NOVEL~*Hiding behind a Stranger*~ THREAD 2 - CHAPTERS 3 & 4 - Page 11

@ Shagun - Thanks yaar ! I read yours just now ! WOW is the word. ... I love how you highlight all details and the way you put your views about them @Ashu - Thanks yaar! 🤗 @Bindu - Kuh bhi yaar ! 😆 You people are more than experts !

Lashy...first of all congrats for a new thread👍🏼...seems the magic of NJAPA continues here too...there first 2/3 threads , there r multiple chapters...and later 2 chapters in one thread..and here it seems 2 chapters and 1 thread complete...so I think later on it will be one chapter one thread...and this is just amazing ...to be true, An Author's success and pride for such amazing work...👏👏👏

so back to chapter 3...last time I said Durga's character was really one heroic...but her death was something totally cross to her name... Durga...her death too should be heroic one...her enemy killed her, accepted...she died a brave death... but he molested her and then killed her😡... and a brave princess suffered that humiliation waiting for her death in hands of that monster, 😡...sorry, but not acceptable...doesn't match with her character at all...when the princess saw Khalil in front of her, , she would have stabbed herself, if believed to her characterization in previous chapters...but losing her dignity , in that era, for a princess like Durga, is something not really expected...

anyway...abt Khalil, then he reminds of Bairam Khan...remember first few episodes of JA... how BK was training Jalal to get rid of any dignity and go for everything, may be a land, a state or a woman married or unmarried...no ethics at all ...just a greed and every instinct of an animal...so one thing for sure, this can not be a stranger ...coz some day he will be thrown away in some unknown world for never to be found out again...

as for Heera (I like this name than Harka)...so she will be the one who will change "The Jallad" into a honourable man...just loved the way, u have made Durga think abt Heera...that description is something , that can make anybody fall for this Gem... but of course except Jallad for some time atleast... but like we know, he too will be victim to her being a real "Heera"...now waiting to see the younger princess blossoming under expert thinking of an author like u...😉😛

and now the stranger...why I feel, it's a shehezada only...If Agra is Heera's destination , and Jallad is her destiny , then the stranger has to be "The Jallad Shehezada"...what will be his name??? being the era of Aurangzeb, will he be Akbar, or Jalal or ????😉

but why I feel the farmaan is still intact?? though u have written, Khalil got the farmaan, still Durga giving away everything, doesn't really click... she lost her dignity, her life, but I think Khalil knows that still she defeated him, coz the farmaan he got is not the original one but a fake, and this he understood only after killing her...else why would he leave the threat for younger princess if he got the real farmaan which he can destroy and claim no proof?? what threat a young princess can be for anybody without the real farmaan??? so that means yes, Durga did tricked Khalil by giving him a fake farmaan...her death is painful but she proved to be a true warrior/ruler and a sister/guardian of her younger sibling , who saved the future of the state and Heera at the cost of her dignity and life..👏👏👏

A heart-rending Chapter !!😭😭

Lashy... A warm hug for your wonderful imagination 🤗and hats off for your phenomenal writing.⭐️⭐️

Your fantabulous imagination and awe-inspiring writing made this chapter so realistic that I could feel every scene in front of my eyes, I didn't need to imagine as while reading every expression of characters was automatically flashing in my mind.

Such a marvellous writing!!👏👏👏

Liked the way you wrote about the mansion dear.⭐️⭐️

'You're proud of us, aren't you maasa... bapusa?' she asked her parents, like she did every night -

>>> We all are so Proud of you, bravo!!👏👏

'A Heera indeed' Durga smiled to herself as she fondly recalled what their old tutor had said of his star pupil 'Anything she touches, blossoms... and anyone she treats, heals!'

>>> She was standing in front of her parents painting, remembering her lil sister.. before her death.

a tragedy that'd claimed the lives of half the village, including those of their mother and stepmother -

>>> Harka and Durga were real sisters na, dear??

'Mining the valleys would destroy everything we've worked hard for... the fields, the plantations, the water, the homes, the hospital, the peace... EVERYTHING! I'll never let that happen so long as I live!'

>>> Ohk.. so this is a reason that they don't want to give those lands to Prince.

On the contrary, the act only seemed to aggravate them more. If anything, their barks were spiralling into eerie howls and frothy growls.

>>> At this, I thought something is fishy.😔

Even if her spirit was fiercely trying to bolster her up, her fingers had given way to tremors, dropping the lamp on a table nearby. It took a short spell for anything sensible to form in her head, what with the utter chaos of mortifying thoughts rendering her temporarily paralysed.

Waves of inexplicable rage began hammering away at the overwhelming terror that'd engulfed her petite being for so long. Fighting back the tears that had sprung up instinctively, Durga forced herself to recover from her stupor. She could not afford to weigh her spirit down by conjuring up images of her dead dogs and her dead people.

>>> How stupendously you have written this. Though I could imagine her state but for few seconds I was so lost in your writing that I was wondering How you managed to write so remarkably. This same happened with me in few chapters of PBD.

And not only these lines but there are many parts in this chapter that made me wonder over ur writing skills.

Promptly kicking her body into action, Durga made a mental note of all the personal weapons she owned, while dashing towards her bed chamber to plan an escape 'If none of my guards have been spared' she surmised numbly 'It means... there are many of them lurking downstairs... possibly surrounding the building too... how do I call for help? Whom do I call?' she tapped her cold wet cheeks hard, hoping to get the blood flowing and the mind thinking - a ploy that actually worked, because the very next moment, her listless gazes lit up in hope 'The stable boys! Maybe they have been spared!'

>>> I love Durga and Love you more for portraying her character so ideally.Such a lionhearted woman she was!!⭐️⭐️

After all, she would be able to handle the darkness in her own house better than any intruder could.

>>> I smiled at this. Smart move. Credit obviously goes to ur Tez Tadak mind.😆

'Don't be so impatient... he'll come up to meet you soon...' the man caressed her face with the tip of his blade 'Heard of the 'Khalil'? I'm fortunate to be one of his men...'

Khalil? The phantom? A murderer who masqueraded as a soldier? A man so infamous for being ruthless that even the Shehzade was intimidated by him? Everyone had heard about the 'Khalil' - but no one who'd seen him had lived to tell the tale!

Her heart sank a few notches lower

>>> At this, I imagined our jalal ,that may be he's Khalil.🤪

'Thank you for the information...' she said, and in a quick-thinking spurt, sliced his neck with the knife she'd been hiding in her cummerbund

>>> woah!! Love you Girl.❤️

The horse had whinnied and violently jerked aside - like it'd sensed the weapons coming its way - thus saving its rider's life!

The horse was the 'Marwari' racer she'd won at the auction, two days ago 'Wise decision' a haunting smile escaped amidst her tears.

>>> How u connected that scene with this incident. My lips twitched reading this.😊

Her rope was immediately pulled back, hauling her into the chamber once again, to face ten armed men. Men after her life. Men so tall and formidable - that she stopped wondering how so many of her guards had perished without much of a fight.

Yet, Durga bai decided that she wouldn't cower in fright.

>>> No words for this.., Respect and admiration for such a courageous Girl!!⭐️⭐️

Cautiously backing herself against a narrow corner, so only one man would be able to attack her at a time, she faced the advancing murderers with the might of her will and the agility of her hand. It was thus that she brought an early death upon three men and maimed two more, showing the brutes how far they'd undermined her courage.

>>> I am totally impressed with this girl.👏

Though I knew that she will be dead eventually, still my heart was expecting her to win.

And I didn't expect Khalil himself will come here, at her haveli.😲

However; as was the course of most battles, Durga sustained many an injury herself. Her limbs couldn't match the immortality of her spirit, her strength steadily diminished with every blinking moment.

Yet, Durga bai didn't cower in fright.

Not even when the leader of the pack, the beastly 'Khalil', paced onward and forced her to look him in the eye. Not when his size dwarfed her profile. Or his roars deafened her ears. Not even when she knew her end was near.

Durga bai fought to the very end - till a time came when she lost all her weapons and vigour, fighting him. Till she was left with no choice and no defences thereafter

>>>> Durga-u rock ,girl!! I just loved this fearless tigress.⭐️⭐️⭐️

'I will NOT give you the Farmaan, even if you take my life!' the breathless warrior challenged him, the faces of her loved ones flashing before her eyes

'What if I take your dignity and modesty instead?'

>>>Bloody bas***d.😡😡

And from the amount of venom in his scowl, she knew those were not empty threats. So, after many bouts of tortuous self-debate, she made the choice most women would make - she decided to give up the Farmaan.

>>> I was quite shocked with her decision but she didn't have a choice to kill herself so I understand, she didn't have any option other than giving up the Farmaan, only to save her dignity.

And the very thought of what he wanted - the very notion of what horrors lay ahead, debilitated her morale. Now too weak and too wounded to protect herself, Durgai bai, the once proud heiress, was forced to relinquish her ego and go down on her knees. She begged and pleaded - not for her life, but for her modesty to be spared.

>>>> I was so engrossed in reading that I actually felt so wretched.😭 😭😭While writing this too, I am feeling really bad.😔😭

All in vain. His scowl didn't thaw one bit. He had a reputation for being a 'savage' and he apparently wanted to live up to it -

For, he took away the Farmaan,

Then, took away her modesty,

And finally, took away her life too.

Before leaving the chamber, he cast a final glimpse at her still form, unaware of what a wonderful and promising young life he'd wasted thus!

>>>> why men always shows their power on this thing only??

Such a daring and stout-hearted woman she was and what he did with her?

Does this proves that he was powerful than her? No he's a coward, bloody dastard.

He could kill her but No, that rapist first took away her modesty.

My heart cried at this, Not only for Durga but for myself, for being a girl who can't go outside at night,alone just because of such monsters and for every that girl, with whom such monsters have done such a crime.😭

Sometimes it happens, we(Girls) feel very uneasy if someone unintentionally touched us, what about those girls, with whom such things have happened?😭😭

Whenever We switched to a news channel, then only these news we heard that a gang of some boys raped this girl, or this woman. Now is a time, when such monsters are not leaving the old women too. They don't even think once, that they are spoiling someone's life.

I usually never feel sad reading any story as I know it's just a story, only few are the stories with which I can connect myself. After reading this, My mind was so lost in this thing only.

A spine-chilling message indeed, which'd forced a bereaved Harka out of her own home to undertake a long and perilous journey thenceforth - the outcome of which, no one knew!

>>> She will meet her stranger now.!!😊

Through the curtains, she couldn't see much - other than the very blurry outline of a horse and the feet of its rider. However, what she did manage to guess - from a vague sighting of his riding shoe - was its style. This traveller was a Mughal. And an avid rider too.

'Good evening, Sahib...' Ratan kaka spoke up to cease the odd spell, though his nervousness did make his words sound more Marwari than Urdu 'Do you know these areas well?'

After what seemed like a very long interval, she heard the stranger speak

'Yes...'

>>>> Here comes our Hero.. 😛Stranger and he is a Mughal. "if his personality was as dominant as his voice was, there was little doubt that this man was the only reason, everyone had fled!"

Wow.

So in this chapter, finally our stranger came-The charming man standing in a middle- Of this Banner.

Being the most shrewd, determined and unforgiving of the lot meant he was formidable... a force to be reckoned with... it also meant he could have owned it all - riches, power, women and fame... but, he fancied none of it...

His reply was curt and his tone rang deeper than any voice she'd heard. In fact, she thought, if his personality was as dominant as his voice was, there was little doubt that this man was the only reason, everyone had fled!

>>> Indeed, This stranger is Formidable.❤️

As a recluse with simple tastes, the rich life held no real appeal... power didn't tempt him... women didn't interest him... his passion was work and his only family were a few loyal friends... he had decided that he wanted little else in life...

Till a chance visit from a complete stranger would change that decision forever!

>>> Women didn't interest him but This stranger will definitely interest him, for whom he will fight with Khalil.😉

Forced to flee from her motherland, the one home she knew... forced to leave behind her people, for whom, she was their only hope...forced to grievously abandon the last rites of her loved one while the flames on the pyre were still ablaze...the orphaned heiress of 16 overcame grief and many shortcomings, as she embarked on a long dangerous path... setting out to seek help and support, for her people and her lands..

Till a chance stay with a complete stranger would change the course of those very plans forever!

>>> She will hide behind this Stranger and he will take her revenge from Khalil. Though she wasn't good in sword fighting but this soft-hearted,beautiful girl will make him fall for her. May be this expect healer heals his wounds too.😛😆

So the third person is khalil in the banner.???

Khalil was a womaniser whereas women didn't interest to this stranger. I recalled this line when khalil left from haveli so I was quite sure that Khalil is not a lead.

But I like the way you portrayed his character. I actually liked khalil, if we aside that crime, which he did with durga bai.

The way he was talking and his whole personality, I liked that.

Afterall he succeeded in getting that farmaan.

I want to read more and soon, hope you will update next Sunday and don't take much time plz. After reading this chapter, my interest grew in this story.

And durga bai is dead but I am sure, we will get to see her in future chapters,in harka's thoughts or when she remember her past, which will give her needed courage to fight with those monsters-For her lands and more than that for taking revenge of Durga's death.

res... I can't wait to read... but I have two birthday party to attend today... and I don't want to read in rush... Tonight once I get home I will read.😕😭 I missing out all fun.

Originally posted by: Ashvneet2399

Look ! This time m on time yay😆though it's surprising for me as well as I am always a late lateef😛!

The chapter was absolutely Marvellous dii👏⭐️. From the beginning till end The one I love loved n loved the most is the Bond between these two sisters⭐️. None of both is less , be it in terms of beauty , courage , strong will , bravery , royality, everything in them , makes me adore them more n more⭐️. The two precious gems they are⭐️!

<font face="Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif" size="3">'Anything she touches, blossoms... and anyone she treats, heals!'</font>

<font face="Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" size="2">Which words other than these can effectively describe 'A Heera' ?👏</font>

<font face="Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" size="2">I've always loved the character of Durga , the name Durga itself describes her persona ! Such a strong willed girl , ready to go to any instinct to save the people. Really , just love her⭐️.</font>

<font face="Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif" size="3">Thank you for the information...' she said, and in a quick-thinking spurt, sliced his neck with the knife she'd been hiding in her cummerbund.</font>

<font face="Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif" size="3">Damn her killer moves ! Poor fellow , could hold the fire behind that beauty !😆</font>

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<font face="Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif" size="3">Jiji ran around the Haveli, with her eyes opened wide</font>

<font face="Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif" size="3">Every trick uncanny, she may have tried</font>

<font face="Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif" size="3">Every nook and cranny, she may have spied</font>

<font face="Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif" size="3">But never did she find me, because I know how to hide!</font>

This poem , such a mesmerising piece it is , How Durga remenscised this poem ... The scene was soo touching , their bond is soo touching !

Show me some respite Bhavani Ma... for all the prayers I've offered you...'

When does God even listen to us when we are in need , what's written in destiny is bound to happen . Pardon me dii , if get too involved here .

Yet, Durga bai decided that she wouldn't cower in fright.

This girl is commendable . A true inspiration to all the women⭐️.

'What if I take your dignity and modesty instead?'

That bloody ... Mai naa abi use itni gaaliyan nikalna chahti hu vo b punjabi k Sharm k maare us us ... Gadhe k khan ki tympanic membrane fttt jaaye.

As I earlier said , pardon me if get too involved😛but this all eventually is all your fault , aap likhte hi aise Ho k hm khone pe mjboor ho jaate h .

That haraami, what the hell did he do ? Oh I wish I could kill him ... Bloody bndr...

This is what torments my soul , I seriously can't stand my rising rage to this . How the hell could that monster could ?

I wish his death to b the most painful one ... The pain he suffers he wouldn't even he thought of ... !

Durga ... What to say about her ... She is the true hero ! A true warrior!

Never even for once did I think her end to b this dreadful !God had been unfair to her , she definitely did not deserve this cruelty .

At last stranger ki entry se mera gussa thoda sa shaant hua ... But must say his entry was a pure blisss... !

Looking forward for the next update 🤗

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<font face="Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif" size="3">
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Ashu dear !!! 🤗 🤣 You know... mera gussa ab thoda shaant hua.. after reading your brilliant gaaliyaan for that impotent Khalil !! Loved your comments ! 👍🏼

Originally posted by: NJAPA_Addict

Ashu dear !!! 🤗 🤣 You know... mera gussa ab thoda shaant hua.. after reading your brilliant gaaliyaan for that impotent Khalil !! Loved your comments ! 👍🏼

Dear Lashy!
I'm sorry, I have little time today that write now and I haven't time to read all the comments... But many, many thank!
You have written - magnificently!
But it was very, very painful to read! This is horrible death!!!
I cravenly hoped that Durga had a ring with poison ...

Originally posted by: shahbhavini

res... I can't wait to read... but I have two birthday party to attend today... and I don't want to read in rush... Tonight once I get home I will read.😕😭 I missing out all fun.

Love u all😳 enjoy alone😡

Thanks Lashy, for Pm.

Wonderful update