I cook, clean, wash, dust and scrub. After finishing all my duties I sit on my musalla (prayer mat).

I raise my hands and let my tears fall freely.

"O Allah! You know what's best for me. Everything is going just the way you want though for me it's difficulty after difficulty. Please restore Maa's health. Make her fit and fine again. Please forgive my late father's sins and grant him highest levels of Paradise.

You know though I want to meet Shehzada again I am choosing not to because it just doesn't feel right. Separating from him is not something my heart wanted yet I did it to keep myself away from sins. You reward people who strive and bestow them with best. Please shower such mercy on me as well.

Please join Saira with the man she loves. Please give us strength to fight with injustice and against Mir Jafar. Grant us victory in our endeavors.

Grant health to all the children who got poisoned with the plant. Make ways so Hakeem Hamid and Hakeem Javed meet each other soon.

If Khan Baba is alive, make ways for me to meet him. Please reward Hammad Chachu, Dayima, Seher Khala and Hakeem Hamid for all that they do to help us.

Shower your choicest blessings on Hazrathji, whose teaching has brought me where I am today. Guide Shehzada in every way and keep our kingdom in your protection. Give us strength, hope and courage. Guide every human on earth and bless every soul. My requests are but naught in front of your abundant treasures. No matter how much you give away your treasures never decrease by a miniscule. O giver of givers fill my empty hands".

I feel lighter after having cried my heart out in front of my creator. With deep satisfaction I prepare Maa's decoction and feed her.

"How was your night?", she asks.

"Same as usual. We had a lot to discuss and plan. Shehzada finally met Hammad Chachu. He is a better man now, more thoughtful and reasonable. He is controlling his anger well and is all ready to get crowned as the Shehenshah in three days time", I say.

"You are all praises for him", says Maa. I just shrug. "It's the truth after all", I say.

"Did he like the meatballs you prepared for him?", she asks.

"I guess he did. Malika Mariam said they tasted nice", I say. "Maa, how can we get Hakeem Hamid and Hakeem Javed to meet each other?" I ask to change the topic. I really don't want to talk about Shehzada now.

"Call them both at a particular place on a fixed time. They will be sure to bump into each other. How is Meher?", she asks.

"Alhamdulillah, she is a lot better than how I saw her first. She smiles easily and is much braver"

"How is Mir Jafar?", she asks.

"He has found out that a person called Saeed is helping Shehzada. I don't think he knows it's me though. He will probably be expecting someone much older and wiser than me. And guess what? Mir Saleem has promised to help us"

"Is it just because he likes Saira or because he really cares for the kingdom?", asks Maa. I laugh at that.

"He cares for the kingdom as well"

"What are you cooking for your Shehzada today?", asks Maa.

"Nothing. I am not meeting him hereafter until absolutely necessary".

"Why?", questions Maa surprised.

"Because you need me more than he does", I say with finality so she doesn't argue over it.

Loud gongs from the Shahi bazaar reach our ears.

"I wonder what happened. Check out", says Maa.

"I am not leaving you alone", I say. She glares at me.

"Nothing will happen to me in the few minutes that you are gone. Just see what's going on and be back soon", she says.

I put on my cloak and veil. Many like me are leaving their homes to see what's up. The market square is so crowded I prefer not to enter the throng. I stand aloof under a tree away from the maddening crowd unable to make sense of the situation. A sudden silence takes over the people and I see Shehzada standing in their midst with Ali just behind him. He is giving away groceries and clothes to the poor and needy. His simple white tunic shines bright in the sunlight giving him radiance which even a garment of silk couldn't have given him and his standing right among people had given him respect which even sitting on the throne couldn't have given him. Happiness and love is evident on people's faces as they watch the man who they wish will be their ruler. Suddenly Mir Jafar appears out of nowhere on a horse. He stops by the Shehzada like he is overseeing the proceedings. I immediately understand what he is trying to do and that made me want to box him till he screams for mercy. He is pretending that he is the man behind the alms and Shehzada is merely acting on his orders. There was a time when people would have fallen for this trick but by now most of them have realized his true evil nature. Truth cannot be hidden for long. I and Hammad Chachu hadn't even worked to defame him for his own follies had done the job for us. His unfair judgements in court, refusal to pass bills and increasing taxes had opened people's eyes. As he sat on a horseback by the Shehzada it was clear that men loved following a leader whose feet touched the ground. Shehzada did nothing to send Mir Jafar away and did not even acknowledge his presence. People moved away from the side Mir Jafar stood and crowded near Shehzada as Ali made sure they did not come too close. It was like a slap on Mir Jafar's face, yet he sat proudly on the horse thinking he was superior than the Shehzada who stood on the ground. The man clearly lived in a fool's Paradise. It's easy to trip and stumble with your nose up above the clouds, I say to myself as I walk back home.

I spot a man ambling down the cobbled stone walk. From his dressing I can easily say he was a traveller and not from our kingdom. He seats himself in a motel after ordering for food. I walk to the fellow who has taken his order and place a few dinars in his hand.

"This traveller is my guest for today. I am paying for his food. Serve him well. Do not tell him who paid the bill".

************************************

Mir Faseeh wipes the sweat from his brow as he looks up the sun. The sweltering heat was making him pant and his turban barely sheltered him. He had circled the area around 7 times trying to locate any opening or trapdoor which was supposed to be found at the end of tunnel.

He consults the map again and appears to be at the exact spot where the opening should be. But the ground was plain covered with desert sand and a few thorny bushes scattered in between. His tunic was wet from all the sweating as he spread his handkerchief on the burning hot sand and sat down. He decides to wait for an hour hoping the Shehzada might appear from some hidden doorway as this was the time he usually disappeared from within the palace.

He angrily tries to swat a fly that keeps bothering him. Out in this desolated place he realizes it would be extremely foolish for the tunnel to open here as it served no purpose. The main city was miles from here and even if the person was looking for an escape route out of the city he would easily meet his end as there was no water in this part nor did any caravan pass this way. It simply made no sense why Shehzada would bother to come here each day.

"What are you doing here young man?" Mir Faseeh jumps out of his skin to notice an extremely tall man his white beard flowing to the ground. The sight of him scared Mir Faseeh who immediately drew a dagger.

The man just laughs. Though his hair were as white as snow he seemed to be in perfect health and Mir Faseeh had a sneaking suspicion that he could easily throttle him with bare hands if he so wished.

"Where did you come from?", asks Mir Faseeh.

"The desert plays tricks on eyes. I have been here all along you just failed to notice me. Tell me young man what are you so badly searching for?", he asks. To Mir Faseeh he looks like a genie who had appeared out of a bottle.

"I was looking for the opening of a tunnel, can you help me?", asks Mir Faseeh mustering enough courage.

"And where exactly does this tunnel start?" The man looks amused.

"In the palace", says Mir Faseeh.

"And who told you that?" The genie looks like he is thoroughly enjoying himself.

Mir Faseeh shows him the map. The man gives it a glance before he doubles over laughing. His laugh in the vast wilderness gives Mir Faseeh goose bumps.

"Good luck young man", he says patting Mir Faseeh's shoulder and walks away with his long strides and is out of sight before Mir Faseeh can gather his wits.

Mir Faseeh gives up on the creepy venture, mounts his horse and gallops away.

************************************

"Abdul! What happened to your eyes?", asks Mir Jafar shocked.

"Alas, Wazir-e-aala! I was attacked", says Abdul his eyes watering.

"Sit down and tell me the whole story", says Mir Jafar.

"I kept an eye on Hammad Khan day and night just like you asked me to. Yesterday, late in the night he left his home and I immediately started following him. Halfway through I lost him. I stood on the street wondering where he had disappeared when I was attacked from behind and huge amounts of burning powder was thrust in my eyes".

"That's not it Wazir-e-aala", continues Abdul. "The fellow who attacked me led me to a well, drew a bucket of water and said, wash your eyes and go home. If you try to follow Hammad Khan next time I will pull out your eyes", says Abdul starting to cry again.

"What a weakling I have selected for a spy", mutters Mir Jafar. Abdul was just a young boy who could easily get scared of threats. But only a young boy could roam around the whole city and keep his ears and eyes open. Adults might get noticed.

"Listen Abdul! I command you to continue your duty. Change the place from where you watch everyday. Here, take this dagger and attack anyone who harms you. If you hadn't been such a coward I would have had solid information on Hammad Khan by now! I knew he was involved some how! Take the dagger". Mir Jafar thrusts it at him.

Abdul looks at it warily and slowly shakes his head. Mir Jafar gives him a tight slap which rings in his ears and he starts crying again. Mir Jafar holds him by the collar and puts the dagger in his pocket.

"If you don't do it I will pull out your eyes before they do!", he hisses as he pushes him backwards.

"Out!", barks Mir Jafar and the poor boy runs away as fast as his legs can carry him.

Mir Jafar sits on the table hands on his head. Shehzada had not consumed the poison. That was failure of first plan. Now he had very little time to gather more on the people helping him. Making Mir Faseeh win all three tasks so that he becomes the Shehenshah instead of Shehzada was the second plan.

"I will surely succeed in that!", says Mir Jafar banging his fist on the table. "If... somehow, by some stroke of luck Shehzada manages to ascend the throne then I will put my final plan to action. I will make sure there is no kingdom left for him to rule!"

"Father", says Mir Faseeh entering his chamber. He was a fine sight, black streaks of mud and sweat had dried on his face making him look scarier than he naturally was.

"What happened Faseeh?", asks Mir Jafar pulling a chair for him. Mir Faseeh gulps down a jug full of water before answering.

"There is nothing in that god forsaken place! Not a single man, animal or beast! And certainly no tunnel opening"

Mir Jafar goes into deep thought.

"That means this tunnel has been diverted. It's original opening has been closed to make a second opening somewhere else. The only way to find that out will be to go into the tunnel itself and see where it ends"

Mir Faseeh looks up terrified afraid his father would suggest him to enter the tunnel. Thankfully he is saved by the entry of Mir Tabrez.

"Assalamualaikum Father", he says.

"Walaikumassalam. Your brother here says there is no tunnel opening in the place marked on the map".

"Is it? I suggest leave the silly tunnel and concentrate on Saeed. If we kill him Shehzada will be helpless", says Mir Tabrez.

"And I suggest kill Hammad Khan as well. I am sure even he is involved", says Mir Jafar.

"Where were you the whole morning?", asks Mir Faseeh agitated that he had spent the whole time in burning heat while his brother appeared fresh and fine.

"I was spying on our dear little brother. The girl he likes is called Saira. I have a good mind to kill her as well", says Mir Tabrez.

"No! Now I want you all to work only on one thing. Find out who is Saeed", says Mir Jafar.

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A/N

Importance and merits of making dua in Islam

Allah Almighty says in the Qur'an:

"When my servants ask you concerning me, (tell them) I am indeed close (to them). I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calls on me." [2:186] 

The place of dua is so high to Allah, that the Prophet had said: "Nothing is more honourable to Allah the Most High than dua." [Sahih al-Jami' no.5268].

He also said: "The most excellent worship is dua." [Sahih Al-Jami' no. 1133];

and in order to warn those who are arogant, or careless in making duaa, the Prophet said: "The most incapable person is the one who does not make du'a, and the most miserly person is the one who does not give salaam."  [Sahih Al-Jami' no. 1055],

and further, said: "If one does not ask Allah, He will get angry with him."  [Sahih al-Jami' no.2414]

Allah is the Glorious and the Mighty, the answerer of every person in need and every person with a request. Indeed Allah is free of all wants, and He is answerable to none. We have no other god, but Him, whilst He has many servants other than us. Indeed Allah has revealed:

"O mankind! It is you who stand in need of Allah, but Allah is Rich (Free of all wants and needs), Worthy of All Praise." [Qur'an 35:15]

So to fulfill our needs and wants, we must call on Him. Making Du'a to Allah, is a recognition of our weakness and His greatness. The Prophet had said: "Ask Allah for everything, even the lace of your shoes. If Allah does not provide, it will never be available."  [Ibn al-Sunni, no. 349 - hasan. Supported by at-Tirmidhi 4/298 and others.]

And let not there be anyone who says: "... my Lord won't answer my prayer, because of this and that.. or because of so and so..". No! Indeed Allah is the Most Generous King. Is there anyone who met a king, and praised and glorified him, and then asked, yet the request was not granted? So what about Allah, the King of the Heavens and the Earth - who has total control over your life, your wealth and your future. Why would He not grant you your request?

Indeed, our beloved Prophet had said: "Verily your Lord is the One modest and Generous, and when His servant raises his hands to Him in supplication, He is diffident (in some wordings, shy or hesitant) from returning them empty."  [Ahmad, Abu Dawud and at-Tirmidhi - Hasan]

Just imagine going to a king's court and asking him for a rupee. Do you think he will just send you back with a rupee? It is against his reputation! He will fill your hands with gold! He will give you as much as his status commands.

The same goes for Allah, Lord of the worlds. What you ask him is very little but he will fill your open hands according to his reputation.

The best time for asking from Allah: Tahajjud! Just wake up before sunrise, do wudu, read four rakah and ask from Allah while the whole world is sleeping and then we will see how Allah doesn't answer your questions!

However dua of a man who feeds on haram or whose parents are displeased with him will not be accepted unless he repents.

When a believer asks  from Allah, either of the four happen:

1. He is given what he wants as there is khayr (good) for him in what he has asked.

2. Maybe there is sharr (bad) in what he has asked so Allah replaces it with khayr (good) and gives him something better.

3. A great difficulty is removed that was written in his destiny as a compensation of his dua.

4. Allah gives no recompense in this world collecting his Duas and blesses him abundantly on the day of judgement so much so that man says, "How I wish none of my Duas had been accepted in the world so I would have received their compensation in the hereafter". This is understandable for we all know that the blessings of hereafter are much much better than blessings of duniya (world).

Before making dua a believer should have the firm intention that his dua will be accepted. Belief and positive thinking are important. Allah says " I behave with man exactly like how he thinks of me". So, if you are thinking my dua will not be answered then it will certainly not be answered. Have yaqeen (faith) that Allah will surely answer.

Just imagine a president invites you to his home, honours you and requests you to ask something from him. Can he deny you now? Similarly how can Allah deny you, when he himself announces in the skies that he is sitting to listen to your demands at the time of tahajjud? He specifically descends down to the last heaven just to shower his blessings. Allah loves it when his servants ask from him.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to ask from Allah alone even if the sole of his sandal broke.

Today what do we do? As soon as we need something the first people that come to our mind are our fathers/husbands/brothers/guardians! Do we even bother to ask Allah before we approach them? It is Allah who is the true giver. Fathers are just sources through which Allah makes sure things reach us.

Asking from Allah is also an art. First you need to glorify him and think of his Majesty. Then you need to ask forgiveness from all your sins and make an intention never to repeat them and only after that you should ask for what you need.

Will a teacher favor the boy who did not do his homework? Never. Similarly how can we expect Allah to favor us when we don't offer salah and keep away from sins? Give up sins, ask forgiveness, pray regularly and then see how Allah answers your prayers!

"Khudi ko kar buland itna ki Har taqdeer se pehle khuda bande se khud pooche bata teri raza kya hai". (Make yourself so respected in the sight of Allah that He himself consults you before taking a decision)

Apart from this Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) has taught us specific Duas for specific circumstances. There is a dua before eating, before travelling, before sleeping, etc. We need to practice them and remind everyone around us to read them as well.

Dua is a powerful weapon. May Allah help us realize its importance and give us the taufeeq (ability) to make it a part of our daily lives.

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I am sorry for the late update. Wasn't keeping very well after a week of sports at college.

Hope you all enjoyed the chapter.

Lots of love!
Dr Mystic