~ SS ~ Dead Love ~ Thd 2 ~ Ch 24 on Pg 133 Updated 13/04/14 - Page 48

Recap -

She plucked one rose and playfully offered it to her belly, asking her child to have it. She no more giggled. She was smiling her heart out. She felt so ecstatic at this moment.

Jalal's eyes were full of tears. These tears were of joy. He was overjoyed. He felt as if Allah had listened to his prayers and blessed upon Jodha and their baby. His eyes were brimming with love for both of them and he so much wanted to go near her and share these lovely moments with her.

He could have easily gone and do what he wished. After all, he was the Shahenshah. But NO. He dared not to hurt her again with his presence. She was enjoying some moments of her life and he didn't want to spoil them by showing her his face. He just stood there gazing at the beautiful would be mother of his child.

He imagined the upheaval that would be caused out of joy, when their child would come into this world and bring happiness in everyone's life.

Chapter 21 -

As he was lost in gazing at his love, Jodha's eyes caught him looking at her. She was shocked to see him there. She did not know how to react. Obviously she felt awkward and annoyed in his vicinity but the promise she had made to herself came in front of her eyes. Moreover, as she looked into his eyes, she could feel the warmth and affection he had for his child. She could very well make out that he was beyond happy as he was going to be a father. His eyes had a longing to talk to his child, a longing to feel his child's movements, a longing to ask him questions. As she tried to read his eyes further, her eyes were full of tears. How poor, pitiable and deplorable he looked. If only he had not done the crime, she would never have had any tribulations and problems with him.

Soon, Jalal noticed her looking at him. Both of their eyes met. He immediately came back to his senses. He wiped off the tears of joy that were flowing out of his eyes. Jalal was so fearful of her rejection that would come to him any moment. He decided to better go away from there, than standing there and face her sweltering gazes, not because he didn't deserve them, but because he didn't want to spoil her merry moments.

He had expected her fiery and annoyed gazes and he was not wrong. She always became uncomfortable and felt awkward whenever he was near, and this time was no different. But! But as he tried to go away from there, after looking into her eyes the last time, he felt that they didn't curse him. He felt as if she didn't look him with hatred. He was surprised and shocked to realize this as his instincts never failed him. But above all was the dignity which he had to maintain...so he quietly left from there. Jodha saw him going away and she wasn't much bothered. She would never ever initiate the conversation, for that much she was sure.

Hameeda Bano was witnessing everything from a distance. Her motherly heart bled. Both of her children were living agonized lives. They were going to be parents but the bitterness among their relation was so much so that even the biggest happiness seemed to die off. She wiped off the lone tear that escaped from her eyes due to the scenario and thought of something. All she wanted was Jodha's and Jalal's bliss and for that, she had to work hard. She had to start her work from this very day. She had to do something today itself. Finally, an idea approached her.

*****

Mughal Sultanate was soon going to be blessed with their Shahenshah's first child. Be it a girl or boy, the merriment and glee of everyone was beyond words. Hameeda Bano had called for a Big Jashn that would be held in the honor of the King, the Queen and their child. Everyone from the city of Agra was sent special invites for the function. The Palace residents were more than delighted for this function. Their Jodha Begum was soon going to be a mother. Their Shahenshah was going to be a father. Everyone but some, was jumping out of joy as they prepared for the Jashn. Some people had totally different plans for this function.

Jodha's POV:

She wasn't much excited for the function. The moment her Ammi-Jaan had informed her about this, her head shook in despair. She never wanted to come out in front of public. No doubt, she had started feeling the fresh air for quite some time, but her innermost shattered soul was not yet ready to face the magnificent happiness. She had lost her self-esteem. She felt so low and crushed whenever she faced any new person in the palace, forget about the public. However, upon her Ammi-Jaan's request, she was ready to attend the function. Yet her mind was full of various kinds of thoughts.

Jalal's POV:

He was in a fix. He so much liked the idea of the function which would be held for his wife and child. Not only was it the Mughal Sultanate's way of celebrating such occasions, it was also a way to express the gratitude and respect to the people who were the cause of such delight and happiness. But in his life, nothing was more important than her smile, her glee and her satisfaction. He knew what reaction she might have given upon this function. And he also knew her decision. But he was sure that Allah would always make things better. If not for him, but definitely for her and their child. Anyways, he put his thoughts away and prayed for the well-being of Jodha and their child.

*Jashn Hall*

The palatial and lavish hall dazzled for its wonderful decorations were out of the world. The grandeur couldn't be expressed in words. The splendor of the magnificent hall was enough to catch everyone's breath. The golden ruffled drapes ran down the walls, the dazzling chandeliers only added to the beauty of the scene. The seats were arranged in the most exquisite way. However, the heart of the grand Jashn Hall, were the two majestic thrones in the centre of the hall, which were exclusively made for the King and the Queen. What was even more appreciable was the more than tight security of the Hall. Though Hameeda had come up with the idea of this Jashn, Jalal had taken over the responsibility to manage everything perfectly. He had left no aspect untouched or unnoticed. He had specially taken care of the things which he thought she would like. For example, he had come to know this morning that she loved roses and hence, whole Hall was decorated with the bouquets of roses wherever necessary.

Soon it was late afternoon time and the celebration time was impending. The seats started getting occupied by the invitees. Soon, the celebration would begin.

*Jodha's Chamber*

Moti Bai and Hameeda Bano helped a docile Jodha in getting ready for the function. She wore a maroon colored Rajputani dress with golden embroidery. She didn't want to wear anything heavy, but she was the Mughal Sultanate's Begum. She had to look regal and ceremonial. Hameeda wanted to go according to Jodha's wishes but Jodha knew that she'll have to fulfill her duties as a Begum. Hence she was compliant with the dressing up. As Hameeda made her wear the ancestral priceless jewelry, Jodha submitted quietly without any protest.

Whatever were the circumstances in her life, but she couldn't deny to the fact that it was a very big moment of her life. This celebration was indeed special in some corner of her heart. She was going to celebrate for her child. How much she missed her own mother. As soon as her mind reached back to Amer memories, a tear trickled down her cheek. Suddenly her eyes had enormous pain. She missed her family terribly. She felt drained and bare.

Suddenly her tear was wiped off by a soft palm. Jodha who was constantly looking in one direction without any blink came to her senses. She looked up at the person and was flabbergasted to see Mainawati near her. She was numbed to her core. It was the first time that she was meeting her mother after her wedding. The tears which were brimming in Jodha's eyes now rolled down effortlessly. Mainawati was overjoyed to see her daughter.

Jodha immediately got up and hugged her mother. The hug was so warm and welcoming that both of the mother and the daughter were lost in it. Jodha hugged her mother like she didn't want her to go away. Mainawati was kind of surprised with Jodha's reaction. Obviously she knew that one gets emotional during such moments, but Jodha looked so desperate for her hug.

Mainawati gently broke the hug and caressed Jodha's cheeks.

"Kaisi hai mhaari laado?"

Jodha was too overwhelmed to speak up anything. Jodha hugged her again, this time very tightly and sobbed in her comforting hug. She had terribly missed her mother. Hameeda and Moti Bai were extremely delighted and emotional after witnessing this. Mainawati rubbed Jodha's back and comforted her.

"Shh.. chup ho ja laado.." she said lovingly.

Jodha was finally able to overcome her tears and she broke the hug. After seeing her mother following a long time, she felt as if life had been plunged into her. She felt so lively and vivacious.

"Hum bilkul theek hain Maasa.." said a teary-eyed Jodha with a genuine smile. What else she could say. Her family didn't know what all she had been through after her marriage, and she didn't want to ruin their peaceful lives. She had buried the bitter truth inside her long back and she didn't want her family to get to know about it. Anyways, Jodha was too happy now, to think about it.

Mainawati was glad to hear that. She did the nazar-utaarna of Jodha.

"Mhaari laado ko kisi ki nazar naa lag jaye.. Hum bata nahi sakte Jodha hum kitne khush hain ye baat jaankar ki tum maa bane wali ho.." said a joyful Mainawati.

Jodha remembered something and spanked her forehead gently. She leaned down a little to take the blessings of her mother and her Ammi-jaan when both of them held her by her shoulders and said in a unison "Ye kya kar rahi ho Jodha?" and hugged her in merriment.

The four of them; Jodha, Mainawati, Hameeda and Moti; had a great time together. Jodha was more than escalated for the event now. She had her mother by her side and she felt so protected.

Mainawati made her wear the ancestral jewelry she had brought with herself. Now Jodha had the blessings of both the families. She was slowly coming out of the trauma and that too, irreversibly.

"Maasa aap jakar thoda vishraam kar lijiye..abhi Jashn shuru hone mei samay hai..tab tak hum taiyyaar ho jaate hain".. said an excited Jodha. She asked Moti to accompany Mainawati to the resting room and take care of all her needs.

Mainawati agreed and took their leave. Now it was Jodha and Hameeda in the room. Hameeda didn't even realize when Jodha hugged her with utmost love.

Jodha spoke softly in her ears.."Dhanyavaad Ammi-Jaan.. Hum nahi bata sakte ki aaj aapne humare saare dukh aur dard mita diye.. apni maasa se milkar hum itne prasann hain ke hum prakat nahi kar sakte.. Dhanyavaad Ammi-Jaan..."

Hameeda tenderly broke the hug and cupped Jodha's face. She was delighted to see her smile. Then she spoke up.

"Shukriya karna hai to Jalal ka kijiye Jodha beta.. humein to yaad hi nahi tha ke aapke parivaar ko bhi aamantrit karna hai.. lekin Jalal ne sabse pehle unhe aamantran khat (invitation) bhijvaya.. sirf aur sirf aapke liye.." said Hameeda.

Jodha was shocked to listen that. The smile which Jodha's face had, disappeared slowly. No, it didn't turn into melancholy or sadness. But definitely, her facial expressions were a strange mix of amazement and surprise.

Hameeda continued, "Jalal ne humse kaha thi ki hum aapko ye baat na batayein.. Lekin hum aapse jhooth nahi bol sakte the beta.. Yahi sach hai ke Jalal ne Mainawati ji aur Bharmal ji ko ba-izzat amantrit kiya hai.. Aur pata hai kya beta.. Jab unhone humein kaha ki hum aapko ye baat na batayein.. To humnein iski wajah jaanani chaahi.. Unhone kuch kaha to nahi magar unki aankhon mein saaf tha ki agar aap unka naam sunengi to khafa ho jayengi.. Lekin khair..hum chahte hain ki aap khush rahein beta.. Aur is Jashn ka lutf (enjoyment) uthayein."

This was a double blower to Jodha. Not only had he invited her parents for her but also had silenced her Ammi-Jaan about his endeavor. This effort of his somewhere touched her heart. No matter what she thought of him at present, he had done something which had made her smile, smile effortlessly. The smile which had vanished slowly returned on her face.

"Aap khush to haina Jodha beta?.." asked a less worried, more concerned Hameeda.

"Jee Ammi-Jaan..hum apni maasa se mil paaye..unke gale lag paaye..hum sach mein prasann hain".. replied Jodha softly, looking into Hameeda's eyes.

Hameeda placed a soft kiss on her forehead and thanked her for understanding everything with optimism.

Jodha had almost got ready. Yet something was incomplete. She looked into the mirror but couldn't find the deficient feature about herself. Hameeda pointed out her vacant maang and Jodha got the point. As she looked into the mirror and filled her maang with the red sindoor slowly, she recollected all the wedding moments of her and the Shahenshah. She was trying hard to forget the terrible night as well, but the way he had wiped off her sindoor that night sent shivers down her spine. She closed her eyes out of fretfulness. She immediately shushed off those thoughts and filled her maang. Finally, Jodha was completely ready for the function.

Hameeda was dumbstruck after having a final look at Jodha. She looked Allah's seraph (angel). She blessed Jodha with all her warm and heart-felt wishes. They made out their way for the function Hall.

*****

Almost everyone had gathered in the celebration hall. Ruqaiya and Maham exchanged evil glances as their plan would be successfully implemented during the course of the Jashn. All the Nawabs and the ministers, the Begums and the Kaneezes, the other rich and the poor, the Amer Family...all occupied the seats in the grand Hall. Soon the announcement was made. Ba-Adab Ba-Mulaiza Hoshiyar.. Noor-e-Takht..Shahenshah-e-Hind..Baadshah Jalaluddin Mohammad padhaar rahein hain...

Jalal entered the hall with a soft smile. Everybody stood up and greeted him and he returned his wishes as well. Then he directly made his way to his throne.

Everybody and especially HE waited for the Queen's arrival. In no time, Hameeda and Jodha entered the magnificent hall.

Everybody's jaws dropped as they glimpsed at Jodha Begum. She looked so angelic, so pure, so nave, so beautiful and so other-worldly. Jodha didn't dare to look up at anyone. She had never attended any Mughal function. She was bit scared but Hameeda held her shoulders in the most comforting way and accompanied her till the throne.

Jodha reached to the throne and felt his presence near her. She lifted up her eyes slowly and looked at him. She recollected how pitiable he looked in the morning. She occupied the throne. She didn't want to appear sad and miserable in front of the public. Moreover, she genuinely had a soft smile over her face. She looked at her mother and father sitting amongst the invitees and she felt so contented and happy. She realized that he was authentically and genuinely doing his bit for her. But the thread which has been broken once cannot be joined back as perfectly as it was before.

Ruqaiya and Maham fumed at the Rajvanshi Begum. But soon they would be successful. They had a fool-proof plan. And they very well knew that once Jodha Begum loses her baby, she would be a nobody.

Jalal asked Atgah Sahab to take the honor and let the celebration begin. Soon Atgah Sahab called for the celebration.

The function was initiated by a group of singers. They came forward and began singing prayers of Kanha and Allah simultaneously. Jodha was moved by this. She looked at him with a surprise. He smiled at her fearfully.

The program progressed further, various musicians, dancers, performers presented their programs. The songs played were different in various programs. But Jodha and Jalal were lost in their own silent world.

Kehne ko Jashn-e-Bahara hai,

Phool se khushbu khafa khafa hai gulshan mein,

Chupa hai koi ranj fiza ki chilman mein

Saare sehme nazaare hain

Soye soye waqt ke dhaare hain

Aur dil mein khoyi khoyi si baatein hain..

As a group of performers presented a small skit on how a mother feels during her pregnancy and how her husband is always by her side, Jodha's eyes got filled up with tears. Both of their eyes met again and exchanged a painful glance.

Kaise kahein kya hai sitam

Sochte hain ab ye hum

Koi kaise kahe vo hai ya nahi humare

Karte to hain saath safar

Faaslein hain phir bhi magar

Jaise milte nahi kisi dariya ke do kinaare

Paas hain phir bhi paas nahi

Humko ye gam raas nahi

Sheeshe ki ek deewaar hai jaise darmiyaan..

Saare sehme nazaare hain

Soye soye waqt ke dhaare hain

Aur dil mein khoyi khoyi si baatein hain..

Both of them imagined themselves in the drama program going on. Jodha was knitting a sweater for the baby whereas Jalal helped her in eating food. Both, Jodha and Jalal in reality, were in tears. Both of them wished such pleasant time. But unfortunately, this was not true in their case.

Humnein jo tha nagma suna

Dil ne tha usko chuna

Ye daastan humein waqt ne kaisi sunayi

Hum jo agar hain gamgeen

Vo bhi udhar khush to nahi

Mulaaqaaton mein hai jaise ghul si gayi tanhayi

Milke bhi hum milte nahi

Khilke bhi gul khilte nahi

Aankhon mei hain bahaarein dil mein fizaa

Saare sehme nazaare hain

Soye soye waqt ke dhaare hain

Aur dil mein khoyi khoyi si baatein hain..

Jodha wiped off her tears and cleared her throat for it was getting throttled by the overwhelming happiness. She finally decided to thank him for what he had done for her. As the program carried on, She moved a little near him and spoke in a plain tone ,"Shahenshah.. Hum aapko dhanyavaad kehna chahte hain.. aapne humare maasa aur baapu sa ko yahan bulaya..uske liye hum aapke aabhaari hain" and she immediately moved back to her original position.

Jalal was stunned. In no time, he knew that his Ammi-Jaan had told her everything. He cursed his luck. He didn't want her to know that he did anything for her. But to his surprise, she had thanked him. He felt so ecstatic because she had talked to him. That was a divine moment for him. He just smiled at her but he also knew that her thank you didn't mean anything more.

Anyways, both were again engrossed in the program. The program came to its end. Now, it was time for the Begums to feed the Queen with ceremonial sevayiaan. Jalal immediately became alert. As the Begum-e-Khaas Ruqaiya Sultan Begum moved forward with the sweet in her hand, Jalal called for Hakim Saahiba to inspect each and every sweet that was going to be given to Jodha. Jodha was again touched by his feat.

Maham Anga got up from her seat and asked in a submissive yet stern tone, " Gustaakhi Muaf ho Shahenshah! Lekin hum chahte hain ke sevaayion ki jaanch padtaal hum khud karein..inhe chakhkar.. Agar isme kuch hoga, to vo sabse pehle hum par asar karega.."

Ruqaiya gave an evil smirk to Maham. Jalal was overwhelmed to hear this from his Badi-Ammi. He granted her request. Maham came forward and tasted the sevayian which Ruqaiya carried in her hands. The sevayian had the dhatura mixed in it which acted against pregnant women only. Hence, after tasting the sweet, Maham did not show up any false effects. The sweet passed the test.

Soon Ruqaiya fed the sweet to Jodha and hers and Maham's plan got successful. After Ruqaiya, the other begums came forward and fed Jodha with the sweets. Obviously they were tasted by Maham Anga before they were fed to Jodha. Jalal looked at his wife with a yearning smile. He felt so happy as his wife and their baby were getting blessed by all.

Soon the function ended and Atgah Sahab gave the vote of thanks to all. Hameeda and Mainawati accompanied Jodha to her chamber. Soon, everybody left the hall with happy faces. Jalal moved to his chamber.

Ruqaiya and Maham were more than delighted as their plan was totally successful. They didn't fear the repercussions (outcomes) of this act as they knew what they had to do further. They celebrated their own success in Ruqaiya's chamber.

Song used - Jashn-e-Bahaara ,Jodha Akbar 😛

Precap - Jodha suffers a Miscarriage.😭

PS - Don't kill me for this chapter.😆😆 I love you all readers.😳

Special thanks to Swati (anshfever/ms.dhingra), Deepa (Spdv), Megha (meghajj) and Pallavi Di (Pals2411) for reading this SS from the very starting and appreciating it. Thank you Manu (manuluvpari) for your beautiful comment and shayari. Love you guys. By the way, I noticed that many new newbies also like the chapters. Thanks to them as well. 😊😊😊

Originally posted by: ..Tahniat..

Res

Miscarriage?? Why????

Originally posted by: janakipotluri

u told me u update this Saturday bt u didn't update plz update soon

Originally posted by: dkorumilli

Yipeee again me first Awww... You don't know how big I smile when I see you RES just beneath my update!!!!! You are my darling di.. This update is for you my brave di..🤗😳😳

As usual great update dear.

Thank you !!!😃😃

Loved the way Jodha is trying to understand Jalals guilt and trying to for\give him. ❤️

His care for Jodha , calling her parents and asking his mother not to reveal because he understood/ believed that hearing his name itself makes her unhappy and how desperate he is to keep her happy. Just loved it to core. 👏

I am so happy you liked those moments... Had to think a lot for all these😛 Thanks di.. Your approval means the world to me..🤗

Always loved bonding between hamida and Jodha , in this chapter we got beautiful moments of mainavati also. Just awesome.

You are such a great writer put emotions so well. And the way Jodha thanked Jalal and his reaction is very lovely. OMG! Thank you thank you thank you 🤗🤗 That's such a big compliment my darling di..😳😳 🤗

Well I expected mc plan from our evil duo as per you line in last chapter. So it is coming true.

May I ask you one thing, you want this MC to happen becuase they both will be under guilt and baby will be a reminder for that bitter night???

hehehe.. Suspense!!!!!😛😛😉😉 You gotta wait for next chaps..😉 Love you di 🤗

Overall a good chapter as usual and you updated a day before

Finally update soon😉

Awww Thank you so much yaar.. You made my day di.. Will send you a voice clip today.. Love ya 🤗 Lol phir se update soon😆😆