NOVEL~*Hiding behind a Stranger*~THREAD 42 CHAPTER 47- Updated APR 7th

The night was clear and cool with a crisp air blowing! The stars glowed and the moon shone brightly in the sky! The constellations had their own story to tell! It looked like they were huddled in a group all whispering to each other gazing at the beautiful sight down below. One by one they winked at each other from the canvas of the darkening sky! The mortals always stargaze but the stars today are gazing down at the beautiful couple working together making the moon and stars envious! The constellation is focusing on their nucleus but instead of the nucleus being in their supernal sphere it seems to have descended on Earth and the stars are gathered together admiring their center of attraction from up and above from their heavenly home!

The man is extremely well built with chiselled features, a shapely mouth with a pointy sharp nose and dark brown eyes hidden under thick curly eyelashes which glisten encompassing in and around everything surrounding him but saying that it can be seen his eyes has a special mellow effect for his soulmate who is with him. Whenever he glanced at her the softness in his eyes tells of another tale! The lady with him was the center of his entire attention and even if one didn't know it can be estimated that she held a special place in his heart! In fact, she resides in his heart! She held the key to his heart and he savoured this feel of subjugation to her.

He had a physique which makes men to gawk and women to swoon for. He had wavy auburn hair which made his face all the more handsome encasing it. When the wind blew and his hair blew along with it, it was a sight to die for! And when his groomed hands took it upon them to discipline the hair it presented another handsome sight! The shapely fingers pulling the hair back from his face making the features clearly visible and it ended up in combing all the way down his cheeks over the beard outlining his face! And he had the most elegant style beard, which went in a thin line around the edges of his jawline instead of covering his whole cheeks which made him look beyond elegant and sophisticated. Not to mention for his nemesis, the gait was a death contract walking towards their pitfall but to his admirers, the very sight was like whetting one's appetite after a period of starvation! But he didn't care, neither for any praises nor for any censure! He did what suited him, what convenienced him for his espionage work, what made him elusive and non-striking and stealthy but said that, looks are after all trademark inheritance that cannot be undermined! And his fair complexion which though looks sunburnt but it nevertheless gave him a manly trait to his overall aura that made him stand out amongst several!!

The lady love was beautiful beyond compare. She had doe shaped beautiful hazel eyes which had an intelligent look in them. They looked so made for each other. She was extremely fair with a pinkish hue and her features from her small chiselled nose to her petaline lips...all seemed that the Lord had taken special time and care when he was creating her. She was petite but very feminine in her small frame with her shapely figure and the jewel in the crown was the culture and refined elegance that defined her personality. She too was fully aware of him working near her to prep for dinner. Both knew and realized of each other's presence very acutely but for the time being both preferred in performing their tasks on their own without much conversation!

He catered to her, made sure she was okay, she was comfortable, she was well looked after...in every single aspect he made certain that she is warm and cosy. He got a seat for her to put on the rock where she sat! But the nice thing is he didn't go overboard in displaying his affections. He didn't show to the world or to her even that he is doing anything special for her. He is not much of a displayer of emotions or a proficient with words. Silence speaks volumes and it is apt for this Man who goes around doing everything silently with meaning and sincerity! His actions do the talking for him and fortunately, his Begum comprehends and appreciates him to the hilt.

They have a tent set up and both are outside with a bonfire burning! On top of the fire is a pan all ready for cooking and preparation of some dish is going on. Heera was sitting on a flat rock thinking of the sight they viewed for the canal project. Khan Sahib sent her a message in the morning that they will go to view the location another time before he contracts the muqannis to work on it. He asked her to be ready by noon but he himself came later in the afternoon and after setting out late their return journey also got delayed. He apologized for being late because he got stuck in the village for some work. After showing and discussing the whole blueprint to her and the areas to be worked upon for digging the canals they started their return journey. It was way too dark and he saw Heera was straining her vision to see further and the moment Khan Sahib saw that he simply stated he will set up a tent for the night. Heera was not too keen but she knew it was pointless to argue with him. Once he makes his mind up he will not budge from his views and specially when it comes to her health condition and comfort he will not compromise on anything.

Heera wondered looking at the display of ingredients, rice, spices and vegetables, did he already plan on camping overnight? Come to think of it, he even had the tent all ready to be set up, the pans and other stuff he had with him! When he took the second horse she first thought it was for her. But he made sure she was riding with him on Bahadur! Now she realizes the other horse was for carrying these necessities! Was it the gift she asked for winning the chaupar game? She didn't say anything but watched him deftly moving around doing the necessary preparation. He has got the pan on top of the fire and she can see the water boiling. He washed the rice and was going to put it in. She ventured to assist. He with a faint smile stated it is his privilege to make something for her. On her persistence, he grudgingly obliged and asked her to help in cutting and chopping some of the vegetables.

Heera took the peas and shelled them from the pods and then got the carrots chopped into small pieces. After that, she took the onion and started chopping it! Ooohhh!! That stings! Her eyes started to water! She wiped her eyes with her elbow and squeezed her eyes shut to stop the tears from oozing out! Here AMK after stirring the rice in the pan put the lid back on. He stoked the fire a little for the flames to reach high up to speed the cooking process. A sudden movement from the corner of his eyes caught his attention. He saw his Begum Sahiba is trying to squeeze her eyes while chopping the onion and the burn is making her eyes water. He simply went and took the knife away from her hands and the onion to do the job himself!

Heera looked up with teary eyes and protested! But not a word was heard! He kept doing what he did and got the job done in less than no time. He went and got her a jug of water and helped her splash some in her eyes. She felt so much better! She asked if she can help in any other way and he simply said nothing else is required. But at her insistence he let her mix some water into the saffron strands. While she was at it all of a sudden very quietly she heard him murmur near her ears, "The saffron matches your veil! And the embers of this fire is playing in the hazel of your eyes reflecting the flames of your spirit burning within. It is a treat for the beholder! Heera turned crimson in colour hearing him compliment her so, in that deep whisper which sends a shiver down her spine. For him, it is no less divine to see his reflection in her eyes engulfed in the warmth of her love ready to spill. This not only thrills him but satiates his yearning, longing, desire and thirst as well! Taking a dip in them purifies his soul and his entire being! To him she is not only beautiful but also a shy enigma, his enigma to solve for life!

She smiled and looked up at him. "You are not so immune as well! The flames are playing with its colour on your hair too making it look more redder than ever! She simply ran her fingers through his hair! She loved the feel of it when she caressed his hair like that! All he said was Hmmm' but the pleasure in his voice was quite evident! Her curious mind finally voiced her query which she had in mind for a long time now. "Khan Sahib, did you plan all this from beforehand? It seems you have everything ready, right from the rice to veggies, to spices to the pots and pans. I thought we will only go to see the site and return. She could see the gleam in his eyes and the faint smile lighting up his face! After a while, in that rich baritone he answered, "For the first time my Begum Sahiba wanted something from me. I had to make sure she gets her gift all wrapped in fragrance, taste and visual delight. She has a special flare in procreating aromatic wonders herself! So I had to make sure she is satisfied with the end product! That is why I took some extra special measures in cooking this dish tonight. Yes, I had all the ingredients packed beforehand and the tent supplies and logs for the fire all packed before leaving. Hope you like the end result. She simply felt elated from within, he did all this for her!

With a pleasing smile, she helped in putting the veggies for sauteing! She went to get the dry chillies. But when it came to the dry cillies to crush and put in the veggies he did it himself! And she immediately knew why he did it himself! He wouldn't let the dry chilli flake even accidentally reach her eyes! She luxuriated in his minute attention and care! But it was all subtle, neither did he say or showcased much nor did she made a big deal out of it! The veggies were added to the rice and after a while, the pilaf was all ready! He added the saffron in the end and the aroma spread for miles! It was not only the aroma of the food but it was the fragrance of his care, love, attention that he showered on her. Truly she made him complete in every way and he was happy and thanked the Lord for gifting her to him!

Finally, the pilaf was ready to be sampled. He served her first being the guest of honour for his dinner engagement. Then he took some on his plate. Being the perfectionist he is, he made sure all was wrapped back to its place and excess was covered and kept aside. It was a captivating ambience. Having dinner together just the two of them, under the clear blue skies where the twinkling stars are stretching out to the coast of this infinite universe, and down below with nothing but the glow and warmth of the bonfire in front, playing in the undertone of its fiery flames on them making them look ethereal, a cozy tent behind them flapping its opening in the wind inviting them to be within its core and the sound of the crackling logs burning to give them company! Both of them quietly relished the food and each other's company in silence in the lap of nature.

He looked up to see her eating the pilaf in relish. He knew she was enjoying it. He deduced easily it was more than the taste she was enjoying his efforts, his planning, his granting her request with all his feelings of affection, love and care and most importantly the opulence of each other's company. And the ingredient that stands out the most in the dish he cooked up for her was, his Love. Finally, he asked, "So how is it? Is it up to your expectations? She smiled and after finishing the mouthful she responded, "This is more than a royal dish to me. I have never tasted so good a pilaf before. But if you are asking whether it meets with my expectations or not, well I can't say because I have no previous experience to compare it with. Someone apparently did not offer me his cooking last time when he invited me to his tent. He laughed heartily!! "Would you have accepted if I offered you my cooking on that night? She nodded but seeing his expressions she knew she was caught! Very bravely she voiced looking at him in coy defiance, "You should have offered me after putting up such a massive show of cooking and carving that ladle. That did leave a deep impression on my mind of your culinary expertise. Whether I would have accepted it or not...well, that is for you to guess and for me to know. This time the laughter poured from his heart and reached his eyes! She joined him too.

After a while, he remarked, "So...for all this effort I need to be rewarded. Hmmm? So what am I going to get in return? Heera raised a quizzical brow looking at him wondering where is this leading to! She voiced sceptically, "Khan Sahib are we going to go round and round in chain of giving gifts? His expressions though somber but his eyes had that gleam of mirth reflecting in them. He nonchalantly commented, "Is it fair on the part of Mansabdar of Parnagarh's Begum Sahiba to dodge giving any gifts in return? She sighed in disbelief. "What do you want Khan Sahib? Her curiosity got the better of her! He looked at her for a long time as if adjusting his thoughts in his minds before voicing them. After a while of staring intently at her face, he finally expressed, "When we got married it was all under a stressful experience! Neither were you in a mood to give and neither was I in any mood to receive or even expect anything for that matter. It was a convenience that we both agreed upon. Our suhaag raat' is a distinct memory where you simply coiled back every time I even went near you. Your fear, apprehensions, trepidations all reflected in your eyes. I was taken aback by your breathtaking beauty but couldn't even dare to appreciate that in leisure, couldn't dare to admire you openly, couldn't dare to look in your eyes and welcome you in my heart and life, couldn't even voice the longing of my heart. I want to go through all that...all over again. I want to see you again decked up in a bride's attire like you were on that night. How you walked into my life and changed it forever and this time with no abhorrence or fear showing in your eyes but just the feelings dwelling in your heart for me. I want to see the Love you have for me in your eyes in your dulhan' attire. Can you gift me that apparition Heera? She is the one who brought him out of his black hole and illuminated him in the glory of love, he wants to retrace back to the day when the journey commenced for them thus shrouding them in the aura of their romance. But He has been the pillar of rock for her, her knight who saved her from the mouth of death, her saviour who took her out from the hands of peril and gave a life of peace, respect, stability, luxury and love! How can she deny anything to him?

By now Heera's vision was all blurry because of the tears that welled in her eyes. "Oh...Khan Sahib! She almost choked on her words. He could see how emotional she was. He quietly went and put his plate down and took her's from her hands and put it down as well. He simply pulled her up from her seat and hugged her to his heart! He knew she was as emotional as he felt at that moment. She rubbed her face on his chest and her hand went to his chest listening to the steady heartbeats which kind of beats in a rhythm reiterating his love for her. Almost in a muffled tone she uttered, "Main Rab se yehi dua karti hoon ki aap surakshit rahen, aur aap mere paas aise hi mehfoos rahe...hamesha! (I pray to the Lord to keep you safe, to keep you secure with me like this...forever.) All he did was put his chin on top of her head enclosing her in his arms in a tighter embrace, rubbing her back warmly and heavily muttered, "Aur mera bandagi kab mera Khuda ban gaya yeh mujhe maaloom hi nahi pada! (And I didn't realize when my prayers itself became my Lord.) More tears welled up in her eyes listening to his chaste confessions! She is his prayer, and that prayer has become his holy Lord! He felt her face deepening in his chest snuggling for more room and he is ever ready to give shelter to her in his heart after all that is where she dwells...permanently! It was idyllic to realize how two souls under a strenuous situation belonging to two different backgrounds, culture, religion and personality fell for each other and became one formidable team against all odds! The flower of Love blossomed in the harshest of environment in the roughest ground possible and yet held on to its strength fighting against all impediments.

After enclosing her more deeply in his arms both simply stood there under the vast blue sky getting the silent blessings from the universe bestowing on them in silent admiration! He looked up at the celestial sphere and thanked the Lord again for giving him his affectionate circle! He realized though the obstacles in their lives are great and innumerable, though the threats and dangers are lurking at every step and yet he felt looking up at the vastness overhead with his love in his arms that they and their problems are both infinitesimally small and conversely they are a piece of an amazing and vast universal puzzle where with her by his side he can overcome and solve one and all. After a while when he felt her relaxed again, he drifted a little to see her serene expression and her sublime smile. The faint smile reappeared on the corner of his face and slowly he bent down and lifted her altogether in his arms to her surprise which slowly turned into a beautiful spark in her hazel wonders. With a look of admiration in his eyes, he simply walked towards the tent with her in his arms bidding the cosmos a good night to relish in the glory of a heady pleasurable journey of oneness enwrapped in delight, pleasure and euphoric love.

My Comments

First of all Lana, I apologise for being almost 3 weeks late on my response to this one. But of course, you know it's because I've been distracted with one thing or the other over the past month. Besides, I do not like to do quick half-hearted reads of detailed prose. I like to take my time, going over every line - before I sit to respond. In fact, I found it quite difficult to reply separately to this one because I'm used to commenting in between paragraphs... but this time, I refrained from my usual style of commentary. That way, in case anyone missed reading it in the previous thread, they would get the experience of reading this work of art uninterrupted and untouched.

Let me start off by saying a whole-hearted thank you. I am so touched that you planned and penned something like this for my birthday. 🤗And of course, the fact that it coincided with what happened in 46 was icing on the cake. Similarly, there are elements in this OS that remind me of 47, you know? 😉 Let's forget about the nervous man and I am not the type to throw beautiful things out of the window... and how could you think I'd deny this to the Knight who's gifted me respect, and love? 😉