There was an air of festivity in the Nawab’s palace, where he sat in the 'Diwan Khana', surrounded by a number of minor officials and hangers - on. A variety of dishes were kept heaped with delicious snacks and foods, while whisky glasses were being passed around.

In the ladies section also there was the hub-bub of activity. Richly dressed and bejeweled wives of the Nawab were sitting on a beautiful Turkish carpet. The Nawab had a number of wives, each more beautiful than the other. While the whole group laughed and chatted, one of them sat quietly, looking extremely unhappy. Though she too was dressed in rich silks and Jewels, she looked like a scared mynah bird imprisoned in a golden cage. At times she cried quietly, the tears dripping down her cheeks, her body shaken by deep sobs. The others tried to make her talk but she refused to look up or respond in anyway. One of them, feeling some pity said, "Leave her alone. She is still new, but soon she too will get used to all this."

Just then the maids brought in silver and gold plates laden with a variety of foods. Spreading a cloth or ‘dastarkhan' on the carpet they placed all the platters on it. Saying 'Bis millah' the women began to eat. They tried to make the woman eat as well, but she refused and continued to weep. This infuriated the "Begums" who were ready to beat her when, one of them said 'Don’t get angry, sisters. She can't help herself. Remember when I was captured and brought here, how unhappy I was and look at me now," and she smiled contentedly.

The Begums forgot their anger but insisted that the woman must be made to eat something at least. Holding her downs they tried to pour some curry into her mouth. The woman resisted screaming, "Oh Lord Shiva, save me!"

Hearing the commotion the Nawab rushed upstairs stumbling a little as he had drunk quite a lot. He took in the situation at a glance. Roughly pushing his wives aside and cursing loudly he grabbed the weeping woman’s hand and pulled her out on to the terrace. His breath was reeking of liquor and the woman was sure that her modesty was about to be outraged. Desperately, he looked around for a way to escape even if it meant jumping off the roof.