Topaz

Pakhraj had been busy decorating the room for her future distinguished guest, doing everything herself. But when she received news that the Minister of Culture, Mr. Malik Aman Khan, would be her guest the following night, she spared no effort in offering the finest hospitality. Yet, deep down, she wished that this new visitor would eventually leave her room empty and sad.

Late at night, as the streets of the city grew quiegt, noise, commotion, and color came alive in Pakhraj’s palace. Malik Aman leaned against the couch, sipping wine from time to time, enjoying every gesture and movement of Pakhraj. Her plump, fair face, half-bare back, swaying feet, and smiling red eyes created such a bewitching sight that Malik Aman Khan seemed to come alive in that moment—and the celebration grew even more intense.

When Malik Sahib began to regain his senses, he finally lost control. He cut his speech short and immediately ordered the room to be cleared. Within moments, the room was empty. Malik Sahib, overwhelmed by her beauty and charm, surrendered his restraint, not to her dark tresses, but to the cold topaz and pistachio hues of her silken embrace—an enchantment cast not by magic, but by her grace.

She thought that one day the world would forget her, and she considered revealing her feelings to the king. But after much patience, she gave up. Sitting in front of him, she held both his hands tightly and expressed her love in a tender embrace. Even though she knew this love might be fleetingknowing that someday, Malik Aman Khan would rest his head in another woman's arms, making the same promises and declarations. She was used to this life. She had been born into it. She had known many lovers whose love was confined to the darkness of her chamber.

But Malik Aman Khan’s love was different. It wasn’t fleeting. He had truly given his heart to Pakhraj. He wanted to make her the princess of his palace and marry her legally, with respect and dignity. For the first time, Pakhraj gave her heart in return—and she felt lucky to have found Malik Aman Khan.

Malik Sahib came to her palace every night and spent the whole night with her, but he was searching for the right moment to inform his family and formally adopt Pakhraj into his life. Finally, one day, he hosted a grand event at his bungalow under some pretense, inviting senior officials—and secretly invited Pakhraj as well. To his family, she was a surprise guest. Malik Sahib was so deeply in love with her that he went to great lengths to include her in his world.

Pakhraj had forgotten her own status and glory. All she cared about was pleasing Malik Sahib's family and impressing Yekharaj so that she could become his forever. On the day she went to Malik’s house, the evening began with laughter and dance. While other guests were lost in the celebration, Pakhraj stayed close to Malik Sahib, guided by his support.

After the event ended and the guests left, Malik Sahib decided it was time to introduce Pakhraj to his family. But the introduction sparked turmoil. At first, the family welcomed Pakhraj warmly, assuming she was the daughter or sister of another minister. But when Malik Aman Khan fully introduced her, the room fell silent.

When his father, Malik Nisar Khan, asked Pakhraj the name of her mother, his face darkened with anger. With a thunderous voice, he swore, "As long as I am alive, this relationship will never happen." Despite Aman Khan’s repeated pleas, Nisar Khan refused to reveal the reason for his rage. A cold silence fell between father and son, and their conversation ended abruptly.

Pakhraj was stunned. What had her mother done to provoke such hatred from Malik Nisar Khan? Confused and distressed, she returned to her home and went straight to her mother's room. With tearful eyes, she asked, "Do you know Malik Nisar Khan?"

Her mother froze at the name. Her lips parted in shock, but she quickly composed herself.

"Where did you hear that name, my child?" she asked.

Pakhraj told her the entire story in a single breath. Her mother sat down and wept bitterly. After several moments, unable to bear her daughter's repeated questions, she finally steadied herself and whispered the truth:

"Malik Nisar Khan… is your father."