On behalf of Deeps..
Dear Kal..
Wishing you a very very Happy Birthday!!
Hope your special day brings you all that your heart desires!!
Hope the year ahead brings you all that gives you pleasant surprises!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
Here is an OS I wrote on AKDHA. Hope you like it!!~~~~~~~~ Every Lion needs a Lioness ~~~~~~~~~~
Only in art, will the lion lie down with a lamb and a rose grow without the thorn
-- Martin Amis, English novelist
Inspired by the following:Context: Period after Jodha recovered from the poison drinking incident, where she had saved her hubby Jalal, the Mughal Emperor from the the evil conspiracies of Benazir, the Vish Kanya.
It was a beautiful day!! When did the dawn of sunlight become so beautiful?!! It did for some, or rather days started to seem bright and beautiful, ever since all learnt that Jodha had survived from the poison. Everybody thanked The Lord and praised the immense brave heart of the young Queen. Jalal could not think of Jodha being in deathbed again with her breaths nearly seizing to exist. He shook his head and said
'No, that was a dreadful nightmare. Best to forget it and move on. Ya ! Allah! Thank you for accepting my prayer'. He kept his one hand on his heart to calm the flutters he felt just thinking of the past.
He checked on his young feisty queen everyday, at times sitting near her, holding her hands and talking to her about his feelings. He smiled to himself and remembered his Khan Baba's wise words.
'Sometimes, things happen for the good. Do not attach too much emotions and always think of the future actions to be taken'. He understood and experienced the first part. But
'to not attach emotions', he was finding it difficult. There was something in his Rajput queen that spoke to him without being spoken. He had a warm fuzzy feeling whenever she was in his presence, even if they were arguing. He just smiled and walked towards the palace gardens.
Jalal was now getting back to his usual routine. Early morning prayers, then intense sword practice,
Hamam and then the matters to deal with in Diwan-E-khaas. This routine was disturbed when Jodha was battling the poison attack. Now that she was well, Jalal was back to his routine or rather we can say that he was not sure if Jodha who was back to her normalcy would accept being in proximity with Jalal, given her firm stance on her very first night with the emperor. He could court his own wife only if she accepted him and his advances wholeheartedly... and not forcibly.
After his sword practice that day, he remembered he missed his morning comfort session with Jodha. Thence he decided to go and check on his dear queen. Jodha was also recovering slowly; she was not back to her routine yet. She had not started her Tulsi pooja, her sword practice nor the storytelling sessions with Rahim, but started her daily prayer to Kanha. Moti and Reva updated her with all the happenings of the palace and its people. They filled her ears a thousand times of how the emperor had taken care of her and spent time everyday with her, when she was unconscious.
Jodha was personally very impressed with the Mughal ruler and for the first time ever, her heart almost skipped a beat for him. She had a happy smile and glow on her face, which was not unnoticed by Moti and Reva. Just then Jalal entered her room. Jodha was surprised and a little flushed too to see him in front of her in awaken state.
"Pranam Shahenshah", she greeted, totally in cheerful mood to see him. It was music to his ears to hear her back to normalcy. He too noticed her glow and a happy smile on her face unlike the frown filled half smile and the fierce words that used to come out of that delectable mouth.
Kaash! mmm, a string of pleasant unethical thoughts came to his mind... UNETHICAL according to HER rules!!
Brushing away those pleasant thoughts, Jalal enquired about her health. "Jodha Begum, I'm so happy to see that you are back to your self", said he, his voice laced with care and affection; and also said "Thank the Lord" in his mind again for not plaquing his history with accusations of killing her due to his stubbornness. Saying that he walked to the Kanha idol in the room, folded his hands and offered his salutations.
Jodha was stumped by the display of his humbleness. She could not muster enough words to snub him. She was infact impressed and wanted to thank him for his generosity. But remembering how he had said he will loathe to see her face even if she is in her deathbed, she could not accept him fully yet. How could she let go of her
aan, bhaan and shaan of a Rajput princess. "I'm fine and well as you can see", said she in a cold and curt nature, which hit the target like a pin piercing through butter. It hurt, one could not judge but it did leave an impression for sure.
"Why is she behaving strange again ? Did I do something to upset her. No!!" he thought and said. "Glad that you are fine. Take care of yourself Jodha. I can't wait to have a challenge of sword fight with you". He did not know how else to proceed with the conversations, so he decided to leave.
Jodha sensed his uneasiness and said. "Please sit down Shahenshah. I would like to say something to you" and he willingly settled down. Why not?!! After all, he was so eager to hear her talk.
"I want to thank you", she hesitated " for taking care of me and the situation". Jalal was taken aback by the unwelcome warmth. He was skeptical, nevertheless, wished to thread the waters gently, given that she has just recovered.There was a deafening silence between them for a while. Not knowing how to proceed further, they both stole glances of each other. She admired his sweaty face and his flexed muscles, showcasing him as an able warrior. He admired her simplicity, with her hair loosely plaited without the heaving jewellery and clad in a simple outfit - she looked tantalizing and alluring. He so wanted to hold her hands and feel her. Not that he was short of women in his palace. But there was something different about her that attracted him to her, even if she was feisty.
Out of the blue, he blurted "Jodha I've asked you this before. Are you not scared of anything?".
She held her head high and replied. "A lioness is never afraid especially when it's hungry. And I'm never afraid of anything especially if it's to unearth justice or truth. Wouldn't you do the same if it involves one's family members, how can one retract?!!". She didn't realize what she said. She had finally accepted him as her own for the first time in front of him.
Quickly Jalal asked "why did you want to save my life" . She quickly said "Because you are my husband and because I...".
"Well, so what if I had died", he started, but Jodha had swiftly put her hand on his mouth.
He was stunned by her act. Stunned was not the word, he was bowled over, not only by her gesture but the electric shock of her skin in proximity to his. She felt his warmth and that fuzzy feeling in her heart was growing. There was this strange glow and feeling. Her hands still encased in his hold, she looked down and said "Well ,what did you think the reason was?"
Jalal felt she was slowly showing signs of being comfortable with his touch. Both their gazes were locked. Eyes spoke volumes than their mouth, with their hands still held together; he was in turmoil or his so called heartless heart was!!
Hence he asked "Jodha, I thought you hated me. You have not left a chance to make me feel that. You wanted freedom from me, from Agra. So what was the real motive in saving me?"
Now that she was back to herself, she had to retort to answer him back, the REAL ANSWERS!! She hated that her husband was so mesmerized by the beauty of a Vish Kanya that he wanted to marry her. He even stooped to the extent of not inviting her to the concert, gifting away the gifts that she gave him to others and so on. And how could she forget that he accused her of throwing him out of his chamber that night when he wanted to advance in relationship in that intoxicated state. Then she remembered what he had said in the fits of his anger.
"Shahenshah, I never said that I hate you. Infact you hated me and my very presence to the extent that you swore never to enter my chambers, it's a forbidden part for you right?" she asked. Jalal thought that though his Lioness was hurt, she still had the roar. He was still impressed. He chuckled at this thought and replied with a stiff face not displaying his softer side. "What?!!" he snorted. How is this forbidden Jodha?"
"Yes, I might have said things. But I am The Emperor. I make and break rules. And this whole palace belongs to me. So I can come and go anywhere. I think your memory has become weak jodha. Don't you remember what you advised me some months back? As time and tide change, so also should the Rules!! Anybody forbidding me anywhere will be severely punished", he haughtily replied.
Just then Moti and Reva entered the room and both the love struck angry birds withdrew and looked serious. Soon Jalal took his leave. He was not happy that their chitchat ended abruptly.
Jodha's cheeks were flushed and it was a point of tease by Moti. Reva asked "Jodha, looks like someone is melting finally. So did you finally speak out?"
Jodha put up an upset face and said.. "What? I hate Jalal. He is the most rude person I have ever seen", saying so she just lay on the bed, visibly upset. Not sure what she was upset about - about her change of feelings or that Jalal left abruptly. She missed HIS warm touch and yearned more.
Days passed like this, where Jalal and Jodha wanted to speak out their heart. But something or somebody would interfere and their conversations ended. Jodha was getting cranky and irritated with the turn of events. She could not understand what was happening.
Behind the scenes in the palace, there were elements who watched Jodha and Jalal warming up and they hitched plans to separate them. Ruqaiya hated that Jalal was a changed man after his wedding to Jodha. Her main aim now was to make sure Jalal is kept far far away from her. She never kept any stone unturned in her effort. She employed her loyals to Jodha's service and thus got inside information of what was happening.
During that time, there were a lot of incidents happening in the palace creating an atmosphere of unrest. The servants in the kitchen were unhappy with their working conditions. Ruqaiya was being unkind to the older ladies working in the palace and the children of Hindu servants were not allowed to be with their parents. Ruqaiya was handling the cases in a way that suited her mood. Justice was a word found in books but not in Agra at that point.
Moti was murmuring about the injustice and Jodha heard her. She demanded Moti to provide all the details. Jodha was furious of what was happening in the palace. She instantly decided she will not be quiet. She encountered with Ruqaiya, Maham Anga and finally the Shahenshah.
"Shahenshah, I can't accept Ruqaiya's decisions, as she is not taking them case by case". Jalal replied, " But it is per the Mughal rules".
"Rules need to change with the change of time Shahenshah" Jodha spitted fire and everybody in the court were provoked by her stance.
Jalal said, "ok, the court will ponder on your thoughts and revert tomorrow with a decision".
Next day, the court decided that given the changing situations and expanding boundaries, differences need to be taken into account, hence the rules and law will undergo change. This was the first major victory for Jodha, so she thought. And Jalal was overjoyed everybody in Agra was slowly understanding his fiery Jodha. He was impressed. She was the only queen who feared none, not even HIM when she had to put a point through. He admired her spirit and her gusty persona.
But Maham and Rukaiya always pitched plots to make the couple away from each other. This irritated them both and there was this inherent restlessness growing in them. He had several beautiful women who would not hesitate to warm his bed, but he longed to be with Jodha. It was not just for the gratification of desires, but there was something more than that.
Jodha too was unclear what this feeling of loneliness and anxiousness was!! She longed to be alone for sometime with Jalal. But things were not working out. Even Hamida, Salima, Moti and Abdul observed their strange irritation and agitation. They all prayed The Almighty to bring them together and ease the pain of their hearts, as they could see that they loved each other immensely but could not declare to each other.
Months passed. Still there was no sign of peace between the two. Abdul and Moti decided one day to help their friends.
Abdul one day suggested to Jalal "Why don't you go out for hunting with your queens? It will give some time away from never ending issues at the court?" Jalal thanked and said "Wonderful suggestion. Yes that will set me calm" . He ordered Abdul to make arrangements for him to leave in a week's time. But he thought whom will he take with him. Salima will not come due to Rahim. Jodha loathes killing animals so she will profusely refuse. That leaves Rukaiya who is more engrossed in Harem administration these days than attending to me. Hmm!! he was in a dilemma. He so wanted Jodha to accompany him, hence he decided to ask her.
Jodha was feeding the rabbits in the royal gardens and Jalal decided to see her there. "Jodha Begum, will you accompany me to a hunting trip next week? It will give some fresh air exposure", he asked. Jodha was taken aback and blatantly rejected saying " You know my stance already, so why do you ask?" She was irritated at the thought of innocent animals being killed. "Just because you have rule over a large mass of people and land does not give you authority to kill those innocent animals in the name of sport," she blurted giving her free advice to Jalal.
Clad in a green lehenga and a royal blue odhani, she was pacing now in the garden displaying her loveliness in front of him. He could not take it anymore. He so wanted to hold her loveliness in his arms, caress her curling locks and press onto her delectable rose petals. The mere thought was making him grow uncomfortable in his thighs. Ya! Allah!, this women is making me obsess like a love stricken teenage boy in his very first throngs of passionate love.
What do I do!! he thought loudly in his mind.
"Maybe I don't go there just for hunting Jodha ", said he. He thought of spending time on a boat ride or just pleasant walk by the river banks etc. But his Jodha was piqued in her own thoughts. Her jaw dropped and she was gobsmacked. "So you go there for other sinuous pleasures, do you ? she asked. Just for... for a toss in the hay" she murmured loudly.
Jalal's rage grew now, as he could not understand what she wanted from him. Whatever he said, she was not happy. He angrily said " whatever, you want to think Jodha. I don't care. If you want to join me, inform Abdul to make arrangements" .. and walked out.
Jodha was not happy that Jalal might go hunting with Rukaiya. She was so unhappy that her husband had so many women at his disposal and she had to compete for his attention. She felt jealous and helpless at the same time. Moti knew her inner turmoil and constantly said "Jodha, you will need to speak with Jalal and let him know that you accept him as your husband." Jodha was waiting for an opportunity.
So the arrangement for the hunting trip was arranged by Abdul. No queen was accompanying Jalal. he was going along with Abdul, a few musicians, his bodyguards and a small battalion of soldiers and servants. Jalal thought, at least I will be at peace away from her thoughts. Peaceful.. is it? Well fate thought otherwise.
So the hunting troop proceed smoothly into the jungle and pitched their respective tents just on the outskirts of Agra. It was a perfect location for safety and access to nearby villages for supplies if need be. Jalal spent the next few days roaming around the jungle on his horse, swimming in the nearby stream and relaxing. He was in no mood to hunt and kill animals. His Jodha's face appeared in front of him at the thought of hunting. So decided to just relax and be calm. Abdul and others entertained him, but he seemed lost in thought.
One morning, he said to Abdul, "I wish to swim in the stream and just walk by the bank. Can you bring my breakfast by the banks later?" Abdul agreed and Jalal headed towards the stream. He removed his top and jumped into the cool stream to shed all his hot agitations and enjoyed the flow of water. After sometime, he just sat by the river banks and basked in the sunlight. He must have dozed off in the heat when he realized that he was being carried by some people somewhere. But he could not move his legs and arms, as they were tied. He spoke loudly and asked what is happening. Then one of the guys was was wearing a feathery headgear spoke. "Strong man, we are the tribal people of this jungle. We are taking you for a ritual sacrifice". Jalal was well shocked. "Do you know, who I am ", he shouted. Abdul who was also being carried behind Jalal spoke "Jalal, please don't. Let's see where they are taking us".
Jalal understood his friend's advice and kept calm. After a long journey they arrived amidst a range of hills. Jalal and Abdul were lowered from their net enclosure and placed in front of a large idol of the jungle deity. "hooray" shouted a whole lot of people who gathered.
The tribal chief spoke something almost sounding gibberish. Then one man spoke "You are here to be offered as a sacrifice to our jungle deity. Until the sacrifice you will be our guest and enjoy all the hospitality. But don't ever try to escape. You will not survive. Our men have these poisonous arrows which will kill you instantly". Jalal was in a dilemma. He had to do something to save them both.
Jalal and Abdul were treated to a royal massage, then a royal bath and then a sumptuous lunch. After lunch they both went to slumber sleep. they forgot where they were and why they were there. It was total bliss. As the evening sun kissed the sky with its crimson red, they were woken up to loud music. It was melodious and colorful to watch the men, women and children dance. Abdul learnt that the special dance was a ritual to attract a mate to the eligible females. Hence the women displayed their skills and their lustrous femininity to win the most eligible men they desired.
Abdul befriended a tribal guy and learnt that if Jalal expressed his desire to wed the tribal chief's daughter, then he could escape the sacrifice. He came running and hurriedly informed Jalal. Jalal was least interested in yet another wedding, but to save him and Abdul agreed to try it.
The tribal chief was over the moon that such a handsome, fit young man was willing to marry his daughter. He immediately agreed and arrangements were made. Jalal agreed but put forth one condition. He said "I 'll spend some time here with your daughter, but will leave as I have family elsewhere. If your daughter wishes to come she can or else she is free to stay here". The tribal chief agreed and a wedding was planned for next day.
The wedding ceremony proceeded smoothly. Jalal had to shed his Jama and was clad in the feathery outfit and feathery crown. He looked handsome, but his face yearned for his love. He realized the agony of some of his queens who craved for his attention, just like he craved for Jodha. Abdul encouraged Jalal to cheer up and enjoy his wedding. He even said "Mashallah! your new bride is beautiful". But nothing would entice Jalal. He was doing this for a purpose. only that mattered.
The tribal chief gathered the groom and bride and made them promise to cherish their companionship wholeheartedly even if it's for a single night. Then he declared them to be man and wife. There was celebration loud and merry. Food, wine, games the merriment galore.
Jalal and his bride were taken to this special cottage which had no windows but just the door.
Once they both entered the cottage, the door was closed and locked from outside. Jalal found it strange. The bride held his hand and took him to a room which was in the center of the cottage dimly lit with diyas all round the room. And in the center of the room was their beds strewn with flower petals. It looked really romantic.
But Jalal was not at all happy. He still had not looked even once at his bride. But his bride was stealing glances at him now and then. Their hands were still clasped with one another. Jalal gently freed his hand and spoke to his bride. "Don't know your name, but I must confess that I may not be able to fulfill my duty as wedded husband. So please forgive me". Once I'm back to my kingdom, I will reward you with whatever you want, he said. His bride spoke feebly and said "My name is Kajri. The moment I saw you I fell in love with you. So for my sanity, you will have to see my face and tell me why you can't accept me".
Jalal very hesitatingly tried to lift his eyes to see her face but just managed to look at his bride's legs which were clad in a beautiful anklet. He said "I can't Kajri. My heart belongs to somebody and beats somebody else's name. So I cannot do this". "May I know her name, handsome man", she asked.
Jalal closed his eyes and a smile appeared on his face. Here he was speaking to a stranger openly about his love but not to the one who should hear it. His words weaved magic to whoever was listening. He said " Her eyes are the color of honey, her complexion milky smooth, her dark curls are like dark clouds of an impending storm. Her body is lustrous like a celestial nymph and those rosy lips are irresistible like rose petals with morning dew drops. How can I say, she is beauty with bawns, she is my Jodha. Those eyes alone can make a man lose his mind, a saint his penance, a King his Kingdom". He said all this and then opened his eyes.
What he saw in front of his eyes Jalal stared, blinked and his jaw dropped down. He was dumbstruck.
There in front of him was his Jodha. It did not strike him, when she said her name was Kajri nor did it strike him when he saw those anklets which she was wearing. It was the same ones which he had taken in Amer.
God, she was beautiful clad in those beautiful red and black lehenga which reached just below her knees and was clad with fresh flower jewellery. He ached in blind trepidation as his eyes roamed all over her exposed arms and legs and her tempting face. Her neck was crowded with jewellery hiding her deep neck choli. Jalal was in heaven. In the dim light of the diyas, she looked like a seductress sent from Heaven to Earth to devour him and to be devoured.
Words struggled to come out. "Jalal", she called out, shyly smiling enjoying his reaction to seeing her there as his bride. He was stupefied and in a trance. He whirled quickly to hold her in his arms and spoke huskily. "Jodha, do you realize, what you do to me. Right now I'm the happiest man on earth. Hell, don't hold me guilty. What am I supposed to do when the lady I love is seducing me". Jodha chuckled and hid her face in his chest embracing him tightly. She tried to retreat but Jalal lifted her in his arms, walked towards their bed and placed her there.
Leaning into her, Jalal caressed her cheeks and asked her how did this happen. Jodha calmly replied " Shahenshah, I too am a Princess who has connections in places. And I too have longed to be with you and to tell you that you have won over my heart long back. I love you Shahenshah", she said lowering her heavy lashes.
Little did the lion know that the Lioness has a lot more power than the lion likes to think she has.
Jalal was still staring at her without a blink. Jodha gave a wicked grin as she moved her index finger to caress Jalal's face. "God.. she is beautiful", said Jalal and started removing the necklaces covering her neck. God damn it. He could not resist anymore. His mouth descended to her face and he gently kissed her eyes, cheeks and just inched towards her rosy petals. Jodha felt shy and tried to move, but he pulled her closer to him, burying his hands in her soft hair and crushed his lips on hers hungrily, desperate and in need. For him, it felt heavenly soft ; and for her it felt masculine and hard. They both deepened the kiss. Hunger met its match they both dueled for possession and ownership.. until they were out of breath.
Jodha took a deep breath only to be met again with a deep kiss with such urgency that there was no space between their melting bodies. Both let out deep moans. Clothes were shed in a hurry with all shyness forgotten and the touch was with abandon all over the body. When the hands finished their tasks, the lips replaced them in all the intimate places possible. He felt her softness and she felt his hardness. Both could not say anything or hear anything other than their pounding heartbeats. They both spoke sweet whispers that they loved each other.
Nothing mattered anymore. He wanted everything of hers and she gave her everything to him. Jalal's expert fingertips gave her immense pleasure to the extent that she ached in pain... in pleasurable pain never experienced before. She returned the favor in kind by meeting him equally and wildly. As they surrendered into each other, they trembled and exploded with pleasure in sweet symphony.
Finally they felt at peace. She felt loved, cherished and happy. He felt contended. It was much more than winning a battle. He pulled her closer in a bone crushing hug and slipped into a deep slumber peacefully. She too slipped into sleep intoxicated by his masculine scent.
Life for them was never void of challenges, but for just one night finally they spent beautiful moments together. Finally the Lion met his match in his Lioness !!!
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Edited by hemakeerti - 9 years ago
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