Shedding ROYAL Blood

▪︎10▪︎Passing The Test

▪︎Amrit▪︎

This is not how I wanted my wedding to be. I wanted to be happy, surrounded by my friends and family, who would be teasing me with Kunwar Sa's name and I would be blushing furiously.

Life does not always give us what we want. I looked at my bed and it had so many clothes, jewellery and other things that Badi Sahiba had sent for me. The lady is so loving and caring. How does she have a nephew like the Sultan?

I cannot thank her enough. Today there was no Guards at the entrance of my Chamber. And yet I was here. I had lost the will to run away or to be alive.

Moreover, where would I go? Sultan proved that there is no place that is safe for... where I can hide from him. I was lost in thoughts when Badi Sahiba's arrival was announced. She entered my Chamber. I bowed down in front of her, "your Highness."

"No my child, I am like your mother. You can call me Badi Maa (Elder mother) from now on." I was overwhelmed. I didn't know there were such normal, caring people here. I thought everyone was like Sultan and his mother.

"Come on. Let's choose a dress. The wedding functions will start tomorrow and both the families have equal rituals to perform. So tell me where is your family? They will be called."

My family? No! I won't let them come here or see me like this. And if they try to resist what would Sultan do to them. And so many more questions started spinning in my head when Badi Maa asked again.

"I... I don't have a family. I worked as a maid in the Royal Palace in Panipat."

"Well that changes today. From today I am your mother and Sultan's family is your family. You're going to be his Begum, his beloved Begum." She said holding my chin up. "And not just in words. I will fulfill all the duties that a mother does for her daughter."

Something broken inside me. How could I say such a big lie? But that is the only way to protect my family from Sultan's wrath. Maa, Baba I won't let you suffer because of me. I will not let the Sultan use you as my weakness. You are not my weakness but my strength. I may never come back. Try to forget this girl who had always been nuisance to you. Someone who never gave you your rights, love and care that you deserved at this old age. Now when I've lost you, I see your worth.

***

Two days passed like that. Badi Sahiba talked to me, cheered me up all the time but I could hardly smile or laugh. Who would be happy in a wedding that was based on 'Your loyalty or death' threat?

She told me about the weird Mughal traditions. Firstly, on the day the marriage is confirmed, betel (paan) leaves are given as a symbol of acceptance of the proposal by the elders of the bride’s family to the groom.

Then the sacnaq (the first wedding gift) is sent to the bride’s home on behalf of the bridegroom. This completes the Mangni (engagement) ceremony.

The third day is the Manjha ceremony, where the Mughal bride wears a bright yellow and gold lehenga while the females apply haldi (turmeric powder) on her. The haldi makes the bride’s skin glow and shine to look presentable for her husband.

The next ceremony is the hennabandi or the ‘mehandi’ ceremony in which henna is applied on the bridegroom’s hands and feet by the Harem ladies.

On the bride’s side, Henna is applied on the bride’s hands and feet, writing groom's name in that.

This is followed by the day of the actual wedding where Princes and nobles are invited to the groom’s place to offer wedding presents and their blessings.

Here the Queen or the present Mughal Emperor tie on the groom’s forehead a sehra, made of strands of pearls and gems, after which they proceed to the bride’s place where they were generously received.

At a pre-decided auspicious hour the Nikah (muslim marriage) is performed by the Qazi (priest) in the presence of the Emperor, and other Royals.

After a magnificent wedding, the King and Queen, in an open chariot, move through the Kingdom for the common people to see their new Queen. And they shower gold and silver coins, gems on the public as a sign of their happiness. Although This ritual won't happen for me.

It was for the actual Queen, whom Sultan would marry after me.

After the completion of Nikah, the last ritual, Suhagaraat, that is the pious union of husband and wife takes place. I shivered at the thought.

***

Today was the third day and it was the Manjha ceremony, where I wore a bright yellow and gold lehenga while the Harem ladies applied the haldi on me. Some teased me about how Sultan won't be able to take his eyes off me after this. But I could hardly smile.

Badi Sahiba told me, After this ceremony, the bride stays indoors till her wedding day. And the groom and bride are prohibited to meet each other. Who wants to meet him anyway?

I looked at myself in the mirror and smiled sadly. I was looking radiant as the sun. My skin was glowing, my dress was heavily clad, shining in gold and silver, the light gold jewelry completely matching the dress. I missed my parents terribly. It was their dream to see me like this. I thought this day would never come.

A slight thud in my room interrupted my thoughts. I turned around and saw a maid placing another set of dress from tomorrow. "Amrit?" She said in a hushed whisper.

"Do I know you?" I asked confused.

"Shh!" She said placing a finger on her lips. "I'm here to take you. Come." She said pulling me by hand.

I stopped. "Take me where?" I asked flatly. I honestly couldn't understand.

"Amrit it has been four days since you disappeared and the news of this wedding has reached your master. He is worried about you and has ordered us to rescue you." I looked at her shocked.

Why does he want to rescue me now? So that I can live the disgraced life of his personal maid all my life? I had still not gotten over his betrayal and his harsh words that he spoke to Chandrika behind my back. Never did he give me a choice about anything and today when I want to do something on my will, he wants to show his rights on me? Well those days are over. I'm not his slave anymore.

Now when I have a choice, I won't.

I cannot think about betraying the kind and lovely women who has been like my mother here. Maybe captivity is my fate. So what if I am a captive here or there.

She shook me a little and said, "Amrit come fast!"

I freed my hands from hers and said confidently, "I won't go."

"What are you saying? What should I tell him then?"

"Tell him that Mughal brides don't step out of the house after the haldi ceremony."

Bride. I am a bride. Maa Baba I wish you were here. I miss you.

"So you won't come?" She asked unbelievably. She was getting impatient now.

"No I won't. I have made a deal with the Sultan to give him my loyalty in return for my life. I have agreed upon it and I won't go back on my word. For 4 years if I could serve him just for my word then I can do to same my whole life so you should leave now." I said sternly and turned around. Don't I know Sultan? Even if I hide on the seventh sky, or deep inside earth's layers, that lunatic would pull me out and have his will.

Suddenly what Sultan offered seemed more dignified and respectable than what Kunwar Sa had to give.

She pulled my arm and hissed, "you're making a mistake."

But I didn't care.

"There are people watching me. Go before anyone doubts you." I know I shouldn't close my eyes and ears to the Spies here but the point is... there is no way anybody can wipeout all of them. They will always be there in some amount, like a needle in the haystack, completely invisible yet there.

I sat on the bed feeling weak. There are so many responsibilities of a wife. Will I be able to fulfil them towards the person I am so terrified of? Do I have a choice to say no? Once I have refused him and seen the consequences. What if I refuse him again? Tears started flowing from my eyes at the thought. What happened between the maid and me is the first step towards accepting the reality of my life and I have.

▪︎Sultan Omar Khan ▪︎

I don't even remember when was the last time I had seen Tai Ammi so happy. More than the wedding, she was happy about the delusion that I was in love. And getting married to the girl I love. Nowadays I often visited Harem and it looked like a glorious site, decorated in flowers, clad in laughters of the women echoing. You get to see such a beautiful environment only on some remarkable festivities.

I didn't want to be a part of any rituals but Tai Ammi ordered me to apply a little of henna dot and turmeric which I angrily did but it was worth it when I saw her smile and laugh and bless me for it.

I walked to my Chamber and called for the maid.

"So what answer did she give?" I asked leaning against the window.

"Sultan, she said she has promised her loyalty to you in exchange for her life and would not betray you for the rest of her life."

"This is the best news I have heard today." I took out a huge gold ring from my finger and give it to her. "This is your reward." She bowed her head and walked away ecstatic.

I was in doubt. I didn't trust Amrit yet. So I send this maid to see what she would do if she had another option.

'If you had failed at this just Amrit, I don't know what I would have done with you.'

***

The rest of the days passed longer than usual maybe because I was waiting every moment for this day to come.

The day of the wedding arrived Malika-e-jahan and Tai Ammi tied the Sehra made of strands of pearls around on my turban and placed it on my head. Tai Ami blessed me for a happy married life. After tying it, Malika-e-Jahan ordered me to come outside fast and left. Tai Ammi stayed behind. "Kisi Ki Nazar Na Lage." (May no evil eye touch you.)

She said overwhelmed and with her ring finger, slightly took some Kajal from her eye and pressed a black dot around my neck. "This will protect you from Evil eye."

While I was about to leave, she called, "Omar? Will you promise me something?"

"Anything Tai Ammi."

"Promise me you will always keep Amrit happy. Never let any harm come to her."

My face lost colour.

"Tai Ammi... why do you want that?" I tried to escape the topic.

"Because I have accepted her as my daughter."

Okay. Now I have to find a diplomatic answer. "This is life Tai Ammi. Nobody can escape pain. I'll try."

Again she made me guilty for betraying her. She kissed my forehead and walked out asking me to come out soon.

Tai Ammi, will you give me something in return for my promise?

What can I give to the Sultan of this Huge Empire?

I held her hands and said softly, "Come with me Tai Ammi. Be by my side today."

She was shocked. "What are you saying Omar? I am a Widow. I cannot let my shadow fall on such an auspicious occasion. It will be a bad omen. It will cause obstacles in your life-"

"Tai Ammi! The Only thing worth having today... is you. The most auspicious thing at my wedding would be your blessings. Think about Amrit. She has no one else besides you. Be by her side today. Don't leave her all alone." This would make Amrit feel better.

Tai Ammi was overwhelmed. I know she wants it more than ever but she restrains herself because of these age-old customs. She nodded with tears in her eyes and left.

I gave a last look at myself in the mirror when a few workers arrived with huge baskets of flowers and started decorating the bed.

I smiled. Within a few hours, you will be on this bed, with me Amrit. And then you'll realise who you belong to. Tonight you will be so close that your breaths won't leave without touching mine. Every inch of your body will see what ripeness is.

I know after all that has happened, you won't give in easily but I am not the one who takes No for an answer.

Your pleas and whimpers will echo in this room. Your heart will break and mind will never forget this night. You will regret being so wild when I tame you. And when I'm done, you'll have no where to cry over your fate but in my arms, feeling weak and powerless. Cursing the day you decided to show me your stubbornness.

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