Queen of Shah Abdul Latif - LEELA- CHANESAR

Lakhpat is situated in the province of Kutch. Once there used to be a ruler Khangaru. He was
very impressive and powerful. He had a daughter named Konru. She was very beautiful and the
fame of her beauty was spread far and wide. No one could match her in beauty. She was all the
while engrossed in the dream world.
In those times in Devalkot King Chanesar used to rule. He had no parallel in looks, strength,
riches and grandeur. He possessed quite a formidable and attractive personality. His strong and
long body, with impressive moustache on his face and chiseled features was envy of many.
Every girl dreamt of him as an ideal husband. One day Konru dressed up in all her finery, was
looking a ravishing beauty. Her friend remarked, “You have dressed up yourself beautifully, as if
you have won Chanesar.” This remarked sparked love for Chanesar in Konru’s heart. She had
already heard his fame now she started pining for him. When Konru’s mother Murki came to
know of the condition of her daughter she spoke about it to her husband King Khangaru. He
was very proud and was afraid that if he approached Chanesar and he refused an alliance with
him through marriage of his daughter he may lose his respect. This would tantamount to
lowering the head which would be worse than death. They decided to employ another stratagem.
The mother Murki and her daughter Konru dressed up as wealthy merchants and after a long
journey reached Devalkot. In Devalkot they got friendly with a flower vendor who was incharge
of decorating Kings bedroom. They confided in him and all the three decided that Chanesar’s
minister Jakhro, who was very clever should be approached for the guidance and help in the
matter. At first Jakhro was indifferent but at last he relented and assuaged their feelings by
saying, “Leave everything in the hands of God, and be assured he would do all the best.” Next
day, when Chanesar and Jakhro were busy discussing things in a lighter vein, seizing this
opportunity Jakhro spoke about the beauty of Konru in such glowing terms that the curiosity of
Chanesar was aroused, but he was already married to Leela who was very dear to him and he
told Jakhro not to mention about Konru ever again.
Thus being dejected they decided to find another way. They decided to sell all their belongings
and assumed the garb of poor servants and approached Leela. They pleaded with her that they
were poor destitute and wanted to serve her, and for this kindness they would always remain
grateful to her. The most loved queen of the king could at least offer them an opportunity to
serve her. On asking what work they were experienced in, they replied that, the elder one was
an expert weaver and the younger one was expert at house keeping. Leela out of pity gave the
work of making the head gear to elder lady and doing the private room of the king to younger
one. One day Konru was weeping at the irony of the fate, being in a situation of being so near
to Chanesar and yet not getting her heart’s object. Leela seeing her crying thus, asked her the
reason of her distress. Konru told her that once she was also a princess like her and she had
costly ornaments, one of which was a diamond necklace which would shine brightly even in the
darkness of night and it would banish the darkness itse