Empire Ascension: The Rise of the Fated One-Chapter 169: Meenakshi’s Lead

Rewari kingdom, Canon factory, evening of 25th march 1557.

After the successful weapon test, Mathew eagerly showcased the modified zamburak cannons. The platform had been adapted to mount swivel guns on camelback, increasing their mobility. As they walked through the factory, their discussion shifted to the Bessemer process. In his workshop, they spent hours discussing its complicated process and the direct plan for the possible construction of a new factory in Delhi for the production of steel ingots. He wanted to show his progress on the single production line, but Aditya cut it off abruptly, postponing it with the excuse of leaving early.

Before parting, Aditya handed Mathew a clockmaking design. Though familiar with clockwork, Mathew had struggled to complete one. The design filled the gaps in his knowledge, offering a solution to his long-pending project. Elated by this breakthrough, Mathew’s excitement surged.

As evening settled, Mathew, still buoyed by the day’s successes, suggested a celebratory drink. Aditya reluctantly agreed, but with Meenakshi’s presence, he managed to keep his consumption light. However, his low tolerance for alcohol soon made his head spin, though he composed himself well enough to mask it out.

Despite Mathew’s regret at not spending more time celebrating, they decided to leave for the fort city.

At the factory entrance, Mathew, noticeably tipsy, patted Aditya’s shoulder with warmth. "Listen, kid, next time you come, no excuses. We’ll have a full night of celebration and a morning spar. Only then will you be allowed to leave. I’ll teach you... hic... my drunken style."

Aditya, already a bit tipsy, retorted with a playful smirk, "Stinky old man, hic... I’m not going because I’m afraid. We have the crown prince, hic... coronation. Or else I’d love to grind your bones."

Mathew laughed heartily, "Good, I like your enthusiasm. Don’t retreat from your... hic... words."

As Aditya turned toward his horse to prepare for departure, Mathew directed his attention to Meenakshi. After a respectful Namaste, he said, "I understand your culture, but if you don’t take the lead, he’s too dense... Hic... nonetheless, he is a good kid."

Meenakshi’s cheeks flushed a delicate pink as she caught the subtle implication of Mathew’s words about her feelings for Aditya. With a shy smile and a Namaste, she took her leave.

Mathew watched them with teary eyes, recalling his younger days with his late wife. His gaze softened as he murmured to himself, "Surely, being young is nice... Hic.. I hope they make it this time."

He considered spending his day off drinking alone, lost in thoughts of his late wife, but just then,

’Crash!’

a crate tumbled from a cart, knocked over by careless porters.

Mathew’s face darkened as his previous tipsiness got replaced by anger. "You rascal, handle with care!" he barked. Pointing to the other workers, he commanded, "What are you staring at? Go help him!"

Outside the entrance, Aditya’s 300 chosen cavalry stood in precise formation, ready for departure. Feeling slightly uncomfortable from the effects of the alcohol, he struggled to approach his horse. With a bit of Rudra’s support, he managed to get mounted, while Meenakshi, having mounted her horse swiftly, joined the group.

Leading the way, both marched ahead while the rest of the cavalry followed in their wake, while keeping a safe distance.

As they began their gradual progress toward Fort City of Bawal, Meenakshi reflected on Mathew’s advice about taking the lead and contemplated how best to start.

Curiosity got the better of her, and she turned to Aditya with a thoughtful expression. "Can you tell me more about your master? He seems to know things we can scarcely imagine."

Despite his tipsiness, Aditya’s demeanor shifted; the mention of his master was a sensitive topic he had hoped to avoid. He hesitated for a moment before responding with a fabricated story. "He was a great man.. Hic.. a traveller from the East, who had seen many lands... Hic... When I was in the South, his ship wrecked, and he taught me many things. Thanks to his teachings,.. Hic... I am who I am today."

Meenakshi’s eyes widened in surprise. "You were in the South?"

Aditya made a face, signaling his discomfort. "Let’s not dwell on things that bear no fruit."

Understanding his reluctance, Meenakshi dropped the topic, sensing there was a painful history she should not probe further. She decided to shift the conversation, trying to win Aditya’s trust and curiosity through more personal discussion.

Taking a deep breath, she ventured, "Prince Aditya, we’ve been together for some time now, yet we know so little about each other. Aren’t you curious about our personal lives?"

Aditya, still reeling from the effects of alcohol, chuckled and replied, "Well, my life is like an open book... Hic.... I’m open to answering anything except my childhood days."

Meenakshi, her voice barely above a whisper, asked, "I wonder, what qualities does the prince look for in an ideal partner?"

Aditya, with a mischievous glint in his eye and clearly amused by the question, answered honestly, albeit somewhat tipsy, "Well, I like girls with big... hic... big eyes, where I can feel lost. This," he gestured to his heart, "should beat fast at the sight of her beauty." He scratched his chin and added, "And, hic... the most important, she shouldn’t be overweight. It would be hard to... hic... kiss by lifting her."

Meenakshi couldn’t help but laugh at his drunken candidness. Aditya, puzzled, asked, "What’s so funny? I’m honest... Hic... about my preferences."

Calming her laughter, Meenakshi said, "I was asking about qualities, not preferences."

Aditya suddenly realized his mistake and cursed his drunkenness. He sighed, "Oh, I misunderstood. Well, as for qualities... hic..." He paused, lost in thought as memories of Riya from his past life surfaced.

He recalled how he fell in love with Amira and Raamya because of their striking resemblance with her, in one way or another, but the thing they had most in common that he cherished was their never ending love for him. He fell silent, lost in his memories.

Meenakshi, noticing his distraction, asked gently, "Is there someone special in the prince’s life that I’m not aware of?"

Aditya nodded slowly. "Yes."

The revelation struck Meenakshi hard. Her face fell, realizing someone else occupied his heart. She chastised herself inwardly, feeling foolish for her timing. However, Aditya’s next words were a shock.

"There are two girls I’m fond of," Aditya continued, gazing ahead. "Honestly, I never planned on having them in my life... hic... if not for my principles, I might have married them by now. But it’s better to wait until things are right."

A glimmer of hope sparked in Meenakshi’s heart as she wondered if there might still be room for her. She murmured in low voice, "They must be fortunate. I wonder what they share in common to have captured your attention."

Aditya unheard of her remark, asked with curiosity, "And what about the preferences of our southern princess?"

Her cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and emotion. After a moment’s pause, she replied softly, "It doesn’t matter. I think I’ve already fallen for him."

Aditya’s excitement was palpable. "Really? Such a lucky man to have such a charming princess. I must confess, I’m a bit jealous."

Meenakshi teased with widened eyes, "You already have two and are considering a third, your highness?"

Caught off guard, Aditya coughed and his hiccups subsided. "I don’t see anything wrong if destiny wills it. Regardless of the future outcome, I am determined to treat everyone as equal." He changed the subject, "So how did he manage to win your heart?"

Meenakshi replied after a pause, "He hasn’t done anything specific yet; it’s just that his charm is too great to resist."

In Aditya’s eyes, it seemed unlikely that a princess from the great Vijayanagar Empire would view him in such a light. He nodded, assuming she must be referring to a top warrior from the Southern region, though he had no idea who it actually was.

Meenakshi, eager to shift the dynamic, added gently, "Since we’ve shared some personal secrets, don’t you think we’re friends now, your highness?"

Aditya responded with a smile, "I thought we already were."

Meenakshi, with a warm smile, said, "Then let’s call each other by our names."

Aditya agreed, "Certainly, if you follow the same."

As they continued their journey, the conversation grew lighter and more amicable. Upon reaching palace, Meenakshi led Aditya to the royal dining room, where she prepared a soothing herbal tea made of ginger, tulsi, and lemon to help him recover from his hangover.

The warm, aromatic tea soothed him, and he couldn’t help but appreciate her thoughtful gesture. "It’s amazing," he commented with a faint smile.

Meenakshi, now relaxed, sat beside him with her own cup. Taking a sip, she said casually, "You remind me of my father. He can’t handle alcohol either, but sometimes he indulges in private with Uncle Timmarasu."

Aditya nearly choked on his tea at her unexpected revelation, coughing to cover up his reaction. His hangover was suddenly the least of his worries.

"Is everything alright?" Meenakshi asked, concerned by his abrupt reaction.

Aditya quickly composed himself, waving off. "I’m fine, no need to worry," though the awkwardness lingered.

Sensing the tension, he decided to change the atmosphere and offered to cook a special dish.

Meenakshi was surprised, protesting that the royal chefs were available, but he insisted. "Let me prepare something you’ve never tasted before," he said with a wink.

Curious, she complied, leaning over the dining table with her hands on her cheeks, watching as Aditya went inside to cook.

The royal chefs, already troubled by the prince’s untimely arrival in the kitchen at dusk, were even more perplexed when he requested to cook for himself. They hesitated but, after polite pleas from Aditya, they reluctantly agreed to hand over the kitchen, though they stayed nearby under the pretense of offering assistance.

With the ingredients laid out, Aditya began to work. He skillfully marinated the chicken with yogurt, ghee, and a careful blend of spices. His hands moved with ease, heating a pot with onions, garlic, and ginger. But as his mind raced, he realized there were no tomatoes to complete his future-inspired recipe. Undeterred, he substituted tamarind pulp, giving the dish a unique, tangy twist.

As the fragrant masala filled the air, he gently simmered the chicken in the rich sauce, stirring in butter and creamy milk to finish the dish. The aroma of garam masala, chili, and coriander wafted through the kitchen, a testament to his skill in recreating a modern delicacy with current ingredients. His version of butter chicken masala was ready.

Aditya carefully served the dish to Meenakshi, watching her reaction with anticipation.

She was utterly taken aback. The idea of a prince, especially one of royal lineage, cooking a meal for her was unheard of. She took her first bite, and her eyes widened in delight as the flavors melted on her tongue.

"This is incredible," she whispered, feeling a wave of excitement overtake her. Her gaze sparkled with admiration as she looked at Aditya.

Pleased with her reaction, Aditya was about to take a bite of the dish himself when Meenakshi playfully slapped his hand away.

"No," she said with a grin, "I’ll share a bite, but only from my portion."

Aditya chuckled, agreeing to her demand, and she carefully fed him a spoonful of the dish. He chewed thoughtfully but felt a pang of disappointment.

’It’s good,’ he thought to himself, ’but no matter what, tomato is tomato.’ He sighed, his mind wandered. ’Perhaps after dealing with the Dutch, I’ll need to set sail for America.’

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//A/N:

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