章 64: A thing of beauty is a joy forever (Part 2)

Avantika extended her hand and with a gentle smile, said, "When I got to know that you are here, I brought you some kesar* milk. It's your favourite, no!"

Agastya accepted the hot cup from her soft palm and wrapped his hand around it, trying to feel the lingering imprint of her hand on it.

"I didn't know that the army camp has become so extravagant that we have started storing kesar here," he said with a mock angry expression.

"Elder Cousin... I brought this with me when I came here today. My father has recently launched this mix of kesar and some dry nuts in his chain of stores. One has to just heat the milk and add this to the drink. Try and tell me if it is any good," she hurriedly explained to him with an aggrieved look.

Agastya came forward and rubbed the top of her head. "Truly a merchant's daughter… never leaving an opportunity to promote your business."

Avantika's face turned pale.

Even though she knew that her cousin was just joking with her, she couldn't help but feel upset. After all, the Kola clan had long been trying to escape their humble beginnings and it had been ingrained in each member of the family to elevate the status of the clan.

But hearing it out loud was like someone tearing off the delicate veil from the ugly secret.

"You don't have to drink it if that's what you think. I just brought this along since I was coming here to drop a few things for Uncle Chandraveer. I am leaving now, you must be busy," she pouted and responded.

Agastya felt a pang of discomfort. He knew well enough how much Avantika disliked being called a merchant's daughter. But when he took the cup from her, he had figured out the reason for her presence here.

Dushyant had arrived just this afternoon and she was already here.

Even he hadn't gotten a chance to meet his younger brother till now due to so much work upon his arrival, but she had already reached here to greet Dushyant travelling fifty miles just to see him?

In fact, he hadn't known that Dushyant was going to be here when he arrived at the camp since the military movement was not something that was to be publicized.

But Avntika knew!

Didn't it mean that the two of them were constantly in touch? Had she met Dushyant already before coming to him? Did she get this kesar mix originally for Dushyant?

These uncomfortable thoughts had made him utter those words. But he regretted them the second he saw her smile disappear. His petty reaction was unfair to her. It wasn't her problem if she liked his younger brother instead of him.

"I am sorry. I was just pulling your leg. The milk is really delicious and my cousin is the best, most caring person!" He took a sip and replied with a smile.

Avantika relaxed her clenched fist, hidden behind the voluminous fold of her skirt. "Mmm… good that you like it. It looks like you are busy so I won't disturb you any further…"

"General!" The voice of his subordinate came in from outside.

"Enter!"

"Reporting to General! The two ladies have been sent back safely to the village's inn," the poker faced soldier came in and reported.

He was one of the guys who had been assigned by Agastya to follow the two young women.

"Women? Since when did the army have women coming in?" Avantika spoke up curiously.

After a moment, she realised her gaffe and put her hand on her mouth. "Sorry, Elder Cousin."

Agastya laughed and shook his head. "It's not a top secret. Some people came from the capital to carry out some research work here."

Avantika nodded her head obediently and said, "I… you are really busy. I will come see you before I leave for Sarvaan later tonight."

A part of Agastya wanted her to stay but the other part of him wanted her to leave the place as quickly as possible.

"Sure! I will see you at dinner," he replied.

Avantika hesitated and then nodded. She wanted to say that she intended to eat with Dushyant but she knew that with her current status, she couldn't blatantly disregard the person in front of her.

Agastya's face regained its gloominess once she left. "Tell me everything that happened once the two women left this cabin."

Inside Dushyant's tent

"Third Young Master, where did you go in such a hurry? Miss Avantika especially came down to the camp and cooked for you. Then, she delivered the foodbox personally to your tent. These subordinates of yours are no good. Always taking you away secretly, not bothering to check whether you have eaten or rested or…" Midush started grumbling the minute Dushyant walked back into the tent.

After his dive in the water, Dushyant had straight gone to the barracks to meet his people. He hadn't been in the camp for a long period and wanted to bring himself up to date on many things, despite the regular reports which he had received during his absence.

At his master's preoccupied look, Midush prodded him. "Should this servant heat up the food for you?"

Dushyant finally looked up and said," Not now. I have to go meet Eldest Brother."

Saying so, he retrieved a few documents from his dust laden, travel cloak's inner pocket and started to walk out.

He paused after a moment. Without turning around, he instructed his valet. "Go and find Avantika. Tell her to meet me near the old Birch tree in half an hour."

"Eldest Brother, how was your journey?" Dushyant raised the curtain and entered the cabin.

Agastya, who was still reeling under the revelations made by his subordinate, looked up at Dushyant with a complicated gaze.

"You are back!" He responded mildly.

*Kesar - Saffron

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