A Princess to remember

Firoza's growing up years

Meanwhile Firoza was growing up , having a happy childhood as she was the king's only daughter and was beloved to everyone. Her wish whether small or big would be fulfilled within no time. She had two brothers named Hameed & Abdullah
Hameed was the son of Queen Fathima Begum who was the King's first wife , whereas Abdullah was the son of Queen Mariyam.

Hameed and Abdullah didn't had a very huge age gap. Abdullah was only  a month younger than Hameed Though Hameed and Abdullah were step siblings they never had any enemity between them even if they didn't share a very close bond. They never wished about bad of each other and spoke quiet well.

Though as children all three of them played together and shared a fair bond by teenage Firoza found it easier to get along with Hameed than her own brother as she and Hameed had same likes and dislikes and thus in no time Hameed became her favourite brother , and held a bit higher position in her heart with whom she would share all her secrets than Abdullah who couldn't get as close to Firoza since they differed in quiet a lot of things , be it kingdom's matters or food but they never spoke harsh words for each other.

Hameed and Firoza's bond kept growing with each passing day and it became so strong that he would feel incomplete without her. He would rush to her from any part of the palace on just one call of hers'. She loved him the most. They could understand each other's feelings & thoughts even without being expressed. Thus was the bond shared by Hameed & Firoza.

But king Muhammad always had a bit of extra love and affection for Abdullah. He always felt that Abdullah was more capable at managing things than Hameed. He had a special space in the heart of the king , because he was his first wife's son but he never did anything which would lead his other children to think that the king loved Abdullah the most.

Firoza was very much interested in sword fighting and would always follow Hameed to the sword fighting arena and try to practice the moves which were being taught to Hameed by his teacher.

Later , Firoza would try to improve her skills by practicing sword fighting with Hameed who had already mastered it.

   One evening, the siblings decided to have a duel. They selected their best swords and shields and entered an empty ground.

After the initial salute which was  customary before starting a duel, Hameed wasted no time - he lunged at her. Firoza ducked swiftly, and then thrust her own sword at him. The clang and clash of the blades and the shields echoed through the grounds as they continued.
Even after half an hour, neither showed signs of tiredness. Hameed was surprised and proud at how skillful his sister had become, just through watching him learn. He began faster and faster cuts, determined to win. Firoza started to struggle slightly, while she was definitely talented, she lacked the same experience. Hameed was brandishing the sword with lightning speed, becoming more ruthless by the second. His intense concentration was suddenly interrupted by a shout.

  "Shehzade , mallika wants you to be seen" ~ said one of the queen's maid.

His momentary distraction was all she needed. Taking the advantage, Firoza  flourished her sword vigorously, and they both watched his sword fly up into the air and then fall back with a clang.
      She flashed him a feline grin.

"See , this is not fair Firoza , I was about to win but this maid interrupted in middle." Hameed argued playfully.
" Even a momentary distraction in war can change the entire situation in enemies favour....you only taught me bhaiyya."
" Hmm...so now you are teaching me."
"I am not teaching you bhaiyya , just reminding you."
And Hameed and Firoza had a laugh and Hameed went to visit the queen.

Later that evening , Firoza was having a walk with her maids when suddenly they saw found dark clouds covering the entire sky , as they kept walking they found Hameed standing in the corner of the garden under an apple tree lost in his thoughts . Firoza asked them to leave and told that she would return in sometime. She then went to Hameed and asked him what he was thinking so deeply.
"Ammi called me in the morning and asked me to find a worthy prince for you , so as to marry you off with great pomp ." Hameed told Firoza with mixed expressions on his face.

He was happy to get her married to a worthy king but was sad on the thought that he wouldn't be able to see his dear sister everyday , after her marriage.

Hearing this Firoza responded -
" Marriage !! No bhaiyya i won't marry unless you are declared by abbu as the descendant of throne."
" Firoza !! young girls shouldnt put any conditions." Hameed told Firoza in a serious tone.
" Par bhaiyya....

There was huge sound of thunder & it started to rain heavily all of a sudden.

"Firoza , now let's return to the palace , we will speak tomorrow."