“The Fall of a King: When Power Meets the Heart”

There was a time when Malik Samundar Khan was so powerful that no one dared to approach him without permission. In his household, he was the last word. No one ever questioned his authority — not even his own father. Malik Sahib was the respected chief of the village, the owner of a grand palace, and the father of five sons, each holding senior government positions.

If any village jirga failed to reach a conclusion, Malik Samundar Khan would take the matter to the king himself. His name carried weight and fear across the region.

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The Son Who Chose His Own Path

His youngest son, Feroz Khan, was studying law in Rakani. He was intelligent, busy, and determined to complete his degree. His parents decided to send him to Bazdan to continue his studies comfortably.

One day, Feroz Khan’s mother said, “Son, what are you doing in the city now? Stay in the village.”

But he replied gently, “Mother, I cannot live in the village. My future is in the city.”

His mother sighed and said, “You’ve broken my heart. We want to make you a bridegroom, but you’ve turned away.”

Feroz Khan was shocked. “Mother, how can you decide my life without asking me?”

She replied, “Your father, Malik Samundar Khan, has chosen a girl for you. The whole village knows about it.”

Feroz Khan tried to reason, “Mother, this is my personal decision.”

But she warned him, “Talk to your father before he comes home tonight. Otherwise, you’ll regret it.”

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The Clash of Honor

When Malik Sahib heard that Feroz Khan had refused the arranged marriage, his anger shook the house.

“How dare he defy me?” he roared. “My son challenges Malik Samundar Khan! Even the SHO cannot change my decision!”

He called for Feroz Khan’s mother and shouted, “If this boy marries without my permission, he will no longer be my son!”

Feroz Khan stood before him, calm but firm. “Father, I respect you. But I cannot live a lie. I’ve chosen Ayman.”

Malik Sahib’s face turned red. “Ayman? Who is she? What house does she come from? You’ve brought shame to this family!”

But Feroz Khan did not back down. He took Ayman’s hand and said, “Then I will leave this house forever.”

That night, he left the village with Ayman. They began a new life in the city — poor but peaceful.

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Love in Exile

Years passed. Feroz Khan and Ayman built a home filled with love and laughter. They had children and lived modestly but happily.

Yet, sometimes Feroz Khan would grow silent, lost in thoughts of his father. He missed him deeply, though he never admitted it.

Back in the village, Malik Samundar Khan’s power faded with time. His sons were busy with their own lives. His wife passed away, leaving him alone in the giant palace. Pride had turned into loneliness. The once-feared chief now cried alone in his room, weak and forgotten.

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A Son’s Return

One day, a villager met Feroz Khan in court and told him about his father’s miserable state. Feroz Khan’s heart trembled. That evening, he prayed to God for forgiveness.

He packed his things and took his family back to the village. When they arrived, Malik Sahib was too weak to speak. Feroz Khan cleaned him, changed his clothes, and brought him to the city for treatment.

For the first time in years, Malik Sahib saw kindness in the eyes of the son he had disowned. Tears rolled down his face.

He whispered, “Son, I wronged you. My pride blinded me. Forgive me.”

Feroz Khan held his hand and said, “Father, you are forgiven. Let’s forget the past. You are my Khan Baba again.”

Malik Sahib smiled faintly and blessed his son, his daughter-in-law, and his grandchildren.

In that moment, the once-proud chief found peace — not in power, but in love.