While Azael Aftaab Murzaan, the Emperor, roamed the lands of Indira disguised as a sadhu, back at his capital Shesh-a-baad, Quila Kahan was faced with humiliation for his failure as Chief of the Murzaan Army, unable to account for the Emperor's disappearance. Mazala Shieza, with her mother-like stance in the Emperor's life, confronted Quila Kahan in his private official chambers, "What kind of Chief of Army are you? Half a moon cycle has passed, and there is still no sign of the Emperor!" Quila Kahan snapped back at her, "how dare you talk to me in this fashion? Don't forget your status in court, Mazala Shieza. I remember your days as a concubine to the former king." Mazala was furious, "don't you forget that your Emperor calls me Ammi (dearest mother), Quila Kahan. Now stop talking like one of the harem girls, and do your job. Find my king!" She stormed out in a commanding manner while Quila Kahan hissed at her, when a subordinate approached him and requested permission to enter the official chambers. The soldier reported to Quila Kahan that a sadhu resembling the Murzaan Emperor had been spotted a few nights earlier crossing the Northern borders of the Murzaan Empire. The guards at the border had laughed off the resemblance to the Emperor at the time, until they realised that the sadhu's companion matched Zulfi's description that was sent out for the Emperor's search. Quila Kahan's face turned red and he slapped the soldier with uncontrollable anger, "fools! All of you! Send out a search party for the Emperor to Indira immediately!" The fearful soldier saluted Quila Kahan and dashed out. Quila Kahan knew Emperor Aftaab's tendencies very well. This had to be one of the Emperor's stunts. Aftaab had sought permission to travel to Indira, and Quila Kahan had denied it. Yet he had gone anyway. But what concerned him was why? Why would Azael Aftaab go to such lengths for a mere kingdom like Indira? What was in that land that could tempt Aftaab for him to defy his own Kahan Baba? Quila Kahan failed to answer his own dilemma.
Emperor Aftaab had indeed found a temptation at Indira! He clutched onto Princess Veera's anklet, as he slid into the makeshift bunker his confidant Zulfi had set up near the borders of Indira. Zulfi, on alert, sighed in relief the moment he saw Azael Aftaab. He sat up muttering, "thank god, you're back. I've realised in just a day here at Indira that we Murzaans, especially you, are not exactly loved by the people." Aftaab smirked. He sniffed Veera's anklet passionately, as if the scent intoxicated him like his favourite drug. Zulfi watched the sight, confused by his King's strange behaviour, "except for that piece of jewellery, what did you find in Indira, my King? Anything worth possessing?" Aftaab didn't utter a word and smirked again. He sniffed the anklet one more time and said, "indeed!" Then, without another word or any justification, he turned to a less-than-comfortable corner of the bunker, clutched the anklet to his chest, and drifted off to sleep. Zulfi was left hanging without any explanation. Annoyed and uncertain, he tried to question his stubborn king, "so, we stay on in Indira?" But Aftaab was already asleep. Zulfi looked around at the cramped and unpleasant bunker and mumbled to himself, "I guess I'll just curl up here in the dirt and call it my bed."
That night, Princess Veera too couldn't sleep. She laid twisting and turning in her bed as she recalled that peculiar reflection, the face at the sacred pond of Goddess Indira, and wondered who she had seen and why she felt so restless. Princess Veera didn't know it yet, but she was feeling the pull of the universe towards her destiny! Princess Veera finally got up from her bed, unable to sleep, she walked up to a large brass oil lamp in her private quarter and lit it up, when Nehi, her personal daasi, checked in, "my Lady, may I help you?" Veera saw Nehi and instructed, "I am fine Nehi, please rest now, you need it." But Nehi was a sincere daasi and assured Veera, "I am fine, thanks to you, my lady. Now, tell me? What is bothering you so late at night and keeping your sleep away?" Veera was hesitant to share her vague thoughts and shrugged it off, "it's nothing Nehi." Nehi enquired again, "is it because of what Rani Roopai did at the sacred pond?" Veera was unsure of what Nehi was talking about. Nehi clarified, "forgive me, but is it because she insisted on Raja Maniket to accompany you." Veera broke into a smile recalling the awkward moment at the sacred pond, and shook her head, "that was, just, mother being a mother. I didn't mind it at all." Nehi jumped up in glee and excitement, "so you like Raja Maniket?" Veera composed Nehi's excitement, "Nehi, stop! I didn't say I like him. I mean." Nehi intruded, "don't play with my hopes, my lady. What is it? Do you like him or not? Because the King's and the Queen's intentions are very evident. And he is so handsome!" Veera was pleasantly surprised by Nehi's excitement, and she patted her shoulder, "I am glad to see that you are feeling better. I guess my sleep has returned now." Princess Veera smartly avoided the conversation and walked back to her bed, when Nehi continued to probe, "oh Veera! Forgive me for my excitement. I mean, my Lady, please tell me! Do you like him or not!?!" Veera blushed as she pretended to have fallen asleep. Daasi Nehi frowned in a childlike manner, disappointed to not have received an answer from the princess.
The following morning, Raja Moti Chandraprava called for a private meeting at his palace, inviting Rani Roopai, Princess Veera, and Raja Maniket. None of them were surprised as they already sensed the purpose behind the gathering. They assembled in the palace meeting hall, a special chamber within the Palace of Indira, reserved for an informal gathering to discuss matters concerning the family and the Chandraprava Kingdom. Raja Moti was already seated at the royal breakfast table, as Raja Maniket, Rani Roopai and Princess Veera joined him. Raja Moti greeted them all and casually chatted, "I decided to have a conversation in a less formal seating, as I believe matters of the heart are better discussed in this manner, and it is easier to speak of our intentions." All were seated and proceeded with their breakfast, as Raja Moti went on, "Raja Maniket Manan, you are one of the finest Kings I have ever come across, so I will spare you the chatter and get straight to the point. I admire your Kingship and your Dynasty for its strength, wealth, valor and morals. Even when we are seas apart, we share a common belief system of being humane. And so, I will not pretend about how much we need your support at this time, waiting for the Murzaan Empire to strike us." Raja Maniket thanked Raja Moti and confessed, "I must also speak with my heart, and tell you that even if I hadn't been invited by you, I would have still been here in your lands. I too have been looking out for an alliance in the Southern Lands who I could truly trust. As I had shared earlier with Princess Veera, it is time to tame Azael Aftaab Murzaan." Raja Moti was elated to hear of this and expressed, "and to form this alliance of trust and support, I want to offer my eldest daughter, Princess Veera's hand in marriage." Raja Moti turned to Princess Veera and said 'Dearest Veera, I am sure you know of my and your mother's intentions. But as a father, I cannot decide for you. Hence, I wanted to speak with everyone together, to do what is just for all of us." Princess Veera was tongue-tied. Rani Roopai coaxed her, "Veera, please speak, my child." Raja Maniket intervened, "...if I may say this, before you state your answer, or feel any pressure to agree to this alliance Princess Veera… that I would go through with this alliance with Raja Moti Chandraprava, regardless of you choosing me or not, because I want to take down the Murzaan Emperor. That is a promise. And if you do decide to choose me, then I will be the happiest man across the Zaleela and the Seas!" Princess Veera was proud of a man who was determined to bring the monstrous Emperor down and she stood up and announced, "I commend you, Raja Maniket for your determination. And father, I accept your proposal for the alliance. I will marry Raja Maniket Manan." Raja Maniket blushed at Princess Veera and so did she! Rani Roopai took notice of this and she rejoiced, as Raja Moti broke out in joy and celebration, "this is wonderful news! It is decided."
As the Royal Family of Chandraprava celebrates the good news of Raja Maniket and Princess Veera's union, Azael Aftaab Murzaan, was still wandering in disguise as a sadhu, and had returned to the food stall and settled into the same seat he had been offered the day before. He saluted the pot-bellied owner, who was displeased to see him again as it meant another free meal that he'd have to spare. The server muttered a warning to the owner, about the consequences of being generous to a wandering sadhu. Emperor Aftaab kept his eyes and ears open and listened intently as a group of local men nearby chatted animatedly. They spoke of how it was nearly time for Raja Moti Chandraprava's royal guests, the Kings and Princes, to take their leave, that their entourage was soon expected to depart from the palace gates. Emperor Aftaab leaned in and struck a conversation with them, "I've always been fascinated by the palace. I wonder what a King's bedroom looks like." One of the men taunted, "for a sadhu, you sure have some lofty desires." Emperor Aftaab played along, "I'm only human. Who wouldn't be curious? Imagine walking through their homes, seeing their private chambers, hearing their conversations." One of the men declared, "I've heard every inch of fabric in that palace is silk from the hills. Even the curtains." Another added, "And each royal family member has their own private quarters." Aftaab gestured towards the distant dome of the palace, "That must be the king's bedroom, right?" The two men had burst into laughter, "that? That's the dome of the main hall for political meetings with the ministry, silly. The private quarters are on the other side of the Palace." "I see", Aftaab replied and asked, "so, is the queen's chamber the biggest? Or the king's?" They all laughed at the cheeky humour. Then a third man contributed, "my father used to work at the palace as a gardener. My Baba told me the most exquisite part of the palace belonged to the eldest daughter, Princess Veera. She loves nature. Her chambers are in a quiet corner, full of flowers, fruit trees, and all her pets. She has her own private garden!" Emperor Aftaab listened carefully, when the owner announced "looks the kings and princes are leaving." And they all rushed outside for a good look. Aftaab too followed them.
The Indira Palace gates opened, and the entourages of visiting kings and princes began to depart. The crowd erupted in cheers and called out their farewell. The royal family of Chandraprava stood together, to bid their guests goodbye. From a distance, Emperor Aftaab watched the spectacle but he had other plans! He edged closer to the commotion, and blended into the chaos. Spotting a Chandraprava soldier stationed near the barricade, who was busy keeping the crowd in check, Emperor Aftaab slipped behind him. In a swift, silent move, he pulled the guard with one hand over his mouth to quieten him. No one even took notice of his disappearance, as the Chandraprava guard vanished into the sea of people who were cheering for the kings and princes.
At the Chandraprava Palace, once the Royal Guests departed, Rani Roopai told Raja Moti Chandraprava that she wished to visit Mayaila, the fortune teller, to deliver the news of Princess Veera's engagement herself. And Rani Roopai's palki, along with her entourage of guards and daasis, traveled into the forest, to Mayaila's broken-down hut. Rani Roopai met with her and shared the news of Princess Veera's engagement to Raja Maniket of Kalaneel Dynasty and mentioned how they might soon be the new rulers of the land. But to Rani Roopai's shock, Mayaila laughed like a lunatic to this auspicious news of hers that was so precious to her and mocked her. Rani Roopai was startled and immediately questioned her, "are you not pleased with the Chandraprava dynasty, Mayaila?" Mayaila mocked, "pleased? I pity you, Rani Roopai. You try every trick in the book to bend your daughter's fate. But what you fail to understand is that her fate is already written! Veera belongs to the Murzaans! Whether you accept it or not, she will marry a Murzaan! And you can do nothing about it" Rani Roopai's face stiffened in fury, "how dare you keep repeating such vile nonsense! I had come here to personally share the news with you". Rani Roopai turned to walk away, but Mayaila raised her voice, "do as you please, my Queen. But there is no use in fighting destiny. It does not need our help. It finds its own path and it always comes to life!" Rani Roopai's daasis rushed to her side and whispered, 'Let us leave, my Queen. She is a mad woman, she is not in her senses. Do not trouble your heart with her words." Rani Roopai silently walked away in disbelief and stepped onto her palki. The entourage began the return to the Palace of Indira. But even with the engagement sealed, Rani Roopai's heart remained heavy with Mayaila's foul words echoing in her head and heart. All she hoped for is for Princess Veera to be married to Raja Maniket at the earliest to ensure Mayaila's premonition was wrong.
When Rani Roopai returned to the palace that night, no one took notice of the shadow that walked among her guards. But hidden in plain sight, wearing the stolen uniform of a Chandraprava soldier, was Azael Aftaab Murzaan, the Murzaan Emperor himself! He was now inside the palace! The man they called the enemy, had crossed the gates of Chandraprava, not with an Army, but with tact, in disguise! And before a single guard could take notice of him, Emperor Aftaab, disguised as one of Chandraprava soldiers, slipped away from the entourage and disappeared into the inner wings of the palace, towards the private quarters of the royal family!
Inside, Princess Veera sat before her dressing table, while her daasi, Nehi and a few other daasis prepared her for bed. Her long, dark hair, soft waves cascaded down to her slender waist, and the daasis took special care of it with loban (fragrant resin burnt to purify the hair, fabrics, air, etc) and oil infused with countless herbs was massaged on her scalp and applied on her hair. It was an essential part of her nightly ritual. But the moment was interrupted as Rani Roopai entered the room. Princess Veera was taken aback to find her mother in her private chamber this late at night, and enquired with worry, "mother, is everything alright?" Rani Roopai caressed her face and nodded a yes, "just came to see you my darling." But Princess Veera wasn't convinced, and she ordered the daasis to leave them alone. Princess Veera sat down to comfort her mother, "you're already sad thinking about me leaving after the wedding, aren't you? You, emotional fool. First you set me up, then you're the one feeling bad about it." Rani Roopai chuckled, and hid her real worry, "that is the plight of a mother, Veera. Tell me, are you happy with Raja Maniket?" Princess Veera nodded confidently, "maa, it's not just shared values, we understand each other. And Raja Maniket hates Azael Aftaab Murzaan even more than I do." Rani Roopai retorted emotionally, "I have told you, Veera: stop taking that man's name again and again! I cannot tolerate this obsession any longer!" Princess Veera was taken aback to find Rani Roopai so troubled and Rani Roopai stormed out of her chambers. Princess Veera stared after her, confused. She whispered to herself, "what happened to maa? Why did she get so upset?" Princess Veera went to her bed with a troubled heart.
Moments later, deep into the night, Princess Veera finally slept undisturbed in her private chamber. The silence was broken by the soft rustle of a cloth: someone had entered her quarter! A shadow glided across the floor silently as the figure drew closer, step by step, until it stood beside Princess Veera's bed. It is Azael Aftaab Murzaan, in the flesh, inches away from Princess Veera! Princess Veera, unaware, laid asleep in her sheer nightgown and showcased her curves in silhouette. Emperor Aftaab's eyes shone with fascination and lust! From within his robes, he pulled out the same anklet. With care, he crouched and touched her gently with the anklet. The touch of cold metal disturbed Veera's sleep, as she shifted in her sleep. Aftaab froze for a moment there, yet watched her face. But she settled into deep sleep again. He dared to sit on the edge of her bed. His gaze trailed along her body. He leaned in, so close to her, he could feel the warmth of her breath. His fingers hovered just above her skin, from her legs to her waist, to her bosom, but not touching her. He brushed aside the strands of her long, dark hair from her bosom. Then, bringing his face close to hers, Aftaab whispered to Veera, "Princess Veera, you are mine now."