Shaheed Mahal: The Martyr's Mansion

Chapter 1

The sky over Chandigarh took on flaming hues as the sun, resembling a burnt ember, sank behind the horizon. The once-proud capital of Punjab and Haryana throbbed with a new type of vitality. The days of relaxed bullock cart rides were over; underneath, a mechanized beast howled on the tarmac road. A lone eagle circled overhead, his feathers the color of sun-baked dirt. He was lost and far from his usual hunting spots, so he lowered his wing and tried to descend. 

However, the quiet of the evening was broken by a cacophony of noise, an unrelenting symphony of honking horns and screeching brakes. The eagle was terrified and quickly fled with its strong wings flapping behind it. It was 2024, and the British Raj had been in place for 166 years.

The old days, with their slower tempo and more laid-back ways, had given way to a common age where modernization coexisted peacefully with daily rhythms. Chandigarh was a crown jewel that glittered with the lively vibrancy of a modern metropolis instead of with the splendor of the past.

Malik, an Indian Punjabi man, got out of his black limousine with an engine. He had a sense of style as shrewd and seductive as a male naagin (snake), yet he was as extravagant as a peacock and as materialistic as a magpie. The afternoon light glinted on his immaculately tailored sherwani, the rich tapestry of hues and textures a testament to his ancestry and his taste for better things in life.

It slid to a stop in front of an opulent mansion tucked away in the most unlikely of neighborhoods: a tiny, infamous red-light area called "Naag's Lair," or "snake's lair" in English. This sumptuous estate, Shaheed Mahal, the Martyr's Palace, was Malik's pride and pleasure, a defiant splash of grandeur amidst the surrounding mayhem.

Glorious and hospitable, the "Shaheed Mahal" palace in Punjab rises from the well-kept grounds. Built of rich, reddish-brown sandstone, which gleams in the afternoon sun, the structure is three stories high. The external spaces are wide and friendly. A view of the spacious interior is provided by a large, arched gateway with elaborate floral carvings in white marble. Ornately latticed windows flanking the entrance hint at the cool, welcoming chambers within. The spaciousness continues as soon as you enter. The foyer has a tall, vaulted ceiling that is decorated with geometric designs in deep jewel tones, perhaps emerald and sapphire. The smooth marble floor is illuminated with diffused light from sunlight filtering through a central skylight.

The attention is directed to features that honor Punjabi ancestry everywhere. The flooring is decorated with hand-woven rugs in vivid orange and red tones. The upper floors are supported by carved wooden pillars decorated with pictures of legendary creatures and village life. Doorways with arches and ornate fretwork edging lead to several large rooms. Picture a large living room that is ideal for parties and spirited discussions, complete with luxurious sofas covered in rich reds and gold. Sleek marble floors are covered in a huge, jewel-toned rug with fascinating patterns. A separate formal dining area features elaborately carved hardwood chairs fit for a monarch, along with a tablecloth embroidered by hand. Reimagined in Mughal clothing, with brilliant jewels, a gold nose chain, and flowing silks, is a lifelike painting of Taylor Swift that hangs prominently on the wall of the big living space.

The verdant grounds are viewed from spacious balconies with wrought iron railings situated on the higher stories. With hand-painted murals illustrating scenes from Punjabi folklore and, for a whimsical touch, a traditional swing or "jhoola" hanging in a corner, each bedroom is a haven. A single, robust swing set is outside on the well-kept lawns, providing a fun spot for young children and active people to enjoy the weather.

About the architectural aspects of the mansion, Malik marched towards it while his exquisitely fitted sherwani shimmered in the afternoon light. The palace is a masterpiece of Rajasthani and Punjabi architecture combined. The intricately carved facade of red sandstone, with geometric and floral motifs, seemed to glisten in the warm light. The massive arched entrance was flanked by ornately latticed windows, suggesting cool, inviting areas within. The intricately carved wooden doors opened wide before he could even approach them, revealing a motley crew of transgender housekeepers, all dressed in the flowing grace of Rajasthani fashion, a stark contrast to Malik's more solemn garb. Their kind salutations and genuine smiles transcended the confines of the employer-employee dynamic.