NOVEL~*Hiding behind a Stranger*~THREAD 51 - CHAPTER 56 - Upd 12th Dec - Page 99

The silvery-white arrow touched target on the centre circle. 10 points.

The red arrow missed target, brushing just past the board. 0 points.

The error managed to generate a good amount of laughter amongst the audience.

'What happened, Mansabdar Sahib? That board there... in front... THAT's the target'

'Thank you...' Akbar spared him a wry smile, to cut through some of that tension.

Slipping the second arrows out of their quivers, the men focussed upon the goal. Strings twanged. The missiles left for their destination.

The silvery-white arrow touched target on the centre circle. 10 points.

The red arrow touched target on the middle ring. 2 points.

It was the final attempt. One opportunity away from the victor laying claim to a thousand expressions of awe. One opportunity away from the loser walking off with nothing but his head bowed low.

Akbar slipped his arrow out of the quiver. He had an inkling that Mahendar would aim for, and get the centre circle this round too. After all, the prince was on a winning streak.

So, he fastened his pupils to the point he'd set his sights upon. The toy in his hand would follow the course his iron fingers willed - like it had during attempt 8. Attempt 7. And every attempt before that. 'The inner ring, Akbar...'

The signal was sounded. A glint of steel flashed. WHIZZZ!

The silvery-white arrow touched target on the centre circle. 10 points.

Mahendar stood with a hand on his hip, positively delighted with his achievement - even a miracle wouldn't help his opponent win!

WHIZZZ! Another glint of steel followed!

The red arrow touched target on the inner ring. 5 points. With a sigh, Akbar set his bow down. It was done.

'End of round 3...' the announcer proclaimed the final results 'the Mansabdar of Parnagarh has scored 7 points... but, the Kunwar of Manswar leads with an astounding 30 points... on the whole, Kunwarsa has won the contest with 52 points!'

The viewers erupted into a loud chorus of applause and cries of joy - some of them breaking out into a jig and a tune too. Their hero had emerged victorious, humbling the Mughal Mansabdar in a fair match! What more could they want?

'Do NOT take down my winning trio of arrows... I want you to keep them on display for everyone to see!' Dropping a bag of coins into the archery-stall owner's palm as a small bribe, Mahendar walked up to his opponent 'Mansabdar Sahib... so, that was that...'

'Congratulations Your Highness...' was all Akbar had to say in response to those not-so-veiled insults 'you played a good game...'

'And...' the prince dropped his volume, though arrogance continued dancing between his glares 'I'm guessing I wouldn't be seeing you around these parts anytime soon...'

'I guess not!'Akbar's stares remained as passive as a stone on an icy night.

Darn! Mahendar was now certain that his spies were wrong - this unremarkable Akbar Mahmoud Khan could NOT be the man who'd overcome the notorious Khalil! And while he enjoyed the adulation coming from all sides, there was one nagging complaint - he didn't find himself basking in the joy that came with defeating a tougher contender, a more worthy opponent.

'Oh... whatever...' Heera kept her gaze on the ground, blocking away everything else - be it, taunting glares from dispersing public, the disheartened groans of her group or even the unpleasant sight of the mud pits.

He hadn't come under harm. The humiliation wasn't as bad as she had feared. The crowds were leaving. They were safe. The situation had been diffused. As the baisa of Parnagarh, the rational part of her should realise that the outcome wasn't so bad. 'Then, why Heera?' Why was she fretting over the results? Especially when she hadn't even wanted a clash in the first place!

Was it because, she'd gotten so carried away by the idea of witnessing the Kunwar's defeat that she couldn't get over the disappointment? Was it because she secretly craved Khan Sahib's victory? Was it because, after all that build-up, she found it difficult to watch Khan Sahib stand in front of a lesser man, with his head held not-as-high as it should be? 'Oh Heera... it's only a match...'

He would've received praise and honour! Why do this secretly?'

'Because he wanted to send me a message... but couldn't dare to show me his face... THAT'S WHY!' gnarled Mahendar, before turning to address his soldiers.

'So...' angry whispers hissed through his teeth 'Did you keep an eye on the movements of the Mansabdar and his men, like I asked you to?'

'We did, Kunwarsa' nodded the men

'The Mansabdar was at his tent, with his wife... all night'

'And his men were in their camps too...'

'Are you sure you men didn't notice any one of them lingering in and around this area last night?'

'We are quite certain, Hukum!'

'Tribals?'

'No Kunwarsa!'

'Bandits?'

'No Kunwarsa!'

'ANYONE?'

'No Kunwarsa!'

'Darn! THEN FIND OUT WHO might've done this!' he roared, the veins on his temple now visibly red from the strain they were under. The strain that came from having been defeated and disgraced in public. But more importantly from that painful instinct of knowing-and-yet-not-knowing the man who'd defeated and disgraced him!

'Hukum... mustn't we tell the Mansabdar of Parnagarh that he has been pushed to the third spot in this contest?'

It was an offhand suggestion that the Senapati had come up with, to try and mitigate the man's fury. A poorly thought-out idea though - since all he received in reply was a rabid glare as the prince began making his exit.

'Kunwarsa...' the stall-owner hurriedly approached the prince, before he would leave 'Can I take down these arrows? Or do you want me to exhibit them for longer?'

Following a heated pause, Mahendar pulled his trio of silvery-whites in response, snapped the arrows in half and hurled them off on his way out, before thundering away in the direction of his horse.

Later... that night..

'Hmmm...' As her gazes trailed their way towards a small flickering lamp on the other end of the tent, the sigh that escaped her lips was gentle - gentle enough not to ruffle the quietness around her.

It'd been a long day. Ceremonies at the temple all morning. Followed by the complicated developments at the arena. Then, the horse fair that went on till evening. And finally, overseeing the dinner and sleeping arrangements for members in their group - a responsibility that took more than two hours.

Not to forget, it'd been an emotionally taxing day too.

She should be exhausted.

Yet somehow, she was not.

'Hmmm...' she hummed again, when her feet came to a halt by the edge of her bed. She was comfortably dressed for night. The air was restfully cool. And there seemed to be not a flutter of movement anywhere around. To the extent that apart from the random grunt of a horse, or the snores of slumbering soldiers out there in the distance, there was nothing to indicate that these were the same grounds crawling with activity until a few hours ago.

Apparently, the entire fairground was in deep sleep.

But her eyelids weren't heavy yet.

'Maybe because of the many doubts still running in my mind...' she told herself, while slipping out of her sandals and setting them in a corner.

Returning to the centre of the tent, she stared at the plush bedding that'd been laid upon the floor. 'I've always found it difficult to sleep when I have unanswered questions... nothing new about it!'

But in that same beat, her gazes veered away - as if her conscience had caught her in a lie. Till they stopped at something else that might be one of the reasons she didn't feel too sleepy yet.

The other pillow. HIS pillow, supposedly.

Was he going to join her tonight? If so, it would be the first instance they would be sharing such moments alone, after their wedding night.

A flurry ruffled-up within her chest. No, it wasn't the kind of excitable flurry that a new bride experienced on her wedding night. Neither was it the kind of unsettling anxiety that she'd suffered from, on her own wedding night.

'Awkwardness?'

Yes that was what it was. A strange sort of awkwardness. Not entirely unpleasant either.

'Anyway...' she tried to take her mind off the odd thoughts.

For all she knew, he might decide to spend the night outdoors, riding, for some peace and solitude. Come to think of it, Khan Sahib's original plans didn't include staying the night at this town fair. It was the unpleasant events at the arena that'd delayed everything. To top it, the local stall-owners had refused to loan tents to a band of Mughal men for the night. So, their group had to make do with the tents they'd brought along.

Of course, everyone assumed that the Mansabdar would share tent-space with the baisa - it was natural and understandable. But since her personal equation with the Sahib was complicated, Heera had no idea what he planned to do. Nevertheless she truly hoped he wouldn't go riding through the night, forgoing his rest - merely to keep a distance. Besides, a Mansabdar spending all night out, in a town such as this, would give people - especially other royal families camping in the grounds - the wrong impression.

'Well...' letting out a low breath, she slowly slid onto the mattress and slipped the sheets over her. Following a short prayer, she was about to close her eyelids - when her eyes invariably stole a soft gaze of the empty pillow beside her.

'What if he came?'

Just then, beyond the walls of the tent, and through the depths of darkness, she saw a shadow. A hazy shadow looming in her direction. Hazy, but familiar - familiar enough to whip up that flurry within, into a frenzy.

He WAS coming!

'Oh... but, I...' she suddenly realised.

She was facing the entrance. Facing his pillow. As if she'd been waiting for him all along. 'Oh... no...'

She quickly turned over, to the opposite side and made herself comfortable upon her left hand. Away from the entrance. Away from his pillow.

'But...'

Somehow she was not convinced. Facing the other direction might make her come across as 'aloof'. And standoffish. Not really the impression she wanted to give either. 'No!'

So, she assumed a more 'neutral' position. Turning around, she lay on her back instead, facing up at the tent ceiling or so. 'Better...'

The light was dim. So, she wasn't sure if the Mansabdar paused for an instant on stepping in, but she could make out that his footfall was unrushed.

Drawing the tent-screen behind him, he approached the trunks and began preparing himself for bedtime straightaway. After having removed his head scarf, boots and cummerbund, he crossed over to where the pots were kept. What followed was evidently an important nightly habit for the man - a long-drawn routine where he went on to wash his face, neck, arms and feet with generous handfuls of cleansing water.

'Heera...' she chided herself, while stealing a glance or two. Mustn't she sit up, like a good wife would, and enquire how he felt? Ask if he needed anything? A towel, maybe?

Then again, what if he preferred to be left alone? It was obvious that he wasn't really entertaining personal interactions with her lately. She had tried to be friendly on the few occasions that he was around over the past week, and failed.

In any case, by the time she'd had this debate with herself, the Sahib had already found a towel and wiped himself dry.

A moment later, her heart leapt further than it'd ever leapt before. She'd sensed a gentle movement - a tug, by the edge of the bedding. The blanket beside her was gently shifting to make way for him. And despite being aware of what was to come, she couldn't stop her limbs from going stiff. Especially when she felt his elbow nearly brush past hers, his warm body taking up space on the empty cushion alongside hers - a kind of feeling she wasn't familiar with.

Then, it was absolute stillness.

One...

Two...

Ten blinks passed thus!

Curious, Heera darted a short glimpse to her right.

'Oh...'

He couldn't be fast asleep already, but she would be forgiven for assuming he was!

As serene as a statue, his shoulders lay squarely against the bolster. His right hand was resting upon his temple, partly shielding his eyes. Without so much as a sound or a sigh, he'd retired for the night, despite the long day that he'd endured.

And here she was, worrying that her attitude mustn't come across as 'aloof'. While there, he'd gone off to bed without so much as wishing her a 'goodnight'.

How did he find it so easy to keep his emotions contained around her? It must be the first time he was lying next to a woman - a young attractive woman nonetheless. Then, why was it so easy for him to appear unaffected?

Or rather, why did SHE find it so tough to ignore him?

Then again - it was this aloof nature of his that'd intrigued her in the first place.

It still did - whether she admitted it or not!

'Whatever...' Heera decided to call it a day and slip into sleep too.

But that was indeed easier said than done.

Since many-a-question remained unanswered yet. Particularly since, if she gave tonight's opportunity a miss, she might not be able to ask him those questions for weeks! Not to mention, that distracting fragrance of musk played a small part in keeping her awake too.

So, biting down on that gnawing female ego and swallowing back the awkwardness, she cleared her throat. 'Khan Sahib...'

Two measured beats later, his low response came. 'Hmmm?'

Just as she'd guessed. He was wide awake with his eyes closed!

Her guard went further up by a bit. 'How is your back doing? I hope you are feeling better...'

'I am better' he spoke calmly, with the hand still over his eyes 'I did reply to your message two days ago... to let you know I'm doing fine... and thanking you for your help... I take it, you received it?'

Was that remark, a taunt? Or a tease? Possibly something between the two.

'Yes... I did... but... earlier today... since you refused to accept the challenge to throw a spear... I was wondering if...'

Akbar said nothing for a while.

He didn't have to - the way that his breathing had shifted, she guessed a smile had crept up on his lips.

The young man already knew this was to come, didn't he? He'd read the questions in her mind, hadn't he? 'God!' She should be used to this phenomenon by now. Yet every instance that it happened, it managed to awe and annoy her in equal measure. 'So, why did you refuse to participate?'

'I didn't want to risk injuring my back by throwing a spear...'

'Oh...' A few lines of her frown mellowed. 'And the sword duel?'

A moment later, his right hand slipped off his forehead, as if he were secretly amused, preparing himself for the fact that he would be required to give a few more explanations. 'Sword duels are dangerous... even the friendly contests... I wasn't interested in sustaining injuries merely to lose this duel. On the other hand, a Muslim businessman defeating a Rajput royal... that too, an exemplary swordsman like Kunwar Mahendar? It would've raised many eyebrows, don't you think Sahiba? And given rise to riots too!' he shrugged a shoulder lightly 'This is not the place to battle out enmity'

Heera joined him in letting a smile creep upon her lips. So, she HAD guessed right. He had swallowed his pride to keep the peace at the arena. And to keep his secret safe.

'Khan Sahib...'

'Hmmm...'

She observed the outline of his features now that his hand had come off, while he continued to stare up into oblivion. She wanted to gauge his expressions at least as much as the darkness would allow her to. 'Is that why you deliberately lost to him during the rounds of archery?'

'Yes...' there was a dip in his voice typical of whenever he slipped into deep thought 'and the fact that I've always found something odd about this Kunwar... what I saw today only confirmed my suspicions... I don't trust his intentions one bit...' he scoffed bitterly 'in fact, I feel compelled to believe he had other plans in his head when inviting me to this challenge... it wasn't only to humiliate me!'

Finally! She'd found someone with whom she could share her avid dislike for the Kunwar.

'Khan sahib...' Heera joined him again - with a smirk as potent as his scoff 'you were wise not to accept the challenge... Kunwar Mahendar is not one to be trusted... I'm certain you're aware of his relationship with jiji... and then, of what happened at Bansi thereafter...'

His eyebrow steadily rose into a sharp arch 'Yes... I am aware of it...'

'Well then...' Heera shifted to her right by a bit, so it'd be easier to face him when confiding the rest of her theories - of course, those carefully-laid sleeping plans and positions were long forgotten. 'Today... I was positively stunned by the fact that he's already aware of our wedding... of who you are, Khan Sahib... he's been keeping himself informed about us...' she kept her tone low - but that would not douse the spark in her attitude 'Now, why would he do that if he chose to cut all ties with us?'

For the first time, Akbar turned around to meet with the doe eyes of the woman reposing on the pillow alongside his. Her words had just given the mind of an intelligence officer, more food for thought. 'Go on...'

'One of the maids said she managed to get a closer glance of his new bride... apparently, the Kunwarisa bears a startling resemblance to jiji...' she heaved with disgust 'he's a strange man indeed!'

'Strange indeed!' he exhaled 'But I must say you are able to hold your own against such strange men... that was quite a brave front you put up there... alone... amidst all'

Her long eyes widened 'You were there? Watching us?'

Akbar returned his attention to the ceiling tent above 'You know... once... I caught a stable-boy knowingly ill-treat my horses... I made sure he never worked around any of the stable-yards I deal with. You think I'd stand back and watch, while another man ill-treated the lady I've sworn to care forever?' There was a telling pause. 'I was there as soon as I was told what was happening'

Heera went briefly quiet - what with her mind having lost its chain of thought.

'You think I'd stand back and watch in silence, while another man ill-treated the lady I'd sworn to care forever?'

It was a sweet thing to say. And the fact that it came when she least expected it, meant it took longer to temper any of the warmth rushing to her cheeks. 'Thank you... and...' she dragged her lines, as she recalled another gratitude she owed him 'and... I'm very grateful to you for taking the effort to bring me here, Khan Sahib... especially since I understand everything you've had to go through' a sparkle glimmered in her eyes 'It's meant a lot to me'

'That's alright, Sahiba...' he nodded, letting his hand slide over his eyes again.

Seeing how he was prepared to call it a night, Heera wondered if it would be untimely to bring up one last point that she hadn't gotten off her chest yet - her true sentiments on how the archery duel ended.

Now, she had no doubt that Khan Sahib had tackled the Kunwar very shrewdly. Lost enough points to give the audience what they wanted, but not so badly that he'd be laughed at. Lost enough points to keep his reality a secret, but not lost so badly that the drama would be caught.

Yet and still, there was a small corner in her heart, which couldn't help but continue feeling disappointed.

But must she bring this up when he never asked her opinions about it?

'Then again...' she recalled his confession - 'The lady I've sworn to care forever'

She decided to tread gently. 'Khan Sahib...'

It was another two beats before his reaction was heard. 'Hmmm...'

'I admit that you had valid reasons in losing to the Kunwar today... but... when I saw you lose...' Heera cast a peek at the features concealed beneath his hand, for hints of a response. And when she didn't get lucky, deliberately stalled her sentence - to see if it'd do the trick.

It DID do the trick.

'Please go on, Sahiba...'

'That's better' she smiled 'well... let me say this, Khan Sahib... that it gave me no pleasure in watching you lose to that man!'

She expected to hear a 'thank you' thereafter. But he said nothing at once.

Her remark had apparently pushed him into a kind of silence that left the ambience in that tent intense. For a while, time slowed down. There was nothing but plain darkness, not a whisper of a sound - nothing apart from the soft sounds of breathing of course. But the unsaid words could be heard like voices in the air, the untapped emotions almost palpable. It was a moment of suspense in the dark where nothing was happening, and yet an entire memory was being created. The air around stealthily grew warm like a flame - a flame that if let to simmer, could intensify into a fire any moment.

Till Akbar dispelled the rising tension, with a husky reply 'Thank you... Begum Sahiba...'

Even with his eyes closed, his features were awash with contentment now, his lips having given in to a faint grin - rare sights that remained concealed from her.

'It gave me no pleasure in watching you lose'

That's all he wanted to hear - that she saw happiness in his success. It was a simple confession from her end. But it meant the world to him for reasons aplenty. 'Shabba Khair... Begum Sahiba'

'Shubh ratri... Khan Sahib' she wished him back.

As her eyelids lowered down, there was a triumphant twinkle in her gaze. He had finally wished her 'good night'.

(Journey Continues)

Originally posted by: Sabdabhala

BINDUP LOVELY MORNING MESSAGE 👏 LOVELY PICS TOO 👏

KHAN SAHIB IS THE PERFECT EXAMPLE OF A MAN WHO KNOWS HOW TO USE HIS RESOURCES WELL ⭐️ SINCE HE HAS SEEN HARDSHIPS HE KNOWS HOW TO VALUE THEM TOO - BE IT HIS FRIENDS HIS SOLDIERS OR MONEY. HE HAS THE VISION TO PLAN AHEAD ⭐️

SECOND QUOTE REMINDS ME OF THE SHEHZAADE BECAUSE OF EGO HE HAS LOST HIS PROTECTIVE ARMOUR- THE LEGENDARY USTAAD. THIS IS JUST BECAUSE HE WAS THIRSTING FOR PETTY REVENGE INSTEAD OF LOOKING AT THE BIGGER PICTURE OR THE LONG RUN