Satranga Ishq

iv.

Morning's golden light crept into the tent, heralding chaos. Faiz's groggy eyes focused on Priyambada, her frantic hands shaking him.

" Subah subah itni be-tarti kyun macha rakhin hain? " he murmured, rising on his half naked body.

She narrowed her eyes in anger, " Kya kiya aapne kal? "

" Aapki madad? "

" Waah! Apne tan ki bhookh mita kar aapne humari madad ki? " she spat venomously.

" Kaisi vahiyat baat kar rahin hain aap? " and that's when he noticed her, in his clothes.

Last night came flashing back to his mind. The deception. The rain. Him throwing her out and him taking her in again.

Faiz rubbed his face, then looked at her blankly, " Humne aapke saath koi- waisi harkat nahin ki. " he got up from the bed, gruffly, " Aur jism ki bhookh itni bhi nahin hain humari, ki sahi or galat ke beech ka farq hi bhul jaaye. "

He started to leave the tent when her next words halted him in his tracks, " Phir laaye kyu aap humein yahan? "

" Neki karne ka shauq jo chadha tha humein. " he went out.

' Murkh Priya! Tere praan bachaye unhone, aur aise dhanyawad mila unko. Ab kshama mangti rehna unse! '

She smoothened the creases of his garment, and started completing her morning chores.

•

Seven days of arduous travel had drawn them tantalizingly close to the majestic Azlan Sultanate.

Yet, despite her fervent longing, Faiz remained elusive, intentionally dodging her attempts at gratitude and apology. Defeated, she surrendered to fate.

As she gazed sideways, Faiz commanded his men, his authoritative voice weaving a spell.

Priyambada's sigh blended with the soft rustle of her horse's mane, which she stroked affectionately. Suddenly, trumpets pierced the air, heralding their arrival.

As the imposing metal gates swung majestically open, her gaze soared upward, transfixed by awe.

Before her lay the resplendent Azlan Sultanate, its golden spires piercing the sky, majestic architecture glinting like sunlight, and unparalleled innovations showcasing its strength. The kingdom's grandeur eclipsed her own, rivaling the emperor's unyielding power.

As Priyambada dismounted, Faiz offered his hand, his piercing gaze commanding attention.

With timid elegance, she followed him, trailed by subjects bowing reverently. His stoic nod acknowledged their devotion. The genuine reverence reflected his extraordinary leadership, sending shivers down her spine.

Upon entering the majestic Mahal-e-Azlan, Faiz was immediately enveloped by attentive servants and eager noblemen.

" Sultan, sab khairiyat? "

" Kya khabar hain? "

" Kuch maloom hua? " they inquired fervently.

Meanwhile, Priyambada stood rooted, overlooking the fervent queries. Her gaze remained transfixed on Faiz, navigating the sea of courtiers. In that moment she felt out of place.

She kept fidgeting on her spot when an attendant approached her, gently placing a hand on her shoulder, " Humare saath aaiye. "  she hesitated.

Reassuringly, the attendant added, " Badi Begum se farmaan aaya hain. Unhein aapse mulakat karni hain. "

"  Humse? "