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Posted: 6 years ago
#1

Prologue

Three Great Emperors had toiled hard to build the vast and flourishing legacy of the 'Mughal Empire', keeping relative peace by unifying its Mughals and Hindus. However; by mid 1600s, cracks began to appear in its solid foundations. Insecurities crept in through the gaps, widening the gulfs between the two religions once again.

With the old Emperor becoming too feeble to take charge and his jealous successors remaining preoccupied with expansion and power, the damage was never repaired. Not surprising then that new rebellions arose every day. Violence escalated, claiming many innocent lives.

Yet; in the midst of such turmoil and peril, there bloomed a beautiful story - much like a lone flower blossoming upon the steepest edges of a cliff - a story of love, of sacrifice and honour!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Forced to flee from her motherland, the one home she knew... forced to leave behind her people, for whom, she was their only hope...forced to grievously abandon the last rites of her loved one while the flames on the pyre were still ablaze...the orphaned heiress of 16 overcame grief and many shortcomings, as she embarked on a long dangerous path... setting out to seek help and support, for her people and her lands...

Till a chance stay with a complete stranger would change the course of those very plans forever!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Being the most shrewd, determined and unforgiving of the lot meant he was formidable... a force to be reckoned with... it also meant he could have owned it all - riches, power, women and fame... but, he fancied none of it...

As a recluse with simple tastes, the rich life held no real appeal... power didn't tempt him... women didn't interest him... his passion was work and his only family were a few loyal friends... he had decided that he wanted little else in life...

Till a chance visit from a complete stranger would change that decision forever!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*



Part 2 Individual links

Part 3 Individual links
Link to Chapter 37 https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/jodha-akbar/4865965/novel-hiding-behind-a-stranger-thread-32-chapter-37-upd-jun-28th
Link to Chapter 39 https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/jodha-akbar/4897456/novel-hiding-behind-a-stranger-thread-34-chapter-39-2-parts-sep-17th

Part 4 Individual links
Link to Chapter 52 https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/jodha-akbar/5026847/novel-hiding-behind-a-stranger-thread-47-chapter-52-tsr-for-53-upd
Edited by lashy - 6 years ago

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Posted: 6 years ago
#2
Teaser for Chapter 53

'Why, Azeez Shah... do you presume I wouldn't lay my life for Akbar?' Ibrahim pointed at his own chest - at the spot around where his depth of emotions lay. 'But, our Sahib did not train us as highly-skilled spies, only for us to end up making brash decisions when faced with a crisis... he did not reform the lot of us, merely so we go off on murderous rampages to prove a point!' His stern glares briefly halted upon Sayyid, before returning to Azeez. 'We are aggrieved, but we cannot let ourselves get emotional... the palace guards are on their highest alert - with special instructions to watch out for the men of Ustaad... if so much as ONE of us gets caught trying to slip in, it would be enough to push the Shehzaade into taking his wrath out on Akbar all over again... maybe this time, on bhabhijaan too!'

The heated words that were meant to roll out of their tongues, paused - promptly.

'Fine... fine...' A few moments later, the young chap took his deepest breath, allowing the tears to dry out HOW do you propose we get them help, then?'

'How?'

How?

HOW?

With the palace Hakim having ruled there wasn't much hope left for Akbar, HOW could they help him?

His lungs still catching up on wind, Ibrahim let his misty glances travel to a distant realm - his mind wading through the maze of dangerous choices and options that stood in front of them then. 'Let's work it out step by step... those instructions and clues that Akbar had signalled to you... let's start with that fir...'

'Shhh hhh...' Azeez abruptly shot his palm up 'wait... wait... everyone... do you hear that?'

The group stiffened up like sentries on watch - their senses sifting through every murmur and movement in the air around.

And there it could be heard - a 'creak', in the distance. The creak of a few wheels. Like those of cart-wheels coming to a slow halt. There was a bustle too. Tussle of feet, and shuffle of voices. Like those from a horde of people descending upon the place.

'Watch out!' The men of Ustaad reached for their belts and daggers.

Bajrang banna, however, stayed put. Then, as if something had just come over him and lifted off a few loads of stress, his tense shoulders dropped.

'Please wait here...' Breaking away from the group, he glided his way towards the street outside.

That commanding baritone.

Those familiar words.

That uneven footfall.

'He's here!' Bajrang smiled his first smile in days 'And he's brought our folks along too... Mohan banna!'


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Posted: 6 years ago
#3
Cherishing new beginnings with the arrival of Maa Bhavani at home!

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Posted: 6 years ago
#4

Originally posted by: lashy


This comes up in the next chapter.
Can you guess what it is in one-word?



Chellam's guess - Sprinkler
Tania's guess - Torch

Originally posted by: Testmytest

1. torch
2. Incense stick
maybe will be used to create some kind of smoke to dupe the prison guards so one of AMK's men can get inside to reach Heera or AMK!


Originally posted by: roseraja1915


1. Pipe (for smoking )
2. Burner ( of some sort )😳


Originally posted by: Sabdabhala


LASHY SAHIBA MY GUESSES ON THE ARTICLE IN THE PIC

1. IT IS PART OF A HUKAH APARATUS

2. LIKE SANDHYA SAYS ITS A DHOOP WAFTER



Originally posted by: Sandhya.A


Sambrani (Dhoop) holder

It looks like that sambrani holder that people used to carry to different places to spread the smoke.😔😆
There is a wooden handle. Matlab it involves heat. But it has a lid too. So it cannot carry a flame. So i settle for the sambrani holder.
It can be used to make another (say, the guards) faint with the smoke by burning such powders. Any AMK saviours using them?😃
You better make the saviour apparate with AMK and Heera elsewhere before they do. 😡And Heera treat him.😳
And make that friendly guard tell Shehzade that FS came in and put some holy smoke. All guards fainted. When they woke up AMK was missing. And that he only found a scroll. A letter to FS from the swine in his handwriting and with his seal ( courtesy tejraj) that if he brings AMK and Heera to him, he can ignite a rebellion against the Shehzade and in return he will give him 5 country side summer houses.

I rub my hands in wicked glee thinking how many lashes with the metal barbed whip Shehzade will bestow on the nasty swine and the slimy old fox.😈🤣


Originally posted by: lghosh

Lashy, that picture to me looks like an incense burner, some kind of smoke infuser.

I don't know where I have seen it with my 'badami' memory, but the visual that immediately popped in my mind is people carrying them in hands high above their heads while their whole faces covered very well in cloth with only 2 eyes visible, carrying these with smoke coming out of them and people who are exposed to inhale the smoke faints.

If this is true, there is some hope for my KS!! He has suffered enough! 😭



Edited by lashy - 6 years ago
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Posted: 6 years ago
#5

Originally posted by: Rashmisingh9151

what to say how to the way
Prince was trying
to fight with his own emotions.
was not so pleasant it was very bad to see.
I for minute felt bad for him but but that bloody Prince is fool
I can't believe it he can be this cruel to AMK
his own men whom he knew from so long
who was anything but stay loyal to him.
all over his life.
poor AMK I mean what the how how can that old horse can manipulate Prince again.
and he can punish him later in such. a way

Cry

I agree with what you just said, Rashmi... that scene at the start did get us to think - even on Shehzaade's side - for a brief moment... but how he acted on those emotions, turned out to be a different level of depravity altogether!

the tactics of AMK to get tezraz on his side was pretty cool but that coward fellow hardly
have gut to go against that piggi I Don't
he will able to help AMK and Heera. but i hope he could.

You have used the right term to describe Tejraj. 'Coward' What use is honour when there isn't the heroism to back it up? Who talks more than he acts, and dilly dallies over taking a proper stance...
Come to think of it however, that probably describes a big chunk of mankind!


how on the hell on Earth AMK gonna win against that bloody Piggy in duel
when he got badly injured Because of that heartless Prince

I doubt it too big time

the way those jerk gueard were
in disrespectful manner checking
Heera Bai Sai belonging and destroying
them was heart breaking the way
she react only for the gift she got by
AMK was so emotional.

Yes... 😭 as it is she has lost so much... t'was a painful thing to see them keep adding to her losses.

I thought that's it Prince agree to it first
the way he was thinking hard I thought this
fool will not agree but thank you lashy Di
for making that jerk show some emotion.

That is the natural blessing of 'grace' that Harka Bai comes with as has been seen from chapter 1... that and her angelic looks... (for example however cruel a person, they stop to think before hurting a child... something like that!)
Be it the rude man at the horse-races, Shehzaade or even monsters like Khalil - all of them have been temporarily stopped in their tracks by it... not many women have that power... but, she comes with that boon...
one of the prime reasons why AMK wanted to protect and preserve that 'unblemished' nature from the ugliness of this world from the moment he met her!

but no you have to make me cry hard lashy
Di why in such a scary way you make AMK
suffer poor him.
damn lashy Di you are
from starting to end
making me cry allot
Cry

I am sorry Rashmi 😭but these were how the times were then! And, apart from a few elements of fantasy, I have tried to keep the story as close to reality as I could..

why first Durga Bai saa
then Heera now AMK
why why just why fate
is being anything but
cruel to them. lashy
Di I can't take anymore
please show mercy on them.

Yes dear... read the note at the end, right? The rays of hope will slowly begin shining...🤗

you know in previous Chappy
when it AMK thought like
if I am going down then
I will take all those rascal
with me I laughed a bit
that line was like
very much funny to me
as hum toh dubenge
Sanam tumhe le ke dubenge
that bloody
khaleel piggy old horse they
should go through
if our lead are gonna
suffer more.

Of course...😔 but his line is not entirely untrue either... so don't dismiss it yet!😉

but now I am not sure what
gonna come.
next oh lashy I Don't
think I have patience
to wait for next damn
I shouldn't have read it.
>>>😲
I never thought I am this much
emotional to cry over a story
but what to say you are one of most
marvelous author.
the way you write everything
is to much to not get conncet
with character and feel for them.

Oh my God that is very flattering in a very sweet way dear... thank you so much for it 🤗


I am back after long time here.
but what a turn of even happening
lot of questions already on my mind
which only you can answer by updating
next Chappy soon lashy.

I have already started writing it dear 🤗

Ugh aah now I am calm I mean it's take
lot if time for me to get over with
update and think wisely.
A few others seemed to have taken some time-off after the chapter too!😆 IT was a cruel one, I agree... the most cruel of all chapters... so, I thoroughly understand!

anyway here I like the way Prince shut it up that old horse. LOL

then I like the way how he agree with Heera wish yaa he was being bad but he did somthing cool. Smile
Yes! He was trying to be good.. trying to hold up those few shreds of conscience but it all snapped.

as for royal Prince and future king
he can't take insult as called as weak somthing so his emotion
were somewhat valid for me Sleepy

That is true... and Farooq Sahib played on those emotions very well!

I hate to admit but even after he ignore all the painful plea of AMK
the way at the end he order for him first aid was find by me Sleepy

Hmm I think he did that more for himself than for AMK😕

Even I like the way it was great breaking though but it was so cool to see how even going though flogging AMK was thinking
about his men and specially Heera Embarrassed


That is the silvery shade of his grey heart!

over all the chsppy was depressing for me but you had
done awesome Job.

Thanks da! 🤗

in it but I want to kill that old horse for sure please do kill him
at the end whenever he come in scene he is bad news for AMK Angry Ouch
Ugh! We all want to kill him 🤢 EXACTLY!!!
Thanks a ton for this Rashmi 🤗

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Posted: 6 years ago
#6
Selvi's pic of the day




@ Lana
The heart lake conveys its love for the scenery all around,
Hills embrace the love heartily, they reciprocate and astound!
The still green water beckons the sky to see itself in its mirror,
The misty yonder look on admiring the beauty coming nearer!

The crystal clear water waves at the green ranges far and near,
It's difficult to look away from its pristine charm and beauty sheer!
The clouds with its shadow play hide and seek on the high ranges,
Nature's marvel at the lake is best enjoyed with the green fringes!
Edited by lashy - 6 years ago
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Posted: 6 years ago
#7

Originally posted by: Sandhya.A


If God created man in his own image then
Why are some so scarcely akin
They pretend to be gentlemen untarnished when
They are so very rusted from within

They speak of towering principles and lofty ideals
And never care to follow any
They dress their words with beguiling appeals
And wear varied masks many

They never hesitate to backstab or decieve
And never feel any remorse
For the lives they have destroyed as they believe
Their wish is a fair enough cause

High talks, duplicity, crafts, ploys and guile
They have many weapons in their armours
They can aim without ado with a pretensious smile
They are no doubt astute performers

They rejoice in the destructions their cunning has wrought
They take pleasure in flowing tears
They believe that they succeed by bringing to naught
The efforts of others over years

They trust by rising above others around them
Not by their hardwork or intellect
But by pushing them down and causing mayhem
Their own vituosity they neglect

They cause heartbreaks and despair, anguish and splits
And blame others for big and small mistakes
Cunning men as these, evil unscruplous hypocrites
Are like poisonous slithering snakes


This is stunning... I was about to pick up a few lines that I loved... but so many verses have been so well-written that I think I've ended up highlighting most of the poem... Sandy... 👏
Edited by lashy - 6 years ago
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Posted: 6 years ago
#8

Originally posted by: lghosh





Like a two-faced snake, you kiss and sting both at the same time,

You kiss with one face of yours and with the other you poison spit,

Your essence is selfish and power hungry and backstabbing you do commit,

In reality, you are nothing but you are just a hypocrite!

Like an empty vessel, you sound hollow, full of self-glory and strength,

Making the biggest spectacle, of all your alluring counterfeit!

You are nothing but a snitch and a first-rate opportunist,

In reality, you are nothing but you are just a hypocrite!

👏

You show off your valor and success, you flaunt your Hindu supremacy,

You sell your beloved to the Beast and to the world you wailingly contradict!

You shed your crocodile tears to all, to show your massive loss of it,

In reality, you are nothing but you are just a hypocrite!

Excellent...👏 take a bow, Lana... amazing read it made... especially the last paragraph - really packed a punch!

In name of God, you spread hatred and you're a sheer fanatic,

You call yourself a religious man, to Allah you yourself submit?

What you create, mind you, are also a horrific two-way street!

In reality, you are nothing but you are just a hypocrite!


You shook hands with the Devil himself and sold your dark soul to him,

And gave up morals or values, with humanity too, putting it in a tar pit!

To rip an honest man of his honor, you break and make a King unfit,

In reality, you are nothing but you are just a hypocrite!


You don a black garb over white and so does your black heart,

You spit venom through your words and deeds and so does your black spirit!

You instill fear in place of love of man in name of Khuda's Holy Writ,

In reality, you are nothing but you are just a hypocrite!


Wait, and watch, the Lord's scepter will befall on you for your sins,

Karma will catch up with you two, even if your life beneficially spins!

I thought I loved the earlier one... but Gosh did I love this one even more... made me wide-eyed by the end of it.. came from the depths of your soul this poem, didn't it? 👏

Edited by lashy - 6 years ago
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Posted: 6 years ago
#9

Originally posted by: Testmytest


It is fluctuating here Lashy, yesterday it was 60F, today it is 83F. But we are headed towards Fall/Autumn next week I think, so it will get colder and gets dark sooner, shorter days and longer nights 😔


Yup it's been fluctuating here too! Chilly mornings sunny noons chilly evenings...
my favourite kind of weather this is!
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Posted: 6 years ago
#10
Congratulations for new home...


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