NOVEL~*Hiding behind a Stranger*~THREAD 53 - CHAP 58 (Pt 1&2)- 4th

lashy thumbnail
20th Anniversary Thumbnail Trailblazer Thumbnail + 4
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

Created

Last reply

Replies

1.5k

Views

47.4k

Users

27

Likes

10.8k

Frequent Posters

lashy thumbnail
20th Anniversary Thumbnail Trailblazer Thumbnail + 4
Posted: 6 years ago
#2


THIS IS A "MEMBERS ONLY" POST
The Author of this post have chosen to restrict the content of this Post to members only.


lashy thumbnail
20th Anniversary Thumbnail Trailblazer Thumbnail + 4
Posted: 6 years ago
#3


THIS IS A "MEMBERS ONLY" POST
The Author of this post have chosen to restrict the content of this Post to members only.


lashy thumbnail
20th Anniversary Thumbnail Trailblazer Thumbnail + 4
Posted: 6 years ago
#4

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Takht-e-Sulaiman - Solomon's seat i.e. Emperor's throne (Urdu/Persian)
Shehzade - prince (Urdu/Persian)
Shehenshah - Emperor (Urdu/Persian)
Wazir-us-Sultanat - Chief minister (Urdu/Persian)
Farmaan - official decree/document (Urdu/Persian)
Maharaj/Maharani - King/Queen
Maharaj - Chef/Cook
Kunwar - Prince (Generally used in Rajputana)
Baisa - Lady/Miss/Mrs/Madam (Marwari)
Banna - Mr/Sir (Marwari)
Sahib - Mr/Master/Sir (Urdu)
Sahiba - Ms/Mrs/Lady (Urdu)
Dams - copper coins
Vaid - Doctor/Healer
Ustad - Teacher/ Master of arts (Urdu)
Caravansarai - Caravan site
Kotwal - Town chief
Kos - old measurement system of distances, used in India
Tahar - battle axe (Urdu/Persian)
Khuda Hafiz - Farewell greeting which translates into 'May God be your protector' (Urdu/Persian)
Adab/Adaab - Words of Salute/respect (Urdu/Persian)
Taslim - A salute (Mughalian)
Hukum - Sir (Used commonly to address Rajput royalty)
Salaam - A form of greeting that translates to 'Hello/Hi' (Urdu/Persian)
Shubh Ratri - Good evening/Good night (Marwari)
Shubh havar - Good Morning (Marwari)
Padhar jo Sa - I shall leave now (Marwari)
Zergul - Calendula flower
Chulho - Wood fire stove
Ganjifa - A card game, slightly similar to poker
Ahadi - Elite bodyguard, who've received specialist training
Muqannis - Specialist canal diggers/workers
Qanat - Canal
Masaka - Mosquito. (Masaka fever - Malaria)
Wali - Guardian
Nikah - Islamic wedding ceremony
Valeema - Islamic wedding reception
Saleem Shahis/Shahees - A special kind of shoe/jootis stylised during Jahangir's time
Chaupar/Chausar/Chaupara/Chausara - A dice game famous in India for centuries. Similar to Ludo

Khwaja Sera - Eunuch

Haboob - A desert storm

Bhagwaan ri kirpa bani rehve. Sab chokho hove. Jivta reijo sa. - Wish you all the best... may you be successful in everything you set out to do.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A laptop, a dictionary, some imagination and loads of dreams... Trying my hand at writing, once again...

Great to be back on this platform... looking forward to regularly catching-up with my lovely old friends ... looking forward to making new ones too!

Thank you all for being here... and for your support... it means a lot... 🤗

If this made for a worthwhile read, please do leave me a comment/like when you can, as it really does helps the writer in me to keep going!

I have a FB page called Lashy Writes - please 'like' it if you are more regular on FB, as I post the teasers/update links there 😊

Edited by lashy - 6 years ago
lashy thumbnail
20th Anniversary Thumbnail Trailblazer Thumbnail + 4
Posted: 6 years ago
#5
lashy thumbnail
20th Anniversary Thumbnail Trailblazer Thumbnail + 4
Posted: 6 years ago
#6

Originally posted by: Vmanoh

C 57 : Courage is not the strength to go on, but it is going on when you don't have the strength !

Lashy My apologies for this late review that I said I'll do for C57 after omitting the duel in my suda suda post.

Coming into reading this chapter I had to mentally prepare for the scene of a duel. One that would be fought with lives on the line. As I was reading the arena scene with all the colorful description I got the feel that I was being walked back in time into an arena to witness an event amidst a crowd chanting for the duels to begin. A beloved father figure of Chachajaan is there caught up in the middle of turmoil to see his beloved son's predicament. AMK's men are trying to keep his spirits up and conclude they have given their best & finally leave it up to Khuda to save AMK. I felt for their painful plight, of them not knowing if AMK is fit to face his opponents. Chachajaan asked Will Akbar Live . I was asking myself how many will Akbar be able kill. Unhappy

The Short glimpse you give of Heera's plight confirms to us the good fortune of Gauri's presence, the loving care & words of encouragement being the only solace she gets within the Imperial Prison Fort. Still her desolate state makes us feel her pain & repeat the prayers along with her to calm our aching hearts.

When you bring us back to the arena stands the Shehzades's presence looms large. He is clearly not in command of his emotions which is cleverly depicted by the ruined embroidery threads that goes unnoticed by him. His pondering reveals us his three reasons why he agreed for the duel to take place. Apart from fame & money that such an event would fetch him what brings out our angst against him further is the third reason and the stance on how the three duel contenders fare in his mind, to be crushed. The Wily Khalil & the Hindu fanatic Mahendar are mere thorns but the Ustaad is now the poisoned root that he needs to remove in order to have a clear path to his dream of the throne. I loved that analogy. To know how much Shehzade's mind has got poisoned ever since Mahendar lit the fire, Farook threw in more dry logs & Khalil fanned it well, the blaze is now being directed to annihilate AMK. The little script on Shehzaadi shows us without a doubt where she stands and for whom her sympathies are. But in your trademark style you have left us hanging on the identity of the veiled one in blue silk. Since I've said my piece on my suda suda notes I'll wait to see what her role is going to be in the coming update.

With Tejraj's meeting Mahendar prior to the duel we hear his regret for not everything turning out as it should have and his inadvertent mention of Durga gives us a peek into his psyche at that time. His tying the arm band tightly on the fourth notch instead of the usual second or third reveals that he is not being sure of himself and agitated as might be expected under the circumstances. His parting shot makes it clear that there's no love lost between the cousins and as he enters the fighting pit his supporters are there to cheer him on that gives him the boost.

The duel gets underway in this backdrop. I'd mentioned to you that I'm not a big fan of fight sequences in a movie or books & on my first read I skimmed through it. On my subsequent reads I made sure that I re-read those scenes wanting to know the strategy used by Ustaad to win over his adversaries.

As you lead us through the duel scene we realize not to underestimate Mahendar's ability as a warrior when he correctly makes a quick assessment of AMK's entry as he walks upright while expecting an almost dead opponent based on his spies. He most definitely has not forgotten his lesson from the phantom archer. Even the Shehzade & the Parnagahris are taken back, with different perspectives. But one lone voice in the crowd dispels the how does he plan' to fight question of his men. His line "'Have you seen how a wounded lion defends himself from other predators?' " . That's the prelude you give us via the intruder', to the duel that's about to begin. A master stroke it will prove and for that you deserve an ovation.Thumbs UpClap

All the delaying and tiring out tactics of AMK finally begins to dawn on us and brings out the action in our minds eyes, forgetting we are only reading it & not watching it on reel or real. The long drawn out duel with taunts, tempers, retorts that follows between the two & the crowds joining in to cheer the emerging of Ustaad's capability of being a red blooded assassin to the fullest, plays out so well. Highlights of the duel is when we are made aware of the poisoned Kataar, AMK's sword doing the wheel of steel' , the kataar changing hands from Mahendar to AMK, him not missing the target of his enemies arm and finally the death blow. There you go Lashy I read the whole gruesome duel more than once I must admit.

Mahendar's last moments with AMK's proclamation for avenging his death for the wrongdoing against the sisters, Durga's omnipresence, the crowds reactions all sort of had a powerful effect against the backdrop of finally knowing that he is indeed no more and was made to pay his dues for the sinister part he played in the lives of our dear Durga, Heera, AMK and the praja's of Parnagarh.Stern Smile

With Heera getting word of the win it greatly satisfies us see her wear that invisible crown of pride . We too silently say our thanks to Ma for giving her Sahib the strength to keep the promise given to her. Back in the Arena the Shehzade's reaction makes us pensive with apprehension as Khalil will be coming up next. The revelation of the intruder's name as Chota Zayaan to Azeez and the connection to his late pal Chota Faizan is a nice little endearing twist. Big smile

With Khalil marching in we all wait to see what awaits this appalling opponent of AMK. After delivering chapter after chapter that rates higher than the previous, we hate to realize the novel is almost coming to the end. My heartfelt Thanks to you Lashy for another fantastic chapter! Day Dreaming

lashy thumbnail
20th Anniversary Thumbnail Trailblazer Thumbnail + 4
Posted: 6 years ago
#7

Story so far, by karkuzhali (Saraswathi aunty)



Chapter 58.
Image result for kenshi


The story steps on to a climax...

What a brilliant chapter to us the author has given
When we were eagerly waiting for the fall of the villain
Like a ball-by-ball account of the commentary of a cricket match
We follow the minute-by-minute suspense towards the finishing touch..
Look how the author describes the entry of Khalil, the evil man
" He brought an aura darker than the cloak of the Satan.."
Stunned to see the fitness of his rival, the great Ustaad
Who was tortured in the dungeon and was declared almost dead..

The sly villain doesn't face the challenge openly
But puts a condition to the accepted rules freshly
He demands that the opponent should fight blindfold
Since with his one hand, his chances of losing are manifold
What takes place thereafter is a spine chilling drama
A beautiful description by the author of the panorama
Being a night archer, darkness does not deter his skill
Driven by the urge to avenge this monster and to kill

The Moghul prince is watching the combat keenly
With a troubled heart and emotions so many
Remembering the days once they were friends
How he showed his loyalty in a situation fiendish
"In this world no materialistic pleasure
Would tempt me to betray my master.. never, ever.."
Recalling the scene, his heart goes to his soldier
Who all along stood by him shoulder to shoulder..

With the ustaad's last blow the brute pays his price
For all his criminal actions, and his many a vice.
The Ustaad is declared the winner of the duel
But the Prince's ego prevents him to pardon his pupil
When the mob turns violent and reaches its crescendo
He learns that so much has happened that couldn't be mellowed
He is shocked to find the reason, and so the readers are
It is a real climax , when the Emperor himself appears there!

What a shocking turning point to the Shehzaade
' How? Who has informed the emperor? Who could it be?'
After a long period of seclusion and silence
The frail Emperor who makes here his presence
To the utmost surprise of the royal household present
With his authority commands his son in essence
To release the prisoners giving back their lands promptly
Which he had gifted them once as a reward for loyalty..

The good days seem to return to our couple
Who have passed through the hell of troubles
What a description of the lovely moment of their reunion!
The author deserves the praises of the readers a million!
Though we are happy that the villains are torn apart
It is indeed sad that the story is nearing its concluding part
It is like the last day of the last year in our College
When we try to make our nostalgic pieces into a beautiful Collage!

The author really deserves a standing ovation
For taking us with her into the land of her imagination
For the last two years continuously without a break
Not making the readers get tired nor the readership getting a crack
We as a family are thankful to her for the magnum opus
The beautiful offspring of hers which she has gifted us
We sincerely wish her have long and healthy years
And continue to give us such gifts with cheers!

Karkuzhali.

Related image
Edited by lashy - 6 years ago
lashy thumbnail
20th Anniversary Thumbnail Trailblazer Thumbnail + 4
Posted: 6 years ago
#8
Posted by Karkuzhali (Saraswathi Aunty)
Hiding Behind
A
STRANGER
A Historical Romance by Lashy.
(Abridged)

Part IV The Thunderstorm

Chapter 7.

The Judgement-And the last wish.

In the Court Hall..

'I will confess, Your Highness...' her head was spinning as fast as a weaving wheel on free fall 'I will... but, please do nothing to him!' Heera cried - strangely, from relief. She could almost feel the tension evaporate - if only for that lone deceptive moment. 'I shall confess... but, please let my husband and his men go... for they have done nothing... that is all this baisa asks of you.' It was a request that she could only pray the prince would grant out of the flippant mercy of his heart.

Image result for pencil sketch of a face of a beautiful radharani in pinterest

Her tear-filled gazes ambled towards her husband, sensing his despair from where she stood. 'I apologise Khan Sahib... I have let you down by caving-in, haven't I?' In the throes of the fainting spell, her head shook 'But I could not stand back and watch, any further!'

All Akbar responded with, was a nod, while slowly unlocking the fingers that'd been begging his former-master. He was not going to question her for caving-in at that juncture. Why would he - when he was about to do just the same? When his soul mirrored her sentiments too?

Begum of the Ustaad. Men of Ustaad.

'A confession! Finally!' The Shehzaade let a grin seep through the callous growls on his face.

'Bring that young prisoner back...'

Watching Azeez being brought back in, Akbar pushed down the lump in his throat. 'Thank you Khuda'

But the flash of hope was briefer than a blink. For he recognised that he'd been cornered from all sides. With a dead stare, he reverted to the prince - hoping to clinch his attention and compassion - with one last attempt.

All of a sudden, he slumped low, taking everyone by surprise - his Huzoor most of all. His feet gave way beneath him and he went down on one knee. His master flinched for an instant, daring him to get back on his feet. But he did exactly the opposite. His other knee kissed the ground, leaving the whole court scattered with a chilly furore of murmurs.

'NOOO!' Shouted his men 'Sahib don't... please don't...'

'Ustaad Sahib... don't... stand up... please!'

'Khan Sahib...' A cry of sorrow parted from her lips in the same breath 'don't do this to yourself' Fresh tears streamed down her cheeks, as she observed her husband's sunken silhouette. He was destroying himself for her - destroying the spirit and pride she'd fallen so deeply for. And her conscience could not stomach it. Oh, what wouldn't she do, just to be able to run forth and prop him up! 'Please don't do this to yourself'

Why, even the crowd who'd been largely indifferent so far, were moved to gasps - apart from his arch enemies who wasted no time trading glints of victory, of course.

18.4 mil curtidas, 136 comentrios - Marlon Teixeira (@marlontx) no Instagram: --- BIRTH PLACE: Earth - RACE: Human - POLITICS: Freedom - RELIGION: Peace & Love ---

However, Akbar did what needed to be done. He dragged himself forward and opened his hands to the Shehzaade. 'Do what you have to, to me, Huzoor... but, please... spare her life. Spare the life of my men. I have knelt in front of none but Allah - I kneel in front of you, Huzoor... Harka Sahiba was seeking justice for her sister against Khalil... nothing else... and my men were only following MY orders... none of them acted against you, in the slightest!'

He waited for a moment, his dewy eyes a mirror of his crushed soul. Surely, his master would understand his sentiments? He waited for a moment more. Then, another. And many more thereafter!

Alas! Nothing changed on the prince's features. There was no sign of concern. No sign of emotion. No sign that ANYTHING he said or did hereafter would make any difference! 'Ya Allah...' his limp hands fell to his knees.

Destabilised by the mist in his victim's eyes, the Shehzaade scoffed. 'What?'

He bore into Akbar's face for long, trying very hard to give some dark meaning to this 'display of grief'. But he could see nothing other than a sincere desperation for the lives of those that mattered to him. 'Darn!' A wave of sighs tumbled off his lungs. He much preferred the proud rebel Ustaad over this fallen warrior - at least it would be easier to punish the former!

'Stand' he exhaled, trying hard to keep the flames of rage at his core fanned! 'STAND!'

He stalled till the young man staggered up to his feet. 'Your men were following YOUR orders... so, IF they choose to serve me and me alone, I might spare their lives as per the Farmaan!' He paused 'But your Begum - HER life, I cannot spare... her letters might have been against my general... but had those messages reached their destinations, there could have been a massive rebellion against me, in court... even war!'

'But... I did stop that from happening, Huzoor...'

The Shehzaade smirked a strange smirk that said plenty. 'That changes nothing, Akbar' the smirk straightened into a sombre line 'Having said that, I do understand why she did what she did. And for YOUR sake... I will ensure your Begum does not suffer a humiliating or a painful death... I give you my word... she was born a noblewoman - she will be treated like one till she lives' he halted, waiting for the message to sink in 'and she will be treated like one during death too!'

'DEATH!'

The syllable rang in his ears, over and over like a never-ending satanic verse. 'Death' The darkest gates man had ever known - the doors of which, once shut, never reopened. 'Death' He'd braved the skin-melting heat of those gates several times in his life. It was gruesome. But, not a single time could his core recall thumping from abject fear in the way that it was now. Because, today, as he squinted hard at the blaze of those molten gates, in his hand was nestled the palm of his young wife. His beloved young wife, who'd uttered hardly a word in complaint so far - but when her quivering fingers had symbolically held his, at the start of the hearing today, it told the young man of her steadfast belief in him. A belief that her Sahib would SOMEHOW take them away from this ominous place.

Sadly, he'd failed so far. There was no road behind them. Neither would the paths to their left, or right allow them to flee. He'd looked. He'd hunted. He'd scoured. He'd RAIDED the place like a crazy man. But he couldn't locate any means of escape. 'Ai Khuda!'

'Akbar...' The tone of the prince slowly shifted, a natural callousness seeping within 'on the other hand, YOU have committed unforgivable crimes... betraying your master... lying, to hide it. You will face your punishment with no leniency whatsoever! Farooq Sahib...'

'Yes Huzoor?'

'What is the punishment for lying?'

'50 - 100 Lashes...'

The Prince nodded his consent, a hostile glow lighting up his features. 'You'll face this punishment at dusk, tomorrow. And Farooq Sahib... what is the punishment for betrayal?'

'Death... by beheading!'

A lengthy heart-wrenching stillness took over.

'The date of execution will be announced after tomorrow! For both of you!'

'No!!!' His men vented as loudly as their tired voices could.

'No Khan Sahib...'

'Please Huzoor... reconsider your decision...'

'Our Ustaad has been nothing but loyal to you!'

But hardly anyone seemed to pay them attention. Not amidst the fervent murmurs sweeping across - those from Khalil and Mahendar being the loudest.

Heera had collapsed, her legs failing her. She'd tried to keep it together - but uncontrollable tears welled up from inside - washing her face into a ghostly white.

So, judgement had been given! Death, it would be!

Akbar observed the image of his former-master - what used to be a symbol of comfort, now a thorn in his glares. The Shehzaade was gleaming with a coat of satisfaction, as if he were proud of his kindness.

Nevertheless; the heir of the Mughal throne did what he had to do - fair or unfair - to protect his own selfish interests. It was up to Akbar Mahmoud Khan to decide HOW he wanted to go down hereafter. Because this was not yet finished. It wouldn't be finished for him - not till the last corner of his heart was still pumping blood. His wall of resolve might've crumbled, but he'd repair it back again. At least till he could do what he had to do hereafter - fair or unfair - to protect his own interests too! When his scrawny dying 12 year abandoned body hadn't given up, then how would he give up hope now - with the might and mind of a warrior and an army of loved ones behind him?

After that long spell, the young man finally blew out the air that'd been stretching his lungs into a palpable strain.

'On your feet, Akbar! Start thinking!' The furrows on his jowl hardened as a lone small stable voice at the back of those stormy thoughts hauled his sunken moral up. Granted, the Farmaan hadn't worked as he'd hoped it would. But by no means was it a lost cause either. For, it had helped manipulate the Shehzaade into guaranteeing the safety of his men and the people of Parnagarh. Granted, he was in chains, awaiting a date on his death sentence. But the might of a man fighting a war for his beloved and his brothers was greater than any chain or shackle! Granted, in this war, he was going to be up against the most powerful man in all of the Empire. But he still had something invaluable with him that the powerful Huzoor did not have anymore -

The legacy of the Ustaad!

Unlike the many kingdoms of the Mughal prince, this wasn't a legacy that had been inherited. Rather, one that had been built from scratch by bare hands and raw intelligence, morning noon and night. Each brick of its framework carefully chosen, cleaned, moulded, protected, cared for and built up year after year - till its 'solidarity' was unshakeable - with the sole purpose that the Shehzaade could sleep peacefully at night. Now, one gesture from the Ustaad - and it was the very solidarity of his legacy that'd rescue his Begum.

And while his men and horses fought his war quietly from the outside, he had a few battles of his own to wage on the inside. A few promises to fulfil, before which he'd not be gone.

His enemies had joined hands in order to bring him down, hadn't they? Going down, he might be - but, not without striving to bring these villains down along with him. Sneaky as the Kunwar, manipulative as the advisor and cruel as the brute he could be too - he had chosen not to, out of respect for his former-Huzoor. But hereon, there was no stopping him from using those vices in this war against his enemies!

The lone tragedy though, was that by the end of this saga, the Shehzaade would be left all alone - whichever way this ended. His might regret some of these decisions in future, but colder and restless would his soul become - having castaway the stability and warmth from the one blanket of security he had.

Regardless, the former-Huzoor's well-being was neither Akbar's duty, nor concern anymore.

'Akbar...' sighed the Shehzaade, his palms getting itchy from how long the prickly air between them had lasted. Had this been a match, the young man's silence would most possibly have meant certain defeat for his opponents. Had this been a battle-camp, it would've implied doom for his enemies. But, here, he couldn't quite fathom what it meant. 'Khuda Hafiz'

'Huzoor...' Akbar finally spoke - as if emotion was a word gone missing in his glossary 'before I am taken away to a place where I'd never see the light of day, I have a wish to ask... would you grant me my wish?'

The prince held on to his thoughts for a while, trying to read the man. But the lines on his forehead had ironed out like a plain sheet. 'That depends on the wish...'

'I had promised my Begum that I would avenge the vile men who've brought her pain and shame...'

'Wh...?' Did she hear right? Her blank gazes wandered upwards. 'A... a... avenge?'

As if an invisible hand had come to help her up, Heera slowly staggered onto her feet. 'Khan Sahib?'

He hadn't given up yet, had he? 'No, he hadn't' He hadn't lost his resolve, hadn't lost hope of finding an escape, had he? 'No... of course, not!' With every single pathway being shut to them, he was now going to dig his way out instead, wasn't he? 'Yes!'

Her blue fingertips rubbed the teardrops off her cheeks. The heart that'd stopped beating ever since she'd heard of the Shehzaade's vicious plans for her husband, found its pulse again. 'But, avenge?'

'I am yours to smile or grieve with... yours to use as a bolster during life's battles...'

He was going to fight back, wasn't he? He was going to avenge all those who'd made their lives miserable! Even if it meant he'd have to do so against his Huzoor. 'Ma Bhavani...' The lips that'd forgotten to pray, recalled a prayer once more 'Ma Bhavani, help him... help me, help him!'

'Avenge?' The Prince was tempted to cast a glimpse in the direction of Khalil and the Kunwar - if nothing else to gauge their reactions. 'How do you mean?'

'With your permission. Huzoor... I would like to challenge them to a duel...'

'WHAT?' he demanded loudly to quieten the sudden burst of gossip in the hall. 'A duel? Are you planning to make my court a fairground? I will not permit such a thing!'

'Oh no, Huzoor... this isn't fun and games... I meant a duel till death! That is...' Akbar added, after a well-timed pause 'that is IF they would not feel intimidated about facing the Ustaad!'

The Shehzaade could almost hear the crunch of fists and the clang of a sword, from behind. 'NO!' He might be the most powerful man in the empire - but this was bordering on sheer lawlessness. And it was exactly the sort of thing that could get him in trouble. Especially since it involved the prince of a powerful Hindu kingdom. 'No... this cannot happen...'

'Then...' shrugged Akbar 'it will forever be etched in history... that one of the most powerful generals of your camp... and the most prolific swordsmen of the kingdom of Manswar, bowed down to the Ustaad...' he batted his eyelids with nonchalance 'without even stepping into an arena to fight'

'Argh!' The Shehzaade took an aggressive step forth. 'Do you think I can't see what you're doing?'

'I will NOT accept this!'

'But, I accept the challenge!' Thundered Mahendar's response from the other end of the hall 'Backing off from an open challenge will bring nothing but shame upon my name and disgrace upon all of Manswar... and I cannot let that happen!'

'And I accept too!' drawled Khalil, pushing his way through the rows to the frontline 'He ridicules the fact that I have only one working hand. It might be necessary to remind him that I have been winning just as many battles now, as I did for you before, Huzoor'

'Stand down, men! I will NOT allow this!'

'Why Huzoor? Why concern yourself with the fates of criminals? As it is, I've been proven a betrayer for trying to cover up a young lady's benign pleas for justice. Very soon, you'll come to know that Khalil and the Kunwar of Manswar are your betrayers too... they have always been so!' He smirked a pitiful smirk 'In fact, that's how it all started, didn't it? Khalil planned that horrendous attack on the Haveli with the information that the Kunwar of Manswar gave him!'

'WHAT?' The Darbar was suddenly struck by virtual blackout, in broad daylight!

'Wh... what?' Mahendar rose from his seat - his fair skin blazing from outrage. An outrage from his reputation being soiled in public! But more importantly, an outrage born from a growing anxiety. If people were to start believing that he was indeed involved with a sub-human like Khalil, the repercussions would be unimaginable. 'Darn it!' Behind closed doors, he'd jointly decided with Khalil to keep calm, and bury Ustaad under heaps of conspiracy by painting him as a raving madman. And they'd been successful so far. However, the fresh accusations had pushed his mind into a fog. And the further he sought to free himself, the further he felt smothered.

'How dare you?' Drawing his weapon, he bolted towards the centre, to control the scenes playing out there.

Sadly for the Kunwar though, what the court had already heard, couldn't be unheard!

A hidden sneer lined Akbar's lip - the truth was coming out, and it was all going to get right under the man's delicate princely skin.



'WHAT did you just say?' The Shehzaade's mouth dropped, his ever-devious mind going blank for a while. 'So... so... it's the KUNWAR who's been Khalil's 'source' all along? He sold out his betrothed? For power?' That the Kunwar was not to be trusted, was a fact he'd guessed from the instant they'd met. That he was so despicable, he would've never imagined!

Akbar fought the temptation to crack a smile. 'So, Huzoor... do you finally see the kind of political secrets others have been keeping from you?' He could have said it aloud too, exasperating an already exasperated man - not unlike how the lowly Khalil had been repeatedly allowed to torment him. But he wisely refrained from doing so. His former-master was shrewd enough. He'd work the rest out himself!

And it seemed the rest of the crowd was also busy working it out - seeing how all wagging tongues in the hall had suddenly frozen!

But, ironically, there was ONE - to whose frozen spirits, the developments came like a balming remedy.

The unstoppable shiver on her lips had settled into to a surprising calm - eventually, even breaking into a hopeful smile. Her husband's intentions were getting as clear as if he'd literally whispered it in her ears. He was pricking the pride of the Kunwar, prodding the furor of Khalil and spurring the insecurities of his Huzoor. Having thus stirred-up an entire cauldron of explosive sentiments, he was going to stand back and watch his recipe unfold. 'Yes!' It was a gamble, but it might work - one outburst and it might push the Shehzaade into making a hasty decision. Maybe she could better his chances, by lending a hand with the stirring and the spicing up whenever the chance arrived? 'Maybe...'

'Stop this now!' Mahendar stormed right into the commotion - the pallor on his sharp features overcome by a red rage. 'You are in chains... your wife outcast from her community after humiliating Manswar, while carrying on a secret love affair with a treasonous beast like yourself! And you dare sling mud at me?' he bellowed from his nostrils 'I am a dignified royal... a respected leader of my community... honourable to the woman, I promised to marry. Under no condition would I involve myself in such shady dealings...' grinding his words furiously, he spat them out 'I cannot imagine that Your Highness would give two convicted criminals such freedom of speech!'

'Honourable?' Heera let slip a soft sad chuckle - the very nature and timing of which, was enough to lull voices that were several notches higher than hers 'An honourable man who has so many faces he's forgotten his true looks! One face, which he displays here, to the Mughal prince. One face that he reserves for his clandestine meetings with the general Khalil. One face, for his parents. And one face that he flaunted back at Parnagarh, when he gave proud loud speeches against Your Highness... your armies... your regime... wait... a... moment...'

She abruptly faked a gasp - able to imagine the frowns coming alive on her Sahib's dead-set expressions while doing so 'Your Highness, if I am a traitor because I wrote letters against a few criminals in your army, then isn't his crime far greater? Infinitely more traitorous?'

'And by associating with such a traitor, isn't Khalil a far greater betrayer than I ever was?' Without so much as having to look her way, Akbar gently took the reins over as she handed it back - their performances in perfect synchronisation. Not only had she guessed his intention as if he'd literally whispered it into her ears, she'd added her own special touches too. It was a gamble, but Akbar now had the strangest hunch that it would pay off. His gazes twinkled with gratitude at the image of his woman that'd never once disappeared from the corner-most realms of his eye. 'Thank you'

'No! There is no proof of this... there is no proof for ANY OF THIS!'

'Proof?' Heera inhaled some strength in - her proud Hindu sentiments momentarily reflecting on the fact that she was sacrificing one from her own community to a fanatical Muslim prince.

Then again, the Kunwar was no freedom fighter. He was the one who'd greedily thrown his own lover to a murderer, as sacrifice! And by giving him up, she might be helping save the lives of both - her husband and her people, thus doing a FAR greater service to her community. 'Your Highness...' her soft pupils peered at the blurry image of the Kunwar who'd brought this all upon them 'I don't need to teach you the ways of spies... but if I were to do it - I'd send a few disguised men to Parnagarh and Manswar... they would make enquiries... and we'd get our answer as to how far Kunwarsa has been revolting against you and your methods!'

'HARKA BAI! Y... you deserve to DIE!'

Stomping like a madman, Mahendar lurched forward to attack Heera. However, it was an exercise so futile that Heera and her Sahib didn't flinch for a beat. For, the guards blocked his way well in time, putting a stop to his aggression straightaway.

'Prince of Manswar, BEHAVE!'

Having shot him down with a raw spine-tingling glare, the Shehzaade grit his teeth from fresh ripples of hatred for the Hindu prince - all shreds of civility in his attitude now lost. It told the Kunwar what he'd been dreading throughout - that him and his sweet Manswar were not going to be safe from the wrath of the Mughal heir for long!

In that same seething breath, he reverted to the man in chains 'Akbar, STOP disrupting my court! Getting your revenge, by humiliating me now?'

'Oh Lord, no Huzoor!'

Akbar's voice stayed deceptively calm 'I would have said all of this to you, in private, had you given me a chance to do so... merely, a pot of ink and paper would have done... but of course, Farooq Sahib would not let any of that happen... so badly does he wish for my downfall that he even disobeyed your wishes and chose to side with Khalil - a man he otherwise despises! Isn't that how he got hold of the red pouch?'

'What? Can't be!' The Shehzaade dragged his leaden feet behind. 'Khalil?'

But, it was beginning to make sense, wasn't it? 'Isn't that how he got hold of the red pouch?'

Unbelievable! That Farooq Sahib had lost his fondness for Akbar was no longer a secret. And while he'd never been entirely convinced by the 'red pouch' as evidence, it was disturbing to think that the old man would go to such an extent - blatantly disregarding the Huzoor's orders to fulfil his own wishes!

'Ya Allah!' The old advisor suddenly threw his hands in the air and then clutched his chest hard, casting a pained glimpse at his peers 'Such LIES! How could you, Akbar, my son?'

The prince though, did not react. For, all of Akbar's calm words were clanging so loudly against his eardrums that he could hear nothing else.

He spun around.

To his right was the Kunwar.

Straight ahead stood Khalil.

Somewhere to the left was Farooq Sahib.

And behind him was Akbar Mahmoud Khan!

Three of these men were supposed to be his closest aides, and yet, all of them were deceivers. ALL! 'AI KHUDA!' He pushed down the bile rising to his throat. This was torturous. As torturous as if he were being flayed alive - layers of protective skin being peeled off one by one, with each fresh betrayal.

'Outrageous!' The group of religious advisors grumbled amongst themselves - before one of them spoke up for Farooq Sahib 'Is there ANYONE in this hall that Akbar hasn't blamed, yet?'

'At this rate, I fear you might be his next target, Huzoor!'

'He has no evidence! NONE!'

Akbar blinked away the lethargy in his stares, an unmoved audience to those threats and shouts. It was as though he had walked over to a place far beyond the aggression and the horridness.

While the lone Mughal heir now stood and watched the slimy behaviour of the men that he'd surrounded himself with, those saplings of suspicion would naturally grow into branches of disgust and hatred!

'I have nothing to do with Khalil...'

'Huzoor... I have never met the Kunwar of Manswar before...'

'Ya Allah! Akbar has lost his mind...'

'Let me into the arena and I'll show you what my RAJPUTI SWORD is capable of!' Mahendar bellowed the loudest, to make sure his challenge was heard. 'How could you allow him to say such things about another prince in your court?'

'How could I? How COULD I?' The Shehzaade gawked at the Kunwar, his blood on fire. After the unimaginable crimes he'd just been accused of, this man had the AUDACITY to question the Mughal heir in court? Had he not been a 'Kunwar' his severed head would be lolling on the court floor now. ' He had a flash of a manic vision - to witness this entitled young prince being degraded and destroyed at the public square with the crowds chanting 'Traitor'!

Who knew - maybe, he'd just been given the opportunity to make that vision happen.

'FINEEE!' He held an arm up in the air, bringing the fracas to a jarring end. 'Two weeks! Two weeks from today, and we'll get to see what your Rajputi sword is capable of... very soon, the capital will be swelling with the spring rush... the duel shall be held then!' He tied his hands behind his back - a sign that nothing less than a visit from God would make him change his mind hereafter.

'The Prince of Manswar... former-general Khalil... and Akbar Mahmoud Khan!' These three men had dared to play their future-Emperor as if he were a fool, hadn't they? Now they would be forced to play against one another for their lives, like poor fools - while the entire capital watched! And the money that this scandal would generate, should help fill his depleted treasury handsomely too. 'You will fight each other, in turns, in a duel till death' A snigger rolled up from the depths of his chest 'Hopefully, by the end... I will be left having to deal with only ONE of you traitors!'

Related image

[Journey Continues]

Edited by lashy - 6 years ago
lashy thumbnail
20th Anniversary Thumbnail Trailblazer Thumbnail + 4
Posted: 6 years ago
#9

Originally posted by: Sandhya.A

EPISODE -29





Lashy descended the grand staircase with poise and elan fully aware that she had the attention of everyone assembled there including the man of the moment, the master of the mansion. And she loved it. The effect that she was creating. Having lived the obscure shadow life of a spy, it felt a welcome change to be in the spotlight.

And to be the cynosure of Khan Sahib's eyes, even if for a few minutes was no mean feat. Lashy felt more thrilled as the man held out his hands and took hers in them guiding her to the centre of the halls where the celebrations were centred. And then she saw them - the Rakhis and her spirits that were soaring took a nosedive and summoning her dramatics to her aid she turned to face her cousin.

"On this auspicious occasion I wish to congratulate you cousin Akbar, on finding home and true happiness. I have always known you to be a recluse with an impenetrable shield. When Chachajaan told me of your finding your soulmate I was overcome with curiosity about the lady who had achieved the impossible. But having seen and known Harka Bai these days, i can say with confidence that it would have been a surprise only if she hadn't touched your heart."

Lashy quickly caught sight of all the happy and dreamy eyes around her and the blushing beauty in the golden ghaghra. Only Akbar's eyes were inscrutable as usual. His slight grin i indicated the curiosity as to where the speech was headed to.

Lashy continued, " I am now going to write about the beautiful love story that bloomed in the midst of such turmoil and peril, much like a lone flower blossoming upon the steepest edges of a cliff - a story of love, of sacrifice and honour! The Story of Akbar and Heera Bai."

The haveli walls too seemed to join the claps that followed Lashy's declaration. A visibly moved Ratan Kaka stepped forward." Please do bitiya. The Pair of them have been through many tests of fire and winning with their togetherness."

"Thank you Lashy. " Heera sounded equally emotional. "And now let's begin our celebratins." Saying so, she held out the silver tray that held the glittering threads in various colours.

Lashy picked up a simple blue and silver rakhi thread and swept across towards Akbar. "Tsk tsk, you are going to be the protagonist in my epic love story. I can't do justice to my words with brotherly sentiments towards you dear cousin. So my rakhi goes to Ibrahim bhaijaan." She shrugged and smiled and turned to the man's best lieutenant and tied the thread around his wrist. Akbar Khan's grin spread into a wide hearty laughter. He knew her since childhood. Typically her style it was.

At The Other End Of The Hall

Kalgiakka spotted Lana at the other end of the hall and wedged her way to her.
"Phew Lana. Here you are. The tray over there. The six goblets of sherbet are spiked. Please tell them. "

"Which tray?"

"The one that muscle man..." Kalgiakka turned to show but there was no tray in his hands. Instead, Bindiya, Saira, Dhani and two other maids held a tray each and were serving the guests.

"Oh no! I saw Jaswant switch glasses. He is up to something, i tell you."

"Your friend Kalgiakka, no way. He is such a charming man and a reputed builder...I welcomed him to our mansion the way you requested."

Kalgiakka's head was spinning. " I requested? I expressed my doubts about him na."

"No. You only asked me to show my antique collection which I did..."

"Do you have anything important in your mansion Lana?"

"Yes I Do. Something Khan Sahib wanted me to have safely. But I let Jaswant in only because he was your friend and you requested me to."

"But I didn't. Did he switch the letter too...and imitate my writing." Kalgiakka stared at the man across the hall who seemed to be distracted today. His concentration seemed elsewhere.

"I'll make a pulp out of you if you dare to harm anyone here Jassi..."

"You must be mistaken dear."

" Yes I was mistaken, but earlier. Lana, please ask your sweetheart to come here and hear me out. There is something important I have to say."

"Now? He is in the midst of the festivities na."

"Midst? No. I just saw him leave the hall with that golden haired girl clinging on to him. I'll deal with that Jaswant first and that chipkali next. "

"Golden Hair...Kalgiakka you seem to be mistaken again. He is my friend Azeez Shah. " Reducing her voice to a whisper, she added, "It is Khan Sahib I adore."

Kalgiakka was too stunned to speak. One revelation after another cascaded upon her.
Amidst The Celebrations Centre.

The buzz got louder and the excitement escalated as Heera tied her pretty threads on the wrists of her Hari baisa and her Sahib's three best men. Others too were busy adorning their brother's hands. Ibrahim Bhaijaan's hands were full of colorful threds but Khan Sahib's was yet to have one.

Heera began to worry.



"I miss Durga a lot dear. But the presence of t he two of you as the Lord and Lady of the Haveli almost makes up for it." It was Lavanya w ho placed a kind hand on Heera's shoulders.

"Yours and our other friends' presence here is so endearing jiji. Well I was wondering if..."

" Errr... Heera, I was thinking that when Khan Sahib's cousin writes her story, I will summarize each chapter in the form of a poem. You and Khan Sahib will be the leads of my poem, "Ajnabi" .

"Very nice. Thank you. " Heera sighed with a smile. A poem on their love story. And Lavanya Jiji was an expert with words. But the problem of Rakhi for her Sahib remained. In such a colorful array of ladies why wasn't anyone willing.


Yes. Rose bhabhijaan. She had expressed her desire to be Khan Sahib's sister. But where was she? Ibrahim Mirza tried to catch his begumjaan's eyes. She was twice cross with him since morning and seemed quite upset and deliberately avoided him.

But at the far end of the hall, Rosejaan was actually trying hard to avoid her Shohar's eyes but for different reasons.

Elsewhere in the hall

Kuki held on to the goblet in her hand wishing it was her pan. Her Azeez Miyan was excitedly talking to that new girl whom she reluctantly had to admit was very beautiful. And the conversation never seemed to end. Finally she decided that it was it.

She picked up a pink and purple thread from the Rakhi tray and walked towards the duo.

"Here, I've brought this one for you dear. I'm sure Prannath would love to have you tie him one."

The girl looked horrified. "Of course not."

"Why not?" Kuki's anger levels were crossing danger limits.

"Err...Kuki, thanks for bringing the thread. Rashmi was just asking me if she could be Khan Sahib's sister."

"Thank you dear." Rashmi took the thread from her and walked to the master of the mansion.

"May I Sahib?" She smiled. Heera almost jumped in joy as the pretty pink thread was wrapped around her Sahib's hand.

At the entrance

Hari baisa was all excited as he welcomed his new friend and another young girl.

"Looks like its celebrations time here Bro'" said the lad who was obviously new to the place.

"Yes James. Its Rakshabandhan today. A festival where sisters tie colourfull threads on tthe hands of their brothers or those whom they consider brother. And this is..."

"She is Wishu, a fantastic painter and she wishes to study medicine. Met her and her fellow students on my way here. She wanted to meet the mistress of t he haveli whom she heard was an expert healer. Since I'm coming here I thought I'll bring her along."

"Yes. Heera Baisa is the best healer one can find and I'll introduce you Wishu. "

In the hall

Dhani hesitantly approached Heera.

"Baisa... you know I have three sisters and have always wanted a brother like Khan Sahib. But him being a Mansabdar and I..."

"Oh Dhani...there is no such difference today. Go pick up your favourite colour thread. I'm sure Khan Sahib would appreciate you as a sister."

Just then, Hari reached the place with his friends wishing to introduce his friends. After happy introductions Hari suggested

"James, Heera baisa has tied Rakhi for me. Would you too..." James jumped. "I'm thirsty B ro. I'll have some refreshments. And be back. Seeya." And disappeared into the crowd.

After sometime.

Hari baisa and Ratan Kaka approached their master and mistress.

"Oh what is this Sahib? Just two Rakhis on our Mansabdar's wrists!"

Just then James passed by with his hands covered in colour threads.

"Hari bro, everyone is so friendly here. All these baisas call me banna and have gifted me with these threads...exciting, isn't it?"

"Of course, but you have to give them all return gifts after dinner, remember." And the two lads left the place.

Ratan kaka continued..."I have heard that odd n numbers are more auspicious than even numbers. Shouldn't Khan Sahib have one more Rakhi? Where is Rose bitiya Mirza Sahib? Or where is your friend, Lana Sahiba?"

"Lana is over there" pointed Azeez

Another side of the hall
Kalgiakka kept a close watch on Jaswant who disappeared once more into the serving room for a few minutes but was back by the time she reached the place. Did he spike more drinks? Did he talk to someone there? Did anyone drink from the switched goblet? No one seemed sick or unusual. She had to tell someone and do something. Where was Lana again now. Her uncle had interrupted their previous conversation and taken her away.

She soon spotted her friend in the spotlight, l looking distinctly uncomfortable amidst her hero and Heera Sahiba. As she nudged her way in close to her friend, she noticed her pale and almost about to be sick. A maid was holding the Rakhi tray out to her. Kalgiakka understood her agony and stepped forward.

"Lana, you don't seem to be keeping well."

"Yes indeed. Sahiba does look pale today. The weather perhaps." ssid Azeez. "I thought she wold be Khan Sahib's third Rakhi sister today..."

"May I instead." Kalgiakka smiled at the instantly relieved Lana.

After sometime

Dinner had just begun but Kalgiakka couldn't find Jaswant. He probably gave her the slip when she was trying Rakhi to Khan Sahib and the formalities that followed.

Lana had something important in her house and he had learnt the way inside the house and Kalgiakka herself in her folly showed him t he short forest route to her house that had no guards. There was no way he took the regular roads without being seen. She wanted to make sure once. His long absence was nagging her for quite sometime now.

In the forest path

"Ouch" Kalgiakka tripped and hurt her ankles, but was determined to proceed. As she reached the shortcut path to Lana's house she saw footsteps.

The footsteps clearly led to Lana's house. They were fresh after the morning drizzle and certainly his. As she took a few more steps Into the thickets, he emerged from the other side, carrying a wrapped package. He stood Shocked at seeing her.

"Kalgi...you...here...?"

"Yes Mr.Genteel voice. It's me. All your sweet talks were to gain information.Weren't they? You had a secret mission and you used me. Didn't you? Can you deny it?" Anger rose with every word she spat.

He looked distinctly shocked and unnerved. "Well I admit...i was...but...Well, I'll explain. Let's move... first .."


"Move? I'll not let you move an inch. You have stolen Khan Sahib's things under my friend's custody. I'll not let you do any harm to her or Khan Sahib or Parnagarh." She quickly picked up a wooden branch nearby and gave him a hard blow that made him stagger and a couple more made him fall flat on the ground. Kalgiakkas fury was sky high.

"You have stolen Khan Sahib's package in Lana's custody and i'll not let you get away with it. I will not let you harm my friend or my brother Khan Sahib or my Parnagarh. "

She attempted to hit out once more but he slid away. His words were incoherent as he was panting for breath.

"Kalgi...you...are...m..."

Just then Saira came running towards them.

"Sahiba, Lana Sahiba asked me to fetch you for dinner. When i came looking for you you were leaving agitatedly from the haveli. I decided to follow you if there was any problem."

"Problem...yes. But i'll take care of it. Here, take this package. Go straight to the haveli as fast as you can and hand this over to Lana or Khan Sahib. No one else, is that clear. I've hurt my leg and cant run. But i'll be there as soon as i can."

"Yes Sahiba, but are you safe with him?"

" It is not my safety that is to be worried about now but his. I'll not spare him. Go girl. Go fast."

"Kalgi...dont...give me...package" Jaswant was still reeling from the blows and the shock. He muttered something else that was more disjointed.

Kalgiakka turned to leave with her rage for the man blazing within her still, when a few words he muttered compelled her to freeze in her tracks and turn around.

Kalgi22 thumbnail
11th Anniversary Thumbnail Stunner Thumbnail + 3
Posted: 6 years ago
#10
My dear B&Bs 🤗

We did it!! Many Congratulations for our new home!! 🥳


Related Topics

Jodha Akbar Thumbnail

Posted by: hemakeerti

3 months ago

FF: Pale Blue Dot Thread 6/19/2025 Chapter 44 Part2

Hemakeerti OSes - Compiled PBD INDEX Prologue Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter...

Expand ▼
Jodha Akbar Thumbnail

Posted by: ParijatDeewani

1 months ago

Jodha Akbar Vm Thread

Hey y'all! I've created this thread so that you'll can easily access all the Akdha Vms in one place. Please feel free to add to the list. 1....

Expand ▼
Jodha Akbar Thumbnail

Posted by: Shinning_Stuti

5 years ago

Thread 3: Destined Love... (Chapter 61 updated)

Prologue: How it happens when both the hearts fall for each other madly without knowing each other? He is the emperor of the great Mughal...

Expand ▼
Jodha Akbar Thumbnail

Posted by: hemakeerti

10 months ago

FF: Pale Blue Dot Thread 02/16/2025 Chapter43 - Part2 Updated

Hemakeerti OSes - Compiled PBD INDEX Prologue Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter...

Expand ▼
Top

Stay Connected with IndiaForums!

Be the first to know about the latest news, updates, and exclusive content.

Add to Home Screen!

Install this web app on your iPhone for the best experience. It's easy, just tap and then "Add to Home Screen".