The samosas, when she gets there, do have peas in, among the potatoes and spices and butter, but they are very good poppable fresh peas.

She still doesn't like them, but does her best to ignore them. Can't be disappointing Mo.

The mains, additional carb substrates, and lassis all come out at the same time. Monoceros's lassi comes in a really big glass. It's possible it was sold as a flower vase.

"Y'know, I think having lots of little things, well, relatively little anyway, is really helping me eat more. I think usually the thing that stops me eating isn't really that my stomach is full so much that the taste of whatever I'm eating has gotten monotonous or overwhelming."

"Does that mean you won't try to beat my eggnog record come Christmas?"

"Not really an eggnog person, buuuutttttt I'm not one to back down from a challenge."

"Doesn't have to be chicken eggs. I go through enough to thoroughly justify ostrich."

"Huh, how're those different? Other than being bigger I guess."

"Honestly as eggs go they're not dissimilar in flavor, you might prefer duck or something."

"I suppose we shall see." She takes cautious little sips of her lassi in between hearty, albeit slowing, bites of salmon, lamb, and goat.

The lassi is rich and thick and tart.

Monoceros is eating entirely with her hands; she doesn't even have a fork on the table. She just picks up everything directly or with a piece of bread and nomfs.

How's the goat? Katie's never had it before.

It's more like lamb than anything else, a little gamey but mild.

"Mo, I'm going for that prize you mentioned. If I start looking uncomfortable, don't give me the pink stuff. My stomach will make room like I said."

"We'll see! You diiiid ask for a big pile of gulab jamun."

"And you ordered extra stuff for me after I had already done that."

"I did! You have to work for your prize."

"Every time you smile I am ovewhelmed by the urge to kiss you, but I should probably save that for later."

Giggle.

She's about 3/4 of the way through with what's currently on her plate when she stops, leans back, and holds out a flat, vertical hand to indicate her stomach is making room.

Oh, a cue to spoon a couple of the malai koftas she's barely touched onto a naan for her.

After a while of heavy breathing, she carefully chews and swallows them.

"Good little dumpling."

She shudders. Blushes a little. Motivation successfully renewed.

Monoceros returns her attention to her paratha full of butter chicken.