Bakshi Bano P.O.V

I gazed out the palanquin curtains,my eyes on the passing greenery as the heavy veil that I once wore resting on my shoulders.The sword that Bakhtawar Mirza and Rukhsar Mirza gave me,laid on my lap as my fingers grazed the sheath along the rhythm of the soldiers who carried the palanquin.I could hear Shifan neighing as he was rode by one of the soldiers of The Black Cavalry.His neighing offered me comfort of being away from home.

We had already been traveling for seven days,we would finally be reaching Ajmer Mahal.We had stopped several times and the last was the night before departing early in the morning.Ammi-jaan had dressed me in a red sharara with my adornments and the red duppata that I had departed from Ajmer wearing,rested over my shoulders.

My heart begun to beat faster and it felt heavier the closer we got to Ajmer Mahal,wonder about the new challenges I would face at the Mahal.My chest tightened as uncertainty gripped me tightly,as if my ribs were squeezing my heart.I would be seen as a new threat to the already complicated politics of the mahal.It would not only make me a threat but also a new player in the politics that gripped the mahal.

Even though,I would have been brought in with the aim to protect Shahensha and Malika from the players who might harm them.The chances of me and Ammi-jaan being seen as a threat,as someone to be eliminated were extremely high.That alone put me on edge.

I closed my eyes,taking a deep breath as I attempted to calm my heart.I begun to recite Surah Yaseen as the words resonanted around me,I begun to feel calm.My heart no longer felt constricted.My mind that had once being racing with endless possibilities,begun to settle down.My hands that gripped the material of my red duppata let go as I opened my eyes,at the end of my recitation.

I could protect Hajjat Qilla,more than twelve villages and I fought alongside my Shahensha.If I could do all that while being a daughter,I would be able to face everything that Ajmer Mahal held in its entirety.I settled down as the sounds of drums begun to get louder and louder.As the procession begun to slow down,I lifted the duppata,drapping it over my face until the end of the duppata rested over my chest.

Soon,the procession came to a stop.I gazed through my duppata and the flickering curtains beyond which I could see shadows of people.I could hear Shahensha Haider being welcomed as the curtains of my palanquin were pulled open.Khaazra along with Talwar helped me out of the palanquin as ammi-jaan came in front of me.Her hand on my own as she steered me in the direction of a crowd,my sword in my other hand.As we approached,ammi-jaan greeted in a loud voice.

"Adab,Malika Jhan." She let go of my hand as I gazed up,my eyes falling on the tall lady who stepped forward and embraced ammi-jaan.

"Adab,Gulbadan Begum.Aap ka Ajmer Mahal mein istiqbal hai." I watched her pull away,gazing at ammi-jaan,"It feels so good to see you after so many years.These walls and the people within them have missed you."

(Aap ka Ajmer Mahal mein istiqbal ha-Welcome to Ajmer Mahal)

"Seeing you after so long really does make me realize how much I have longed to see you again,Malika Jahan.Thank you for all your gifts you sent to Hajat Qilla.Bhai-jaan and Bhabhi-jaan have sent their shukriyah for all the gifts."

"They have been with you for so long,it is the least I could do." I could feel her eyes shift towards me as ammi-jaan touched my arm.

"This is my daughter,Bakshi."

I lifted my hand as I greeted Malika Jahan,"Adab,Malika Jahan."

"Adab,Bakshi Begum.Aapka Ajmer Mahal mein istaqbal hai." She stepped forward,astonishing me as she embraced me into a hug.She let go before gesturing at Shahensha Haider who I realized that he stood near his mother,"Shahensha Haider,aap Bakshi Begum ke saath Ajmer Mahal mein dhakil kar sakte hain."

(aap Bakshi Begum ke saath Ajmer Mahal mein dhakil kar sakte hain-You can enter Ajmer Palace with Bakshi Begum)

I watched from under the duppata as Shahensha Haider's hand appeared next to me,I laid my own hand into his.The same one that ammi-jaan had held,while my other hand held the sword.His calloused fingers wrapped around my hand as we bagun to walk into Ajmer Mahal.A rain of flowers begun as we took our steps into the archway of the courtyard.My feet moved swiftly as the rain of flowers continued as we entered Ajmer Mahal.

Through the duppata,I could feel numerous stares.I knew they would be of curiosity as well as shock at the fact that Shahensha Haider held my hand as we walked through the halls of Ajmer Mahal.We soon entered the darabr where the ministers greeted Shahensha Haider as we made our way to the front of the darbar.Here the gazes seemed to intensify as we came to the front and turned to face the darbar full of people.

"Adab." Shahensha Haider greeted as silence filled the darbar.He let go of my hand,yet I held my head high as I held onto the edge of my duppata.The silence was filled with the reply of greetings from those in the darbar.

"It is a pleasure to be back at Ajmer Mahal.I hope that while I was away,everything was well here."

A voice I had heard not long ago on the battlefield spoke up,"Everything has been well." Commander Jabbir assured Shahensha Haider.

"Shahensha Haider,it is good to have you back at Ajmer Mahal." An unfamiliar woman's voice welcomed Shahensha Haider back,"Who is besides you,if it may be my place to ask?"

Shahensha Haider begun to speak,"Shukriyah,choti ammi-jaan." Oh,that would be Shahensha Haider's wet nurse,also a minister in his darbar,"I would like to introduce you all to Bakshi Begum,my wife." The sound of whispers lit the air,as did the gasps of wonder.I did not let my head fall down as the scrutiny towards me grew.

"Tomorrow night the walima will be held in this very darbar.You all and your families are invited to the walima of Shahensha Haider and Bakshi Begum." Malika Jahan came closer to me,"Shahensha Haider,you may attend to your darbar.Bakshi Begum,come.Let me show you your new home."

I begun to follow Malika Jahan,we walked out of the darbar and through the hallways of Ajmer Mahal.I kept my duppata on until we reached the haraam where we entered a large seating area.Malika Jahan gestured for me to follow her until I reached a seat,where she told me to sit and I did.I put my sword on the side as she begun to move my duppata over my face.

"MashaAllah.Bakshi,aap bohot khubsurat ho.Ajmer Mahal mein aapka istiqbal hai." She handed me a tray which I took with a bow of my head.

"Bohot shukriya,Malika Jahan."

She shook her head,with a slight smile as she tapped my cheek lovingly,"You are my son's bride,like a daughter to me.You can call me ammi-jaan."

"Jee,ammi-jaan." I spoke softly as I saw Malika Jahan's eyes soften.Her harsh jawline with a pointed,strong nose.Her alomond shaped eyes,which crinkled at the corners with her smile.Her thin fingers covered with wrinkled skin tugged at her duppata,"Gulbadan Begum,from today your daughter is mine as well."

Ammi-jaan stepped forward,smiling at Malika Jahan as they clasped hands,"She has always been your daughter even when we were far away,this relationship has been strengthened by our children's marriage."

"And you have returned,what bigger happiness could I ask for?My friend,the noor of Ajmer Mahal has finally returned.Tomorrow's celebration will not only be for our children but also your return,Gulbadan Begum." Ammi-jaan and Malika Jahan embraced before pulling apart.

"Sahi kaha,Jahan Begum.Gulbadan Begum,will you not greet me?" Jiji-Anga called out as she made her way towards ammi-jaan who turned to embrace her as well,"After so many years,we have met.You look just the same."

"As do you,Jiji-Anga.It feels so good to see you as well." Ammi-jaan turned to me as Jiji-Anga came closer,"Bakshi,this is one of my dearest friends,Jiji-Anga."

"Adab,Jiji-Anga."

"Adab,Bakshi Bano.MashaAllah,you are very beautiful." She pat my head as I smiled.

"Shukriyah,Jiji-Anga."

"Ghusahmadid Gulbadan Begum." I gazed behind ammi-jaan to see a woman,dressed in full white step forward and greet ammi-jaan.Her round eyes the shade of the darkest hour of the night.Her body completely draped in white with not a single piece of jewellery.Her eyes were lined with kajal which made them seem even darker.Her eyes did not crinkle nor were there any lines around her mouth.Her voice sounded similar to one that had spoke to Shahensha Haider in the darbar,I presumed this to be Maham Anga.

"Shukriya,Maham Anga." Ammi-jaan turned to face me as she gestured to Maham Anga,"Bakshi,this is Maham Anga.She is Shahensha Haider's choti ammi-jaan."

"Adab,Maham Anga." I greeted,lifting my hand with respect which she returned,her eyes filled with suspicion as she attempted her best not to narrow her eyes at me.Intresting.I know that she loved Shahensha Haider as her own but why would she be suspicious of me,if she did not know me at all.That made my hand itch for my sword,yet I kept it still.

"Adab,Bakshi Begum.Welcome to Ajmer Mahal."

"Shukriyah."

"This is Aarifah Bano,your nand." Malika Jahan introduced as another lady stepped forward in a beautiful blue shararah with her duppata draped over her head,a bright smile on her young face with crinkling eyes similar to Malika Jahan.

"Adab,Bhabhi-jaan." She greeted enthusiastically as she bent to embrace me as I did the same.Her joyful nature reminded me of Nusrat Bano as she pulled away,her smile bright.

"Adab,Aarifah Bano." I greeted back as she looked at ammi-jaan before embracing her.

"I have heard so much about you,bari chachi-jaan.Ammi-jaan has told me so many stories about you throughout my life,she has asked me to lead by your example.I am honoured to meet you." She said still smiling.

"Your ammi-jaan has always praised me even if I may not be worthy of it.You look just like her,MashaAllah." Ammi-jaan kissed her forehead before looking at Malika Jahan,"You will never change?"

Malika Jahan chuckled,"If I did not change for so many years what are the chances that I would change now?" Ammi-jaan shook her head as they looked at me.Malika Jahan gestured for me to stand up,"Let us take you to your khwaab-gaah.You should rest well before the walima tomorrow."

I stood up,taking my sword as I begun to follow Malika Jahan,I could still feel eyes on my back.I gazed back to clash eyes with Maham Anga whose eyes were filled with both suspicion and curiosity.I looked straight ahead,knowing that I was prepared for whatever would be thrown at me.

Malika Jahan walked us into the khwaab-gaah which sunlight streamed through,casting on the mirrored celling,causing a glittered effect over the khwaab-gaah.Wondered by the beauty of the khwaab-gaah my eyes widened slightly.My chests had been brought into the khwaab-gaah which Talwar,Khaazra,Ikhtiyar and a few other bandi were busy around

"Bakshi,you may rest for a while.A hamam-khana will be prepared for you to freshen up in and the meal will be served soon after.Your bandi will be guided by Qusra,my khwajawsira will provide any help that you and your bandi may need."

"Shukriya,ammi-jaan." Ammi-jaan smiled at me,which I returned as Malika Jahan lead her away.Ikhtiyar came towards me,taking my red duppata away as I finally sat down,my fingers trailing the soft silk material that covered my bed.

This khwaab-gaah was larger than the one I had at Hajjat Qilla.A lege bed placed in the center,behind which sat a flower patterned wall,on the sides of which gold curtains were draped.Several pillows strewn across the head of the bed as silver silk material draped over the bed,emerald roses decorated the silver material.

One side of the khwaab-gaah had several chests against the wall,all of which belonged to me.The walls were covered in flowers painted on them,in varying shades of green,pink and purple.A mirror stood just meters away from the wall,with space for my perfumes and jewellery.

On the other side,wind blew through the wide windows.The curatins that were ushed to the side blew from the wind causing my curiosity as I stood up to walk towards them.From where I stood,I could the hareem courtyards were abuzz with bandi,khwajasara and other women walking through.Some seemed to be talking while others seemed entranced in their duties.The courtyard,three times bigger than the one I had lived my childhood in.There were several seating ares,placed at a distance from one another.Some seating areas seemed to be closer to the entrance ways of some khwaab-gaah,on a balcony area.

"Bakshi Begum." I turned to face who I presumed to be Qusra.

"Adab,Qusra."

Her eyes widened in shock before going to normal as she lifted her hand to greet me,"Adab,Bakshi Begum.The hamam-khana is ready for your bath.Ikhtiyar and Khaazra have your clothing and other items ready.Shall we?"

I gave a nod of my head,"Of course.Please lead the way."

Qusra waited until I was a tad bit in front of her before she begun to walk as well.She introduced me to the different areas of the hareem as we walked through.Any bandi that passed,greeted me which I returned.We finally came to the hamam-khana where I was shocked to find Malika Begum instructing the bandi who listened carefully.

I shook my head when Qusra made to talk,I would wait.This reminded me of the time when Malika Begum and Shahensha Haider had come to Hajjat Qilla.Just like I had been giving the bandi instructions on that day,today Malika Begum did the same.Oh,how roles were reversed so quickly.I had once been a head I in Hajjat Qilla and today,that role belonged to Malika Begum.

Malika Begum turned,her eyes widening when she saw me before smiling,"Bakshi,aap yaha kab aayi?"

"Chand laamhe pehele.You were busy giving instructions,it did not feel right to interrupt you,Malika Begum." Her brows frowned before she shook her head.

"Perhaps after Shahensha Haider and ammi-jaan,you are the next person who has all rights to interrupt me."

Malika Begum may have said that,I knew my place in the mahal.I would have to pave my own way,I could not allow my presence to interfere with how Malika Begum ruled her hareem.So I just smiled as she turned to gesture to the steam that escaped the hamam-khana's entrance behind Malika Begum.

"Your bath is read.Qusra will show Ikhtiyar where to put your clothing and other adornments.If you need anything,Qusra will be able to assist you."

I gave a nod of my head,"Jee,Malika Begum."

At my words her brows furrow,she lifted her hand,"Takhliyah." All the band left the room as did my own.I lifted an eyebrow,my hands fidgeting with my dress.Did I do something wrong?

"Bakshi,you can call me by my name.We are now living in one palace.By calling me Malika Begum,you are putting a distance between me and you.A distance of a Malika and Begum cannot be passed easily." She walked closer to me,putting a hand on my arm,"Please,do not estrange me by calling me Malika Begum."

I pursed my lips,as my eyes lowered with embarrassment.How could I,an ordinary commander of battalion call my Queen by her name?We were wives of one man but how could I bring myself to call the woman I had only known as my Queen by her name?The mere thought of calling Malika Begum by her name made me uncomfortable.

"But,I cannot."

"And why not?" Malika Begum questioned,her voice filled with curiosity as I lifted my head.

I licked my lips out of habit,as I tried to find the best manner to form my following words in coherent statements,"You are my Queen."

"Did I not tell you that when you stepped into Ajmer Mahal you would be a friend?" Malika Begum reminded me at which I gave her a nod,she continued,"I understand that for you to call me by my name is awkward.If you can call me Sahal Begum,then we can work on you calling me by my name only."

I could try,that would be better than just her name.I gave a nod,"Jee,Sahal Begum."

Malika Begum smiled at me,her eyes crinkling as she pat my arm,"Good.I prefer that.Go take a bath,we shall meet after."

I smiled at her as she walked away,in awe of the manner that Malika Begum,no,Sahal Begum carried herself.Her head held high,her back straight and she did not do it with pride,but rather a sense of ownership of the place that belonged to her.Both in name and deed.

I made my way over to the hamam-khana where Khaazra waited for me.I begun to undress with Khaazra and other bandi's help.The bandi who belonged to Ajmer Mahal gasped as they saw the scars that littered my body.The newest one being on my shoulder,the one I had sustained in the battle for Jaabirsher.Though the wound had healed,the skin still carried a hue of purple.The poison had somehow changed the colour of my skin.I knew the news of my scars would soon spread through the mahal.

I covered my upped body as I made my way to the bathtub.Stepping in,I took a sigh of happiness as the hot water enveloped my body and eased every ache that had tightened my muscles from the long journey.Khaazra begun to wash my hair,as I tilted my head back,another bandi helped to put soap on my arms as I closed my eyes.

By the end,when I exited the bathtub.My muscles were relaxed and the grim of travelling for days were wiped away.Khaazra dressed me in a light green sharara with silver and grey work all around it.She tied the strings at the back that held my top up before handing me my dupatta that I threw over my body,as I knew there would be no other man in the hareem.

We made our way to the khwaab-gaah,where I sat on the stool in front of the mirror.Ikhtiyar begun to adorn me with my bangles and arm band while Khaazra dried my hair,taking the bakhoor under my hair to give my hair some scent.

"Aap thik ho,Bakshi Bano?" Khaazra questioned at which Ikhtiyar shook her head as she clicked his tongue.

"Khaazra,Bakshi Begum not Bano."

Khaazra's eyes went wide as she tapped her forehead,her innocent action brought a smile to my face,"My tongue slipped.Bakshi Begum,are you okay?"

I gave a nod as before staying still as Talwar applied kajal to my eyes and then a pink colouring to my lips.The sunrays cast against my hands which sat on my lap,gems on my rings glittered as the sunrays danced across them.A moment of Nusrat Bano and I laying on the grass,giggling as our rings glittered in the sun.How sweet were those days?We were together,no distance and our companionship took us through our tough times.

"Bakshi Begum,we done." Qusra's words broke me out of my memories.I looked in the mirror,smiling when I saw that all my jewellery had been put in place.My nath sat comfortablely against my nose and cheek.My duppata had been secured on my head and I stood up,looking at Qusra.

"Shukriyah,Qusra." I held out my hand,Talwar put a potli of coins in my hand and I held it out towards Qusra,"This is for you."

Her eyes went wide as she took the potli from my hand,bowing her head,"Shukriyah,Begum Sahiba.Allah aapke nikah mein mohabbet aur izzat nawaze." She bowed her head as she lifted her hand.

"Ameen." Qusra exited the room just as Malika-Sahal Begum walked into the room.I turned to face her,lifting my hand to greet her as did the other bandi around me.

"MashaAllah,Bakshi Begum.You are looking beautiful."

"Shukriyah."

"Let us proceed to the eating room."

I gave a nod as I begun to walk next to her.As we walked,I thought back to Maham Anga's suspicious gaze that refused to leave me.I spoke up softly as to not let anyone hear about what I would say.

"Sahal Begum,can I ask you something?" Sahal Begum looked at me,giving a nod.

"Ask?"

"Was Maham Anga aware of the fact that I would wed Shahensha Haider?" I questioned,as I had wondered that perhaps she is suspicious of me as she was unaware that we would be wed.

"No,except for myself,Haider and ammi-jaan no one else knew." She lowered her voice as well,"With the killings of our spies in the palace,we are very quiet on anything that we may do."

I licked bit the inside of my cheek.So Shahensha Haider and Malika Begum were suspicious of everyone,including Maham Anga whom Shahensha Haider loved like his own mother,"Is Maham Anga also a suspect for you and Shahensha Haider?"

Sahal Begum nodded her head,as she looked at me,"Yes and no.No,in the sense that we do not suspect her but we do suspect her son,Faizal Khan.Rumors constantly float that he is unhappy with the position that he has been given by Shahensha Haider which is why he has started revolting.Whenever we come close to anything that might make the rumors clear,it all seems to disappear.Faizal Khan does not have that powere whereas Maham Anga does.Which makes her a suspect of hiding traitors of Shahensha Haider." She stopped in her tracks,turning to face me.Her eyebrow raised as she spoke,"Have you noticed anything that makes you think she might be a suspect?"

I could not just go by Maham Anga's gaze to accuse her so I shook my head,"No,but something tells me Maham Anga does not agree with my presence.Now,we will have to see if she will act on it or it will just be something of my imagination." I smiled at M-Sahal Begum,"If anything does happen,I will inform you."

Sahal Begum smiled back at me as she looked me up and down,"Ammi-jaan was right.A new perspective can see things that we,the ones living here cannot."

I lifted my head as I gazed around,my heart set on weeding out every threat to Shahensha Haider,Sahal Begum and the entire Ajmer Mahal,"Be at ease,Sahal Begum.Your enemies will not survive now that I have arrived.Very soon,this mahal will be free of all traitors."

And that is a promise I made from my heart.The wind that blew seemed to sense the stance that I took as we resumed walking,the wind seemed to stop in its tracks.Almost as if it were warning those who stood against Shahi Khandan that they would now face an unstoppable force that would leave them in their graves or reach her grave on her own.