It has been a month since Shazain left for Shahmahal, Seher did not see him after that awkward goodbye. She knew her place in his life she felt she was betrayed. She wanted to go away for a long time but Najma begums deteriorating health was the hindrance she did not have the heart to leave her alone but she had enough of Shazain.

Ariana on the other hand became too difficult to control. Maids knew that Shazain valued her so no one spoke a word against her. She was taking advantage of Najma Begum's absence. The other day she sat in the dining room she sat in place of Shazain. all maids looked at her in shock.

"What are you looking at I am going to be your queen, when King is not around I am the highest authority."

she looked at the food around "on whose command did you make all this crap?"

"Princess Seher, requested us" the maid replied

Just then Seher entered the dining area.

"Any problem?" Seher asked looking at the maid.

"Yes many problems, I am a princess and I cannot have a meal ordered by a low-class woman"

"Mind your tongue Ariana" Seher replied in anger.

"Who do you think you are, The queen of this palace? You are nothing but one of the bed warmers of my Xain. You poor Wench do you think my Shazain regards you as his wife? I am his Fiancee, the only woman who is suitable for him. don't even think that you can lure him. Obey me you will be happy or else..."

"How dare you speak to my daughter-in-law in that tone. you never had an engagement ceremony to be referred to as his fiancee whereas this girl is his wedded wife. " Najma Begum came with the support of two maids.

"Grandmother, why did you come down?" Seher came to her.

"No one can speak to you in that tone"

"I am the daughter of the man who saved Shazain, I have the right to speak to low-level slut like her. Shazain chose you because you are young and can be controlled. Grandmother, you very well know my importance in Shazain's life so it is better you stay out of it"

"I am queen mother for you Ariana. and Shazain is not here even if he is here I have the highest Authority, even he cannot override my command"

Listen, everyone, Queen Seher is my daughter in law and you all have to obey her till Sultan Shazain is back"

Ariana huffed in anger and walked out. She knew one thing her maids were useless so she looked around to Bribe someone.

"Grandmother you should not have spoken to her in that tone after all she is Shazain's future wife"

"You are in his heart, he just needs to realize" Najma Begum knew it was just a false reassurance for Seher but she truly wanted Shazain to realize Seher's worth.

Najma Begum walked back a few steps and suddenly collapsed on the floor.

Rabia was called

"What happened to her?" Seher was very worried

"She will be better soon don't worry Princess, Some aliments take time. I have ordered a few medications from outside.

She just needs rest, there is nothing to worry about Rabia assured her.

Seher personally took care of Najma begum. She kept herself busy with managing things around the palace. She took all responsibilities on Najma begum's insistence. The palace maids were very happy with Seher's management. She divided the work fairly according to their abilities and she introduced a shift pattern. Everything was running smoothly and Najma Begum got better. Seher knew it was time for her exit.

Seher went to Najma begum and told her about the events which happened when she was sick.

" grandmother I know you want me to stay here and work on my relationship with Shazain but I don't think we have a future together."

"Is it because of Ariana?"

"No Grandmother, I am a princess I know not every king is like my father, Many remarry for political reasons,

My problem is with Shazain's behavior. I can never stay with a man who threatens to kill me for another woman who is not even his wife"

Najma Begum was feeling helpless, she did not know what else she can do to make Seher stay. She was being selfish but this was necessary for her grandson Shazain. She was elated when She got the news that Shazain announced in the ministry that he is married to Sultan Salahuddin's sister and now if Seher leaves there will be chaos and Jafar will not waste a second to overthrow Shazain by questioning his credibility.

She wanted to rectify her mistake and did not want Shazain to go through what his father went. She requested Seher one final time.

"Seher, no one understands your situation better than me, Please things will get more complicated between your brothers and Shazain. Please stay for just three more months. I will find a way in the meanwhile. "

Najma Begum did not find any other better excuse other than this. Seher was hesitant. Najma Begum folded her hands in front of Seher.

" Don't stay as Shazain's wife but please stay as my daughter"

Seher gave in to the pleas of the old woman.

****************************************************************

Ariana was waiting for Shazain to arrive so that she can teach Seher a lesson. one of the maids who Ariana bribed heavily to keep eye on Seher arrived.

"Princess Ariana I have news for you"

"It better be useful or else I know how to get my money back"

"Princess Seher Drinks this every day in secret. " She gave her a small packet.

"What can it be? , good job. I am happy with your work"

********************************************************************

It was late in the night when Shazain finally returned, All he wanted was to see Seher. He rushed to his room the bed was empty he was frantic with worry.

No, No she must be somewhere around.

he walked towards his grandmother's room and saw his grandmother sleeping, The maids who were on night duty were surprised to see him. They greeted him.

"Where is Seher?"

"She is sleeping in the guest room next to Queen mother"

" go fetch my clothes and prepare bath in the guest room and make sure there is no noise."

The maids left quickly.

The first thing he wanted to do was to take a bath. He felt more relaxed after the warm bath. all he wanted was to spend alone time with Seher without any disturbance. Shazain saw Seher peacefully sleeping without any covers, her Slender milky white legs were on display. He look at her face God knows what she was dreaming she was smiling in her sleep. Shazain did not bother to dress he just lay next to her and engulfed her in his arms. All he wanted to do wanted was to have a good sleep embracing her but it was such a long time that they had been together and he was a red-blooded male. Her being so close ignited his desire. Seher turned around in her sleep and put her arm around his waist and buried her face in his chest.

It was raining outside and the warmth emitting from him was comforting Seher in sleep. That was it for Shazain, he became undone. he inhaled her sweet addictive scent.

I wish I can tell you how much I missed you.

he placed his lips on her shoulders and her neck. he slid his fingers over her body. Seher woke up with a scream.

" Shh...It is me your Shazain " He placed a hand on her mouth to stop her scream and whispered. She stared at him as if it was the first time she was seeing him.

"What are you doing you....." He placed his lips on her and slid his fingers between her legs.

She could feel his hardness against her body. "Please don't stop me, I will die with need. Seher please" His tongue was leaving traces all over her body. Seher would have given in easily but she remembered Ariana and pushed him away.

" get off me and why are you without clothes" Shazain did not want to take her against her will. After being separated for almost a month he did not want to see her tears. Seher was surprised that he moved away quietly.

"I missed you very much, My love"

"Go to Ariana the only woman you love" Seher tried getting up from the bed and Shazain pulled her back.

"I told you I am sorry. are you still upset about it and when I am with you, why do you bring her in between?" he brought her closer, She elbowed him in the stomach.

"Ouch! What's wrong with you. is this how you welcome your husband?"

" Aunty Ariana will give you a welcome you deserve not me, now go and sleep in your room"

"My room is where my beautiful wife is" Shazain grinned. Seher looked around and saw his clothes on the floor. she quickly grabbed his clothes and walked away so that he can not follow her.

Shazain smiled at her antics. Where will you escape dear wife you have to come back to me.

he was very tired because of the journey and slept.

In the morning Seher came in to drop Shazain's clothes and was surprised to see Shazain standing in his birth suit.

"I was waiting for you, I knew you are possessive about me and will not let anyone see me like this"

"Put on your clothes" she covered her eyes.

"This is not the first time you are seeing me like this. Seher are you tempted seeing me like this?"

"Please Shazain, your old body is nothing exciting to watch, Shall I call your beloved, She will appreciate you in this form"

" you know how to spoil my mood" he was very unhappy with Seher's behavior.

Seher avoided any altercations with him and walked away.

She already ordered the kitchen to prepare breakfast according to Shazain's preference, she wanted to come across him as little as possible. Shazain went to the dining room expecting Seher to be present there but instead, it was Ariana, as soon as she saw him she jumped on him.

"I missed you xain, Why did you not inform me that you are here"

Shazain smiled back at her. "Where is Seher? call her" He ordered the maid.

As seher entered she saw Araiana clinging to Shazain. It did not matter to her now.

"Xain, it's nice that you are here this girl has taken control of things and she does not even look at me, I tried to be polite but gave up"

"Come have breakfast with us," He said to Seher

"You have returned after a month and I do not want to disturb the two old love birds. Enjoy your meal" She did not even give a single glance to Shazain and walked away.

"Did you see Xain her attitude, She is behaving arrogantly because of your grandmother"

"She is just upset with me" Shazain wanted to go after her but Ariana pulled him back. She was angry seeing Shazain looking just at the door from where Seher left.

Shazain lost all his appetite by now.

That girl was trying to gain my Xains attention by ignoring him.

Ariana was crying her tears fell on Shazain's hand.

"What happened Ariana"

"Nothing Xain, It hurts to see that you stopped caring for me " She was sad

"Darling tell me honestly have you fallen in love with that young girl?"

"I dont know what to say" Shazain replied.

"Please Shazain tell me "

" She is my wife and there is an attraction but it doesn't mean I care for you less" Shazain tried to be political.

"Do you love her Xain?" Ariana asked again.

"Maybe"

Xain always told her that it was her who he loved and Seher did not mean anything. Ariana was crying profuesly.

"Xain, Just a day back, my father sent a message that he thinks it is the right time for us to marry now but you are saying you love someone else. I waited for you so long and loved only you. Father always told me that when he saved you he saw his son in law in you"

"Ariana I will be equal"

Shazain left quickly he did not have the energy to console Ariana. He himself was not sure about his feelings for Seher. He only knew one thing that he missed her very much.

He went to meet his grandmother to tell her about the new developments.

" Can I come in grandmother? " he asked permission to enter.

" Shazain, when did you return? " He saw Seher sitting in the corner writing something. She ignored him.

" I came yesterday night, I am surprised that no one gave you the news of my arrival" he looked at Seher and replied.

"Grandmother, what should a man do when his woman is angry with him?"

Najma Begum was taken back at Shazain's words. Since when did her grandson start talking in this tone.

" Grandmother, I will rest in my room" Seher sought permission to go away and avoid hungry stares from Shazain which were making her uncomfortable.

"Seher, I don't want you to be alone and Rabia instructed you to take a rest. Just lie down there"

"But.." she objected.

"I and Shazain will go out in the hall you rest" she gestures to Shazain to walk along.

" Is she alright?" Shazain asked his grandmother.

" She is having heavy periods since morning. Which is quite unusual"

Shazain looked worried" I am surprised that you look worried for a girl who you are willing to kill for Ariana"

" Oh! She complained to you, now I got it she is angry about that"

" Tell me what made you announce your marriage suddenly?"

" I am married and I thought it was the right time for it to be disclosed"

"I am warning you Shazain mend your behavior with Seher, You don't know she was adamant to go back to her parents but I pleaded with her"

"You don't worry about her I was wrong but I will value her "

"What about that Ariana?"

"Grandmother I will take care of her, Ariana is easy to handle, I will make her understand"

"Shazain, does Ariana knows who Seher is? I mean her background"

" She never questioned about Seher"

"Ariana is not as easy as you think and you are clever enough to dig in further" Najma Begum gave indication to Shazain.

"How are things back at the palace?"

"You were right about someone from inside being involved with Jafar. as per your suggestion I changed all the governers in troublesome areas"

"Your late grandfather did many horrifying deeds no surprise he has enemies every corner"

"I don't understand this revenge the person who did wrong you is dead and what is the point of harming his children?"

"I am surprised you are talking about this, This is the height of double standards, What about your wedding with Seher, was it not an act of revenge?"

"It was was you who poisoned me against My mother in law"

"I wanted you to keep away from her, I never advised you to marry Nur Jahan's daughter"

"If I kept away, then how would you have found Seher your favorite grand daughter in law."

*********************************************************************

Ariana was very angry at Seher. She can never let Shazain fall for her. I

I will offer Seher enough money that she will leave Shazain, If she is taking medications to not get pregnant that means She with him only for money. I will talk to her politely if not I just have to instigate Shazain against her. Ariana, why waste money just show Shazain her truth. she thought

Ariana was looking for Shazain and saw him walking along with his grandmother

"Xain I have to talk to you "

Najma Begum walked away leaving them behind.

"What is it Ariana ?"

"Xain, I want us to get married as soon as possible"

Shazain was taken back at Ariana's words.

What is this new trouble he thought

"Ariana, wait for your father's decision when he tells me I will marry you"

"Xain, I know you will delay our marriage now because of that girl. but I am the only one that loves you whereas that girl does not even care for you. She is having these medications to stop her pregnancy"

"What do you mean?"

Ariana dragged Shazain along to her room

"I feel pity for you Xain, you married a low-class girl to get he, pregnant bu look she is having these medications daily. I think all she wants is to take your money and run away with her lover"

Shazain looked at the medication in her hand.

"Who told you that?"

"I saw her and silently took the packet and got it tested by Rabia's assistant he told me these are Chinese herbs that are used to avoid pregnancy. You can confirm with Rabia if you want and check her belongings you might find the rest"

Shazain was all furious looking at the medication. he went into the guest room Where Seher shifted her belongings. He ransacked all her belongings and saw the letter of Bahar and the medications.

"Seher " He screamed in anger.