The next morning Hoorayn enjoyed the fruits of her labour. She was finally allowed freedom from Shah Nawaz's bedroom to roam in the haveli's large, green and colourful gardens. Barefoot, standing on the shards of green grass under the shade of the orange tree, Hoorayn closed her eyes and breathed in the fresh, fruity and earthy scent. The sounds of birds chirping, the fountain poured fresh water dripping in the man made pond. The fresh cool mountain air brushed against her nose and kissed her red cheeks. A sudden flashbacks interrupted her blissful thoughts of topless Shah Nawaz, nose to nose, the strong scent of oud burst into her nostrils and her eyes shot open. She took a deep sigh and the green hedges cooled her eyes. She was alone with obedient gardeners dotted around the garden, pruning, weeding and watering the heavenly garden. Her thigh felt a sharp prod; a muscle memory. She caught her breath. It was crazy. She was in blissful surroundings, but the flashbacks of last night hounded her.
Hoorayn spent the morning walking through the meandering path in the garden. She admired red bursting rose beds, the fragrant orange chrysanthemums. The garden was a jewel. Knowing she was surrounded by guards, maids and gardeners, she was cautious.
Later, sitting on the grass, cross legged her thoughts returned to the traumatic months in the woods. The howling of the wolves, the cold wet nights, the fear eating through her skin. She shuddered. The haveli gardens were a world away; pruned, manicured and safe. Although a captive in the haveli, the Haveli gardens gave her a false sense of security and freedom. She relaxed and lay back on the cool manicured grass under the shade of the tree. The dripping of the fountain lulled Hoorayn into sleep, there was nowhere to go, nothing to do and that very moment she found a fraction of peace, which soon would be snatched.
It was later when Maliakah entered the garden with her children and the familiar laughter woke her from her sleep. Kinza cried out complaining about Harris pinching the spot on her cheek.
"Eeeeh- you look ugly." He teased her and waddled into the gardens.
Kinza screamed and yelled at her mother pointing to Harris. "I'm not ugly." She cried.
Maliakah smiled, the brother and sister were a handful annoying each other all day. It was a relief when Jahanzaib took Harris under his wing and visited lands and orchards. When Malaikah spotted Hoorayn dressed in pastel lavender, barefoot under the tree, she perked up. Since her brother carried her unconsious body over the threshold, her worries were with Hoorayn. She had been through the wars. Today, she sat under the tree as a widow, she'd lost her husband, her family and ran into the woods for her life. Malaikah couldn't imagine what she was going through and now locked in Shah Nawaz's bedroom with gaurds standing outside. But the moment Hoorayn saw her children, a smile splashed accross her face. She hugged Kinza with all her might and kissed her cheeks. She forced Harris into her arms and tugged his left check. Kinza quickly rested on her lap whilst Harris ran into the garden. Malakah watched with admiration, Hoorayn had so much love to give. Despite the adversity, she had a pure heart pouring it on Kinza in that special moment; both giggling. Maybe this was the reason Shah Nawaz was so obsessed with her? Maybe she showed him that love, attention that he didn't get from anyone in his life. His father drummed discipline, and mother was a world away from love. Hoorayn's eyes glowed, slapping palms with Kinza and singing rhymes, it was clear to Malaikah watching Hoorayn why her brother as in love with her- she was effortlessly beautiful with pure love to give. Did Hoorayn really fall in love Shah Nawaz? Had she showed this level of intrest, attraction and playfulness with Shah Nawaz? She was bewitching.
Malaikah proceeded with caution knowing her every step was being monitored and soon reported to Shah Nawaz. Hoorayn quickly stood up with Kinza holding her hands.
"Ammi! ammi" Kinza called out. "I found Baji Bano!" She jumped up and down. "Can she be my teacher again?!" Please, please!" Kinza jumped for joy.
"Sweetheart, go find your brother."
Kinza refused tugging her mother's hand, but Maliakah wanted moments alone with Hoorayn.
YOU ARE READING
The Fallen Widow
SpiritualIn the face of the powerful, young and roguishly handsome landlord Choudhary Shah-Nawaz Qureshi, only Mehar-Bano was the one to oppose his patriarchal rule and in her fight, she fell and lost her husband, her heart and home. But it didn't stop her...
