NOVEL~*Hiding behind a Stranger*~THREAD 24~CHAPTER 29 upd 10th MAR

Teaser for Chapter 30

As a soldier, give Ibrahim Mirza the toughest enemies to tackle - and he would do so fearlessly. As a diplomat, give him the toughest rivals to handle - and he would do so effortlessly.

However, dealing with his Master's displeased Lady made for a very awkward encounter indeed.

'Sahiba' Sayyid stepped up - to try a more direct approach 'Khan Sahib wants to know if we might be able to leave these forests tomorrow?'

'WE?' asked Heera, as though amused by what she'd just heard. Then, she humbled her tone very slowly 'Now... now... you're embarrassing me by asking for MY opinion... it was your 'noble' Sahib who went out of his way to save our lives... for which, we are all grateful... how am I supposed to decide when he must leave... since, I don't know his plans, or which direction he is headed for?'

She touched her chin, seemingly deep in thought. 'Anyhow... since you gentlemen have asked... I suggest that your Sahib can be on his way now... go wherever it is he needs to go... why wait for tomorrow?'

Noticing a thread that'd got stuck in one of her bangles, she pulled it out before returning her undivided attention to them, with an air of confidence that came naturally to her. 'Of course, when my injured guards are fit to travel again... I'll leave with my people.'

'I see...' Sayyid and Ibrahim darted each other a puzzled frown - the awkward meeting just got more awkward!

While the Parnagarhi maids and guards standing behind her were under the impression that their baisa was enjoying a light-hearted conversation with the Aidabadis, Ibrahim knew it was anything but. He could recognise sarcasm when he heard it. And from her well-crafted response, he understood the subtle message she intended to convey to Khan Sahib -

That there was no 'WE'.

That their paths were different.

And that she wanted nothing to do with him!

Here he'd come, expecting to meet a Lady who would be overcome with grief. Instead, her attitude had turned out to be something else altogether!

Of course, he could do nothing else but convey the response to Akbar and let HIM handle the issue as he deemed fit.