NOVEL~*Hiding behind a Stranger*~THREAD 25~CHAPTER 30 upd 24th MAR - Page 106

Originally posted by: lashy

Bindup... dq-giri, hugs, baby, babloo, khaanaa, peena, mauj, masti, drooling, dreaming all that's allowed... but, seriousness strictly not allowed here!

Originally posted by: pandrangijyothi

thank you...dear...🤗

And one more thing...I missed one more picture to add in this collage

there is no need for you to request me dear... 😉

Originally posted by: Shivangi28

Both the pics are/were equally mesmerizing Akka Darling ! 😳

Chapter 30

The midmorning was crisp. The sun would soon reach its brightest - the couple of hours in a day when light actually seeped through the thickness of the undergrowth to light up the murky forest floor.

Rays of light so dynamic that they managed to dissolve a few shades of darkness from the horrible night. And with few shades of darkness dissolved, lifted some of the fog that'd clouded both, her mind and her eyes.

>> As always..Beautiful description of the similarity between the Nature and The Baisa !How these horrible nights so aptly resembles the situation of her mind and how the confusing clouds are cleared by the ray of light. 👏

After several moments, she acknowledged their greeting with a cursory nod. Earlier, these were men she'd had genuine regard for. Today, they were merely various faces of the enemy! 'Salaam...'

>> Ouch!!

'I... I meant... when do you think we might be able to make a move from these woods?'

A cynical smile softly curved her lips. The man had managed to keep his glances steady, but she didn't miss the hesitance in his voice.

And she was right.

As a soldier, give Ibrahim Mirza the toughest enemies to tackle - and he would do so fearlessly. As a diplomat, give him the toughest rivals to handle - and he would do so effortlessly.

However, dealing with his Master's displeased Lady made for a very awkward encounter indeed.

> Poor Ibrahim ... your hesitance is very well explained !Not everyone has the guts to indulge in an encounter with the master's DISPLEASED lady!😆

She touched her chin, as though deep in thought. 'Anyhow... since you gentlemen have asked... I suggest that your Sahib leave right away... go wherever he needs to go... why wait for tomorrow?'

>> What a straight sweet Taunt ! Surely she is THE Harka Baisa 😛

While the Parnagarhis were under the impression that their baisa was enjoying a light-hearted conversation with the Aidabadis..

>> I wonder what will be the reaction of the Parnagharis when they'll come to know about the interesting truths about the GOOD Aidabadis !!😛 Pairo tale zameen khisakna would be the correct line for that situation 😆

A short distance away... at the stream

With one hand holding up the large green cotton towel securely tied around her chest, she caught Dhani's arm for support with the other, and slowly stepped in. As expected, the soil underwater was stony and slippery - laden with moss throughout. So, she dipped the edges of her toes at first, then her ankle, then her legs, till she slowly reached waist-deep water.

>> I can imagine the beautiful Dainty form of the very beautiful lady !! 😊

Into its burning embers was thrown the cotton dress that she'd worn the night before - clothes which soon went up in flames.

'I'll teach you a lesson... I'll make you suffer...'

'I'll make you my slave girl!'

With the blaze of the flames imprinted upon her hazel pupils, she closed her eyelids and offered a prayer for young Gokul who'd sacrificed his life fighting that monster.

>> The horrible night ! Burning the clothes tells how disgusting she is feeling after that horrendous encounter with that extremely disgusting man. 😡

'Jiji...' She whimpered - it brought back everything. Holding her breath, she dunked her face into the stream, recalling her sister's last words -

'Harka Bai... you have to stay back and take care of all this when I'm gone...'

Yes, that was exactly what was happening. She was left behind, alone, taking care of everything - while everyone else from her life was gone! Gone!

Her parents were gone. Jiji was gone. Joy was gone. Home was gone. Godparents were gone. Everyone was gone.

>> You always have to add the painful lines na Akka 😡 This is so appealingly painful. 😭

Well then..My Dear Heera.. Not everything has GONE ! One unsolved puzzle ( as Kawsi Akka has mentioned 😉) is still there to engross your mind and let you forget all the pains behind !😳

Spreading the wet locks across to let them air-dry, Heera reclined against the flat face of the rock and looked upwards at the sky. Her wet skin glistened under the long beams of sunlight that bounced off, the water droplets beginning to slide down, little by little. She lay that way for a while, soaking in the warmth of the noon.

>> Yaaarrr Akka!! Kya script me thoda change nahi ho sakta tha ... Khan sahib would have come out of his slumber and went on to roam around the stream to refresh himself and .. u know..accidently ..umm.. yuhiii.. his eyes fell upon the Goddess lying on the rock with her wet locks spread all over n all !! 😃 😆 😆 Sorry if its sounding cheezy. These are the side-effects of hindi dramas !!😆 But the whole scene looks all the way mesmerizing!

The solitude was a welcome break - only ever interrupted when a light wind tickled her bare shoulders, or when her anklets made a gentle splash as her feet dangled sometimes above sometimes below the water level.

>>Jyothi Di's Pic Enchanting as I said !

she would've had to listen to Bindiya's endless poems in praise of 'Khan Sahib the saviour' - simultaneously being subjected to several questioning glares from Gauri!

>> I'm missing Bindiya and her Praise-wali Poems !😃 But not Gauri ..reasons well known 😛

'Baisa... we... we... we were already quite shaken when we identified this warrior, who'd appeared from nowhere to defeat Khalil... to be none other than our Sahib!'

>> Proud of you Dhani..Kya baat keh di ! You deserve a Star on this mention from teacher Shivangi- ' Our Sahib' Yaayy!! 😆

'And then?'

>> And then Baisa...there happened the most Dhamakedaar scene of the long lasting Climax- Hero carrying the heroine in his arms after breaking the bones of Villian !😎

'And then...' the maid's sentences slowed down further - into a near stammer 'and then to see you being brought in that way... carried by him... in his arms... everyone was left puzzled baisa... that's all...'

'What?'

Gone was the view of the beautiful sky above! Instead, new scenes had emerged in front of her eyes - images of how she must've been carried into the tent, in front of a bewildered audience. And images of who'd carried her in.

>> I wished the situations were different and you'd have went all crimson on this revelation Baisa But as we know..we have to wait for long to get that reply from you on HIS mention !😳

'you're fond of him, aren't you baisa?'

'NO!' her defensive NO had come quicker than it should have

>> Yesss!!

Ohkk.. we can again wait for that answer 😉

'Not cotton... I'll wear silk today...' countered Heera - as though a reminder of who she really was to both herself, and to the people around her.

>> And here comes our Royal lady !!

'Yes... maybe' she'd grudgingly admitted by the end of it.

Maybe this man who went by the title 'Ustaad' was not as evil as Khalil.

>> Maybe !! Not as evil as Khalil !! - It hurts !!😭

Moreover, it was the only means to avoid this unwanted wedding. The only means to shut him out of her life and home. Why, the alternate possibility literally sent uncomfortable shudders through her core - imagine sharing her home with the very man who'd mentored her sister's murderer. Imagine sharing her LIFE with him! Sacrilegious!

>> Ouch ! Again! 😒

Ohkk!! Its a matter of time and things will change...

As it is very difficult to hear this for my Khan Sahib.. No other Chara left than the above line to console my poor heart 😭😭

But the young lady was more than just a 'little' annoyed. 'Put up few more tents?' So THAT was his answer to her message? 'Comfortably settled down?' So THAT was his sly way of letting her know he wasn't leaving? 😆 😆

>>> Ohh yeahh!!! Now finally here is some space given to Khan Sahib. And look how Dashingly he has entered the conversation 😎

Maybe then, her next message shouldn't be so 'subtle'.

>> This Chitthi aayi hai - game is a welcomed refreshment! 😃

'Bedtime?' she replaced the veil on her head with a tired murmur 'And still no response from the Ustaad?'

.>> Intezaaar...😆

Dropping the sticks and stones that he'd been playing with, Azeez casually stood up 'Salaam Sahiba...'

>> And here is THe most Azeez of all- Azeez !! Oh ! Correction- Shruti's Azeez ...as it is formally declared !😆

'Yes, the poor man IS exhausted' scoffed Azeez,

- his features turning grave, as he stole a quick peek at her expressions through the veil. He wanted to be sure the Sahiba was listening to him, and that she understood precisely what he was trying to convey

>> Aww my Chote miyan- A true student to his master !🤗

She'd put him in his place - since it wasn't very nice of him to intrude in her personal matter that way.

>> 😒

Not that Azeez had intended to upset her. If anything, he respected the Sahiba immensely. And he could imagine how angry and cheated she must be feeling.But just this once, he couldn't let go of the opportunity to speak up in support of his Sahib.Especially after he'd met the master, on his return from their encounter.Khan Sahib being Khan Sahib never let it show. But from the masked grief in his voice, Azeez knew - the armour might be heavy, but the man inside was crushed. And as a close witness of the hardships that the Sahib had endured for her sake - Azeez believed he was obliged to help the Sahiba realise that she wasn't the lone sufferer in this story. 'Khuda Hafiz, Sahiba'

>> So true ! Azeez- That's the reason you are a Darling and my personal favorite 🤗 Your immense and Selfless love for sahib and respect for his sahiba is commendable ! Love ya Chote Ustaad !😳

Even later... at midnight... > The Dreamy sequence begins...

'Hmmm' The young man sniffed in the air, slowly and deeply. The scent of wet Earth 'Lovely'. Mixed with the fragrance of wild flowers 'Divine'.

>> Had never imagined Khan Sahib speaking/thinking words like Divine and lovely !! A TREAT !!😳

Just as divine as it felt to be able to have a couple of meals without being interrupted. As divine as it felt to be able to wake up from sleep refreshed, and not because he'd broken out into cold sweats from haunting nightmares.

>>> Aaahaa!! This was so needed. A peaceful sleep, uninterrupted meal..Things Sahib rarely enjoy ! Thank you Akka Sahiba for sparing him a Sukoon Bhari Neend after ages !😆

Nevertheless, when he woke up, he welcomed this bizarre one-off occurrence - in fact, celebrated it with a delicious hot supper - and then strolled off to the stream for a midnight swim.

>> ☺️

Now, after an invigorating bath, as he sat with his chest exposed to the naked flame of a campfire, waiting for his muscles to soak in the heat, waiting for his skin to absorb the medicinal oils, Akbar was a new man - with half the pain gone. Every so often, when a gust of wind would blow past, the hair on his body would stand on end, and his skin would twitch, complaining of the cold. But, he didn't mind the sweet torment of the chilly breeze that the dead of night brought with it.

>> ☺️ ☺️ ☺️ This was an unexpected TREAT you gave writer. No I don't want to say anything more regarding this para... *Dreaming*

Just like how he didn't mind the sweet torment that came from reading her spiteful message, by the soft fuzzy light of the campfire.

>> 😉 It has its own joy, isn't it... to answer the nakhraas of your precious one.😳

With a faint smirk, Akbar put the scroll down and pushed a few twigs of firewood in - the crackling flashes of light reflecting the brilliance of his sharp features.

>> Whatt!! SMIRK !!!! It felt like after ages I've heard this line in context of Khan Sahib. I think... last time he smirked while eating the laddu..😛 Isn't it ?

Well well...This chapter has become all the more Awesome as it holds so many WOW! moments in it. And the Smirk was the show stopper ! ❤️ 🤪

She might have a hundred reasons to want him to leave, but his one reason to stay within Parnagarh outweighed it all!

>> Bang on !!😎

He grabbed a towel and rubbed it brusquely around the wet tips of his wavy auburn locks, realising he needed some time to come up with a fitting reply for her twisted ploy to keep him out of Parnagarh 'we'll see what happens tomorrow...'

>> NO.. I'm not saying anything ... * Dreaming again *

She was very sleepy.

She would drift into deep sleep soon.

>> 😆 😆 Cute !!

'All those nights, our Sahib used to stay awake, to keep watch over us... when it was his turn to nap, he couldn't sleep if he tried...'

God! She pushed the blanket back down to her waist. Quarter hour later, and suddenly it was too hot!

Twisting to her right, she adjusted her shoulders and found herself a new comfortable position, still refusing to open her eyelids.

She was very sleepy.

She would drift into deep sleep soon.

>> 😆 😆 Cute !! Cute !!

'He couldn't sleep if he tried... despite his body crying for rest... not till he was sure you were safe'

'Fine...' she briefly gave up tussling with the blanket 'let him eat to his heart's content... sleep for an entire week, if he must... I've sent a clear message... if he doesn't respond, there's nothing I can do about it... I'll be on my own way soon... but, what if...' her eyelids opened, staring in silent worry at the black outlines of her tent's roof 'well... if he continues playing these mind games... these underhanded tricks and plots... then... then... I'll deal with it, as it comes... '

>> Aww !! A 16 Year old..that what she is.😳 Her antics are equally cute as her tussles with both the Blanket and the man in her thoughts !😆

As she'd somehow come to guess, no reply came that morning either.

Nor that noon.

>> Intehaan ho gayi..intezaar ki..!! 😉

"Respected Sahiba,

I hope you have rested well. I received your message and read it with interest, though I must admit that I cannot agree with all the terms enlisted in it.

If you have time to spare, please visit my humble dwelling now, and we can discuss it formally.

Regards,

Akbar Mahmoud Khan"

>> 😆 What an answer to the Two days wait !!

'He could've easily elaborated everything in a longer letter... and be done with it...' she hissed - till she recalled the calluses in his hand.

>> Ahem! She remembers !😳 Compensated all the Ouches !!

'Everyone's busy... no one will notice anything, if you slip outside with your walking stick quietly...' she muttered 'and if the ladies ask, I'll give them the excuse that you wanted to step out for a stroll... as for the guards, they know how to remain discreet...'

'Thank you...' Heera patted Dhani's hand

>> Thank you Dhaani 🤗 You're a sweetheart !😃

See you in about 10 days time!

>> NOW ... I have serious issues with the above line 😡 You know..how many enteries of her in his tent ..I had imagined by then and suddenly all crashed !🤢

Why it has to be always a 10 days wait..

And then about the Teaser ...

His posture... Business-like Posture and the words ..

Her smirks and Imaginations ... 😃😃 Can't wait...!

Thank you for the Lovely Chapter Akka !🤗

Originally posted by: binduprasad41

Good Morning sachu patti and all my lovely friends

Have a beautiful day ahead 🤗

Originally posted by: Kalgi22

I'm sorry you don't trust me,

i wish,

i wish you could,

it hurts me to see you this way,

just trust me please just trust me,

i wont leave you,

i wont abandon you,

just trust me is all i ask.

I know you've been hurt before,

abandoned in all ways,

your spirit tells me of a story,

of much harder days,

i know its hard for you right now,

but i love you just the same,

i know your distrust was partially my fault,

and I'm partially to blame...but just...

Trust me,

because.i.

Love. you,

and there is nothing in this world,

that could change me,

you know how i do

So just trust me,

i wont let your words fall on deaf ears,

and i promise to keep you in my heart,

right here.

please...

just finally..

after all this time...

please...

just trust me...

~~Sandra jacks

Originally posted by: --cute.manasi--

Originally posted by: Shivangi28

Ohhh Ohhh Ohhh!! Kawsi AKKA !😉 *Shivangi bowing down and offering you salute* 😆 Tussi te kamaal kar ditta oye ! 👏 Suppa good Saaransh of Harka Baisa's Tough- and- Tender Journey ! 😳

What beautiful lines !

Originally posted by: Shivangi28

'Jiji...' She whimpered - it brought back everything. Holding her breath, she dunked her face into the stream, recalling her sister's last words -

'Harka Bai... you have to stay back and take care of all this when I'm gone...'

Yes, that was exactly what was happening. She was left behind, alone, taking care of everything - while everyone else from her life was gone! Gone!

Her parents were gone. Jiji was gone. Joy was gone. Home was gone. Godparents were gone. Everyone was gone.

>> You always have to add the painful lines na Akka 😡 This is so appealingly painful. 😭

Well then..My Dear Heera.. Not everything has GONE ! One unsolved puzzle ( as Kawsi Akka has mentioned 😉) is still there to engross your mind and let you forget all the pains behind !😳

Originally posted by: lashy

Bindup... dq-giri, hugs, baby, babloo, khaanaa, peena, mauj, masti, drooling, dreaming all that's allowed... but, seriousness strictly not allowed here!

Bond 🤗

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