Hotel Noor

Chapter 3

2018

Hareem's sharp voice echoed in the whole hallway and yet, not one soul paid attention to him. The ancient receptionist reached out for his loudspeaker and clamored, "please pay attention! Mirza is going to hand the room keys to everyone, so kindly head over to the big hall. There are other guests staying here, so all of you are requested to keep your decibel low. The breakfast is complementary and is served at 8:30 sharp. Thank you!"

The crowd moved towards the big hall, this time silently; keeping in mind that everyone in the hotel was asleep at that hour. Hareem directed Firoz, Aftar, and Kalin to escort all the guests to their rooms and to report to him if any of the young blood causes any mischief. Then he headed over to speak with the director and settle all the arrangements.

Meanwhile, Roohi, still asleep on the bus, was brought back to life by her friend. Ayan pulled her up and they both walked out of the bus. As they stepped out, a gasp left Roohi's lips, on the sight of the big, mansion-like hotel. She couldn't believe her life. First, traveling from Delhi to Kashmir and then staying in this palace. This all must be a dream. If she would have gone to JNU to pursue engineering, then she would have been deprived of all of this. Right choices always lead you to success. Savarath, their project, was an angel in disguise.

Ayan nudged her, and they both entered the hotel. The hallway was so beautifully designed. There were statues and portraits all around. The room had a vivid smell of tulips. A commotion on her right caught her attention. Her peers were talking and examining the hotel. Right in front of her on the wall, a portrait of beautiful women hung. She was dressed in a bright red sari and her eyes were beautifully painted. Everything there reminded Roohi of her grandmother. She would always tell her ancient stories about big mansions and brave princesses. She would take Roohi to another world where everyone dressed prettily and where she would not have to witness her parents' constant arguments.

"The princess is the best part about this hotel. Such a pretty face. Even the painter must have fallen in love with her while doing this piece" Ayan said.

"Her name is Shah Noor, the wife of Prince Muhammad Bahir. She died with her husband in that minaret on your left" Hareem said, emerging out of the blue.

Curiosity consumed Roohi and she asked, "but how did she die?"

"Someone started a fire in the tower and everyone inside burnt to death," said Hareem.

"Ouch, that's brutal" Ayan exclaimed. "Let's go get out keys, come on Roo".

Roohi glazed at the portrait once again and then followed Ayan towards the big hall.