Malika Mariam was not very keen on letting me go without an escort after sundown. She knew she had no authority over me and also knew I was very much capable of defending myself so she decided to keep quiet. I took a lamp to light my way and left the palace.

As I walked through the lanes a million thoughts flooded my mind. We had won the war, added the lands of Waraqi Sultanath to our own and Mir Jafar had been taken into account. I had reached every aim I had worked towards. But at a high price. Maa was no longer by my side, Ali and Khan Baba had left us as well. About 10 soldiers were being treated by Hakeem Hamid for accidental poisoning by simmi vahash in the war. The administrative affairs had been held up. New laws had to be made taking into consideration the recent developments. Clearing the whole system of corruption and Mir Jafar's spies would take a while. His inner circle was yet to be convicted.

A few weeks ago I was wondering what would I do when I was done training Shehzada and here I was. With a lot more to do than I had expected. A Malika! It was still difficult to digest the fact. Maybe a few hours in Shehenshah's company would help me wash it down. He must be busy with the vaffas right now. He had evacuated the palace of courtesans and court dancers, given them a decent sum to start a new life somewhere. He only entertained poets for amusement. His tight schedule was what was helping him keep his mind off me. I was waiting to be declared as his wife to jump into the courtly matters myself. I wasn't used to quiet life and it was getting on my nerves. I was so lost in thought that I hadn't been paying attention to where I was going. When I finally got a hold on my bearings I realized I was very close to home. I had a sudden urge to visit it. I knew Shehenshah wouldn't approve of me going there but I just had to do it.

I pushed open the door and entered inside. The light from my lamp shone over Maa's cot. I got a queasy feeling in my stomach and the urge to throw up crawled its way up my chest. I fought it and adamantly held back my tears. It was commendable how I hadn't shed a single tear since Maa's passing. I snatched a satchel and put in things that I might need or held memories. The kohl box with which Maa used to so lovingly light up my eyes. I hadn't used it in years. I put in Maa's favourite dress, my books and a small jewellery box. Once I was done I hurriedly rushed out in the night air trying to calm down my disturbed heart and upset stomach. A few deep breaths later I continue my journey to Dayima's home. There is not a soul in sight. People had already retired to their homes. I knocked softly at the door.

"Who is it?" Saira's voice asked from behind the door.

"Saeed"

She opened the door and hugged me with a scream.

"Maa, Saeed is here"

I am immediately surrounded by Dayima, Zakwan and Saira's elder sister Sameena, who had come for a visit with her little son. They all hug me in turn.

"Its so nice to see you. Your plan worked brilliantly Malika Mayera", said Saira with a bow. They all gushed around me for coming up with an idea that won us the war.

"She had to do it after all. For the sake of her precious Shehenshah", said Saira fanning herself. I cleared my throat threateningly and she kept quiet.

Dayima sat beside me and placed her hand on my arm. "Mayera, tell me all about the night Haleema got you married". Hakeem Hamid had let the cat out of the bag.  Going back to those memories is not something I want to do, it hurts. A lot. But I have to learn to confront the pain and learn to live with it.

"It was quite unexpected. I guess Shehenshah and Maa had met before. They spoke like they had already decided on the nikah without my knowledge. Maa asked him if he was ready to fulfill his promise. Shehenshah said yes. She asked me what I would like as mehr. I was too baffled to think straight so Hammad Chachu suggested mehr of Fathima (May Allah be pleased with her) and Maa handed me over to Shehenshah with vows in front of Hakeem Hamid and Hammad Chachu, who were the witnesses. And just like that I was married".

Saira is looking at me all dreamy eyed and Dayima is smiling. "Hamid told me as much. I wanted to hear it from your own mouth. That is all a nikah takes. A Qazi (judge), bride, groom and two witnesses. It's funny how people make it so complicated. Mayera, I also heard you had been helping Shehenshah even before the nikah, is it true?"

"Yes"

"Tell me all about it", said Dayima.

"From when I was young Abbuji had been training me in education and martial arts. When Mir Jafar killed him Hammad Chachu continued the training, for Abbuji had left him a letter in which he had advised Hammad Chachu to kill Mir Jafar's power from outside the palace. I was the person who could do it. When Shehenshah died I started preparing Shehzada and cornering Mir Jafar under the guidance of Hammad Chachu. By the grace of Allah we succeeded"

Dayima looks at me proudly. "Our brave little girl. Did you go straight to the palace after the war?"

"Yes, I did"

"Tell me how your day at the palace was!" This one is from Saira. "It was good. I met Malika Mariam, got introduced to a great many people and attended Mir Jafar's trail"

Dayima went to the kitchen to bring some goodies for us and Saira's elder sister and Zakwan were busy organizing bedding for the night. Saira took the opportunity to sit by me. "Did you meet Shehenshah?"

"No", I said.

"How disappointing. Do you even love him Saeed?" I looked at her full in the eyes. "I know there was a time when I distrusted marriage. But now Saira, I can tell you there isn't a purer relation in the world. You ask me if I love him or not, and I say I love him more than words can describe".

The feeling with which I have spoken left her in a shocked silence. "Are you the same Mayera I knew before?" I laughed at that. "Yes it's me alright". "Shehenshah has changed you as much as you have changed him. Both of you have learnt from each other. You make a lovely couple".

Before I could inquire about Mir Saleem Dayima is back. I happily munched at the goodies. Sharing feelings with your best friend has some unexplainable satisfaction. Dayima has a lot to ask me about the palace, Malika Mariam and my new family. I answer her to the best of my knowledge.

"So, the official wedding will take place tomorrow?"

"Yes, InshaAllah. I will send an escort for you. All of you must attend it"

"Of course we will! I can't wait to see the interior of the palace not to mention a Shahi wedding"

"Dayima, you must get Saira married as well. Her fascination with weddings is growing by the day", I said slyly.

"Well... She has received a proposal and we are considering it".

"Really?" I sat up surprised. "Why didn't anyone tell me? Who is the guy?"

"He is the son of the man who was hanged a few hours ago and the brother of the man who was imprisoned for treason", said Dayima with distaste. Oh oh.

"Dayima, why don't you say it as a man who had the strength to fight evil in his own family and choose good over bad? As a man who even after being raised to be a monster chose to be a human? As a man who had the decency to send a proposal the halal way rather than trying the unlawful means?"

"You may be right Mayera but family background matters a lot"

"Yes, it does matter a lot Dayima. He comes from a family where women have played with their own lives to save that of others. His mother Atika saved Rehan's life. She has raised Mir Saleem to be such a virtuous man. And Meher risked everything to help me. More good lies in that family than bad. That is why we were able to subdue Mir Jafar. I request you to give Mir Saleem a chance. I saw him fight in the war and I can tell he is a brave man. He will give Saira all the happiness she deserves".

Dayima looked thoughtful while Saira looked grateful.

"I guess we could give him a chance", said Dayima. I did all I could to control myself from jumping around the room. Saira looked like she had just been granted entry into heaven. We shared a look and continued to pretend this was just another normal conversation.

Zakwan came in. "The bedding is ready. Sameena Ukhti has already gone to sleep with her baby".

"It's time you girls went to bed as well", said Dayima. As Saira walked away Dayima held my hand. I turned to face her. "Mayera, are you happy?" The concern and love in her voice made me feel blessed. I smiled at her. "Alhamdulillah, I am". She hugged me and kissed the top of my forehead. "We all miss Haleema and nothing can replace her loss but know that I am here for you whenever you feel the need of a mother". I nod unable to speak. She gently patted my arm. "Go to sleep. A bride needs to look fresh and beautiful"

As soon as Dayima left Saira hugged me tightly laughing. I laughed with her as we twirled around the room.

"Have I ever told you how much I love you Saeed? You changed Maa's mind! I thought all was lost as she was so determined on rejecting Mir Saleem. You are truly an angel!"

We put out the lamps and curled under the covers. Dayima had told a bride needs her sleep but it's difficult to fall asleep when you and your best friend just can't stop talking.

2 January 2017

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A/N

I am sorry! I am sorry! I know some of you were looking forward to the wedding, I promise it will happen in the next chapter.

Lots of love!
Dr Mystic