped her. 

Once dressed, Dushala left the bathroom and showed the sarree to her mother. 

It was only after half an hour that Gandhari finally left and Aryan could come out of the bathroom. 

Aryan couldn't help but grin as he continued to playfully tease Dushala. He whispered in a low voice, "You certainly know how to keep things interesting, Dushala. I'll see you tomorrow at 11 am in front of Lord Shiva's temple." With that, he gave her a gentle wink and a quick peck on her cheek before making his way out of the room.

Once back in his own room, Aryan couldn't help but replay the daring encounter in his mind. His heart raced at the thought of the bold and unexpected turn of events, and he felt a growing sense of excitement for what the future might hold.

As he lay in his bed, the anticipation of their upcoming meeting at the temple filled his thoughts. Aryan knew that their path would not be without challenges, but he was ready to face them head-on. 

The night passed with Aryan's mind filled with thoughts of Dushala, and he eagerly awaited the dawn, knowing that their journey was about to begin.

°°°°°°°°°°°°°°

The next morning, Aryan rose early with a sense of purpose. He knew that today marked the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. He quickly dressed, making sure he was prepared for any challenges that might come their way.

After instructing Karna to delay for him saying that he was going to roam around the city for some time, as he made his way to the designated meeting place in front of Lord Shiva's temple, Aryan's mind was filled with a mix of excitement and determination. He couldn't help but wonder what the day would bring and how their adventure would unfold.

Dushala, too, was preparing for the journey that would take her away from her royal life. She had packed a small bag with a few essentials and had made arrangements to meet Aryan at the temple. Her heart was filled with both excitement and apprehension, but she was resolute in her decision and left the palace with the excuse that she was going to the temple and took a few soldiers with her.