𝐌𝐘 𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐑, 𝐅𝐄𝐔𝐃𝐀𝐋 𝐋𝐎𝐑𝐃

CHAPTER ➊➏ • Sardar Slut Khan • Part : 1

*Murtasim, Ali Raza makes this lock and key gold bangles. Baba bought for Maa... It's beautiful. When I get older, Baba promised he would buy for me too... I love the shine* A sixteen year old Nandani's eyes had twinkled when she narrated about those unique gold bangles to Murtasim. She was older now, and he was in Ali Raza's.

"Salaam Sardar, bataye.. kya khidmat karu aapki.." The grandson of Ali Raza, welcomed him.

Khan Murtasim nodded, and ambled inside the jwellery shop, looking at each item.. scrutinising. " You used to have those lock and key bangles. I want to buy a pair in gold." He said.

"Maaf kijiye Sardar, but that design is old. We have stopped making it. No one buys them now." The owner replied with an heavy heart.
(We are sorry)

"I want them made specially for someone. Kab tak ho jayega?" Sardar Khan asked. His voice had a sense of order.
(By when it can be done)

"Aap kalai ka naap de dijiye..hum do din mein bana denge." The owner gulped. By the time Parthav too came searching for his love lorn Sardar in the market.
( You give wrist size. We will make it in 2 days)

"Umm.. uski kalai moti aur hath chote chote se.. pyare hain.. mera hath ka aadha hoga.. you know like how babies are... Soft feathery touch.." Khan Murtasim explained.
(Her wrists are thick but hands are small. Approx hald of mine)

" Kisi choti bachi ke liye banwana hai..." The goldsmith asked. He was visibly confused. Parthav suppressed his laugh on the innocent question.
(Is it for a small child)

"Aisa hi hoga jab naap ki jagah aap poetry bolenge.." Parthav whispered.
(This will happen, if instead of giving size you say poetry)

"I don't know her size.." A miffed Khan Murtasim replied.

" Maaf karna bhai.. hum phir aayenge size ke sath." Parthav and Khan Murtasim left the shop.
(We are sorry, but we will come with the size next time)

The whole journey Khan Murtasim remained grumpy. He kept his stank face. He was embarrassed, clearly he didn't know anything personal about her. He had been living in past, in 1930s, where Nandani had left him. But to get his old Nandani, he needed to know the one living under his protection. With the determination to win over her, they paced faster towards Palan Khet.

••••••••••••••••••••

September 4, 1947
Palankhet Refugee camp
Lahore Province

10:00 A.M.

Palankhet Refugee camp had never been this lively since the day it was built. Zamindar Kadam Singh's men moved from pillar to post arranging all the essentials as had been ordered by Sardar Khan- A comfortable stay is what was demanded by him. Zamindar Kadam Singh was obliged to do the needful. That was the least he could do after the last horrendous act anchored by him. Sardar Khan hadn't forgotten it yet.

"Sardar Khan is coming to inspect... Jaldi sab kaam karo.." zamindar Kadam Singh announced.
(Do the work fast)

The news of Sardar Khan 's visit spread like wildfire. The women of Bazaar started getting ready. They wanted to look presentable, for their Sardar. Who knew, anyone could get lucky that night. Ruby, took special efforts and arranged Jasmine and decorated her room... Jasmine gajras on her both hands, with red backless choli and a deep naval cut ghaghra, Ruby was ready to kill. Afterall, she would be seeing him after months. Only if she knew... Their young desirable feudal lord was off the market. His past had come and swept him off his feet and conquered him forever with the hope of a future of his dreams.