NOVEL~*Hiding behind a Stranger*~ Thread 51 - Teaser for Chapter 56 - Page 35

Originally posted by: Sandhya.A

EPISODE - 26

In the haveli

Saira and Bindiya unanimously cried "This one".

Many ornately designed Rakhis were spread out on the silver tray. One among them was golden the brightest and most colourful of them all, decorated with sparkling little stones enhancing its beauty. Gauri had said,, "We should choose the best one for our Khan Sahib. Heera, which do you think is the prettiest?"

It was to this question that the bubbly girls answered in unison. "It will look lovely on Khan Sahib's hands when Lashy Sahiba ties it." Added the young maid.

Heera gently reminded her, "Lashy Sahiba may not want to tie it..."

"But why, this looks most beautiful. Would she prefer the blue and silver one? "

Squealed Bindiya.

"That is also good. But isn't this the best Sahiba?" Saira said, her eyes still on the golden designed thread.

"No no. I meant it is not in their customs...these Rakhi ceremonies...perhaps she wouldn't want to." Heera interposed.

"Then it is neither in Khan Sahib's custom. Nor in Ibrahim Bhaijaan's or Azeez and Sayyid Bhai's. But you are goings to tie the Rakhi on Khan Sahib's boys, aren't you Sahiba. And Lashy Sahiba is the Mansabdar's only cousin sister." Added Dhani.

"Cousin, not sister" came a firm little voice. All of them turned to see Lashy stand at the doorstep with an inscrutable expression on her face that threatened to don dramatics any second. "Anyway, it is not in our customs. And i may be going out with Selvi and be back a little late. So don't count me in. " Lashy left for her room.

In the wilderness

The thick green foliage sparkled with dew and the nascent rays of the morning sun attempted to silently scoop them away. The huge canopy and the dense thickets secretly housed thousands of animals birds and insects that concealed them, but nevertheless their chirps and chatters and ran dom howls and distant roars revealed the wide spectrum of fauna that inhabited these evergreen forests . For a second every sound was overshadowed by a

WOOSH!

An arrow pierced the morning air and found its destination in the outer circles of the target drawn on the tree trunk.

"Oh no! I am not as good with the bow and arrow as i am with the rifle! " exclaimed a sweet voice disappointed.

"That was indeed remarkable. Ustaad will be proud of you." Came a reassuring voice from behind.

"Sayyid Sahib, what a surprise!" The markswoman turned around excited at the arrival of the quiet voice that made her beats quicken. He stood there resting upon a huge tree, his face mellowed into a rare smile that seemed to light up his otherwise serious face.

"We are having Rakshabandhan celebrations at the haveli tomorrow. And Khan Sahib and Sahiba have invited everyone,...including our...err...special friends."

"Oh finally...Sayyid Miyan has come out of his reserve and will be introducing me to his Sahib and Sahiba...oh! And tomorrow you said! I am so excited! I'll have to get ready...what shall i wear? My new half saree?"

'Assassins or archers or simple maidens...all girls are alike when it comes to social presentations!' Sighed the man completely perplexed by the sudden change-over in his steely strong Sahiba!

In Lashy's chamber

"Hope the maids have not made you upset. They always chatter away..." Heera placed her hands comfortingly on Lashy's shoulder.

"Oh not at all!" Managed Lashy. "I am actually waiting for the celebrations tomorrow. It would be fantastic to watch all of you tie Rakhi. So colourful your festivities are. But i'd personally rather be a happy spectator"

"I understand." Said Heera thoughtful and trying to sound reassuring.

Just then Dhani stepped in.

"The Mansabdar has requested both you to be present at the office chamber now and he said it was important."

"Oh! Selvi and i had planned to go out but...well, may be I'll ask Bindup to take her out."

At Lana's mansion

"So like a knight in shining armour, you have saved your lady in distress, have you Azeez?" Laughed Lana as her maid placed the refreshments for the guest couple."But dear, how did you get entangled over there?"

"Sahiba...she invited the worries upon herself and caused a lot of mayhem. Else i might have dropped in on time to warn the Mansabdar. "Azeez gave Kuki a slightly reproachful look " She is very fussy Sahiba and unpredictable"

"All women are that when it comes to their Sahibs Azeez. But look at the brighter side. You learnt the secrets only because she barged in there and you went to get her food."

"You are so sweet Lana di." Smiled Kuki glowing as much as her sparkling tresses, "it was a pleasure meeting you."

"My pleasure too meeting you two together, "said Lana, "but sadly i must request you to leave s oon. Uncleji will be back anytime from the temple. And i havent spoken to him about what happened. I must ask Mansabdar Sahib if i can give him an outline and to what extent."

"He will probably discuss it with you tomorrow at the haveli. He has invited you to join the Rakshabandhan celebrations tomorrow. He said that you were a part of our close circle."

"Ooh! Lana Sahiba. You have recieved special invitation from Mansabdar Sahib. Will yoube tying Rakhi in his hands?" Kuki chirped.

"Probably." Said Azeez. "His regards for Lana Sahiba is high indeed."

Lana seemed frozen.

In the Haveli Gardens

Jaswant walked slowly towards his chambers completely absorbed in his thoughts. His work at Parnagarh regarding the canal was proceeding excellently well. He had made an inspection of the site, made an outline plan, checked out the feasibility and given the Mansabdar a rough estimate which was approved. He would return and work out the final details and come back with his team of experts to finalise things. The last two days had been hectic and he hadn't even met Kalgiakka once. He had begun to enjoy her company, her chirpiness and bubbly enthusiasm which was in marked contrast to his own reserved attitude had indeed impressed him. She too trusted him and the eagle ring that she had entrusted him with was still in his inner pockets. He took it out and felt a surge of restlessness.

His little jaunts with her and his workload had kept him busy from his other important

work, the main reason why he took up this particular assignment. He hadmade a promise in all sincerity. But he had come nowhere close to what he set out to. Did he not try enough? Did he allow himself to be distracted by work and Kalgiakka?

No. He had broken open into the Mansabdar's office and would have had a clear lead if Mirza hadn't dashed in and made him drop his work. He had won the trust of Lana Sahiba and others in the haveli to work out his plan. The Mansabdar nor his men had any inkling that he had another agenda here. He seemed to be a good person, but still...he would stick to his original plans.

He crossed the gardens and almost reached the side entrance to the haveli still lost in thoughts.

There was going to be celebrations tomorrow at the Haveli. It would be his last chance to act. He would ...

"Ouch!"

The sky was growing dark and he hadn't observed someone who rushed out of the haveli and dashed against him.

Originally posted by: Kalgi22

Yes kindness of Heera reached Aidabad even before she reached there.. The horse-keeper she treated with kindness spread the goodness of her and that helped AMK realized she's the kind Sahiba of Parnagarh.

Originally posted by: Kalgi22

>>>Oh wait and watch how you'll enjoy my company even more.. 😈

Originally posted by: Kalgi22

Yes kindness of Heera reached Aidabad even before she reached there.. The horse-keeper she treated with kindness spread the goodness of her and that helped AMK realized she's the kind Sahiba of Parnagarh.

Originally posted by: Sandhya.A

"Cousin, not sister" came a firm little voice. All of them turned to see Lashy stand at the doorstep with an inscrutable expression on her face that threatened to don dramatics any second. "Anyway, it is not in our customs. And i may be going out with Selvi and be back a little late. So don't count me in. " Lashy left for her room.

>>>>>Lashy 🤣 🤣 🤣...Me already reached...who am I?...😉...am I here to tie the Rakhi...😉

In the wilderness

"Oh finally...Sayyid Miyan has come out of his reserve and will be introducing me to his Sahib and Sahiba...oh! And tomorrow you said! I am so excited! I'll have to get ready...what shall i wear? My new half saree?"

>>>>>>oh Dear...Bond...as Assassin or Archer?...,and her Half-saree to makes an appearance...😆😆

In Lashy's chamber

>>>>>>Lashy's look definitely got me 🤣 🤣 🤣

At Lana's mansion

Lana seemed frozen.

>>>>>> 🤣 🤣...and Azeez decided to save himself from the Pan by making Kuki meet Lana...

In the Haveli Gardens

The last two days had been hectic and he hadn't even met Kalgiakka once. He had begun to enjoy her company, her chirpiness and bubbly enthusiasm which was in marked contrast to his own reserved attitude had indeed impressed him. She too trusted him and the eagle ring that she had entrusted him with was still in his inner pockets. He took it out and felt a surge of restlessness.

>>>>>Saw Kal's response to it...O..M...G...🤣🤣🤣

Who did he dash into...I hope it's not ME...or is it the Assassin BOND😈

Originally posted by: selvi1275

Goodmorning Periyamma, Bindu, Kal, Rekha, Lavanya, and all Baisas... 🤗

Goodevening Aparna and Vathsy...🤗

Tulip fields...Lissette, Netherlands...

Originally posted by: binduprasad41

Good morning Sachu Patti ,Rekha di and all my lovely baisas! 😳

Happy Tuesday! 🤗

Good evening Lana di, Vathsy di and Aparna di!🤗 🤗 🤗

Originally posted by: lashy

Khan Sahib as he shuts his eyes to the orange glow... in the darkness of his cell...

With smiles and laughter through the night,
I'd watch as she begins to get tired.
With the sight of her sleepy eyes,
I'd see what earlier was a live fire
become tired right before my eyes.
It'd come, in a moment of dire, she'd surrender to the night.
With her resting her head on my chest,
only a moment would pass by, and as she'd fail to reply,
I'd kiss her on her forehead,
And say "I love you my angel, my Heera, goodnight"