Shazain was the first one to wake up. Seher was lying on his chest. She was an early riser, but due to their extreme activity last night she was tired and was in a deep slumber. They did not even bother to put some clothes on. Shazain lovingly caressed her cheeks. He took one of her palms in his. Her delicate hand fit perfectly in his hands.

He thought loving someone was just madness like his father, but he now knew that it was his father's fault. He now questioned what his late father had for his ex-wife. Was it really love? His father always advised him to keep women under control, but what he saw in-law's place was the opposite. Fakhr never controlled Nur. They were equal partners.

His life was so meaningless before Seher. He never once imagined that he was capable of loving someone. Seher changed him with her patience.

" Shazain, let me sleep. You are tickling me".

" Sorry, we will miss our prayer if we don't get up now". He lifted her slowly and took her to the bath.

"Seher, my step-uncles and aunties will be visiting us today. Just be careful. Don't eat anything they offer and keep yourself at a safe distance."

"Shazain, will you be around?"

"I will try. You know I have many things to sort out. Most Importantly, NurAin"

"How is your sister?"

"She speaks from her heart. That is why it is hard to believe that she is suffering."

"My brothers just look at my face and know my emotions, especially Shams."

"My childhood was different to yours, Seher, and my sisters were married when they were young."

"Don't give that excuse, you were busy serving Ariana and you did not focus on your blood relations."

" Will you ever let that go, Seher?"

" I can never forget that and I will tell that story to our grandchildren"

"what Story"

"Xain and his beloved Ariana"

Shazain was angry but laughed when Seher mentioned their grandchildren."I will tell them how jealous their grandmother was. Poor Ariana was just in love with her Xain." Seher suddenly became serious. Shazain feared that she got offended, but her conversation went somewhere else.

"Shazain,I think that Christos was planted by your Brother-in-law?"

"What do you mean?"

"I don't know, but I have a feeling that Christos was Taimur's pawn. He was funded by someone close to you. Look if I am right, Uncle Jafar, Christos and Taimur are allies."

Shazain was in thoughts. "I will look into it. Seher the water is getting cold. We need to be out "

Shzain went to his prayer. He was met by Utbah later on."I never thought, my king, that you would not come out this morning. "

"bad joke"

"Then why are you wearing your trousers the wrong way", Utbah asked. Shazain panicked. He was already embarrassed last night. He quickly looked at his clothes. Utbah laughed, looking at his expression.

"Not Funny Ubah, I will see you when you get married"

"Now that your love life is sorted, why don't you help me now?"

"How can I help?"

" You know my queen's cousin, Bahar ". He scratched his head.

"who Bahar?"

"Murad's sister"

"I will speak to Ummi Nur later."

"Wow! Ummi Nur, you made very quick progress."

" She is my wife's mother. She deserves respect"

"I want to ask about Taimur, Seher pointed out something."

"She is very clever, you really are lucky."

"You and Abasi. Come have breakfast with us. I have invited uncle Ahmed and Aunty Asmara as well."

Seher had already instructed the maids to arrange the breakfast for shazain and his guests. She loved this Nur Mahal. It was very well organized. It was not just part of a palace, but a small palace in itself.

They all sat down for breakfast. Asmara looked at Seher. She was a replica of Nur Jahan.

"Seher, I am your Aunty. Your mother and I are sisters", She replied, kissing her forehead.

"I did hear about you" Seher replied.

"We are thankful to both your parents" Uncle Ahmed replied, looking at Seher and Shazain.

"How? "Utbah asked.

" A short story: Asmara never knew that King Fakhruddin was her brother-in-law and she had a crush on him as a teenager. Your late grandfather promised her that she would be married to him. Seher's father straight away refused and gave a piece of advice to her to find true love.

I was in Hamad Shah's palace at that time and I became her knight in shining armour. My late King Shahzeb helped me with marrying her"

"You know, Seher, your mother's alliance was fixed with king Tariq once upon a time", Asmara enlightened them.

"What! He is so old", that was Seher.

"According to the late King Hamad Shah, a man never gets old", Ahmed added.

"Your Grandfather was a bad matchmaker" Abasi replied.

"Not exactly. He matched me with Seher even before she was born", Shazain laughed. He then turned to Asmara.

"When an alliance is fixed, was it not taken as an insult to break it?"

"Yes, I heard that King Tariq was very angry. Sultan Shazeb scooped up Nur"

Seher and Shazain were both uncomfortable.

" Sorry" Asmara replied.

"Seher, this makes sense?" Shazain turned to Seher.

"Taimur's father must have harboured hatred towards your family" Seher replied.

Utbah and Ahmed did not understand anything.

"You both look like Fakhr and Nur at the moment" Abasi screamed.

"What do you mean?" Utbah asked.

"Seher's parents are like this. They talk to each other as if other people don't exist."

"Nur and Fakhr. Next, when I meet Ummi I will inform her about this", Seher teased Abasi. She knew he was scared of her mother, Nur Jahan.

"tell us what were you talking about?" Utbah asked them.

"Seher had a doubt that Taimur planted Christos and he was also funding Uncle Jafar. I thought that it must not be related to just concurring our kingdom. I think they have deep enmity towards us."

"Taimur should have been plotting against Seher's parents. After all, King Fakhruddin ended up with the famous Nur Jahan" Abasi opened his mouth.

"He is scared of my brothers" Seher replied proudly.

"I think Queen Najma Begum can shed some light on this " Ahmed replied.

" I think we have to go and get Nur Ain back now", Shazain stood up.

Seher pulled him back." Don't do things in haste. You said your sister is outspoken and if she is keeping quiet there might be a good reason. " She held his hands. " Calm down and take deep breaths."She gave him a glass of water.

" First let your sister come here. Give her assurance that you are with her"

"I don't think Seher and Taimur will risk bringing my sister here."

"War with Tariq Khan is inevitable. We can always sneak into Taimurs palace and bring our sister back" Abasi replied.

"Yes, your brother is an expert at abduction, "Seher said with a serious face. Abasi tried hard not to laugh.

Ahmed interrupted them."Shazain, stick to the original plan and, for God's sake, keep your anger in control. You need to behave as if you are unaware of things. Your unborn child is at risk. Keep Seher safe"

"Why are things so complicated in this palace", Seher questioned.

"There is always a battle of power in this palace. Don't worry, this time I will eliminate the root cause of all the problems," Shazain replied.

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

Najma Begum came to visit Seher."Do you like it here, Seher?"

"Yes, I love this place."

"Seher, Shzain's step uncles and aunties want to meet you. They wanted to come here but I stopped. Get ready and come to my wing in the afternoon. I want to warn you they are not easy to deal with."

" You don't worry," Seher replied.

"How are you feeling?" Najma Begum asked.

"I am fine. My morning sickness is gone. I just feel tired" Seher updated about her health.

"Seher be very careful about your food here, Shazain doesn't want you to eat anything from the main kitchen. "

She held Seher's hand." I am very happy that you gave my idiot grandson a chance. Trust me, he loves you a lot" Seher just blushed.

"Seher, this is for you" Najma Begum pointed towards a chest.

"Can I open?" Seher asked.

The chest had the finest jewellery collection. "That once belonged to your mother when she resided here." Those were the sets that Shazeb personally selected for Nur. It was good to see that Shazeb's son was living his dream."

Shazeb would have been very happy to see you as his daughter-in-law. I think you and Shazain were destined to be together" Najma Begum looked at Seher. She was definitely the opposite of her mother. Nur never once looked at these things with interest, but Seher had more feminine interests. The way she dressed up, presented herself no doubt why her stubborn grandson was whipped.

"Those Greek maids are they very loyal?" Najma asked.

"Yes grandmother, they are. I trust them"

"Seher, your tummy looks a lot bigger for the first trimester. Have you started feeling the moments yet?" Seher shook her head.

"The Physician my grandparents suggested promised that she would visit us in a week or two."

"I want to be there when she comes here. I will leave. You and Shazain come in the afternoon."

"Grandmother, I want to get involved in the palace activities. I get bored sitting here"

"Seher, you don't know any about things here there are more foes who mask themselves as friends. we cannot risk your safety, especially in this condition. You know our people have been waiting for this child for ages."

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

Andrew was physically attracted to Ariana but he loved his wife Althea. She was the daughter of one of the prime ministers. She was the caretaker of Andrew's businesses. According to the agreement Althea and Andrew made before their wedding. Andrew was allowed to have affairs and could spend money on his mistresses, but after the birth of their children, they would be rightful owners of his wealth. Implicating that none of his children born out of wedlock had any rights to his wealth. If a child was born, then his wealth automatically would be transferred to Althea and he had to give an account of every penny.

When Ariana talked to Andrew about having children he just screamed at her."I like you the way you are. I already have children and don't want any more."

"Andrew, you hardly gave me time to breathe. I am afraid that I might already be pregnant"

"Ariana, you are not my prime wife, so stop dreaming. I made it clear to your father that this union will not produce any children. I ordered a few Chinese medicines once consumed. You won't have to bother about getting pregnant"

"Andrew ", Ariana was very angry. "I am not a who** but your wife. Remember you used to say that you wanted to have kids like me?"

"That was the time when I wanted you to be a wife but you discarded me and threw me out for Shahzain. I became a laughing stock. It was Althea who rescued me. She was the most desired woman even the king wanted her, but she chose me."

"Andrew, you love me, not her."

"Ariana, I am giving you the position of a wife. Althea agreed to give you recognition as my second wife but she doesn't want any kids. I will have to leave you if you insist."

Ariana felt very helpless. If Shazain married her she would have a respectable status. What if I meet him and ask to make be his second wife? I would offer him to pass on Taimur's and Andrew's secrets which they were planning behind his back.

" OK, Andrew, I agree, but I want recognition as your wife."

"That will be done. You know your ex has sent an invitation. He is hosting a grand celebration to welcome his wife"

Ariana was shocked. "Did Seher get back to him?"

" What do you mean ?" Andrew asked.

"Nothing, I thought he. didn't like his wife."

"Althea is busy. Why don't you accompany me as my official wife?"

Ariana smiled at Andrews."Yes, my love."

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

Seher's step-uncles and two of his Aunties visited Najma begum. Jafar's sister Zahra, who pretended to be polite but hated Shazain to the core, was very enthusiastic about meeting Seher.

When Seher entered along with Shahzain, everyone was gawking at them. Shazain entangled his fingers with hers. Seher greeted them politely,

"Wow Shazain, you really got a good catch" one of his aunties replied.

"He abducted her and forced her" Zahra spewed.

"Yes, he did abduct me, but Shahzain never forced me. I married him because I wanted to. "

"Did he force you to say that? I heard you were engaged to your cousin. Did you not have any feelings for him? Now don't say that you love Shahzain",

" Zahra "Najma begum screamed. Seher held Shazain's arm tightly.

"What queen mother, I just feel sorry for Shahzain, he deserved someone who loved him. He should have married my daughter", Zahra announced.

"Aunt Zahra, I do not belong to a family where girls have affairs before marriage. We are taught to love our husbands after marriage. I am lucky that Shazain risked his life to make me his. I was impressed by his courage and married him. He already sent a proposal to my father when he did not agree he had to take that action. Shazain was in love with me for a long time."

Shahzain smiled.

"I know very well, your mother wasted no time in jumping into someone else's arms after my brother discarded her. You will see Shazain. She will not be faithful to you." Seher wanted to slap her.

"I know, Aunt Zahra, what my wife is capable of and please take this drama elsewhere. I am blessed to have a wife like Seher and in-laws like King Fakhruddin and Queen Nur Jahan. One more thing, if you try to poison or plot something against me and my wife, then it is a waste of time. I trust her and she trusts me. People tried before you and failed."

'He held Seher's hand." Grandmother, we wanted to stay, but I think people do not like our presence. We will take your leave."

Zahra seized the opportunity." Shazain, I was just testing you both. Spend some time with us. I am happy for you both."

Shazain knew it was a cold lie but he kept quiet.

Everyone gave gifts to Seher. Which Shazain discarded, fearing Seher's safety.

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

Later, when alone, Seher asked Shahzain "Shazain, did you not ever doubt me that I loved my cousin before?"

"Seher, I hate husbands who do not trust their wives. I love you. I can have a doubt about myself, but not you"

"Why"

"Remember our first kiss?"

" What?" Seher blushed.

" I knew that you loved me" Shazain smiled, remembering something.

"Just by kissing me."

"You did not oppose and submitted yourself to me later. That moment, I knew I was your first and would be your last. After Murad came, you did not give him a single glance. All you were thinking about was my safety."

"I was not afraid of your threats, but there was something that pulled me towards you"

"Seher, That is what is called love. Please don't lose faith in me ever"

"Shazain if something happens to me will you marry again?"

"Never see, according to you, I am old and I will die first."

" You are not pregnant?"

"Your mother had 7 kids and she is healthy. Stop thinking useless things. I can't handle more stress. Please Seher, we have just started our lives. Don't talk about death or separation"

"Shazain where is aunty Seema? I have not seen her."

"Like your mom suggested, she is innocent and she feared that she would be used as a pawn to harm our child, so we made her go to her maternal palace on the pretext of meeting her mother."

Just then, Seher felt some moment inside her tummy. She placed her hand and screamed. Shazain panicked."What happened, Seher?"

"I can feel the baby". She lifted Shazain's hand and placed it on her tummy." Feel it ". Shazain was in tears.

"How can you be so emotional?" Seher asked.

"It is my first child Seher". The whole night, Shazain was awake placing her hands on her tummy to feel the baby. Seher was irritated.

"Shazain, Sleep. The baby won't kick when you want"

"It is stubborn like its mother" he replied.

True to his words, even with all the things going around, Shazain still made time for Seher. After two weeks, the lady Physician arrived at the palace. Najma Begum was present there.

The physician examined her and She looked at Seher and replied" I suspected this."

"Is she alright?" Shazain asked.

"Congratulations. I think she is carrying not one but two. "

Shazain's mouth was wide open . Najma Begum was very happy. "I would like to keep this between us", she replied. Shazain nodded.

"She is very young. You have to take extra care " She then checked Seher's scar on her chest,

"What are these marks?" She looked at Seher's chest, which was covered by hickeys.

Seher just looked at Shazain who was looking everywhere.

The old woman cursed herself for asking stupid questions.

"The wound is beautifully healed outside, but inside it takes time. Do you feel any pain? Seher"

"Yes, sometimes"

"Then be careful. " The midwife/ physician then gave her a few medications

She looked at Shazain. " No extreme physical activity after eight months." Shazain just looked at the ground embarrassed.

"I will try to be there at the time of delivery", she assured Shazain.

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

Two people were in a room. " I agree with your diagnosis."

"Will she survive?"

"Chances are slim but God answers prayers in a unique way."

"I wanted to warn her husband"

"No, he is under pressure. Let them enjoy their moments rather than worry"

"Any solution can you think of?"

"I have sent my teacher for advice. He is an expert at these. He has some Ayurvedic recipes. "

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

Taimur was very angry when he received Shazain's invitation. Nur Ain laughed, looking at his condition. She knew that she would be free from here soon. Taimur divorced her but later refused it. She was free in the eyes of God. She had full faith in Allah that her patience would be rewarded.

Shamsuddin arrived. He was very angry at Shazain. But when he saw his sister happy and content, his anger vanished. He saw how his brother-in-law was treating his sister like a delicate flower. Shams had news about Nurain being tortured but he did not disclose it to Shazain. He never liked men who abused women.

"Seher, I think I should personally go invite Taimur as a brother-in-law?"

" What if he plays a game?" Seher was worried about Shazain's safety.

"I will accompany you, Brother in law", Shams offered. "You focus on your sister and I will focus on the surroundings."

It was agreed that Shams and Shazain would visit NurAin.