"Getting my hands on some important information.
Past sunrise, wait for me at the Hukkah joint beside..."
'Where is Faizan now? Is... my... informer... dead?'
At the Guest quarters, Aidabad..
Shaking off the stupor, Heera bent down and picked up the urn, holding it protectively close to her chest 'As a child, I was the one who used to like hiding in urns and planters... now you've been hiding in here all these days, jiji... maybe it's time, you came out...' she sighed with a heavy heart. Pulling her veil low, she eventually relented to fate and gave the ladies the order 'Let's leave'
The Stables..
...Watching her in a state so crestfallen - with drooping shoulders and head bent low - was not a pleasant sight. It was a striking reminder of how vulnerable she was now. A striking reminder of the grim reality behind her seven troubling words 'There have been threats to my life.'
Akbar turned away, a faint tug toying with the hollows of his chest. A tug that was more than just plain bystander's sympathy. A tug that encompassed a confusing mix of emotions - some of which he understood, like pity, empathy and guilt. But some of which he couldn't even begin to understand.
Manaswar..
He leaned back, majestically crossing his right leg over the left 'Everything has worked out favourably though... and I shall soon be getting what I've wanted all along...' his brow gradually rose into a proud frown, a faint smirk emerged at the corner of his lips 'Parnagarh!'
"Today, Harka Bai is the sole owner of a land that is more precious and powerful, than status or prestige... a land that'll help me gain great authority at court... probably help me cut a deal with the Shehzaade... so... I tell myself, that I'm doing this for a greater good...''
"Apart from being the most stunning lady I've come across... Harka Bai is humble and meek... a combination that is difficult to turn down... which means, it would be easier for me to take ownership of Parnagarh with Harka by my side, than it would have ever been with Durga... so if anything, these turn-of-events have actually worked out in my favour... for which, I must thank the old man...'
...
..After all, she was his prized courtesan "Get me a drink!"
'I hear you will be wedding the beautiful younger sister... does that mean you'll forget me, when the new bride arrives?'
Her question compelled Mahendar to grin through the drink he was sipping 'Now THAT depends... entirely on you...'
Chapter12. Theft in Haveli-Enquiry, Trial and Judgement!
'Why are we inviting Mughals for this lunch... when it's a traditional feast, in honour of Durga baisa?'
This being the first instance that she was hosting such a significant occasion by herself, Heera was supervising the arrangements with remarkable efficiency, as expected..
The Main Haveli..
'Did you do a count, Ibrahim?' he asked
'Yes...'
'And how much is missing?'
'60 silver coins... the red pouch is missing!'
...
'Sayyid... Azeez... his brother will either be at his house... or at the shop... you'll find the 60 silver coins with him... drag him here... and the truth will be known ... quick!'
"Did you assume that since I wouldn't be home this morning, your crime would go unnoticed?''
...this was just another day, just another incident, in the dangerous life that he led.
Chapter 13. Bitter memories of Akbar's childhood
Guest quarters..
Heera went on to reveal the significance of the 13th day feast to the Mughal man, concluding her explanations with a personal invite 'And that is why I would like you to come, Chacha Sahib'
'This morning, Akbar had an accident when he was out on some work... Bahadur's been injured gravely...' he paused 'Our Hakim is away, in a distant town... would you be able to take a look at the horse for us, Sahiba?'
At the Stables..
'Harka Sahiba?'
It was the first time he'd taken her name - and my, had he done it with flair. A short sigh later, she turned around 'Yes?'
The man was facing the direction of his injured horse 'You may go ahead... and examine Bahadur...' he announced.
'We are hosting a feast in honour of my sister this noon, Khan Sahib...' she mentioned cordially 'you are welcome to join us...'
Main Haveli..
He was absolutely famished.
However, when he got to the kitchens, there was nothing.
The pots sat in their corners, untouched. The plates hadn't been moved from their shelves. There was no sign of food anywhere. Not a single morsel. Not even of leftover bread.
'So you weren't joking when you said, you've grown tired of cooking for me, Chacha jaan?'
His flashback..
Many years ago, a boy used to stand the same way in the empty kitchens of his Abbu's mansion, his weakened shoulders leaning against the wall, while his eyes scoured the place for signs of food..
Yet, no one would care.All, except one - Abbu's old servant, who swept the kitchens.
'Chacha jaan...' the 12 year old would smile with gratitude ever so often 'when I grow older and become a big man... I'll take you away with me... I'll care for you... and I promise... I'll eat no one else's food, but yours... I've become so used to your delicious dishes...'
( Will continue..)
Karkuzhali.
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
Bade Achhe Lagte Hain
CID
