Apparently, Vikram Kaur knew exactly where to go in Nariman Point. I was taken to an amazing hair salon/barbershop, where they shaved me cleanly and fixed my terrible hair. Then we went straight to a clothing store and I, after checking several other outfits, went with black achkan with white classy pants.

On our way back I also bought some perfumes. My assistant went back to his room, wishing me luck, and I, to avoid accidentally bumping into miss Patel, sneaked my way in utilizing my skills.

Then I quickly prepared for dinner.

We didn't really agree on any specific hour, but I wanted for us to spent a nice chunk of time together, so after calling down, to get a table ready, I went to knock on her door.

She opened, completely unprepared.

- Are you ready? - I asked her, but she didn't answer, too shocked by the change in my appearance, so I had to ask again. - Hello? Sudarshana? Are you ready?

- N-no! I... Give me a moment, please.

- Ok. I'll be down in the hotel restaurant. I already have a table for us. Should I order you something?

- N-no... I'll be there shortly.

- Very well - I said, smiled, and left.

I shouldn't believe her. Be there shortly? What a joke! I went down there, to a nice white hall, with beautiful round tables that looked like made out of marble with grey veins. There were golden cushioned chairs, and some sculptures near the walls, and paintings on the walls. Everything worked together nicely.

They also had a string quartet playing some nice, classical pieces.

There were quite a few people occupying the tables, eating, and enjoying the nice atmosphere. Still, every third table was empty, but I noticed few reservations placed on them.

My spot was already prepared, and two cards were lying there, waiting to be opened. I went through mine four times, reading everything that was to be red. The waiter brought me two glasses of water, and she didn't show up! It was more than an hour!

I was about to leave, pissed off to the brim, but then she entered the hall, and I have to admit, it was wart the wait. She had wavy curls and was rocking a black, long skintight one-piece. I also noticed a bit of silver jewelry on her wrist, neck, and a pair of earrings with blue stones, probably sapphires.

- Sorry - she said and smiled - I needed to do my makeup.

- Oh, I can see that.

- I was surprised earlier, but how you have changed your look. This achkan also looks good on you - she said and licked her lips. - I didn't know you were this muscular. Well... I could expect that since you are a hunter, but your normal everyday attire is quite...

- I know. I usually look like a homeless military man, but I changed for you, so you don't have to be embarrassed sitting next to you.

She smiled at me.

- That was nice - she said, but since the waiter came asking for our orders, she finished there.

She ordered chicken tikka masala, and I went just with a piece of cooked salmon. We also took some red wine. The waiter left us for a moment, but we didn't talk, waiting for his return with the wine.

- So, how do you find India? - she asked me after we got our drinks.

- Intriguing. Amazing in many aspects, but also strange. Like I hate how crowded it's here on the streets, but I always hated crowds. I love the food. People are nice. The culture is interesting. My mom is in love with your traditional clothing.

- It must have been quite a cultural shock for a European.

- It was, but I kinda got used to it. How about you? How do you find Ark?

- Fascinating. I want to go back to Uhms settlement and find out more about their culture. The music... It was incredible.

I couldn't help but smile, as I remembered the performance they gave us.

- Yeah. I can agree with that.

- I'm gonna learn their language, so I can go deeper during my second visit. I want to experience everything, and then I will write a book about them.

- That's a great idea.

- Thank you.

- Maybe you could help? You already know the language.

- Maybe - I agreed. - But I have a couple of things I need to take care of right now. I started building a house for my mother in Dwarka, so she could visit more often.

- That's lovely - she smiled. - I didn't know you are such a family man.historical

- She is the only one I have left.

- Oh... I'm sorry to hear that.

- Now, when I can, I will take care of her. She will have whatever she wants.

- The prices for crystals are quite high, so I'm sure you will be able to afford anything you want. Speaking of which, I actually never saw you going hunting. You sneak out of the city? What is your rank anyway? It has to be A.

- I do sneak out, and I don't have a rank. I use the skill with which I brought you all back from the Uhms' settlement to hunt in places nobody else is hunting.

- I heard rumors about you, that nobody wants to mess with you before we even went on that mission. When you brought us those artifacts and spoke about books I thought you are some local researcher, like us. I wanted to know more, but then I heard you are actually a scary person. I thought it was all lies because you had so many strong friends, so they spread them so people would live you alone, so I didn't believe them at first, but then you exploded that water thing. I was kinda scared at first, but now...

- Now what?

- I just... I think you are weird.

I laughed.

- Weird?

- Yes. You have an adopted daughter with whom you argue like you are both teenagers. You are on the council, but you don't do anything in the city. You don't even have your own guild. You looked like a homeless guy, yet everybody was respecting you. It's like complete chaos...

- Well, now I look better.

- Yes - she agreed.

Just as she did, our food got finally delivered and put on the table.