Empire Ascension: The Rise of the Fated One

Central town of Dhadar, Night of 11th April 1557

Dhadar, a semi-arid plateau region, is characterized by stretches of dry woodlands and thorny bushes scattered across its vast arid landscape. Riverine forests, though sparse, thrive along the banks of the nearby river, creating a contrast to the otherwise barren terrain. Unlike the more centralized settlements of Sibi, Dhadar’s population is spread out in small, pocketed villages.

These settlements often emerge from cleared patches of forest or are located near forested areas, forming a patchwork of communities clustered around the river, taking advantage of its natural barrier of forest for protection and river for sustenance.

Over time, the villages of the Dhadar region came together to form a centralized town in the heart of the forest. This settlement became one of the central hubs in the patchwork of villages, surrounded by dense woodlands and situated near the river.

Tonight, this town is alive with celebration as a major festival unfolds. Sana Khan, the daughter of Rustam Khan, the chief of a nearby village, is marrying Hasil Shah, the son of Mehrab Shah, the town’s chief.

Inside the town square, in an open space, the stage is being set with a wooden platform for the marriage of the couple. The ground was covered with thick rugs and blankets, inviting guests to sit in circles as they shared in the joyous occasion. Flickering clay lamps dotted the area, their warm light illuminating the faces of the gathered crowd.

The bride and groom had been on the stage with the Kaji conducting their nikah, and their marriage was done.

Hasil Shah was excited about his first marriage. Earlier, he had been opposed to marriage. At the age of 17, he wanted to travel to Sindh in the Pakistan Sultanate and join the army, as his friends of his age did the same. But his father, Mehrab Shah, was worried for his son and the future of the town, as with his absence, the title would fall to his next potential subordinate.

So he arranged a marriage with the daughter of Rustam Khan, with whom they had a dispute over sharing water from upstream. Hasil Shah’s mind changed when he saw his would-be wife for the first time.

He fell in love at first ’meeting,’ as she was cloaked in purdah and her face was hidden, and they had little time to talk. But her voice and attitude of self-introduction touched his heart. Even though her face was hidden, her eyes and body lining along those fabrics made him believe that she was bound to be beautiful.

Now, in front of him, she sat with her family, and her eyes were on the ground in shyness. She wore a beautiful embroidered salwar kameez with jewelry in Persian attire, and she looked no less than a noble from Persia, as per their legends. Fortunately for him, the purdah was removed, and he finally got to look at her face, which for him was no less than the moon.

"Look at this guy, cant even wait to pounce."