SHAHENSHA HAIDER P.O.V.

I made my way towards Bakshi Begum's khwaab-gaah,just as her bandi and khwaajasara made their way out.They all lifted their hands to greet me,standing to the side.I returned their gesture,giving each of them a potli filled with gold coins until I came to the curtain that separated the main entrance of the khwaab-gaah from the small corridor that lead to the entrance of the walkway.Outside of which,I knew urdubegis stood,guarding Bakshi Begum and me.

I thought back to Sahal,who had refused to meet me on the grounds that Bakshi Begum's week had started and she refused to interrupt or keep me from my time.Yet,I knew what she would want of me.For her and me,our duty came first.

I closed my eyes as I took a deep breath,my finger twisting the ring I wore on my pointer finger around.I prayed that I would uphold my duties and honour the promises that I had made,to both my wivies.

I opened my eyes as I tried my best to clear my mind as I pushed open the curtains,taking my first steps into a new part of my life.The smell of rose itr filled the air combined with the smell of musk loban that was generally used to scent rooms.The khwaab-gaah had been decorated with rose petals that covered the entry way along with marigold petals.There were diya's left around on stands along with a large bowl in the middle of the room,filled with roses and small diyas floating around.

(itr-perfume)

(loban-a fragrant coal)

(diya-small lamps)

The dark curtains that were pulled over the large windows swayed lightly in the breeze from outside,which caused the diyas flames to flicker slightly as my gaze finally fell on the silhouette covered in a wrapped around dupatta which sat on one side of a small area of the room.The prayer room.

I made my way towards the prayer room,from which I could hear recitation of the Quraan.Bakshi Begum's melodious voice filled the room as she recited through the Quraan verses,almost as though she had memorized the verses many times before.I had removed my shoes,leaving it at the side of the entrance as I entered the prayer room.

She continued reading,I begun to recognize the verses as I sat slightly behind her.The verses she recited came from Surah Ar-Rum,Verse 21.My eyes closed as the meaning of the verses came to mind,a stark reminder that marriage meant more than just any need being fulfilled.

And of His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquility in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy.

As she continued her recitation,a peace washed over me as if it were a sign that regardless of my countless thoughts;there would be a way to ensure that no one is hurt nor despaired,Her voice begin to trail off as she came to the end of the page.She closed the Quran,before turning to face me.

Bakshi Begum's eyes met mine,yet there seemed to be no surprise in her eyes.Almost as if she had heard me or sense me.She begun to read something under her breath before leaning forward and blowing over my face,at which my eyes closed as I knew she read for our protection.When I opened my eyes,she had moved back to her sitting position,her gaze slipping away from my face and onto her lap.

"Adab." She greeted softly as she clasped her hands together,her fingers pressing against the back of her hand.

"Adab,Bakshi Begum." It did not feel right to call her by her name only as she had not even taken my name.

Before either of us could speak again,the call to prayer for Esha rang through the air.We sat still as the call to prayer washed over us,reminding us of our duty towards out Lord.

I watched as Bakshi Begum turned to pick up,the Quran with the stand and she stood,taking it to a shelf which she left it on.She pressed a kiss to the cover,then turned around but did not walk to me until the azaan concluded and then she walked towards the side of the prayer room from which she picked up a simple prayer turban.

I too off the heavy beaded and bejewelled turban as she came towards me.I looked at Bakshi Begum's outstretched hand as I deliberated whether the turban would be too heavy for her to carry with one hand.

"Do not fear,I have carried much heavier men then your turban." Her voice,almost filled with amusement caused my gaze to raise to meet her own.If I were not wrong a tad bit of amusement seemed to fill her eyes.

I set the turban on her hand,which she grasped before taking the simple turban.The side of my lip lifted in a small smirk,"Pardon me,I seemed to have forgotten that I married a warrior not just an ordinary noble woman."

Bakshi Begum tilted her head,"No ordinary noblewoman would ever be able to bear the weight of the crown that comes with being your begum,Shahensha Haider." She walked away to the same place that she had picked my simple turban from and laid the turban onto the shelf.She had called me Shahensha Haider,which did not fit my wife to call me.

"You do know,you can call me by my name." I lowered my voice,gently reminding her that she could drop the honorifics.

She gave a nod of her head as she made her way to my side,"Yes,I do.It does not feel right to call you by your name when I have always looked at you with a lenses of respect and duty."

"We can make a compromise."

She lifted an eyebrow as she came to a pause in front of me,"What type of compromise?"

"Until you do not become comfortable with calling me by my name,I will also call you with your honorific.I do not wish to make you uncomfortable." I did not want her to feel as if she is forced to call me by my name when she is not comfortable to do so.

Her mouth scrunched up,as she lifted her shoulders,"You may call me by my name,almost everyone does.It will take me a while to realize that the Shahensha that I respect enough to give my life for is my shohar."

(shohar-husband)

"No,the day you call me Haider will be the day I call you by your name."

She paused for a moment before almost,hesitantly giving a nod,"Let us offer our Esha prayers."

I gave a nod as I went to stand in front of her,I waited for her to be in the standing position behind me before I called out the takbeer.

"Allah-hu-Akbar"

After the seventeen rakats,I stood up as I informed her that we would be offering Sunnat al-Zawaaj.When the two rakats were finished,I turned to face Bakshi Begum.I moved myself until I was sitting right in front of her,her eyes on me as I raised my hand to place it on her head.

"Allahumma inni as'aluka khayraha wa khayra ma jabaltaha 'alayhi wa a'oodhi bika min sharriha wa min sharri ma jabaltaha 'alayhi" I recited the dua softly before removing my hand from her head,turning to fa e the qiblaah once again.I raised my hands in dua,by the rustling of her clothing I knew that she must have done the same.

(O Allah, verily I ask You for her good and the good of what You have created in her, and I ask seek refuge with You from her evil and the evil of what You have created in her)

"Ya Allah,you have written our union for the reasons you know that we have and the better reasons that you have planned for us.Ya Allah,make us a way of good for one another and make us a way to stay away from any bad.Ya Allah,bless our marriage with good in this dunya and akhira.Ya Allah,fill our nikaah with respect,honour and understanding," My mouth almost hesitated but my brain seemed to ignore just how we had come to be here,"And love,whenever you deem good for us.Ya Allah,make me a way of good for her and make her a way of good for me.We seek refuge in you.Ameen."

As I finished,I heard rustling and I turned my head to see Bakshi Begum stand up,walking out of the prayer area.I would not lie and say I were not curious about her as I stood to follow.I watched intrigued as she removed her duppata that she had wrapped around her head for prayer.

Her hair that I had only glimpsed at from the few strands that seemed to escape her duppata sat in a tight braid which she reached behind to untangle.Almost as if in a trance,I watched as her brown hair cascaded down her back.Her long hair stopped just inches away from the end of her buttocks.

"MashaAllah." I exclaimed in what I thought I used a quiet voice,yet her stiffened back and shy glance my way,told me that she had heard me.

"Sit,I shall bring you something to drink." She looked away,it seemed a tad bit late as I had caught a glimpse of her reddening cheeks.I shrugged off my outer layer,which I draped over the edge of the seating area and sat down.

My eyes fell on a chest,on top of which set a sword.I stood up,making my way to the chest and I stared at the sword that the Black Cavalry had given Bakshi Begum as a wedding gift.My hands caressed the intricate carvings on the shield as the small details,almost resembled Hajjat Qilla,

"Here." I turned to see Bakshi Begum holding a long glass which I took,my perched throat quenching.

"Jazakallah." I held the glass as I continued to trace the carvings which then resembled the mountains of Jaabirsher and then I registered what I looked at,"This is..."

"The battle of Jaabirsher." Bakshi Begum confirmed as she stood next to me,her duppata removed off her yet draped across one arm.

"The carving work is beautiful." I compliment as I took another sip of the serbet.

"Our blacksmiths and carvers in Hajjat Qilla have really blessed hands." She did not hesitate to give credit where it was due.As I turned,she moved back,in silence we moved to the sitting area where we took a seat on opposite ends.

I watched as Bakshi Begum removed her duppata,laying it on the arm of the seating area and lifted her feet,which she tucked under her body and leaned back.Her head fell back as her eyes closed,a tiredness visible on her face.

"Have you got any sleep today?" I questioned,how would she fair if she had not got to sleep well?This mahal and it's people required a lot of observation without which you would be eaten alive.I almost bit my tongue as I realized she had only shown this tiredness to me,in the darbar she had not even blinked in a manner that would convey her fatigue.

Bakshi Begum opened one eye,which seemed to pierce through me with scrutiny of what meanings could my words have,"Ammi-jaan had me up from after fajr and my training season.As hareem rules decitate,my sleep will only be complete tonight.Tomorrow my duties begin."

I gave a nod of my head,as I remembered that the training area would be set up and Bakshi Begum would take charge of the security of the hareem,"You are right.From tomorrow,your duties will begin.I would be honoured to watch you duel once again.On the battlefield,MashaAllah,you had moved swiftly almost as if you were dancing and not fighting."

Bakshi Bano lowered her head,giving a slight bow of her head,"Shukriya.Perhaps,tomorrow morning we could have a hand at a duel?"

At her words,her words rising my blood as if she had called it to a challenge.I raised an eyebrow,as I leaned forward,placing my elbos on my knees,"Are you challenging me?"

She shook her head,her face twisting with something akin to horror.Her eyes widening,her lips parting as she shook her head almost violently,"No," She paused,as she bit her lip,"Not a challenge,just a friendly duel." Though,her voice may have been hesitant;her eyes spoke of a different story.They had almost lit up,through the exhaustion.There seemed to be a spark of excitement,as if even though she did not want to call it a challenge,the perspective of having a duel with me excited her.

"I would not mind.It is not often that any of the women of the palace try their hand at duelling me." Except Maham Anga,but that she had thought me so she were an almost predictable opponent as she had been the mentor to teach me the basics of sword duels.

Bakshi Begum's eyes filled with more excitement as her lips begun to turn up into a smile,"It will be my honour." She covered her mouth which seemed to stretch open in a yawn.

"Let us get some rest,so that we may be fresh in the morning."

She gave a nod as she stood up,turning to face the bed before her body froze.My gaze fell on the bed as well,as I turned to face it.Oh.We would have to share one bed.Well,not really.I could take one of the sleeping areas or even the little resting area on the side.

"Bakshi Begum,I can take the resting area on the side.It will be fine." I spoke up,wishing to ensure that she would be comfortable.I felt confused when she shook her head,gazing towards me with a protectiveness that I had seen during the time in the tent at the battle of Jabirsher.

"Your shadow will be visible through the decorative holes in the walls.It would make anyone watching us suspicious of our relationship." Her cheeks flushed red as she looked down,"I do not mind sharing a bed with you,it is big enough to fit the two of us without causing us any discomfort.There are two sheets as well."

As much as her thought process made sense,Bakshi Begum's comfort came first.I asked,"Are you sure?"

Bakshi Begum gave a nod of her head as she made her way to one side of the bed.She made her way to the privacy covers as I took off the second layer of my clothing,which left me in the last thin layer.I took off the pants,wearing the thin breeches which were laid out on the side.I made my to the bed,laying down as I looked at the ceiling.

The ceiling had small holes which gave a view of the black sky with twinkling stars and on the one end,I could see the crescent of the new moon.A silver of light amongst the darkest of clouds.In another few nights,the moon would be full of light and round in the sky,like a beacon of hope.

I wonder if I would see the full moon with Sahal or Bakshi Begum,for it would be a view to enjoy with a wife by my side.I almost frowned,as I finally thought of Sahal,my eyes frowning.How could I have not thought of her?No,I reminded myself,I am a human.

When I sat in the darbar,I did not think of Sahal.When I sat as a judge amongst the awaam of Ajmer,I did not think of Sahal.When I trained with my soldiers and wazirs,I did not think of Sahal.So how would this be any different from then?

The rustling of the bedding,pulled me from my thoughts and my eyes fell on a pale pink kameez,with short sleeves and with her hair that she pulled away from the back as she had it part in three to braid,exposing a handful of skin.I averted my eyes out of respect of Bakshi Begum,yet the scar that ran across that piece of skin etched itself in my mind.How had she got that scar?

Bakshi Begum laid down,her gaze fluttering towards me and I brought the question to my lips,"How did you get the scar on your back?"

Her eyebrows frowned as she almost seemed to wonder which scar did she talk about.How many scars did she have on her back that she had wonder which one did I speak about?She seemed to remember just how much of skin could show from her kameez.

"Ahh,I think I sustained it while fighting dacoits out of a farming area near Hajjat Qilla when I were a bit younger.That time,chachu-jaan had been handling the Black Cavalry and I had tugged along as we did not think it would be dangerous."

That meant that she had been younger then sixteen summers.Her first scar at such a young age.

Silence enshrouded us as we stared up at the ceiling.

My eyes begun to flutter close,almost without my permission as my mind begun to relax as if it felt safe with Bakshi Begum.

I had not known when my eyes had closed,but when the azaan for fajr prayer called out,I begun to pull my eyes open,which seemed as if it took much effort.One of the first things I saw as tha first thing I saw was Bakshi Begum's back,facing me as she sat up.

I averted my eyes as I sat up,rubbing my hand down my face.A glass came into my sight,I looked up and my eyes met Bakshi Begum's.Her eyes though the shadow of sleep still covered her eyes,a gentleness in her gaze which seemed to look past me and her relaxed expression,a stark contrast to the women she were last night.

"Adab." I took the glass from her as I greet her.

"Adab.I shall perform my wudhu then you may perform it as well." She informed me as she walked away,as she reached for her dupatta,"Ikhtiyar.Khaazra." She called out loudly at which we heard the patter of feet and her bandi appeared,their hands filled with a large bowl of water.

"Adab,Bakshi Begum." I stood up,greeting the bandi as well.Bakshi Bano ordered them to take it to the small wudhu facility that had been made right next to the prayer room.A smile danced upon my lips as the younger bandi seemed to talk rapidly to Bakshi Bano as if she would not get a moment to speak after that moment.

Yet,Bakshi Begum did not interrupt her not even when she sat down to perform her wudhu,even the Bakshi Begum did not interrupt her it happened to be Ikhtiyar,"Khaazra,bas kijey.Bakshi Begum ko wudhu karna hai aur auske bad Shahensha ko bhi karna hai."

(Khaazra,bas kijey.Bakshi Begum ko wudhu karna hai aur auske bad Shahensha ko bhi karna hai-Khaazra,enough.Bakshi Begum has to perform ablution and then the King has to also perform

I went to fetch my overlayer which I left on the floor of the prayer room,the two bandi left as Bakshi Begum finished her wudhu and I made my way to the area.I finished up my wudhu then wiped my limbs.

When I turned,I found Bakshi Begum holding my outer layer which I took from her,"You do not have to wait on me."

Bakshi Begum gave a nod of her head,"I know but this is out of habit so I will continue doing it."

"Only if you wish to do so."

We made our way to the prayer area,facing the qibla and we began to offer our prayers.At the end,Bakshi Begum took her Quran and before I could ask for one,she handed me a Quran.We read page after page until the sky begun to lighten,soft sunrise rays peeked out of the might clouds as the dark sky gave way to the beautiful blue skies.Through the flowery holes which had been made in a manner that you could see through the petals,the rays of sun enlightened the prayer room.

I closed my Quraan,placing a kiss on the front before I turned to face Bakshi Begum who did the same.Her face filled with a bliss that I knew came from reading pages of the Quraan.A peace that only filled the heart when reading through words of the Holy Book,that made every trouble seem small.

I could hear the hushed footsteps of whom I presumed were bandi's within the khwaab-gaah,finally I stood up and reached out a hand.Bakshi Begum out her Quraan in my hand before she began pulling herself up and I made my way towards the shelf where I placed both Quraan's.

"You have promised me a duel,Shahensha." Bakshi Begum spoke with a suppressed excitement which caused me to look at her.Her eyes were wide as she almost rolled back and forth on her feet.

"I have."

"Shall we inaugurate up the training grounds then?" The challenge in her voice surprised me as it peeked through despite the fact that she seemed to be holding back.

"Let us proceed."

We walked out of the prayer room,which caused the bandi to turn around from their duties and present their greetings which we both returned.I picked up my sword which laid on a nearby table while Bakshi Begum did the same.I watched as she stepped behind the privacy covers and her bandi begun to help.I presumed that she would change into her training clothing.Once she stepped out,a white turban covering her head,her hair twisted into a braid.She picked up a sword that seemed familiar to me.Where had I seen the sword she held before,I wondered before I realized,she carried that sword with her always.

"Chaliye,Shahensha?" She questioned as she came to a stop in front of me,I gave a nod as we walked out of the khwaab-gaah.As we walked through the hallway,multiple bandi and khawajsara moved to the side,greeting and offering their congratulations for our nikkah.There were prayers being said as each one stopped.

(Chaliye,Shahensha-Shall we go,King?)

Just as we came to the courtyard,Sahal Begum along with her bandi walked towards us.Bakshi Begum and I stopped as she came closer,a smile on her face even though the words we heard were her giving a couple of bandi instructions.

"Adab Shahensha,Bakshi Begum."

We greeted her back,Sahal looked towards Bakshi.She eyed her outfit before her eyes fell on the sword she held,"I see you are going for practice." Her eyes then fell on me,her eyes first falling on my face and her eyes widened slightly at the fact that I did not wear my turban,"Are you going to be duelling Bakshi,Haider?"

I gave a nod of my head,"Yes,Bakshi Begum has challenged ne to a duel."

Bakshi Begum turned to look at me,her eyes narrowed as she shook her head,"Sahal Begum,Shahensha is calling this a challenge.I called it a friendly duel,there's a difference."

"You right,Shahensha seems to not know the difference between the two." She looked between us before continuing,"I wish to see how this duel will play out.Shall we?"

We walked towards the training area,Sahal and I made small talk regarding the hareem.Bakshi spoke when spoken to by either Sahal or myself.We were almost at the entrance of the training area when a voice called out.

"Haider." All three of us stopped in our tracks,turning to look at choti-ammi jaan who came towards us with her khwajasara behind her.We greeted one another,choti-ammi jaan looked at me with a smile.

"Starting your day of with a duel is a good,Shahensha.Who will you be duelling?"

I smiled,"Bakshi Begum and I will be duelling.Would you like to watch?"

Choti-ammi jaan nodded her head as she looked Bakshi Begum in the eye,"Let us see just how well Masuma Begum's daughter wields a sword."

Bakshi Begum lifted an eyebrow as she tilted her head,"Forgive me,Maham Anga.My mother is Gulbadan Begum.You should know,that just because a woman has not given birth to a child does not take away from the relationship that is formed by raising a child." Saying that,she turned to walk through the entrance at which Sahal following her.

I gaze at choti ammi-jaan,taking a deep breath as I spoke softly,"Choti ammi-jaan,you have said that today,never repeat it.Bakshi Begum and Sahal Begum are my wives,I will not tolerate them being disrespected."

Maham Anga smiled,her eyes which had been held tightly softened at my tone,she gave a nod,"I apologize,Haider.I will not mention this again."

"Shukriya.Chaliye." We walked into the training center where I found Bakshi Begum,Sahal and Rukhsar Mirza stood together.As I gazed around,I saw a few female soldiers of the Black Cavalry along with a few bandi and khawajsara busy constructing the hut area where the warriors and those training would rest.

A few other soldiers busied themselves at a wall where they had set up different weapons on the wall while others set up grass figures and others cleaned a certain area.Rukhsar Mirza seemed to be explain the two Begum's something as she gestured towards the area where a few bandi laid down a few mats.

I greeted the bandi,soldiers and khwajasara as I made my way towards the women.I turned to see choti ammi-jaan standing on the step,her eyes surveying the area.I hoped that choti ammi-jaan would not commit any act which might harm,not just Bakshi Begum but the rest of us as well.I made a note to put a spy around her just in case.

Rukhsar Mirza's eyes fell on me as I walked closer to them,she lifted her hand,"Adab,Shahensha Haider."

"Adab,Rukhsar Mirza.I hope you have not encountered any difficulty when it comes to setting up the training area?"

"No,Ajmer Mahal's helpers have tried to assist us to the best of their abilities." Her eyes fell on my sword then Bakshi Begum's sword,"I shall clear the duelling area.Sahal Begun,I will have the bandi set up a seating area for you."

Sahal shook her head as she gestured towards the side,"I shall just watch from the side." She did not bother gracing me with a gaze as she looked at Bakshi Begum,"I wish you victory."

Bakshi Begum bit her lip as she held back laughter while my mouth almost fell open as I looked at Sahal,"Aur hamare liye?"

(Aur hamare liye?-And for me?)

Sahal smiled at me,her eyes crinkling with joy,"It does not occur often that someone duels you,Haider.I wish to see how this plays out."

She walked away,towards a shaded area while Rukhsar Mirza spoke to her.I turned to Bakshi Begum who spoke with her bandi,"Have cold water ready for when the duel is done along with some fruits."

"Jee,Bakshi Begum." Her bandi walked away as did mine,Bakshi Begum turned to face me as she lifted her sword,her eyes meeting mine as she removed the sword from the sheath that covered it.

"Shall we?" Her confidant demeanour along with her focused eyes,void of any shyness or caution as she threw her sheath to the side.

"You seem to think that this will be easy,Bakshi Begum." I unsheathe my sword,doing the same as she did with it.

The side of her lip lifted as we begun to circle one another as if we were a lion and lioness,bidding the correct timing to attack one another,"Shahensha,I know whom I am duelling and I am certain that there will be no ease in this duel." She lifted her sword,as she swung it towards me and I pulled myself away from it.She did not let any ease sip through as she pulled her sword back and then moved towards me.

This time,I lifted my sword which met her own with a clung that resonated in the area.The sounds of the helpers seemed to have quieted as our swords repeatedly clashed against one another.

"MashaAllah." I praised as out swords crossed,her eyes flaming with an urge to win,"I have to admire your duelling skills." Bakshi Begum twisted her body,pulling her sword away from mine and I defended my back by twisting my arm over my head,the swords clung together before pushing Bakshi Begum.

Bakshi Begum moved back,I advanced towards her with powerful strike which she countered beautifully.She moved to the left,swiftly then moving towards the right as she kept her eyes on me.I strike my sword forward,she dodged it but her sword aimed for my unprotected side.

I deflected her sword,but the close distance of the tip of the sword made me take a few steps back as her blade danced with deadly precision.With great concentration,I regained my footing as I fought back against her forceful strikes.Bakshi Begum's eyes which had showed no emotion narrowed as I crossed my arm over my body,bring my sword almost behind my other arm and she quickly aimed for my hand.

I recognized what she aimed to do as I brought my sword down,her tip sliding against the handle as she came closer,just as I thought I would deflect the sword the tip of her blade pressed slightly against my chest.

I stopped in shock as I gazed down to see the tip of her blade pressed against the middle of my chest before looking at Bakshi Begum,her expression captivated me.Her wide smile which showed me her teeth,her eyes crinkling with victory as she raised her head.The happiness that danced in her victory laden eyes and her flushed skin which had turned red due to the exertion of the duel and the thundering sunrays,seemed to enlighten her face.

Bakshi Begum lowered her sword as she stepped back,the sound of talking seemed to resume as she bowed her head ever so slightly.I took a step front,beginning to speak in a low tone.

"Bohot khoob.Aap peheli siphai ho jinhone hume haraya hai."

(Bohot khoob.Aap peheli siphai ho jinhone hume haraya hai-Well done.You are the first soldier to beat me)

Bakshi Begum lifted her head,her eyes that had been blazing with victory now shone with pride,"It is an honour to have a sword duel with you,Shahensha."

I smiled at her,my heart hoping that the way Bakshi Begum saw me now would continue,"This will be our small tradition,every week when I am with you we shall duel."

Her smile lightened her face once again as she gave a nod of her head,"Jaise aapki marzi,Shahensha."

(Jaise aapki marzi,Shahensha-As you wish)

As I turned to see Sahal,who smiled with joy as she came towards us.At this moment,my heart felt the most at peace as if we just knew that everything would fall into place on its own.Everything would be okay.