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Shraddha

@lashy

Trailblazer

+ 4

Posted: 8 years ago

*~**~*~

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!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Link to Part 1 (Chapters 1-19) - https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/fan-fictions/4652031/novel-hiding-behind-a-stranger-historical-fiction-pt-1-chapters-1-19

Link to Part 2 (Chapters 20-28) https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/fan-fictions/4749094/novel-hiding-behind-a-stranger-historical-fiction-part-2-chap-20-31

Edited by lashy - 8 years ago

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Shraddha

@lashy

Trailblazer

+ 4

Posted: 8 years ago

Link to Chapter 21 https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/jodha-akbar/4753392/novel-hiding-behind-a-stranger-thread-16-chapter-21-upd-23rd-nov

Link to Chapter 22 https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/jodha-akbar/4758070/novel-hiding-behind-a-stranger-thread-17-chapter-22-upd-3rd-dec

Edited by lashy - 8 years ago

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Shraddha

@lashy

Trailblazer

+ 4

Posted: 8 years ago

Teaser for Chapter 23

'What?' her brows crinkled, a feeling of dismay looming over her features. Just as she was supposed to meet with kakisa and disclose her suspicions about the Kunwar, this interruption had cropped up! Now, what could the Royal family of Manswar want with her - that too, a few hours before the ceremonies? And why at the 'Sabha' of all places? 'Bajrang, I am getting ready...' she informed, trying not to fret herself into a frenzy 'so please let them know that I shall be with them, as soon as I am dressed...'

Suddenly, a series of muffled arguments were heard from the entrance, as though her response had given rise to some form of a banter in the corridors.

'What is it?' Heera asked 'What is going on?'

'Baisa...' A man eventually yelled over the commotion - it was a voice she'd never heard before 'I have been sent by the Ranasa and Ranisa of Manswar... I have a message to convey... but your guards are not letting me speak...'

'Oh' she sighed 'Daya banna... Bajrang... please let him speak...'

'Thank you, baisa...' the messenger instantly acknowledged, almost with an air of impudence in his tone 'The Ranasa and Ranisa of Manswar want you to arrive at the Sabha, alone... which is why they have sent me to escort you... and they want you there NOW, baisa!'

'What?' gasped the ladies in the room, stunned by that audacious order.

But Heera was silent, her fingers instinctively moving to the bottom of her throat. If she'd been trying to stay calm until a moment ago, she couldn't do so any longer. She looked up at Gauri for some form of reassurance, but the chief-maid appeared to be rendered speechless by the perplexing situation too.

This message was not the kind of message that a king and queen would send to their future daughter in law. There was an evident disrespect in its undertone - as though she was about to be persecuted for something. No wonder Daya banna and Bajrang hadn't wanted her to hear the message directly!

Heera glimpsed down at her state of undress, her frowns gradually beginning to reflect shades of humiliation and disapproval 'Give me half an hour...' she paused 'or at least quarter hour... and I will be at the Sabha...'

'But baisa...' the messenger immediately countered 'Ranasa and Ranisa are not prepared to wait till you dress yourself to perfection... they have a few questions to ask, and they want you there AT ONCE! Forgive me...' he quickly added 'these were their words, not mine!'

Edited by lashy - 8 years ago