#rangrez

Ram lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling. The room was silent, but his mind buzzed with thoughts of Kainat. Her laughter echoed in his ears, her smile painted vividly in his mind. He wondered if she was thinking of him too, and the thought warmed him. Kainat, miles away, sat by her window, gazing at the stars. Each twinkle seemed to reflect Ram's eyes, the way they crinkled when he smiled. She replayed their conversations, his words resonating with a depth she hadn't felt before. She hoped he was thinking of her too, the possibility sending a shiver down her spine.

-

It was around seven in the morning when Ram stepped out of his place to meet someone. He had received a tip-off from his informer about a significantly new lead in the underground revolutionary movement. A wealthy woman, known for her unwavering support of the cause, had deposited funds into the movement, enabling them to execute their plans for mass protests and riots against the British regime. Seeing the conditions, it was likely a woman from rich business households.

Ram felt both excited and worried. He just had to find proof to show that a woman was behind the funding. Immediately his informer handed him a yellow, orange and red band, a seemingly subtle bracelet but it held the weight of truth within its fibers. He carefully kept the band safe and let his source know of future plans.

It was only ten by the time he was done, maybe he could stop by Akhtar's place? The break he got right now from the duties was great, his work was to track down potential revolutionary leaders. If he was able to catch the woman his source mentioned, what if he would be able to get a promotion? Ram carefully pulled out the band from his pocket, eyeing it. It looked handmade, and durable. He pocketed it, walking back his own home.

Kainat made her way to Akhtar's home. She couldn't help but remember what Ram has said and she was determined to deliver another dish so his uncle could also relish some taste. As she was about to enter, Kainat heard the familiar sound of engine and turned to see that Akhtar has just come home. Although, he looked tensed and anxious. His eyebrows furrowed and his usual cheery smile was missing from his face. Akhtar immediately locked eyes with Kainat. "Bhaiya, what happened?" She asked, looking up at the broad shoulders. She unconsciously realised Ram is shorter than him.

Akhtar gave her a long look. "Nothing" he muttered. "Are you sure? You look like you just lost something worth a million diamonds" Kainat smiled, trying to lighten the mood. Akhtar could only smile back, faking it, not sure how to tell. He was in an underground meeting when some constables found the address and started arresting the freedom fighters. Akhtar lost the bracelet Kainat made them.

"Bhaiya?" Kainat snapped him out of trance and he looked back at her sweet face. "Hm? What?" He asked, missing whatever she said. "I said can you drop me at Mr. Ramaraju's place?" Akhtar's smile turned genuine at her request. "Of course. Do you guys want to talk about something?" Kainat blushed. "Nothing serious, he just invited me there." "Oh did he now?"

Kainat sat behind Akhtar on his motorbike, riding away to Ram's. Akhtar led her way, opening the door to his place. Ram wasn't seen anywhere, so Akhtar called out for him. Kainat caught a sight and went inside his room, since she couldn't help but rake her eyes at the books that lined up each crevice of his room. All kinds of books. She wondered if she would find something interesting in his pile. Kainat heard a distinct chatter, and found Ram talking to Akhtar. She entered the room, to see Ram's bare chest on full display. He must not have noticed her yet, as he was still taking his time wearing his tshirt. Kainat couldn't help but sneak glances- his loose shirt with straps does no justice. To avoid the awkwardness, Kainat went back in his room to keep the dish in kitchen.

"You never invite me" Akhtar's statement pulled Ram out of the blush on his cheeks. "What?" He asked, staring at Akhtar.

"You invited Kainat. She's inside. But you never invite me"

Ram's lips pressed in a thin line. "That's because you're always here" he muttered, and wore his tshirt. Akhtar squinted his eyes. "Anyways, I'm gonna go, I have work at mechanic shop" Ram nodded. "Enjoy" Ram turned to him in confusion, only to find Akhtar gone.

Ram snapped his fingers, pulling Kainat out of her daydreams. "How are you feeling now?" Ram asked, and Kainat smiled. "You helped" she said, and Ram reciprocated her smile. "Tell me more about yourself" she hugged her knees closer and sat how she did when they both were sitting on floor. Ram stared up at the ceiling, his Adam's apple bobbing. Kainat shut her thighs. "I'm not really interesting I guess. I wake up before sun and go for a run. Do some archery, bath in the river. Work a little" Ram shrugged and looked back at Kainat. "I can see" she said with a mischievous smile, and Ram chuckled. "I mean, I've never really seen any men as fit as you so" Kainat tried to state a matter of fact, but her smile made Ram feel the sarcasm. He cocked his eyebrows, and shook his head. "What about your parents?" Ram's smile fainted at her question. "Passed away when I was young" Kainat's smile also disappeared at his answer, muttering a "mine too". Ram turned to her.

He stepped in his room, to see Kainat sitting on the floor, between the building of piles, reading the back of a book. He stared at her, closely. Her hair was dark, pulled at one side and she was wearing a simple pink kurti set. Both her hands had bangles adorning and circular earrings. He must have sighed loudly, for her to turn her head and peak. "Mr. Ramaraju?" Ram smiled lowly to himself. "You can call me Ram, please"

Kainat stood up, the voice of her payal matching. Her kurti has a square neck, letting him peek at her collar bones. A thin dupatta was on her shoulder. "Akhtar bhaiya?" She asked, and Ram heard her voice for the first time in so long. "Mechanic shop" she nodded, and crossed the sea of books to sit on his bed. Ram stared at her. "You can take some if you wish" Kainat shook her head in no. "I brought some from Lahore. I will finish them first" Ram smiled, and sat next to her. "Did you bring something?" He asked, leaning back on his arms on the mattress. "Yes, something for your uncle. I hope he likes it" Kainat struggled to talk, staring at his rock hard chest. Despite sleeping with so many men, Kainat had never felt like this. She did, when she met him, because of whom Rehana aapa sold her to someone else.

"Well, parents died when I was young, I only had my sisters with me. Rehana aapa, Mallika and Waheeda. Rehana aapa was cruel, but I felt she loved me. She also has a daughter, Fareedan. She is the cutest girl I know. Mallika and I never got along, although we are the same age. And Waheeda only talks to me when she needs something. But we have Phatto and Satto bi, they take good care of me...use to" Kainat's smile disappeared at that. "I hope Fareedan is fine" she whispered, and a tear escaped the side of her eye. Ram leaned forward to wipe it, when Kainat realised she was crying. She giggled, embarassed and pulled herself up wiping them.

"What if I tell you a secret?" Ram leaned in, and Kainat raised her eyebrows. She stared at his chiseled jaw, his long eyelashes. "When I was young, I stole my father's gun. With a friend of mine, I went to the hills and shot a range. My shoulder ached the next day and there was a sprain. That's how my father found out that I was pretty good at aiming." Ram smiled at the fond memories. "They aren't my real sisters"

Ram's head whipped to Kainat at her secret. "I was adopted by them and to fit in Rehana aapa changed my name. My real name is Kanika. But I like Kainat more anyways." Ram stared with disbelief. He then asked a question he always had in mind. "What do you know about Heeramandi?"

Kainat's blood ran cold at his question. "What?" She pretended not to know, not to care. "You said you lived near Heeramandi- why is it famous?" Ram stared with genuine curiosity. "Well Heeramandi is a market for men. Women sell themselves, their self respect and body just to cater their needs. And not just any men- Nawabs and British officers, only high status men. We have a class to mai-" Ram quickly looked at her face. Was she caught yet? "We?" He asked, sitting up. Kainat giggled- she had to hide somehow. She changed her sitting position, and extended her leg out. Ram's attention switched for a second and she used that to cover her mistake. "I meant they. I said we as a woman" Ram looked back at her, nodding.

"You don't look like you fit in them with anyways. They must be pretty" Kainat's eyebrows furrowed at his statement. Ram broke a grin, when she realised what he said. Picking up the nearest pillow, she smacked him with it, only to be caught and tackled. Kainat fell on the bed with a pillow in her hand, and Ram laid on top of her, holding the pillow. They could hear each other's breath, and Ram noticed the mole near Kainat's eye. "You're pretty" he muttered. "You too" she replied.

It wasn't long before they leaned in a kiss.

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Ram could hear jingling of ghungroo from inside. The door was open, just a curtain draped on the frame, sunlight passing through. Ram's first time to ever visit Kainat's home. On the way he realised that he should probably bring some souvenir, as a token of apology or as a gift for her new place. He stood by the entrance, wrapped mogra in leaves in hand, seeing Kainat whose back was turned towards him.

His gaze couldn't move from her, the sweetness of her ghungroo, white skirt, black blouse, long plaits with a statement hair pin and gold earrings. She walked like a swan, her hips and folds dipping down, and up. Ram could feel his heart hammering in his chest. Every step, every movement of her waist sent him in a frenzy. She finally turned around- he was at lost. And her big eyes stalled on the masculine figure. Kainat's face was glowing in sweat, cheeks blushing and lips plump. Ram stared as if his eyes could devour everything she has to show. Kainat's hand came close to her bosom, and tucked her pallu in her skirt.

Kainat cocked an eyebrow, and just by the movement of her pupils, she asked Ram to sit on the wooden chair. Ram stammered, but managed to be seated. Kainat smiled to herself and bowed just a bit, her hand waving in a graceful manner. "Aadab".

Ram bowed his head in return. Why did he find her so alluring now? Kainat walked to the earthen matka, dipping a steel glass in the cold water. "Delhi is hotter than Lahore" she stated, and could see Ram nodding from her peripheral vision. He couldn't help but stare at her, the droplets of water that missed her lips traveling down from her neck, inside her blouse. Ram looked away. She was always pretty, yes, but why so attractive now?

"What brings you here, Mr. Ramaraju?" Kainat kept a glass of water on the table beside Ram, and Ram could smell the roses rubbed on her skin. She took a few steps back, and sat on the floor in front of him. "Did you bring the flowers for your wife?" Her leg extended from the ruffles of skirt, untying her ghungru.

Ram smirked. "No, they are for you" he said, and kept them on the table. Ram saw her bending to open the knots, her cleavage peaking from the dark, heart shaped blouse. There were intricate designs on sleeves too, and the skirt had a thick work on border. It looked expensive. "You're staring" Kainat didn't have to look up from her business to notice that. Ram smiled and looked away.

"Won't your wife be mad that you got me flowers?" Kainat asked, getting up. Ram nodded. "I am not married" he said, drinking from the glass. "What about any lover?" Kainat kept her ghungru on the table near her, wrapping them in the bag. Ram hummed to deny, still drinking water. "Well you looked like someone who could get used to some pleasure" Kainat's word made Ram choke. He coughed on the water, only to hear Kainat giggle.

She strolled back to sit in front of him on the floor, with Ram's eyes stalking her every movement. "What brings you here? Wasn't insulting me enough in front of everyone?" Ram was surprised to see how easily she said so, no grief or remorse on her face- just a sensual smile and doe eyes. Though, Ram's eyes held deep sorrow. "I came to apologise".

Kainat's eyebrows shot up. "All I got to know from Lahore is that no one knew you or had a complaint against you" Ram said, and he moved down to sit on the floor in front of her. He saw Kainat's downturn face. "What's wrong?" Kainat looked up again, and shook her head with a smile. Ram didn't want to probe, but she looked disappointed. "Tell me" he said.

"It's weird that they said they don't know me. I'm sure they went to my home, asked about me. Rehana aapa would never say she didn't know me." Kainat's voice was just above a whisper. Ram stared at her long face. "It's like being disowned by the very person who shares the same blood, as if she no longer acknowledges my existence. I was expecting her to be upset- but did she really said she didn't know me?" Ram's eyes locked with her eager ones. He couldn't help but just sigh and nod.

"Kainat" the word rolled from Ram's kips, and it held a depth it never did before. "Your value isn't determined by your relations. Or your family's rejections. Now that you have left that behind, don't let it tie you down- rather start building your life in Delhi now." That was the last thing she was expecting from this man. To be kind, and respectful to her? She might have judged him too soon. Kainat nodded, emitting a smile. His reassurance did give some solace- a need of support in the new city.

"Show what you got me?" Kainat said, trying to lighten the mood. Ram beamed and picked up the green packet, unwrapping the thin rope from it. He pulled the white flowers out, and handed them to Kainat. "Pretty" she muttered, taking a whiff from them. Kainat stood up, to put them in her hair by the mirror. Taking a hairpin, she attached them, looking at herself. The flowers did match her with her dress. From the reflection in the mirror, Ram raised his eyebrows to ask if she liked them, and Kainat moved her head like a pigeon, her large earrings moving with her head, and the mogra swinging. She liked them.

Kainat turned around, hand clasped together, a pink blush on her face. Almost immediately, she skipped inside, leaving Ram baffled. Confused, he stood there awkwardly, listening to clang of utensils inside. "I forgot that I have made this, how about you try some?" Kainat made her way out, stirring a bowl with spoon. She handed the copper bowl to Ram, smiling. Ram looked at the colourful dish, probably something sweet. "Wha-" "Mutanjan" "Mutanjan?" Kainat nodded. "Sweet rainbow rice?" She said, hands behind her back, expectantly looking at the brooding man. He took a spoonful, constantly maintaining eye contact with Kainat. The poor girl gulped, feeling hot all over. They stared at each other, when Ram cocked his eyebrow, like Kainat did. He then ate another spoonful of rice, moving his head in agreement, like Kainat did. She laughed, slightly bending forward. If Ram did the same, they might be touching each other then.

Ram and Kainat were back on the floor, as Kainat stared at Ram eating up. "What's your full name?" She asked, hugging her knees. "Alluri Sitaramaraju" he said with a mouthful. "You must be from-" "southern India". Kainat nodded, slowly, resting her chin back on her knees. "Well thank you for that" Ram smiled at the young woman and kept the utensils on the floor. "My uncle would really love this" he continued, and Kainat peered up at him from her eyelashes. Ram's world stopped for the third time now. "He lives with you?" "Hm? Oh, not really. But we meet often. I live near the police barracks" Kainat nodded again, crossing her legs. "You really like my cooking" She said, when Ram looked at the time. He should get going.

He stood up, smiling. "I do, I guess" he looked down to see Kainat's hand reaching up towards him. He clasped it to pull her up, some flowers loosing their hold from her hair. "Why don't you come over?" Kainat's heart filled with excitement upon his question. She nodded aggressively, holding the door as Ram made his way out. "Just ask Akhtar to drop you there" Ram put his shoes on and then put his hands in pocket.

The evening glow filled her eyes with brown honey, and a pink cascade on her face. Ram really tried to look away, but he couldn't. He didn't even notice when her hands reached forward, plucking the rice from his thick moustache. "I'll take my leave now" he muttered, his eyes lost. Kainat nodded. She felt like she should say something- but what? Ram turned around and left, a soft glow in his heart. He fisted the hand he touched her with.

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It was just another morning in Delhi. The sun started to rise and Ram was back home, sweating like a melting snow cone. He got ready to report to the police station- when he remembered he had a duty at the railway station today.

Ram didn't understand why the authorities would give him duty at most peculiar places. It was only a comfort that the railway station was close to police barracks. But he understood that crowd and riots like this can only be handled by him. It was 7 am, and the train from Lahore has just stopped on the railway station of Delhi. Chandni chowk was a bustling market, and often the crowd made its place on the railway station. Even 7 am looked like a Sunday evening sometimes. Buying a cutting chai, he sat down on the stool, observing everyone in sight.

A sweet sound pulled Ram's attention- sounds of payal not usually heard around here. His neck whipped to the sound, to see a woman dressed like a bride from head to toe. Was she a runaway? Ram looked away, continuing on his tea and biscuit. Delhi is a sight of all the freaks and couldn't care less. Ram finished his tea and got up to pay, when a hand extended in front of him to pick a toast. He couldn't help but see the fading green lines on his wrist, as if a tattoo hardly recognizable. When Ram saw the man's face, the instant anxiety kicked an intuition in Ram- he knew who the man was. Ram soon sprinted after him, as he escaped, running to catch the member of a decoy gang who looted a whole family of the superintendent. The decoy put up a good fight, injuring Ram at places but in 10 minutes, Ram had the decoy in his hands.

On the other hand, Akhtar entered the frame of Railway station, eyes seeking for Ram. He parked his motorcycle, swinging the bag of lunch as he got off the bullet. Ammi made biryani and he had to deliver the fresh and hot delicacy. With a small smile, he made his way inside. Akhtar's first stop was the officer's room reserved for the police, but he had no luck there. Where would Ram be on such a big platform?

Upon looking further, he saw a woman, dressed like a bride from head to toe, sitting on one of the benches. Her face screamed she needed help, and she looked out of ordinary. It was almost time that she started attracting chain snatchers and ill intenders. Akhtar moved close to her, cautiously, and luckily gained her attention without calling for her.

"I am sorry to disturb but are you in trouble?"

The woman looked at him up and down, and then looked away. Akhtar gulped, but understood her ignorance. "I don't mean to do any harm, I'm just here to drop my friend's lunch. I thought you needed help." Akhtar tried, he thought. When she didn't budge from her position, he started to walk away, unsure. "Listen!" A melodious voice pulled him back, and he turned to her immediately. "I hope what you're saying is true. I am new to this city and I need a place to stay for some time." Akhtar smiled proudly "Where are you from?" "I am from Lahore, my name is Kainat"

Akhtar's eyes physically shined upon her name. "What a beautiful name, my younger sister would adore you" Kainat's eyes glistened at that. A sister who adores. "Would you know any place for me to stay temporarily?" Kainat repeated her query and Akhtar nodded, fortunately. "You can live with my family for sometime, I'm sure they won't mind" Her smile reached her eyes, nodding quickly. "Let me just find Ram Anna and introduce you to him, till then you can sit and wait in here".

Akhtar guided Kainat to the waiting room outside the police officer's room. After all, this was the safest place for her and easiest to find. She tapped her foot repetitively, anxious if she was deceived. She couldn't even get his name- all she knows is that he is looking for his friend, Ram.

About 2 minutes later, Kainat saw a man getting dragged inside the station by his collar. Must be a pick pocket, she thought, clutching her bag closer. There are a lot of them in Delhi. Kainat's attention was not on the police station, that was the last of her interest. She never understood how the people of nation could stand up against the freedom of their own family, their own blood. Whites to be damned, her blood boils whenever she witnesses a brown police officer. That was one of the things she hated about nawabs- taking the oppressor's side for their own luxury and comfort. She loved dancing, as long as it was in front of the women of Mahal and even the white oppressors. Although, were Huzoor any less than an oppressor herself?

Kainat snapped out of her thoughts when she saw someone limp and sit in front of her, his loose white shirt bloody. He huffed, closing his eyes and rested his head back. Kainat thought of him to be a culprit too, when a constable gave him a glass of water and left. Curiosity took the best of her, and she couldn't help but ask.

"Are you a police officer?" Ram opened his eyes to see the runaway bride he saw sometimes back. He closed his eyes again, nodding in no. Better to be safe than sorry. "Then why did the constable helped you just now?" Kainat missed the small smile on his face. "I caught a criminal on the run." Ram only heard the movement of her jewellery, shuffling. "Does it hurt?" Ram opened his eyes again. He never really thought about it, he was just tired. He took a quick glance at his wounds, which were really minor compared to his other incidents. "I'd be fine" he muttered, closing his eyes again.

"Anna!" Ram opened his eyes again when Akhtar called out for him, only to be caught off guard by blood on Ram. Kainat saw Akhtar run to the bench, asking what happened. Ram calmly put hand up, asking him to calm down. Kainat couldn't help but smile at the odd duo. "What are you smiling at?" Ram's question drew a silence on Akhtar. "Do you know each other?" Akhtar asked. Kainat looked from Ram to Akhtar. "We just met now" Kainat said.

Ram finally looked at Kainat from up to down. She looked like she belonged to royalty, with a bright and innocent face, sharp eyes and plump lips. She looked like she would bring trouble. "Anna, this is Kainat from Lahore. She'll be living with our family for awhile."

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"Kainat" Ram muttered to himself.

The sun started to meet its horizon, and lights were turned up in the streets of Heeramandi. Pigeons flew away, taking their rounds and the dogs strolled carelessly. Sounds of girls laughing were audible in some houses, and sound of ghungroo in other. It was only hers where the sound of broken mirror was heard.

Kainat met the floor, her hands saving her as much as they can but still not being able to save her now bleeding lips. She wiped it with the back of her hand, and looked back up at her. Rehana. The hatred was evident, not less than the anger on her face. "If you don't say yes to them I will chop you up and feed away your pieces to the stray dogs." That was the last thing she heard from her. Kainat braced and picked herself up from the floor. She sauntered back in, aware of Rehana's sister watching the show as she nursed her child. Even she fell in love and birthed, then why couldn't Kainat? She didn't know, and didn't wish to wonder. All she wanted was to not to be given to the nawab- to wait for her lover who left her. But that was too much to ask for from Rehana.

Kainat sat by the edge of her doorframe, looking at the pink sky. Her cheek and lips throbbed. For Rehana, the nawab wasn't that bad. But Kainat knew what words of actions he told in her ear, sending a chill down her spine. She looked at the bustling street, hoping to see the face of the man she had grown to love, only for him to disappear. Weak. The punishment of her mistrust was going to be a lifetime of slavery. Kainat blinked back the tears, a lump in her throat. His name doesn't last on her lips anymore.

"Oh mohe aavan keh gaye aashiq rang aur beet gayi barso, sakal ban"

The slow hum of her voice didn't reach outside her room, but did settle in her heart as she sat on the bed. Kainat lost herself in Lahore, and her runaway lover was never coming back. She fell back, landing on the mattress, tears streaming down the side of her face. Kainat also heard Mallika cry that night, Rehana doesn't give mercy to anyone in Shahi Mahal.

It was 5 in the evening when Kainat woke up. She has to leave for a trip with the nawab today. "You should be happy for such fate" Rehana muttered as she brushed the locks out of Kainat's hair. "The nawab said he can't wait to use me" the dead pan in Kainat's noise wasn't hiding anymore. "What's wrong with that?" Rehana said the obvious statement and decorated the braid with pieces of jewel. The only light in her life was reflecting off from her jewellery. Nawab promised to take Kainat to Bombay once before permanently keeping her there. "Just a taste of the wind" he said, blowing the smoke of hookah on her moon like face. Kainat inhaled the burning scent, her lungs burning and giving her a reality check. Of what is to come, of what she deserved.

Satto was more than kind to pack Kainat's favourite books, her favourite perfumes, snacks, ghungroo, money and favourite jewelry in a bag for Kainat to keep it close, to remind her of Heeramandi. It was too much for a week's trip, but she felt like she has already started losing herself to the ways of the Nawab. The pink evening turned to black night, just like Kainat's life. Kainat went to light up Rehana's room, one last time, when the sight of a jewelry set caught her eyes. Kainat always wanted it but nothing good comes from Rehana for her. She stood there frozen, her hand holding the diya. She could hear Phatto calling for her in background, saying the nawab is here. Kainat quickly hid the jewelry behind her heavy dupatta, leaving the room with entities.

The ride to the railway station was quiet deafening. All nawab did was boast about his properties and how he will keep her happy, how she will enjoy being used, and it won't matter if she doesn't enjoy it. Silent tears slid down her cheeks, which she didn't bother wiping. They got off on the railway station, but Kainat carried her own bag packed by Satto, with the stolen jewelry in it. They stalled when they entered a room, and Kainat was supposed to wait outside, alone. Apparently Nawab had to meet someone before leaving. From the corner of her eyes, Kainat caught a glimpse of light.

She took a step back, glancing at the wide open gate looking back at her. Inviting, attracting. Her steps moved forward, fastening each time, when she finally stepped foot on the iron floor of the train. A huge sigh of relief left her body, followed by a sob. Finding an empty seat, she sat down, trusting her faith. Kainat didn't know where she was going. A jerk pulled her back to the world, when she accepted leaving Lahore and hopefully her cursed life behind. That easy. Was it always so easy? To escape from the hell called Shahi Mahal and Heeramandi? From her own cousin, Rehana? She could see Nawab's men looking for the runaway woman, but it didn't matter anymore. She has left Lahore behind now.

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