𝐌𝐘 𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐑, 𝐅𝐄𝐔𝐃𝐀𝐋 𝐋𝐎𝐑𝐃

CHAPTER ➊➌ • The Unwanted Guests

August 30, 1947
Islamic - British Council Head Office
Lahore Province

10 : 00 A.M.

The early morning sunlight was soft and diffuse, and gave way to the first strong rays through the oblong windows of the Indo-Saracenic building. The Islamic British Council Office was the only registered gazetted office having equally distributed officials of Islamic and British origin ; also few religious minorities. It was the pioneer example of the equal participation and democracy that Lahore wished to establish after partition. The motion bill was still with the Britishers ; yet to be sanctioned. The belief which Lahore wanted to promote, the belief which The Khans were scared of. The end of the dynastic rule.

"You have promised to support us Mr. Claude. But you still voted in favour of the motion.. why the change..?" Dilawar Khan was perplexed with the change of behaviour. He was struggling to cope with Murtasim's tantrums and William Claude 's action didn't soothe his already burning wound.

"You too had promised me Mr. Khan, I am yet to see the progress there." William Claude was unhinged. He wanted the assurance for his daughter. Supporting Khans would surely secure his daughter's future. Marrying into a powerful South asian family had its own perquisites. He wanted it all for Eliza.

" I am not backing out Claude Sahab. Sardar has accepted the proposal. I had a word with him. Rest assured, he is ready for the alliance. He is fond of Eliza, they were close during his London days. There was no reason for his denial." Dilawar Khan stated the latest development in the Khan Haveli. Sardar Khan's acceptance of the proposal would open a flood gate of opportunities for The Khans. Dilawar knew it. It was the ultimate truth and Sardar Khan was his priceless Ace of Spades. Only that, his ace of spade was yet to know about this latest stunt pulled by the ex- Sardar.

"Brilliant..!! Eliza will reach by tonight. This news will be my best gift to her. My daughter, has always loved Sardar, since they were younger, in college. Finally, her journey will find it's destination- with Sardar in Lahore. " William Claude's enthusiasm knew no bounds. He was relaxed and content. Through his daughter, he was going to have indirect control over Lahore politics.

Dilawar nodded in approval, still nervous of Sardar Khan's reaction. He knew, Sardar Khan would be hard to convince. He would unleash his fury once he got to know about the promise made on his behalf by Dilawar Khan.

"Once the marriage alliance is announced, I will withdraw my vote. The bill has not been passed yet. You don't worry Mr. Khan, Lahore will be yours. You will be the ruling party." William Claude reassured Dilawar Khan.

"Murtasim ko ye shaadi karni hi padegi." Dilawar mumbled clenching the white feng shui crystal on the wooden cabinet table.

With the beginning of hunger game of politics, all were pawns of desire and power. With weapons of lies and deception they all moved forward. In the Chaos of the game of thrones, were two throbbing hearts, pure and untainted, longing for each other. Were they destined to unite...only time will tell.

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August 30, 1947
Khan Haveli
Lahore Province

11: 15 A.M.

The chaotic Khan Haveli was unnaturally silent as he entered through the backyard. Quietly he crept into the corridor adjoining the baithak to the respective individual rooms. He stopped and looked at the portion of the cream wall having pictures of his ancestors. 'Loyalty-Unity-Power' the ultimate slogan of the Khans was inscribed on the cream wall in gold. There was a sharp pang in his chest as he knew he was breaking each rule of his khaandan . He was betraying them, and it wasn't just for his father. Somewhere, his subconscious mind knew, it was for her. The minx returned and claimed everything he had. This made him guilty. She is slowly growing on him, even if they were going to play the game of contract. He knew, he had already lost everything to her.