Sahal Begum P.O.V.

The palanquin got put on the ground,my bandi opened the curtains and I stepped out.I looked around to see Bakshi Bano unmount her horse and she handed the reins to a soldier.She turned as her own bandi held books in their hands,which I had learnt came from the traders at the bazaar who noted the monthly trading details as well as complaints and issues they had.

Bakshi Bano had been kind enough to tell me that Mukhtar Jahangir Saab would be briefed about the happenings so that if there were any issues that would not reach his darabar he would be able to take care of it.

“Malika Begum,I hope that the visit to the Bazaar was fruitful to you.” Bakshi Bano said as she approached me with a smile on her face.

I gave a nod of my head as we begun walking,Bakshi Bano a tad bit in front of me,”Indeed,it was fruitful.There is so many beautiful dresses and jewellery,no wonder most of the palace hareem’s clothing comes from Hajjat Bazaar’s seamstress and jewellers.”

Bakshi Bano’s smile seemed to grow at the praise,”Alhumdulilah,their hands are blessed.If there is anything you wish to see from the bazaar,please do tell me.I can summon the stall owners,seamstress and jewellers to the palace.”

I looked at Bakshi Bano as we stepped into the corridors of the palace,her light blue shalwar kameez allowed her legs more freedom to move faster as her hand continuously strayed to her sword.I would need a specific set of jewellery that would be my own sign of acceptance for her.

“Tomorrow,I would appreciate if you would summon the royal seamstress and jewellers.” I questioned at which Bakshi Bano gave a nod of her head before looking at her bandi.

“Talwar,tell Rukhsar Mirza that she needs to send a messenger to royal seamstress and jeweller to come tomorrow at noon.”

“Jew,Bakshi Bano.” Talwar walked away as the other bandi continued to follow us as we walked into the hareem.

“What are your plans for today,Bakshi Bano?” I asked as we came to a stop in the corridor.

“I will go change then check on the pre-wedding functions.Then I have to attend darbar for the day,I need to brief them on Hajjat Bazaar.”

I gave a nod of my head,”Would it be fine if I joined you all in the darbar?”

Bakshi Bano nodded her head,”Of course,your presence will be an honour for us.”

“I think Shahensha Haider will also want to attend.”

Bakshi Bano smiled as she tilted her head,”The honour will be ours to host Shahensha Haider and you,Malika Begum.”

“Where will you be hosting our Shahi couple,Bakshi Bano?”
(Royal)

Bakshi Bano and I turned our heads in the direction the voice came from,I held back from turning my eyes as I saw Hafeeza Bano.

“I asked Bakshi Bano I’d we could attend Hajjat Qila’s darbar,so that is where we will be hosted,Hafeeza Bano.Do you have a problem with that?” I questioned as I forced a smile on my face.Hafeeza Bano had to put her nose wherever she thought she might find information that she could pass to her mother or use herself.

“Of course not,Sahal Begum.” I saw her look at Bakshi Bano who already had her gaze on Hafeeza Bano,their gazes caught as the side of Hafeeza Bano’s mouth lifted,”Shahensha Haider and Malika Begum do not need permission to be anywhere.So who is Bakshi Bano to give them permission?”

Bakshi Bano let out a sigh as I looked at her,she pulled a smile on her lips,”I am the Wazir of Hajjat Qila.You are right,Malika Begum and Shahensha Haider do not need permission to go anywhere in Hajjat Qila,yet they ask because they understand that at the end of the day the darabar is where mamu-jaan may discuss sensitive matters which do not need to reach Shahensha Haider as yet.They understand even though they are the Shahi couple they are here to attend a wedding and not for political reasons.Am I right,Malika Begum?”
(Wazir-Minister)

Bakshi Bano asked as she turned to me,her answer which had spread a smile onto my face and I gave a nod of my head as I turned to look at Hafeeza Bano,”Bakshi Bano is right,but perhaps this matters are beyond your understanding.Let us leave the complicated palace matters in the hands of those who understand it.”

Bakshi Bano took a step towards Hafeeza Bano,looking her in the eye as she spoke her next words as Hafeeza’s smirk had slid off her face,”There are no lakes where these palace matters can be pushed into,there are only jungles and a hunter who knows these jungles.”

As I took in Bakshi Bano’s words,my blood ran cold as I caught the meaning behind them.I saw Hafeeza Bano’s face lose colour as Bakshi Bano turned to me,I saw the slight tremor that ran through her hand as she gripped the handle of her sword.

“I shall send a bandi for you when the darbar starts,Malika Begum.Ijazit dijye.”
(Please give me permission)

I nodded my head,”You may leave.” Bakshi Bano greeted me before striding away and I turned to Hafeeza Bano who had her eyes narrowed on Bakshi Bano’s retreating back.

“Hafeeza.” I commanded her attention causing her to turn her head to look at me,relaxing her eyes and she tried to put on a smile.

“Jee,Malika Begum?”

I laid a hand on her arm,tightening my hold as she lowered her eyes,her mouth twisting in discomfort as my hold on her hand kept on tightening,”If I find out that Bakshi Bano is indicating towards you doing any wrong to her,there will be consequences for you.If you try anything against her,there will be even worst consequences.” I took my hand off her arm,smiling sweetly,”Am I understood?”

Hafeeza Bano gave a nod of her head,”Jee,Malika Begum.”

“Acha hai.Adab.” Greeting her I walked away,making my way towards the khwaab-gaah,”Gulzar.”
(That is good)

“Jee,Sahal Begum?”

“Go to the khwaab-gaah,inform Shahensha that we will be attending darbar.”

“Jee,Shahal Begum.”

She left,I along with Haseena made our way through the hareem as I made my way towards Naaeera Begum’s khwaab-gaah.When I came to the khwaab-gaah I met her bandi.

“Tell Naaeera Begum that I am here to meet her.”

“Jee,Malika Begum.” The bandi walked go the door of the room,announcing my request and we were given permission to enter.

“Aaye,Malika Begum.” Naseera Begum welcomed me in,I looked around to see jewellery on the middle table as well dresses on the bed.Bari chachi-jaan also there,standing to greet me.

“I am sorry to be disturbing you while you preparing for the wedding.” I apologized as she gestured for me to sit down and I did.

“You are more then welcome here,Sahal.” Bari chachi-jaan said with a smile,”Is there anything that we can help you with,Sahal?”

I nodded my head,”Jee,Bari chachi-jaan.Baat yeh Hai,I want a few bandi to spy on Masuma Begum and Hafeeza Bano.”

Both the women lost their smile,as they exchanged glances their faces filling with worry.Bari chachi-jaan curled her hand into a fist as she sat forward.

“Has something happened?”

How did I explain to them that after the decision that Haider would announce at the darbar,that Masuma Begum would definitely intend to do something.She would not be able to see Bari chachi-jaan beat her in anyway.By Bakshi Bano heyting married to Haider it would hurt her ego and she could go to any extent to have things go her way.I would have to give them a gist of my fears.

“If they do have any bad intentions I wish to avert it before hand.Naseera Begum,please do as I requested.”

“It will be done,Malika Begum.” Naaeera Begum assured me with a nod of her head.I looked at Bari chachi-jaan whose eyebrows were pulled together,her lips tucked in and her eyes looked as if she were far gone in her thoughts.

“Bari chachi-jaan.” I called out causing her to look at me,”I am here.Nothing will happen to Bakshi Bano.”

She tried to put a smile on her face but it turned into grimace,”I know but I cannot help but be worried.”

Why would Bari chachi-jaan be so worried?Unless,I thought back to Bakshi Bano’s words to Hafeeza Bano,about the lake.I kept my gaze on Bari chachi-jaan’s face.

“Was Hafeeza Bano the one who had pushed Bakshi Bano into the lake all those years ago?”

Bari chachi-jaan’s eyes snapped to my face,her eyes going wide as my question registered to her.She swallowed as she looked at Naaeera Begum who had gasped at my question.

“I only want the truth.” I clarified as I saw her eyes begun to jump from me to behind me.Bari chachi-jaan looked at me,her eyes lowering as her face begun to turn red.

“Jee,years later Bakshi had revealed to us that it had been Hafeeza who had pushed her into the lake.”

I inhaled sharply at those words,curling my hand into a fist,”Why did you not say anything?”

Bari chachi-jaan looked at me,the side of her eyes crinkled as shame covered her face,”I know Masuma and I know what she is capable of.I would rather my child overcome the pain that caused her then cause her more pain by going against a woman who knows how to get her way.”

I shook my head,”If Shahensha finds out,he will be tremendously angry and ashamed that he could not give Bakshi Bano the justice that she deserves.”

“No,Malika Begum.Shahensha has no fault in this,in fact we are the ones who are at fault because we thought of keeping Bakshi safe rather then her wrong doer being brought to justice.My heart as a mother would not be able to forgive myself if something were to have happened to her.”

I sat forward,looking Bari chachi-jaan in the eye,”If Masuma Begum or Hafeeza Bano do anything this time they will face consequences,I am telling you now.”

She nodded her head,”I will not interfere then.”

I took my leave,walking out of the khwaab-gaah and making my way towards the khwaab-gaah that had been given to me and Haider.

I could not believe that at such a young age Hafeeza Bano could have even thought of doing such a thing.I knew that she could not have been the main culprit behind such thoughts,yet I could not fantom how a mother would allow this to happen to her daughter.

I entered the khwaab-gaah where I found Haider looking out the balcony,I made my way towards him and he turned as soon as I got near to him.

I groaned,frowning,”You did not have to turn.”

Haider smiled at me as he came towards me,wrapping his arms around my waist,”I feel your presence which compels me to turn,Begum Sahiba.You absence created a cold next to me,which has only dispelled now.How did you find your visit to the bazaar?”

I looked up at Haider,as I wrapped my arms around his waist,”The bazaar is just as we heard about it.There is only respect for Mukhtar Jahangir Alla’s family and loyalty for us.” I bit my lip as I leaned forward,resting my forehead on Haider’s chest.My heart thumped in my chest,against my rib cage as I felt the decision I had made weigh heavily on my chest.

“Kya hua,Begum Sahiba?” Haider questioned,as he drummed his fingers against my back.
(What happened)

“I think it is time you propose for Bakshi Bano.”

Haider’s fingers stopped,his chest heaved as he took a deep,long breath and he dropped his chin against my head.

“Why now?”

I pulled away from Haider,looking him in the eye as I moved my hands onto his chest.There was not even a trace of a smile on Haider’s face,his eyes on mine as he tried to figure out why I had made such a decision.

“I fear that Masuma Begum does not have the best intentions for Bakshi Bano.By making your announcement Masuma Begum will not dare to try to harm a to be bride of yours.”

I thought of what Bari chachi-jaan had told me,my jaw clenching as I unconsciously fisted my hand on Haider’s chest.

“Has something happened that made you make this decision?” Haider questioned as he put his hand over my own,I relaxed my jaw as I looked at him.

The story that I had learnt was not mine to share so I would not betray Bari chachi-jaan’s trust by telling Haider.

I shook my head,”Not as yet,but if we do not put this boundary then we might be putting Bakshi Bano at risk.”

Haider’s lifted eyebrows,calculating gaze told me everything that I had to know.He knew that I kept something from him.Yet,his trust in me did not allow him to question me.

“Thik hai,after the darbar with only the family around I will make the announcement.”

I smiled,lifting my head,”I have called for the seamstress and jewellers tomorrow.I will have them make a new set for Bakshi Bano for the day,” My throat closed up,my smile fading as I realized what came next,my voice dropping to a whisper,”She weds you.”

Haider wrapped me into an embrace,my head laying on my hands that were still on his chest and I closed my eyes,as they begun to moisten.

No matter how much I had convinced myself that this decision happened to be in our best interest,a small part of me felt as if it had cracked and I did not know if that crack would ever be fixed.

Yet,my duty called at me to be strong and cold.So that on the day that Haider would be tied to someone other then me,I would embrace it as a Queen and not a wife.

“We will be fine.” Haider whispered to me,I opened my eyes pulling away and I gave a nod.

“Always.”

HAIDER P.O.V.

Sahal Begum walked next to me as we followed the bandi towards the darbar.I held onto Sahal Begum’s hand,her hand tightly wrapped around my own.I glanced towards her,her lifted head and straightened back did not hint at her unease.

As hard as making this decision were to me,I knew it had to be worst for Sahal.She had been by my side even before I had taken the throne,years before that we had exchanged glances and letters.Years later when I took the throne,she has stood by my side and guided me whenever the darkness grew.I had always had Sahal by when I need to find the light.

Even now,when she had to choose between herself and Sultanate,she put the Sultanate first.I could not even think about what her heart were going through but for me,it felt as if I had to break her heart to ensure my life.While for her,she ensured my life even if it came at the cost of her heart.

As a King,I knew where my duty started and ended.As a husband,I would learn to be dutful to both my wives and ensure that I did not lack in fairness.

I held Sahal’s hand tighter,causing her to look at me,her eyebrows lifted.I shook my head giving her a smile which she returned before squeezing my hand.

We came to the door of the darbar,where we found Bakshi Bano who seemed to be talking to some people.They were dressed as citizens,yet they seemed that be conversing with Bakshi Bano as if she were close to them.

“May Allah grant you a long life,Bakshi Bano.Ever since you put in word with Mukhtar Alla saab about the thieves,we have not been troubled by them.”

Bakshi Bano seemed to put her hand over her chest,”It is my duty.”

When the citizens saw Sahal Begum and me,they bowed their heads.

“Adab Shahensha.Adab Malika Begum.”

Bakshi Bano moved to the side,turning to face us as she also lifted her hand in greeting,”Adab,Shahensha.”

“Adab.” I greeted back as Sahal did the same.I looked at Bakshi Bano who seemed to be going red in the face when Sahal begun to talk.

“Bakshi Bano,is there anyone who is not full of praises for you?”

“Alhumdulilah,I must be doing something right.” Bakshi Bano replied as simply as she could.

“Bakshi Bano only has good for us citizens in her heart,that is why we can only praise her.” One of the citizens spoke out as Bakshi Bano looked down,her hand tugging at her duppata.

“Mukhtar Jahangir saab has kept my citizens happy,that is all a Shahensha can ask for from his delegations.” I commented at which the citizens nodded their heads.

“Alhumdulilah,Mukhtar Alla saab is fair in every single instance which is why we do not have any complains against him.”

“I am glad.I shall meet you in the darbar.”

Sahal turned to Bakshi Bano who finally looked up,greeting the citizen,” Shall we enter the darbar?”

“Please come,Malika Begum.” Bakshi Bano then looked at me,her face still red,”Shahensha,Malika begum,you both can enter from here.Announce Shahensha Haider’s presence.” She turned to the announcer guard at the door who immediately turned to face the door.

“Mughal Sultanate ke Shahensha,Shahensha Haider tashreef la rahe hai.Mughal Sultanate ki Malika,Sahal Begum tashreef la rahe hai.”
(The King of the Mughal Kingdom,King Haider is entering.The Queen of the Mughal Sultanate,Queen Sahal is entering.)

We begun to walk in,Sahal next to me and Bakshi Bano behind the two of us.As we entered,I put my hand on my chest as I greeted the Wazir of the darbar who did the same and then Mukhtar Jahangir.

I saw Sahal and Bakshi Bano walk into the curtain area as I continued walking toward Mukhtar Jahangir Alla who stood to welcome me.

“Aap ka istaqbal hai Hajjat Qila ki darbar mein,Shahensha.” He said as he bowed his head and I put my hand on Mukhtar Jahangir Alla’s shoulder at which his head shot up in surprise.
(You are welcome to the court of Hajjat Fort)

“It is my honour to be hosted in your darbar.”

Mukhtar Jahangir Alla held back a smile as he gestured towards throne like chair behind him,”Please sit here,Shahensha.”

I looked at the chair,before looking back at Mukhtar Jahangir Alla.If I did sit there,the entire darbar would address me the entire time.That would not be fair as I did not attend for political reasons not was I here to ensure that nothing wrong were happening.

I saw the seat next to the throne,just inches ahead and I gestured towards it,”This darbar is yours,Mukhtar Jahangir Alla.My presence here is to attend nothing more.I would be content to sit on the seat next to you.”

I could see Mukhtar Jahangir Alla want to disagree,I begun walking to the seat and sat down,”Begin your session,Mukhtar Jahangir saab.”

He gave a hesitant nod before turning to walk to his seat,he sat down and we turned to face the front,”Let the session start.”

Bakshi Bano walked out from the curtain,a book in her hand and she begun to speak.She gave a rundown of the earrings of the bazaar,the traders and caravans that had been traveling into the bazaar.She spoke of the issues that the traders in the bazaar had told her,the other wazirs stood up to give suggestions which Mukhtar Jahangir Alla thought over before giving a decision.

I looked at chachi-jaan who had his eyes on Bakshi Bano,he kept on smiling as she spoke.His eyes following her when she moved and nods of satisfaction as she spoke.

“That is all from the bazaar.” Bakshi Bano said as she closed the book,turning to Mukhtar Jahangir Alla,”Citizens from the border village,Khairul Hajjat request to present infront of you,Mukhtar Saab.”

“Allow the citizens in.” Mukhtar Jahangir Alla gave an order,the citizens we had spoken to outside came inside.They presented their salaams before one of the man came forward.

“Mukhtar Saab,we are immensely grateful that the issue with the thieves have been taken care of.As a token appreciation,we have brought three cows that we would like to offer for the destitute to receive milk from as charity on behalf of you and Bakshi Bano.”

Chorus of SubhanAllah rang out amongst the wazirs as Mukhtar Jahangir Alla looked at Bakshi Bano who smiled at him,with a nod of her head.

“May Allah reward you greatly for your contribution to our community.Send out a notice that anyone who wishes for milk may take from these cows.”

The citizens walked out after thanking him,when I cleared my throat and Mukhtar Jahangir Alla looked at me,his eyes wide.

“Shahensha Haider,if you would like to say something you are more then welcome to.”

I gave a nod of my head as I looked around the darbar,I saw Bakshi Bano begun to walk behind the curtains,”Please wait here,Bakshi Bano.” I gestured to Faris Khan who stood up with a scroll in his hand which he handed to me.I watched as Ehmad Khan entered with a bandi who held a covered tray.

I looked around as I begun to speak,”As many of you know that I fought a battle near the Dilarkhund borders against traitorous army.Chachu-jaan had been far to reach us so he sent word to Mukhtar Jahangir Alla saab who did not think twice before sending his Black Cavalry to aid us.The Black Cavalry lead by Bakshi Bano did not just aid us on the battlefield but she helped us strategies our plan for the battlefield and she protected me when the traitor of my own army tried to send his soldiers,during which she was wounded.Mukhtar Jahangir Alla,Bakshi Bano and the Black Cavalry proved that no matter how many traitors there would be out there to harm me,there are even fierce loyal soldiers who would stand for me.It is with extreme pride that I am giving Mukhtar Jahangir Alla the position of Wazir e Mukhlis and I am honouring him with mansabdari of 3000 men.”

I stood up,handing the scroll to Mukhtar Jahangir Alla who seemed shocked,even as he looked down at the scroll.Ehmad Khan unveiled the tray on which a turban with several lines of pearls lined the sides and a blue diamond sat on the front.I turned to Mukhtar Jahangir Alla who stood up,I removed his turban which I laid on the same tray before picking up the new turban.I laid it on Mukhtar Jahangir Alla ‘s head before hugging him,”Yeh appki wafadari ke liye.”
(This is for your loyalty."

We pulled away,grasping one another’s forearms,I saw his eyes water as he lowered his head,”Bohot shukriya,Shahensha.This is a great pride of mine and I will always keep to the title that you have gifted me.”

“May we always fight on the same battlefield.”

The chorus of Ameen and SubhanAllah resonated in the darbar.I turned to look at Bakshi Bano who wiped tears that had fallen done her face as she gazed at Mukhtar Jahangir Alla.Her face twisted as a few more years ran down her face,her eyes full of pride and her shoulders thrown back.

“Bakshi Bano.” She looked at me,as she wiped the rest of tears off her face,”Your bravery when you saved me from the assassins where you did not let a scratch on me to your bravery on the battlefield where you captured the enemy is wothful of every compliment ever.It is with great pleasure that I am honouring you with the mansabdari of 1000 men and the I am gifting the bazaars of Jaabirsher to you,all earnings if which will go to you.Along with that I am giving you a wish,that you may ask for at anytime,as long as I live.”

I held out the first scroll to Bakshi Bano who came forward to take it before taking the second scroll I handed her,”Bohot shukriya, Shahensha.” I could hear sobbing from behind the curtain,I could be sure that would be Bari chachi-jaan.Bakshi Bano walked back and entered the curtain area.From what I could see,she went on her knees behind the curtain infront of Bari chachi-jaan who embraced her.

I cleared my throat,”Everyone may disperse except for Mukhtar Jahangir Alla,his family,Mukhtar Ahmed Khan Saab and his family.My wazirs may stay.”

The darbar dispersed,but I could see the questioning gazes as to why I had dispersed the darbar except the ones I had mentioned.

“Is everything okay,Haider?” Chachu-jaan questioned as the darbar got empty and I looked at the curtains.

“Open the curtains.” The curtains were opened,I looked at Sahal who seemed to break her embrace with Bakshi Bano and they looked at me.I saw Naseera Begum,Nusrat Bano,Masuma Begum who seemed to be in shock.

I looked at Bari chachi-jaan who seemed to be wiping away her tears as she stood up and I turned to Mukhtar Jahangir Alla who seemed to be looking at his wife with tears in his eyes.

“Mukhtar Jahangir Saab.” He looked at me,admiration filling his eyes.

“Hukum dijye,Shahensha.”
(Order me)

“Chachu-jaan may be present here but you have more right on Bakshi Bano then he does,you have raised her and brought her up to be the woman she is,along with Naseera Begum and Bari chachi-jaan.”

The admiration shifted to confusion,”I do not understand what you are saying,Shahensha.Forgive me.”

“I would like Bakshi Bano’s hand in marriage.”