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Jodha-HB
It took the sweet words of HB to help Jodha (and possibly the viewers too) to understand the significance of this Meena Bazaar! It was initiated as a social event that was meant to bring the royal ladies together - a short-lived chance to give them a feeling of independence - a rare opportunity to allow them to display their skills and attract the Emperor's attention!
I was sceptical when I saw what was going to be another Jo-HB scene...however, this scene was sweet...
'Ammi-Jaan ke liye tho ye karna hi padega' Jodha tells herself
At least, for the sake of this overtly-trusting HB I wish Jodha never thought of leaving Agra...
AGRA PALACE
Jodha stumbling upon the idea of Holi at Meena Bazaar was done well-enough!
Btw, these poor 'etc' Begums of Jalal only seem to get screen space whenever there's a Meena Bazaar happening in Agra
MEENA BAZAAR
Looking gorgeous in a grand purple attire, engrossed Jodha takes a tour of the small bazaar. Why, she was even in accordance with her friend's statement 'We've seen bazaars at Amer too...however, this bazaar has it's own unique features indeed!'
Jalal looked dashing - no doubt- as he strode into the bazaar. No matter how far his other Begums try, he always ends up landing in Ruqaiyya's tent first. The smile on his face when he sees her and the gratified grins on her's when she sees him *sigh* - I wonder when such Jalal-Jodha scenes would ever play on screen for us!
Visually inspecting her tent, Jalal mutters 'Now you have the opportunity, the setting and the experience - show me what special surprise you have stored for me in this Meena Bazaar!'
Having set up a stall that sports dupattas intricately woven with silver and gold embroidery, Ruqaiyya proudly explains the speciality of her wares to him. Jalal takes less than a moment to be impressed. He instantly purchases three of the dupattas - for three of his special Begums!
Ruqaiyya obliges and Jalal actually spends a few moments inspecting each of them - a very different scene this was indeed! (I found this whole scene's direction pleasant, though my heart ached for J-J)
Once he comes to the third dupatta - a pink one - he adorns it on the head of his favourite Begum with an appreciative smile. Ruqaiyya is absolutely delighted.
'You are smiling like as though this is the most expensive gift I've got you!' he remarks
'Shehenshah has laid his sights on my wares first and presented me with the first gift...what could be a more priceless gift than this? As it is, anything that Shehenshah lays his hand on becomes expensive' she explains - an earnest happiness on her face 'By the way, are you sure about this purchase? These three dupattas are going to cost you a lot!'
'Why talk of its price, when Shehenshah is presenting something in honour of his Begum? Today, you're the one trading - whatever its cost, you'll receive its value worth! Consider this your most profitable transaction!'
Ruqaiyya is elated, as Jalal walks away - happy with her!
I was shocked when MA assumes that the over-crowded tent was of Ruqaiyya's - but, in reality - was Javeeda's. Javeeda was selling paintings of a brightly-smiling MA!😆 Gawd these two - utter timepass!
I quite liked how Jalal was impressed with Salima's exquisite Ittar too. He respectfully hands her the green dupatta after complimenting her on her choice of scent (Initially, I thought the green colour would be reserved for Jodha, but then understood why he'd kept aside the white one for her!)
And then, our majestic Emperor lands where else - but, at our confused Sherni's tent - Madam Jo herself!
I love the music when they both come face-to-face! After gracefully acknowledging her gesture of putting up a stall in Meena bazaar, he goes on to ask her why she'd chosen to display colours in her stall. However, the stern Jodha refuses to explain 'I don't consider it important to explain its meaning to YOU!' [Grrr]
'Well...if you've put up this stall...then, its your duty to elaborate on its significance too!'
'What do I explain about colours to you' she quips 'Just understand that even if the hues of a relationship change over time, the association that we humans have with the various 'colours of life' never change!'
Jalal is pensive. She resumes her monologue 'Colours are always a part of my life and will remain so forever! Colours are a gift of God...a miracle of nature...2 colours can get together to form a new shade...and when these very two colours don't mix, they can become a stain too!
After stating a few more 'colour-ful' words on importance of tints, she boldly moves forward and takes the white dupatta his attendant was holding 'This white dupatta can signify peace...the moment a different colour makes its mark on it, its connotation changes'
While Jalal remains silently confounded by her lecture on colours, she goes on to rub some pink colour on it 'Tomorrow is Holi and an important day for us' she continues 'We throw colours at one another and express joy...that's why I've put this stall up and tried expressing my sentiments through it!'
The hush Jalal grows increasingly impressed - even though his white shawl was now a royal mess! (Pun intended)
'But you wouldn't understand all of this since you possess neither sentiments, nor a heart!'
He smirks at her 'A King cannot function by relying on sentiments...he functions on rules and regulations!' he pauses 'And the rules here are that whichever tent I visit, I purchase something from it!'
Staring away, Jodha orders her friend with indifference 'Give him how much ever colours he wants'
'I haven't come to take anything...I've come to buy something' Jalal corrects her 'So, I'll buy all the colours you've displayed here' he then walks a step closer to her 'One more thing, you understand the importance of colours well enough, but not the roles they play in our lives as well as you think they do...' Jodha is mildly intrigued, as the Kings continues 'I'd bought three dupattas from Ruqaiyya's tent...and in the form of a token of peace, I'd brought over the white one for you...however, splashing it with colour - you've completely changed its significance altogether!'
While Jodha looks a bit lost, Jalal concludes with authority 'True that I possess no sentiments, but as a King- I'm not blind to the sentiments that others possess!'
He then leaves from there - but not before permitting her - a guest - to play Holi to her heart's content with the colours he'd gift her - the very colours he'd bought from her that day!
PRECAP - Now...now...Jodha obviously blushes when HB tells Jodha 'Seems like Jalal has also started understanding your wishes...'
What is this I see Jodha?😛
Loved the episode today. Jodha continues to be rude...but I can totally see her hidden angst at Jalal's indifference...
She wants him to want her, but she can't see it happening
She wants to NOT want him...but, can't seem to do it!
