~Happy Birthday Deepu Di~

Today, I am going to describe something...that was incredible. Or maybe, much more than that. I'm going to describe the day, I got a time machine.

It was a very normal school day , until my gaze fell on something very interesting. You won't believe what I saw. It was a poster saying that the scientists from NASA united with many other around the world, had invented a time machine. The first sentence itself was so exciting, I was compelled to read further. The second one said, they had decided to allow 10 children from over the world to try the machine once. Those interested can send their details along with the place they want to visit and why. I nearly fainted after reading that. I was damn too excited. That has been my dream since long. ( This is true for me too ) The next moment, I knew what I had to do.

The whole day at school was quite boring and time was hard to pass. No one in my class was interested in that. That seemed quite strange to me! Most of the students believed it was too difficult to get selected in such a thing. Not bothered by all these, I started thinking and dreaming about what all I would see there. I reached home as fast as I could. It was easy to convince my parents about this, as they considered it actually impossible. I quickly sent all my details by mail.

The days passed by quickly. Finally the most awaited day came. The result was up n their website, and believe it or not, I was there. The details of the event had beeen sent by mail. It was to be held in the NASA Research centre only. Now that was a problem for me. I was not sure if my parents were willing to travel such a long distance, even if it was something soo rare.

But, to my surprise, they agreed. All the arrangements had been made by NASA itself. We boarded our flights at the desired time, and I was off to fulfill my biggest dream ever. Soaring through the sky, I could imagine what all would happen there. Soon, we were there.

Oh...how grand it was. And, what a feeling it was!...Standing in the NASA headquarters...That was amazing. Now, they called all the ten people in a separate room. Nothing, absolutely nothing was to be carried there. I waved at my parents as we went inside. I could see there were children from different parts of the world, all as excited as I was.

A person, all in black, took us in a dark room. The man seemed to have been inspired by the darkness in the room itself. The lights suddenly came on. Oh God!...The sight infront of us left us spellbound. It was a museum. It was divided into ten smaller sections. Each section was of the country each participant belonged to. I gazed around the room. The one second from right was India's. Before I could walk towards it, an announcement was made.

The man in black told us that each section contained clothes and accessories that were used in those countries during different periods. All of the apparels had been made according to age group. We have to choose our clothes based on the time period we're going to travel in. Now that was something awesome. We all hurried towards our sections.

The India section was a lot more colourful than the others. I quickly shuffled through the dresses. I finally found it. A beautiful lehanga - choli, decorated with beads and traditional Rajasthani kadhai. That would be suitable, I thought.

Everybody had taken their things. Now it was time to go...back or forward in time. We were taken into another dark room. This time it seemed much darker than the previous one. The lights came on, but were very dim. We could see that a big machine sat in the centre of the room. It had only one seat and a keypad infront of it. The first boy in the line, was asked to come in. The man in black explained everything. The boy sat in it, and a black curtain fell in, between us and the machine.

About 10 mins later, the next girl was called, and the same happened. Now, finally it was my turn. I walked towards the curtain. Inside, the man in black told me how to operate the machine. He checked if everything was all right, and then went out. My nervousness took over all my excitement. I was here, in a darl room, far away from my home, among a group of strangers, using a time machine. Hands still shaking, I moved them towards the keypad. There was one space for the location and another for the date. I started with the location. As you may already know, it was Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. And the date...it was 6^th feb 1563...

I pressed the green button as instructed. Suddenly, the machine seemed to shake. I felt a slight headache too..as if I was hung in mid air. I closed my eyes due to all this. And when, I opened them again, everything had changed.

I was there, in what a seemed like a very lively bazaar. All you could see was lots of people, crowding around, in a very bustling and colourful bazaar. I realised I was 450 years back in time. That feeling itself was enough to give me goosebumps. I looked around in awe. This was what it had been looked like. Amazing... I walked towards a mithai shop, considering what a foodie I am!

I had brought with me some coins from that India section. I got my sweet with the help of that. That was an entirely yellow colour, soft mithai, which I had never seen before. But it tasted totally yummylicious!...After I got over that incredible taste, I thought to ask the shopkeeper about the Agra Fort.

I asked him so, with the purest Hindi I knew. " Bhaisa, ye mahal yahaan se kitni door hai?" He looked at me from tip to toe, as if I was an alien. Well I was, for their times. He told me the way, and also that the palace was not very far from here. " Dhanyawaad Bhaisa". And I was off to my biggest adventure ever.

After walking for about 20 minutes, the palace became visible. What a beautiful sight it was! The present Agra Fort is also very magnificent, but the original one was just amazing. I stood there, watching it, in amazement. After five more minutes of walking, I reached the palace entrance.

I just couldn't barge in the door, saying that I wanted to meet the king. I had to think of a solid reason for that. Just then, I saw a group of women, coming from the opposite side. One of them was speaking in a loud voice, " Aaj toh hum sab ko kaam mil hi jayega." So, they were a group of maids. An idea hit my mind. What if I joined them? I would get a chance to go in, atleast.

I approached the group, still shivering from nervousness. In the most polite manner, I asked the leader. " Ji pranaam, hum bhi aap hi logon ki tarah kaam ki khoj mein hain, agar aap humein bhi apne saath andar le jayein, toh aapka ghano upkar hoga. " All of them looked at each other and started whispering. Again I had that alien feeling coming. Then, the leader spoke up, " Dekhne se toh tu bhali chhori lage hai...thik hai chal humare saath." And, a smile appeared on the woman's face. I smiled back the brightest one I knew.

After the leader spoke to the guards, we went inside. The fort stood, as majestic as always. I couldn't take my eyes off it. While the others were busy talking and discussing, I was looking around. The palaces and the gardens looked majestic.

We all were gathered in a corner, when a woman approached us. She was clad in a all white dress, and somehow looked quite dangerous. A chilling feeling went down my spine. All the other women, bowed down and said, " Pranaam Wazir - e - Aliya " The chill only increased as I realised who she was. She was Maham Anga, the ever vicious foster mother of the emperor.

She cast a sideways, or rather vicious looking, look at all of us. Then said, " Tum sab apne apne hunar humein batao...Tum sab ko usi hisaab se kaam diya jayega. " Most of them got appointed according to their talents. Only me and another one my age, were left now. We were sent to the service of ...of...ummm...Ruqaiya Begum. As soon as I heard her name, I felt like banging my head. The other one seemed to have the same reaction.

We were taken to her chamber. It was beautiful. But, as soon as I entered, Begum Sahiba was sitting on her comfy couch, drinking hukka. Somehow, seeing her, all the beauty of the room seemed to fade away for me. She had a face filled with ego and pride. Atleast her look said so. She glanced at us and said, " Tum dono wahi khadi rahogi, ya kuchh kaam bhi karogi." An irritated look donned her face. All my doubts were cleared. She was as egoistic as her face told. We quickly strode forward.

" Tum jaakar humara hojra sajao" She said to the other girl. " Aur tum, yahaan aao aur humare pair dabao." My eyes wide, I stared at her, bewildered for a moment. So, this was the amount I had to pay, to fulfill my biggest dream. I realized that the amount was rather small infront of my dream. " Khadi kya ho...dabao humare pair." She shouted at me, breaking my chain of thoughts. I went towards her, hands shaking. I started pressing her feet. She jerked my hands, away. " Tumhe yahaan aane kisne diya...tumse toh pair tak nahi dabaye jaate...nikal jao yahaan se." I quickly stood up, shivering from fear. I turned to go out. As I reached towards the exit, she called me again.

" Ruko, ek kaam hai tumhare liye." I turned back reluctantly. " Jao ye jaakar de Jodha Begum ko de aao." OMG...Did I hear it correct?...Woohooo...I finally had achance to meet the empress...OMG...I couldn't miss that. Quickly, I replied, " Jo hukm Begum Sahiba. " She nodded and handed me a jewel - studded box along with a perfectly rolled piece of paper. I did a mental dance in excitement and glee, and quickly moved out.

The baandi standing outside told me the way to Jodha Begum's chamber. I was on cloud nine thinking that my biggest dream ever was going to fulfill now. I soon reached her chamber.

I slowly went towards it and stopped at the entrance. " Pranaam Jodha Begum " She was sitting with her back towards me. She turned after hearing me. I was awestruck at the sight of her. She was even more beautiful than I had ever imagined her to be. Innocence, kindness and sweetness, dripped from her heavenly face. I can't actually describe her, or my feelings on seeing her. My trail of thoughts was broken, as she said, " Haan, kaho." Uff..what a melodious voice she had!...Startled by her sudden voice, I struggled with my words. She stared at me. Then, I quickly collected my words, " Huzoor, Ruqaiya Begum ne aapke liye ye bhijwaya hai." She smiled at me and took those things. " Unhe humara dhanyawaad kehna." Her bright smile still adorning her beautiful face, she said. I couldn't help but smile my brightest smile at her.

I turned to leave, reluctantly ofcourse. I had still not noticed her beautiful room till now. Who would, when she herself was there, standing, as beautiful as ever. But when, I finally noticed, I realized it was a fitting one for her. As beautiful as her, if not more. It had intricate carvings all around it. On the walls and the ceiling. I was walking very slowly towards the exit, ofcourse, as I was watching all this.

Suddenly, she called out to me. " Suno" I turned quickly, stunned by this sudden call of hers. " Ji Begum Sahiba." " Tumhe kabhi mahal mein dekha nahi, nayi aayi ho kya?" That beautiful smile of hers still there."Ji Begum Sahiba, hum aaj hi aaye hain." " Accha, bohot kam umr ki lagti ho tum, apna dhyan rakhna." She said this, her smile even brighter now, and patted on my cheek. Ufff...I thought...the Malika - E - Hind herself patted me and said take care. OMG...I would have fainted there and then...but Thank God...I didn't. This time, I smiled my biggest, brightest smile at her, and finally turned to leave, after offering my pranaam, which she answered as lovingly as ever.

Then, as soon as I turned, I saw a handsome young man, dressed in all royalty entering the room. Obviously, it was the emperor himself. Oh God! Fate was with me today. I quickly said, " Aadaab Shehenshah" And he answered back with that bright smile and the charmig aadaab of his. Uff...I was standing there...watching one of the greatest emperors India has seen. I couldn't stop staring at the lovely coupe infront of me. Well, I realized soon, that I had to leave now. I again paid my respect to Shehenshah, which he anwered with a nod, and finally left.

As soon as I left the room, I realized something. Wait...what is the date today?...6th feb 1563...that is...that is...that is the second anniversary of my AkDha...OMG...How could I forget that!...Well anyone would have...seeing them alive infront. Sooo...not my fault..okay?...Anyway, I had to wish them now. Without a second thought, I barged into the royal chambers again. The Emperor and the Empress seemed to be indulged in a private talk, and were stunned to see me. Even I, now realized what had I done...

Shehenshah stood up and shouted at me, " Gustakh, tum jaanti nahi ho ki bina ijaazat iss tarah Malika ke hojre mein aana gunah hai. " I fumbled with my words. They just wouldn't come out. Meanwhile, I saw that the Malika was trying to calm him down. Maybe because I was quite young and a novice here. Finally I collected my words. " Gustaakhi maaf Shehenshah, woh hum aap dono se kuchh kehna chahte the." " Kaho." He replied, visibly quite calm now. Seeing that, I brought my cheerful look back, and said, " Shehenshah aur Malika ko saalgirah mubarak ho." MY brightest smile on my face.

The two royals looked at each other, and then suddenly started laughing. Both of them laughed whole - heartedly, pouring their hearts out. Finally, when they stopped, the Shehenshah said, " Shukriya baandi." He was still not able to control his smile, it seemed. I actually didn't understand this laughing session of theirs.But maybe, they laughed because of my innocence, you know. Then, Begum Sahiba came forward, and handed me a big, studded ring of hers. She smiled at me and again patted on my cheek. Then, you know what, she actually pulled it. Maybe she found me cute. " Bohot pyaari ho tum, ye chhoti se bhent rakh lo, humaari or se, tumhare liye. Badhaai ke liye tumhara dhanyawaad." I first stared at her in disbelief, just for a nanosecond maybe.Then, I again smiled at her, my face lit up with joy and enthusiasm, as I realized what a person she was!

As I left the chambers, I heard Shehenshah say, " Kitni pyaari bacchi hai na Jodha Begum." "Haan, Shehenshah" And they both laughed together again. I was now watching them, again. ( Again, as I once already barged in without permission, and now again.) Somehow this sight gave me immense happiness. My AkDha, laughing together, and that too bacause of me...meee...OMG...

Now, I was walking in the palace gardens. Angoori Bagh, that is. The most romantic place in Agra Fort. Anyway, wherever my AkDha are, that place automatically becomes the most romantic place ever. Suddenly, that strange headache began again. Everything began to swirl, and suddenly I was back inside that black tent, sitting in that strange machine. The machine was shaking badly. And with one final jerk, it stopped shaking.

The same huge jerk caused me to fall down my bed and I finally, broke my long, long dream. Suddenly, realization dawned over me, that all this was just a dream. But truly, this was the most mesmerizing dream I ever had. I really want to have such dreams daily, and hope that one day all this will be true.

Akdha OS The loving disguise

The sky was dark in the palace of Agra. The stars, the moon shone brightly, enlightening the night sky. The moon was gracious. Though the stars shone brightly in the black sky, the emperor kept staring at eternity, the only thing he saw everywhere was his beloved. He missed her terribly. He had sent his men to look for her in Amer but she was absent there. The only thing the lovelorn emperor could think was her, his Jodha. Their striking first meet flashed in front of the emperor's dark orbs. He had met her at the wrestling match in disguise, though she recognized him as Jalaluddin Muhammad Akbar'.

***

A huge ground was set up at Amer for the grand wrestling match, Jodha and her cousins were chatting when her step father declared her to leave the palace within ten days. Before the wrestling match Jodha warned Jalal against one of the toughest competitor Suryabhan. Jodha felt an implacable sense of protection towards him. Jodha tried hard to convince Jalal of the perils that lay ahead of him and tried to make him withdraw, but Jalal was too determined to be persuaded otherwise. Realizing no amount of pleading would make him change his mind; the young princesses wished him luck and let him go. However they soon learnt their fears were unfolded as Jalal managed to overthrow Suryabhan Singh as quick as a lightning. Jalal was rewarded for his bravery and let go.

The princess Jodha was pleased with his victory .She was gradually falling in love with the handsome, gallant man. She went to congratulate him. As a token of her appreciation, Jodha presented him with a chain and bid him farewell. Jalal himself was attracted towards her and became tongue tied in front of her. Though Jodha kept coming back, giving him ample cope of conversation he kept standing there like a lifeless block.

"I seem to have been finally overthrown by some strong passion! Lamented Jalal, seeing the princesses leave. But suddenly Jodha came back to him and asked, "Who are you?"

Jalal was perplexed, he had no reply for this question of hers, "I am Surjan Singh" he said queering. This didn't go unnoticed by Jodha.

"You are Jalaluddin Muhammad, right" she exclaimed roughly.

"You got it right Shehzadi" Jalal said this time with a sharp voice. "How did you guess"? , He asked again.

"No one can beat Suryabhan Singh except the great Moghul emperor Jalaluddin". Jodha said with a proud grin. Jalal smirked sensing her intellect.

The young princess then immediately left the place without a word. The major revelations made her love him more; moreover he was clean bowled by the lass. A minister came to congratulate him on his great win. Jalal took this opportunity to ask him about the princesses. Chandrabhan the minister told him all about Jodha and Sukanya and how Jodha had been detained at the palace to keep her cousin company, since both of them loved each other more than real sisters. He also told him Ratan Singh the king of Amer had a sudden displeasure to his gentle niece and it was not long before she met the same fate as her father Bharmal.

***

In the royal chambers of Amer palace a playful banter was going on between the two sisters Jodha and Sukanya.

"Oh! My heart aches" said Jodha painfully. Sukanya very well knew the cause of such heartbreaks and lovingly teased her

"My dear Jodha jeeje its time to wrestle your inner emotions." She clearly made reference to Jalal.

When King Ratan Singh came with his palace guards and asked Jodha to leave the palace within five days. Sukanya resolved to go with her sister to the forest. She suggested going in the Forest of Arden in search of her father. However knowing travelling so far was dangerous for girls, they decided to disguise themselves. Jodha being the taller of the two decided to dress as Badal while Sukanya dressed as Lakshmi, Badal's sister.

***

The sweet face of the young princess clouded the imaginations of the great Shehenshah of Hindustan. As the sun rose, the emperor decided to go on hunt, for leisure, to change his mood, and to divert his attention from his gorgeous's thoughts. The day went as usual, with sleepless night staring at infinity for the emperor. The early morning the emperor left with his grand caravan with to the Forest of Arden, but yet again he was dissatisfied with the atmosphere, but the beautiful nature excited him to write verses in praises of his beloved. On the barks of the trees the poems of his darling's beauty lay. Meanwhile Jodha found had spotted Jalal's verses on several tree barks. As she read them loud Sukanya overheard the lines, and came to the conclusion that she could easily outdo the rotten rhymes with her poetic imagery.

Puzzled , "Was it a man?" Jodha asked. Teasing her cousin, Sukanya remarked, "Yes one with a chain hanging around his neck, a chain which once belonged to you. Jodha blushed in anticipation, and the more she begged Sukanya to reveal the name, the more Sukanya pulled her leg. When at last Sukanya revealed it was Jalal. Jodha was overjoyed and asked her questions incessantly.

Sukanya then told her that she had seen the royal caravan nearby and how she found Jalal sleeping below a banyan tree with his hands stretched like out like a wounded lion. When Jalal got up Jodha went to him disguised as Badal.

"What's the time forester?" she asked Jalal

"No idea bhaijahan" replied Jalal.

"Then there must be no lovers too here" Jodha replied sarcastically.

"Because every lover is aware of every minute and hour, they spend in separation of their partners, sighing every minute and groaning every hour.

Jodha then went on speaking fluently to impress Jalal. The young emperor was bemused to find such a pretty lad speaking refined language in an uncouth forest. Jodha cooked up a cock and bull story about her religious uncle who taught her courtly mannerism.

Taking extra precaution to not get caught Jodha sighed, "Thank god I am not a woman myself to face the plague inflicted on womankind".

"Like this poet, who has been carving verses of some Jodha on every branch only a good medic can cure his disease?

Jalal was further tormented by Jodha saying he had no symptoms of a man in love usually has. Neither dark eye circles, sulken face, no irritable temper or a neglected beard.

Slowly slipping into Jodha's neatly braided ploy, Jalal went to prove his love for Jodha. He asked Badal to be Jodha and confessed all his hearty feelings to the young lad. Jalal promised to visit Jodha the next day and left. Unable to find Jalal at the right time the next day Jodha was in tears.

And the next moment Mirza Jalal's step brother came and informed them that Jalal was attacked and couldn't make it. Mirza brought Jodha and Sukanya with him to the tent of the emperor.

Jalal was happy seeing Badal and Jodha heaved a deep sigh of relief to just find some bruises and no deep wounds. Jodha went from there and cried her heart out to Sukanya.

Sukanya fell in love with Mirza and decided to marry with him in the forest itself. When the next day Jalal met Jodha she promised that Jalal will find his love the next day.

The night was too long for the love birds Jodha and Jalal. Today Jalal thought is the last day he is staring at infinity from now on he will only stare at his queen his Jodha.

The sun surged out quiet early the next morning; the birds were chirping cheerfully exclaiming the joy of arriving autumn. The area was decorated beautifully with lights, hanging chandeliers. The mandap was ready for marriage. Jalal was looking at himself in the mirror and smiling. He went out and was waiting for his promised bride. Jodha arrived there dressed beautifully like a bride with heavy green lehenga and simple jewelery. Her sight and Jalal hugged her

"I love you Jodha."

"I love you too Jalal".

After remarking love confession the rituals for marriage started and the groom kept staring at his young bride. After the marriage rituals Jodha saw her father in the crowd and hugged him. She poured her heart to Jalal and Bharmal.

When a messenger arrived and said Ratan Singh had given up his position and called Bharmal and his daughters back, he met a sage and had transformed. A happy smile was there on the new bride Jodha's and Jalal's face. Taking her hand in his they started walking together till infinity.

The End

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