Writer-e-khaas,
As we had discussed, here I am with my "suda suda", fresh-off-the press take, just in time for your breakfast in three courses. If one eats chaat, paneer, and dessert for breakfast, but why not?
(1) The Chatpata Chaat: My instant reaction to the teaser for Chapter 43
My first reaction was "Poor Akbar." Here he is thinking that Harka may be spying and not trusting him, when the truth is anything but that. She now seems to understands him more than ever and wants to reach out to the hurt man under the tough exterior. It also shows how a mind of a spy can be biased in a certain way; because while he was able to read her tears, he could not read what was behind them. Further, there were enough distractions from the unfolding suspense, whether it was Azeez or Harka asking about the letter to her messengers. Now, when will our suspense and Akbar's be cleared?
As always, your Teaser does a great job keeping us on our toes.
(2) Moving on to the main entree: Take for Chapter 42
As we get excited with the Teaser for Chapter 43, let me not forget to share how I enjoyed Chapter 42.
What I felt throughtout the chapter, was "a grazing of the surface", where you could almost feel the touch but not the depth behind it- at least not quite yet.
(a) Harka could only "graze the surface" of Akbar's rough warrior form with her binoculars, it would take a bit longer to find out the injured heart behind that shining vest of strength.
(b) What Harka did from a distance, Akbar did from close quarters. Without a touch, he managed to "graze the surface" of the emotions and passions pent up between both of them. (And there were two interesting writing concepts I liked here- one was the analogy to the "games" and "dice" they both represented and Harka's observation that Akbar could pull two lovers apart, even when one of them was himself.)
(c) Harka began to "graze the surface" of her only true misgiving against Akbar: that he was loyal to the Shehzaade of all people. Now that it was out on the open, it was up to Akbar to answer but the complexities of his past remained tangled.
(d) As even Akbar would only "graze the surface" of his loyalties to his Shehzaade; his words stopped short, only to be completed by Chachajaan later (I can't wait for this portion Writer-e-khaas!; I really liked the early glimpse of it that you provided.)
(e) And the parting prayer and reassuring smile only would "graze the surface" of how much Akbar and Harka felt for each other's well-being and peace of mind. The teaser for 43 seems to suggest that this will reach further depths very soon.
I felt the way Chapter 42 was written was very unique- as everything intentionally stayed away from the depth that was about to unfold - the whole chapter lingered on the touch that never came. Will it come in Chapter 43? We shall all know hopefully shortly.
And so, what's left after the take for Chapter 42? An experiment of mine- which is typically desserts.
(3) The last course of dessert: you can choose the sweet of your choice here; but this is more of how your writing is such as inspiration and comes to life everywhere.
As I was listening to the "Ghoomar" song from Padmavati, I also was immediately drawn to the word "Bhaisa" just like you were. I also was drawn to a regal woman, sitting with high stature amidst them all. I immediately thought of Harka sitting in the midst, watching the dance with her head held high. And then I wondered, what if it was Akbar that was looking down at Harka instead of Shahid from the top. So, inspired by HBAS I wrote this OS about how for the first time Akbar doesn't feel like going on his mission. And from the teaser from 43, he may be actually kept away from his mission. So, here is the OS:
"A sound eminated. A sound that stopped him in his tracks. Was it a calling from within? It very well could have been.
"Bhaisa" echoed through in cheerful chorus. A heartfelt celebration for his "Bhaisa". His Sahiba.
His feet held him back. Even as he knew that he couldn't afford a moment's halt. His mind battled his heart. A lapse from him and he could lose the lead on his next mission. Something he could not afford to do.
But, something tugged him back. Was it that they were celebrating his Sahiba's favorite festival as a child? Was it that she was shining with his wedding gift adorned on her neck? Was it that he could not even imagine that smile disappear with news he had departed without a word?
How could a minute for himself do any harm? He could afford a view of the courtyard from the top passage before he slowly made his way out. The temptation won out.
And there she was. In her full splendor, sparkling smile, diamonds, and all. Her eyes were dancing along with the women twirling to the "ghoomar" song. And there she was in the middle with her head high as their beloved bhaisa and leader.
As his feet began to turn away from the revelry, Bindiya's mischief forced him back. Bindiya managed to pull an unwilling Harka into their midst. And despite all her protests, Harka joined them for a twirl. He knew she did so for their happiness. As her smile widened, as company, joined a little twirl of hair on her face. The same small set of stands that had challenged his own self control not too long ago. And they were threatening to do so again.
Suddenly, he shook himself. What had come over him? For the first time. For the first time, he let himself get distracted from a mission. A mission for the Shehzaade. What had come over him? What was this new feeling rising within him? Perhaps, a rising tide he himself could not keep at bay. He would have to. With an impatient nudge, he departed and was on his way."
So that was an experimental OS- an HBAs attempt in my writing style.
And there we go! That was the promised three course meal. I hope you enjoyed it Writer-e-khaas :)
Itti Si Khushi Sab TV
Bade Achhe Lagte Hain
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
