The walls of the royal palace stood silent that night, but inside, hearts trembled with a storm louder than any thunder.
Prince Saleem walked down the marble corridor, every step heavy with the weight of his father's shadow. Akbar the Great—emperor of Hindustan—had built an empire where love was the weakest chain, and duty was the strongest sword. Yet, in Saleem's heart, that chain was already binding him.
Anarkali.
The name itself was a forbidden melody.
Hidden behind the veil of a dancer, she was the secret flame that dared to burn in the emperor's own court. Saleem had watched her only once in the gathering of courtiers—her ghungroos ringing softly, her eyes lowered, her smile delicate as the moonlight. That single moment had carved her into his soul.
Tonight, destiny conspired again.
Crossing through the royal gardens, Saleem caught sight of her—alone, near the fountain, her reflection shimmering in the water. She thought no one watched, yet she danced slowly, lost in her own rhythm, whispering lines of poetry under her breath.
Saleem froze, mesmerized.
"Ek shama ho tum… jo khud bhi jalti ho, aur dilon ko bhi roshan karti ho," he murmured softly, almost without realizing.
Anarkali gasped, turning, her veil slipping slightly. Her eyes widened when she saw who it was—the Shehzada himself.
"My Lord…" she whispered, bowing instantly, fear tightening her voice.
But Saleem stepped closer, his voice low, fierce, trembling with truth.
"Don't lower your gaze, Anarkali. If I am the Shehzada of this empire, then let me claim at least one right— the right to look into your eyes."
She lifted her eyes hesitantly, and in that silent exchange, a thousand boundaries shattered.
For the first time, Anarkali felt the world pause. It wasn't a prince standing before her—it was a man whose soul was calling out to hers.
But before she could speak, heavy footsteps echoed in the distance—guards patrolling the garden.
Anarkali stepped back quickly, veil drawn, her lips trembling.
"My Prince… this path is dangerous for both of us. Please, forget what you have seen tonight."
But Saleem only smiled faintly, his heart already locked.
"Anarkali… how does one forget the first breath of life?"
And as she disappeared into the shadows, Saleem knew—this was not the end. This was only the beginning of a love story destined to shake an empire.