"Oh there you are! I have been searching for you all around", I walk into the chamber Shehenshah has seated himself in. The sun had just peeked through the horizon and chirping filled the air.

It is an accessory administrative room. Sparsely furnished. Shehenshah sat at the table in one corner. Other chairs looked like they had been occupied a while ago. I seat myself opposite his composed figure. He looked lost in thought his eyes fixed on the tree visible through the spacious window behind me.

"Ahem", I clear my throat to gain his attention. He turns to me and I immediately sense something off. "Is everything alright?"

"Alhamdulillah. Things couldn't have been better". A slow smile lights his features and his eyes are glassy. It had been a month since the war and every aspect of Mumlikat-ush-Shahi had been prospering.

"Alhamdulillah. Yes, things couldn't be any better. Yet.... I sense something amiss". I gaze up at his lovely face that I don't get tired of looking at.

"How well you understand me Mayera, is there anything that doesn't escape your notice?" he asks fondly.

I just smile in return.

"I was remembering father and how proud he would have been to see me now. Our kingdom has doubled in size, trades are flourishing and people are better off. It pains me Mayera, to know he died thinking I wasn't good enough to be his son. I miss him and wish I had a better bond to look back at". His eyes are getting moist again.

I walk over and seat myself in his lap. I graze my thumb over his cheek. I felt honoured and deeply loved to see him open up to me this way. The face that looked so vulnerable in front of me was always inscrutable, tough and hardened in front of others. It was just me who held the access to his deepest pains and fears.

"Shehenshah, what has gone by cannot be changed. Bitter memories will continue to stay with us as shadows throughout life. They help shape us and toughen us. This life is temporary and you will soon be meeting your father in eternity, you can be rest assured that he will embrace you with open arms. You have made him proud and happy in the heavenly abode, so why worry yourself over the past when the future looks much more promising?"

"You have always got the right words, haven't you?" His voice is barely a whisper and his gaze intense. These moments always left my heart racing and my tongue dry. No matter how many times Shehenshah proclaimed his love for me, every time it gave a new flavour.

"Aadab Shehenshah. Do I have the permission to enter?" The loud voice breaks us apart as I replace my veil and take another chair.

"You may come in", orders Shehenshah.

Newly appointed Wazir-e-aala, Salman walks in carrying scrolls. They hold cases that will be presented in the court today. They are wrapped in silk, brocade and linen based on their importance. He places them on the table.

"Just 3 scrolls today?" asks a bewildered Shehenshah to Wazir-e-aala.

"There were a total of 14 cases today Shehenshah. On the order of... Malika Mayera", he gives me a sideways glance "I have taken care of 11 of them, however these 3 are of outmost importance and require your opinion before they can be sorted".

Shehenshah gives me questioning glance and I pretend to be busy with the dazzles hanging off my veil. He turns back to Wazir-e-aala with a "we'll discuss this after he has gone" look.

As Wazir-e-aala briefs Shehenshah regarding each case I catch up with the current affairs. My responsibilities at harem kept my hands full and only at few instances like these I got an opportunity of shaping the administrative decisions as well.

Once we are through the 3 cases Wazir-e-aala also gives a short account of the other 11 and Shehenshah grants him approval to go ahead with their sorting.

"I'll make sure your orders are followed Shehenshah", says Wazir-e-aala gathering the scrolls as he leaves.

"What was all that about?", asks Shehenshah as soon as the curtain falls back over the doorway.

"From the day you were crowned you have been extremely busy. I understand you are the Shehenshah but that doesn't mean you need to overwork yourself and not indulge in some fun"

"So what does my dear wife want?"

"Your company for the entire day. Today's courtly issues have already been sorted and given in Wazir-e-aala's hands. He will take care from there. I have already informed Maa so she won't be expecting your visit".

"And what do we do?" he asks with a crooked smile.

"That Shehenshah, is going to be a grand surprise! Come with me". We walk to the servants quarter to the room that holds the secret passage. Though I would have loved to run and jump and drag him along I maintain the grace and poise of a queen suppressing my wild urges. He looks at me with raised brows as I hand him a traders tunic placed on the table. Courtesy to Tasleem.

"Go on and wear it", I say.

"Will you tell me why?", he asks.

I shake my head naughtily. "Not so easily Shehenshah". I take the female's tunic left on the table and change behind the curtains. We look a fine pair once we are done.

"No one would call us the Shehenshah and Malika", he says looking at our reflections in the mirror.

"Exactly what I want. We could easily pass for a common trader and his wife. Come on Shehenshah, a day of adventure begins!"

He laughs at my excitement and follows me through the underground passage. As soon as we are out in the open air of the jungle I let out the wildness in me shouting and jumping in the air, savouring the taste of freedom. For once I could just be myself and not worry about being dignified. Shehenshah looks at me in amusement.

"You look like a caged bird set free", he remarks.

"I am used to open air and action!"

"So where are we headed Malika Mayera?"

"First stop is my secret hideout"

"Where is that?"

"You will know soon Shehenshah. All in a good time"

We are traversing deeper into the jungle. Shehenshah is skeptical as he follows me deeper into the bowels. We are now in the clearing surrounded by trees and thick shrubs.

"This is where Hammad Chachu used to train me", I spread my arms as an indication. I grope into the hollow of the trunk that used to hold our swords and surprisingly still find them there. I pull them out and throw one to Shehenshah.

"Challenging me to a duel?", he asks cockily tilting his head to one side as he runs his finger over the blade.

"Why not?" I attack him and he is ready. The fight is well matched. He meets my blows perfectly and throws some of his own. After what I presume is an hour of relentless combat my strength fails me. Sensing my lack of vigor Shehenshah is quick to send my sword flying. As I stand defeated he laughs merrily at the stricken look on my face and lifts me up.

"We are now even Mayera. Remember how you had disarmed me when we met for the first time?"

"Aah yes". I recall the moment I had first met him. The night his father had died. Little did I know I would end up becoming his wife.

"How about a breakfast of ripe mangoes?" I ask him. He nods and I pull him through some trees on the right. A solitary mango tree stood among the many elms. It was laden with fruit. The mangoes almost looked golden glinting in the sunlight. I climb the first branch and turn to see Shehenshah still standing on the ground.

"Aren't you climbing?" I ask.

"I have never climbed a tree in my life"

"Then its high time you did. Just follow my steps. This is just mango tree. Easiest to climb"

We are soon seated on the lowest branch. I pluck 2 of the nearest mangoes and hand one to him. Soon I am happily eating my own. I turn to him and am surprised to see he is still holding on to his mango and looking at me in amazement.

"Don't tell me you don't know how to eat a mango either", I ask.

He shakes his head and laughs at my surprise. "You are forgetting that I barely lived through my childhood. I have only eaten cleanly peeled and cut mangoes served in a golden plate. Eating fruit off the trees? I certainly haven't done that before".

Soon I am teaching him how to soften the pulp before puncturing a small hole at the top and sucking out the sweet pulp through it. I lick my fingers clean after 3 mangoes. We are a fine mess once we are done, with juice covering our lips, chin and hands. Shehenshah gives me a look that says "now where do we wash this off?" Right on cue I lead him to the river as it flows through the jungle. Once we have quenched our thirst and cleaned ourselves I ask, "Ready for the first swim of your life?"

He nods. His sense of adventure kicks in and he is thoroughly enjoying doing things he has never done before.

I remove the dupatta and jump in. I prefer swimming fully dressed and am quite good at it. Shehenshah jumps in behind me. I try to teach him how to swim which is an utter waste as he finds toppling me over in the water more interesting.

"For the last time Shehenshah...", I splutter and go down again as he unbalances me by pulling at my legs. Well, if this is what he wants then he better be ready to face the consequences. I do not come up and swim around him, catch hold of his torso and pull him down. Wrong move. He holds me tightly and doesn't let go as we both fumble and come up shaking with laughter.

"That was the best swim I ever had", I say undoing my hair. We sit side by side in bright sunlight soaking up the rays.

"And why are you looking at me like that?", I raise my brows at him.

"I am appreciating the way your eyes sparkle and the way your hair bounce off your shoulders and the melody in your laughter".

"Its nothing compared to the way you radiate". He gives me a knowing smile. "I have noticed the admiring glances you give me and am pleased to know my wife adores me", he says and I blush red in embarrassment. We sit in silence admiring the beauty around us. My eyes follow random butterflies as they fly flower to flower.

"SubhanAllah! Everything is just perfect", I exclaim.

"You are right. I could get used to this", says Shehenshah.

Once we are dry enough we pray on the green grass. Peace descends on our hearts and contentment fills in. I thank Allah deeply for all his blessings. I rest my head on Shehenshah's shoulder once we are done.

"When did you plan all this Mayera?"

"I had it planned long back. Remember once when I had told you how I and Saira go swimming and climbing trees? You had expressed your desire for experiencing such things yourselves. I had promised you that one day I would take you out myself. From that day I had been planning this for you but found an opportunity now"

"Thank you Mayera"

"Your welcome Shehenshah"

I then take him on a tour of Gharib Kothri and Shahi Bazaar. He had visited them as a Shehenshah but enjoyed the trip more as a commoner.

"This is fun", he says savouring a jalebi. He visits every store and tries every delicacy.

"How about visiting Zain's carpet store? He has an amazing collection", I say.

"Isn't he the man who was keen on marrying you? I would prefer not to visit him", says Shehenshah.

"Oh come on! He is a very civil and decent man. You will like him".

"This is one huge store", marvels Shehenshah as the emporium comes into view.

"Wait till you have a look inside".

Zain is busy with figures as usual. His father is no where in sight.

"Assalamualaikum Zain"

"Walaikumassalam Saeed! What a surprise!" Zain is genuinely pleased to see me.

"Meet my husband", I indicate to Shehenshah who has stepped in beside me. His eyes almost pop out.

"Shehenshah has come to our store, what an honour!"

"Shhhh, you'd better not be loud. He is here as any other customer", I say.

We have a look around. Zain and Shehenshah bond well. They have a nice time together examining carpets and tapestries. Shehenshah enjoys the jewelled tapestry as much as I did. After we are done we thank him and get ready to leave.

"Umm.. I would be very much pleased if you both could attend my wedding", says Zain.

"SubhanAllah! You are getting married. To whom?" We are really happy to hear the news.

"To a young widow called Meher"

"Meher!", I almost scream.

"You know her?", asks a surprised Zain.

"Yes, she is a very good friend of mine. You have found a worthy wife Zain! Mabruk!"

"When is the wedding?" Shehenshah asks.

"Once her iddah finishes. In the month of Rajab", replies Zain.

"We will not miss it", says Shehenshah as we walk out.

The excitement of the day was getting on my nerves and Shehenshah had to steady me by holding my hand as we walk back.

"SubhanAllah! It was a wonderful day!" I say.

"Indeed it was", he replies.