"Saira", I call her again. She turns around surprised trying to locate the source. She spots me walking towards her and stops to wait for me.

"Assalamualaikum", she greets me.
"Walaikumassalam warahmathullahi wabarakatuh", I reply.
"What are you doing here?",she asks clearly stumped by my unexpected appearance.
"I can ask you the same question", I tell her. She looks like as if she is considering her options. Finally she reaches a decision.
"Saeed let's go home and talk"
"Sure Saira"

We walk hand in hand. We may have secrets between us but there is something really enjoyable about taking a walk with your bestie.

"Assalamualaikum Dayima", I hug her.
"Walaikumassalam, it's nice to see you come over for a visit and not just to drop off baskets", she says.
I just smile in reply.

"How are you Saeed?", Saira asks once we are left alone.
"Alhamdulillah. How have you been Saira?"
"Alhamdulillah. You haven't talked to me since two weeks. Aren't you friends with me anymore?"
"I have just been busy"
"Busy with what Saeed?"
I was so preoccupied concentrating on Saira's follies to have noticed my own. I was to blame as much as she was. Even I had become distant since Shehenshah's death and the start of my mission.

"I am sorry Saira", I tell her. "I know I haven't been giving enough time to you. I have been working hard to complete Abbuji's dream"
"What is this dream Saeed? You always mention it but have never actually explained it to me".
"Do you remember how Abbuji died?"
"He fell down an animal trap during a hunting trip", she replies.
"It wasn't an accident Saira, it was a murder. I am trying to bring the murderer to justice. Not just for the murder he did but also for his every other folly"
"Who is this person Saeed?"
"Vahash", I say remembering Shehzada Firoz Shah's story. The look on Saira's face tells me she is blank. "Shehzada Firoz Shah calls him Vahash" I explain to her. Now she gives me a surprised look.
"You met Shehzada Firoz Shah? How? When?"
"I happened to be in the Shahi housing and found an opening connecting it to palace grounds. I met him quite by chance while he was playing".
She is impressed.
"Lucky you. You met a member of royal family".
What would she say if she found out I had met Shehzada Sher Shah as well? And that I am on very good terms with him? Or that I had spent 2 nights in the palace? Much as I would like to spellbind her I hold my tongue. It wasn't my secret to share. I am sure Shehzada Sher Shah wouldn't like his subjects knowing he was trained by a girl. I could just tell her my share of the secrets for they were mine and I don't mind her knowing them.

"I may have been lucky to meet a member of royal family but I don't think I am as lucky when it comes to bringing the Vahash to justice. It's taking all my time and energy Saira. This is the only reason I have been distant"
"I knew there was a reason why you were so interested in boyish things and martial arts. You were driven by your desire to fight for justice".
She is satisfied with my explanation. She doesn't prod me further on the topic as bravery and action don't interest her much. But I know exactly what will spark her interest.

"Saira, I overheard Seher Khala tell Maa that she is going to suggest my name to a boy called Zain for marriage". She squeals in excitement. Didn't I say she would be interested?
"Really? When did this happen?"
"Today morning", I say.
"So you are finally getting married"
"No way I am not! You know me Saira. Just because the elders end up discussing a guy doesn't mean I have agreed to their views."
"How could I forget it's Saeed I am talking to and not just a random girl. I wish to see the day when you just can't wait to get married"
"Keep wishing. What about you Saira? Shouldn't you be getting married by now? Shall I suggest some good boys to Dayima? Hang on. Dayima! Dayima!" I call out. "When are you getting Saira married?" I ask loudly.
"Saeed! Stop it now!", she hisses angrily. Yes! I had been successful in provoking her.
"Why, whatever happened Saira? Getting married is your dream. Why are you stopping me?", I ask feigning surprise.
"I don't want to get married right now", she says.
"You change your dreams like changing clothes Saira?"
"No it's not that"
"Then what is it?"
"Saeed, I... I...". I raise my eyebrows at her. "I want to marry someone in particular"
"And who is that?"
"Its... It's just someone I met at a wedding"
"Out with the full story! Come on! Spill the beans", I say moving close to her. 

"You know I usually go to the Shahi Bazaar to assist Akhi at the store. One day a man came up to collect tax and Akhi wasn't there. You know how rude and ruthless the tax collectors sent by Mir Jafar are. But he was ever so polite Saeed, I immediately fell for him. He was a noble soul in every way. His behavior and speech were refined to the last degree. For days after he left all I could think was about him. How I prayed to Allah to send him back as my husband".

"What happened after that?", I ask curious.
"Remember the wedding last week?", she asks.
"No, I don't"
"Oh come on Saeed. It was the wedding of Naajiyah and Anas, your Maa asked you to attend it but you came back home late because you were helping Hakim Hamid with some tinctures".
"Yes, I remember now", I say recalling. "What happened at this wedding?"
"He had come to the wedding as well and as soon as our eyes met I felt a jolt pass through me and I am sure he felt the same. There was an unexplainable connection between us. I did not enjoy a single moment of the wedding after that. I was distracted by his presence. At one point I looked at him and noticed he was already looking at me. Both of us blushed and looked away. That look was enough and we understood what had happened. While he was leaving he passed by me and slowly pushed a leaf on my palm. On it was written:

Thursday 3 pm Shahi Jungle. 

The whole week I was debating whether I should or shouldn't go. If I went I would be guilty of taking a wrong step and if I didn't I knew I would regret it for the rest of my life. I wanted to ask for your opinion but I knew your answer would be a big no. Somewhere I wanted to give this a chance. I did not want to sin. I firmly decided that if I met him I would clearly state that if he really was interested he should speak to my elders or forever put an end to whatever this was. I do not know how I walked all the way to the Shahi Jungle, my legs felt shaky and my heart hammered. I waited for him and he came exactly on time. He thrust a letter in my hand and went back in a minute. I didn't even speak to him except for Salam. He was in a hurry and deeply disturbed".

"He was doing something he shouldn't have been doing, that is why he was disturbed Saira. So what was written in this letter?" I am still not convinced that he is an honest person. I feel like as if a random fellow is just making a joke of her.

"Here, read it for yourself", she says pulling out the letter for me. I open the roll of parchment and this is how it goes.

"In the name of Allah, the most beneficent and the most merciful.

قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ

لَمْ نَرَ لِلْمُتَحَابَّيْنِ مِثْلَ النِّكَاحِ

Prophet of Allah (Peace be upon him) said:
There is nothing like marriage for two who love one another.

Dear Saira,
This is the advice the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) has given us. The only solution out is a wedding for which I am not prepared at the moment. It's up to you whether you wait for me till such a time as I deem fit to get married or go ahead with your life by choosing another partner. However under no circumstances shall I agree to continue this relationship in an unlawful way.

Yours ever"

SubhanAllah! Looks like Saira had bagged a gem! Which love lorn youth gave up on his beloved just for the sake of Allah? Now I had no doubt about this man being a noble soul like how Saira described him.

"He hasn't put his signature. What is his name Saira?" She looks at me sheepishly.
"I don't know", she says covering her face with her hands. I look at her in amazement. "You don't even know his name?"
"Saeed, I haven't said a word to him except salam. I haven't gone around asking people about him. I have just seen his face thrice. How do you expect me to know who he is?"
"You know nothing about him? Nothing except he collects tax?", I ask. She shakes her head. Different officers came to collect tax every week and their list was too long. It would be almost impossible to narrow him down.

"He came to Anas's wedding. Is he his friend?"
"Maybe..."
"And what is your decision regarding what he has said?", I ask.
"I am going to wait", she says.
"What if he never turns up? We don't even know who he is".
"Then I'll just die waiting"
"Come on Saira, be reasonable. What will you tell Dayima?
"For now just let this rest Saeed"
"Of course. If that is what you want Saira"

She has a faraway look in her eyes. Her fingers are rolling a lock of tendrils that frame her face. A perfect picture of a dream queen.
"Saira, I have a confession to make and I hope you will forgive me", I say.
"Saeed I hope you aren't planing on giving away my secret", she says looking nervous.
"Why would I do that? That hurt Saira. Don't you trust me?"
"Sorry Saeed. What confession do you have to make?"
"I spotted you and that guy in the Shahi jungle right when he was giving you the letter. I didn't mean to pry on you. I just happened to be passing by"
"I don't mind the fact that you spied on me. I was going to tell you about it sooner or later anyway. What is hurting me Saeed is that you finally decided to talk to me because you caught me in the act and not because you were missing me?"

What had I landed myself into? She was right. I had spoken to her only because of the letter and not because I was looking forward to patching up.
"I admit my mistake Saira. I should rightfully be punished. I am ready to do anything you say to make up for it".
"You are going to help me find out who my Mr.Right is. You have seen his face anyway", she says with a sly smile. How very clever. She knew I wouldn't have done it had she requested me in normal terms.

"Your wish is my command your Highness", I do aadab to her and she does it back to me and both of us burst into peels of laughter. Alhamdulillah all was right between us now.

"Beta, why don't you take Zakwan with you and send back the baskets through him? That will save you another trip back here", says Dayima, entering Saira's room.
"That will be better", I reply.
"I have packed some food and sweets, take them as well". She places the bundle in front of me.
"Jazakumullahu khair Dayima. You trouble yourself a lot over us"
"It was nothing", she says waving her hand.

A few minutes later Zakwan, Saira's younger brother comes running in.
"Come on Ukhti I'll drop you home", he says.
"Of course little one"
"I am not little", he protests. "I am a brave man. Don't worry Ukhti. I'll take you home safely".
I look at Saira. "Whatever has made your brother so chivalrous?"
She laughs. "It's the after effect of the Friday sermon. Hazrathji talked about the brother sister relationship and how brothers are supposed to protect their sisters".
"I see", I say completely understanding the situation.
"Come on my Knight in shining armor, let's go home", I say holding out my hand.
"Saira ", I say turning to her before leaving. "Don't let him dwell in your thoughts. No matter what, he is not your Mehram yet". She nods.

On the way I suddenly remember something.
"Zakwan, do you know where I can find some custard apples?"
"Fuad's house has a custard apple tree in the backyard. But why do you need them Ukhti?"
"I happen to have a friend who loves custard apples. Who is Fuad?"
"He is my friend"
"Do you think he will let me borrow some fruit"
"Yes he will. I'll take you to his house"

We leave the Gharib Kothri and walk towards the locality of traders which is the richer part of the capital. Zakwan stops in front of a pretty bungalow.
"Fuad... Fuad....", he calls loudly. A cute boy around the same age as Zakwan opens the gate.
"Assalamualaikum Zakwan. Have you come to play with me?"
"Walaikumassalam. No, actually I am escorting Ukhti to her home", he says indicating towards me. "And she would like to have some custard apples from your tree".
"I'll take permission from your mother if you want me to", I say.

Two pigtails appear out from behind Fuad.
"Let me see who it is Akhi", says a little girls voice pushing her brother aside.
"It's her! It's her!" She screams as soon as she spots me.
By now we have attracted the attention of their mother who also appears at the gate.
"What is happening?", she inquiries.
"Maa, this is the girl who removed the kite from the tree", says the girl.
"Jazakumullahu khair dear. It was my son's most prized possession", says their mother.
"Waiyyakum Khala"
"Maa she needs custard apples from our tree", says Fuad.
"Anything to help the girl who helped us. Please come in while I get them for you"
"What is your name?", I ask the girl when her mother leaves.
"Faryal", she says.
"My brother didn't believe me when I said it was a girl who climbed the tree and brought down the kite", she says.
"You really climb trees? What else can you do?", asks Fuad.
"Hmmm... Let's see... I can swim", I reply just for the sake of continuing the conversation and not for counting my capabilities.
He looks at me with open admiration.
"Can you teach me?"
"If I can cramp that in my schedule I'll surely let you know"
Their mother is back with a big basket full of fruit.

"SubhanAllah, that's a lot! I don't require so much"
"A little I could do to repay you. Please take it as a token of love". She hands over the basket to me. Every good we do returns to us. Little did I know the little girl I was helping would win me a basket of fruit. Allah's mercy works in strange ways. I thank the family for their kindness and leave. On the way back home I feel my sandal coming off.

"Zakwan, something is wrong with my sandal", I say stopping.
I put down the basket and have a look.
"The strip has become loose Ukhti. It will break soon", observes Zakwan.
"You are right", I sigh. "It's time I bought new ones".

We continue our journey with Zakwan talking non stop. He updates me regarding every household we pass.
"There will be a wedding in this house soon", he says pointing at a house.
"Who is the bride?", I ask.
"I only know the groom. It's Daniyal Bhai"

We finally reach home.
"Zakwan, wait here. I'll get the baskets". I greet Maa and take the baskets.
"Here you go", I say handing them to him.
"Ukhti, your cat is sick", he says pointing at a cat that is lying in our front yard.
"It's a stray cat, not ours". I go towards the cat and look at it. It did look sick with no strength left even to move.
"You go ahead Zakwan. I'll take care of it. May Allah bless for all you have done to assist me today". I kiss him goodbye.

From where had this cat come? I knew nothing about healing animals? What should I do? Take her to a Hakim? No, that sounds silly. I'll just get her some water from the well and some milk. I go the backyard and draw water. My eye catches the bag of Shehzada's food that I had left there after returning from the palace today morning. It has been torn and the food is strewn all around. It doesn't take me long to put two and two together. The cat had eaten this food and fallen ill. That meant...... Shehzada's food is being tampered with!!!

3 November 2016

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A/N

So, my dear readers,
What do you think of the story so far?
Finally here is a long chapter for the people who were asking for it!

Let me know what you think in the comments below

I know there are too many unanswered questions now. I will start answering them in the chapters to come.

Enjoy reading!

PS: I know part of the story clicks a memory ;)

Love you all
Dr Mystic