FilmIndia (Jan-Nov 1942)

January, 1942 FILMINDIA the insurrectionists, and the addition of the kingdom of Ahmednagar to his empire. The news reached Agra early on a gay spring morning. A messenger on horseback rode into the courtyard of the Fort. "It is news of conquest; it must be," said Naseem, but she spoke uneasily. "It cannot be defeat — " "I will go and see," said Ustad Isa. He went; and came back with a stricken face. "Naseem, be brave," he said. "I have bitter news for you." "Tell me quickly," said Naseem. "Is it defeat?" "Worse than that," said Ustad Isa. "It is victory; but the Empress is dead." So there was mourning throughout the length and breadth of the land for her who had been dear to all; and Shah Jehan came back to Agra victorious but heartbroken. Nothing could comfort him in his loss for he had loved Mumtaz Mahal with a love such as is given to few. "The only remaining service I can do her," he said, "is to perpetuate her memory. I will raise such a tomb as shall tell the world centuries hence that there was none to approach her in beauty of body or soul. It is all that is left to me now." SHAPING LOVE'S MEMORY He sent the tidings forth. He offered a fabulous sum to the architect who should submit the design most worthy — so far as anything could be worthy of such a subject. And the greatest craftsmen of the day responded; but though as yet he had given no sign, there was little doubt as to whose design would ultimately be selected. And because Ustad Isa was so great an artist none begrudged him his potential triumph save one man only — his old enemy, Assad Khan. "Once" said Assad Khan, "I swore revenge on him. Now, I think, comes the chance to attain it." He set spies to watch Ustad Isa. They reported in due course that his behaviour was thought bewil dering. "He makes sketches and destroys them half-finished, dissatisfied," they said, "and yet hidden away in his studio is a completed model of such amazing beauty that there could be no question as to its being adjudged the best." Assad Khan's brow darkened. "So he has his suspicions and would fool me", he reflected. These half-finished attempts are no more than a blind. The secret one is the real one, and he is withholding it in the hope that the Emperor will offer a still higher reward. Now I have Master Isa Mohammad under my thumb at last." Ustad Isa was troubled in spirit. He fretted because he could conceive no monument worthy of his beloved Empress, try as he might and dearly though he desired to do it. None of his attempts came near to comparing with the masterpiece into which he had put all his heart and soul. "Beloved, let the Emperor have that. He has been good to us, and I loved the Empress dearly," Naseem pleaded again and again; but always Ustad Isa's reply was the same. "No, Naseem. This is ours and ours alone; the very embodiment of our love. Ask anything of me but that." TOILET SOAP is a double action soap that gives you long lustrous hair and smooth clear complexion. SWASTIK SHIKAKAI is made from pure vegetable oils. Unlike other soaps it does not harm your hair but actually aids its growth. It also gives you clear skin and flawless complexion. Buy a box today. SWASTIK OIL MILLS LTD., BOMBAY-15 Bombay Distributors: M/s. Nemidas Dewjee & Co., 355, Kalbadevi Road, Bombay-2. Phoni' 21364-33440 SWASTIK PERFUMED CASTOR OIL The Best Tonic Hair Dresser 59