Empire Ascension: The Rise of the Fated One-Chapter 162: Bairam Khan’s perils
Pakistan sultanate, Fort of lahore, evening on 21st March 1557.
In the dimly lit chamber of fort lord in the Lahore’s Fort, the tension filled the room.
Mughal officials stood with their heads bowed, the weight of Bairam Khan’s wrath pressing down on them. The flickering torchlight was witness to their grim predicament.
Bairam Khan clenched a bundle of papers with restrained fury. In a swift and violent motion, he thew it at their faces. The officials trembled as the sound of papers filled the room.
"What is this?" he thundered, his voice cutting through the silence like a blade. "The economy has declined so much in just a few days. And why am I receiving complaints of trade from outsiders?"
The officials flinched at his words. They were sweating profusely as they were newly promoted and well aware of his anger. Bairam Khan took a step forward, his eyes narrowing with a piercing gaze
"Don’t you understand how crucial trade is to our economy? How dare you allow such negligence? Do you realize how this tarnishes the image of the Mughal Sultanate? What am I supposed to tell the Badshah if foreign officials suddenly show up at the Mughal court?"
One official, his gaze fixed firmly on the ground, dared to respond with quivering voice, "Hazur(sir) , due to unrest among the civilians, some of our loyal supporters have looted non-Muslim traders and created havoc. "
Bairam Khan’s face reddened with rage. He took a step forward, his voice rising in fury. "Who gave them permission to do such a thing? Where were the Mughal soldiers?"
Another official, trembling, hesitated before speaking. "Hazur, we haven’t been able to restore order in the region. After the declaration that this land would be governed by Sharia law, many civilians took it upon themselves to attack non-Muslims, insisting they have no place here or demanding they convert to Islam. Traders were among those targeted. Reports indicate that many are fleeing to either the Persian Empire or the Bhargav Samrajya, where there is still tolerance and acceptance of non-Muslims."
In a flash, Bairam Khan grabbed the collar of the official. He pulled him closer with eyes blazing in anger. "Fools! Who will compensate for the loss of manpower now? Who will pay their taxes? Will their ancestors cover the losses, or do you expect their dead bodies to join our forces?
Suddenly, the cry of a newborn pierced the heavy atmosphere, and Bairam Khan’s expression softened instantly. He released the official and signaled for the maid to bring the child.
Turning back to the officials, he issued a stern command, "Do not misunderstand. Islam has its place, and law and order have theirs. Sharia is meant to be administered by nobles, not the ignorant masses. We need taxes to sustain the sultanate. Send farmans (royal decree) to all the maulvis to address this, or they will face heavy taxation instead. Now, leave."
The officials bowed deeply, their faces washed with relief as they quickly exited the room. The maid approached with the crying baby in her arms. Bairam Khan gently took his infant son, his stern demeanor melting into a tender smile.
He cradled the child gently, whispering, "Don’t cry, my mightiest boy. Abbu is here. There, there, my golden son."
The baby was wrapped in a delicate silk cloth. It cooed softly, oblivious to the world around him. Bairam Khan had waited long for this moment: the joy of fatherhood had finally graced his life, and he relished the warmth of the tiny life in his hands.
The heavy velvet curtains rustled as Nagma, his trusted maid and personal concubine wearing salwar wrapped in shawl, entered the chamber.
She approached Bairam Khan with a graceful bow as her eyes lingered on the newborn. "Mubarak ho, Hazur(congratulations sir)," she said, her voice smooth as honey. "Your son is as radiant as the leader befitting the mughal sultanate. "
Bairam Khan acknowledged her words with a brief nod, his attention still on the baby. He did not indulge in her flatter and with slight gesture summoned the maid. "Take the child to Salima begum."
He instructed her to leave as he gave her the child.
The maid carefully took the baby from his arms, bowing low before leaving the chamber.
The room fell into a more solemn silence as the curtains closed behind her. Bairam Khan turned his full attention to Nagma, as he caught his throat and warned, "You have the privilege to consult me, it doesn’t mean you would barge in unannounced."
Nagma choked as she managed to utter, "For..give ha..zur, go..od news."
Bairam Khan released Nagma and returned to his cushioned chair, his posture relaxed but his eyes sharp. As he settled, his arms rested on the throne’s armrests, and he gestured with a commanding yet measured tone, "Make sure it is good enough to lift my mood, or I might not let it pass."
Nagma bowed deeply, her face serious and apologetic. "Badshah has begun to take an interest in the teachings of Islam. He has decided to become a devoted follower."
Bairam Khan’s interest was piqued as he folded his one leg. He leaned forward with curiosity. "And how did this miracle come about?"
Nagma began recounting the tale with earnestness. "During a conversation, an imam emphasized that Allah could grant any wish to His greatest follower. When the Badshah asked if that meant returning his mother, the imam replied that if Allah wills, nothing is impossible, as He is the Supreme. Since then, the Badshah’s interest in Islam has deepened. He is also beginning to listen more and depend on me."
Bairam Khan’s laughed out loud, momentarily easing Nagma’s tension. "So childish... poor brat. If only his mother had agreed."
Nagma cringed at the comment but maintained her composure.
A rare smile tugged at the corners of Bairam Khan’s lips, his demeanor softening. "Good," he said in gentle tone. "What do you desire, Nagma?"
Nagma hesitated, her gaze dropping in embarrassment. "If it pleases Hazur, I wish to remain in your service. I want to please my Hazur who saved me from the slave traders and gave me this royal life."
Bairam Khan was genuinely pleased by her response. He gestured her to come close by raising his hands. Nagma slowly slid her shawl off, revealing her cleavage and moved towards him with deliberate, alluring steps. He reached out, pulling her close and guiding her to sit on his lap. Nagma’s face flushed as she felt his desire grow through her touch.
Embracing her waist, Bairam Khan’s hands slid over her soft thighs in appreciation. "If only other servants were as devoted as you," he murmured.
Nagma gently rubbed his arms which felt both intimate and soothing. "You seem troubled, Hazur. May I ask what’s troubling you?"
Bairam Khan sighed deeply. "It’s the Safavids from Persia. They’ve sent word that their official envoy will be coming to the Mughal court regarding recent troubles with merchants. Many non-Muslim traders have been looted and attacked, and those in the border areas have crossed into their territory as refugees."
Nagma’s expression grew serious at the mention of Persia, but her mood softened as she got the grasp and continued. "But isn’t it good that non-believers leaving themsel...?"
Bairam Khan’s grip tightened, his hand groping her bosoms firmly, causing her to gasp in surprise. "Women’s understanding is often shallow. No doubt the Qur’an has its wisdom.
He explained," It’s not about Islam its about economy. Those shia hypocrites will be collecting taxes and their economy will prosper. Do you understand what that means?"
Nagma, trying to shift the focus, gently guided his hand to her other bosom. "How would I know, Hazur? I only know that you are the mightiest man who can make this poor girl feel cherished."
Bairam Khan, pleased by her desperation, gave another appreciative squeeze. "You dare to change the subject. You deserve punishment, not the reward."
Just then, an urgent knock came at the door, interrupting their moment. Bairam Khan allowed the guard to enter, his expression shifting to one of concern. Nagma quickly stood up and adjusted her dress.
The guard entered with a pale face, urgency etched in his demeanour. He carried two sealed letters in his hands, bowing low as he approached Bairam Khan.
"Hazur, we received these two posts one after another. The one wrapped in saffron cloth is the most recent."
Bairam Khan took the letters. He dismissed the guard with a sharp nod. The chamber returned to its tense silence as he broke the seal." Let’s see the first one."
His eyes scanned the contents quickly. His expression got darkened, "These Rajputs," he muttered in frustration. "They can never achieve anything on their own."
He tossed the first letter aside and unwrapped the second one, wrapped with saffron cloth. As he read, his face transformed from seriousness to anger.
His hand tightened around the parchment, crushing it in a fit of rage.
He roared, tightening the parchment and crushing it in a fit of rage, "HEMUUU!!"
The letter included:
"To treacherous coward,
I am fully aware of your hand in sending the mujahedeens to disrupt our lands. But know this, their fate has been sealed, buried deep in the earth they sought to unsettle.
If not for my son’s demands, I would have already marched to teach you a lesson you would not soon forget. Take this as a final warning. Stay away from Rajputana.
Dismissing your involvement or evading responsibility will not save you in the future. The next time, there will be no letters, only consequences.
the one whom you owes an eye,
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A//N:
Glad with the response of past two days. I would like to thanks ABHI29 for 1 GT ,Saran_B_6171 for 2 GT, Sellmonbhai22 for 2 GT and Clautic for 1 GT tickets. Thanks for reading! :)
