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As Vikram slowly opened his eyes, the remnants of sleep still lingered, casting a haze over his surroundings. He rubbed his eyes, trying to shake off the drowsiness, and sat up on the mattress. The servant's quarters were simple, with rows of mattresses lined up against the walls, each one assigned to a different servant. Vikram swung his legs over the side of the mattress and planted his feet firmly on the ground.

As he stood up, he stretched his arms, arching his back and extending his strong, lean frame. He did this not just to shake off the sleep, but also to relieve the discomfort that had been building up in his body. As the king, Vikramaditya, he was not accustomed to sleeping on a thin mattress on the floor. His body was used to the luxurious comforts of his throne room, where he slept on a plush bed with the finest silks and velvets. But now, as a disguised servant, he had to adapt to a more austere lifestyle.

As he stretched, Vikram felt a slight ache in his back, a reminder of the unfamiliar sleeping arrangements. But he was determined to see his plan through, and he knew that he had to blend in seamlessly with the other servants. He took a deep breath, feeling the cool night air fill his lungs, and began to get ready for the night ahead.

He slipped on his sleepers, a pair of worn-out shoes that were standard issue for the servants. As he made his way outside, the cool night air enveloped him, carrying the scent of blooming flowers and fresh cut grass. Vikram took a deep breath, feeling invigorated, and began to explore the palace.

As he moved through the corridors, his eyes scanned the surroundings, taking in every detail. The palace was a labyrinth of corridors and chambers, with intricate carvings and ornate furnishings. Vikram's mind was racing with thoughts of his plan, and how he could use this opportunity to gather information.

Suddenly, he spotted Raghu, who was engaged in a conversation with Dai ma, As he watched, Raghu noticed him and nodded in his direction. Dai ma turned towards him, a gentle smile on her face, and gestured for him to approach.

Vikram withheld his approach for a moment, not wanting to interrupt their conversation. But Raghu's encouraging nod prompted him to move forward. As he approached, a gentle smile appeared across dai ma's face.

As the conversation between Raghu and Daima continued, Vikram stood by, listening intently to their words. Daima was discussing the upcoming festival, and Raghu was sharing his thoughts on the preparations.

"I'm not sure if we'll be able to finish the decorations on time," Raghu said, furrowing his brow.

"Oh, don't worry, Raghu," Daima replied with a smile. "We'll get it done. We always do."

Vikram watched as they chatted, their conversation flowing easily. He was struck by the warmth and camaraderie between them. As a king, he was not often privy to such relaxed and informal conversations.

As they talked, Daima suddenly turned to Vikram. "You must be hungry," she said, her eyes sparkling with concern. "All the maids and servants are having their dinner in the dining hall. Raghu, why don't you take Vikram to the food counter?"

Raghu nodded, his expression friendly. "Of course, Daima. Come, Vikram, follow me."

Vikram nodded, falling into step behind Raghu.

Meanwhile, Daima watched them go, a thoughtful expression on her face. She seemed lost in thought, her eyes fixed at some point in the distance.

As they approached the dining hall, the sounds of laughter and conversation grew louder.

The dining hall was a large, cavernous space filled with rows of cushions and mats on the floor. The air was thick with the smell of food.

Vikram stood still, Raghu followed him and told Vikram to get in the line while he brings a plate for both of them.

As I entered the dining room, I was immediately filled by the sights and smells of the place. The dining hall was a large, cavernous space filled with rows of cushions and mats on the floor. The air was thick with the smell of food.

I looked around, taking in the bustling atmosphere of the dining hall. The servants and maids were all chatting and laughing as they ate, and the sound of clinking dishes and utensils filled the air. I felt a sense of wonder at the camaraderie and warmth of the palace servants.

I  noticed a group of servants gathered around a large mat, eating and chatting together. They seemed to be having a lively conversation.

I also noticed a few servants who were sitting alone, eating quietly and lost in thought.

As I continued to observe the dining hall, Raghu led me to the line of servants to the food counter, where a team of maids were busy serving out steaming plates of food.

My eyes scanned the array of dishes on offer, and my eyes landed on a maid who was serving the rice. She was the same mannerless woman from the mango tree, I remembered. It took me a moment to recall her name - "Rajsri". She was serving steaming hot rice, and there was another woman beside her who she was chatting and laughing and smiling with as they worked together.

As I was looking at her, She caught my eye once, and her eyes narrowed and she grimace at me, before looking away. I felt a sense of frustration wondering how dare she grimace at me? I will teach her a lesson.

As I stood at the food counter, serving out steaming plates of food to the hungry servants, I chatted with Kavita,  my best friend. We were gossiping about the latest palace news, and I was laughing at one of Kavita's news.

"I'm telling you, Rajsri, I saw Rohini's husband trying to dance at the last palace celebration," Kavita whispered, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "He looked like a drunken elephant!"

I giggled. "That's nothing! I heard he tried to sing a love song to Rohini and ended up sounding like a strangled cat!"

Kavita burst out laughing. "Oh my god, that's amazing! I wish I had seen it."

I grinned. "I know, right? I heard the palace dogs were howling in sympathy."

Kavita chuckled. "Well, at least he's enthusiastic. Maybe we can get him to perform at the next palace celebration."

I chuckled. "Only if we want to clear out the room! Can you imagine? 'Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the palace's newest entertainment sensation... Rohini's husband!'"

She burst out laughing. "Oh my god, that's perfect! We should totally make that happen."

Kavita grinned mischievously. "I'll make sure to spread the word. But honestly, Rajsri, Rohini's husband is just a pawn in her game. She's the one who's really annoying."

I nodded in agreement. "Ugh, don't even get me started. Rohini thinks she's so much better than everyone else just because her husband is a high-ranking official. But really, she's just a mean-spirited gossipmonger."

Kavita rolled her eyes. "Exactly! And she always has to one-up everyone else. Remember that time she 'accidentally' spilled wine on your new sari just to get attention?"

I scowled saying. "How could I forget? She's just so... ugh."and rolled my eyes.

As I rolled my eyes, it landed on a familiar figure standing in the line to the counter. My mind took a moment to place him, but as soon as it did, I felt a jolt of recognition. "Vikram". The guy from the mango tree incident.

As I looked at him, I couldn't help but narrow my brows and grimace. Ye manhus yaha kyu khara hai? (Why is this wretch standing here?) I thought to myself.

Vikram's intense gaze met mine, and I felt a surge of annoyance. Ye mujhe ghur kyu raha hai? (Why is he staring at me?) I thought to myself. Kabhi koi sundar ladki nahi dekhi kya isne? (Has he never seen a beautiful girl before?) Manhus kahi ka (Such a wretched man.)

I quickly looked away, focusing on Kavita's conversation once again. But then, within a few minutes he was standing in front of me.

As the servants in the line got their steaming rice in their plates, they moved to another counter for another dish. Within a few minutes, Vikram was standing right in front of Rajsri. She looked at him, furrowing her eyebrows.

"Ye chawal kya tumhare muh me parosu?" Rajsri asked, her voice dripping with sarcasm. Her facial expression was a perfect blend of annoyance and amusement. She raised an eyebrow, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Thal kaha hai tumhari?"

Vikram's eyes narrowed slightly, but before he could say anything, Raghu quickly intervened.

"Deri ke liye maafi chahta hu," Raghu apologized, handing Vikram a plate.

Vikram nodded, his expression unreadable.

But before he could say anything, Rajsri's voice interrupted again.

"Maafi kyu mang raha hai Raghu?" Rajsri asked, stamping the ladle into the rice pot with a loud clang. She glared at Raghu, her eyes flashing with annoyance. "Ye koi maharaja nahi hai."

Kavita jumped in, trying to diffuse the situation.

"Chup kar, tu aise kyu bol rahi hai inhe?" Kavita asked, looking at Vikram from up to down. Her eyes scanned his tall, broad frame, and her cheeks flushed slightly. She bit her lip, trying to hide her smile.

Rajsri just shrugged. "Tujhe mai baad me bataungi."

A voice from behind the line interrupted them. "Are jaldi karo bhai, bahut bukh lagi hai."

Rajsri quickly served the rice to Vikram, who was still giving her a death glare. All he said was "shukriya" with an emotionless face, before moving to the next row for the rasogullas.

Kavita served him four rasogullas, her voice trembling slightly. "Aur kuch chahiye ho toh batana." She twisted her body while talking to Vikram, her eyes cast downward. Her cheeks flushed deeper, and she looked like she was about to faint.

Vikram looked at her with a judging expression, saying "zarur". His eyes seemed to bore into Kavita's soul, and she looked like she was melting under his gaze.

Rajsri snorted, looking at Vikram with her cute angry expression. "Do dede ya char, aise logo ki jaban kabhi mithi nahi hogi." She glared at Vikram, her eyes sparkling with annoyance.

Kavita glared at Rajsri, before looking at Vikram and smiling. "Rajsri ki taraf se mai maafi mangti hu." She looked up at Vikram, her eyes shining with apology.

Vikram nodded, his expression still unreadable. He moved forward for other dishes, leaving Rajsri and Kavita to wonder what had just happened.

Rajsri watched Vikram walk away, her eyes narrowed in annoyance. She turned to Kavita, who was still looking at Vikram with a dreamy expression.

"Kya hua?" Rajsri asked, raising an eyebrow. "Tu kyu aise dekh rahi hai?"

Kavita blushed, looking away. "Kuch nahi."

Rajsri snorted. "Sach bol."

Kavita looked up at Rajsri, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Tu khud hi dekh, Rajsri. Woh kitna sundar hai."

Rajsri rolled her eyes. "Sundar? Tu pagal hai?"

Kavita giggled. "Tu khud hi dekh."

Rajsri shook her head, smiling. "Tu pagal hai, Kavita."

Rajsri and Kavita exchanged a knowing glance, before returning to their task of serving the food.

As the line of servants dwindled, Rajsri and Kavita finally finished their task, they smiled at each other, relieved that their task was finally over. They took a deep breath, and followed the crowd into the dining hall, eager to fill their own stomachs with the delicious food.

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