CHAPTER 47
ENCOUNTER WITH SAMAR SINGH...
After completing the other formalities, Samar Singh was brought in chains in the conference inside the camp. Though Samar's head was held high, his lowered eyes did not contact with anyone perhaps to avoid the shame of defeat. The guards presented him in front of the emperor who was sitting in the middle of the conference. His glare concentrated on Samar Singh when he was stood in front of him. He kept on gazing at Samar and Samar kept on gazing at his toe. Jalal was computing something in his mind and Samar was thinking about his defeat.
"Samar Singh! Jalal started speaking directly to Samar Singh without wasting a single moment before the announcer could read out the formal statements. "Aapne kya kiya or kya nehi kiya uska firist dekar hum waqt zaya nehi karna chahte. Nahi hum ek siyasati kayedi hone ke nate aapke sath kya suluk kiya jayega usse lekar maslat karne me dilchaspi sarkhte hay. Hume aapse jo baat karni hay bohot sidha hay. Aap abhi ke abhi Mughal Saltnant ke samne aapka ghutne thek dijie, or ek dastabej me dastakhat kijie ki aap or aapke rajya Mughal saltanant ke sath siyasi samjhota karte hue humare saath haat milane me taiyaar hay. Iske badle aapke beriyan khol di jayegi, or Raiput ko aapna hipazaat bhi naseeb hoga. [I don't want to waste time by giving the list of your doings. Neiher I want to discuss what your punishment should be decided as a political prisoner. I am being very straight-cut. You surrender in front of Mughal force at once, and sign this document where it is said that your kingdom is ready to negotiate and join hand with us. You will be released then, and Raipur will get its security.]
"Kya sochte hay aap? Aapne jaan ki daar se Mughalyon ke samne ghutne thek denge hum? [What do you think? I will surrender in front of Mughal in fear of life?] Samar Singh hissed. "Rajput hay hum, Shahenshah Jalaluddin! Aapke pair chatne wala Ameri kutta nehi! [I am Rajput, Shahenshah Jalaluddin! Not your pet dogs from Amer!]
The members of Amer family present there immidietly pulled out their sword in rage. But Jalal did not seem to be affected. He smiled gently. "Subhan Allah! Lagta hay aapne Rajput hone ka bohot fakhr hay aapko, Shahzade Sahab. Hona hi chahiye, Rajput khun jo daur raha hay aapke rago me! Ek sacchi Rajput hay aap, hay na? [O God! It seems you are proud to be Rajput. You should be, the Rajput blood is flowing in your veins! A true Raajput! Isn't it?] His smile was slowly changing in a sheer cruelity... "Issi liye hi to aapne fayde ke liye ek Mughal bhagore ke sath haat milaya. Samne se baar karne ka dum nehi tha to pichhe se chhauni me hamla kar diya. Maasum adibaasiyon ko bahela fusla kar toapyon ke samne lakar khara kar di aapne fayde ke liye. 2-2 bar hume marne ke liye chhup ke baar kiya. Jiske sath pahele haat milaye the lalaj me aake use hi dhoka dekar uske pith pichhe chhori chalane se bhi hichhichaya nehi... [So for this reason only you joined hand with a Mughal escapist, attacked in army camp from behind as you had no power to fight at face, for own benefits made the innocent tribals to stand in front of the cannons. Tried to kill me secretly for two times, even did not hesitate to stab that man from behind with whom you had joined hands first in you greed...] He smirked with a lot of hatred reflecting from his eyes. "Sidhi tarha se kahe to, aapne sochbojh or usulyon ko aapne lalaj ke bash me aake Sharifuddin ke pair me saup diye aap... Kamal hay! He clapped. "Aise hote hay Rajput? [To say it clearly, you sold your own thoughts, intutions and virtues at the feet of Sharifuddin under your greed... Great! So Rajputs are used to be like this?]
"Hume karna parha yeh! Aapne usulyon ke biruddh jakar karna para. [I had o do this going against my principles.] Samar Singh groaned. "Kya kare, jo jaise hay uske sath waise hi karna chahiye. [What to do! One should be treated the way he is!]
"Thik kaha! [Right!] Jalal smirked. "Jo jaise hay uske sath waise hi bartaab karna chahiye. Hum bhul gaye the yeh baat... [One should be treated the way he is! I forgot this...] He looked intensely at him, his eyes shining in vibes of brutality. "Agar hum aapki baat mankar abhi ke abhi aapko Shahzade wale izzat farmana bandh karke aapke sath o bartaab kare jiske aap haqdar hay to aapko kaisa lagega? [So now if I listen to you and start treating you the way you deserve this instead of respecting you as a prince, then how will you feel?]
Samar's eyes trembled. Still he tried to protest. "Aap yeh nehi kar sakte. Hum ek yudh-bandhi hay, or ek yudh-bandhi rajkunwar ke upar aap aise hi aapni marzi nehi chala sakte! Yeh yudh-neeti ki biruddh hay! [You cannot do this. I am a war-prisoner, and you cannot do anything you want with a prisoner-prince. This is against the principles of war!]
"Accha, aisa hay kya? Rassi jala par bal nehi gaya? [Oh is it? So rope is burnt but the strength is still on?] Jalal laughed. "Shahzada Samar Singh! He came closer to him and touched his shoulder, his eyes as cold as ice, and voice whipping the air. "Hum aapne marzi ki malik hay. Ek kayedi ke sath hum jo maan chahe kar sakte hay. Koi nehi hay hume rokne wala... Khud aapne usulyon ka tauhin karke hume jung ki usul sikhane maat aiye aap! Bhuliye ga maat, aapne jo kiya hay usse aapko srif jung me harne wala shahzada nehi kaha ja sakta. Aap ek bade sajish me saamil the, aapne do bar humare jaan lene ki koshis ki; or Sujamal Singh ke maut ke liye bhi kahi na kahi aap zimmidar hay! Sharifuddin ne khud aapnne bayan me aapka naam liya hay! [Prince Samar Singh! I am the owner of my own mind. I can do anything I want with a prisoner. There is none to stop me... After insulting your own principles don't dare to teach me war-principles! Don't forget, after everything you did, you don't deserve to be a prince. You were involved in a big conspiracy, you tried to kill the emperor two times; and you are partially responsible for Sujamal Singh's death! Sharifuddin himself took your name in his statement.] He smirked again then pronounced each and every word clearly. "Aapke dost Sharifuddin, jo aapke kiya hua sare gunaho ka haqdaar hay, saar raha hay Mughal kayed me. Pata hay haal kya hua hay uska? Ekbar aankho se dekhenge to dehshat se chaumk uthenge... Hume umeed hay ki aapko unke paas jane me koi dilchaspi na ho... kyuki... [Your friend Sharifuddin, who is the rightful parter of your every crime, is rotting in the Mughal prison. Do you know what his condition is? You will shiver if you see by your eyes... I hope you do not have any interest to go to him... as...] He sighed with a fake sadness. "Jo bhi ho... faisla aapke haat me hay. Ki aap ek izzat ki zindegi chahte hay or ek sharamsaar berahem maut! [Whatever, the decision is all yours... that whether you want a respectful life or a shameful, fatal death!]
"Dekhie Shahenshah... [See Shahenshah...] Samar Singh gulped. "Humare yudh Amer se tha. Humne job hi kiya uske liye hum Amer ki aapradhi hay. Aap ko kaise haq ban sakta hay hume dandit karne ka? [My war was with AMer. I am convict of Amer for everything I did. You don't have right to punish me.]
Jalal nodded while smiling. "Lagta hay aap bhul gaye hay Amer Mughal saltanant ka ek mansaab hay. Yaakinan hum aapne mansaab ka faisla le sakte hay! Iske pahele ki aap suru ho jaye, hum bata de, ki Amer ki azadi se faisla lene ka jo haq hay uspe hum dakhal-andazi nehi kar rahe hay. Par jab Amer me hamla karne ke piche maksaad hume takht se utarna ho, to yaakinan faisla hum hi le sakte hay! [It seems you forgot that Amer is now a mansaab of Mughal dynasty. Obviously I can take decisions for my mansaab! And before you start again, I will tell, that I am not intervening in the freedom of Amer's own judiciary. But when the reason of this attack being dethroning me, I can obviously take decisions! ]
"Hum... hum baas ek yuvraaj hay. Yuhi hum aapna hastakshar nehi kar sakte kisi bhi sarkaari nathi pe! [I... I am only a crown prince. I can't sign in a official document!] Samar Singh sought an excuse. "Hume koi haq nehi hay Raipur ke hokar faisla lene ka... [I do not have right to take decision from Raipur!]
"Aisa hay? [Is it?] Jalal smiled. "Jab ek bhagore ke chal me faas kar aapne watan ki hipazaati ko naseeb ke haato taul diye the tab liye the izazat aapne Abbujaan se? Thik hay... [Did you take permission from your father when you left the security of your motherland in the hand of your fate being fooled by a criminal? Okay... ] He got back to his throne again. "Aapko hum yeh batana chahenge ki pahele hi Amer se Raipur sandesh bhej diya gaya hay. Aapke abbu ke sath siyasi baate ho jayega. Aap baas o kariye jo aapko bataya gaya hay... [I want to tell you that Amer has already sent message to Raipur. We will talk with your father as well. Only do what you are told now...]
"Parantu... [But...]
"Aap chahte hay ki iss umar me aapke Abbu itna rasta chalke yeaha tak aye, or aapne pyare bte ko iss haal me dekhe? Aap chahte hay ki hum aapko unke samne rakhkar unke sath siyasi sauda kare? Aapke abbu ko to sayad khabar hi nehi tha ki aap kya karne wale hay. Aaj jab aapko aise dekhenge to unko jo dhakka lagega, humare sath aapko lekar sauda karne ke waqt unka jo tauhin hoga usse aapne aankho se sahe payenge aap? [Do you want that your father crosses so much distance in this age to see his dear son in this condition? Do you want me to play politically with you making you as a pawn? Perhaps your father had no idea of what you were doing. Today when he will see you in this state, the shock he will get and the humiliation he will get while dealing in with me about you, will you be able to tolerate that?] Jalal spoke very gently. "Agar aap aise hi chahte hay to abhi ke abhi Raipur ke Maharaj ko yeaha bulate hay. Fir aapko pata chalega Mughal Saltanant ke khilaf jung cherne ka anjaam kya ho sakta hay... [If you want that, I will call him just now. Only then you will understand what the result of going against Mughal Dynasty is] He looked at his side. "Maan Singh!
"Rukiye Shahenshah! Samar Singh uttered helplessly. "Hum prastut hay aapke saare baat manne me... Hum Raipur ki taraf se yeh likhke denge ki aajse Raipur Amer se aapna matryi or Mughal samrajya ka basyata swikar karega! [Wait Shahenshah. I am ready to accept your conditions. I will write from the side of Rajput that Raipur will accept friendship with Amer and will surrender to you!]
"Bohot khub! [Very good!] Jalal smirked. A glow of victory sparkled from his eyes...
BACK TO AGRA...
Some days later, the caravan of the emperor of Mughal reached to the gate of Agra fort.
The queen-mother, the other queens and rest of the respectable ladies were waiting at the front of the inner palace. After getting felicited by the overwhelming crowd and receiving formal welcome from the soldiers and higher officials at the main gate, the emperor directly moved to the gate of the inner palace along with his empress. The celebration of the inner palace was much bigger than the main gate. Walkig through the path covered by rose-petals, and enjoying the shower of flower and perfumes in the enchanting festive atmosphere, Jalal and Jodha came in front of Marium Makani and bowed in front of her. Then Jalal bent and kissed her hand and feet with due respect, while Jodha took her blessings by touching her feet.
"Kuch din ke liye jane ki baat thi, or kitne mahino baad wapas aa rahe ho! [You were going for only some days, and now returning after months!] Hamida Banu uttered in an adorable motherly voice and touched both of their cheeks. Then her eyes swiftly moved to the big bandage on Jalal's arm which was even visible through his precious Kurta, and her eyes drowned in worry readily. "Tum thik to ho na beta! [Are you alright, my son!] She uttered in an almost wet voice.
"Haa, Ammijaan! Jalal smiled. "Jaise bhi hu, aapke samne hi to hu! [Yes, mother. However I am, I am in front of you!]
Hamida Banu tried to control her tears while caressing Jalal's face and hairs with deep affection. Whatever Jalal tells now, only a mother knows how she spends her days and nights in severe worry after learning about the dreadly attack on her son...
"Ammijaan! Jalal smiled loudly looking her mother's worry and held her hand. "Aapko aapne bte par bharosa nehi hay kya? Iss dunia me kisike paas itna takat nehi hay ki o Marium Makani Hamida Banu ki aulad ka baal bhi baka kar sake! [You have no faith on your son? There is none in this world who has the strength to giva a single scratch to the son of Marium Makani Hamida Banu Begam!] Then he looked at Jodha smilingly. "Kyu, maine sahi kaha na Jodha?[Am I right, Jodha?]
"Accha? Baal bhi baka nehi kar sakta? [Really? Not even a scratch?] Jodha giggled. Then she looked at her mother-in-law complaining in a childish voice. "Aapki bte itne din tak humari naak me dum karke rakha hay Ammijaan! Humari to ek bhi nehi sunte... Humse or nehi hoga isliye yeaha chale aye. Aab aapne bte ko aap hi samhaliye. [Your son is driving me insane these days mother! He does not listen to me a bit... I can't take this anymore so came back here. Now you take charges of your son.]
"Yeh kaisi baat hui bhala? Hum kab aapko tang kiya? [What is this? When did I disturb you?] Jalal protested with all his heart. "Ammijaan aap Jodha Begam ki baato me maat ayiye. Lambe safar ke dauran inke dimag sayad thik se kam nehi kar raha... [Mother you do not listen to Jodha Begam. Her brain is not working properly after a long journey...]
Jodha gave a deadly look to Jalal and then held Hamida Banu's hand. "Jab o ghatna ghatit hua tha to hum sachme bohot darr gaye the ammijaan! Parantu ishwar ke kripa se sab thik hay. Shahenshah bhi sampurn rup se swasth hay. Aap chinta maat kijie... [When that incident happened I was scared Mother! But as per God's wish everything is alright now. His majesty is completely fine. Don't worry anymore...] She told in a low and modest tone which was extremely soothing and close to heart. Hamida Banu gazed at her eyes with silent happy glare... Perhaps after a long long time she could find the old real Jodha in those beautiful hazel eyes...
"Agar maa-beti ki guftgu khatam hua ho to kya hum andaar chale? [If the gossips of both mother-daughter is over can we get inside?] Jalal glared at them. "Aree Jodha Begam, aab to yeaha aapke sath baat karne ki zimmidari se hume chhutti mil jayega; abase jee bhar kar Ammijaan ke sath baat hi karte rahena. Filhal to andaar chale? [Jodha Begam, since here I am free from the duty of talking with you all the day, you can talk with mother all the day how much you wish. For now let's go?]
Hamida turned at Jalal, and looked at his smiling face. Then she gazed and gazed. Two drops of tears fell from her eyes eventually.
"Kya hua Ammijaan? Jalal touched his mother's cheek with utter affection. "Hum bilkul thik hay Ammijan, aap ro kyu rahi hay... [What happened mother? I am completely fine Mother, why are you crying?]
Yes he was alright. He was fine. Perhaps Hamida Banu saw her son so fine and happy after an era. It seemed someone has wiped out all the grief and agonies from his heart with a magic wand. Then she looked at Jodha. It seemed the stony idol has got back her life again with the same magical touch.
"Khusi ke aansu hay beta! [These are the tears of joy my son!] She wiped out the tears and held Jalal's hand. "Tum dono ke firse... firse aise eksath dekhkar hum... [Seeing you both together again I... ] she smiled while caressing Jodha's cheek... "Hum aapne aansu rok hi nehi paa rahe! [I can't control my tears...]
Jalal and Jodha took a small glimpse of each other and then smiled shyly... Then Jalal hurried. "Aab to andar chaliye? Hume bohot sara kam karna hay ammijaan! [Now lets' go inside? I have lots of work to do Ammijaan!]
"Ha ha Chalo... [Yes let's go!] Hamida Banu gave them way. Behind her there were the other elder ladies of the harem. After their warm welcome they faced the crowd of the queens and the other concubines. Generally the other wives of the Harem does not care to welcome the emperor in the gate when he is coming back with another particular wife, the emperor himself turns into the women-quarter when he wishes and gets time to meet them, but since the news of the fatal attack on Jalal was a very much discussed topic in Agra recently, very naturally all have come to see him with their natural concern. "Aab sabse milkar bohot khusi ho raha hay... aaploho ke duayon ke bajase hi hum sahi salamat Agra laut paye hay, iss liye hum aap sabki sukr-guzar hay. [I am vey happy to see you all... Only for your wishes I have come back Agra in a good health, so I am grateful to you all.] Jalal smiled heartily at them while offering a formal adaab with due respect to give them assuence of his good-health and Jodha joined her hands in courtesy. Suddenly she noticed something which left her surprised. There was no sign of Ruqaiya Begam among those queens.
Salima Begam, who was at the front row, came forward and held Jodha's hand.
"Na jane kyu aapko dekhkar dil me sukoor mil raha hay Jodha Begam! [Don't know why my heart is soothing after seeing you Jodha Begam!] She murmured with a happy face... "Hum jaante the Jodha Begam, aap dono agar ek dusre ko thora waqt denge to dono ke bich sare manmitav dur ho jayega... [I knew it Jodha Begam, if both of you give yourselves some time, everything will be fine...]
"Haa Salima Begam... Jodha smiled. "Samay ke paas sab kuch thik karne ki kshamta hay! [Yes Salima Begam... Time has power of mending everything!]
"Adaab Salima Begam... Jalal smiled while offering her an adaab which she resciprocated immidietely. His gentle smile had a genuine gratitude. "Shukriya! [Thanks!]
"O kisliye Jahapanah! [For what my lord!] Salima told with a slight surprise.
"Muskil waqt me humare saath rahene ke liye... Hume samajhne ke liye... [For standing by me in difficult times... for understanding me...] Jalal told. "Amer jaane ke pahele Agra me bitaya hua aankhri raat ko aap or mere beech jo baate hua tha hum o bhule nehi hay Salima Begam. Jab hum aapne hi andhire me doobte chale jaa rahe the to ek aap hi thi jinhone hume samjha, hume kho jane nehi diya... [I haven't forgotten that dark night in Agra before going to Amer, I remember the conversation we had... When I was drowning in darkness, only you were there who understood me and did not let me to lose... ] He smiled while his eyes sparked with emotions... "Aapse chahe jitni baar hi sukriya na kahe de... [No matter how many times I thank you...]
"Shahenshah... Salima held his hand with utter modesty. "Sukriya to paraye logo ko di jaati hay. Hum aapke paraye hay kya? [Majesty... people say thanks to those who are outsiders. Am I outsider? ]
Jalal smiled with great saturation this time. Jodha also held Salima Begam's hand affectionately. "Humare Rahim kaha hay Salima Begam? [Where is my Rahim, Salima Begam?] She asked.
"Shamsher chalana sikhne gaye hay. [He has gone to learn sword-fighting.] Salima smiled. "Sayad unhe paata nehi chala ki aap log aa chuke hay. Paata chala to daurte hue hazir honge yeaha... [He does not know that you have reached. If he gets to know he will run to you...]
"Chaliye andaar chalte hay... [Let's go...] Jalal told again. All of them proceeded inside. "Salima Begam... Jalal uttered after a moment. Salima was near to him, she looked at him. "Haa Shahenshah...
"Sharifuddin ke bare me jante hay na aap? [You know about Sharifuddin?] Jalal said with deep concern in his eyes. "Hume Bakshi ki fikhr hay Salima Begam! Kisi or se baat karne ka fursaat nehi mila na, isliye aapko kahe rahe hay... [I am worried about Bakshi, Salima Begam!] he sighed. "Thori kheyal rakhiyega unki... Hum to unse mile bhi nehi. Pata nehi kaise milenge! [Take care of her... I did not even meet her... God knows how I will meet!]
Bakshi Banu was back in Agra some days ago when the first slot of the soldiers had returned from Amer... She has been very silent these days; especially when Sharifuddin's latest news came she almost imprisoned herself inside her heart... Salima sighed, and did not tell that to Jalal. "Aap chinta maat kijie Shahenshah... Ammijaan hay, hum sab hay yeaha... Bakshi or Mahtaab unke aapne ghar me mahfooz hay. Dheere dheere sab kuch thik ho jayega. Bakshi aapki behen hay Huzur... O samajhti hay sabkuch... [Don't worry Shahenshah... Mother is here, we all are here... Bakshi and Mahtaab both are secured here. Everything will be alright slowly... Bakshi is your sister My Lord, she will understand everything...]
Jalal smiled sadly...
RELATIONSHIPS...
Jodha gazed at the face of her Kanha for a long long time. Today, after almost a long year, she has sat in front of her god and worshipped Him with all her heart... Months ago, in a dreadful morning, she had covered the face of her idol promising to herself that she will never pray to Him. That promise fulfilled the vehemence of extreme anger, but never gave her peace... Today, after worshipping Him, she got that peace and satisfaction...
"Jodha... Moti Bai called. "Shahenshah ne khas sabha ka ayojon kiye hay. Aapke paas paigam bheja gaya hay. Jaldi prastut hokar jaiye... [The emperor has called for the court. You are sent message. Go fast after getting prepared.]
"Sabha or abhi ke abhi? Yeh Shahenshah bhi na! [Court and now only?] Jodha smiled and offered the last pranaam to her God before getting up. "Thik hay Moti, tum jao jakar bishram kar lo thora... Hum jaate hay. [Okay Moti, you go and rest, I am going.]
"Baal bana de aapka? [Should I set your hairs?]
"Nehi hum bana lenge... [No I will do.] Jodha smiled. "Tum jao aab. [You go now.]
"Thik hay... [Okay...] Moti smiled. Before going out she again turned back. "Jodha...
"Bolo... kuch bataogi? [Do you have anything to tell?]
"Haa Jodha. Aap aapni vashtra badliye na... [Yes Jodha, change your clothes...] She demanded.
"Abhi vastra badle? [Changing now?] Jodha looked at her pink set of Lahenga. "Kyun yeh accha nehi hay? [Is it not good?]
"Accha hay, parantu khas nehi... [Good, but not special...] Moti winked. "Or Shahenshah ki khas begam ke liye bulayi jane wali khas sabha me aapki sringar bhi to khas honi chahie na? [And the dress should also be special accordingly in the special court of the emperor for his special queen.]
"Moti... tumhe kisne kaha ki yeh sabha humare liye hay? [Who told you that this court is for me?] Jodha frowned. "Kuch bhi kaheti raheti ho... [You tell whatever you want always.]
"Kyu ki humne dekha hay na... [As I have seen...] Moti came closer and whispered. "Todarmal Ji ke sath Shahenshah baat kar rahe the... aapki naam humne aapni kaano se suna hay. [The emperor and Todarmalji was talking with each other. I have heard your name in my ears] She rejoiced in excitement. "Hume lagta hay Shahenshah aapko Begam-E-Khas yeah Padshah Begam ki audha dene wale hay... [I think the emperor will give you the status of Begam-E-Khas or Padshah Begam...]
"Nehi. Ruqaiya Begam ki hay... [No, that is Ruqaiya Begam...] Jodha's frown grew deeper.
"To kya hoga? Shahenshah to aapse prem karte hay na? [So what? Shahenshah loves you!] Moti giggled.
"Moti... Jodha looked at her with sheer irritation. "Pahela baat, aise chhup chhup ke Shahenshah ka baat sunna tumhe sobha nehi deta. Shahenshah ka koi bhi nirnay iss saltanant ke liye hota hay, humare prem ki pusti ke liye nehi.Or tumhe pata hay hume inn sab audhe yeah padabiyon ke prati koi akarshan nehi hay. Or hum yeh bhi nehi chahte ki kisese kisikaa audha chhin kar hume o de diya jaye. Usme hum dono ki asamman hogi... [First thing, it is not acceptable to hear his Majesty this way. And, His Majesty's decisions are taken for the empire, not to fulfill his love. You know that I have no interest in these status and designations... Neither I want that someone snatches some other's status and gives that to me. That will be a insult for both of us...]
"Kshama kar dijie Jodha... [I am sorry Jodha...] Moti lowered her head. She then tried to smile and got out after taking permission.
After Moti left, Jodha opened her chest and gave a vivid look over the collection of her dresses. She has ample of precious dresses, but she has already worn most of them. She pouted in disappointment. No matter how much she yells at Moti, even she wants to look special in court today. However... she remembered her new dresses which she got as gift in Maan Singh's wedding and opened that chest. The beautiful peacock-blue Lahenga came out and she smiled proudly. Today none of the queens will look as beautiful as her...
She pulled the curtains and took of the pallu from her chest. And then while humming a song she opened the first two buttons of her blouse...
"Jodha Begam...
"AAA!!
Jalal stared with shocking expression in eyes. Jodha has already threw a dupatta on his face and has covered her chest with her arms. Her shy and almost crying look made Jalal confused and entertained as well...
"Kya hua? Chilla kyu rahi hay? [What happened? Why are you shouting?] He came closer.
"Aap... aap... andar kyu aaye? [You... why you came inside?] Jodha immidietly slipped into her full-fledged quarrelling mode in that state. "Yeh kaisi abhadrata hay? Aap aise hi kaise humare kamre me ghus sakte hay? Ek bhi daasi kam nehi karti. Ek bhi sipahi thik se dwar ka raksha nehi karta... [What type of indecency is this? How can you enter my room like this? None of the maids works properly. None of the guards guard the door properly...]
"Hume roke kisime yeh majaal kaha? [Who has the audacity to stop me?] Jalal giggled. "Or aap aisi kyu kar rahi hay? Hum hi to hay! [And why are you acting like this? This is me only!]
"Fir bhi... Jodha blushed in sheer embarrassment... "Accha nehi lagta hay yeh sab Shahenshah... [Then too... I don't like these...]
" Accha nhi lagta? Accha? [Don't like these? Really??] Jalal also slipped into naughty mood and instantly hugged her by her waist. "Begam Sahiba, agar itna hi sharma rahi hay, to iss bechari dupatte ko aapne aapse lappet leti, humare muh me fekne ka kya zarurat tha... [Begam Sahiba, if you are so embarrassed, you could have covered yourself with this poor dupatta, why threw it on my face??]
"Humesha mazak accha nehi lagta hay Shahenshah... [I don't like joking Majesty...] Jodha pouted like a child. "Chhorie hume, hume vashtra pahenne dijie... [Leave me... Let me wear the dress...]
"Uuuhuuh! Jalal shook her head and pulled her even more closer and tickled on her belly. "Shahenshahhh!! Jodha jumped and giggled... "Chhorie na... chhorie naa... [Leave me...]
"Chhorne ka to sawal hi nehi! [No question of leaving!] He removed her hand from her chest and caressed the revealed part of her breast passionately... Then slowly he leaned on her and kissed in her cleavage...
"Shahenshah... Jodha tried to protest, but the casual protest due to her shyness lost in the sea of passion... Eventually she too drowned in that tide of passion which was coming from Jalal's heart and clasped his body... Both of them continued to be lost in themselves for some time... But then the big clock rang...
"Ohhh! Shahenshah! Dekhie kinti der kar di aapne! [Ohh just see how much lae we are!] Jodha suddenly picked up her head from Jalal's arms and freed herself. "Aapko rajsabha me nehi jaana kya? [Don't you need to go to court?] She asked while dressing.
"Oh! Haa! Jalal suddenly remembered the value of time and bit his lips. "Sabko waqt par hazir hone ka hukum deke hum khud hi der kar rahe hay! Kya kare, yeh zindegi or yeh siyaasat... or accha nehi lagta Jodha! [Ohh yes! See I myself is being late after ordering everyone to reach in time! What to do! This life and these politics... I don't like anymore Jodha!]
"Hum aapko aapne aapse zyada pahechante hay Shahenshah... [I know you more than myself Majesty...] Jodha commented while adjusting her dupatta. "Aap Jodha ke bina jee sakte hay, par rajneeti or kam ke bina nehi... [You can leave without Jodha, but not without work...] She smiled.
"Aree... yeh kya baat hui bhala... dono bilkul alag cheez hay... [What type of comparison is this? Both are completely different...]
"Thik hay, thik hay... [Okay Okay...] Jodha laughed. "Kya kam tha mere sath bataiye... [Tell me what the work with me was?]
"Kya kaam tha...o hi yaad nehi aa raha hay. [What was the work... I can't recall...] An embarrassed Jalal looked here and there for some moments then seemed to recall what he had forgotten. "O ha... Hume humari anguthi nehi mil rahi. O wala jo Ammijan ne pichle saal-gira par tohfe me di thi... Zara dekhie na aapki zebar ke sath sayad chala gaya ho? [Yes... I can't find my ring. That one which mother had gifted me in my last birthday... Have a look if that is gone with your ornaments?]
"Aapne cheezyen sawaar ke nehi rakh sakte! Aab itne sare zebar me se hum ek chhota sa anguthi kaha dhunde? [You can't take care of own things! Now how will I search a little thing from so many ornaments?] Jodha murmured while opening her jewelary box.
"Aree uaha par hi hoga. Aapne hi kho diya hay usse zyada sawarne ki chakkar me... [That is there only. Actually you have lost it while arranging them more than need...] Jalal defended himself. "Bak bak bandh kijie or jaldi dhundiye. Der ho raha hay... Ek anguthi hi to dhund rahe hay, itna kya... [Stop talking and search fast. I am getting late... that is only a ring, why so much...]
"Khud dhund lijie... [Search on your own...] Jodha glared at him then handed the box to him.
"Hum? [Me?] Jalal sighed and saw the volume of the box and also the number of ornaments. Then without any hesitation he turned that over and made a heap of ornaments on the dressing-table and started searching from there. "Hey Kanhaa!! Jodha sighed and banged her head.
"Mil nehi raha... [I can't find...] Jalal looked at her in pleading eyes. Jodha tried to be angry but started giggling instead. "Dijie hume.[Give it to me...] She said and came forward. "Waise Shahenshah, aap itni jaldi se sabha kyu bulaya? [By the way, Majesty, why did you call for the court so early?] She asked casually while finding the ring.
"Ek kahawat hay na, subh kaam me der nehi karte? [There's a saying... one should not late before a good work.] Jalal smiled. "Hume ek bohot hi zaruri elan karna hay... [I have to make an important declaration...]
"Kis bare me? [About what?] Jodha could not hide her curiosity. Jalal smiled again. "O to jakar hi pata chalega... [You will get to know after reaching there...]
Jodha kept on searching and Jalal sat on the bed while his eyes roaming around the whole room idly. This was once the most favourite room of him in the whole palace... Jodha's room... the room where he could find rest, peace and freedom together after a hectic schedule of his daily life. He felt the same satisfaction inside his heart today again, after he entered here after almost a whole gloomy year. The room gave him assurance that everything is normal... nothing has changed...
"Mil gaya Shahenshah! [I got it Majesty!] Jodha came and placed the ring in his finger. "Aage se kabhi humare zebar me aapna anguthi daal diya na, to o hum le lenge or aapko wapas nehi karenge. Usse aapne liye neyi anguthi banwa lenge, yaad rahe... [Now if you keep your ring ever in my jewelary box I will not return that. I will make another ring of mine with that, remember...] She laughed.
"Uska mauka hi nehi milega aapko. [You will not get that chance...] Jalal too laughed. "Na jane fir kab aapke sath itne din ke liye Agra se bahaar eksath rahenge... [Don't know when we will stay outside Agra together again for so many days...] He looked unmindful. "Yeaha to firse wohi purani zindegi, purane chahere... [Here that same life, those same faces...]
"Aapne dekha Ammijaan kitni khush hay Shahenshah? [You saw how much happy Mother was, Shahenshah!] Jodha told holding his hands.
"Hume pata tha Ammijaan bohot khush hongi... O bohot chinta me the... [I knew she will be happy. She was very worried...] Jalal nodded. "Waise, accha lag raha hay itne din baad Agra lautkar. Iske pahele kille ki char deewar ke andar aapna dum ghut jata tha, tanhaai dil ko chir kar rakh deta tha... par aaj lagraha hay ki aapne ghar aapno ke paas laut aye hay! Bohot khusi mahesoos ho raha hay sab ko dekhke... [By the way, I am actually happy after returning here after so many days. Before these I felt like strangled inside these 4 walls, the loneliness used to pierce the heart... but today I am feeling as if I have returned to my home... Feeling so happy after seeing everyone...]
"Thik kaha aapne... [You are right...] Jodha agreed with a smile. Then suddenly she remembered something. "Shahenshah... Ruqaiya Begam thik hay na? [Majesty, is Ruqaiya alright?]
"Kon? [Who?] Jalal seemed not to expect this question first. Then he shook his head with a little frown. "Hume nehi paata. [I don't know.]
"Adhhut hay. O humare swagat ke liye bhi nehi aaye the... Unhe to pata hay aapke upar hamle ke bare me, fir bhi... [Strange, she did not even welcome us... She knows about the attack on you, even after that...] Jodha looked thoughtful. "Aap bhi unse milne nehi gaye? [You also did not meet her?]
"Nehi Jodha... [No Jodha...] Jalal looked at her eyes. There was a slight adamancy in his rigit glare. "Hum zarurat nehi samjhe unse mulakat karna. O agar milne aaye to hum rokenge nehi. Par iss bare me hum kisi ke sath bhi kuch baat karna nehi chahenge... [I did not feel to meet her. If she wants to meet me I will not stop you.But I don't want to talk to anyone about this matter...]
Jodha gazed at him for a while. Then uttered in a very low tone. "Hume abhas hay ki aap dono ke bich kuch thik nehi chal raha... Parantu aab jab sab kuch thik ho gaya hay... [I can feel there's something wrong between both of you... But when everything is alright...]
"Kuch cheezyen uhi thik nehi hota hay, Jodha... [There are something that can never be alright, Jodha...]
Jodha sighed. Then again she pleaded. "Jo bhi ghatit hua uaha Ruqaiya Begam ki to koi dosh nehi hay. O bhi humare hi tarha... [Whatever had happened, Ruqaiya Begam had no fault in that. She is also, like us...]
"Galti kisiki bhi nehi hay Jodha... [None has fault, Jodha...] Jalal held Jodha's hands and smiled sadly. "Galti to humare taakdir ki hay... Par jaise ki faata hua sisha ko jora nehi jaata, kuch cheezyen jab toot ta hay tab... [Fault is our detiniy's... But like the broken glass can never be mened, somethings also when break...]
"Kinte bachpan se jante hay aap dono ek dusre ko. Aap dono ke ristey sishe ki tarha vangur to nehi ho sakta! [You both know yourselves from your childhood. Your relationship cannot be as fragile as glass!]
"Konsa rista kitney nazuk hay o to srif waqt hi bata sakta hay na Jodha? [Only time can say if a relationship is fragile or not, Jodha...] Jalal smiled. "Hum Ruqaiya ke upar khafa nehi hay. Hum samajhte hay unhe, unki neeji zasbaatyon ko... Par hume lagta hay ki... [I am not angry on Ruqaiya. I understand her, her personal feelings. But I think that...] he touched her face... "Saare ristey ka aapna waqt hota hay Jodha. Humare ristey ko bhi hum o waqt dena chahte hay... [Every relationship has own time Jodha. I want to give our relationship that time...]
Jodha sighed, then she nodded with a smile...
IN THE COURT...
"Ba-adab Ba-Mulaija Hoshiyaar. Hindustan ke shaan Baadshah Jalaluddin Mohammad Akbar darbar me Tarsif rakh rahe hay! [With all due respect, pay attention. The glory of Hindustan, emperor Jalaluddin Mohammad Akbar is apprearing in the court!]
Jalal's stepped on his throne in Deewan-E-Khas radiating his usual glowing aura synchronized with the announcement of the emperor's arrival. The grand hall chanted the name of the emperor together, the whole environment took up the mood of celebration automatically with his entry. In a charismatic voice, the emperor started his speech.
"Hum, Shahenshah Jalaluddin Mohammad Akbar, bare hi khisi ke sath yeh elaan karna chahenge ki humare watan par jis khatra ka kale badaal chha raha tha, Khuda ke rahem se o tal gaya hay. Hum aapne sare audhedaar or sipahiyon ka sukriya aada karna chahenge, kyuki unlogo ki kosish ke bina iss sajish ki jar tak jana mumkin nehi tha. Kabul ke tamaan baagiyan or Samarkand ke fauj ke sath milkar hamla or saath e saath Agra me ek majhabi bagaawat karne ka sajish racha tha kuch Gunehgaryon ke jinhe Agra me bohot bara darja diya jata hay. Par jaise ki aap sab jante hay, o sare baagiyan kayed me hay. Samarkand par Hindustan ne fateh hasil kar li hay, or Kabul bhi bohot jald thand ho jayega. Aap sabka mehnaat, lagan or duayon ke bajay se hi aaj Hindustan ke upar aya hua afaat taal chuka hay. Shahenshah-E-Hind aap logo ke ehsaanbandh hay. [Me, Emperor Jalaluddin Mohammad Akbar, with a lot of joy hereby is announcing that in the wish of God, the cloud of danger that was covering the sun of my emperor has been wiped out. Hence I will like to show my gratitude to all the officers and soldiers of mine, because without their help it was impossible to go to the root of the matter. Some convicts, who are given great respect in Agra, had conspired to create a riot after joining hand with Samarkand and Kabul's rebels. But as you all know, all the rebels are in prison now. Hindustan has defeated Samarkand, and Kabul is also going to be calm very soon. Because of all your hardwork, dedication and prayers the danger is no more. The emperor of Hindustan is grateful to you...]
He paused and the men presented there applauded and cheered. Jalal smiled brightly and signaled something to the attendant standing beside. The attendant readily came with a tray consisting of some scrolls and papers. Jalal instructed that man something then spoke up again.
"Issi khaas mouke pe hum sabka sukriya aada karte hue unhe kuch tohfa denge jo unke upar kuch or zimmidariyan bhi darshayegi. [In this special occation I would like to thak everyone by giving them some gifts which will also put some more responsibilities on them...] Jalal looked at the man and he started reading names. "Todarmal...
Todarmal came in front. Jalal smiled at him and spoke out... "Todarmal Sahab ne nahi srif ek zimmidar diwan or audhedaar hone ka farz nivaye hay, balki aapki hosiyari se hume bohot bar sahi salah diye hay. Hum Todarmal Sahab ko firse Sukriya kahete hue unhe Raja ka khitab dete hay or Gujraat ka ek suba unke naam karte hay! [TodarMal sahab has not only fulfilled the duty of a responsible finance minister and an officer, but also have given me many correct opinions in time with smartness. Hence I give him the status of a Raja and giving him the charge of Gujraat!]
Everyone applauded while Todarmal received the official documents from the emperor. "Maan Singh... The announcer called.
"Amer ki rajkunwar Maan Singh, jo ki kayi bar ek kabil sipahi-salaah ka farz nivaye hay, [Maan Singh, the prince of Amer, who has shown his efficiency as a commander many times,] The emperor declared while touching the sholder of Maan Singh. "... iss baar bhi Raipur ke sath jung me or gunehgaar Sharifuddin ko pakadne me aapna hunar or lagan ka pehchan de chuke hay. Hum unhe Raja ka khitab dete hay or dus-huzari mansabdaar ka audha bhi dete hay... [has again shown his talent and dedication in the war with Raipur and while catching Sharifuddin. I give him the status of king and also a 10-huzari mansaab in his name...]
"Aziz Koka... The announcer declared.
"Aziz Koka ne aapne hosiyari se iss sajish ki khulasa karne me kamiyaad rahe. Unke bina hum Khwaja Moin or unke saathiyon ko nehi pakad pate the... Isliye hum unhe saltanant ki barid-e-mumalik ka audha dete hay, or Sharifuddin ke naam par jo jo subha tha saab unke naam karte hay... [Aziz Koka has succeeded in revealing the conspiracy smartly. Without him we could not catch Khwaja Moin and his companions... So I hereby give him the designation of in-charge of intelligence, and handing him all the Subas of Sharifuddin...]
And the process went on, followed by the declaration of promotion and increment of the common soldiers. The whole ambience was floating in a spontaneous glee... After some time, the emperor again instructed something to the announcer just after finishing the official works. Then he himself got up from his throne...
"Aab hume kuch khas elan karna hay. [Now I need to announce something special.] He smiled gently while speaking. "Hum Mughal Saltanant ke taraf se agla khitab or audha jinke naam karne wale hay, o na sirf humare liye, balki pure saltanant ke liye khas hay... Unhone nahi sirf muskil waqt me aapne badshah ka sath dete hue muskil halatyon se mukabila kiya or saltnant paar aanch tak nehi aane di, balki... [Now from the empire I will give the next status to someone's name, who is not only special for me, but also very special for the empire itself. Not only did she stood by the emperor and fought with the situations saving the empire in every possible way, but also...] He suddenly stole a glimpse of Jodha sitting under the curtain in the section of ladies, "balki zaruri waqt aane par aapne Shahenshah ko sahi faisla lene me madat bhi kiye... Or unki hi bahaduri ke bajay se Raipur ke sath jung me Amer or Mughal fauj ki fateh hui... O koi aisi hay jo aapni roshni se sabki zindegi roshan karti hay, khub roshni me aane ka zarurat nehi samajhti. He smiled at his own. Then he looked at the women section. "Begam Jodha, aapse iltaja hay ki aap samne aaye or humare takht me humare paas akar baithe... [Also she helped the emperor to take right decisions in need. Her bravery has caused the victory of Mughal force and Amer against Raipur... She is someone who enlightens everyone with her own light, but herself does not think in necessary to come in light... Begam Jodha, I request you to come and sit beside me...]
Suddenly Jodha got goosebumps... She kept on gazing at her husband, her eyes glittering in happiness. She slowly put the veil over her face, and carried out his order...
"Hum, Shahenshah-E-Hind Jalaluddin Mohammad Akbar, aaj Amer ki Rajkunwari, humari Begam Jodha Bai ko Wali-Nimat Begam ki khitaab dete hay! [Me, emperor Jalaluddin Mohammad Akbar, hereby is giving the staus of Wali-Nimat Begam to my queen, the princess of Amer Jodha Bai...] Jalal declared in a firm voice. There was a touch of pride in that firmness. Jodha stood up and bowed in front of her emperor. The whole court started chanting her name... The emperor smiled slightly and then handed her the officially stamped paper. Then he placed a crown on her head. The touch of his strong hand on her head while placing the crown felt like a blessing to Jodha. Jalal glimpsed at her eyes for a glance and their eyes talked a lot with each other in a single moment. That single moment and those proud eyes of her husband made this moment momentary to Jodha... The new Wali-Nimat Begam of the empire...
"Iss khitaab ke sath sath Begam Sahiba ke haat me kuch siyaasi takat or zimmidariyan bhi soupa ja raha hay jiske bare me hum aap logoko batana chahenge... [With this status Begam Sahiba is being given some political powers and responsibilities which I want to make you aware of...] The emperor continued in a grave and serious tone now. "Aajse Begam Jodha aapni audhe ki takaat se saltanant ki kisi bhi siyaasi maslaat me hissa le payengi or aapni faisle suna payengi... Or... [From today Begam Jodha will be able to be a part of any political conference and will be able to give the decision... and...] His voice touched an extraordinary command this time. "Begam Sahiba ko hum sarkari dastabeezyon par aapni mohar lagane ka haq dete hay. Shahenshah ki gyar-maujudgi me Wali-Nimat Begam ki naam ka mohar ko jaaiz mana jayega, or usse Shahenshah-E-Hind ke jaisa ayzaaz bhi di jayegi. [Hereby I give the empress the right of use her own seal on the official documents. In the absence of the emperor the seal of Wali-Nimat Begam will be aaccepted as authorized, and will be given the same gravity as the seal of the emperor of Hindustan...]
The whole courtroom stared awed this time... Jodha bowed again with utter respect then received the seal of her name from the hand of the emperor. The most loving wife of the emperor literally achieved the right to stand by the emperor as an empress and rule over the empire now...
Precap: "Welcome to Agra, Mallika-E-Kabul. The empress of Hindustan, Mallika-E-Hind Wali Nimat Begam Jodha is welcoming you... Jodha smiled decently at Fakhr-Un-Nissa Begam in the gate of Agra fort...
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