https://youtu.be/XflkXs2Fk-Q

HAIDER P.O.V.

I laid besides Sahal,who slept deeply as I trailed my fingers down her back.I looked up at the ceiling as sleep seemed hard to come by.The day before,Maulvi Siddqiue had reminded me that now that I have two wives I had to ensure that my time would be split equally between the two of them.We would discuss this before the walima to ensure that each wife would be satisfied with the arrangements that would be put into place.

They would have to discuss how many days I would spend with each wife,how much allowance each wife would be allocated and what types of duties would now be allocated to Bakshi Begum to ensure that she had equal opportunities as Sahal.There would also be discussion regarding which area of the hareem Bakshi Begum would look after.

I looked down at Sahal,her eyelashes still as sleep still shrouded her and leaned down to kiss her head.Sahal had handled the hareem since she had been of age,she had devoted her majority time to looking after the women of the hareem,the bandi,khawajsara,urdubegis and all those who had a hand in the hareem.I would have to discuss with her,what she felt could be handed over to Bakshi Begum.

Just as the darbar belonged to me,the hareem belonged to Sahal.

I would never make any decisions regarding the hareem without ensuring that the mistress of the hareem would have no problem with those decisions.Something told me and knowing Sahal as much as I did,she had probably already thought about it.

My gaze fixed on her as she begun to stir from her sleep,keeping my eyes on her.I watched as he dark as night eyelashes flick against her cheek as she took in the stream of light from the tiny hole on the wall behind us.Her hands stretched across my chest as she looked up,her rosy lips tilting in a smile.

"Jaan." She tilted her head up,her rosy lips puckering at which I met her lips.Her soft lips bloomed undermine before I pulled away.

(Jaan-Love/Life)

"Subha toh aise hi honi chaiye." Sahal rested her chin on my chest,her hands resting on my side.

(Subha toh aise hi honi chaiye-Mornings should be like this)

"Aaj aapko darbar mein awaam se milna hai.Why have you not woken up?" She teased as she raised an eyebrow.

(Aaj aapko darbar mein awaam se milna hai-You have to meet the punlic)

I smiled as I hugged her,rubbing our noses together,"I wanted to spend as much time as I could with you before our duties take over our days and nights."

Sahal blinked her eyes,her head tilting as she looked me in the eye before sitting up.I followed her as she caressed my cheek with her hand,a small smile gracing her lips,one that almost seemed as if it were pained.

"You are thinking about how our lives will change after today?It's not the darbar that you are worried about." Her hand trickled down to my chest bare,where my heart beat under my skin,almost racing as she leaned forward to place a kiss over my heart,"Your heart is worried if you will be hurting me by doing your duty as Shahensha justice.I would never have allowed you to marry Bakshi if I did not believe that you would be fair." Her eyes lowered as they filled with pain,I covered her hand with my hand as I closed my eyes,"There are a few duties that I cannot ask you to refrain from as that would be unfair to Bakshi.I would never want her to feel as if she were unwanted in any manner nor will I ask her or you to ignore what is human nature.I would rather you do and her be together then you be going to any of the kothe and sinning.Just make one promise to me."

"Anything." I did not need to hear what she had to say,Sahal would never ask me to make a promise that would infringe on the rights of anyone nor would she ask me to do anything that would cause harm to anyone.

"When you do,I do not need to know about it.Bakshi should be your priority as her guilt would not allow her to meet my eyes.Ensure that her comfort is never foregone.I do not want her to feel as if I would unleash my wrath onto her nor do I want her to feel as if she has committed a crime.Treat her as a wife with all of her rights,as long as she comfortable first." She lifted her eyes finally,a resolute paired with pain stared at me,almost as if she were staring through me.Her eyes asking for a promise which I had already made.

"I promise."

She gave a nod as she leaned forward only for Gulzar's voice to call out,at which Sahal took a deep breath before pulling away from me,a smile on her lips,"Duty calls."

Sahal got off the bed as Gulzar came into the room,helping her into her shalwal kameez and pants before Gulzar spoke,"Mahaham Anga requests an urgent meeting with Shahensha Haider."

As I put on my shalwar kameez,i looked at Gulzar,"Has she given a reason as to why she wants to meet me?"

Gulzar shook her head as she gave Sahal her duppata,"No,she looks agitated though."

I wonder why choti ammi-jaan requests a meeting so early in the morning and what could be so urgent that she would have to come to Sahal's khwaab-gaah to speak with me,"Call her in."

Gulzar bowed her head as she walked out,as Sahal turned to me with narrowed eyes.

"Aapke bhai ne shayad kuch kardiya jiske vajah se Maham Anga aapse itne subha milne aye hai." She shook her head as she sat down on the seating area as I walked towards her,a smile on my lips.

(Aapke bhai ne shayad kuch kardiya jiske vajah se Maham Anga aapse itne subha milne aye hai.-Your brother must have done soemthing which is why Maham Anga had decided to meet you so early in the morning)

"Maybe we can be a bit positive that Faizal Khan will behave himself for once in a while?" She rolled her eyes as a smirk formed on her face as she turned to look at me as I sat down next to her.Her eye fluttering to the side as we heard footsteps enter the khwaab-gaah,I did the same as I stood up.

"Adab,choti ammi-jaan." I greeted,lifting my hand as she came to a stop in front of us,her eyes blazing with fire as she forced a smile,lifting her hand.

"Adab,Haider." She looked at Sahal,with her hand still raised,"Adab,Sahal Begum."

"Adab,Maham Anga.Sub khairyat?" Sahal questioned in a displeased voice,she did not fancy being disturbed so early in the morning.

(Sub khairyat-Is everything okay?)

"Nahi." Maham Anga barked as she turned to look at me,her eyes blazing with annoyance.

(Nahi-No)

"What has happened,choti ammi-jaan?" I questioned calmly as Gulzar handed me my second layer.

"Bakshi Begum has been up since fajr,practicing her duelling skills along with her bandi in the courtyard next to her khwaab-gaah.Agar voh shor aap tak poonchta toh aapko pareshan karta."

(Agar voh shor aap tak poonchta toh aapko pareshan karta-If that noise had to reach you it would trouble you)

Sahal spoke up before I could,"Maham Anga,I have given Bakshi Begum the khwaab-gaah that is furthest from our khwaab-gaah and has a courtyard that faces the other direction.I was sure that she would want to practice her fighting skills so I ensure that it would not cause anyone disturbance." Sahal stood up,her smile almost fabricated as she came to stand next to me,"Did you really think I would make any decision that would cause Haider to be disturbed?"

Maham Anga bowed her head slightly before raising her head,her eyes filled with annoyance,"Forgive me.My son being troubled lead me here."

"Do not stress,by tomorrow Bakshi Begum will have her own area to practice in." I spoke up causing choti ammi-jaan to look at me with surprise,but she knew better then to question me.

"I shall take my leave.We shall meet in the darbar." Choti ammi-jaan walked out,I looked at Sahal who put her hand on my arm,her eyes trained on choti ammi-jaan's retreating form.

"Sahal,kya hua?" I questioned as I turned to look at her,Sahal met my eyes with an almost wondering gaze.

(kya hua-What happened?"

"Maham Anga seems disturbed by Bakshi Begum's presence at Ajmer Mahal.Is it because we did not tell her your plans to marry Bakshi Begum?"

I gazed at the doorway that choti ammi-jaan had walked out of.I knew that Sahal,ammi-jaan and a few of my advisors believed that choti ammi-jaan is aware of the issue with the traitors and that she may even know who might be behind it.I had my suspicions but choti ammi-jaan had sacrificed her entire for me and the Sultanat.Without evidence I could not even think about doubting her.That did not mean that I had cleared Faizal Khan,the matter being the same with Maham Anga.No evidence.

Choti ammi-jaan's discomfort and suspicion of Bakshi made me antsy.I knew that Bakshi could handle herself,yet the thought of choti ammi-jaan trying anything and that causing Bakshi to bring proof to me,made my heart race.

I shook my head as I leaned down to kiss Sahal's forehead,"Perhaps ammi-jaan is curious about Bakshi and she thinks that Bakshi may overstep her boundaries.Let us hope that she might come to terms with Bakshi's presence soon."

"I hope so."

I excused myself as my bandi announced that the hammam-khana had been prepared for me.As I dried off,I looked at Gulzar who had entered to give me my turban that Sahal had chosen.

"Gulzar,inform Sahal and Bkashi Begum that I would like to meet them in the meeting area of the hareem." Gulzar bowed as she walked out.I made my way to my khwaab-gaah,sitting down in front of the dressing table.The bandi and khwajasara begun to put my adornments on.My turban got put on my head last after my hair brushed out and the flavoured coal run under my hair.

"Shahensha." I stood,turning to face Gulzar who bowed her head.

"Are both the begum's in the seating area?"

"Jee,Shahensha Haider."

I gave her a nod as I walked to the prayer area of my khwaab-gaah,my heart thumping in my chest.I looked down at my Quraan that sat on the stand and touched my hand on it.I closed my eyes as I made a promise.

A promise to carry out my duty to both my wivies.To be fair.To ensure that I would be fair as Islam had required of me.I would do all that it would take to keep my wives happy.

I opened my eyes before walking out of the prayer area.My guards begun to follow me as soon as I walked out of the khwaab-gaah.As I walked through the hareem,bandi,khwajasara and urdubegis greeted me.I greeted them back as I surveyed how the hareem had been kept.Sahal had kept the hareem running and without any problems for as long as she took care of it.

As I entered the meeting room,Sahal and Bakshi stood up.They both greeted me,lifting their hands and I did the same.I sat down,the two of them following.Immediatley,I looked at Bakshi Begum who sat with a questioning gaze.

"Have you settled in well,Bakshi Begum?"

She gave a nod of her head along with a small smile,"Yes,I have settled in well.The bandi and khwajasara of Ajmer Mahal Hareem have been really helpful."

"That is good." I looked at Sahal before looking at Bakshi,"The reason that I have called the two of you here is that there are a few matters that we need to discuss.First,Sahal Begum,have you decided as to what matters relating to the hareem can Bakshi Begum handle?"

Sahal nod her head as she looked at Bakshi,"Bakshi,you will take over charge of the security of the hareem.You will also be in charge of training the urdubehgis,bandi and khawjasara.You will begin putting together a battalion,similar to the one you had at Hajjat Qilla.They all will be chosen by you,on the merits you decide for them.Along with that,you may allow your own spies to flutter around the hareem and palace in general,to ensure that you are informed on your own about traitor developments.Are you okay with that?"

Bakshi Begum gave a nod of her head as she looked between the two of us,her fingers drumming against the thigh,"Yes,I am okay with that.I want a few permissions before I agree completely."

"Go ahead." I gestured for her as Sahal continued to give Bakshi her complete attention.

"First.I have my own ways of finding my way around,if I were to suspect anyone.I will discuss my suspicions and follow them up with proof.Sometimes my suspicions may be true other times,it might not be.I need to know that I have Shahensha Haider and Sahal Begum's trust to conduct my investigations in my own manner.Second,I will ruffle many feathers with my presence.Do not let that become a reason that you try to move me away from my path.Do you trust me to do my duty in any way I see fit as long as I do not cause any harm to anyone unless absolutely required?" She questioned at last looking between me and Sahal.

My eyes had widened slightly at her words.I knew that Bakshi would take being married to me seriously,I did not realise just how much as she willing to put on the line.Her devoutness towards her cause and the striking gaze of steadfastness that seemed to grow with each word made me realize just who I brought into my home.

Sahal broke the silence first,her eyes meeting mine with the same understanding that I had come to,"You will have full access to the hareem and any other areas of the palace that comes under my authority."

"You will have full access to the entire palace,our most trusted aides will be at under your command as well.If anyone questions you on anything you do,inform them to question me."

Bakshi shook her head as she looked at me,"Forced loyalty has never benefited anyone.Your aides will only be loyal to me if they come to trust me by themselves."

I gave a nod of my head,"We agree with your conditions.Sahal,you have said that you chose an area for Bakshi to set up a the training area for women?"

Sahal nodded her head as she looked at Bakshi,"We have an area similar to the one at Hajjat Qila on the right side of the hareem,that is between the hareem and the mahal.We will set up a covered area for you all to rest.Rukhsar Mirza has spoken with me,she has said that she has brought everything you may need to set up a training area.Tomorrow,you may begin to set it up.I will take you there in the morning."

"Shukriyah,Sahal Begum."

I cleared my throat,capturing their attention.I knew it was finally time to bring up the main topic,"Maulvi Sulaiman brought a few points up to me that he wished for us to discuss." I rubbed my fingers together as I looked at them.

"As is the rule when it comes to time of a man married to two wives,it has to be split equally.I have decided that I will spend a week with each of you.The week will start on each Friday.Are both happy with this arrangement?"

Sahal's gaze lowered as she gave a nod of her head before looking up,a pained smile on her face,"I am happy with this arrangement."

Guilt settled in my throat as I looked at Bakshi Bano who kept her eyes on me,her eyes and expression guarded,"I am happy."

"The next thing is,your allowance from the shahi Khazana,Bakshi Bano.Sahal's allowance is set at 5000 gold coins per month.Bakshi,your allowance will be the same.You and Sahal can discuss if you need to add more bandi and khwajasara under you."

Bakshi shook her head,smiling,"I am happy with my current bandi and khwajasara.That brings me to this point,my bandi and khwajasara form part of both my training and spy network.They will need to have access to the entire hareem as well as the palace,would that be possible?"

Sahal and I exchanged worried glances.We had spies who had turned up dead.Sahal leaned forward as she looked at Bakshi,"Bakshi,our other spies have been turning up dead and their tongues cut.Would it be okay to risk your bandi and khwajasara?"

Bakshi gave Sahal a reassuring glance,"My bandi and khwajasara are less likely to be suspected because they are new.Whoever the traitor or traitors are,they will probably be less likely to suspect a bandi or khwajasara as they seem harmless and innocent.Trust me."

I gave a reluctant nod as worry regarding their lives filled me.I hoped to believe in them as much Bakshi Begum did,"They can have access all around,that will be no problem."

"That is all.We shall meet tonight at the walima." I stood up,looking between the two women,"May Allah light our way and may we crush any person that wishes to harm our sultanat."

"Ameen." They both echoed and then greeted me as I walked out of the meeting room to the darbar.

Maybe this would work out perfectly.

BAKSHI BEGUM P.O.V.

Once again,I sat in front of the mirror being adorned for my walima this time.This time though ammi-jaan happened to be the one adorning me.In her own words,on my nikkah day she had been extremely busy so she could not adorn me but she would not lose out on the walima day as well.

"MashaAllah,you look so beautiful." Ammi-jaan said as she laid her hand on my shoulders,her smile wide and her eyes twinkling with happiness.

I met her eyes in the mirror with a smile before looking at myself.A blue sharara with gold stitchwork sat perfectly against my body,the gold stitching glittered against the sunrays which streamed in.The gold duappata draped down my chest and then over my head.A large sapphire necklace ran down my chest along with several pearl necklaces,the same jewel decorated my kotlibidar,laung-nath and my arm bands.My hands and feet still had the mehndi from my nikkah.My eyes lined with kajal,my cheeks bare and my lips covered in rose essence.Ammi-jaan helped me slip into my juhti after I stood up,while the bandi ensured that my duppata sat safely against my head.

"Ammi-jaan," She looked at me as I asked a question I had asked repeatedly in childhood,"Am I as pretty as you?"

She laughed as she caressed my cheek,her eyes crinkling with her smile,"You are even more pretty then me." She kissed my head as she looked at me,"I think you abu-jaan will also be coming."

My smile dimmed at the thought of who would be accompanying him to Ajmer-Mahal and I could not resist the shudder that shook my body,as if a cold wind had escaped the heat and flittered over my body,"I would appreciate if abu-jaan came."

A bandi walked in,greeting us as she informed us that the time to go to the darbar for the walima had come.Ammi-jaan and I walked out of the khwaab-gaah along with the bandi who followed us.When we came to the darbar doors,Malika Jahan stood outside the door as well with her bandi.

"Adab,Malika Jahan." We greeted her,lifting our hands and she greeted us back.

"Adab." She smiled as she came closer to me,she took a tad bit of her kajal on her third finger and she touched her finger to the skin behind my ear,"MashaAllah,you are looking beautiful,Bakshi Begum.I cannot wait to introduce you to our darbar and the rest of the palace."

"Shukriya,ammi-jaan." I thanked her as I bowed my head,my hand tugging at my duppata with a small smile.

"Gulbadan Begum,let us enter.Haider is already in the darbar.After we enter,Bakshi Begum will enter."

Ammi-jaan nodded as she touched my cheek before making her way along with Jahan Begum to the double doors,their names were announced and the doors opened,which they walked through.

I began to read dikr on my fingers as one of the bandi stepped towards me,"Bakshi Begum,you may enter the darbar."

"Shukriya." I made my way to the double doors,as my bandi stood behind me and straightened out the back of my duppata as well as ensuring that my jewellery were straight and not tangled up.Ikhtiyar tied my parda over my nose,covering the bottom half of my face.

I closed my eyes as realisation set upon me,that this would be my new reality.I would no more be unnoticed and foregone,now I would hold a position which every eye would be upon and which every enemy would aim for.I would no more just be Mukhtar Ahmed Khan saab and Masuma Begum's abandoned daughter.I would no more be the story that would be told when talking about misfortune and despair.

I would become a story of a survivor.

The loud voice of the announcer sounded,"Gulbadan Begum aur Mukhtar Ahmed Khan saab ki beti.Marhoom Shahensha Hassen ki banji.Shahensha Haider ki begum,Bakshi Begum tashreef larahi hai."

I lifted my head as I walked into the drabr,my eyes that had been lowered until now lifted.I held one hand over my stomach and the other at my side,my anklets clinking softly as my feet moved one after the other.I entered the darbar,at which every men stood up and I could hardly see the women through the curtain but I knew they must have been standing up as well.

I finally locked eyes with Shahensha Haider,who had stood up as well.His throne placed upon a step,which he stepped off as I came closer to him.I tried to deciper the slight softness to his usually taunt face as well as his almost smile,that threatened to pull at his lips.

Before I could come to a stop in front of him,he held out his hand which I looked down at before looking at him,as the hand that had laid across my stomach lifted and slipped into his open hand.He turned to walk up the step,my bandi lifting my gharara skirt as I stepped up and we turned to face the darbar,I lifted my hand to greet and we sat down,while my bandi moved to stand next to the throne.

The men and women,whose skirts I could hear rustling behind the curtain sat down.Khadir Mirza stood up,looking around the darbar as he spoke up in a loud voice.

"Tonight,we are here to celebrate the walima of Shahensha Haider and Baksi Begum.On behalf of the all of the wazir,Mukhtar and citizens of Sultanat,I offer our hearty congratulations.May the events of the walima start."

Khadir Mirza sat down as the two bandi pushed the curtain as Jahan Begum stepped through,a few bandi stepped through carrying trays as Jahan Begum made her way towards us,a smile across her face as she came up the step.She looked down at myself and Shahensha Haider,reaching her hands forward to place them,palm down upon our heads.Well,over Shahensha Haider's turban and my duppata.

"Allah aap dono ko hamesha saath rakhe aur khush rakhe.Humari aur saltanat ke dua aap dono ke saath hamesha rahe." She took her hands over our heads before she turned around where she uncovered one of the trays,picking up a pair of gold bangles as she turned around.

(Allah aap dono ko hamesha saath rakhe aur khush rakhe.Humari aur saltanat ke dua aap dono ke saath hamesha rahe- May Allah keep you two together and happy.Mine and the Kingdom's prayers are with you'll)

She leaned down to pick up my one hand on which she slipped a bangle onto one wrist and then the next.I gazed at them,my eyes picking up on the detailed floral carving on the bangles,"This is an family heirloom which I am passing down to you,so that if you were to ever have any children you may pass it onto them.In that manner,you may start your own tradition."

"Shukariya,ammi-jaan.I will take good care of these bangles." My voice reflected my sincerity as I touched the bangle on my left hand,the engravings pressing against my fingertips.She caressed my cheeks,before gesturing towards the trays.

"These are a few more gifts from me to the two of you."

We both thanked her,she smiled as she walked away to sit behind the curtain once again.The curtains did not close though,as ammi-jaan walked through along with her bandi who held trays.She came closer smiling,yet her eyes were almost misty.As if though she knew she would be near me,she would still be giving me away.

Ammi-jaan looked at the two of us with a soft,motherly smile,"Allah app dono ko mehfuze rakhe aur hamesha saath rakhe." She turned to the bandi,lifting the cover off the tray before she icked something off the tray.My smile turned soft as well when I saw the green cover over the Quran,the green cover familiar to me as the Quran ammi-jaan would read for me.Her melodious voice amost rang through my ears as she kissed the cover before holding out the Quran towards Shahensha Haider.

(Allah app dono ko mehfuze rakhe aur hamesha saath rakhe-May Allah keep you'll safe and always together)

"May this Quran guide you through your happiest and toughest moments of life.As long as you turn to this Holy Book,you will never be misguided.I hope this makes every road easier for both of you."

She leaned down to kiss my forehead before walking away.The people in the darbar may have thought that ammi-jaan's words were towards Shahensha Haider but I knew,I knew those words were aimed towards me to ensure that I knew my way.But why?

Just then a guard walked into the darbar,bowing his head,"Shahensha ka Iqbal buland ho.Muhktar Ahmad Khan saab aur unki khumbe tashreef la rahi hai."

(Shahensha ka Iqbal buland ho.Muhktar Ahmed Khan saab aur unki khumbe tashreef la rahi hai-May the King's name remain in high prestige.Ahmed Khan sir and his family have arrived)

My heart seemed to stutter in my chest at the mention of abbu-jaan and his family.After the spectacle at Hajjat Qila,I did not know with what mindsets have Masuma Begum and Hafeezah Bano had come with to Ajmer Mahal.I knew I could face it,yet my heart felt very unsure.

I almost startled as a hand brushed against my hand which curled around the edge of the throne,I glanced at Shahensha Haider out of the corner of my eye as his hand touched my own.Her pulled at his beard as he turned to look at me,his eyes soft yet a glint of determination.

"You are part of my khumbe and Begum of this Sultanat.No matter what comes our way,we will face it together.Trust me."

I gave a small nod as we both stood up to welcome my father and his family.Abbu-jaan lead the family into the darbar,the men in the darbar stood up to greet abbu-jaan,who lifted his hand and greet them back.

My eyes did not leave abbu-jaan until Shahensha Haider spoke,"Aap ka Swagat hai Ajmer Mahal mein,mamu-jaan." Shahensha Haider stepped off the step to greet abbu-jaan with a handshake and hug.

"Shukriya,Shahanehsa Haider.I could not miss your walima." Abbu-jaan smiled as he gestured for Masuma Begum and Hafeeza Begum towards the curtain area.

My eyes finally moved towards the two women,both pairs of which I found almost glaring at me even though they had smiles on their lips.An expression of loathe in Masuma Begum's eyes and something almost similar to jealousy in Hafeezah Bano's eyes.I lift my chin a tad bit higher as I raised my hand in greeting with a smile,a smile that made Masuma Begum avert her eyes and Hafeeza Bano rolled her eyes as they walked through the curtains that were opened for them.

Shahensha Haider walked back onto the step,abbu-jaan and Hafeez Khan following him.Shahensha Haider stood next to me as abbu-jaan hugged me before pulling back with a smile.

"You are looking beautiful,Bakshi.May Allah keep you'll happy and together for a long time." Abbu-jaan walked down and Hafeez Bhai-jaan came to hug me with an almost same smile to abbu-jaan.

"MashaAllah.May Allah keep you happy now and forever." Hafeez bhai-jaan greeted Shahensha Haider before walking to sit down.Shahensha Haider and I took a seat as the curtains opened again.

This time,Sahal Begum walked out,her face covered just as mine was.Her bandi did follow her with only one tray,I knew this had to do with the fact that she had given me my gifts at Hajjat Qilla.She came to the step which she climbed as she smiled at us.

Yet,through her smile I saw a coat of sadness that I knew she must have been feeling.My heart pained at the pain that she might have been feeling,seeing her husband with another woman.Out of the corner of my eyes,I could see Haider's eyes which had stayed on her,almost move down.My own,did,almost out of respect for the brave women who stood in front of me.

"Bakshi,do not lower your gaze.You have done nothing wrong neither has Haider." She almost whispered to us,I lifted my eyes slowly and it met a reassuring smile.She turned to the bandi,from the tray which she lifted a scroll,her voice raising as she spoke,"Bakshi Begum,I have seen you train warriors of the Black Cavalry.Your sword and hand to hand combat skills have been displayed magnificently.As the head of the hareem,I am hereby gifting you a piece of land nearest to the hareem,accessible only to the women of the hareem,bandi,khawajsara and urdubeghis.You will hereby have control over who will be trained from the hareem.I will also be joining to ensure that if Suktanat ever needs me,I will be fit to fight and defend it's honour." She smiled playfully when my mouth almost opened,"I know that you will protect not just me but our Sultanat,but I have to lead by example."

I took the scroll from Sahal Begum,only to lift an eyrbow when she turned to pick up another scroll,"As Shahensha Haider's begum,it is only fair that responsibilities are split amongst the two of us.The security of the hareem and all those within it,is now your responsibility.I believe in your abilities to lead the hareem's security to the best of your abilities."

I took the second scroll,slightly bowing my head with a smile,"I accept being the head of security for the hareem.I hope I will stand up to the belief that you have in me."

"I know you will."

Sahal Begum looked at Shahensha Haider with a smile and a nod towards me,before she walked back to the curtained area.

My bandi took the scrolls from me,my heart almost stuttering in my chest as I turned to see Masuma Begum step out from behind the curtains.Her eyes filled with happiness,though I could see her taunt body and pulled in cheeks.She did not seem to be doing this by her own will.Only one bandi followed her before she came to a stop.Unlike the other women,she stopped before the step as she forced a smile.

"Shahensha Haider,Bakshi Begum,hearty congratulations from me.This is a small gift for Bakshi Begum." The bandi removed the covering of the tray,my eyes falling on a jewellery set,"Please accept."

The bandi brought the tray to me,I touched my hand to it before it was given to my bandi and Masuma Begum walked away.I caught myself from shaking my head,she had made her displeasure extremely clear.Almost as if it could be heard echoing through the walls.Shahensha Haider drummed his fingers on his knee as he kept his head on her disappearing back,his eyes almost assessing her.

Before I could ask,Maham Anga stepped out from behind the curtains.She wore the same white outfit,her eyes lined heavily with kajal as a few bandi followed her.She kept her head lifted,her face expressionless.No smile on her lips nor happiness in her eyes.The steps she took were careful,almost too careful.

Something about her reminded me of a jackal.Perhaps the darkening of her eyes as her gaze fell upon me.Or was it her calculated gaze that fluttered between Shahensha Haider and me.I could not put my finger on what it was,but little pimples of skin almost rose.

She stood in the same place as Masuma Begum did,greeting Shahensha Haider as her lips turned into a smile,"Shahensha Haider,Bakshi Begum,congratulations on your nikaah.Here are a few gifts from me to you.May your marriage be strong enough to withstand any storms that you might encounter."

That almost sounded like a curse,but Shahensha Haider greeting her with a smile,seemed to relax my racing mind,"Shukriya,choti ammi-jaan.May Allah keep all those storms miles and miles away from us."

Maham Anga's eyes shifted towards me,my eyes clashed with her dark ones.I saw the manner in which she tried to perhaps see through me,years of experience did not allow anything that I show any type of weakeness.

"Aap ka Swagat hai Ajmer Mahal mein,Bakshi Begum."

"Shukriya,Maham Anga.I hope that we will foster a good relationship as you are so special to Shahensha Haider."

Her hand clenched around the edge of her duppata,"In Sha Allah."

She walked away,behind the curtains.This time Jiji-Anga along with her husband,Khadir Mirza.Their bandi followed them with trays,Jiji-Anga climbed the step,smiling at me as she touched my cheek.

"Allah aap dono ko khush rakhe."

Khadir Mirza hugged Shahensha Haider,whispering something to him before they walked away.As we set,Khadir Mirza begun to make another announcement.

"To end this night,we have invited a few Qawwali musicians to commemorate this day."

The musicians shuffled in,greeting us and we greet them back.The bandi set up a sitting area for the musicians to sit on along with their instruments.A bandi brought two glasses for me and Shahensha Haider.

I thanked her softly as I held the glass,looking down into it before taking a sip of the sherbet that she had given me.

"Shahensha Haider aur unki Begum ko nikaah Mubarak.Khuda aap dono ko ke nikaah mein khusiyan aur mohabbat kara rakhe." The leader of the qawwals congratulated us,"This first qawwali is a congratulatory qawwali for your wedding."

Mere mehboob tere chand se chehre ki qasam
Tu kahe agar to teri mang mein afshaa bar doon
Is haseen rat mein jannat ka khumaar hota hai
Apni khushiyaan teri khushiyon pe nicchawar kar doo

My love,I swear on your moon like face.
If you say,then I'll marry you.
Heaven has blessed this beautiful night.
I'll sacrifice my happiness for your happiness.

I tilted my head as I begun to drum my fingers to the sound of the dhol as the qawwal's voice filled the darbar.My eyes fluttering towards Shahensha Haider who drummed his fingers on his knee as well,his head swaying back and forward.

Ho mubarak tujhe humnawaa mil gaya
Ho mubarak tujhe humnawaa mil gaya
Ho mubarak tujhe humnawaa mil gaya
Ab tujhe pyaar ka ...
Ab tujhe pyaar ka ...
Ab tujhe pyaar ka ...
Ho ab tujhe pyaar ka aaina mil gaya
Ho mubarak tujhe humnawaa mil gaya
Ho mubarak tujhe humnawaa mil gaya

Congratulations to you, you've found a partner
Congratulations to you, you've found a partner
Congratulations to you, you've found a partner
You've found, you've found
You've found a mirror of love
Congratulations to you, you've found a partner
Congratulations to you, you've found a partner

Yeh raaz-e-ishq kya hai tujhe kuch pata nahi
Yeh raaz-e-ishq kya hai tujhe kuch pata nahi
Is dil mein tu hi tu hai koi doosra nahi
Ho mubarak tujhe humnawaa mil gaya

The secret that love is, you don't know anything about it
The secret that love is, you don't know anything about it
You're there in my heart and no one else
Congratulations to you, you've found a partner
Congratulations to you, you've found a partner

Phooloon ka tabbasoom hai kaliyon ki jawani hai
Phooloon ka tabbasoom hai kaliyon ki jawani hai
Tu meri mohabbat ki pakeezah kahani hai
Main ishq ki rahon mein hastee ko mita doonga
Tu mujhpe sitam karle main tujhko dua'a doonga
Ae meri zindagi mujhko hai yeh khushi
Aaj tujhko tera dilruba mil gaya

Your smile and youth are like flowers
Your smile and youth are like flowers
You're the pure story of my love
You're the pure story of my love
I'll erase myself in the path of love
Even if you do injustice on me, I'll pray for you
O my life, I'm happy that
Today you've found your beloved

Ho mubarak tujhe humnawaa mil gaya
Ho mubarak tujhe humnawaa mil gaya
Ho mubarak tujhe humnawaa mil gaya

Congratulations to you, you've found a partner
Congratulations to you, you've found a partner
Congratulations to you, you've found a partner

Somehow my eyes did not leave Shahensha Haider,wondering how would this relationship be?As a Shahensha,I respected him.As a woman,I have never looked at him in a way that many other women looked at him.Would the curtain of respect give way to something else?

Yeh teri jaawani ( tauba )
O roopoon ki rani ( tauba )
Yeh chand sa mukhra ( tauba )
Hai noor ka tukra ( tauba )
Yeh mast aadayen ( tauba )
Zulfen hai gaatayen ( tauba )
Yeh nargis si aankhen ( tauba )
Yeh mar'mal si baahen ( tauba )
Yeh gal gulabi ( tauba )
Yeh chaal shaarabi ( tauba )
Hai dil mein tar'anoom ( tauba )
Honton ka tabasoon ( tauba )
O meri mehjaabi o meri nazneen
Kiya bataoon mujhe aaj kiya mil gaya

This youth of yours ... oh my
You're the queen of beauty ... oh my
Your moon like face ... oh my
You're a shining light ... oh my
This wonderful style of yours ... oh my
Your dense tresses ... oh my
Your beautiful eyes ... oh my
Your soft arms ... oh my
Your pink cheeks ... oh my
Your intoxicating walk ... oh my
There's a tune in your tone ... oh my
The smile of your lips ... oh my
O my soulmate, O my beloved
How should I say, what I've attained today

It would be hard to let go of the image I have crafted of Shahensha Haider as I saw him as someone for whom I could give my life.Would I be able to see him as someone whom I could perhaps start to like,someone who I could start a friendship with?

Ho mubarak tujhe humnawaa mil gaya
Ho mubarak tujhe humnawaa mil gaya

Congratulations to you, you've found a partner
Congratulations to you, you've found a partner

Tama'am umr bhi ansoon agar bahayenge (2)
Guzaar gayen hain jo lamhe kabhie na aayenge (2)
Zamana ungliyaan tujhpe uthaega kaise
Hum is se pehle tera shehar chhod jayenge
Meri jaan-e-jigar tu mera ghum na kar
Kam se kam tujhko to a'asraa mil gaya

Even if we cry for our entire life
Even if we cry for our entire life
The moments that have passed, won't return
The moments that have passed, won't return
How can the world point fingers at you
Before that happens, I'll leave your city
My beloved, you don't worry about me
Atleast you've found some hope

Almost as if Shahensha Haider felt my eyes on his face,he turned his head and our eyes clashed.His dark eyes that seemed to be wondering if I were okay but he perhaps saw the wondering in my eyes.Though unspoken,it felt as if he understood the words in my mind without having to speak.

Ho mubarak tujhe humnawaa mil gaya
Ho mubarak tujhe humnawaa mil gaya

Congratulations to you, you've found a partner
Congratulations to you, you've found a partner

Jaan-e-maan jaan-e-jigar dekhle ek nazar (4)
Meri duniya ke andheron mein ujla karde
Zindagi bhar ki taman'naon ko poora karde
Jaan-e-maan jaan-e-jigar dekhle ek nazar (2)
Dil ki ujDdi huyi duniya ko bachane ke liye
Zindagi bhar saath nibhaane ke liye
Aur kya chahiye ulfat ke parafdaaron ko
Tod de tod de in rasm ki diwaaron ko
Jaan-e-maan jaan-e-jigar dekhle ek nazar (2)
Teri har eik khushi wo mubarak tujhe
AB TUJHE HASRATON KA KHUDA MIL GAYA

My love, my beloved, look at me for once
My love, my beloved, look at me for once
My love, my beloved, look at me for once

Look at me for once, my beloved
My love, my beloved, look at me for once
Spread some light in the darkness of my world
Fulfill all the wishes of my life
My love, my beloved, look at me for once
My love, my beloved, look at me for once
My love, my beloved, look at me for once
For settling the destroyed world of my heart
For being with me for my entire life
What more do the supporters of love want
Break all the walls of rituals
My love, my beloved, look at me for once
My love, my beloved, look at me for once
Congratulations for every joy that you have
Now you've attained the God of desires

Ho mubarak tujhe humnawaa mil gaya
Ho mubarak tujhe humnawaa mil gaya
Ho mubarak tujhe humnawaa mil gaya
Ab tujhe pyaar ka ...
Ab tujhe pyaar ka ...
Ab tujhe pyaar ka ...
Ho ab tujhe pyaar ka aaina mil gaya
Ho mubarak tujhe humnawaa mil gaya
Ho mubarak tujhe humnawaa mil gaya

Congratulations to you, you've found a partner
Congratulations to you, you've found a partner
Congratulations to you, you've found a partner
You've found, you've found
You've found a mirror of love
Congratulations to you, you've found a partner
Congratulations to you, you've found a partner

As the song ended,the eye's that had been locked together flickered away.Yet,a sense of belief that Haider and I would forge our own way regarding this relationship.

No relationship just started,there were roads to walk through.Together and alone.This had just begun and it would find its own way.