From destiny to fate

chapter 6

(17 Years Later)

A look into the future

An exquisite feast was organized in a relatively large open field where all the imperial relatives, court officials, civil and military officers dressed extravagantly. The ground bustled with the sound of their laughter and chit chats making the place exceptionally lively until they heard the guard calling out at the top of his lungs. 
 
“His majesty, the emperor of Mughal sultanate has arrived.” 
 
Everyone's gaze swept towards the emperor, riding on his ceremonial elephant covered with a red saddle cloth. A mere look at the mighty beast and one could say it possesses the virtue of its rider.
 
 The proud, arrogant, domineering gait of the giant beast resembled its master, giving the hint of authority to everyone present around.

As the gigantic animal came to halt the emperor dismounted and lead his way towards the people, his people, every head present ,lowered automatically, some in respect, rest in fear. Such was the aura Baadshah of Mughal sultanate zaffar carried with him.
 
His slightly wrinkled face with a few marks on his hard yet old features depicted his years of experience whilst his calculated yet simple walk gave away his shrewd nature.
 
Under the dazzling sunlight, a dash of silver in his mane shone in bright that seem like celebrating his three glorious decades of sovereign on the sultanate. 
 
"Greetings your majesty, long live your majesty," the officials chanted in respect with their heads still low. 
 
The Emperor strode his way majestically through the crowd and looked at his people before calmly speaking “All of you may sit."after which he sat on his splendid jeweled throne.
 
A bright glow ascended on his face watching his ministers settling down in their respective seats after him. 

A lot has changed in all these years of regime, in his personal as well as social life. His borders that were limited to one fourth of hind years ago now run half of the nation.

For the awam's betterment, many new rules and regulations were introduced and implemented. A few malpractices’ were disposed too, while his personal life, well it was on track to say the least. He won many more concubines for his harem whilst a few more wives were addition to his list for political purpose, substantially increasing the number of his children too.
 
 Begum Nadira was a long lost name in the nation whilst only her stories remained where she was always the vicious villain. 
 
Under his rule the empire flourished, the people lived in prosperity and military strength was high. All thanks to the ministers and other officials at his disposal. It was only because of their sincerity and dedication towards him and the country he could run the nation so smoothly. He was happy as he lived up to his name as ' father of nation ' and he really had to work hard for this.
 
Back then, when Begum Nadira's shocking truth scarred his heart deeply, he closed himself for days in his private chambers. His emotions left unsettled even after punishing her, as she deserved. That woman was not only his wife but also a companion who accompanied him for years and remained his favorite wife ever.
 
He pondered repeatedly that where he went wrong that made her so resentful towards him and his unborn kids. Despite of her being childless didn’t he always treat her fairly and loved the way he always did? Then why? 

A question that haunts him till now.

He was infuriated and hurt at the same time, yet his heart unknowingly sank on when he heard the news of begum Nadira'sexecution. The palace eunuch reported him about it.
 
 Didn’t she deserve it? Of course yes, she did!Then why the pain still lingered somewhere? He felt ashamed of himself for sulking for a woman who tried to harm his child and made his begums barren.