Soon the day arrived.

I was getting married today. 

Since morning I was surrounded by a lot of people making me ready for her. My outfit was of off-white colour having shimmers some where with very intricate designs. I was given one red maroon shawl and my turban was red maroon too. Ammi jaan tied my turban today and kissed my forehead lovingly blessing me immensely

My heart is dying to meet her. I have not got a glimpse of her after that one short visit. I am just a second away from barging into my chamber to meet her.

Few more decorative items on me and finally I was furnished up as their will. Both Baaz and Ariz were way too much interested in decorating me as if I am a wall. They were putting anything on me. Finally after like eternity I was called to alter.

Few rituals followed and she was called. There was thin curtain between us so I could not see her.

As she entered I heard her panicked voice,"Maa...sa, maasa they have swords."

"Clam down Gudiya(doll) they are the soldiers, they are here for protection only." Her mother tried to pacify her but she panicked more and started sobbing.

This is totally my fault. I should have known this. She was mentally prepared to meet many people and with help of her mother this task became more easy. But it skipped from our minds that she is petrified by swords.

She was nowhere to calm so I stood up from my seat and walked to her. Looking at me she instantly engulfed me in a tight hug. I handled her very lovingly.

Everyone gasped looking at us. There were few kings of neighbouring kingdoms and some were relatives. The whisperings begin. I ignored everyone.

"Evacuate the hall soldiers!" I announced in loud voice gripping Ishwasa more so that she do not get more afraid. Soon the soldiers left the hall.

"Look shehzadi sahiba there is no one holding sword anymore. Relax. And me, Shahbaaz, Arham, Ammijaan, your parents and your bhaisa everyone is here. We will not let anyone harm you." I cooed her.

Her parents came near her and Maharaj put his hand on her one shoulder and maharani held from another. She looked at both of them and looked at me. I nodded and she left me.

Both of them made her sit on her place. Her brother and father stood near her while her mother sat holding her hand.

Maulvi sahab statrted the ceremony and soon he said,

"Shahenshah -e -hind, Baadshah Mubariz Suleman Khan, kya aapko Shahzadi Ishwasa Pratap Singh ke sath ye Nikah qubool hai?"

"Shahenshah -e -hind, Baadshah Mubariz Suleman Khan, do you agree to marry with Shahzadi Ishwasa Pratap Singh"

"Qubool Hai"

"I agree"  I replied and everyone cheered. My heartbeats sky rocketed. I clenched my fists to calm my breaths.

Soon he moved a little and ask again, this time to her," Shahzadi Ishwasa Pratap Singh kya aapko Shahenshah -e -hind, Baadshah Mubariz Suleman Khan ke sath ye Nikah qubool hai?"

"Shahzadi Ishwasa Pratap Singh do you agree to marry Shahenshah -e -hind, Baadshah Mubariz Suleman Khan"

I tapped my leg in anticipation. I was dying to hear this word from her. And when she did not spoke my body got numb for few moments.

I heard hushed voice of her mother saying her something and then I heard the most melodious voice I have ever heard, it felt like honey is pouring out when she speaks. Her voice is the best thing my ear could listen other than prayers. She spoke in very low voice,

"Ji Qubool hai "

And that was it. My hand stopped hitting my thigh. My whole body froze listening to her reply. Goosebumps arose on my body listening to her voice. I was too much engrossed in her when maulvi sahab again took my consent and without any second thought I said

"Qubool hai"

I again heard that same delicate voice saying,

"Ji Qubool hai "She submit herself to me to treasure her for life.

For the last time Maulvi sahab asked my consent. I have accepted everything related to her. I gave myself completely to her and in presence of Allah I am admitting; to love her, to follow her, to cherish her, to worship her, to appreciate her, to admire her, to preserve her and to take away all her miseries.

But as soon as I was about to reply. We heard panicked voice of soldiers.

"Shahenshah, Army chief sir, we have been attacked!"

My eyes widened in disbelief. Who has the death wish on such an auspicious occasion? 

Anger rushed in my every nerve and my eyes turned red, leaving the ceremony in between I ordered Arham and Baaz to handle the matter for few moments till I join. Everyone panicked listening to news. The men followed Arham and Baaz outside while women stood frightened.

I rushed to other side and held Ishawasa's hand, took her to my chamber and ask all the ladies to be there only. My personal guards for their security will stay outside the chamber doors. I ordered set of soldiers to protect my palace only. Baaz has been called form outside and I told him to stay there in case of any emergency.

Soon I went out to meet the riots, Maharaj along with Shourya veer joined me too. As I opened the main door of my palace I witnessed them.

They attackers were none other than Rajputs.

I got to know that They entered inside by telling the soldiers and guards that they have been invited in the ceremony and when they were refused to enter the hall they began the attack outside only. If guard would have let them in, the situation would have been out of control looking at the number of soldiers they had with them. The soldiers were fighting outside but can be seen from here and these 17 rajput kings are fighting here.

The attack was on big level. Arham immediately announced emergency and took trope of soldiers to fight outside the door. Rajput soldiers trying to enter in. The situation is getting out of control. 

"Why no one alerted Army chief regarding such a big army coming, even they have horse along with them, Did you all get blind?" I yelled at the guards outside.

"Sir they told us that these foot soldiers and horses are here to give you as a wedding gift by Rajputs, that's why we let them enter." He told me in shivering voice and I clenched my jaw.

"We will not let this wedding happen at any cost! This is matter of our pride. We will kill Ishwasa before she marry you" The bastard Basant singh came forward barking loudly.

"I might let you live after what ever you said about her in the court but now; no chance, Get ready to die the deadliest death which will be a precedent to future opponents to not get involved with us till we ourself initiate something " I growled loudly. 

With that I lunged forward, killing the opponents one by one I marched toward Basant Singh who was now involved in fight with Maharaj himself.

He is my prey. I will tear him into pieces. His venomous words for Ishwasa was already making me mad and now he pulled the stunt to interrupt my wedding. He will not see the sun tomorrow.

Anger took over my senses completely. I was infuriated to no extent. With every harsh breath I was taking his death is getting more brutal, my every pore blazing with wrath and my every tissue boiling with indignation.

I launched myself on Basant Singh with massive force and dreadful intensity. He defended himself. He tried to attack me but I counter attacked with terrible force instead of defending myself. He stumbled.

Only those can attack on me whom I permit.

With a fine stroke I attacked him again, this time I gave him no time to handle himself and dreadfully attacked again. With the clink of my sword his sword touched the ground and I bashed my sword in his chest Killing him inhumanly. 

He deserved it.

I looked around to find everyone already looking at me with terrified gaze, with their hands froze and body shaking. Some were laying dead and few injured. I stepped towards the group of attackers and they instantly stepped back in fear.

They got down on their knees with in a moment and asked for mercy. They should have thought of consequences before attacking only.

"Shahenshah, we were manipulated by Basant Singh, we were brainwashed to the extent that we thought we could attack you. The hatred towards princess was what led us here. When we heard that the ceremony is happening intimate and with normal security, Basant singh summoned us and planned to attack you. We have done nothing, leave us." One of them begged.

"The biggest mistake you have done is to join your hands with him, now that you had done it already so bear the consequence." I growled and without paying heed to their constant pleadings I ordered to arrest everyone and throw them in jail.

After sending the injured soldiers for medicinal help; We all headed back to meeting hall where wedding was taking place. 

I looked at the door of my chamber, no one was there. I suspiciously looked around to find any guard or any soldier whom I assigned the security here but the area was silent and empty. Not even Baaz was around. 

I opened the door and my heart beats stopped for a moment.

Ishwasa laying unconscious on the ground, her mother and other women stood in one corner with fearful teary eyes. I observed whole chamber and found many soldiers lying dead, many injured. "BAAZ" I shouted loudly.

I lifted her and made her lay on bed.

Baaz emerged form the balcony injured and said," One more Suspicious attack." 

My muscles tensed and mind exploded," No one get caught?"

He looked down disappointed and said," No" I punched the nearby wall in anger.

"Some were killed by our soldiers during fight, the left once had poison in their lockets, when they sensed that they would not be able to run, they swallowed poison." He told me with disappointed face.

"Any special symbol or anything?" I asked hoping to know their identity.

"Nothing, just a letter which says 'The HIND will be ours.'" He informed me.

"Any idea where did they entered from?" I inquired.

"No, it was very sudden attack, we entered after hearing scream of Shahzadi Ishwasa and indulged in the fight." He answered and I nodded.

"Call the royal physician right now!" I growled and looked at all women frightened.

"Don't worry everything is under control, you can move out and have the meal comfortably." I said to them in calm tone.

Physician gave Ishwasa some medicine and told me that she had panic attack so she blacked out. She then went out.

I went out too for checking the arrangements and security. After looking at everything I get back to my chamber to have a look on Ishwasa.

The moment my gaze held her face my lungs refused to take next breath. My heart was jumping inside trying to come out any moment. I clenched my jaw to keep my self in check.

Her beautiful face with a little bindi between her eyebrows and a shade of pink adorned on her delicate lips. Her cheeks rosy like fresh rose petal and her forehead adored with maangtika. Her chin has a mole on one side which increase her beauty ten folds. And her eyes ... WALLAH! I saw her eyes and I keep looking at them unable to look at any other thing. The way those beautiful lashes kissing her cheeks SubhanAllah!!

I was lost in her when baaz entered and told me that Everyone has been escorted to main hall for having dinner. The small celebration followed in which only I take part leaving Ishwasa in my chamber. She would have been so exhausted with all this and she was on medicine too. She needs proper rest.

 After The celebration, I retired to my queen's chamber. I have already told her maasa to sleep with her today so that she can talk to her properly. They did not get time to spent privately with each other. She was afraid very much too.

My back hit the soft mattress and I drifted to dreamland very soon after the long tiring days.

________________________________________

The next morning came too fast. 

I get up from my bed and did morning routine. I was called by ammi jaan to perform some more rituals and do charity.

I looked for the security arrangements and held a meeting with Arham and Baaz. We discussed some plans and strategies to handle the unknown enemy and soon dismissed the meeting.

I need to have my begam by my side to do charity thing.

 Ahh! How good it feels to say My Begam.

So instead of asking any attendee to call her I personally chose to go and bring her. I went in and she was almost ready dolled up in green sharara suit, heavily embroidered. She was wearing very heavy jewellery. Her every finger is adorned with ring and her hands cladded with bangles. What took my attention, her mother was about to fill her hairline with vermillion when I cleared my throat to let them know about my presence.

They both looked at me and she greeted me warmly," Pranam jwai sa." (Greetings son in law)

"Ji aadab" I greeted in response.

I looked at Ishwasa and to my surprise she too spoke in a very low voice," Pranam Shahenshah."

"Adab Begam Sahiba" I greeted her while looking at her keenly. She looked at me in jerk hearing new word form my mouth. I nodded at her lightly and she looked down taking deep breath.

"You are here jawai sa so come and fill her hairline." Rani sa said to me smilingly.

I was ready to volunteer myself already and now that she said it by herself so where I would get such golden opportunity like this.

I immediately went near Ishwasa and held some vermillion in my pinch. I filled her hairline with it admiring her lovingly. She closed her eyes grasping the moment. Her mother told me to do it three times so I did it without any question.

.She was making the colour look more pretty. Her neck was jewelled with a big green emerald choker and her hands were full with mehandi. She was looking ravishing and MINE.

Her maangtika was kept at dressing table and I don't know what comes to mind that I picked it up and adorned it on her forehead. We were looking at each others eyes all the time. I was about to kiss her forehead when one attendee interrupted saying,

"Shahenshah, badi begam sahiba is calling you and begam sahiba."

I came out of the haze and nodded at her.

What I was about to do? Gosh, get the grip on you Ariz, you would have kissed her in front of her mother and this dozen of attendees. That would have been so embarrassing.

I looked at her once again and said," Let's go begam sahiba." She looked at me bewildered and nodded.

We moved out with her mother and attendees tagging along. We need to go out at the main door where people waiting for us to get a glimpse of their queen. To bless us happy life ahead. I could not ignore the fact that some of them might not like her too but lets hope for good.

We went to Deewan-E-Aam first to greet everyone there. Every small big officers and ministers gathered in Deewan-E-Aam to meet their Queen.

While moving towards the hall I could not help but notice the height difference, I was 6'2 and she was not more that 5'3. Her head head reaching only till my shoulder. She was covering her face with veil and because of that she was stumbling now and then. Getting frustrated because of that I halted mid way.

I turned towards her ; lifted up her veil and put it on her forehead. Everyone looked at me wide eyed.

"Ariz she should be covering her face in gatherings. Put it down again." Ammi jaan scolded me.

"But Ammi jaan I want her to be confidently sit beside me and guide me to operate this kingdom not to sit like a statue. And what is need to cover her face? I wanted to proudly flaunt her. So she will be like this only." I finished and ammi jaan shook her head smilingly. Her mother has tears in her eyes. And everyone seems awestruck.

Well I don't think I have said something that exceptional. Its just people have different perspective for their women and I want to flaunt my women not to hide her. If anything goes wrong then I am here for her, why she should be caring?

I held her hand and resumed walking, when we reach the hall she held my hand tightly, I can feel her panicking, I held her hand securely and whispered to her,

"Ham hain aapke liye Begam Sahiba, ham aapko kuchh nahi hone denge, aap kisi or par dhyan mat dijiye sirf hame dekhiye. Jab tak aap hamari hifazat me hai aapko koi chhu bhi nahi sakta."

"I am here for you begam sahiba, I will not let anything happen to you, you should not give your attention to anyone just focus on me. No one can even touch you till you are under my care"

I said to her to calm her a bit and I succeed in it. She was looking at me constantly. 

Ah baby, don't look at me like this; you don't know what your those innocent eyes do to me.

I averted my gaze and stepped in hall with her. As soon everyone saw us, cheers went up and shouts of "Hail to the Shahensha!! , Hail to the begam sahiba!!" erupted through the hall.

Pride filled my every pore and I went through the lined up delegates to reach at the center. They all one by one came forward and congratulated both of us. I gave a short speech addressing everyone and thanking them for the best wishes.

All the time I was gripping Ishwasa's hand who did not looked up even for once. I already said soldiers to not come in front of her having any weapon but I could not ask them to remove completely as it is something related to our security.

As we move out of the hall to do charity and meet commoners, with each step I felt begam sahiba shivering more. I held her hand in my right hand and rubbed her back with my left one. She looked up at me and I squeezed her shoulder a little reassuring her.

Our eyes did all the talk. She nodded after few moments.

And we continue to move towards the door. A loud commotion can be heard again. The whole sky erupted with the hails. My happiness knows no bounds looking at my people accepting my Begam whole heartedly.

I did not removed my hands from her and guided her more toward people whispering to her," Look Begam sahiba, they all are here to bless us for our new beginning. They all accepted you wholeheartedly. They know their Queen is not only a capable administrator but a well skilled sword fighter. She not only can handle house responsibilities well but can fight a battle if needed. They all trust you with their life. Held you head high my warrior QUEEN."

She looked at me, tears welled up in her eyes reflecting her vulnerability. I know she wants to be confident but the memories haunting her and she could not get out of it even if she wants to. But I will take back my fierce Ishwasa who was always confident and fearless.

We both took some cloths and gold coins and started distributing among people. She was trying to open up this time. She was looking at people and when fear again begin to overpower her she clutches my hand tightly looking at me only as if the world does not exist for her its me only.

I was observing her at every moment but did not make it obvious as it was her fight. If she would fight it on her own; she will rise like a Phoenix and then never look back. Then no one will be able to put her down. And I will be her pillar of strength.

Some time passed in gifting everyone clothes, sweets and coins when Ishwasa clutched my bicep tightly. I looked at her and saw she was breathing heavily, panicking again.

She said to me in low voice," Shahenshah I am not comfortable."

I immediately held her in my embrace and said to ammi jaan," Ammi jaan we need to move back to our chamber. I think its enough for us; rest the soldier's will handle."

She looked at us and said," Okay, take care of her."

I nodded and left with Ishwasa.

I took her to our chamber and I ordered food as it was already lunch time.

She sat on bed looking down tears pouring down her eyes. I gently lifted her chin up and her eyes met mine. I shook my head sideways. Her lower lip wobbled and she hugged me.

"You have done very good begam sahiba. At this rate you will be like before in no time. Trust me I am not lying, you will soon be seen walking through one corridor to another and doing fencing practice. Just don't lose hope." I caressed he while saying.

The attendee entered with food. She placed between us. I looked at my begam and gestured her to eat. She shook her head.

My eyebrows pinched in confusion when she spoke softly," Will you not feed me with your hand?"

I smiled widely and tore a bite to forward towards her. She took it in mouth looking down. She finished her food silently then I feasted on mine.

Whenever I had food with her these days she always ate with my hands and today when I deliberately did not feed her she herself asked me. And guess what happened to my heart, it did a few somersaults.

I don't know how I am going to stay sane in her vicinity.

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The longest chapter I have ever written!!!! Almost 4000 words!!! damn!! 

Thank you so much for being with me!!! 

I really love you all!!!

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KHWAHISH 🎀

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Najar na lage mujhe 💅