Fairytale (What We All Longed For)ON HOLD

Panchayat 3

After Anabiya came into her room she has been on her toes, the tension and anxiety has been on her nerves since early morning. Whenever Shiraz's women conduct Panchayat it doesn't end well with the person involved. Hers is gonna be no different.
Although she loathes such practices but couldn't openly oppose them. Then her thought wanders off to Iram, They didn't get the chance to talk to each other, she has no means of knowing what's going on in Iram's mind. Knock interrupted her thoughts as farzana bi entered with a tray containing delicacies.
Barhi Begum Shahiba asked me to bring this...and also asked me to rely on That not to step out of your room until Panchayat, As Chachi jaan might create a fuss if she sees you..
Farzana bi after telling her left...leaving Anabiya with her thoughts.

********
Lunch concluded with Iram and Bi jaan's conversations and Dilshaad being the silent observer.
So what did you decide...bi jaan asked while wiping her hands, Dilshaad attention shifted towards Iram.

I wanna disclose it on Panchayat itself bi jaan..she hesitated but continued ..I don't wanna see you disappointed, whatever will be I will always think of Afandis best interest... She politely assured bi jaan with a warm smile and looked at Dilshaad assuringly.

That I don't doubt but these women will find faults in your every statement....Zohra (Chachi jaan) has influence on them...Bi jaan replied worriedly.

You don't have to worry about all this I have learned a thing or 2 from my very interesting husband... At the end she winked a little making bi jaan chuckle and Dilshaad shook his head...he too wanted to have that kind of bond with his better half but things took a rather unexpected turn.

*********
Haveli has been buzzing, as the evening hues scattered along the red brick pavements of the Haveli, the servant rushed to lit the hall ways and door ways illuminating the Haveli.

All the women have been gathered in zanaan Khana(women quarters: A lounge type area specially for women) gossiping about how things unfolded and Bi jaan's declaration. The red carpeted floor of zannan Khana was creating a vibrant contrast with white cushions of floor sitting...tables have been placed in each corner with water and refreshments.
The women are part of the Afandi household or either the wife of nearby feudal lords who came under Dilshaad s command. There were approximately 15 women excluding bi jaan and Iram as they haven't made their appearance, the hall was huge as it can accommodate more than 50 women. The hustle bustle was its peak as the Panchayat time drew closer.

******
Iram was on call for last 15 minutes as she brief Shahzain about her decision promising to call him at slightest inconvenience that only for his assurance she cut the call...taking suit that bi jaan specifically asked her to wear she went to get dressed, she has met these women before their judgemental eyes were enough to let Iram know that they aren't even gonna budge so for her convinence she is gonna force no one but gonna impose her decision on them. The authority will come in handy.

After getting ready she took a deep breath and came out of her room...she doesn't talk to Dilshaad nor Anabiya, one was because she was angry about Dilshaad's recklessness, second she doesn't take Anabiya in good light partially because of her ties with shirazis.

*******

As Iram entered her head held high, her anklet resonating in silence of Zannan Khana as she elegantly move towards the sitting, beside Bi jaan. Bi jaan gave her an approving nod as she greeted her while slightly kissing her hand. After taking a place beside Bi jaan... Her presence demanded attention that she was aware of and that's whats gonna help her today.

Her gaze scrutining as she took as lazy look around the hall waiting for Bi jaan to start.

Ab jesay k sb jantay he hain k, ajj ki Panchayat ka mozu Shirazi khandan ki baiti ka app k sardar Dilshaad BAKHTIYAR AFANDI say nikkah hai.... Is Panchayat ka faisla lainay ka haq hum nay IRAM SHAHZAIN BAKHTIYAR AFANDI ko diya hai.... Bi jaan spoke in authority as utter silence prevailed..but one of the women spoke..