Chapter 26
Agra fort
"What you mean by he isn't here"?
(Ask Mirza in enraged voice from the guards who are Jalal security officer and charge of protecting him. They all spoke back boring there head down in ashamed tone)
"Forgive us my lord we don't know his majesty"! dismissed us didn't come back to his room and "!...
"Bullshit you people are paid to protect him"! And here you're not aware about his whereabouts making excuses huh"! If something happens to him who will be responsible"? Just recently in noon there was assassination attempt on him and you foolish people"!
(Fisting his hand yelling at the guards Mirza was so near to have them behead, but he was stopped by Abdul words he wasn't sure but he didn't wanted Mirza to act recklessly. Thus he said in firm tone trying to calm him down).
"Calm down Mirza"! We cannot let the news of his absence leak"! Let's go it's time we sent out man to find him"!
(Mirza nodded at him understanding it's not right time to show anger ,but it's time to act whereas Zaheer agree to Abdul words and spoke while moving out with them).
"Yes better hurry up we cannot waste our time in taking our anger blaming each would lead us nowhere"!
(Listening they wasted no time and started walking out of palace. To find Jalal they were sure if they failed then ,They won't be able to see him again ever after what they heard about Sultan Altmish plan of getting him killed pathetically. Praying inwardly for his well being they decided to get in disguise to search him).
#######################################Agra Market
"Argh you don't need to show your weaponry skill on me at every chance you get"!
"I warned you beforehand"! do not touch me"! Than how dare you"!
" I held your hand for security purpose look over there"!
(Jalal hissed at her in change voice so that she don't get even the whip of doubt about his identity. It was true watching one man holding dagger sharing a look with other man watching over them he got alert and thinking they're after him and her he held her hand in case they needed to run off obliviously didn't wanted to take risk on getting both of their identity reveal before others or let the attackers harm any of his subject. But he just held her hand when she attacked on his by dagger which she kept with herself for protection. Jodha look where he gesture her to and found two man sharing a look at each other and they had dagger with themselves. But they eventually turn out to be mere thief hiding from soldiers).
"Whatever might be reason don't touch me"!
You're saying as if I am dying to touch you"!
"It might be true Who knows"? Anyway that's true or not "! "one thing is true you won't be left alive if you dare to touch me again"!
(Jalal glare at her hearing her words but he knew better, he will really die at moment if he touched her again. Cause she don't know it's her husband with her but then he said nothing and they continue walking. When at little walk Jodha spoke softly in firm low tone).
"I I think we're being followed"!
(Listening this Jalal bend down on his one knee pretending to be fixing his shoe but the real purpose was to find out whatever she thought it's true or not. And realising it's true few people seem to buying and checking one or other things from nearby stall but they're watching them all the while time to time But than getting up).
You're just assuming it"! No one is following us"! And why anyone would follow us"! You're just mere maid and I a mere Guard"!
"We work for royal that's itself a big reason", for being followed by enemies! More over even we are common folk doesn't mean we won't get in trouble ever"!
"Alright relax women "! you seems to have habit to make mount of mole"! Have to fight at every chance either verbally or physically"!
" You're no different cause you men"! "have habit to dominate others specially women"!
"That's baseless Accused I strongly stand against it"!
"As if I care"! "You're no different from his Majesty"! He seem to love confining me I mean her highness behind four walls"! While you seem to enjoy proving me wrong no matter how right I am"!
(Saying this she didn't waited for him to even say anything, and started walking away in fast paced not realising where she heading at. Leaving Thoughtful Jalal behind who realised a bit late than she left him he to started at the way she walked hurriedly worried for her saftey. And found her looking at the mosque standing firmly near a tree he walked near her and sensing he neared her she spoke again).
"Do you know about Umarah, Nusaybah bint ka'ab"?
"Yes she was the women ", "who defended the Prophet (SAW) ", "during several battles together with her son's"!
"A women helped him with her life"! Than why you man think women need man for their protection"! "Lots of restrictions just for them to abide by and excuse for their own good"! Hypocrite"!
(Jalal didn't said anything at all what he can say anyway he belong to category of man who doesn't enjoy to much freedom for women at all cause he think they only wish to prove they can be better then them. Why it's needed it's well known universal truth they're better then them it's one of reason Men can conquer the world but Women rule the Conqueror. Right now even she wish to prove her point how hypocrite he is, even he who is unknown to her right now and one who is known to her. He had heard how she had rejected many proposal one which was sent by Shah Abbas Ali Afghan king for his nephew Sultan Altmish."I rather breath my last than marry the cursed serpent Prince"! What a awesome bold reply it was for Messenger who went back with rejection and such mean remark. It's still a wonder why That nephew of Afghan king who now become king of Afghan didn't done anything against her and him yet. After all both of them given him reason to avenge that's when he noticed her cloths getting moistion by perspiration realising it's time they take break but he wasn't ready to show he is concerned about her thus he spoke. Ben if that's make him the weak one it's still better than let her think Everyone world resolve around her).
"Let's rest here for while"!
(Jodha was bit glad by his words she to didn't wished to walk anymore thus without word she nodded and settled under the Banayan Tree on ground. It wasn't even a while when they settled to rest few yelling sound got there attention the warrior and responsible royal in then whose every breath is dedicated for their subject awaken they immidately got up and run towards the voice even though it was hard for Jodha as her feet got swollen it's been a long time when she scrolled out on rough path as such gotten. Reaching at one end of village they found few People trying various ways to get something or rather someone out but something was preventing them from getting close to the place by huge crowd there it got hard for Jodha Jalal to know thus they moved further and saw a little kid around 9 fell in well but people are unable to got him out cause the well is full of snakes).
"Lord someone save my son he will die"! Told him not to play near this cursed broken well "! Stubborn head he won't listen save him"! someone save him please"! For the sake of this window mother save my son please save him"!
Jodha started walking near the well but Jalal stop her and himself moved near the well. Standing near the Well he found the boy trying to swam up to stay alive there were few snakes could be seen which were bit up on well wall. But inside there was dark thus he failed to see all the danger still he was well aware of risk. If being stepping in the well and got out with boy anytime from anywhere he can bite by snakes there. Thus he threw the jute rope end to man present there who held it and other end he tied around himself on waist properly while Jodha didn't stand idly either she didn't saw inside the well but knowing risk of snake in there she tied a little cloth on one Wooden stick taking oil from a women there she burn it and got one flambeau ready burning it she gave it to him before he step in the well. He took it and tied it around his one hand than slowly slowly step in the well).
"Hang on there boy"! "nothing would happen to you"!
(Whenever any snake try to reach near him he would move the burning flambeau , near them making them back away. The people up there did a great job by holding the rope tightly Jodha watch them praying inwardly for both of their saftey. But soon she noticed few people glancing around unlike others, who are concern and worried, they seem to have neutral expression but their action seem evidently clear they're searching about someone. She ignore them and focused on Jalal who got in well and so far watching he is coming up she sigh in relief. The Boy was up on his back with his hands sneaked around his neck locked his body was hugging him tight, while his legs were sneaked around his waist the boy was in semi concious state still his grip on him was very much appreciated and working. As if the snake being in the well wasn't enough hurdle for them Jodha saw the rope held tightly by people weren't able to held the weight of Both And getting stretched to the point of breaking the people holding the other end of rope was standing at bit distance from well fearing for there life from deadly snakes. They noticed it but before anyone could hold the breaking rope end it broke and it didn't took long for Jalal to drop back in well water however Jodha held on the end of rope which was dragging back on well with Jalal before they lose their chance with all her strength and will power she proceed to pull him up but it was tough the people come forward to held on rope to pull Jalal up. But the unexpected fall on well made Jalal lost the flambeau which increased the danger lurking around him in the form of Snakes in well. Even the kid who was leaning on his back fainted the darkness in well didn't helped either. Thus he held the boy from one hand and held on rope by other but by single hand he wasn't able to bring himself pull up. But Jodha sense heaviness but no movement she understood a bit of their circumstances).
"We need to pull them up now"!
(Listening this all nodded and started pulling them up with more strength. Soon enough after half hour Jalal come up on the surface of ground breathlessly. The mother of boy immediately held on her son and started crying in relief. While Jodha checked on Jalal she didn't get why he is breathing so harshly is it cause he suffer from lack of air in deep well or some snake bite him. For some reason unknown fear gripped her heart he wasn't looking at her but lying on ground with lost look panting few men helped him to get on side over a cot).
"Hey wake up look at me"! You're listening here"!
(She started patting his head but apart from breathing ,he made no movement his eyes were dropping she took the water offer by people and started sprinkling on his face making him stay concious when one women come with Milk and honey and gave it to Jodha but whenever Jodha try to make him drink all would leak out from his mouth he is fainting I had to stop it but how to do it).
"Get some Hakim here"!
"We already did Hakim will be here soon"!
(Answer few man Jodha looked at Jalal then without delay took his hand near mouth, took of her veil while Ghoonghat on , than started sucking the poison out from snake bitten palm. She suck then spit out on ground the procedure goes on until she tasted blood she spit out. Till than the Hakim arrived he checked Jalal and known for having antiode of every snake bite he provide the antidote to him. But like the honey milk even the antiode leaked, out from his mouth he failed to even sip it it forget about gulping all of it. She patted his head and trying to make him stay conicuous praying in heart for some miracle she to try to make him drink but no use. Jalal was feeling and watching everything but failing to comply by treatment. He was feeling bad and miserable for her the way she risk her own life ,knowing well while sucking the poison out she may end up swollowing a bit there were chance she may lose her life but she didn't back out even when in her eyes he is no one to her. he didn't wanted to see her this way. he felt wetness on his cheek again but this time it was warm instead of cool. He knew from where this wetness coming from but he he had no choice other then to endure this, feeling to weak to act or even drink the antitode make his situation worsen ,by each second but then what happen next he didn't expected even in his wildest dream she would ever do for him or anyone).
"Hold his neck for me "! "and move his face up"!
(The Hakim listen to her and did as she said while the assistant of Hakim started applying salve on palm. Jodha than took the Antidote closed her eyes she murmured "lord forgive me for the sin I am going to commit in all sense"! and drank a mouthful antiode than neared his mouth leaning down at him. Than opening his mouth she covered it by her own. The last thought he had in mind before fainting was to be loved by her be her top most priority).
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Amer Fort
"Your highness as per your command we siezed the robbers"! If you wish shall we present them before you"!
(Sitting on swing in the open garden surrounded by her attender and pile of books and papers scattered on side of table placed near swing. The soldiers ask her by standing before her she didn't said anything but nodded her head in yes by motioning them to go ahead in presenting the robbers).
"Did they confess the crimes they commited"!
"Yes your highness"! They did"!
"Than it's wise to gave them second chance"! To live honest life"!
(Spoke Avantika looking at the robbers and their leader who were looking down. But listening her words not only her soldiers but robbers to got surprised. Solider cause Avantika never gave second chance to one who harm either specially her subject. Robbers cause they thought the man who promise to make her show mercy was only bluffing. But now they knew he did it even though the Man didn't come to her at all. But again they needn't to know this but there was another thing worrying them thus the Leader spoke in low firm tone).
"Forgive me but it will be impossible", for us to live an honest life"! We won't be able to survive leaving Robbery", "no one would have us at service cause of what we did"!
"Hm right it's unfair to have you people starve ", just for sake of giving you another", chance to live fairly by honest Live-hood"!
(Spoke Avantika but listening her words the robbers thought by this Avantika may penalised them to death. But glancing at them Avantika smiled a bit than spoke further in firm tone, watching the rest of robbers squirming in nervousness on place they're standing).
"You people are robbers"! Must be familiar with animals and weapons"! It will be fair by not only giving you second chance but give you way for Live-hood"! Brijesh Dayal assign them at Horse stables and Palace subject security"!
(The robbers listening this fell on her feet near swing to show gratitude. They started thanking her while she just listen then dismiss them by telling whatever she did was her duty and right thing to do. As even God fave people second chance than she is just human. It's was ought to expected by her as queen? The robbers walked away hailing her and praising her for her decision).
"Your highness it's new for us"! Not only you seem lost today"! "but your decision to"!
"As queen there are lots of things I need to work on", thus losing in some thoughts are very understandable"! I already clear the purpose behind the decision"!
(Avantika was looking down at pile of papers thus she didn't notice, that her friends are giving her teasing look knowing well the reason behind her change of decision. But they know very well just like Women aren't free to express their desire before others Royals aren't free to express their feelings in emotional manner either. Hence they need one or other reason to justify their action their decision. Thus they didn't push her into revealing the real reason but they were happy for her at least she is thinking about herself).
"How The arrangements are going on for my visit to Agra"!
"They're almost done you can", set to leave by tommorrow morning"!
(Avantika didn't knew why but there was something making her feel uneasy. But she let it slide and didn't said anything at all and continue her work to check records).
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Lahore fort Few days ago"!
(Sultan Altmish was sitting on couch deep in heart he was very much burning to avenge. But he knew better he need to act wisely to get what he want thus. He was drinking wine and staring at women sitting beside him one of his Captive. He felt bad for her yet something in him didn't let him free her at all. It was no doubt he wanted her like any man want women at first sight. It's pity at how he Ruined her life and how he will destroy others).
"I know you hate me"! But that Cannot stop me from having you"! Your hatred for me won't let you close to me"! While My desire for you won't let you leave me"!
(The women said nothing just looked down what she can say man like him are reason women had to grew up with lots of restrictions, stay isolate from world getting robbed from freedom of many things to do. She was just wife of mere Marchant lived in small village of Punjab region, when his man attacked on the place started burning the homes of common folk dishonoring the women and robbing the people with whatever little they had. When few Soldier comes to get her ofcourse with her little strength and will power while the love they carried for each other she and her husband put up a fight. But than a sharp Spear shot towards her husband from back when he turn around he was beheaded by Altmish himself who shot the spear on him by riding horse till he turn he reach near her already with sharp unseathed sword. She didn't even get chance to mourn for him when he held her by wrist and pull her on his horse and started riding away. But so far he didn't try to have his way like any vile man yet he kept his distance with her but it was clear what he want from her it's seem he is waiting for something to happen first. Within short span of time he had his palace full of women under his captivity but not for once he went to any of them with intention for sexual desire. He just seem to hear them out with their interest in various fields, or get entertain by them by music dance riddle chess games. Every women knew he get sadist pleasure by this ofcourse it's ironically you snatch everything from them yet to life they need to do as you wish live in certain fear when you get bore by them you will kill them. She remembers when he summoned her to his chamber how she attacked him with knife to kill him but he held her down not letting her attack on him again she feared he will punish her but no he just glared at her. And said in hissed tone careasing the neck of her).
"You feared I would have my way against your will with you"! You tried to kill me to avenge the death of your husband"! Soon soon you will come and offer yourself to me"!
(That was it he made sure to have her grounded whatever little freedom, she had to roam out or meet other women were snatched from her she become bird in golden cage she knew what that's mean one or other day he would try to have her thus before that she need to hurry out in one or other way and for that she need to act as if she gave in. Thus she did what he said to her wearing the plum stones embroided at front Abaya without Veil on getting her hair set in intricately with plaits that looked like crown, secured with pins eyes lined by Kohl which made them more pronounced and lips were painted soft shade of pink putting innocent small smile looking pretty as ever step in his chamber. But instead of getting him bowled by her look she saw him having scowled on face and asked her in firm tone which come sternly to her).
"Why you're here women"?
"Forgive me my lord"! Brought up with lots of restrictions living a certain poor life"! I didn't knew what I did thinking to be sin ", "are fair in the world of rich"! I was foolish to not get you offer me more then my poor life could offer me I can dream ever"!
(The scowling face turn soft but he said nothing kept looking at her then took the glass pour water in it and offer it to her, not getting what he mean by this she took it slowly but without drinking, she spoke further thinking a little more effort are needed to have him agree to her).
"I have been stubborn and foolish to not letting you get anything in return"! Even try to hurt you I hate myself for that"! Please forgive me my lord"!
(But what he did was something she didn't expected cause he just nodded and ask her to leave saying have more to get than stay angry on women whom he got for himself thus he can ignore her actions but warned her to not repeat it ever cause he gave no chance again. But since than he made a custom he will have his evening soend with her no ntter what , he will watch her he will stare at her as if she is most intresting piece of art . But he will say or do nothing it's creep the hell out of her but she would have no say in this sometime she think he imagine someone else on her place as sometime he will look. At her but than end up shrugging his head like brushing the thought aside. She come out of her thoughts when a soldier step in the room with head bowed down ).
"Your majesty"! The leader or Uzbek are here"! Shall I let them in"!
(A smirk formed on his face and he nodded she knew it's not good cause from the last few days he is planning and plotting allot against Mughal. But thinking she should leave now she was about to get up but he motion her not to thus she veiled on face. Soon enough few Man step in the room they sitted on couch opposite to him after getting nod by him than spoke).
"Greetings Sultan"! "why we are invited here again"!
"You were friend of my Uncle"! The late Emperor of Afghan"! You had done lot for him ofcourse got paid fairly as well"! Today I have task for you"! That is you have to bring someone to me"! And slain one person"!
"Well that's new we never did thing as such"! Killing someone lone on battlefield are two diffrent thing"! And taking someone forcefully it's very against our principles"!
"The so called principles are reason you get no success so far", in every war with vile people like Mangol"! By doing what I ask can fetch you thoushands of gold coins 15 barrel of Finest wines and 100 horse"!
"Just to ruin for sake of one death and one abduction you're ready to pay this much "! "definitely the people aren't easy to get hold on"!
"Definitely it's not easy but it's nothing for you to get done with"! First tell me you agreed to go ahead with task I ask you to do"!
"I well the offer seem hard to resist but"! Alright I gave in tell me who are those two"!
(Altmish smiled at this everyone has a price you just need to mentioned it. Thinking this he look down at table and spoke firmly).
"!Before I tell the name I have something", to offer which can help you to get hold on them"!
(Listening this the Leader nodded inwardly panicking whom the Sultan want but dare to let it evident. Soon enough the Sultan Altmish clapped his hand which made a servant appear before him carrying a covered tray and held near the Sultan after uncovering the tray. There was a bottle with powder like substance in it he open the bottle and took a bit powder in hand. Than moved his hand towards one Attender of Uzbek king and blow it on his face. To everyone surprised the attender fell on floor fainted right at moment the King got up from couch).
"What's this"! It's it's that new form of sorcery"! What you done to him"?
"It's one of special thing I got from my healer"! He was working on it from long"! I would be glad to inform him it's work"! It's only help to make person sleep or faint right at moment for time accord to how much it's used"! Worry not he will wake up on own"!
(The Uzbek king nodded his head in Understanding looking at his laying man on ground. He wasn't sure before but now he is sure, not only it's hard to get hold on person he ask him to bring before him, but the Sultan don't want to harm the person either. Thus he look up at him and spoke Firmly in low tone).
"Alright your work will be done but"! Whom you want dead? and before you"?
(Altmish smirk inwardly but with evil grin he motion them to watch, at side there were two painting of one women and Man. If they were awe by the beauty of Women than they were extremely surprised by Image of Man. Not believing at what mess they gotten themselves in).
"It's sucidial we cannot do this"! You do know "! how powerful both of them are"?
"There is nothing which human cannot do"! But there is manything they won't do"! For oblivious reason of principle ,fear of death or losing "!
(Listening this they end up giving in knowing he won't back out nor they can back out, from the word that gave before thus nodding in agreement).
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Agra Outskirts village
"greetings brother"! Would you kindly tell us the cause or huge crowd here"!
"Greetings a little boy while playing fell in the broken well rule by snakes"! A man helped him to come out but now he is fighting with death to live"!
(Nodding his head in understanding the man clad in Brown Color Jama a white color pearl necklace around neck , sword on hand dagger tucked around waist black color Pajama a thick black small beard trim rectangular shape moustache, a maroon Color Turban on head. Walked further with one of his companion . who was clad in Creamy color Sleeveless Robe, over blue color Jama and creamy color pajama with few Blue color Pearl necklace around on neck, a dagger tucked at side of waist peeling out from robe often, a sword in hand his face had trimmed beard and moustache in square shape. Both of them shared a look hoping against hope, the person fighting with death to live isn't the one they think he is. Reaching at front row they found a women leaning over the face of man lying on cot. Sighing at this they realised the man isn't the one they're here for or thought thus glancing around they were about to walk away to some other place when the women move away from lying man and squeeze the cloth on bowl they got glimpse of man lying on cot).
"Oh lord Jalal"!
(Whispered both of them together, looking straight at the man lying on cot in semi concious state. Ofcourse they recognise him it's always his way of disguise this was the latest one when they come to check on robbers. They immediately walked to him while trying to pray on the women who was tending him but with her long Ghoonghat they didn't get to see her face).
"Careful Zaheer"! He is in disguise we cannot risk"! "to reveal his identity"!
"You're right Amir "! we need to control on emotion"!
(Soon enough few man step near and shifted the cot inside the hut to prevent him caughting cold. Mostly everyone were praying for the well being of him but Zaheer and Amir noticed unusual odd thing there a movement which alerted them fearing the worse they stayed alert knowing a slight loop hole and worse can happen. The least they should do to get Jalal back at palace but it wasn't being possible with him being at semi concious state. Standing at entrance watching everyone and back at Jalal time to time they shared a look astonished by women working on him they didn't knew who she is and why she is so eager to save his life. Is it some kind of trap or what"? Confused fearing the worse they decided to wait until it's reveal on own what's actually happen).
"I need to let Abdul know about it"!
"Than you go I am here"! We cannot risk his saftey anymore"!
(Nodding his head Zaheer walked away knowing well giving task to one of his soldier , who had accompany him would be disastrous they cannot let the information leak even by mistake. Glancing back at him for once he walked away. Whereas at the very place around bushes near trees few people were glancing at Amir. They watched entire happening coolly few of their man had been stalking Jalal and Jodha from the time they left from palace secret passage. The kid they help thinking it was just mere accidentally was planned trap by them it's just luck favour them the well was full of snakes already they just got the kid there when they anticipated him to be nearby. And just like they wanted the royal couple fell in there trap but they didn't expected his man would come and find his whereabouts this soon. Watching Amir at entrance of Hut where Jalal was unconscious and Jodha was tending him they weren't sure it's right time to attack or not. The sun was about to set soon enough it will become dark it will be perfect time to strike as iron is already hot. They saw Amir is stepping in the Hut while the man he come with were now surrounded the hut the village people were now leaving for their own home praying inwardly fir the well being of Jalal who helped one of kid risking his own life).
"It's time we Cannot risk anymore"! Chirag and prove yourself worthy to be part of us"!
(Chirag wasn't only the name of man it was name of group which included small height people who belong to clan of climbers they are known for there speed to fight swiftness in work climbing. It was recircuted for task as watching over enemy or hunting for waters or resources for Army. Today this group was needed for diffrent task it was just matter of time when it will be clear it's worthy or not. Five such men come to him).
"Take this and knocked them down"! For us once and all"!
(The climber team Chirag collected the pouch from Their leader and rush towards the village open area hissing at sides of bushes they fix the pouch in slingshot by tying thread around the pouch litting the one end and aimed towards the Man standing around the Hut by four sides reaching near the hut it's explode creating light smog but it was enough to knock the man's there. Just in speed they went to act on first step of mission they cone back to deliver the success of it as well).
"We succeed in knocking them out"!
(Now we can think of getting what we are here for, thought the leader of group intrigued by turn of events while relived by success of their first step on mission they moved forward. Whereas Amir who step in hut to check on women whom he saw fell over Jalal arms got stunned to find the women is none other than queen Jodha. "Oh lord what the hell going on"? He confined her within four walls of room at palace , cause of saftey reason as many of religious extremists people in palace were desiring to kill her, more over by the head of intelligence spies they got to know about about Sultan Altmish king of Afghan evil desire , but leaving all this taking risk on everything Jalal end up taking her out in disguise"? Amir wasn't sure what he should do on this how to take this revealtion , but he but immediately got on action cause her fainting on Jalal did concern him, he woke up the Hakim who slept inside the hut with exhaustion, but after waking up started checking on Jodha. And realised she had swollowed the bit of poison while sucking it out. He decided to let the Hakim do his job and wait outside only to get knocked out by mere seconds breathing in smog outside the last thing he saw was few Masked people standing before him at distance with unseathed sword).
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So just the day before my birthday here an update for you my readers"! 😳
"Well I apologise for delayed in update"! But as I mentioned before"! I am back to hostel to my UNI thus gotten busy in study"! Henceforth I guess it will again make me update in few days gap"!
"Nevertheless do read and let me know how you found the update this time what you think may happen next"?
Arjun
Cricket
Indian Mythology
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