•Sultanat~e~Mann•

~nightangle~

It was almost sunset,darkness came slowly eating away the last traces of light from the sun as the sun disappeared down into the far other side the city.

Maidservants came carrying the Lanterns that were lit with bright fire spreading their light and placed in every corner of the palace including the halls, courtyards, corridors and the dining hall.Adjacent to that was the royal kitchens where different kids of dishes were being prepared by multitude of cooks, chiefs,the helpers ran from one place to another grabbing salts, different types of spices,chilles.

The chief of the chiefs called  khansamah far-seeing the preparing of the dishes and that everything will be prepared on time and would be upto the standards of the taste of emperor as was ordered by Empress Hamida Banu.A large feast was arranged by Hamida Banu for the emperor who has returned from Delhi after defeating the rebels only today and was resting the whole afternoon after a tiring journey.
During this whole time Ruqaiya had not done anything to oversee the preparations or take part in any arrangements to welcome the emperor and Hamida had very keenly observed that,but she didn't know the reason, neither did she ask,well at least for now she didn't.
                
                       ~~~

Lavender colored dupatta rested on her shoulders covering her chest.She was wearing the same colored dress that was decorated with beautiful silver embroidery right on the sleeves and the corners of the long frock.
Sitting on a Diwan she put her hands in her lap,deel into thinking when a knock in the door brought her back into reality.

Get in..
She answered in her usual sweet tone,
Rising her head.
A maid entered the room and bowed before her,doing the taslim three times,then rising again.

Ruqaiya looked at her in a questionable way.

"Your highness, the Queen-Mother has called for your presence in the  Royal dining hall.The dinner is about to be served,she wishes for you to help her in setting the arrangements in a proper way."
The maid said in low voice,her head bowed,hands clasped together infront of her.

"I'll be there in few minutes,tell the empress."
Ruqaiya answered and pointed her to leave the room.Maid bowed,did the taslim three times before leaving.

Ruqaiya sighed and got up, walking towards the full-length mirror,she looked at herself to see if she looked presentable.Golden earning the contained red gemstones were hanging beautifully in her ears. A gold necklace with the same design and gemstones was adorning her neck,she was wearing some bangles made of gold in her right hand.Ararranging her dupatta properly on her head she turned around and walked towards the doors,two ladies-in-waiting following behind her.She tapped on it two times,two maid-servants standing outside her room opened both the doors and she walked out towards the Royal dining hall.

                              ~~~

Akbar had just woken up from his sleep from the sound of Azaan that came from the Royal Masjid located inside the palace as well as from near by Masjids present in that area.
After about ten minutes he was done with his maghrib prayer and was getting ready to go outside for the banquet arranged for him as he was told by his mother۔

Two maidservants were helping him in getting ready٫one came forward carrying a rope of blue color and put forwads towards his arms٫he swifty wore it.Another carried a pearl necklace came forward and put it over his hand٫which ultimately settled in his neck٫hanging on his chest.They helped him in wearing rings and other necessities after which he was ready to go.A sword hung on his qamaermand as well as a bejeweled dagger that he always carried with him.

He made his way outside followed by two guards and two maidservants.

                 
           ~~~~
Ruqaiya was walking in a hurry٫she remembered Hamida telling her to look after the Chefs to dot heir work properly but she didn't came out of her chambers since the morning٫ever since Jalal has returned.And now she had to call for her again for her to come and look after the arrangements.

She must have noticed٫Oh God٫what would she think.
Ruqaiya was tensed and walking very fast towards the royal dining hall to reach soon٫unaware of her surrounings٫unaware that a pair of eyes have caught a glimpse of her were coming towards her.

Jalal was walking along with her guards and servants towards the dining ha when he saw her lost in her thoughts and walking fast with a tense look on her face.A smile broke out on his face٫he remembered the exact same look made it's way on her face whenever she was tensed in their childhood.

In a reverie he started walking towards her.
                      ~~~

Next part will soon be updated~💕❤️