A Slave who became Emperor Chapter 52

Zaffar studied the Shah carefully and said, 'your highness, you have something in your mind, please tell me what is that you seek . . ' Shah said, 'not bad Zaffar, you are learning quickly . . ! ' he laughed, Zaffar said pointing towards the Shah and said, 'I learn from the best . . 'both laughed together . . the Shah said, 'I heard that Princess Samyukta . . is the most beautiful woman in Hindustan . . I want her . . I will make her my begum . . I also want two thirds share of the booty you win . . '

Zaffar was taken aback . . two thirds of the booty was fine . . but Samyukta . . ?? he too had her eyes on her . . he didnot let his feelings show . . he said, 'as your majesty pleases . . ! ' he replied with a bow . .

The Shah clapped and said, 'summon the general . . ' the General came, he bowed to the Shah . . the Shah commanded, 'give Zaffar twenty thousand men . . aid him also with some fine weapons . . 'the General nodded and left . . then the Shah said, 'come Zaffar, feast with me . . ' Zaffar said, 'sure . . '

Meanwhile in the city of Indraprastha, an attendant was standing before Pinaka, he said, 'your majesty, there is a person named Badshah Khan, he is here to meet you . . he says he traveled from the land of Afghanistan . . ' Pinaka looked at him and said, 'what does he want? ' the attendant said, 'he is not saying the purpose of visit, he says it's confidential . . he says he has only good intentions for you . . ' Pinaka said, 'ok, let him in . . '

In few minutes, Badshah Khan came before Pinaka and bowed, he said, 'Prince . . Greetings! . . I am Badshah Khan . . a Pathan coming from Afghanistan . . ' Pinaka smiled and said, 'what is the purpose of your visit Badshah Khan . . I don't think you traveled so far just to see me . . ' Badshah Khan said, 'yes my Prince, I have something to say . . I am here to talk about Zaffar and his strategy . . '

Pinaka looked at him with an intent expression, he said, 'Badshah Khan . . if you are a spy . . you will be imprisoned till the war is over . . ' Khan said, 'no Prince, I am not related to Zaffar in any way . . infact I have a debt which I came to repay . . your father . . the great emperor Surya Gupta saved my life when I was a child . . my father took a promise from me to assist him when the emperor or his offsprings are in need . . I could be of use to you now . . if you don't trust me . . I will go away . . but it's my father's death wish . . I came to respect it . . ' Pinaka said, 'there are still men like you . . who can do so much for a word . . ! I am very glad to meet you . . but before that I request you to be my guest, accept our hospitality . . rest for few hours . . then we will meet in the war room . . ' Pinaka summoned an attendant and asked him to show Badshah Khan to guest quarters . .

Once Badshah Khan left, he summoned Shiva and said, 'keep an eye on Badshah Khan, he seems trustworthy, but we can't take risk in the face of war . . 'Shiva nodded and left . . .

Pinaka felt really curious about Badshah Khan, who traveled thousands of miles, just to keep his promise . . such men were rare . . if he proves himself worthy . . he would not let him leave . . Pathans were known for their bravery and loyalty . . he heard stories of their valour from travelers . .

He closed his eyes, slowly Samyukta's face came into his mind . . god . . he missed her . . they were newly married, but torn apart so soon . . he just waited for the precious moments he would spend with her in the future . .

Chapter end