Writer-e-khaas,
Wow ... what a chapter ... made my Monday in many ways. While I was awaiting the details of the special lunch, what I found more poignant was the tension around the beautiful moments ... the serenity amidst a storm ... and you know which serenity I loved the most in this chapter ;)
What struck me in this chapter was a sort of role reversal- I hope I perceived that right. Typically, it was Harka who was like the cooling moon and Akbar the tempest. Here, in this chapter it seemed the tide was further shifting and roles were beginning to reverse.
In the rising tension whirling around Harka, it was Akbar that was the calm eye of the storm. By contrast, the usually raging Akbar was left wondering about the serenity in his reflection.
and hence, that is my take for this chapter ...
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Harka's serenity amidst the storm (my take of her words):
(1) Amidst the pressure of Gauri's glares to leave all that was associated with you, how did the worry lines of my face lighten when I heard of your arrival?
(2) Amidst the chatter of worries of what our future held and whether my messages had reached our allies, how was I entertained by the enthusiastic chatter about you among the women folk?
(3) Amidst the misting of the eyes with the worse-than-death plight of Mohan Banna, how was I able to discern every softening of your attire and expression?
(4) Admist my Guardian's worries for where I was and how to find me to wed me to Kunwar Mahendar, how was it your "adab" that brought a new color to my cheeks as the "woman" in me recognized it to be special?
(5) Amidst my ability to brave every storm with my vision as it was, why was it the chance that I missed your smile that led me to feel a twinge of regret for my poor eyesight?
Akbar's storm turned to serenity (My take on his words):
(1) How had my stern eyes and clothes melted in the feel of home, while my stern pledge melted in the simplicity of your invitation?
(2) How did the eyes that were usually alert for the danger lurking instead observe your gaze that was a tad bit too long?
(3) How did my dominating stance, tilt for an "adab", out of respect or was it something more?
(4) How was it that my distrust that was usually proven right made way for my trust to be proven right- as the Hakim (unwillingly so) agreed that it was your able hands that had saved Bahadur?
(5) How is it that even as my anger exploded at the Hakim for refusing me, I found serenity to be my companion along with midnight? While I still may not be able to sleep, it is not a tempest of danger that keeps me awake but rather the thought of your healing touch.
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And yes he may dismiss all thoughts of Harka as he stands at the door of death. But something tells me he will come to her side to save her from the doors of death very soon. After all, only a short time remains before Harka plans to leave. There is an air of foreboding as the messages she has sent does not seem to have reached their destination.
But writer-e-khaas, what shall I say about this chapter in conclusion? Everytime I say a chapter is my favorite, a new favorite emerges and the saga of the silly smile continues.
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