Originally posted by: Sandhya.A
EPISODE 27Parnagarh haveliIt was a glorious morning with the benevolent sun spreading it's golden rays to brighten up the resplendent valleys. The Haveli looked even more glorious than it had been in recent days. The hum and excitement that pervaded the air seemed infectious. The chirp of the birds seemed muted as the sounds of the smiles and laughter was heard all around."It is festival time and both of you are busy even today" came a lilting voice that made the two men look up hastily."I was just telling Ibrahim that Jaswant's plan was exce..." Khan Sahib stopped abruptly as his eyes rose to his begum who was trying to suppress a smile and Don mock anger with her hands on her hips.His lips curved into an inadvertent smile as he saw the golden nymph who bound him eternally by her magic. Dressed in a golden lehenga and red dupatta she was what the poets and artists would love for a muse. He had withstood more ravishing beauties. But the combination of a tender heart that could love wholly and the nerve of steel that could withstand adversities and the intelligence and wit that could hold the interest of the wise and the innocence and beauty that could be magnetic - She was Allah's gift to him indeed!"Ahem..." Mirza Sahib coughed slightly that helped Khan Sahib recover from his trance..."Perhaps I should leave.""Yes bhaijaan you must. Bhabhijaan must be waiting for you...as usual. You make her wait a lot and even during festivals bhaijaan...? She was very excited about the function and is going to tie the Rakhi on Khan Sahib's hands. As a return gift I wouldn't be surprised if she asks your Ustaad to spare more of your time.At the hallKalgiakka looked in amazement at the elaborate decorations that adorned the hall ofthe haveli. It had handsomely dressed people busy in animated conversations, about the fine weather, about the dresses and jewelry, about the Rakshabandhan celebrations, about horses and politics and food... More people were coming in."Oops"...she set her green ghaghra right that had threatened to trip her down. Lana was nowhere around and she HAD to talk to her. She wanted her opinion on the letter and ask her what had to be done about the ring issue. She must have read her letter, but she couldn't meet her after that. Her uncleji had come over and had taken her out of town a little. And she was busy herself at her farm with extra attention to details.At the far end, Jaswant was standing alone in a corner looking around quietly as if he was expecting something. Kalgiakka's suspicion alarm rang loudly and she decided to blend among the crowds and discreetly watch him. His expressions were certainly not normal.At Kuki's cottageKuki blushed looking herself in the mirror once more before she left for the haveli. Her face seemed pinker than Her dress. Khan Sahib had invited his men's sweethearts too. Today everyone would know and she couldn't use Afzal to spy on her spy Sahib. He would be doubly careful. The whack she had given him with the pan at the warehouse had caused A bump on his head. She would use ribbons to hide it had it been on her head. Hope her Sahib does something clever to hide it.In the haveli"Selvi, you look stunning...i just saw someone in the hall who resembled you in makeover so much. Bindiya told me it was Heera's relative Tania.""Really! But why aren't you ready yet?""i am going to. Hey, look there down She is!"Selvi and Lashy looked down the window to see a beautiful girl exchanging pleasantries with Heera who was the charmimg hostess of the day."Okay then. Am off to my room to get ready. Seeya down"Lashy rushed to her chamber when Saira and Dhani came from the other side."Lashy Sahiba, you are not ready yet! Mansabdar's cousin sister. You must be there early na, to do the honours!" Dhani chirped.Horror and disdain alternated in Lashy's heart as she shut the doors of her room with a bang.In the hallif there was one other person as horrified among the guests, it was Lana. Her uncle had insisted on accompanying her to the haveli. Azeez had quickly cornered her and whispered "Oh my God! I musnt appear before him till you or Khan Sahib explains to him about the mission and the pretense. I'll try to keep out of his sight till then. By the way, best wishes Sahiba, you'll love to be Khan Sahib's sister i expect. " Azeez gave a warm smile before rushing out. The firar part of his statements didnt unnerve her as much as the last.In Mirza's cottage"Looking gorgeous Begum Sahiba.""Thank you Sahib! And good morning. How queer that on most days, i have to wish my Sahib a good morning as he ENTERS our house! ""Ah yes. Sometimes jaan...work you see." Ibrahim tried to sound pleasant."Sometimes?" Rosejaan raised an eyebrow "Do you want to see the record of your entry and exit timings into the house for the past year!"Her glare was sharper than any sword or arrow he had faced. Even the Ustaad's.Ibrahim looked deflated already."If you promise to get ready in five minutes and take me hand in hand to the haveli before the festivities begin, I might not mind your delay Sahib." Rose Jaan smiled one of her naughty and flirtatious smiles.Ibrahim Mirza was both surprised and relieved at t the change in his begum's mood that normally took ten times the time.In the haveli"Good morning kakasa. Oh my! Who is this lovely lady?" Bindup gasped as she saw a pretty girl arrange the assortment of delicacies with a touch of expertise."She is Manu from Bansi. And a culinary expert. You can guess how good she is if i say so. ""Does she make your laddus too...as good as you do?""Yes. And a lot more too. "In the main hallThe buzzing in the hall fell into absolute silence as the Master of the house made his quiet entry into the hall. Dressed in a maroon outfit embroidered elegantly with gold he looked like the prince every fairy tale described. He easily showed that respect and adoration had to be commanded by one's very presence.
Slowly the conversations resumed, but certainly quieter than before. The assortment of trays with the colourful threads and the diyas, flowers and sweets was a visual treat indeed. But more captivating were the Lord and the Lady of the house who welcomed them all as they introduced some new guests to each other."By the way, where is Lashy? She seems nowhere in sight."Heera turned to Bindup and Heera turned to her. Bindup seemed to understand and made way to Lashy's room.At the far end of the hallKalgiakka was sipping on to her fruit and rose sherbet served to the guests watching Jaswant suspiciously. Her suspicions were not unwarranted for she saw him slip quietly to the serving room. She decided to follow him there.