Though I knew the layout of the palace, I wasn't acquainted to its splendor. This was the first time I was entering beyond the servant quarters. I realise it is difficult to move unnoticed now, with guards placed at every entrance. Chachu had warned me about this and I had prepared for such situations. I go back to the servant quarters and check around for a spare servants attire and am soon dressed in one. I pull the veil over my face. Hopefully it won't look out of place as unmarried servant girls usually went about with covered faces. While leaving the room I notice a bowl of fruits placed on a stool. I pick it and decide to pretend to serve fruits in case I am suspected.

The palace and its grounds are spread around an area of 2000 acres. The main building was of 400 acres and had 3 floors and underground cellars and dungeons. The ground floor was completely used for administrative purposes. It had the Durbar-e-aam and Durbar-e-khaas, various offices of the ministers, a special chamber for confidential meetings and the kitchen area. Each section was well separated and guarded. The second floor had entertainment halls usually used for dance performances and poetry sessions. 15  guest rooms for Mehman-e-khaas and a few spare rooms where the Shehenshah sometimes rested in the afternoon and the residential servant quarters. Tonight my aim was to reach the third floor, which had royal bedrooms of the king, the prince, the royal male folk and a huge Harem.

Currently I was moving away from the servant quarters towards the Mehman Khana, which was directly below the Shehzada Sher Shah's bedroom. My aim was to reach the third floor by scaling a balcony in the Mehman Khana which was right below the balcony of the Shehzada's bedroom. A common man would argue that using stairs would have been much more easier, but a resident of the palace would know it isn't. The entrance to the third floor is heavily guarded and only a select few highly trusted and experienced servants are allowed in. Even if I manage to get through I wouldn't be able to cross the threshold of any other chamber as each one of them have separate guards allocated who allow only the servants they know personally. If someone they don't know tries to enter.... well, let's not get into that.

Even in the darkness of the night, lit by numerous torches the palace looked magnificent. The crystal around the candles shone and the chandeliers sparked beautifully. On the walls hung silk tapestries and luxurious Syrian and Persian carpets adorned the floors. Every furniture piece was of ornate design. Silk and brocade cushions overflowed on the divans. Every chamber and hallway had flowers floating in broad porcelain basins. A rich scent of oodh and ambar lingered in the hallways. The architecture just added to the splendor, intricate designs on the roof and wall were shaped to resemble delicate flowers. I was slowly making my way towards the Mehman Khana with measured steps taking in the beauty which surrounded me. If man could design such wonders, then what must Jannah be like, which Allah himself had designed?

I have a sudden sensation of being watched and turn around to locate the source. The passage seemed to be empty. I couldn't shake off the feeling as I moved forward. Those unseen eyes seemed to be following me. I almost ran ahead.

If I was recalling correctly this passage should branch left and right further on. The left should lead to the vast entertainment halls and the right to bedrooms and spare rooms. The sight of armed soldiers guarding these entrances sends a chill down my spine. I move forward with confidence though humbly, not letting my nervousness show. I turn right and I am immediately stopped by the guards.

"Identify yourself" commands one of the two in a gruff voice.

"Amat-ullah", I say. A clever trick of getting away from lying. The name literally meant servant of Allah, which I was. In a sense I had revealed my identity yet I hadn't.

"Where are you going?" asks the second guard.

"I want to hand over these fruits to Fatima, the lady in charge of Mehman Khana" .

Thankfully they buy my explanation and let me through. I find the balcony I am looking for and hide the fruits and the servant girls attire behind the flower pot in the balcony. My black tunic that I had worn under the servant girls attire is ideal for climbing in the night. The guards on the battlements won't be able to spot me until and unless they peer carefully enough.

I untie the rope from my waist and throw it upwards and let the hook catch a strong holding. Once its secure enough I am up in a jiffy and land on the third floor right into the Shehzada's balcony. I pull back the rope and re-tie it around my waist. I thank Allah for bringing me this far and pray for his guidance. I face the curtain hanging over entrance to the Shehzada's chamber and take a deep breath before entering.