Shedding ROYAL Blood

▪︎2▪︎Pt II▪︎My Type Of Woman

Imperial Palace, Agra

▪︎Sultan Omar Khan▪︎

"Now I see why Gulmohor Begum is so sad all the time."

"Did she complain to you?" I asked with eyes closed. Her magical fingertips moving in my hair relaxed my tensed nerves.

"I wish she did. That would mean that you meant something for her. Why do you two live like strangers? Why have you two abandoned each other like this? She is still your wife. Can't you atleast try to keep her happy." She asked and this is one thing I didn't want to talk about right now.

"Didn't you ask Malika-e-Jahan?" I said bitterly.

"Ya Allah! How does someone else come between you husband and wife? Whatever it is, you should learn to sort out on your own. The Sultan of such a Huge Kingdom cannot keep a balance between his own mother and wife. This is pathetic."

"Please don't irritate me with that Tai Ammi. And besides all this, Gul is really not my type of woman." I said hoping she would understand.

"And if I may ask, what is the type of woman Sultan likes? The one he calls to his Chambers in the dark of the night?"

I felt embarrassed. She wasn't supposed to know about that.

"No Tai Ammi, my type of woman is the one who has a brain of her own; who can decide things for herself and not a sheep of the herd; Who realizes that this tradition is wrong and is not ashamed or afraid to admit it."

"What are you saying Son? That's not how women are. Women should be calm, accepting and mouldable. Like water, they should take the shape of whatever vessel they are poured in; Have a heart filled with forgiveness and a mind free of all these thoughts and happy in the acceptance that their husband is always right. Only those women can be happy and have a peaceful family."

'Yeah like puppets. With no brain of their own.'

"Tai Ammi have you ever come across a woman who is NOT happy to become an Honor Bride because she has some self respect and money, luxuries is not important to her?" I asked out of blue.

"There is no such woman Son. Who wouldn't want to be a King's wife and spend the rest of their life with respect, prosperity, security and everything else a woman can ask for?" She replied leaving me disappointed.

***

The next day, Malika-e-Jahan asked me to hold a session of Diwan-e-Khaas (Hall for special meetings held only between family members and selective courtiers). Mostly, Diwan-e-Khaas is for punishing crimes from family members, so that their image among common public isn't stained. But sometimes, for taking big decisions regarding family and Kingdom too.

I kept walking with Abubakar, my loyal friend and SipehSalar (Army Commander). He asked, "Sultan, Looks like second Honor Bride is on its way. Lucky you." He said smirking.

"Yeah right. Honestly I want to get this over with as soon as possible." I muttered honestly walking faster.

I sat at the raised, velvety mattress against the tufted cushions and ordered to start the proceedings.

As expected, Malika-e-Jahan started talking to Peer Saab (Muslim Priest) and other courtiers about when to hold the ritual and a day after five days was finalized.

"Barkhast (Dismissed)." I announced as I saw the important points covered and the spirit of conversation dying. Everybody bowed in respect and left. After they left, Abubakar said, "I know what might cheer you up. There is no Diwan-e-Aam held today. So why don't we go for hunting?"

"Yes you're right Abu. Let's go hunting. That might take my mind off these things."

"Okay we will leave in an hour and on the way, you tell me what are you so upset about?"

'I highly doubt you would understand. I don't want more people lecturing me like Tai Ammi.'

"Get the horses ready. And fire torches too. We may have to spend the night at the forest." I said getting up.

***

It's already evening and me, Abubakar and four other generals who are interested in hunting tagged along.

By the time we reached the outskirts of the Capital City, it was night. Abubakar suggested that we camp here and enter the jungle early morning. That would be safe. I accepted.

We made a bonfire and sat against it. He bought some liquor from a nearby shop poured it. "Here's to my friend who is getting married around the month."

He said raising the metal glass and I couldn't help frowning.

"Sultan, If I may ask, What is with your emotional state? Are you not happy?"

"I don't know Abu. Maybe I think differently than others but no one seems to understand me and I'm tired of it. Everyone, the whole Sultanate, my family, even the Honor Brides chosen think this is a good, glorious custom then why doesn't my heart agree? Why do I feel like it is not right? It's an attack on a women's rights. Is there no one in the world who thinks the way I do?"

He placed a hand on my shoulder, "I see your concern Sultan. But if no one cares why do you? As the news of the ceremony will go out, women from all over the Sultanate and even neighboring Kingdoms will come to be a part of it, to try their luck. They all want to be a Begum and that's how it is. That's what everyone wants, a rich, handsome husband, who can give fulfill all their wishes, provide them with all the luxuries and keep them safe. And there is nothing wrong in desiring happiness for yourself."

He is right. Maybe I should just stop overthinking about this. This is the only thing I have no power on. It'll just keep me worried and frustrated. With those thoughts, I leaned back against a huge rock and closed my eyes waiting for morning to set in.

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