Hazār Afsānah 12 - Pride Comes Before a Fall (آخر شاه منشی، کاه کشی است)

The Shah was talking a walk in is courtyard, a habit he was trying to inculcate. At this time, he heard screeching and loud screams. He ran towards the sounds and saw his beautiful princess, Raiza fall and crash into the earth. There fell Jaspar on top of her, hurting her even more. The Shah ran to their rescue and picked up his Raiza. He looked towards the skies to pray and there he saw ... A girl looking down on him .. At first, he wondered whether he was hallucinating out of sorrow and then he snapped out of it. He flew into a fit of fury. Had Dara pushed his princess ?


The Shah never showed Raiza or anyone his love (except for Mali). Deep within, he loved Raiza more than anything. She was the only link he had with her mother, the Shah's one true, precious love. It was the Shah that decided that all meals would be made as per Raiza's choice but no one knew of this. It was the Shah that ordered all upholstery to be Āreghoāney because it was Raiza's favourite too but no one knew of this either. That was the Shah. He never expressed himself to his family, he expected them to know. He expected them to search and find his love in the small things he did for them.

The Shah was all knowing. He knew that Dara was a girl from the day he first saw her. Dara's hairline had a widow's peak like that of Fari. And this hairline was rarely seen among Persian men. An old superstition led the Shah to believe that Dara was a girl. And so, when he saw Dara in a skirt he felt happy rather than angry about the lies. Dara was finally free, she did not have to live as a prisoner of multiple personalities. But that did not change the Shah's anger - Why did Dara push his baby down the tree ?!!? (Ironically, no one cared about Jaspar).

The Shah growled in a low, angry tone, "Get down now!" Dara swung down the ladder and fell at the Shah's feet. The Shah asked Dara why he pushed Raiza and Jaspar. Raiza was still unconscious while Jaspar knew that this was the only way to escape. He accused Dara and stormed off. Dara started crying and said, "Amoo jaan, I saw Jaspar drag Raiza to the treehouse. Jaspar wanted to hit me when the branch broke." The Shah saw the truth in Dara's eyes. He took Raiza inside the palace and called upon Doktur Khan. Raiza was bandaged in almost all parts of her body. She had lost her vision and spent days with a satin cloth wrapped around her eyes.


The Shah and Bahram had a huge showdown which resulted in Jaspar being sent to their outhouse in the Alborz mountains. A dagger had sliced the brotherhood of Bahram and the Shah again. First it was Sati and now Raiza. Why must Bahram always hurt the women the Shah loved dearly. The Shah started living at the palace in Khorramshehr while Raiza lived in the luxury of the Shiraz palace with the rest of the family.

Unknown to everyone, blind Raiza had a visitor every night. Raiza fought these unwelcome visits and tried to scream but now since the Shah did not live in the palace, no one paid heed to her. They thought she was crying in pain or for attention. Raiza's days and nights merged. She felt like she was in a continuous trance. During her sanity, she would think that Doktur Khan was drugging her but she never forgot that come morning, she felt used every single day. What traumatized her more was that she had lunch every day with the man who defiled her body. Amoo jaan she called him and he was known to the rest of the world as Bahram.

Raiza had a secret. She was lonely. Her eyes were always downcast and even though the world around her would give an arm and a leg to be her confidante, she did not feel like sharing the reason for her sorrow. Raiza often went to the cliff to lose her sorrows in the beauty that surrounded her. When she heard Tariq's melody about the Fields of Gold, Raiza's green eyes bore down the tears she had withheld for many years. She wanted to run freely in the field without fear of who knew what about her. She felt like she should share her secret with this stranger who sang from his heart. He would be gone in some time and would never be able to tell any more of her secret than what she revealed. And suddenly, it went quiet. Tariq stopped singing. Her heart sank as she realised that he would never sing for her once he knew her secret. He would never want to even look at her once he knew. But this was the moment, it was now or never. She either let the secret take her down with it or shared it with Tariq and set her soul free. Should Raiza share her secret ? What was so bad that she couldn't even tell a stranger ? .... It was that bad!

A new story will be told next week and it will be released on Sunday, 8 July 2012. Are you excited ? :)

Love,
S.

Hazār Afsānah - The Character Map

Hope this helps - following are the characters:

1. Nader (Nadr) Shah - The Emperor of Persia also known as the Shah.
2. Raiza - The name means 'Rose'. The daughter of the Shah. We know not of her mother's origin.
3. Tariq - The name means 'evening caller' - the one who calls to prayer. The gifted singer at Azizam who fell in love with Raiza at first sight.
4. Mailheh - The name means 'beautiful'. She was the concubine from Saadi Street who served the Shah.
5. Ziavash - The owner of the most succesful Harem in Saadi Street. Maliheh was his most famous earner. Borne to a courtesan from Genghis Khan's darbar and a master performer of the Shurangiz.
6. Zeba - The name means 'a beautiful girl from heaven'. Little sister to Ziavash and hence, daughter of the courtesan from Genghis Khan's darbar. A mystery is revealed about her in Afsānah 9.
7. Bahram - The name means ' victorious'. He is the Shah's oldest brother and husband to four wives and father to four sons and two daughters.
8. Jaspar - In this context, the name means 'diamond'. Jaspar is Bahram's oldest son and Behrokh's first born.
9. Dara - In this context. the name means ' wealthy'. Dara is Bahram's youngest wife's child. A secret is revealed in Afsānah 7.
10. Behrokh - The name means 'prettiest face;. She is Bahram's first wife.
11. Khojassteh - The name means 'royal'. She is Bahram's second wife. A mystery unfolds in Afsānah 10.
12. Zahra - The name means 'bold'. She is Bahram's third wife.
13. Farideh - The name means 'precious'. Daughter of the Kurdish tribe chieftain and Bahram's fourth wife. She is also Dara's mother.
14. Sanaz - The name means 'full of grace'. She is Behrokh and Bahram's daughter.
15. Taher Alizadeh - The name means 'pure or chaste'. A Shurangiz player from the Harem. He taught Zia how to play the Shurangiz.
16. Azar - A concubine from the Harem who mentored Zeba and auctioned her to the highest bidder.
17. Sattareh - The name means 'star'. Nadr Shah's childhood love. A secret is revealed about her in Afsānah 10.

If you still are clueless about a character, drop me a comment on the blog post and I will give you the background :D

Hazār Afsānah 11 - When Fire Spreads (گسترش آتش)

Sorry guys !! I'm late again .... So from now on, keep checking the blog, it WILL be updated either on Friday, Saturday or Sunday!! 
Also, Coming Soon - The Character Map !! This will help you guys trace the different characters of Hazār Afsānah easily =D


Is it not uncanny that a woman's worth is measured by her ability to birth a son. Further more, what if she could not birth a child at all ?! Such was Khoja's dilemma. And thus was crushed Bahram's grand dream - to marry Khoja and have adorable Persian Baluchi children.

The Shah never forgave his brother. He knew that Bahram had played the right card at the right time to make sure Nadr lost Sati. But as is with any game of chance, luck can shine on anyone at any time. Years passed by with Nadr and Sati crossing paths in the corridor and not acknowledging each other. Khoja was furious with Nadr - how could he not fight for her. How could he leave her in the midst of this family dilemma and see her live with his brother every day as husband and wife ?! Was that how much Nadr loved Sati ?!

The Shah picked and chose his battles carefully. He knew that he could not have Sati. She was now Bahram's amânât. How do you put out an everlasting fire ? How do you stop an ever-present rain ? What would push back a permanent tidal wave ? How would the cracked earth come together again ? Nadr and Sati could never be together but their love could never be a closed chapter either. Through the purdahs and glances, Khoja still managed to steal a glimpse of the Shah and she knew this love shouldn't, couldn't and wouldn't die. Khoja knew of the Shah's passion for the Raqs Sharqi perfectionist - Maliheh. She did not like it one bit but how could she stop him. She wanted more than anything to share herself with him. But, how could she; she was married albeit unhappily.

Mali used to dance in the Shah's courtroom where everyone in the palace came together. Even the women would gather, their chadors wrapped tightly across their face and leaving their eyes uncovered to quench their thirst for freedom. Bahram was a loyal spectator. He loved the way Mali's hips swayed, it always made him spend the night with Fari (his fourth wife). After Mali's last performance, Bahram could hold it in no longer. He cornered her when she was on her way to change out of her seductive costume. He told her that he would guild her in gold for one night's acquaintance in his otagh (room). How fast does a sandstorm move ?! Mali spun on her heels probably faster and ran towards her changing room. Bahram was true to his blood, he must have what his heart desires. He ran behind her and latched the room shut.


There they stood, a look of triumph facing a look of aversion. The night was dark as it should be, but the moon was missing without an intimation. The trees swayed with vigour forced by the Wind God's fury. It seemed like something horrible would happen that night. And for Mali, it did. She had been in this profession for all her life but never had she been touched against her will. And here was the brother of her favourite man trying to unite with her soul against her will. By then it started raining angrily like the skies were crying because of the injustice. The night was long and painful and come sunshine, Mali was bleeding profusely and Bahram was nowhere to be found.


Mali stepped out of the otagh and limped her way to the kitchen in search for some food. At that moment, Khoja finished making Bahram's breakfast and stepped out of the kitchen. They locked eyes and Khoja knew that Mali had touched something that did not belong to herself. Mali hung her head in shame while Khoja searched her face for an inkling of an idea as to why Mali looked so haggard today. Within seconds, Khoja noticed a trail of blood on the floor. La! This was forbidden. She bellowed at Mali - "What have you done ? This is not meant to be seen by anyone but yourself. You have committed a sin and now .." Before Khoja could complete her words, Mali was on the floor unconscious. Khoja fell on the floor to lift Mali and check her health. At that moment, the Shah was on his way to his daily durbar. He ceased his pace. Was he hallucinating ? He saw blood, Mali on the floor and Khoja holding Mali's head. Had Khoja's love for the Shah driven her to kill Mali ?!?!?!?!

More next week my darlings....


Until then, Au Revoir.


Love,
S

Hazār Afsānah 10 - Only From The Heart Can You Touch The Sky !

We know the Shah as a powerful man, one who ruled over all of Persia successfully for many years. But every man was once a boy and so the Shah too has a story to be told.


The Shah's father wasn't a rich man but he wasn't poor either. They lived an adequate life and though they did not have fountains and pools, they had water to cleanse themselves before prayer and a prayer before every meal. In those days, these were great luxuries and so, by some means, the Shah might have always been rich. 


Across the mud road, lived a Goddess by the name Sattareh (means star). She had grey eyes and her eye colour would change basis her emotion. The Shah had grown up playing with her and these were times long before the veil and the abaaya became a norm. He would look at her golden face and light brown hair and ask himself, "Nader, is this what an angel looked like?" The entire street knew these children - Sati and Nadr, eminently because of the beauty they held close in their togetherness. They did everything together, from their meals to their bathing times; the colour of their clothes to the songs they liked. They were the perfect union in every way and every day, they loved each other more. Nadr would ask Sati how much she loved him and she would tell him to first count the number of drops in the ocean. Such was their innocent love!


It was summer and Nadr's oldest brother, Bahram had come home from his education in Britain. Bahram and Behrokh, his newly wed wife, had left for Britain some time ago. Behrokh was now pregnant and so she was brought home to be with her family. It was during this time that Bahram set his eyes on Sattareh. One evening, Nadr and Sati were having some Bastani from the street vendor when Bahram was walking to the mosque. He stumbled upon some rocks when his eyes set upon Sati's golden face. He went to the mosque and prayed that God must show him the way. When Bahram left the mosque, he found a marriage procession crossing him. This was a definite sign! He must marry Sati, he knew it. As the oldest son of the family, Bahram's every wish was a command. He told his father of this deep desire to marry Sati. His father knew that Sati belonged with Nadr and so he said that since Sati was a Baluchi, Bahram could not marry her.

With staunch opposition from his father's side, Bahram would never have Sati. Within a week's time, Bahram's father was no more. No one knows who sliced his heart and how no one heard any cries. To date, this remains a mystery and a Persian man knows better than to point a greased finger. Bahram went to Sati's father and convinced him to give his daughter's hand in marriage. Since her name would constantly remind  Bahram of Nadr, he re-christened her to Khojassteh (meaning royal). Bahram and Khoja were married twelve nights before the year's Rose Festival.


Nadr was on a pilgrimage to Qom and when he came back, he found that Sati was living in his home. Can you imagine the mayhem ?! Bahram met Nadr in the hallway and said, don't worry brother, you dream further than your mind allows you. Khoja is only beautiful, she is not a real woman!

That's all for now. More love soon.


Huggz,
S.

Hazār Afsānah 9 - The Young Should Dream (آرزو بر جوانان عیب نیست)

T'was my birthday and I couldnt update the blog on time.. Sorryyyyy :D

And this time shall be a continuation too.....

A young girl was snatched away from her brother and locked in a vault with no food. Days went by and she felt weak, after some time she couldnt even scream for help. Rats crawled all over and she felt some roaches on her back. When she felt a little brave, she would crawl around the vault hoping to find some kind of duct. Cobwebs began to trap her and time grew hazy until one day, she was rudely woken up with a splash of water. She was surrounded by the Fereshteh, one of whom was Azar (meaning fire). Azar liked this girl, she was innocent and naive and someone who could be trained well. Azar decided to mentor her and take her under her wing. They would spend night and day in the Harem hall where she learnt the twists and turns of the Raqs Sharqi. Azar nursed her back to health until the girl had a healthy, pink glow on her cheeks. Azar protected her, never let her into the sight of commoners and ensured she bathed in rose water once a week. Even a small cut on the girl's body was treated with utmost care. The girl asked Azar one day, "Why do you love me, Mother? I am not even your child!" Azar said, "Zeba, from the day they brought you out of the vault, you were my child. From now on, everyone will call you Maliheh because that is who you are. Beautiful." Zeba was confined to the top most floor of the Harem with Azar. No men were allowed here and so it was safe. She never stepped into the kitchen or danced in the main hall during day light. She was the unseen prisoner of the Harem.

(This image is of Shirin and is not related to Hazār Afsānah in any way)

In ten years, Zeba hadn't stepped out into the sun. And finally, it was time for her debut. Azar decided to invite bids for her and what an auction it was. All Harems in Persia bore witness to the grand celebration. Never before was such a price paid for an enchantress. Everyone spoke of Maliheh and her beauty. Jealousy ran rampantly; every man or woman, young or old, from Khorramshahr or Shiraz, Maracanda to Parthia wanted to see the beauty of Persia. The beauty that commanded the highest price ever paid for an evening with an enchantress.

Folklore quotes that she reigned not only the concerts and the hearts of the people but also the breath of the Emperor. A doe-eyed beauty with alabaster skin, lips as soft as the feather of a peacock and a sharp, straight nose which gave her angular features. Her fingers were thin and graceful and her body was curved and slender. She moved with the grace of a ballet dancer and broke the hearts of many with her every blink. The Emperor had fallen deeply in love with her and it is said that she wore real diamonds and emeralds gifted by him.

And so it came to be, Maliheh spent the prized evening with The Emperor of Persia - Nader Shah. And who else would pay such an exorbitant prize for a gift they never saw. Only The Shah could take such a chance.

Now you know who Zeba is :). But how would Ziavash not know her ??

Zia wanted to belong and so Taher took him under his wing. They moved from Shiraz to Khorramshahr which was Taher's native land. Zia followed Taher everywhere and imbibed his every routine. He even changed the way he dressed to match that of Taher's mature sense. The Shurangiz would melt under Zia's fingers, such was the training inculcated by Taher. Years passed by, Taher grew more serene and Zia was just the opposite. The scope for earning money through music was minuscule in Khorramshahr. It was time to introduce Shiraz to the magical tunes of Ziavash.

At Shiraz, Taher and Zia were no doubt beyond comparison with any other artist but how much money could a performer make ? No restaurants or clubs would take them and slowly they were heading towards Taher's old joint. Saadi street welcomed them and they went back to the beautiful threshold with the astounding Persian lamp. A knock and a gasp, Azar could not believe her eyes. She least expected Zia at the door with Taher. Taher was sent away from the Harem, so why had he come back ?! Why had he been sent away ? Another story, another time :). Azar panicked, would Zia recognise Mali ? The Fereshteh were overjoyed and welcomed Taher back. They knew that their nights would be more colourful now that they would dance to the musical melodies of these two gorgeous men.

Thank you for all the love and keep it coming. Look forward to your thoughts :D

Love,
S.

Hazār Afsānah 8 - No Good Deed Goes Unpunished (آمدم ثواب کنم، کباب شدم)."

Remember when Ziavash was told to leave his mum with the lady and take Zeba and get the ice cream from the marketplace .. Zia was angry ...

He was shocked by what he saw and knew that his mother was committing a sin. He took Zeba out with the intention of buying her some Bastani-e gol-o bolbol and got carried away by the sound of a Shurangiz (a type of lute). He walked with little Zeba in the direction of the Shurangiz until he reached a door on which hung an elaborate Persian lamp. The moment he crossed the threshold with Zeba, there was a loud clang! Every visitors entry into the harem was tracked. Zia walked on until he reached a large circular hall which hosted a massive gathering of Fereshteh (angels). This young, adorable, fair, brown hued boy was an immediate hit with all the ladies. They hugged and kissed him and asked him whence he came. In his childish slang, he said that he lived across the market side street. They asked whether he liked the harem and He said that he would love to live there!

As you know, men hold the post of prime protectors in any Persian household. This harem needed a man - a man who would lure innocent, young men into visiting the Fereshteh and at the same time, drive a chagoo through an unwarranted visitor. Gold trays of green grapes, blackberries and raspberries dared guests to take a bite like they were forbidden and yet tempting. All of this bore audience to the Shurangiz player - a young man who loved music - Taher Alizadeh (meanin pure or chaste). Taher never once looked up and he played with a passion for something - why did he not glance at the Fereshteh even once ? He had no interest in women. He might be interested in men, you say ? No! That was forbidden in Islam and Taher was a firm believer. Taher never felt a deep, passionate love for anything other than his Shurangiz. When ever the strummed the Shurangiz, he thought to himself how blessed he was to hear this sound that entertain the Gods.

(This is a famous Shurangiz player - Hossein Alizadeh.
He is not related to Hazār Afsānah in any way)

In the midst of all the bedlam, Zia got caught up with the Fereshteh. Time flew by and many more men entered the Harem. These men looked huge, bulky and for some reason, royal. They smoked shisha and chewed a weird substance that put them in some sort of trance. That's when Zia realised, he must protect Zeba. But where was Zeba ? He looked around, ran behind the pillars, to the balcony and still couldn't find her. He asked the Fereshteh and they told him to go to the main hall as they were getting ready for the night's performance. Zia ran helter skelter, up and down and still could not find her. He sat down and began to cry when Taher started playing the Shurangiz. Zia sobbed profusely for a while, then listened to the tune and followed the sound. It seemed like he too was in a trance with Taher.

Zia watched with the fascinated smile of a saint who has been granted his wishes by the presence of God, Herself. In disbelief, Zia watched how the men were playing with their beards, how their eyes twitched and to his curiosity, what were they chewing ? Taher took a short break and Zia ran up to him. He said, "Bar-a-dar (brother), I want to learn the Shurangiz from you. When you play, you remind me of my father's tunes. I don't remember his face, but I remember the tunes he played. But, man ghom shodam (I'm lost). I don't know my roots and I don't know where I am headed. At least, this way I will belong. Shoam mitooni ke komakam konid (Can you help me) ?" Taher said, " Ba man bia (come with me)" and took him to his quarter. Taher gave him a tiny Shurangiz and said "Music is not a language, digeh. It is the sound of your heart. Play what your heart pleases and how it wishes for you to play. It will sound right always."

Now, the question is - where is Zeba ? Was she kidnapped ? Why did she not raise a ruckus ?

Another thing is that there is one more Alizadeh you have been acquainted with previously. But I will tell you who he is only when the time is right. Until then ........ Bedrood Khoshgel Mardom (Goodbye beautiful people) !!

Love,
S