Sa'eed - The Warrior

Nikah

"Do you Shehzada Sher Shah accept Aiza Mubarak daughter of Haneef Mubarak as your lawfully wedded wife?"

"Alhamdulillah", replied Shehzada.

There was loud expression of happiness with people shouting and congratulating all around. I stood in one corner, forgotten as tears dropped from my eyes one by one. The happy look on his face was like a sharp dagger poking through my heart yet I continued to breathe... To live...

He took Aiza's hand and I couldn't bear to watch anymore. I ran. Away from the pain, away from him, away from destiny... In to darkness, with no direction, just running where my legs were taking me. I hit something and fell..... down and down and down and suddenly woke up with a start on the chair beside the bed. Sweating and panting. It was just a dream Mayera. I tried to calm myself trying to make no noise lest I should wake Maa.

I gently caressed Maa's face as she slept. I hadn't slept the whole night myself trying to comfort her. Nothing had eased her pain as I sat by her and spoke words of courage. Her moans broke my heart and I could do nothing. Early in the morning I had sent for Hakeem Hamid. Seher Khala and Dayima came with him. He gave her a stronger sleeping draught and now Maa had fallen asleep. They all had left one by one.

I dipped the sponge in cold water and wrung it before placing it on her forehead. I was in a tired state myself with loose strands from my hair encircling my face.

Making sure she was sound asleep I got up from beside her and finished my households chores. After preparing a light soup and the tincture I sat down with a sigh. Tears flowed from my eyes as they rested on her frail frame. She looked so weak and vulnerable. She couldn't even sit up by herself now. Her condition had detoriarated so slowly and gradually that I couldn't believe she was the woman who used to cook jalebis for me and chase me around the house.

Someone knocked. I opened the door to Saira and Hammad Chachu.

"Assalamualaikum", I greet them.

"Walaikumassalam. Saeed we heard Haleema was very sick", said Hammad Chachu quickly walking in. I nodded. "This is the worst condition I have seen her in. Do not make noise. She slept just a while ago".

Saira rubbed my arm. "Do not worry. She might get better by tonight. Aren't you coming for the crowning then?"

"No Saira, of course I cannot". Hammad Chachu was reluctant to leave without me. "I'll call Dayima or Seher to stay with her".

I absolutely deny it. "I am not leaving her and going anywhere in this condition. You people go ahead without me".

"I guess that's it then. Shehzada had specifically asked me to bring you along. He will have to make do without your presence. Send a word if you need anything. I'll come to check myself after the ceremony is over".

I bid them goodbye. Even while feeding and cleaning Maa I can't help but wonder how the tasks are going on. Close to sunset I am sure the crowning must be over. I wished to know how Shehzada had fared. Like an answer to my prayers Saira returned.

"Saeed! Shehzada is Shehenshah Sher Shah now!" She gave me a tight hug. "Congratulations teacher. Your pupil just shows what an excellent training you have given him".

I had been expecting this and my heart soared with joy. "Alhamdulillah".

"So, are you ready to become a Malika?", she asked wiggling her brows. Despite the current situation I smile. The dream I had just proved I would not be able to bear parting with Shehzada...a Shehenshah now. I had ignored and locked away whatever I felt for him, never acknowledging the burning desire. Deep down it did exist and I couldn't hide my true reality from my own self.