Acceptance Is Treachery

Chapter 4

Seven months had passed, since that ill-fated night. The night, which ended King Ramji's happiness. The night which deprived King Ramji of his happiness. The night which King Ramji was at his weakest state.

However, that night also symbolised the introduction of a true friend in King Ramji's life.

No doubt, Hadjia and Princess Nazia received a tremendous lashing from Sultan Azman. However, they ignored it as the days passed by. Sultan Azman had not changed in his habits. He has not given up in the pursuit of finding a suitor for Princess Nazia. Neither, has Princess Nazia accepted any of her suitors as well. Everything seemed normal in Faizabad. Nothing had changed due to the passing of Queen Binita.

Hadija ran through the halls with her veil bouncing, seeming to have a life of its own. "Princess Nazia! Sultan Azman has requested for me to adorn you in jewels." Hadija panted while holding onto a mahogany side table for support.

Princess Nazia, looked at Hadija while tucking away the uttariya. "Is another suitor making his way into the palace today?" Princess Nazia asked as she locked her drawers. Hadija nodded profusely.

"Princess, do you still think about King Ramji?"

Hadija asked while unlocking a huge wooden chest. "I only think about King Ramji's well-being. It has been eight months since I last heard anything about Uttarakhand and King Ram." Princess Nazia smiled while sitting atop a chair looking at the huge mirror in front of her. Hadija unlocked the chest, while staring at the pile of gold and diamond jewellery that was hidden in it.

"Do you still," Hadija started as she took a gold necklace and adorned it on Princess Nazia's neck. "Do I still what?" Princess Nazia asked while looking at Hadija's reflection in the mirror. "Like, King Ramji romantically." Hadija mumbled while tying Princess Nazia's brown hair into a braid. "No I do not. To me, King Ramji is a friend." Princess Nazia said sternly, scaring Hadija in the process. "Forgive me, Princess." Hadija murmured while avoiding eye contact with the Princess. Princess Nazia shook her head indicating that she forgave her lady-in-waiting.

Hadija continued adorning her Princess; with gold earrings and the veil which was despised by Princess Nazia immensely. Lastly, Hadija placed the emerald and gold tiara on Princess Nazia's head signifying her status:

The Princess of Faizabad.

Princess Nazia walked down the flight of stairs with Hadija by her side. Princess Nazia bowed her head as she walked keeping eye contact with each carpeted step. Upon reaching the final step, Princess Nazia still had not lifted her head up as a form of respect for the males present in her vicinity.

Hadija looked down as well while simultaneously bringing her right hand to her eyebrow multiple times. "Nazia Begum. Look up at the King." Sultan Azman cooed. Princess Nazia brought her head up slowly. Not wanting to look at any man at this point of time in her life. Nazia's eyes moved rapidly. The moment came, as Nazia's chestnut irises met the hazelnut irises that were looking directly at her. Princess Nazia's mouth was slightly agape as she noticed who she was looking at.

The King of Uttarakhand stood in front of her looking as equally confused as her. Princess Nazia just stood there in shock, unable to comprehend the current situation that she was present in.

"King Ramjji, this is my daughter Princess Nazia Begum." Sultan Azman beamed while introducing his daughter. "As-salamu alaykum." Princess Nazia mumbled while bringing her right hand to her face. King Ramji, brought his palms together, "Namaste".

"Sultan Azman, can we sign the documents now?" Empress Sheila smiled while handing Sultan Azman a scroll. "Documents?" Princess Nazia asked, looking puzzled. King Ram raised an eyebrow looking equally confused. "The marriage between you two, is a marriage of alliance." Sultan Azman explained. "Yes, it is one of the most important events to ever occur in India." Empress Sheila began.

"This marriage allows our Muslim kingdom to regain control over Fatehpur. It also allows the Hindu kingdom to regain control over Jaunpur." Sultan Azman explained.

"I can't marry King Ramji! Barely a year has gone by since the passing of Queen Binita." Princess Nazia glared at her father. "This wedding is going to take place. No objections. This wedding will not be postponed and it will not be cancelled." Sultan Azman stared at his daughter.

"Princess Nazia, if I may. Our kingdoms are facing severe financial difficulties. This marriage will allow us to resolve our financial problems." Empress Sheila smiled. "Mother, do you mean that this marriage is essentially a business transaction?" King Ramji asked, hurt evident in his eyes. Empress Sheila nodded while handing Sultan Azman the scroll. "Do not worry Princess Nazia. We will not force you to convert to Hinduism. We do respect your religion." Empress Sheila assured Princess Nazia.

Soon after, Sultan Azman and Empress Sheila had signed their documents. Princess Nazia and King Ramji felt very uneasy, by merely being in the other's presence. "Tomorrow night, we will be holding the engagement ceremony for the two of them in Faizabad." Empress Sheila smiled while shaking the hand of Sultan Azman. King Ramji looked at his future wife briefly before leaving the palace.

Princess Nazia ran as fast as she could to her bedroom throwing herself onto her teakwood bed. "Princess." Hadija mumbled while moving closer to Princess Nazia. Hadija placed her hand on Princess Nazia's shoulder. "What's wrong, my lady?" Hadija asked. Princess Nazia wiped her face and sat upright. "I can't believe my father, is making me get married to King Ramji just for his political needs." Princess Nazia began.

"Don't you like King Ramji?"

"I honestly do not know. Furthermore, he is a Brahmin-Hindu! I'm a Sufi-Muslim. There's definitely going to be a clash in both states after this marriage."

"Princess. Is there another reason?"

Hadija looked at Princess Nazia, knowing very well that Princess Nazia was a horrible liar. Princess Nazia looked at Hadija, nodding.

"He's a widower, Hadija. He will never be able to forget Queen Binita. He will never love me. What is a marriage without love, Hadija?"

Princess Nazia sighed while removing her veil. "Princess, don't worry. I'm pretty sure with time, he will definitely fall for you." Hadija smiled while rubbing Princess Nazia's back. "Allah will always be with you Princess." Hadija cooed. Princess Nazia smiled, jumping off her bed. Princess Nazia pulled out her prayer rug and placed it on the floor.

Kneeling down on the prayer rug, Princess Nazia brought her palms to her face. Princess Nazia's eyes were closed as tears fell continuously. "Allah, give me strength."

m.at]$H