NOVEL~*Hiding behind a Stranger*~Thread 17-CHAPTER 22-UPD 3rd DEC

Prologue

Three Great Emperors had toiled hard to build the vast and flourishing legacy of the 'Mughal Empire', keeping relative peace by unifying its Mughals and Hindus. However; by mid 1600s, cracks began to appear in its solid foundations. Insecurities crept in through the gaps, widening the gulfs between the two religions once again.

With the old Emperor becoming too feeble to take charge and his jealous successors remaining preoccupied with expansion and power, the damage was never repaired. Not surprising then that new rebellions arose every day. Violence escalated, claiming many innocent lives.

Yet; in the midst of such turmoil and peril, there bloomed a beautiful story - much like a lone flower blossoming upon the steepest edges of a cliff - a story of love, of sacrifice and honour!

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!

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...

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!

Akbar was spontaneously drawn towards the second painting, tempted to admire the profile of the younger sister. But, setting aside that temptation briefly, he made the conscious decision of paying heed to the older heiress first. Maybe it was respect - since he'd heard tales aplenty about her. Maybe it was curiosity - because he'd never seen the lady before and he would never see her again. Whatever the reason, he went on to study the face of the badi baisa first.

Durga Sahiba. A 17 year old noblewoman, who'd lived by her principles - and sacrificed her life protecting them. The 'Ustaad' in him could relate to those rare qualities. So he did what he would do, when he met any other great warrior. Bringing his palm up to his forehead, Akbar bent forth to offer Late Durga Sahiba an 'Adab'.

After a solemn spell, he shifted his focus towards the second portrait.

With none around watching or judging him, the grimness came off straightaway - his gazes rife with both, fascination and dejection.

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