Sa'eed - The Warrior

Bonds

Malika Mariam was not very keen on letting me go without an escort after sundown. She knew she had no authority over me and also knew I was very much capable of defending myself so she decided to keep quiet. I took a lamp to light my way and left the palace.

As I walked through the lanes a million thoughts flooded my mind. We had won the war, added the lands of Waraqi Sultanath to our own and Mir Jafar had been taken into account. I had reached every aim I had worked towards. But at a high price. Maa was no longer by my side, Ali and Khan Baba had left us as well. About 10 soldiers were being treated by Hakeem Hamid for accidental poisoning by simmi vahash in the war. The administrative affairs had been held up. New laws had to be made taking into consideration the recent developments. Clearing the whole system of corruption and Mir Jafar's spies would take a while. His inner circle was yet to be convicted.

A few weeks ago I was wondering what would I do when I was done training Shehzada and here I was. With a lot more to do than I had expected. A Malika! It was still difficult to digest the fact. Maybe a few hours in Shehenshah's company would help me wash it down. He must be busy with the vaffas right now. He had evacuated the palace of courtesans and court dancers, given them a decent sum to start a new life somewhere. He only entertained poets for amusement. His tight schedule was what was helping him keep his mind off me. I was waiting to be declared as his wife to jump into the courtly matters myself. I wasn't used to quiet life and it was getting on my nerves. I was so lost in thought that I hadn't been paying attention to where I was going. When I finally got a hold on my bearings I realized I was very close to home. I had a sudden urge to visit it. I knew Shehenshah wouldn't approve of me going there but I just had to do it.

I pushed open the door and entered inside. The light from my lamp shone over Maa's cot. I got a queasy feeling in my stomach and the urge to throw up crawled its way up my chest. I fought it and adamantly held back my tears. It was commendable how I hadn't shed a single tear since Maa's passing. I snatched a satchel and put in things that I might need or held memories. The kohl box with which Maa used to so lovingly light up my eyes. I hadn't used it in years. I put in Maa's favourite dress, my books and a small jewellery box. Once I was done I hurriedly rushed out in the night air trying to calm down my disturbed heart and upset stomach. A few deep breaths later I continue my journey to Dayima's home. There is not a soul in sight. People had already retired to their homes. I knocked softly at the door.

"Who is it?" Saira's voice asked from behind the door.

"Saeed"

She opened the door and hugged me with a scream.

"Maa, Saeed is here"

I am immediately surrounded by Dayima, Zakwan and Saira's elder sister Sameena, who had come for a visit with her little son. They all hug me in turn.

"Its so nice to see you. Your plan worked brilliantly Malika Mayera", said Saira with a bow. They all gushed around me for coming up with an idea that won us the war.

"She had to do it after all. For the sake of her precious Shehenshah", said Saira fanning herself. I cleared my throat threateningly and she kept quiet.

Dayima sat beside me and placed her hand on my arm. "Mayera, tell me all about the night Haleema got you married". Hakeem Hamid had let the cat out of the bag.  Going back to those memories is not something I want to do, it hurts. A lot. But I have to learn to confront the pain and learn to live with it.

"It was quite unexpected. I guess Shehenshah and Maa had met before. They spoke like they had already decided on the nikah without my knowledge. Maa asked him if he was ready to fulfill his promise. Shehenshah said yes. She asked me what I would like as mehr. I was too baffled to think straight so Hammad Chachu suggested mehr of Fathima (May Allah be pleased with her) and Maa handed me over to Shehenshah with vows in front of Hakeem Hamid and Hammad Chachu, who were the witnesses. And just like that I was married".