The Two Kingdoms (Completed)

40.

Meera sat in her balcony watching the rains, weather in Agra was so unpredictable.
Although Meera has always been the one to enjoy the rains, her cheerful self had disappeared with Haider.
Worry was a constant companion.

Haider was loved by the masses, but there were always a few who wanted to harm him, and she couldn't help but worry herself about his well being.

"Meera it's raining let's go." Kanika said pulling her up from her chair.

"I don't feel like Kanika, you go enjoy the rains." She said with a small smile.

"Oh hush ! Get up now, look your peacocks are dancing too." She said pulling her towards her balcony.

"Kanika please not today." Meera said resisting the pull.

"Relax will you, it's been three days just one more night and he'll be back. And nobody knows that the king isn't in the palace except you, his sister  and Inayat begum." Kanika said playing the perfect best friend role.

"And your husband had taken Tah..Tahir along." She took his name
closing her eyes controlling herself. "So it's not like anybody can get through him to get to Haider. Just relax." She said.

"Okay fine don't go out in the rain, I'll ask Hania to prepare a warm bath for you, just relax okay." Kanika said and Meera nodded.

Kanika had everything planned, if things went accordingly, tomorrow would be the last day Meera would spend in the palace.

Kanika looked at Meera one last time, a smile on her face, the smile hiding her true intentions and bitter hate she fostered in her heart.

As Kanika stepped out exiting Meera's room she bumped into Avantika. She took a deep breath to keep her anger in check.

"What are you doing here ?" She asked trying hard not to snap at her.

"Kanika didi, Abhishek had asked me to inform Meera didi that Badesha will be coming home tonight, they have cut short the trip."

"Really ? Are you sure ?" Kanika asked pulling Avantika away from the door that opened into the queens chamber.

"Yes? I mean Tahir Bhaijaan had sent Abhishek a message so-."

"Oh this is great! Poor Meera she has been sulking for three days now." Kanika said faking concern.

Kanika had planned for the big surprise for tomorrow however since the main character in her play had decided to take an early entry, she would have to role her dice and defeat Meera today itself.

"Avantika why don't we surprise her with Haider ? I mean let's not tell her about his new plan and when he comes and she sees him in front of her, her happiness would know no bounds." Kanika said taking Avantika's hand in hers.

"Of course it's a great idea." Avantika said. "I'll tell everyone to keep it a secret." She said with a wide smile and twinkling eyes. The naive 17 year old turned around to leave again, excited to inform everyone about the surprise.

Kanika too quickly made her way towards Zulekha's chamber. Their plan had to change quickly.

.
.
.

The sun had already set for the day, Meera had busied herself with the preparations for Abhishek and Avantika's engagement which was going to be held the day after.

She was getting the harem courtyard decorated for ceremony. Getting the drapes changed, re arranging the seating, anything to take her mind off her husband.

"-get it done by tomorrow, ask the dancers to prepare a set for the celebration." Meera instructed the maid.
"Also send someone with a bowl of dry fruits to Mahnoor's room, and make sure to changer her pitcher of water every two ho-."