Zaffar studied the Shah carefully and said, "your highness, you have something in your mind, please tell me what is that you seek.. " Shah said, "not bad Zaffar, you are learning quickly..! " he laughed, Zaffar said pointing towards the Shah and said, "I learn from the best.. "both laughed together.. the Shah said, "I heard that Princess Samyukta.. is the most beautiful woman in Hindustan.. I want her..I will make her my begum..I also want two thirds share of the booty you win.. "Zaffar was taken aback.. two thirds of the booty was fine.. but Samyukta..?? he too had her eyes on her.. he didnot let his feelings show.. he said, "as your majesty pleases..! " he replied with a bow..
The Shah clapped and said, "summon the general.. " the General came, he bowed to the Shah.. the Shah commanded, "give Zaffar twenty thousand men.. aid him also with some fine weapons.. "the General nodded and left.. then the Shah said, "come Zaffar, feast with me.. " Zaffar said, "sure.. "
Meanwhile in the city of Indraprastha, an attendant was standing before Pinaka, he said, "your majesty, there is a person named Badshah Khan, he is here to meet you.. he says he traveled from the land of Afghanistan.. " Pinaka looked at him and said, "what does he want? " the attendant said, "he is not saying the purpose of visit, he says it"s confidential.. he says he has only good intentions for you.. " Pinaka said, "ok, let him in.. "
In few minutes, Badshah Khan came before Pinaka and bowed, he said, "Prince..Greetings!..I am Badshah Khan.. a Pathan coming from Afghanistan.. " Pinaka smiled and said, "what is the purpose of your visit Badshah Khan.. I don"t think you traveled so far just to see me.. " Badshah Khan said, "yes my Prince, I have something to say.. I am here to talk about Zaffar and his strategy.. "
Pinaka looked at him with an intent expression, he said, "Badshah Khan.. if you are a spy.. you will be imprisoned till the war is over.. " Khan said, "no Prince, I am not related to Zaffar in any way.. infact I have a debt which I came to repay.. your father.. the great emperor Surya Gupta saved my life when I was a child.. my father took a promise from me to a.s.sist him when the emperor or his offsprings are in need.. I could be of use to you now.. if you don"t trust me.. I will go away.. but it"s my father"s death wish.. I came to respect it.. " Pinaka said, "there are still men like you.. who can do so much for a word..! I am very glad to meet you.. but before that I request you to be my guest, accept our hospitality.. rest for few hours.. then we will meet in the war room.. " Pinaka summoned an attendant and asked him to show Badshah Khan to guest quarters..
Once Badshah Khan left, he summoned Shiva and said, "keep an eye on Badshah Khan, he seems trustworthy, but we can"t take risk in the face of war.. "Shiva nodded and left. ..
Pinaka felt really curious about Badshah Khan, who traveled thousands of miles, just to keep his promise.. such men were rare.. if he proves himself worthy.. he would not let him leave.. Pathans were known for their bravery and loyalty.. he heard stories of their valour from travelers..
He closed his eyes, slowly Samyukta"s face came into his mind.. G.o.d.. he missed her.. they were newly married, but torn apart so soon.. he just waited for the precious moments he would spend with her in the future..