The ruthless sun beat down, one malevolent eye unblinking, and the sky was a co-conspirator to soften the harsh rays with no wisp of cloud.

The air was dense and hazy, each step sunk into the searing sand, each breath like drowning in a larva.

The huge, golden sun rose over the edge of the barren world, and its rays fell on a lonely camel train that was already on the move.

The desert of Mirpur is covered in rolling hills. The wind stirs up the wispy sand and the sun's never-ending rays beat down on them mercilessly.

Salty sweat rolls off their nose and stings their eyes. Their clothing is overwhelmingly hot and sticky.

Harris Murad Khan was extremely irritated with the environment; the perspiration and sand were frustrating him.

He pulled the rein of his horse and called out to his elder brother, the crown prince of Basara to stop.

"Bhaijaan can we please stop for few hours... we are traveling since morning and it's already afternoon... please...,"

"Stop your whining Harris... we are already late because you wanted to enjoy the dancers and wine of the last city... we have to reach Mirpur on time... the king must be waiting for us,"

Harris groaned in frustration, he knew his brother will not listen to him but his horse Bahadur is also tired like him and they both need rest.

"Just for a few hours bhaijaan please...,"

His elder brother sighed and waved his hand and their men who were moving behind them with the camels stopped.

"Mehmet... set up a tent for prince Harris to rest and let the animals relax too... we will soon start our journey...,"

"Yes, your majesty...,"

Mehmet the most loyal soldier and guard of the crown prince bowed his head and moved toward the caravan leaving the two princes.

"Thank you bhaijaan I love you...,"

The elder prince just rolled his eyes and step down from his horse, he caressed the horse who was enjoying the patting of his master, and then he passed the rein to the man waiting to take the animals away.

Harris also steps down from his horse and joins his brother in the tent that was set up for them.

He took a seat on the carpet and take the fluke of the best wine he purchased from the last city they stayed as he passed a flirty smile to the maid serving them.

The maid then moved toward the crown prince who was lost in his thoughts and didn't notice the attempts of the maid who went away with a broken heart.

Harris notices his brother lost expression and called him.

"What happened bhaijaan? Why are you looking so lost?... What made the Sher Khan so much tense?"

His elder brother looked at him with his beautiful dark brown eyes. He is Altamash Murad Khan, the crown prince of Basara.

He is the dream of many women married or not, he is the next successor of Murad Akbar Khan.

Altamash Khan was quite famous in the female population of Basara not because he is a player and an open flirt but also because he is a soldier of skilled experience.

His good looks also helped him with the women as he has broad stature, sharp jaw-line that woman love, plumb natural pink lips, perfectly arched eyebrows, soulful brown eyes, the mischief they had and their shine is surprising and his dimple, the reason of many girls throwing themselves at him. He is the best example of tall, dark, and handsome.

But the most important thing that attracts the girls is his scars the reminders of various wars and fights where he fought for his country and won every battle.

He may be a flirt and player but for his country, he can do anything.

He was given the name Sher Khan by his father because he was the best soldier and assassin of Basara and he took great pleasure in that.

Altamash turned away from his brother who was looking at him as if observing him but it was very difficult to detect him.

"You know why am I tense Harris... I have to marry a stranger just to save Basara from war... I am not worried about this marriage but for the safety of my country,"

He was sipping his wine as he admired nature. This is the one thing he loved about the world, it's beauty even when we humans didn't have time to admire it but it still blesses us with such magnificent view that stunt the human mind.

"Bhaijaan... you don't have to be so tense about this... I mean... you are going to see your bride to be... why so many thoughts,"

Altamash scoffed at his brother's words and finished the wine in one gulp. He turned toward his brother.

"Yeah... bride to be who I didn't see... I mean its ok... I am just marrying her for Basara because that stupid brother of her broke the treaty and initiated the war... but both the kings thought that getting their kids married will solve this... and I being the crown prince has to be the sacrificial lamb,"

"Bhaijaan... you are saying this like you are marrying someone ugly... I mean she is the princess... she must be beautiful... and you can have as many women with you after marriage... you are the crown prince... you can have as many women as you want...,"

Harris was bestowed with a glare from his brother. This is one of the things his brother didn't like to talk about.

"How many times I have to tell you, Harris? Don't mention such things ever... I know I am a crown prince and I was meant to give an heir to the throne... I can do that with my queen, my wife... I don't need a harem of women to satisfy my male ego... I may not follow our religion completely but I am human enough to respect everyone,"

Harris was ashamed of his words as he mumbled sorry under his breath.

This is another reason why Altamash Murad Khan was known as Sher Khan, he can be a flirt and player.

He just keeps the flirting to the fun and excuses himself when the situation was accelerating.

As a crown prince, he was under the radar of many people. He has to do many things just to satisfy others even when his conscience is killing him but that's the dirty politics. It's like a race of survival, killed or be killed.

Harris again poured some wine in both glasses as he gets his brother's attention with his next words.

"Didn't you think once that this might be a trap by the king and the crown prince Basit Shah to kill you and called on the war?"

Harris was really worried about his brother's safety, as a crown prince he was most important for his country and that's why he came along to guard his brother with his own life.

"He can try... I mean... I am marrying his sister that may hurt his ego... but I think he will be stupid to attack me in his home... also I am not called Sher Khan the best assassin for nothing...,"

Both brothers smirked at each other as they know what the crown prince was capable of.

Altamash suddenly frowned as he thought about the princess of Mirpur his soon to be wife.

"Harris, do you find anything about the princess? Any information? Any sketch? Anything at all?"

Harris grinned like a Cheshire cat as Altamash rolled his eyes at his stupid brother.

"Why bhaijaan... are you already daydreaming about your bride...,"

Harris was wriggling his eyebrows at his brother but one glare was enough to make him serious as he gulped.

"Ok ok... don't look at me like that... I was just kidding... and no, we got nothing... there is nothing about the princess of Mirpur... it's like she is a ghost... that's why she is known as mysterious princess... people never see her...,"

Altamash sighed at the words, he was already tense about all this and now the news about the mysterious princess was making him more curious.

He just knows one thing about her, her name that he mumbled as he looked ahead.

"Mahajabeen..."

The white buildings are rectangular and boldly protrude from the sands of the desert.

On a chestnut-colored horse, Altamash and his caravan enter a labyrinth of houses. The market place is packed with stalls and dark-skinned kids play.

Everyone was looking at them mesmerized and with curiosity.

Altamash and Harris were leading the group as Mehmet was right behind them guiding the men who were holding the camel train that has all the goods that they bring for the royal family of Mirpur as a souvenir.

They moved toward the grand gate of Mirpur palace the exterior of the palace is so beautiful and elegant.

By the gates of the palace stood the royal men to greet them. With dazzling smiles, the king himself and his men welcomed them.

"Welcome... Prince Altamash... Prince Harris... welcome to Mirpur... I am glad to have you...,"

Altamash and Harris step down from their horses and bowed down to the king to show their respect. The king smiled as he holds Altamash's shoulders and stood him up.

"No need to bow Prince Altamash... Sher Khan should never bow in front of anyone... meet my Wazir... Ali bakht and this is my parliament members... you already know Basit Aydin Shah, my son...,"

The king of Mirpur Aydin Farid Shah introduced him to everyone, Basit Shah was openly glaring at him and Altamash was enjoying his helplessness.

"Thank you, your majesty... please call me Altamash... I am also glad to come here... these are some souvenir from Basara... please accept them...,"

He signaled for his men to come forth and the king was impressed with the gifts as he told his men to guide the men inside.

"I am impressed with Basara souvenirs... now come you all must be tired from the long journey... I have prepared the west wing of Mir palace for your men and you... Ali bakht please get them settled and make sure... they will get everything they want,"

"Thank you, your majesty...,"

Harris and Altamash again nodded at the king with respect and follow behind the Wazir.

Basit was fuming in anger as he moved toward his room, his father has ordered him to not provoke Altamash or he will lose his throne. But he vowed to kill Altamash khan because of who he was a laughing stock of the allies.

....

The next two days were spent just relaxing and wandering around. Altamash was trying to find anything about the said princess.

But it's like she was indeed a ghost because no one, not even her palace People know more about her.

He inquired a maid by using his charms but he didn't get much information as he already knows the mysterious princess thing from his stupid brother investigation but his curiosity was increasing day by day.

Both the brothers were launching around just passing the time when a messenger came.

Mehmet was guarding the door so he came with the messenger to tell the princes about the letter sent by the king.

"Your majesty... your highness... there is a messenger on the door... he said that the king has sent an invitation for you both to join today parliament session...,"

Both brothers looked at each other and then Altamash waved the messenger to come forward. He took the letter and read it nodding his head.

"Tell the king that we will join the session today and thank him for the invitation,"

The messenger nodded and bowed before taking his leave. Altamash waved his hand and Mehmet went out already knowing what to do.

"Interesting... the king wants us to join his court session... his son hated you and his mysterious daughter was a ghost... what amazing in-laws you have bhaijaan...,"

Harris was laughing more like shrieking but Altamash was busy glaring at him.

"shut up Harris... this is not funny... always remember that you are in rival country home... they may want alliance but we still have to be alerted... now go get ready we don't have much time to waste...,"

Harris nodded as he soon turned serious, this is the patriotism that both the brothers shared and bonded on.

He went away to get ready as Altamash stay behind thinking about a certain someone.

"I hope to meet you today at... Princess Mahajabeen..."

He was moving toward the parliament House, with his brother constant blabbering that irritates him so much, but suddenly a desperate voice get his attention.

He looked around and saw a cute white cat meowing as she struggled to get out of a trap. Altamash was an animal lover so he quickly moved toward the cat and freed it.

Harris who was busy in his blabbering looked confused at his brother but when he saw the cat in his arms he smiled brightly.

"Aww... bhaijaan she loves you... look she is looking at you...,"

The cat was licking its paw looking at Altamash with so much adoration that he rubbed its fur causing the cat to purr.

He chuckled at the cat and holds it closer but someone's voice disturbs their moment.

"Well well... if it's not the crown prince of Basara patting the cat...,"

Altamash rolled his eyes as he recognized the voice and turned toward Basit Shah who was glaring at the cat and him.

"I hope she didn't cause you much problem... she is just naughty, unlike her owner...,"

"No she is just adorable... she was trapped so I helped her... I hope you don't mind me holding your cat...,"

Altamash doesn't believe that such a vile person like Basit Shah can have such a soft and beautiful pet or a pet at all and his doubt was confirmed with Basit's next words.

"She is not my cat... I hate animals... they are just a waste of time and place... she is my sister's... Shazil take Janam to princess Mahajabeen chamber... will you?"

Shazil nodded quickly and moved toward Altamash to take Janam but the cat hissed at him. Altamash smiled at the cat caressing it.

"I don't think Janam liked you very much Shazil... I can deliver her to the princess you don't worry...,"

Altamash was deliberately poking Basit who was glaring at him on his sister mention.

Basit moved toward Altamash and snatch the poor cat from him as he cat hissed and meow in anger and helplessness.

Altamash didn't like the sudden action and how he treats the pot soul as he answered Basit with a glare.

"I can take the stupid cat to my sister chamber myself... you better stay away from her... or I will not hesitate to kill you,"

Altamash smirked at him that infuriated Basit but his next words burned him more.

"How can I stay away from the woman who is betrothed to me... but don't worry prince Basit unlike you... I will love my wife... see you later... I have a parliament session to attend... Allah Hafiz Janam...,"

Altamash grinned victoriously as he went away followed by his brother and guards.

Basit pushed more like throw Janam to Shazil and went away burning in rage.

The session started as everyone took their seat, Altamash was quite impressed with the discipline and the authority the king and his parliament members hold.

Also, the room contained a session reserved for women where the king's other wives and important females are sitting.

Altamash was trying hard to find the mysterious princess among the herd but it was difficult both because of the curtain that separates them and also because women are eyeing him like he was a piece of meat.

He hated such women who can't understand the 'I am not interested' look.

He was busy trying to concentrate to find his soon to be wife who he didn't he when Harris nudged him getting his attention.

"Bhaijaan stop looking there... you will get us killed in your quest of finding your princess,"

Altamash knows his brother was right but his curiosity was getting the best of him.

He was getting frustrated and irritated with the hide and seek this mysterious princess was playing with him.

"Yeah like you are not eyeing the ladies... I am already betrothed to their Princess but you... my baby brother will sure get beating for eyeing the king and his ministers' women,"

Harris gulped at his brother's words and focused his attention on the session as the king entered the room.

Everyone stands up and bows to show their respect and soon the session start.

Everything was going smoothly and for the Khan brothers, it was pretty boring. The political problems of Mirpur were discussed and solved.

A minister told the king about the famine and hunger problem on the east side of Mirpur.

This caught Altamash attention as he wanted to see what the king will decide.

But before the king speak Basit Shah spoke and his words boiled Altamash blood.

"Fakhar Sahab... what can we do... it's a natural disaster. I think we should let the people handle it... we should stock our food and get ready for any severe problem in the capital... people of the east should help themselves...,"

Altamash fisted his hands as pure anger coursed through his veins, how can such a vile man was selected for the crown, he didn't have any humanity.

Altamash opened his mouth to give his opinion but a strong feminine voice interrupts him.

"I don't agree...,"

The voice seems void and blank but the words hold such passion that he turned toward the voice unconsciously.

Everyone in the room was looking toward the curtain where the female figure was standing. She is not completely visible but Altamash Khan saw those hazel eyes.

She was standing behind the curtain, her face covered by the veil but her aura is special. Altamash felt a shiver went down his spine as he observed her.

The king and his ministers were also looking at the woman who opposed the crown prince Basit Shah's statement even when they are not happy with Basit's words.

The courtroom was buzzing with whispers but the king soon stopped it.

"Silence everyone... yes Princess Mahajabeen... what do you want to say?"

She nodded and looked ahead, feeling various pairs of eyes at her but one pair of intense brown eyes were looking at her with curiosity, waiting for her to speak.

The moment the king mentioned her name he was more curious to hear what she wanted to say.

"Your majesty... I didn't want to be disrespectful to Bhaijaan but I didn't agree with his statement... I mean this Mirpur is our country and we are doing everything in our power to save it...,"

"What do you want to say Mahajabeen... speak openly...,"

"Baba... we are doing everything to prevent wars and form new alliances with the neighboring countries but don't think that protecting them from war will be futile if we didn't protect them from the problems within...,"

"I mean... Allah miyan has chosen our family to protect the people of Mirpur and we should help them in the hour of need not let them fight for themselves... it's our duty... I have heard that the yield production of capital and the west side of Mirpur is more than usual this year... both should help the east side... aren't this is what a family do... help each other stand and fight back... we can't fight with nature but we can stand with our people not turn our back on them...,"

Everyone was astonished at her words including the two Khan brothers.

Harris was shocked while Altamash has a proud smile on his face which is similar to the king.

The king nodded smiling proudly as he turned toward his Wazir.

"Very well Mahajabeen... I am proud of you bacha... Ali bakht... make sure whatever princess suggested will happen and also send troops with necessary supplies to the east side... I want complete detail of this matter... and Basit Shah I will have a talk with you on dinner tonight... now everyone can go... the session is adjourned for today...,"

Everyone stood as the king moved out and soon the room was empty with the Khan brothers the last to move.

Harris was smiling widely as he blabbers about his soon to be sister in law being intelligent and kind-hearted while Altamash was busy admiring the most beautiful hazel eyes he ever saw.

"Bhaijaan... I am impressed... she is beauty with brains... I mean we didn't see her but I am sure she was as much beautiful as her soul...,"

The last word caught Altamash attention, he remembers her words and the power they hold but her voice was blank, no emotion in them. It's like she was a soul of empty words.

A beautiful soul whose words have a great impact on others but for herself, they didn't hold any meaning.

He shook his head now more curious to know the mysterious princess as they moved toward their chambers.

He smirked as he knew what he has to do next to know this mysterious princess.

....

The room was shining with the dim candles as she was sitting on the bed edge with her Janam in her lap caressing and patting.

She was lost in her thoughts as usual when her loud and energetic cousin sister came into her chambers.

"Api... I told you... your Janam is very naughty nowadays... she ran away from me in the morning and then Basit bhaijaan guard came to return her... you should put a leash on her...,"

The hazel eyes beauty frowned at her cousin and spoke blankly.

"Stop it Hania... you are just jealous of Janam...,"

Hania just scoffed at the words as she sat beside her api eyeing the cat with jealousy.

"Ok fine... I am jealous... but api you said that you love her more than anything... and I am your baby sister... how can I digest this?"

Mahajabeen just rolled her eyes at Hania's childishness and slapped her head.

"I never said I love someone or something... I just care about you and Janam very much... you know I am incapable of loving...,"

"Api... don't get started with this again, please... I don't understand why you think like this... I mean come on... Allah Pak has made you so beautiful... so passionate and also you are compassionate about others... you shouldn't say things like this...,"

"ok fine I will not say it again... now tell me why are you here at this time?"

Mahajabeen knew that Hania never likes her talking about her like this but what can she do, this was engraved in her mind.

"Oh... I almost forgot that Bade Abu send a messenger to tell you that tomorrow you have a meeting with your soon to be husband...,"

Mahajabeen was still blank as she didn't give any reaction to her words. Hania took a deep breath and spoke again.

"Api... I heard he is very handsome and kind... it was rumored that he was the one who saved your Janam from the trap and also he was quite affectionate toward her,"

Hania wanted a reaction but Mahajabeen remains blank, Hania shook her head and stood up to go back.

"Api... you should give him a chance... I mean you need this more than anything. Kab tak khud ko aur takleef dengi ap... just think about it... you have breakfast scheduled with him in the royal garden,"

Mahajabeen just nodded and Hania went away. She was thinking about all the times, she spends in the walls of Mirpur palace alone.

She knew her father and brother loved her even when they don't have time to show it.

But she was also aware of the thing that they missed her mother and looking at her reminded them of her death.

Queen Mehreen Aydin Shah died during giving birth to Mahajabeen, the king was heartbroken but he loved his children very much.

Mahajabeen always blamed herself for her mother's death and punished herself with isolation.

Everyone in the palace called her a bad omen that killed their queen.

The king put an end to it but this didn't stop the people from talking, so she pulled herself away as she grew up.

She became the mysterious princess as everyone called her. She was aware of all the gossips and rumors about her betrothal to the crown prince of Basara.

She was passive about the whole matter, she didn't know what to do but she knows one thing that she will convince the prince to broke this marriage off because she didn't want to destroy him.

She has always considered herself as a bad omen and she will do anything in her power to protect her loved ones from this, it is her self-defense mechanism.

She will make the prince agree to break off this alliance by signing a war treaty because she didn't have the power to see any innocent being ruined because of her.

She considered herself an empty shell, a soul with empty words, and just emptiness.

She placed Janam close to her and drifted off to a dreamless abyss of darkness thinking about what she will say to convince the prince of Basara Altamash Murad Khan.

.......

He was sitting in the royal garden waiting for her arrival, he was early and he knew the fact but he didn't want to give a bad impression to her.

Harris laughed at him when he asked the maids to prepare a feast for breakfast as they didn't know her favorites.

He was dressed to impress, his brown eyes were shining so bright and his mind was highway because of the anticipation.

His curiosity was going to end. He will see the mysterious princess who was bound to him for their country.

As he was lost in his thoughts, the voice of the door guard alerted him that she came.

She came inside with Hania accompanying her as Janam was fussing in Hania's arms. He smiled as he saw the white cat who also meowed to see him.

He looked at her who was looking so simple yet elegant in her velvet gown. Her head was covered in hijab her face was veiled.

It was a saying that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder and he can relate because for him she was the most beautiful woman he has ever seen without seeing her face.

They greeted each other and he was lost in his daydreaming when his brother took the liberty to pinch him to reality.

"Bhaijaan... we should move... breakfast is served...,"

He coughed to shake his embarrassment as he looked at the hidden and Mysterious beauty.

"May we princess?"

She was looking at him with her usual expression blank hollow eyes and nodded as she moved toward the table.

Hania and Harris also joined them as they waited for their siblings to talk but they just sat there eating.

After breakfast, everyone sits back. Hania and Harris looked at each other and knew they have to do something.

"Bhaijaan... you both should go and walk for a while... it's a beautiful day today... one should admire nature and thank our LORD for this...,"

Altamash was lost in her eyes who was looking anywhere but him. Hania eyes Harris who signaled her to play along.

"Yes!!! Api you should show them around... Api loves flowers and she planted almost every plant here... you will enjoy it, your majesty...,"

Mahajabeen was going to deny but Altamash spoke before her.

"Then I would love to see around... would you mind your highness?"

Mahajabeen looked at him and after thinking, she spoke.

"not at all... but Janam...,"

"Very well... you guys enjoy yourself... and I hope that you guys can handle Janam for a little time... we will meet after the tour... shall we, your highness?"

She nodded and they moved to the opposite side of the garden, where Mahajabeen admired the nature and Altamash admired her.

Harris and Hania looked at the cat that was sleeping and sighed in defeat. First, they have to handle their siblings now this moody cat that was loved by both their siblings.

"So tell me about yourself princess...,"

Hania eyes him and made a sour face.

"You may be a prince but I am not interested at all... so please keep the flirting to yourself and watch the cat for me... I have some work to do...,"

"What!!! Hey, you can't do this to me... princess wait...,"

Harris huffed as he sat beside the sleeping cat, Janam hissed in her sleep that scared the prince as he cursed himself.

"You can do this Harris... she is just a cat... a sleeping cat... I will kill that lizard the next time I saw her...,"

He made faces as he looked the way Hania disappeared and waited for his brother to come back soon.

.....

They are walking in the garden aimlessly, neither speaking a word.

Altamash was waiting for her to say something but when she kept quiet he took the initiative.

"I must say that I am impressed with the way you stood up for your people yesterday... it's quite kind and brave of you...,"

She keeps looking ahead never turning toward him and he was getting frustrated.

"Are you not going to say anything, your highness?"

She looked at him and her timid voice send a shiver down his spine but his irritation was growing with each passing moment.

"Thank you...,"

"Just thank you... I mean are you not going to talk about this alliance? I mean every girl had a dream about marriage... didn't you have any? Do you want to say something... please don't hesitate... I want to hear your thoughts..."

"I don't have any dream or wish... but I do have a request...,"

This caught his attention as he nodded at her to continue.

"I want you to broke of this marriage... we can sign alliance treaty to prevent war... this way both countries will be saved...,"

He was shocked at her words but suddenly an unknown feeling of anger grip him but he took deep breaths to control himself.

"Should I know the reason why do you want to break the marriage? Do you not like me? Do you love someone else... at least tell me the reason I deserve that much from you...,"

She looked at him with her hollow hazel eyes, but this time her eyes hold something, a pain, an anguish that he wanted to solve but he kept his cool.

"I didn't have anyone else, your majesty... I just don't want to do this marriage... I don't want to ruin you...,"

He frowned at her words and keeps looking at her.

"Just please... you can do this without any further problems... I will be indebted to you for this... just say no to this marriage... I can't be responsible for destroying any more lives,"

He was getting more and more confused, he shook his head.

"What are you talking about? I can't understand you or your words...,"

She looked away from him, but he was looking at her trying to notice something but none.

"My words are like sand... the meaning depends on what you want to think...,"

"Aren't you afraid to lose anything or anyone when they know about this..,"

"I am afraid of nothing... I have lost enough...,"

She turned around and looked at him as he was still lost in the puzzle of her words.

"Thanks for the breakfast and your kindness your majesty... I hope you will understand me and help me... Allah Hafiz...,"

She went away from him without giving him a last glance while he keeps looking at her as he was lost in the web her words put around him.

....

The whole day Altamash was lost in her words as they revolved around his mind. He asked his guards to not let anyone in his chamber.

He was thinking about her and how hollow her voice and eyes were. What made her like this, the thought was driving him crazy.

Harris came into his chamber even when the guards stopped him and when he saw his brother lost in his thoughts he called him.

"Bhaijaan... you are like this since morning... what happened? Did she said something that put you in trance?"

"Shut up Harris... I don't want to talk about it now,"

Harris nodded his head and smiled when an idea came into his mind.

"Bhaijaan... what do you think about drinking band admiring the night sky? I can go and the best wine for us... you just wait for me...,"

Altamash opened his mouth to deny but his little brother was already fleeing.

Maybe drinking will help him; a night of oblivious will help him. With that thought, he went outside and waits for his brother to think about her words and remembering her hazel eyes.

Harris was walking almost running as he hold the wine bottle close to his chest when he bumped into someone.

He cursed but when he saw Basit Shah he composed himself.

"Your highness... sorry for that I was in a hurry so I didn't see you coming...,"

Basit Shah smirked as he patted Harris's shoulder and signaled shazil to do what they came for.

Basit busy Harris in his talk as Shazil took a small sachet and put the white powder in the wine bottle. He closed the cork and holds the bottle for Basit to hold.

"No worries Prince Harris... here your wine... I guess you brothers are enjoying the night with this...,"

Harris was puzzled by his friendly behavior and nodded hesitantly.

"Well then I will not keep you away from fun... you should go now... Allah Hafiz prince,"

He went away as Harris shook his head and moved toward the chamber but he didn't notice that Basit was standing behind the pillar with an evil smile on his face.

"I told you to stay away from my sister Altamash Khan... but you requested the father to meet with her... now you have to die for both insulting me that day and trying to seduce my sister...,"

He laughed evilly as he eyes the young prince of Basara taking death to his brother.

"Enjoy your last drink crown prince Altamash Murad Khan...,"

.....

Harris came with the wine and smile when he saw his brother waiting for him.

"Bhaijaan see what I got...,"

Altamash shook his head at his brother's childishness.

Harris poured the wine in the fluke as he was going to give the fluke to Altamash a ball of fur jumped at them in lighting speed.

The bottle and wine flukes dropped to the ground and both brothers are shocked at first then they looked at the furball one with anger and the other with amusement.

"Janam!!! What did you do? Ughh why!!! Why this happened every time to me?"

Harris was whining bug Altamash was chuckling at his brother and the cat who was purring in his arms.

Hania came running there as she bends on her knee catching her breath but when she notices Harris whining she was laughing wholeheartedly.

Harris scoffed at her calling her lizard in his mind.

Hania soon got her composure as she moved toward Altamash who had the naughty cat in his arms.

"Sorry, your majesty... Janam was being very naughty these days... she ran from me and came here... I am sorry for the disturbance...,"

Altamash opened his mouth to speak but Harris beat him to it.

"Disturbance... disturbance!!! Your cat spoiled my night... she ruined my wine,"

"Well then you should thank Janam because she saved your life... drinking is bad for health...,"

The duo was bantering while Altamash was mentally faced palming at their childishness.

He looked at ye cat with adoration but soon frowned when his eyes fell on the wine on the floor.

The floor was burned and the color of the wine is changing to blue. Altamash knew that something was not right.

He patted Janam's head and hugged it to his chest whispering slowly so that the fighting duo will not hear a single word.

"Thank you for saving my life Janam... you are also mysterious like your owner but don't worry I am very adamant about solving that mystery...,"

He stood up and passed Janam to Hania who was hissing to go back to him but he has serious matters to discuss.

"No problem Hania... take her back to her highness... she is just cranky...,"

Hania nodded her head and with a last glare at Harris who was also glaring at her, she went away.

Altamash slapped Harris's head to get his attention.

"What bhaijaan? First that Janam ruined our night then that lizard was fighting with me... now you are beating me... that's not fair,"

"Everything is fair you idiot... tell me where did you get that wine?"

Harris opened his mouth to ask why but then his eyes fell to the poisoned wine on the floor and his eyes went wide.

He looked at his brother who nodded his head waiting for the answer.

"I... I personally go to get it bhaijaan... I just bumped into Basit Shah...,"

And that one name solved the mystery, they looked at each other, the rage they have in their eyes was a clear indication that they knew who the culprit was.

"What is the problem of these Shah siblings? The sister said something to you that put you in trance and the brother was adamant about killing you...,"

Altamash moved toward the railing as he looked at the moon and smirked. Harris was confused looking at his brother's expression.

"bhaijaan why are you smirking? Do you have any idea about this problem?"

"I have... now Basit Shah will have a dose of his own medicine..,"

"What do you mean bhaijaan? I can't understand you?"

"I am not called Sher Khan for nothing choty... now Basit Shah will face his near to death experience,"

Both Khan Brothers smirked at each other as they moved toward the chambers to put their plan into action.

Altamash was climbing the wall as he was skilled in doing this. He was an experienced assassin who knew what he was doing and what was the risk.

He just wanted to scare Basit Shah but the problem is the maze of Mirpur palace as he can't find Basit Shah chamber.

He finally jumped into the chamber and leaned against it to take a breath.

He stood up and moved toward the room. The lights are so dim that he can't see anything clearly.

He stood behind the curtain and listen carefully but when he didn't hear anything he moved the curtain ready to attack.

But the next moment his heart lurched up to his mouth as he saw the most beautiful scenery in front of him.

Mahajabeen was praying, head bowed down to her LORD as she was busy but what mesmerized him was the charming smile on her face.

He looked at her face that was bare to his eyes for the first time. He has smitten no doubt but her smile took his heart.

Her face was shining brightly in the moonlight as she was praying in front of the window that provides the sole light to the room.

She raised her hands for supplication and the beautiful smile on her face, the shine in her eyes, and the Noor on her face is hypnotizing for him.

She was lost in her world and he was lost in her. He left like he has wasted all these years being stray from this peace.

If this praying, this bowing down can bring such a beautiful and peaceful smile to the face of this empty soul then what wonders it will do to him.

"Allah miyan... indeed My LORD is the best planner... I don't want to ruin anyone anymore... help me... you always listen to me... I always come to you with my empty soul and barren heart... please guide me... please,"

He was looking at her like a moth does to fire; this is the call of his soul to her soul. He wanted to pray beside her find peace just like she did, away from the matters of the world.

As she turned around feeling someone's presence he came to his senses and hide behind the curtain.

He went back to his room still enchanted by the beauty but mostly by the fact that she was baring herself only to her LORD.

....

Two weeks, it's been two weeks since that night and he was still lost in that mesmerizing sight.

He was always lost in his thoughts; Harris was worried about his brother because he succeeded in getting everything out of Altamash Khan.

He knew about what Mahajabeen asked him in the royal garden, about Basit multiple attempts at his life, and also about his brother lost in the thought of that mysterious princess.

They are sparing for two hours but each time Altamash was lost. Harris was getting frustrated with each passing moment as he stopped and looked at his brother.

"bhaijaan... stop ok... I can't see you like this... she was driving you crazy... stop this craziness... both siblings are trying to kill you... one with his stupid mind and other with her silence...,"

Altamash just looked at him but didn't speak a word.

"She is just acting hard to get... let just go back home... we will fight if we have to... I am not afraid of war... your life is more important. You are the crown prince of Basara... our people needed you and these siblings are killing you one way or another,"

Altamash smiled beautifully for the first time in all these days and look at his brother.

"I am not risking my people or their people life for this... my life is not that important... people of Basara is more important... also she is unique Harris... she is not replaceable... no one can take her place,"

"bhaijaan... the world population is around 7284836638... just in case someone's acting irreplaceable,"

Altamash scoffed at his words and stood up to face his brother.

"First this marriage is for my country... but now my heart is on line Harris... she is now my craziness... I think I am in love... Ishq hogya hai apky bhaijaan ko... wo Ishq Jo mujhe Khuda aur usky qareeb kr rha hai,"

Harris was stunned at his brother's words; before he can say something they heard the call for prayer. Altamash smiled so bright that Harris was again shocked.

"Mehmet prepared everything for ablution and my prayer...,"

Altamash ordered his head guard and moved toward leaving his brother lost in his thoughts.

Harris is observing the changes in Altamash, he was avoiding any interaction with the opposite gender, he didn't touch alcohol since that night. Also, he was praying since that day and he has a peaceful smile on his face each time.

He can see his brother's determination to get Mahajabeen Aydin Shah, either this madness will help his brother to find the right path or this will destroy him.

....

She was strolling in the garden thinking about everything that was happening in her life.

The past two weeks are a trial for her, she knew he was not backing down and he was more determined to get her.

She was noticing his every move and unintentionally her heart was straying, she was falling for him.

She noticed that he was avoiding any advance of women, as he will always look at her, even when she was hidden behind the veil.

He also notices his regularity in praying, he nowadays has a Noor ok his face and the determination in his eyes told her that he will have her.

She was afraid of this, the constant fear of losing someone again. She was not unaware of her brother's attempts but she keeps quiet for Basit's sake.

She was walking mindlessly when she heard some male voices that startled her. She noticed the soldiers drinking and smoking as she hides behind the pillar in pure disgust.

She was going away but when she heard his name, her heart skips a beat, and fear grip her soul. She keeps quiet and hidden, when the men went away she moved toward the place.

She didn't hear them even she tried. She was looking here and there frantically but didn't found anything that helped her.

A tear of helplessness escapes her eyes, flowing down her cheeks as the fear gripped her soul. She felt something under her feet and it was a piece of paper but the words on it caught her attention.

'KILL HIM' was written in bold words but the next thing she saw shook her to her core. There was a royal seal stamp on the paper.

This is a special thing in the Shah family that every royal and minister has a special royal seal stamp to differentiate them.

So when she saw the words 'kill him' with her brother royal seal stamp on it, she knew it was meant for Altamash.

"Nothing will happen to you... nothing,"

She ran toward his chamber because she vowed to herself that she will not be the reason for another innocent death.

....

Altamash was sleeping in his chamber when he heard something. He was an experienced assassin and knew when the danger was near.

He pulled the dagger from under his pillow and holds it tightly. He lay quietly to not alert his attacker.

When the person was going to stab him with the sword he with lighting speed turned around and stab the person first.

He stood up as he saw his darkroom was full of attackers that have their faces covered much like when he do when he was going to kill someone.

He smirked at them and signaled them to come with his hand as he picked the sword of the fallen.

The assassins attacked him at once but he keeps fighting, he has taken down three out of eight and was still fighting when a man attacked him from the back and strikes him across his back.

He hissed in pain as he stumbled but he was not going down without a fight.

The attacker took advantage and moved toward him getting him in his arm and shoulder but before they can do more damage someone came there.

The stranger was fighting the attackers with such grace but Altamash was lost in his pain.

He was close to losing consciousness. He looked at the chaos in his chamber and knew that all his guards are down.

He looked at his savior and was a stunt to see her fighting them all and killing like a pro. Her veil was covering her face but he can recognize those hazel eyes anywhere.

He fell to his side and loses the battle with consciousness and fell to the darkness.

After a few minutes, he feels small hands shaking him as he groaned. He just wanted to sleep, why are they waking him up? He opened his eyes and saw her tear staining face that got him worried.

"Why are you crying? I don't like your tears...,"

He was whispering but she heard him and she cried more because he was still thinking about her when he was badly hurt. She was such a bad omen that she destroyed everything she touched.

"I am ok... we have to go from here Altamash... more will come soon... please help me here... we have to go...,"

He again groaned and moved to sit besides her placing his head at her shoulder.

"I don't want to move... I want to sleep... its hurting...,"

She closed her eyes tightly; he was not in his senses. She has to get him to the safe haven quickly. The swords are laced with poison and it was more dangerous for him.

"I know but we have to go from here... I will let you sleep but please come with me...,"

He looked at her with a bright smile that stopped her heart, as he moved his hand to caress her face but hissed in pain.

"You are not covering your face and you are so close to me... but u can't touch your face... my bad I guess...,"

He was chuckling and she knew this was the poison talking.

He again placed his head on her shoulder and fell into an abyss of darkness while she keeps calling his name.

....

Altamash opened his eyes but hissed as the brightness was blinding him. He tried to move but it's like his movement was restricted.

He moved his head and saw her sitting beside him. She was not covering her face and the worry on his face was killing him.

He tried to sit back but only hissed in pain as he notices that his back was badly hurting.

He tried to remember what happens to get him this many injuries. And the memories came back like a movie as all events went across his eyes before he blackout.

His hissing wakes her up as he saw him struggling more. She quickly moved toward him and stopped him.

"Stop you are opening the wound...,"

He stopped as his heart skips a beat at her voice and her touch. He can detect worry in her voice that brings a smile to his face.

"I am ok... just please help me move... I want to sit,"

She helped him and he sat back and looked around. It looked like a small room with all the necessaries.

She saw his quizzical expression and spoke.

"It's a room my mother used to read and pray... she likes alone time... my Baba showed it to me... I thought that you will be safe here so I brought you here...,"

He nodded as he was still under the effect of poison and medicine that she was giving him.

"Thank you for your help princess... how long I have been here?"

Mahajabeen bit her lip that didn't go unnoticed by him but he averted his eyes from the tempting siren.

"You are here from the last two days... you were poisoned as the swords are laced with poison ivy... I was giving you antidote... your wounds are also better now,"

He just nodded as he was recovering from vertigo. She looked at him and spoke politely getting his attention.

"I am sorry for what my brother did to you... I am really ashamed... I also have a request,"

He looked at her and nodded to continue.

"Please go away from here... go back to your home... Basit is crazy he will never let you go alive... please save yourself...,"

He was looking at her with so much attention that she felt something in her heart, something she never felt.

"I came here to take my bride with me... I will never go back with my bride... khan apni zuban se Nahi mukarta...,"

She looked at him at lightning speed, the determination was clear in his eyes but she was also determined as she shook her head.

"You are talking nonsense... let me apply medicine again then you are free to go back to your homeland...,"

She sat behind him and started to apply the medicine on his back that has the biggest wound as he was looking ahead.

He was thinking about everything. She was looking at him but when he didn't speak anything she was worried about him.

"Where are you lost? Altamash... Altamash... what are you thinking? Where are you lost?"

He just chuckled at her words as he looked at her from his shoulder.

"Find me... I am lost in the castle of your dreams...,"

She was looking at him astonished but she quickly came to her senses as she moved away from him turned her back.

"you are running behind an illusion... you will remain empty-handed... stop this madness and go back,"

He frowned at her words and pulled her toward him.

He didn't know from where the strength came but the thought of leaving her or losing her was enough to give him strength.

"Maybe I am... but I am not backing down without a fight... I will like to die but leaving you here is not possible,"

"Why are you doing this? I spend my whole life here... my life is not in danger yours is... please don't make it more difficult... you have to go from here or he will kill you... why can't you understand?"

"You said I am not understanding you... you are not understanding this, I can't leave you behind because you princess Mahajabeen become my life... I am in love with you... Ishq hogya hai mujhe... I can die fighting for you but I will not go without you,"

She was stunned, her breath was hitched her heart was pounding against her ribs and her body was trembling.

"Yes... I am in love with you and I will not leave you here...,"

She shook her head as she pushed him away but he was not leaving her.

"No... no... you didn't love me... you can't love me... I will destroy you like I destroy everyone... don't love me... please don't,"

He felt her pain in his heart, now he knew why she was so hollow so empty. This is her self defense to protect herself; he pushed away everyone to protect them.

She was trashing in his arms but he was not letting her go.

"I am not going anywhere mahajabeen... you can fight all you want but I am not going anywhere...,"

She looked at him with her broken heart and pained eyes; he saw so much vulnerability in her eyes that his own tears fell.

"How can you love me? How can you love someone so broken and empty like me? I am a soul of empty words Altamash... an empty soul... don't do this to yourself please...,"

"I am not doing this... I am doing nothing... my LORD put this love in my heart. He made me fell in love with you... uski ibadat krna seekhaya hai tumne mujhe... I will always love you even when you won't... now do I need to cry in front of you so that you realize that my words hold meaning or what?,"

She just shook her head, who can she let him love her, his destruction. Altamash took her face in his hand as he turned her toward him.

"You may be a soul with empty words... an empty soul but I fell in love with your soul... not your beauty... I mean that was also a part but your soul and eyes are what attracted me... I saw your broken soul through your hollow hazel eyes and I was adamant to fill them with life... will you give me a chance mahajabeen? Will you let me love you and change this soul of empty words with a soul of a beautiful smile and inspiring words... will you let this soul of empty words be mine?"

She placed her head at his shoulder and he got her answer as he kissed her head with affection.

"Now let's go... Harris must be worrying about me. By the way, where is my brother? Is he ok?"

Mahajabeen tensed at the question as she looked at him with fear and that shook Altamash soul.

"Hey... hey... relax why are you looking pale suddenly? Tell me... where is Harris Mahajabeen?"

"Basit told everyone that you attacked him that night and ran away... I can't tell anyone about your whereabouts so I keep quiet... he was successful in spreading the rumors that you were trying to kill him so all your guards that survived that day and Harris was arrested... they were going to punished today,"

He was shocked but soon rage went through his veins as the thought of his people and his brother in danger registered in his mind.

He moved toward the bed and pulled the shirt that was lying there.

Mahajabeen was trying to stop him but his one glare was enough to seize her words.

"I love you, yes but my brother and people need me... I will surrender and tell everyone the truth... they can kill me but I will not let them hurt my brother... he is my responsibility,"

She just looked at him with fear, the fear of losing him again. She spent these two days on the edge of the knife but she knew he was right.

She nodded her head and guided him out of this place.

They can hear voices as they near the hidden door but before she can turn the knob, he turned her toward him and looked into her eyes with such passion that her heart squeezed inside her chest.

"I am a soldier mahajabeen... I am prepared to kill or die for my people. If I come out of this alive I want something... will you promise me to give the said thing?"

"I will...,"

Her voice is weak and feeble but he heard her.

"I want the most beautiful soul in the world as mine... I know you told me that you are a soul of empty words but I want to make you happy. I want to change the meaning of life for you... promise me that you will give this to me... if I came back. But if I didn't then promise me that you will live your life with a purpose... will you?"

She was having a hard time standing and listening to his words. She wanted to scream and deny but one look in his intense brown eyes and she nodded.

He placed his forehead on her as a sigh left his mouth. They were lost in thoughts when he spoke up.

"I am trained to fight till my last breath without the fear of death. But today I am scared...,"

She whipped her head up at his words, trying to find the strength to stop him.

"I am not scared of death... but I am scared that if I am killed today then how will I spend my life with you and make this beautiful soul mine...,"

Tears were flowing down her cheeks but his sad miserable smile was breaking her heart.

"Tell me something Mahajabeen... you once told me that you are not afraid to lose anything... for once can I be that person you are afraid to lose?"

Her breath hitched, the mere thought of him dying was suffocate her. She was shaking as she shook her head.

"Don't say this... nothing will happen to you... please,"

He got his answer and smile brightly. The journey of changing her broken soul into a lively one.

"Now come on... I have a brother to save,"

They moved toward the courtroom where the summon was conducting. He turned toward her as he stopped her from going inside.

"You don't have to go inside with me. This is my fight and I will win it. Just remember one thing, Princess... I love you for sake of My LORD... I love you for the love of Allah... so I know we will meet again... Till the next time princess... Allah Hafiz,"

She keeps standing there looking at him as he disappeared from her sight.

She mumbled a prayer for his safety and went inside as a royal member, not as a broken girl.

The king was sitting on his white throne as Basit Shah was standing close to him looking down at the younger prince of Basara Harris Murad Khan and all the royal guards of Basara.

The minister was ready to announce the death sentence when a roar stopped them.

"Stop this... I surrender myself...,"

The courtroom was buzzing with people's voice but suddenly silence engulfed it as he moved inside.

Harris whipped around looking at his brother with tears in his eyes, the tear of relief because he thought that Basit was successful in killing his brother.

Altamash looked at his younger brother mouthing 'I am here' and passing a small smile that was reciprocated.

Altamash was suddenly surrounded by the guards as they took him in front of the king and made him kneel.

The king looked at his condition and was confused. His son said that Altamash attacked him but the pale and weak stature of Altamash Khan confused and worried the king.

"Your majesty... I surrender myself but I want to pledge for myself before you make your final decision,"

"Proceed prince Altamash... I am waiting,"

Everyone in the courtroom was curious to listen to the prince while Basit was anxious as he opened his mouth to protest but his father stopped him.

"Baba... he is the culprit how can we...,"

"Stop it Basit... don't speak before you are asked for,"

Basit fisted his hand as he was worried about his fate.

"Thank you, your majesty... I am very grateful to you for this kindness...,"

He felt her presence before he saw her, he passed a beautiful smile to her as his eyes convey the message he wanted to hear.

"Your majesty... I wanted to give proof to you that I didn't attack crown prince Basit Shah. How can I have attacked him when I was fighting eight assassins in my chambers that night. You can see my wounds...,"

"He is lying Baba...,"

Basit speaks up again but the king glare stopped him. Aydin Shah nodded at him to continue.

"As I was saying before I was rudely interrupted... how can I attacked him when I was attacked that night... also why the crown prince didn't have one injury... I mean I am the skilled soldier but still, I am injured then how didn't he,"

The courtroom was suddenly booming with whispering and voices.

"Also thank Allah Pak... the wounds are not that much so I survived... I mean the leader was dumb to attack me with small blades and daggers... pathetic attempt if you ask me,"

The king was more confused at his words but the next moment he knew what Altamash khan did as Basit screamed spilling everything.

"Bullshit... they attacked you with swords laced with poison ivy. How can you survive... I have planned this well. You should have died,"

Everyone in the room was shocked but Basit Shah was the most astonished. Altamash smirked victoriously as he looked at the king who was shocked but ashamed of his son doing.

"I hope this is enough to rest my case your majesty... now you know what is right and what is wrong,"

Basit was burning in anger as he pulled his sword ready to attack but the king himself stopped him and slapped his son.

"I am ashamed to call you my son Basit... takes the prince to the dungeon... I will decide his punishment later,"

Basit was dragged away screaming and warning Altamash who was relieved.

The king was so embarrassed and ashamed as he turned toward him.

"I am really sorry Altamash... my son was stupid and blind by his rage. But don't worry he will get his well-deserved punishment. I understand if you don't want to marry my daughter anymore and broke the alliance... I can understand... please forgive us,"

The king bows in front of him but he quickly stopped the king saying the words with so much passion that the king was stunned.

"I don't want you to bow in front of me because of Basit stupidity... also I never said that I will break the alliance... I have come here to take my bride with me and I will only go back with my wife...,"

The king nodded his head in gratitude and looked at his daughter who had tears in her eyes after so many years but he knew that those are tears of happiness.

Harris hugged his brother and they have a moment but when he looked at her standing behind the curtain gazing at him he mouthed 'I love you for the sake of my Allah... you are mine now'.

She giggled at his words, thanking her LORD for this beautiful blessing, this amazing change in her life.

She is ready to go on this journey of change with him.

Because his love has the power to change her broken soul, a soul of empty words into something strong and beautiful.

.....

This story is very special for me... I hope you also like it...

With love... Fi'amaan Allah...

Allah Hafiz ❤️