NOVEL~*Hiding behind a Stranger*~THREAD 30~Chapter 35-UPD JUN 2nd - Page 36

Originally posted by: lghosh

👍🏼Okay, brace yourself Author Sahiba for my outpour! You asked for it and here it is! Took me ages to type it! 😃

I loved your line Prejudice over politeness'! It was also her journey once when she was betrayed and which she is slowly overcoming! Her prejudice remained over his intentions but she was always polite to him outwardly! Heera's clever manipulation for her Khan Sahib to the furniture maker was a treat to start with! Whatever equation she might have had, in front of the world they are an united front! I admire AMK's intelligence but I respect Heera's intelligence more because of her age. He is still 25 and you can expect him to be clever and manipulative being an intelligent officer and in the profession of espionage but Heera at such a tender age is at par with him is more than applaudable! 👏

Just like she knows his intentions, thought processing similarly he also knows her little trepidations, anger, nervousness or frustrations. They both can read each other so well! He knew the brave front she was putting up in facing the merchants when she was all tensed up inside and the steady look he gave her was not only to see through her but also to assure her in his own way. No wonder she felt the comfort in looking at him amongst those merchants! Little pleasure goes a long way! 😳 These little feelings the cognitive mind doesn't register but the tangible body unknowingly does! 😊

I am happy he was not rude and offered her a seat! 👍🏼 Loved the gesture of chivalry! It served a dual purpose! It was also to make the merchants pay respect to her even when they didn't intend to. What a clever way to do that! He stood up offering her a seat which will automatically make the others stand up in respect! That was a bravo move from certain someone'! 👏 And look at the reward that earned him! Not only he earned a smile from her but also the feeling of being His Lady of the house! His Lady! Aai haii! Sigh!

Other than the clever manipulations and ingenious means of AMK to prevent Parnagarh from being completely dug up and shovelled for mining what caught my attention was again the image of united front to the world! 👍🏼 He was so confident of her intelligence, he knew even if she had no clue of what he intended to convey to the merchants, he knew she will follow through and get his objective and most importantly he knew she will play along with him! And sure enough, she walked every step next to him without stumbling, on her own without any outward faltering! 👏 All the doubts were swept aside and so beautifully she played with his ideas. At least one prediction of mine came true! They are hands in glove couple, made for each other, in their wit, intelligence, ego, belief, respect, feelings and emotions! They read each other like a book, they grasp each other's moods and intention so correctly and in a cognizant manner, they play along as a couple in front of the world showing their marital bliss and togetherness is way more concrete than religious beliefs. 👍🏼

My, this man was a master at such games. Exactly my sentiments! 😆 He is a seasoned player, he even manipulated the Shehzaade for his benefit in a straight poker face, then who are these mighty merchants?!! Also, Heera is getting to know his layers slowly! And the more layers will be peeled the more intrigued she will be! Oh for the first time willingly they sat next to each other without any hesitation! Sigh!!

Okay first of all Khan Sahib was amused by her cautious query and secondly aai hai, phir se main mar jawaan, look at the confidence he has on her! What I liked here was their plan was not a selfish one with their own well being in mind but they did this together to save the valley, its pristine beauty, the houses and farmlands of the people! And the perfect understanding between these two! One thinks, the other knows and then comes the hand in hand performance! 👏

Every time I read about the Intelligent way he handled these merchants it simply blows me away! He knew she wants to know a little bit more about his plan and the perfect charade they carried out in front of these merchants was amazing! Love the subtle and little conversation on the terraced balcony! I liked how he kept away and gave her the reigns to talk to the merchants! He has his reasons and he knew he might be away soon on another mission and she has to carry on without relying on him. Also, he is conservative but he is unbelievably liberal for his time and age too and that is commendable! 👏 I wish there were men like him even in this day and age who has respect and tolerance for other's beliefs and independence, specially women's!

It was highly interesting to read about his ponderings about his home! Nothing is home to him, not even Aidabad and this is because of his lack of belonging! For his personal deficiency, he wants to make sure hundreds of others doesn't become homeless! That was so insightful and sensitive! The day both their hearts, body and soul become one, Parnagarh will become his Home as well! Right now his heart is knocking at her entrance of her heart! It is ajar but not completely open yet, once it is completely open he will make a proper entry to his Home too! And then that Home will be for keeps. 😃

And in his ponderings, the highlight for me was his love for Bahadur and his horses! Bahadur is not only his pet but his child! He has such an awesome bond with him. Love is only an understatement for what he feels for him he cherishes and treasures him and is mighty proud of him as well. 👏

I loved how he without saying anything in details just pointed his plan to her and the penny dropped for her! The whole realisation of his plan by Heera was such a wonderful revelation, bit by bit, piece by piece, part by part! And the marvel she felt at his game plan was more than awe! I am sure along with awe there was a mixed feeling of wonder, marvel, respect, admiration and with a coating of love which she couldn't show on her face for him to see! Simply Bravo! ⭐️

AMK used Shehzaade to deceive Shehzaade's men from getting the Valley for mining! That is called a PLAN OF DECEPTION, in capitals! And it deserves accolades! 👏 And a big part of that accolade should go to his pets as well! No one can question Shehzaade's personal likings or fascination and so everything was dealt, signed and sealed with without a question! And the way he made sure the courtesy that was offered to his Begum Sahiba was more respectable than their previous one was also a marvel to view! 👍🏼 Just the aura and name of Shehzaade does so much to all these people! In true sense, the Prince is the principal puppeteer but I can not undermine the intelligence of his Chief Intelligence Officer of going around his Huzoor's plan to give his Lady Love what she wants! He is an expert in skirting around issues without compromising his own agenda and that is why he is the CIO of Shehzaade and my 'Certain Someone'!! 😉😆

The emotions that were portrayed by Heera in realising AMK's master manoeuvre to save her people was immense in proportion and yet she conveyed her gratitude so simply, subtlely and superbly! Just 4 words and specially the address she bestowed brought the whole realisation to him regarding her change of attitude, feelings and emotions towards him! After so long on her own without any audience she addressed him as Khan Sahib from her heart...after Aidabad! After marriage sometime to others or in front of others she might have done it once or twice but not on her own like she did now, meaning it! This showed the prodigal husband is returning Home to her heart! The cracks and crevices in his Heart is getting healed and sealed and the surreal feeling of belongingness is dawning slowly in him! No wonder he was Happy and I am sure he must have dwelled in that feeling for a while because that is an emotion that has evaded him from his childhood! The almost smile and the amazement in his eyes was cherishable to me! This was a rendezvous indeed for the first time after their marriage! A memorable one!

There is a saying in Bengali, Jekhane Baagher bhoi sekhanei sondhye hoi', 😆 which means when you fear the tiger the most there is the inevitable dark evening that comes to loom over you also! The fear of lethal combination of unwanted Darkness along with the tiger's entrance in the scene! Poor AMK! Every time the unwanted secretive Truth he wants to avoid it simply spills in front of his Lady Love without his intention and he is left to face the outcome fending off his beloved's wrath and hurt! 😃

What I love about AMK other than 1000's of other reasons, which by now all of you know about, 😉😆 is the fact that he has an evergreen positivity in him! Every time something unwanted happens he always looks at the positive and tries to find a way to get out of the troublesome situation instead of pondering 'why me, why now'! He always is prompt to come up with Plan B! He is always, 'Okay it happened, now what to do, how to make the best of it', that is the first sign of being a successful human being not to mention the best CIO! No wonder he is The Samarth Singh...the highly capable one! 👏

What was most eye-opening to me was her anger was not for the Farmaan stolen but for the gift of her love being donated to strangers instead of cherished and devoured by her sole Stranger! 😉 And very rightly so, any girl will feel the same if her love was distributed away to gain a certain goal and purpose! But the reason of her hurt and anger I loved it here! It shows how much hold he has on her in spite of what she shows or feels! He captured her heart in Aidabad and she is still in captivation though she has tried to escape many times willfully but unwillingly her Heart has chosen its designated Home and it will not budge from its position! Again the understanding of each other these 2 shows at all times beats a lifetime of marriage! He knew what he should or shouldn't do and he knows what she likes and doesn't like! That is why it simultaneously becomes easy and difficult to commit a mistake and then rectify it because the other knows exactly why and how it was done and also the reasons and means of remedy! No surprises are left...but then again it is AMK, he is nothing but SURPRISE galore! So Heera please brace your mind, heart and soul, here he comes! 😉😃

If she has bestowed him with Khan Sahib' earlier the perfect means of returning that favor was his calling "Heera!! Aai haiii! I have imagined so many times his calling her Heera' but didn't think it will come like this so soon so endearingly and so effectively! It is resonating in my ears, his soft, hoarse, seductive, slurring, long drawn, whisper with the slight stress on 'r'! ☺️ There are many highlights to this chapter! First, Her regaining of her Khan Sahib, then the story of Ladoo and the significance of Samarth Singh, later his making her 'His Heera' and then the story of his silky whispering voice!

After the whole spilling of the beans scene with the story of Once upon a time there was one Ladoo...and it lived lovingly and happily ever after with the person intended' I found a new story and that is "The Journey of His Voice! It travelled from the back to her shoulders, up to her neck, passed to her ears and above and beyond her head leaving a lasting effect of thrill, endearment, happiness, shudder, enjoyment, treasure, cherishment, content, glow, warmth, belonging, appreciation, and finally a feeling of Love and being loved! The best part was the lingering mood it created by his words, tone and voice that left a hangover effect on her and me! 😆 There was no closure to his lines, the words were just left there, hanging to muse over in her ears for eternity! And the cherry on the icing was this line for me, "After he reached the top, he glimpsed over his back just once, a look of satisfaction rampant in his eyes. His simple and true confession did pay off, big time! He achieved his purpose, big time! 😉😃 I can so visualise his twinkling glowing look from up the stairs with the salute hanging in the air over her and his mouth forming a scintillating smile which tells a story of satisfaction and glory looking at his Begum Sahiba's surreal perplexed expression! Sigh! If anything can make me go weak on my knees this part is! The amazing confidence this guy has to win over his wife's anger is amazing! He knew what trick will work and he set the motion in action and came out victorious to the last letter! And guess what, he is completely inexperienced in the female arena, once he gains experience imagine his mode of operation then! 😉😆 I was surprised to see Heera was so strong to have kept standing on the staircase and her legs didn't give away! 😆

What a perfect ending! If Heera was not holding her breath I was and finally, I let it go because I couldn't hold it any longer because I was turning purple! 😆 It was so amazing and heart warming and sizzling and beautiful! 👏 Thank you author sahiba, for taking me into this journey of Love and the tale told by you so bewitchingly and captivatingly! Accolades are not enough, you deserve the crown! ⭐️

From yesterday I am roaming around with a foolish grin and can't seem to wipe it off, the effect of a slow voice' lingering in my ears! We have heard the deep baritone and now we hear the sexy whisper which not only shudders me to the bone but also left me agape at the wonders of a subtle, reclusive, introvert, private man's innate capability and flair to flirt so expertly and poignantly leaving a dark impression on my mind! 👏

Thank you once again, Author Sahiba for this unsurpassable achievement on your part and immense joy and satisfaction in mine! 👏👍🏼 You are a ⭐️ for every word you penned, for every emotion you stirred in me, for all the research you do, for every pain and effort you take to answer my and everyone's query, to create such magical stupendous characters that have started to reside with me 24/7 and to make me shudder and go dreamy every time I read your story and in inspiring me to imagine and feel them around me all the time! 👏👏👍🏼

The "endless sheets of glistening greens." That was the first image and words that came to mind as I saw the picture that started our journey in this chapter. Who had shared this beautiful sight through his eyes before? Perhaps, this was a subtle way that you primed my mind for the return of Samarth Singh.

And as Akbar looked with awe again at this "paradise", I stand with awe at the beautiful connectivity you weave across your chapters, from the greens to the ladoos to the conversations of the past. Every word seems to have a link and relevance to the future.

When I read the chapter, the theme that instantly came to my mind was a bridge - a bridge slowly forming between Heera and Akbar and their story. The word "bridge" also appeared a few times throughout the chapter. So with that, here is my take:

(1) The bridge of respect, with Heera standing for Akbar and the respect he deserved. As the chapter began, I was wondering what the measurements were for and why so much attention was given to the wood worker. Then suddenly we saw Heera dealing with this woodkeeper with indirect tact to make sure he did not short-change his work for the Mansabdar because of his bias against the Mughals.

This scene seemed also to be a reminder of the lurking misgivings people had on her marriage, likely that she still had herself. Yet, Heera was standing up for Akbar on her own inclination.

(2) The bridge of power, with our power couple, leading together: Over the last few chapters we have seen a subtle shift of how Heera, who felt she had lost her powers to Akbar, saw it gradually returning back to her. Last chapter it was with the accounts and today with a role in the deal with the merchants. At the same time Heera was lost in thought on the fate of her lands, or rather "his lands", she was called into the hall that was discussing its fate.

In the hall, it was Akbar who made sure that Heera received the respect she deserved as he stood up and welcomed her to share the helm by his side.

How sharply and smoothly they both played the merchants to believe the flatlands to be the best source of iron as Heera took cues from the lies coming from his calm face.

It was a beautiful foreshadow of how two strong leaders, who both loved Parnagarh, would lead for the welfare of their people together.

(3) The bridge of trust (even if emerging) as Heera had an "aha" moment on how Akbar had been planning to save the fields and people after all ... the horse stables. His intentions for Parnagarh may be true after all.

This was another beautiful moment- as even I, like Heera, had viewed the horse races and stables almost as fun and a frivolous diversion from the serious matters at hand in the last chapter. However, behind the horses laid the deeper meaning of the horse grounds, their size, their extravagance, and their stature as an armour between the miners and the people of Parnagarh. It was an amazing touch as I was as surprised as Heera as I had not understood the significance of them in the prior chapter.

(4) The bridge of familiarity: "Thank you Khan Sahib." Heera finally called him "Khan Sahib" again as she felt a natural gratitude for how he had saved the land and livelihood of her people.

Even Akbar had not expected the gratitude to come out in this way and was pleasantly surprised , hiding the smile that was urging to shine on his face.

Silly smile time, for me at least.

(5) The bridge of familiarity again: This time from Akbar.

I, and Akbar, expected the bridges of familiarity to crumble down as Heera put 2 and 2 together that her parting gift of ladoos to Akbar had been used to get access to the farmaan.

Yet, I was pleasantly surprised as this time Akbar did not defend his actions for his Shehzaade and his job. He did not make rational, logical appeals. He defended something closer to his heart- how precious that gift had been to him. How he clearly remembered every detail of the 11 ladoos and the pouch, which embodied his memories of her. How he had saved one for himself, how he had been selfish with food for the first time as it had been from her.

And so, very quickly he "bridged" at least part of the lost ground as Heera found herself struggling to remain upset. And how fitting he called her "Heera" as you described how he "bridged" the distance, both physically and emotionally.

And the last thought lingering with Heera is Samarth Singh, and that's the last thought that left me with a silly smile at the end of the chapter. Somehow, I can see Heera using this name playfully in the future? Now, if I am supposed to worry about this next mission that Akbar may be off to, I will worry about that later.

Thanks so much writer-e-khaas for a weekend treat! Somehow this chapter not only seemed to bridge our leads closer together, but also bridged beautiful little moments across the chapters- whether the green fields, the purposes of the horse stables and races, Samarth Singh, or the ladoos. Rarely does a detail or occurence you write go to waste as there is a deeper relevance to them that unfolds later.

A special mention to Chacha Jaan and his valiant attempt to try to derail the Vaid Kaka from spilling out the truth about Samarth Singh.

And one kostin- how does one smile a two-sided smile? Heera was at her smooth best there, though in the end Akbar may have had the last word in this chapter.

Originally posted by: lashy

Bindup dekha? And you were feeling worried about posting cocktail treat 😆

Hi shards , hope everyone is fine in your circle, be safe and please update us.

Originally posted by: lghosh

*And then remembering Mr. Lashy's face mode*

*And turning back to his Begum Sahiba mode*

🤣🤣🤣

🤣🤣🤣

Originally posted by: lghosh

Kawsi you are still in sanyasini mode doing 'Shiva, Shiva, Shiva'?? 😲 I thought after Aunty's picturesque post of various emotions you will be doing "Om Chandraye namah'!! 😆 Or is "Om Jalal e distractionaye namah' still more strong? 😉😆

Truth be told you love your 'souten' too much, more than Jalal you can't live without her! Are you listening Sandy begum? 😉 There you go, TRUTH is out! 😆

You're spot on Lana!! 🤣 If she makes a move to Jalal to Chandra only I can change my mind!! 🤣 Because I can't live without her.😒

Originally posted by: karkuzhali

Laddus play an important part in Chapter 25...

How did Lashy make this laddu?(Chapter?)

1. She took the main ingredient Besan flour, ( The past incidents in the lives of Akbar and Heera).

2. Sieved..and took the soft flour..( The relish-worthy Samarth Singh guise and the silk pouch with laddus)

3. The sugar needed for making laddus (their post marriage relationship..)

4. The oil to make boondis ( the meeting with the mine merchants)

5.Decided about the proper sugar consistency ( the coincidence of Akbar's visit when vaidkaka was blurting out)

6. Soaked the boondis in the syrup..( Akbar's clarification of the laddus - in- the - silk pouch gift incident..)

7. Added aromatic spices- mace, cardamom, clove. ( Her inner voice, his persuasion, his closeness to her, his last words, her smile..)

8. Made even sized balls according to the description by Akbar 'as he had noticed!' "Carefully handpicked..all of them the exact size..similar nuts and raisins.." ( The beautifully presented chapter with her writing style and wonderful know-how of the things she deals with her story!)

Karkuzhali.

Wow wow wow.. So delicious, Periamma!! My memories go to Jalal Periamma... Once upon a time when we relished the Laddus...

Originally posted by: divyavm

The "endless sheets of glistening greens." That was the first image and words that came to mind as I saw the picture that started our journey in this chapter. Who had shared this beautiful sight through his eyes before? Perhaps, this was a subtle way that you primed my mind for the return of Samarth Singh.

And as Akbar looked with awe again at this "paradise", I stand with awe at the beautiful connectivity you weave across your chapters, from the greens to the ladoos to the conversations of the past. Every word seems to have a link and relevance to the future.

When I read the chapter, the theme that instantly came to my mind was a bridge - a bridge slowly forming between Heera and Akbar and their story. The word "bridge" also appeared a few times throughout the chapter. So with that, here is my take:

(1) The bridge of respect, with Heera standing for Akbar and the respect he deserved. As the chapter began, I was wondering what the measurements were for and why so much attention was given to the wood worker. Then suddenly we saw Heera dealing with this woodkeeper with indirect tact to make sure he did not short-change his work for the Mansabdar because of his bias against the Mughals.

This scene seemed also to be a reminder of the lurking misgivings people had on her marriage, likely that she still had herself. Yet, Heera was standing up for Akbar on her own inclination.

(2) The bridge of power, with our power couple, leading together: Over the last few chapters we have seen a subtle shift of how Heera, who felt she had lost her powers to Akbar, saw it gradually returning back to her. Last chapter it was with the accounts and today with a role in the deal with the merchants. At the same time Heera was lost in thought on the fate of her lands, or rather "his lands", she was called into the hall that was discussing its fate.

In the hall, it was Akbar who made sure that Heera received the respect she deserved as he stood up and welcomed her to share the helm by his side.

How sharply and smoothly they both played the merchants to believe the flatlands to be the best source of iron as Heera took cues from the lies coming from his calm face.

It was a beautiful foreshadow of how two strong leaders, who both loved Parnagarh, would lead for the welfare of their people together.

(3) The bridge of trust (even if emerging) as Heera had an "aha" moment on how Akbar had been planning to save the fields and people after all ... the horse stables. His intentions for Parnagarh may be true after all.

This was another beautiful moment- as even I, like Heera, had viewed the horse races and stables almost as fun and a frivolous diversion from the serious matters at hand in the last chapter. However, behind the horses laid the deeper meaning of the horse grounds, their size, their extravagance, and their stature as an armour between the miners and the people of Parnagarh. It was an amazing touch as I was as surprised as Heera as I had not understood the significance of them in the prior chapter.

(4) The bridge of familiarity: "Thank you Khan Sahib." Heera finally called him "Khan Sahib" again as she felt a natural gratitude for how he had saved the land and livelihood of her people.

Even Akbar had not expected the gratitude to come out in this way and was pleasantly surprised , hiding the smile that was urging to shine on his face.

Silly smile time, for me at least.

(5) The bridge of familiarity again: This time from Akbar.

I, and Akbar, expected the bridges of familiarity to crumble down as Heera put 2 and 2 together that her parting gift of ladoos to Akbar had been used to get access to the farmaan.

Yet, I was pleasantly surprised as this time Akbar did not defend his actions for his Shehzaade and his job. He did not make rational, logical appeals. He defended something closer to his heart- how precious that gift had been to him. How he clearly remembered every detail of the 11 ladoos and the pouch, which embodied his memories of her. How he had saved one for himself, how he had been selfish with food for the first time as it had been from her.

And so, very quickly he "bridged" at least part of the lost ground as Heera found herself struggling to remain upset. And how fitting he called her "Heera" as you described how he "bridged" the distance, both physically and emotionally.

And the last thought lingering with Heera is Samarth Singh, and that's the last thought that left me with a silly smile at the end of the chapter. Somehow, I can see Heera using this name playfully in the future? Now, if I am supposed to worry about this next mission that Akbar may be off to, I will worry about that later.

Thanks so much writer-e-khaas for a weekend treat! Somehow this chapter not only seemed to bridge our leads closer together, but also bridged beautiful little moments across the chapters- whether the green fields, the purposes of the horse stables and races, Samarth Singh, or the ladoos. Rarely does a detail or occurence you write go to waste as there is a deeper relevance to them that unfolds later.

A special mention to Chacha Jaan and his valiant attempt to try to derail the Vaid Kaka from spilling out the truth about Samarth Singh.

And one kostin- how does one smile a two-sided smile? Heera was at her smooth best there, though in the end Akbar may have had the last word in this chapter.

What a treat morning itself... Lana's own chapter 35. 😉 😆 Lovely read, darling...😳