"Well, how are they?" Zukhruf inquired, dragging herself closer to her father, her legs folded under her, the olive folds of her traditional gown pooling softly around her. The sun was preparing to set, shining some of it's rays on the family who sat in the balcony.
"These are the tastiest barfis I have ever had," Governor Fazaluddin replied. Zukhruf beamed with joy, her eyes shining beneath her bangs as the middle aged man in the garments of a royal official before her enjoyed the sweets she had spent hours making.
"I thought you said mine were the best ones you have ever had," Saiqah Begum chided playfully, crossing her legs and smoothing the lilac fabric of her traditional attire, her dupatta settling gracefully over her lap.
"Well, no one can beat my daughter now can they?" He replied with a smile, his neatly kept short beard lifting with the motion. "But I must ask, what prompted you to get into the kitchen today, Zukhruf?"
"She overheard you saying you wanted to have something sweet today. And then she threw herself into the kitchen," Saiqah Begum replied, taking a sip from her cup.
The Governor's gentle brown eyes softened as he looked at his daughter. "My beautiful daughter. But you need not do this again, Zukhruf. You know how clumsy you can be. Don't go near the stove."
"Baba, I am fine! See," she urged, flinging her straight black hair over shoulder before stretching out her hands for her father to see.
The Governor held her wrists gentally with his calloused hands, carefully examining both her hands and foreams. "Alright, but..." He was interrupted by commotion from outside.
"What is that?" Saiqah Begum inquired, quickly getting up.
The Governor rose from his seat slowLy, tying his hands behind his back before moving in the direction of the noise. The mother and daughter followed him.
When they reached the courtyard, both the Governor's sons and daughters in law were already there. Before them was a short haired young man in dark blue royal garments being held by two guards. He raised his head and glared at the Governor as he approached. His older son, Shakeel was grabbing the young man by the collar.
"Kaamyar," Governor Fazaluddin spoke. He didn't sound annoyed, just tired. "I wish I could say this is a surprise." He looked over at the young brunette in pink who stood in the corner. She dropped her head before their eyes could meet. The Governor looked over to his wife. "Saiqah, escort Famina to her chambers."
Saiqah Begum nodded, leaving Zukhruf's side and hurrying to her other daughter and dragging her away by the arm as she struggled to break free.
"No! What the hell is wrong with you!" Kamyaar spat. "This is the tenth time, the tenth time you have turned away my proposal edict. Are you not afraid of the King?"
Zukhruf barely contained her anger. How dare he speak to her father like that? This was the son of her father's brother, her cousin. And he had been pining after her sister for years despite knowing very well that her father would never marry Famina to him.
Governor Fazaluddin raised a brow. "Why would I fear a King who is afraid of his own unruly son?" he replied. Kamyaar's nostrils flared at the audacity. "Besides, rejecting a proposal for my daughter is well within my rights as her wali. There is nothing the King can do about it."
"You are a vile man! I am the crown prince! Who dares reject my demands!"
"I dare," the Governor replied calmly. "You might be the crown prince out there but right now you are no more than an intruder."
"This bravery will cost you big time, Prince Fazaluddin," Kamyaar growled. "You'll pay with your blood."
Zukhruf's head shot up as she looked at her father horrified. Sensing her gaze, he turned and gave her a reassuring smile. Then he turned back to his nephew. "Return to the Capital, Kamyaar. And dare not cross the premises of my household or try to meet my daughter in secret anymore. Should you do it again, I'll be forced to forget the relationship between us and imprison you. The matter will then be presented before the Qazi."
Before he could reply, the Governor turned and waved his hand. "Show him out." The guards nodded as they dragged the struggling, furious crown prince out of the courtyard. Raheel and Shakeel nodded as they followed behind.
Once they were gone, Zukhruf followed her father to Famina's room where she sat with her head in her hands as Saiqah Begum stood beside her.
Seeing the Governor, she shot up, eyes red. "Baba, why are you doing this to me?"
The Governor raised a brow. "What am I doing?"
She stomped forward. "You know we love each other. You know I want to marry him. Then why, why are you ruining my future over a family feud!" She screamed, stomping her foot like a child.
Governor Fazaluddin looked at her from head to toe. "I told you not to see him again yet you invite him in through your window. What a shame."
Famina clenched her jaw. "You can't stop us from meeting. I won't marry anyone but him."
"As if you are worthy of marrying someone else," the Governor replied. "I dare say someone would want to make you their daughter in law after knowing you sneaked your lover into your father's house."
"Why are you doing this? What does this have to do with me? Why can't you just let me be!' She shook like a toddler throwing a tantrum.
"I have answered this question multiple times before, Famina. I am not interested in explaining it to you again. Either way, there is no nikkah without a wali and your nikkah cannot be established without my approval. Thus, I would appreciate it if you restrain yourself." Then, narrowing his eyes, he added, "And dare not let someone into my house without my approval again."
As he turned to leave, Famina yelled, "I'll go to court! I'll have them change my wilayah!"