The night lay heavy over Fatehpur Sikri, jeweled with stars that glittered like watchful eyes. Yet in one hidden corner of the palace gardens, two hearts sought only each other.
Saleem arrived first, his cloak trailing through the grass. His eyes scanned the shadows, every breath sharp with anticipation. And then—like the moon breaking through clouds—she appeared.
Anarkali.
Her veil shimmered faintly under the starlight, but it was her eyes that undid him. They carried both fear and fire, as though the universe itself lived inside them.
"You called me here," she whispered, her voice trembling. "Do you know what risk this is?"
"I know," Saleem said, stepping closer. "And I would risk more. I would risk everything, Anarkali, if it meant one moment with you."
Her heart beat wildly as he closed the distance. "Your father—"
"Is not here," he cut her off, his voice low, intense. "Tonight belongs to us."
Before she could protest, his hand found hers. Strong, steady, burning with need. He led her beneath a marble pavilion, its pillars white as moonlight. The world outside seemed to vanish—the empire, the throne, the emperor's shadow—all dissolved into the silence of their secret sanctuary.
Saleem turned to her, his gaze fierce. "Every night I live in torment, knowing you are near and yet out of reach. Tell me, Anarkali—must I always burn like this?"
Her lips parted, but no sound came. The truth was in her tears, in the way her body leaned toward him despite the fear.
"Saleem…" she breathed, her voice cracking.
In one swift motion, he pulled her into his arms. His embrace was desperate, as though he feared she might vanish. His lips brushed her forehead, her temple, then hovered near her mouth.
"Say it," he urged softly, his breath warm against her. "Say that you are mine."
Her resistance crumbled. "I am yours," she whispered. "Even if it destroys me."
That was all he needed.
Their lips met, and the world ceased to exist. This was no gentle kiss—it was a storm, a surrender, a vow. His hands tangled in her hair, hers clutched at his shoulders as though clinging to life itself. The taste of her tears mixed with the fire of his passion.
When at last they broke apart, breathless, Saleem's forehead pressed against hers. "Do you know what you have done to me? You have made me weak, Anarkali