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Munshi Prem Chand's "Queen of the Heart" - A Story of Courage and Conviction

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Munshi Prem Chand's Story: Queen of the Heart

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Here, we present a priceless tale from Munshi Premchand, titled:

Queen of the Heart

As the fierce might of the valiant Turks shook the Christian world, their blood now stained the streets of Constantinople. This Constantinople, which just a century prior had found respite from Turkish terror, now soaks its heart in their crimson blood. The Turkish commander, with a hundred thousand troops, stands before Timur, awaiting the decree that will decide his fate. Timur raised his eyes, filled with the promise of victory, and roared like a lion at the commander, Yazdani, "What do you desire: life, or death?" Yazdani, head held high, proudly responded, "Life, if it be a life of honour, otherwise, death."

Timur's rage flared. He had humbled countless proud warriors. This response, however, ignited not just anger but a flicker of something else. The lives of a hundred thousand men lay in his hands. He could crush them in an instant. Yet, this unwavering demand for honour. The very notion implied a willingness for the lives of the commoners to be sacrificed for the luxuries of the wealthy; the lavish parties, the damsels of Armenia and Kaffa. No, Timur had not broken the pride of Khalifa Bayezid to allow the Turks to retreat to the same maddening freedom from Islam's restrictions. Why spill so much blood? The flow of human blood is not music, not a flow of elixir. It is a repulsive spectacle that makes one turn away, a sight that makes one bow low in shame. Timur was not a ferocious beast driven by an insatiable desire for such a horrifying view. He spoke, his words laced with contempt, "That which you call a life of honour is a life of sin and hell."

Yazdani had no hope of mercy or leniency from Timur. Neither he nor his soldiers could possibly survive. Why, then, this wavering? Why not seize the moment to express the profound disgust he felt toward Timur? He looked once, with sorrowful eyes, at the handsome youth, standing behind him as if bridling his own youthfulness. Steel gleamed in his very being. Yazdani, his gaze fixed upon the youth, sheathed his sword. Having swallowed the bitter taste of blood, he spoke, "Your Excellency, though victory is now in your grasp, if forgiveness is offered, let me say that these Turks have no need to learn from the Tatars about life or death. However, in a place where God pours out His blessings, to not enjoy them is to be ungrateful. If a sword alone were the hallmark of civilization, then the Gallic tribes would be far more civilized than the Romans."

Timur roared with laughter, and his troops drew their swords. Timur's laughter was like the thunderous crack of a falling thunderbolt.

Are the Tatars beasts?

I do not say so.

You say that God created you for pleasure. I say that is blasphemy. God created humans for devotion, and anyone who acts against this is an infidel, a resident of hell. The prophet came to purify our lives, to make us true human beings, not to teach us how to sin. Timur has undertaken the mission of purifying the world from this blasphemy. By the Prophet's footsteps, I swear, I am not cruel, not tyrannical, not merciless. But for me, the punishment for blasphemy is nothing but death.

He glared at the Tatar commander, and instantly, a god-like figure with a sword, approached Yazdani, his head already on the block. The Tatar army surged forward, swords clashing with the Turkish army, and in the ensuing chaos, countless bodies fell to the earth. Suddenly, the very youth, standing behind Yazdani, stepped forward, confronting Timur, as if to crush death between his small hands. He spoke, "Oh, ruler who calls yourself a Muslim, is this truly the teaching of Islam? That you should shed the blood of these valiant men, who have committed no other offense than defending their Khalifa and their countries?"

Silence descended. A youth, whose eyes were not yet dimmed by the passage of time, had dared to challenge Timur with such boldness and blunt words. All were stunned into silence; Timur, enthralled, gazed at the youth.

The youth turned to the Tatar soldiers, their faces gleaming with anxious anticipation, and said, "You call these Muslims infidels, and claim that killing them serves God and Islam? I ask you, if those who bow only to God and hold the Prophet as their guide are not Muslims, then who are? I say we are infidels, but are you truly Muslims, who sanction the massacre of imprisoned captives in the name of God? If He has granted you strength, power, is it for this purpose that you shed the blood of His creatures? Do you believe that by killing the guilty, you steer them toward righteousness? How many valiant Turks were you willing to betray and lead to their deaths through hidden passages, and how many innocent children and women were you willing to leave orphaned? Tell me, what were the deeds, upon which you, as a Muslim, claim pride? Have your armies not been soaked with blood, murder, and floods of corpses, and therefore not served to bury Islam? These valiant Turks are who spread the unity of faith across Europe. Today, within the churches of Sofia, the sound of Allahu Akbar reverberates. All of Europe is poised to embrace Islam. Are such atrocities worthy of such rewards? Cast away from your heart the delusion that you are serving Islam through violence and cruelty. One day, you will have to answer for your deeds before your Creator; there will be no excuse. If within you lingers a sense of right and wrong, ask yourself: Did you undertake this holy war for God or for your own desires? I know the answer, and it will cause your head to hang in shame."

The Khalifa was still bowing his head when Yazdani, voice trembling, pleaded, "Your Excellency, this is the son of a slave. He is possessed by some dark influence. Your Excellency, pardon his insolence. I am ready to accept punishment for his words." Timur stared intently at the youth's face. For the first time in his life, he had heard such fearless words. Never had the tongues of generals, ministers, or kings dared to speak so freely before him. Whatever he uttered became law, an immutable decree. His sycophants had inflated his importance to unimaginable heights. He believed that God had sent him into the world to revitalize and reform Islam. While not claiming prophethood, this unshakable conviction consumed him. But now, a youth, ignoring the terror of death, had stripped away the veil of glory from his deeds. Rage and violence were replaced by a sense of awe. His gaze, a whisper, could extinguish the life of the youth, who stood before him, a tiny child trying to hold back the vast ocean's tide with outstretched hands. How absurd was his courage, and yet, how profoundly self-assured he was. Timur felt a profound sense of weakness before this unarmed child. Such courage can only stem from an unwavering belief in truth. His soul yearned to cling to the youth's garments.

Yazdani repeated, "Your Excellency, do not take his insolence to heart."

Timur immediately rose from his throne and embraced Yazdani, saying, "Oh, if I had only heard such outspokenness earlier, so much innocent blood would not have stained my hands! I see a soul of an angel in these words, sent to guide such misguided souls like myself to the path of righteousness. My friend, you are fortunate to have such a divinely-inspired son. May I ask his name?"

Yazdani, once an idolater, later a Muslim, had still questioned why he embraced Islam. Now, the youth, condemned to death, felt as if a messenger had reached out to him. With a deep voice, he said, "He is called Habib."

Timur went to the youth, took his hand, and, looking him in the eyes, said, "My valiant friend, you are truly a beloved of God. I am the sinner who, in my ignorance, always confused my sins with righteous acts, since I was told of my flawless nature. I now understand how greatly I have harmed Islam. From today, I shall follow your path. You are my guide, you are my savior. I am now convinced that through you, I can reach the gates of God."

As he spoke, he looked at the youth's face. A blush of shame tinted his cheeks. The sternness had vanished, replaced by a gentle shyness.

The youth bowed his head and said, "It is the honour bestowed upon me by Your Excellency, for I am of little consequence."

Timur drew him close, seated him on a nearby throne, and commanded his general, "Release all the Turkish prisoners; return their weapons; and divide the plundered goods equally amongst the soldiers." The minister promptly began implementing the decree. Timur, holding Habib's hand, retreated to his chambers, to plan a feast in honor of his guest, and to speak of his experiences, filled with acts of inhumanity and barbarity committed under the mistaken belief that he was obeying God's commands. He cried, and sobs choked his voice.

Finally, he said to Habib, "My valiant friend, only you can now guide me. Now that you have shown me the way, you must lead me to salvation. Only you can now lead me to salvation. Now, I understand that I was leading my people down a path of destruction. I implore you to take on the office of the Grand Vizier. Please, do not refuse; without you, I am lost."

Yazdani replied, "Your Excellency, while expressing such great kindness, such a young man is not qualified for such a position. He is still in the days of learning."

Timur's pleas continued, while Yazdani maintained his refusal. Though his words were a negation, his chest swelled with pride. Musa sought fire, and found prophethood. He sought death, and found the Vizier's position. Yet, doubts lingered. The future was uncertain. Would his joy last? The court was rife with intrigue.

He sought a day's respite to consider this matter and departed.

Habib was not Yazdani's son, but his daughter. Her name was Ummul Habib. When Yazdani and his wife converted to Islam, she was only twelve years old. Nature had bestowed upon her sharp intellect, creativity, and a b sense of independence. She would accept nothing without first testing its validity. Her parents' conversion had troubled her, but she would not embrace Islam until her own independent study was complete. Her parents desired no pressure on her, just as they had the right to change their beliefs. She consented, but embarked on a comparative study of Islam and Zoroastrianism. After two years of research and reflection, she embraced Islam. Her parents were overjoyed. She embraced her faith not out of pressure but through her own volition, investigation, and conviction. The doubts that had plagued them vanished.

Yazdani had no sons. In an era where a man's sword was the highest court, the absence of a son was considered a profound tragedy. Yazdani yearned for a son, hoping to find fulfillment in his daughter. He arranged for her education, dressing her in male attire, training her in horsemanship, swordsmanship, and often accompanied her to Khalifa Bayezid's court, where she enjoyed hunting alongside princesses. She immersed herself in philosophy, poetry, science, and spirituality. At sixteen, she enrolled in a military academy, graduating at the top of her class and joining the army. Her skill and knowledge of weaponry and military strategy impressed Khalifa Bayezid, leading to her rapid advancement to a position of considerable command.

Such a woman attracted many suitors. Numerous officers and young men of the royal family fell in love with her, but she remained unmoved. She held little interest in marriage. How many women are married under great expectations, only to be confined within the walls of a palace and treated with disdain? Their fates are dependent on the whims of men.

She frequently interacted with women from prominent families. Listening to their sorrowful tales of confinement, she grew to despise marriage and servitude. Yazdani never sought to dissuade her independence.

Though a woman in male attire associating with men was frowned upon, both Yazdani and his wife trusted her integrity. Habib's conduct and character held no hint of impropriety. In the tumultuous sea of youth and desires, the courageous girl, twenty-four, stood firmly, and confidently. As if all men were her beloved brothers.

The celebrations in Constantinople, Habib's honor, and the praises showered upon her are simply too numerous to list. The city could be on fire, palaces and bazaars consumed by flames. The magnitude of the man who saved the empire and city from such disaster is difficult to fathom. The city and its people expressed their reverence, love, respect, and joy in countless ways. Her actions had elevated the standing of countless women.

Timur's proposal was discussed late into the night. Yazdani, seated on a large, cushioned chair, stood out with his brilliance and wisdom. Beside him sat his wife, in a Persian robe, her eyes radiating compassion and trust. On his left, Ummul Habib, enchanting in a woman's attire, exuded purity and an aura of self-control.

Yazdani, objecting to the proposal, stated, "I do not wish to speak for myself, but if I may offer advice, I bly urge you to reject this proposal. Timur's true nature cannot remain hidden for long. I cannot say what the consequences may be. However, it is important for you to understand that your reputation in this matter can be tarnished."

His wife, concerned about public perception, voiced her objection, "I have heard that Timur is not a man of good character. I will not let you marry such a man." The world will mock us.

And so, the man and woman engaged in considerable debate and various suspicions, but Habib maintained her silence. Yazdani assumed she agreed with their opposition. Only then, did Habib speak, "What will you tell Timur?"

"I will tell him what we have decided."

I've yet to say anything.

I thought you agreed with our decision."

No. Tell him that I accept his offer.

Her mother put her hand on her chest, "What are you doing, my daughter? Think of the world's judgment." Yazdani, too, sank into deep thought, as if a bullet had struck his heart. He was speechless.

Habib, with determination, stated, "Mother, I do not wish to disobey you, nor do I seek to anger you. You have the right to forbid me from accepting this offer, but this opportunity to serve the kingdom will likely not present itself again, and I will regret missing this chance forever. I am certain that I can transform Timur, showing him that religion is about service, not plunder and murder. He is brave, but not cruel. No truly brave person can be cruel. Whatever he has done so far is driven by passionate religious fervor. Today, God has given me the chance to demonstrate that religion is about service, not about plunder and murder. I have no fear for myself. I am able to take care of my safety. I am confident that by fulfilling my duties with honesty and integrity, I can silence even the voice of my enemies. Even if I fail, isn't the sacrifice for the truth the greatest victory? By following the principles I have adopted, I have never been misled. And it is by their grace that I have been honored with this great opportunity, a life dream for many powerful figures. My trustworthy companions will never betray me. Even if Timur learns the truth, I fear nothing. My sword can protect me. You know my feelings about marriage. If I find a man whose soul I adore, whose presence elevates me, I will humbly prostrate myself before him, surrendering to his gaze. "

Yazdani embraced his daughter with joy. His wife, however, was not as easily reassured. She would not leave her daughter alone; she would accompany her.

Several months passed. The youth, Habib, became Timur's Vizier, but he was, in reality, the true ruler. Timur saw, heard, and thought through Habib's eyes. He desired Habib's constant presence, finding solace in his company. In Samarkand, no one envied him. His actions had captivated everyone, as he never deviated from justice. Those who passed through the grinder of his justice still respected him, for he never made justice overly harsh.

It was evening. The kingdom's officials had departed. The lamps in the chandeliers illuminated the chamber. A delightful fragrance filled the room. Habib was about to rise when the usher announced, "Your Excellency, Your Highness is arriving."

Habib was not pleased by the news. Unlike other ministers, he did not crave Timur's company. He always tried to avoid the royal presence. He rarely dined at the royal table. When he found moments of peace, he would return home to his mother, recounting the day's events, seeking her approval.

He went to the door to greet Timur. Timur, upon sitting on the throne, remarked, "I am surprised that you, Habib, spend your youth in such a withdrawn manner. God has endowed you with such beauty, that the most beautiful of women would be honored to be your beloved. I do not know if you are aware of this, but when you ride out on your magnificent steeds, thousands of eyes in Samarkand yearn to catch a glimpse of you. But I have never seen you looking in anyone's direction. My God is my witness, how I yearn to follow in your footsteps. I desire a life like yours, detached from the world, yet connected to it. But I lack the heart and mind to achieve this. I am constantly beset by my own wrath. You disperse love and light wherever you go, while I spread hatred and doubt. Those who should be my friends are my enemies. There is only one place where I can find peace. If you truly understand me, consider the throne and crown to be obstacles on my path. By God, today, I will shatter them. My request to you is that you show me the path to true happiness. I desire for you to remain in this palace, so that I might learn the secrets of a true life."

Habib's heart pounded. Had Timur perceived her feminine nature? He could not formulate a response. His gentle heart was touched by Timur's poignant confession. The world trembled at the name Timur, and yet, he stood before Habib, a supplicant begging for his guidance. In Timur's stern, harsh, and violent demeanor, Habib saw a faint flicker of gentle light, as if a soul looked in from within. His life, once filled with a sense of spiritual emptiness, now seemed insignificant.

With a gentle voice, he said, "Your Excellency, I am deeply honored by your esteem, but it is not fitting for me to dwell in the royal palace."

Timur inquired, "Why?"

"Because where wealth abounds, so do thieves; and where respect is great, so are enemies."

"Even you might have enemies."

"I will be my own greatest enemy. Pride is the worst enemy of humankind."

Timur was delighted, as if he had discovered a precious jewel. He felt a sense of satisfaction. With these words, he said, "Habib, you will never be under my control. You are a bird that soars through the sky. Even if you were confined within a golden cage, you would still flutter and yearn for freedom. Farewell."

Timur turned and walked towards his palace as if to safeguard the treasure he had found. Though these words were not new, the wisdom, guidance, and inspiration they offered were unprecedented.

Rebellion broke out in the region of Istakhar. Habib feared Timur might unleash bloodshed upon the rebels. He wished to resolve the conflict peacefully, demonstrating the power of harmony to Timur. Timur did not want to send Habib on this mission, but he was powerless against his insistence. When Habib found no other solution, he said, "Your Excellency, how can a servant endanger your safety?"

Timur smiled, "My safety is secondary to yours. Habib, I have always put personal safety at risk. What lasting legacy have I left behind beyond murder and conquest? Let me assure you, no one will weep for me when I am gone. Robbers like me will continue to exist. If harm comes to your enemies, this kingdom will be reduced to dust; then I will have no other option but to face my own demise. I cannot express my gratitude to you, Habib. If only you had been with me ten or fifteen years ago, Timur's name would not have been associated with such savagery. If needed, I would gladly sacrifice a hundred Timurs for your safety. Know that my soul is with you. Today, I confess my love for you. What is wrong with expressing my love for you?

Habib said with a pounding heart, "If I deem it necessary, I will let you know."

Timur, placing his hand on Habib's beard, said, "As you wish. But continue sending couriers every day, lest I become restless and leave."

Timur showered Habib with affection, preparing his journey with extraordinary care and generosity. What luxuries would he find in this distant land? Timur was concerned, as if he were sending his beloved daughter off to marriage. When Habib led the army, Samarkand followed him, and Timur sat on his throne, a handkerchief covering his eyes, bowing his head as if a bird had been wounded.

Istakhar was a Christian district. Muslims had conquered it, establishing laws that constantly reminded the Christians of their subjugation. The first law was the jizya, which all Christians had to pay, while Muslims were exempt. The second law prohibited the ringing of bells in churches. The third law was actively resisted, and when Muslim officials attempted to enforce it by force, the Christians revolted, imprisoning the Muslim governor and hoisting the Christian flag on the fortress.

Habib, on the second day of his mission, had to resolve this crisis. His compassionate heart felt that these restrictions against the Christians were meaningless. All faiths deserved respect, but the Muslims would never agree to end these injustices. Would Timur be willing to grant them freedom? His religious beliefs, while showing some signs of openness, would still oppose it. Was it proper to punish the Christians for fighting for their religious freedom? How could he justify such an act? He must uphold the truth, regardless of the consequences.

The next day, Habib issued a proclamation, "The jizya is abolished; there are no restrictions on the sale of wine or the ringing of church bells." A commotion arose amongst the Muslims. This was blasphemy, a transgression of the sacred laws. The very Islam Timur had drenched in his blood had been undermined by his own Vizier, Habib Pasha. The balance had shifted. The royal army sided with the Muslims. Habib sought refuge in the Istakhar fortress. The combined strength of the Muslims and the royal army surrounded the fortress, believing Habib had revolted against Timur, dispatching messengers to explain the situation.

Half the night had passed. Timur had received no news from Istakhar for two days. Various suspicions arose. He regretted allowing Habib to go alone. Granted, Habib was wise, but what if the rebellion gained momentum? How would he, with a small number of troops, face this situation? The Christians of the region were notorious for their rebellious nature. If they knew Timur's resolve had weakened, and that he now preferred the comforts of the palace, their courage would redouble. If Habib were caught in a siege by the rebels, the situation would be disastrous.

He placed his hand on his heart, and pondered his own misfortunes. Why had he become so weak? Had his courage and prowess deserted him? The man whose name instilled fear in his enemies now hid in the palace, ashamed. The world might see him as a weak leader, no longer a lion of the battlefield, but a caged creature. Habib was an angel, unaware of human wickedness. This angel of mercy, compassion, and integrity, what could he know of humanity's capacity for evil? In times of peace, such discussions would lead the people and nation to greater heights, but not during war, when the flames of passion rage. Then, only the victor prevails, the one who delights in bloodshed, who burns fields, razes forests, and destroys cities. The rules of peace are different from the rules of war. A sudden messenger arrived from Istakhar, and reported a courier's arrival at the fortress. The courier bowed deeply, then stood at attention.

Timur, placing his hands on his shoulders, asked, "What news do you bring?" It had taken three days.

The courier bowed low once more and said, "Your Majesty, the Vizier has waived the jizya." Timur thundered, "Waived the jizya? What does he say?"

"Yes, your majesty."

"Who did this?"

"The Vizier, Your Majesty."

"By whose order?"

"By his own order, Your Majesty."

"Indeed."

"And your Majesty, he has also lifted restrictions on wine."

"Indeed."

"And your Majesty, he also allowed the ringing of church bells"

"Indeed."

"And your Majesty, the Christians attacked the Muslims."

"What shall I do?"

"Your Majesty is our protector. If we do not receive your aid, not one Muslim will survive."

"Where is Habib Pasha?"

"Within the Istakhar fortress, Your Majesty."

"And what are the Muslims doing?"

"We have surrounded the Christians within the fortress." "Including Habib."

"Yes, your majesty, he has rebelled against you."

"And my loyal Muslims have imprisoned him. It is possible that they may execute him by the time I arrive. Get away from me, you scoundrel. The Muslims believe Habib is my servant, and I am his master. That is wrong, a lie. Habib is the master of this realm, and Timur is merely his humble servant. Timur cannot interfere with Habib's decisions. Of course, the jizya should be waived. I have no desire to demand payment for their faith. Nor is it my intent to prevent the ringing of bells in churches. Blasphemy is committed by those who seize the rights of others, oppress the poor, are deceitful, and selfish. Those who see God's light in dust or stones, in rivers and mountains, in trees and plants, are not infidels. These people, even more devout than us, find divinity in mosques. All of us are servants of God. To believe that, is not blasphemy. We are all God's servants. Go now, and tell these rebellious Muslims to lift the siege, or Timur will arrive like doomsday. "

The messenger was stunned. Suddenly, the bugle sounded, and the troops prepared for battle. On the third day, Timur arrived in Istakhar. The siege had been lifted. The fortress's cannons welcomed him. Habib realized that Timur was coming to punish the Christians. The Christians were rejoicing, but Habib was prepared for confrontation. If his life were to be sacrificed to protect Christian rights, he would be satisfied. There could be no compromise on this issue. If Timur intended to use his sword, it would be met with his own. But, what was this? The royal army was waving a white flag. Timur had come not to fight, but to seek reconciliation. Habib, accompanied by Christian leaders, emerged from the fortress. Timur, alone, rode his horse towards him. Habib dismounted and greeted him with respect. Timur also dismounted and kissed Habib's forehead, saying, "I have heard everything, Habib. You have done well, and done exactly what no one else could have. I have no desire to collect jizya or take away the rights of Christians. Today, I will issue a decree to confirm these facts, and then I will present a proposal that has been in my mind for some time, and I hope you will agree. You must. "

Habib's face turned pale. Had the truth been revealed? He was apprehensive. What was this proposal?

Timur smiled, "You were ready to fight me."

Habib, blushing, replied, "Before truth, even Timur's power is insignificant."

"Indeed. You possess the heart of an angel and the courage of a lion. But you mistakenly believed that Timur could overrule your decision. This nation is not the possession of a single man, but a tree, in which every branch and leaf receives equal nourishment."

Both of them entered the fortress. The sun had set. The court convened, and Timur recognized the religious rights of the Christians. A chorus of voices arose, "May God grant our Emperor a long life!" Timur responded, "My friends, I am unworthy of your prayers. I did not gain anything by taking your rights; I am not deserving of your prayers. Instead, may you curse me for my past actions. My friends, along with these rights, I return your sovereignty to you. In God's eyes, all people are equal. No nation or individual has the right to rule over another. From now on, you are your own rulers. I hope you will never deprive your Muslim brothers of their rights. However, if a tyrant nation ever threatens your freedom, Timur will always be your protector."

The celebrations in the fortress had ended. The nobles and officials had departed. Only Timur and Habib remained in the chamber. A gentle smile played on Habib's lips, a smile that was usually concealed by gravity. A blush tinged his cheeks, and a spark ignited in his eyes. He had joked with Timur many times, laughed with him many times. His feminine spirit had taken precedence over his position of authority.

Suddenly, Timur said, "Habib, I have always listened to you. Now, I present you with the proposal I have spoken of. You must accept it."

Habib, heart pounding, bowed his head and said, "Command me."

"First, promise that you will accept."

"I am your servant."

"No, you are my master. You are the light of my life. I cannot fathom the blessings you have bestowed upon me. Until now, I considered this realm the most precious thing in my life. For this, I have done what I should not have done. I have stained my hands with the blood of my own people and foreigners. My work is now complete. I have laid the foundations; you are responsible for building the structure. My only request is that from now on, you are the guardian of this kingdom, both during my lifetime and after my death." Habib said, "Such a great burden. My shoulders are not b enough."

Timur said in a determined voice, "No, my dear friend, this is my plea."

Habib, with a shy smile, replied, "I accept."

Timur said with joy, "May God protect you." But what if it were revealed that Habib was a young, innocent girl?

Then, she would become the Queen of my heart as well as my realm."

"You were not at all surprised."

"I knew."

"Since when?"

"When you first looked at me with those cruel eyes."

"But you concealed it well."

"You taught me."

"How did you know?"

Timur, with a mischievous glint in his eyes, said, "I will not reveal that."

This Habib is now known as the Lady Hamiid, Timur's wife.

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