A Queen's Touch & Some Glitter

CHAPTER 5 - پانچھوا باب

CHAPTER 5 - پانچھوا باب
THE KING DEALS HIS CARDS

THE SUNLIGHT STREAMED IN FROM THE TALL WINDOWS. Falling on the bulky, muscular form of the young man. His broad back, peeking from under the black silken sheets. The thick, fluffy pillows, sunken under the weight of the well sculpted face. The man's long lashes resting on his cheek, the jawline, sharp and raven lightly dusted shadow of a beard. His large palms under his slumped face. His legs tangled between the blankets. Gulaab walked into the large room with a line of servants in tow. Asking them to place things a certain way. Taking off Alamgeer's blanket without remorse, she handed it to the servants. Signalling the young women out, opening the large velvet curtains aside. The sunlight now fully falling on to the dark wooden floor.

"Alamgeer, utho meri jaan. Everyone's waiting for you!" [Wakeup my life]. Gulaab patted his bare back.
Her soft hands, massaging the nape of his neck. Opening one bright hazel eye, Alamgeer gripped his mother's hand, kissing the inside of her palm.

"Salam ammi". He replied.
His thick husky voice, muffled against the pillow. Turning around, he sat up in bed. His broad chest and abs engraved in his torso.

"How are you Alam? You forgot us after going to London. It took you three years to come back. Meri jaan ap keh abu kabhi ap ka bura nahi chahein gai". [My life, your father would never want to hurt you]. Gulaab spoke with tears in her eyes.

"I know now mama. Forgive me for what happened three years ago!" He clasped his mother's palm.
Kissing them softly.
"I've already forgiven you. Take a shower, and come meet your brothers and father. Its been long overdue!"Kissing his forehead, she spoke in a whisper.

Walking out of the mammoth sized bedroom. Gulaab fixed her thick pashmina shawl, her hair in a low loose bun. A smile stretched on her face. She softly spoke to their house help, all the while looking at the high ceilings of the walls. Taking the large winding staircase, she walked through the lobby into the brightly lit family lounge. The large room, surrounded by glass doors, gave a view of their large estate grounds. Where gardeners worked day in and day out to maintain the many flower beds. The window cleaners coming in once a week to ensure the glass remained pristine at all times.

Inside the lounge, was a large Victorian era fireplace. With its mantle piece, proudly home to the polo trophies brought in by their middle born, Aryan. Above which, hung a large family portrait. That Gulaab noticed, needed to be retouched as soon as possible. The fireplace itself, was made of the finest red bricks and painted a dark green, a silver vine drawn on it. On this January morning, the fireplace burned with the twigs that fell during autumn in their garden. Two large, dark green seats placed next to it, facing the red sofa set, with a large chocolate brown coffee table. In between the chairs, was a small glass table. Resting on it, a vintage chess set. Their youngest, Ayaan's favourite game to play with his father.

"Is he coming?" Ahad looked up from the newspaper.
Glasses resting on his nose, his eyes scanning the document once again.
"He is. Ahad, forgive him okay? He is our son,"Gulaab took a seat next to him.
Ahad's hands wrapping around her shoulder.
"I will. I understand why he did what he did. I wish I had been calmer in getting my point across," Ahad sighed.

Seeing him upset, Gulaab felt like someone had punched her in the gut. She kissed him on the cheek softly, reminding him that they were family. And the most important part about being family was to be able to forgive each other. Ahad nodded his head, looking back at the newspaper. Being the ex-prime minister and current minister of the province, he had developed the habit of keeping up with the affairs of the nation and the world. Constantly keeping his information fresh, never acting on impulse with half truth in his hand.