CHAPTER 24:
It was chilling hot...
Yes chilling... the icy chill in the wind was locking his limbs in congestion, and the chill of the darkness was grabbing him more and more inside a black, deep hole... still there was an extreme heat- the heat evaporating from his heart and soul was burning him... he was feeling choked... choked and helpless... The pain of the burn of heart was strangling his whole entity... The emptiness in the desert-land, the darkness spread over the horizon and the chilling heat was swallowing him...
"CHANDRAJEET!!!
He tried to see far piercing the curtain of darkness which was on his eyes... He had already heard her footsteps... he had heard the sound of her anklets... he knew she was here... but he could not see... the darkness prevented him to see her for once...
"PURNIMAAA!! He shouted, struggling against his pain and the barrier of the darkness.
"CHANDRAAA!! The voice pierced his ears... "CHANDRA HELP MEEE!! TAKE ME AWAY ALONG WITH YOUUU! FREE ME FROM THE CLUTCH OF THESE PEOPLE!
Did he see her now? He could feel her presence from very close... as if he was in front of his eyes... and his inner eyes simultaneously presented a clear reflection of her... she was not well... she was in pain... she was devastated... she was restless... she was helpless...
"CHANDRAJEET! TAKE ME WITH YOU! FREE ME!! Her voice urged again...
"PURNIMA... He called, and eventually stretched his hand to hold her. But he could not reach her... She was going back... a force was pulling her back...
"CHANDRAJEETTT!! She shouted. And he saw the iron-chain on her feet... someone was pulling her through the chain... like an animal! And his the spark of rage heated his head...
"PURNIMA! He shouted, and jumped to free her from the chain... but he could not...
As he understood his feet were also tied... with the same chain of iron which prevented Purnima from coming to him...
And she was going far... far from his eyes... her image was getting blurred... only a pale but desperate cry pierced the air... "CHANDRAA!! CHANDRAJEET FREE ME!!
...
Jalal jumped up from the bed, panting hard... the drops of sweat had wetted his pillow.
And then he discovered his fur-blanket which was covering him in the cold night had come on his nose restricting his normal breathing and simultaneously his feet were left uncovered. So his uncomfortable situation reflected in his dream, he was feeling cold but with that he was choking... This way the dreams work. They play with the chemical reactions of the real-life situations, the state of mind and the pains of heart... Why these dreams are so cruel!
Jalal got up from the bed and poured water in a glass from a jug. While taking the sip he suddenly lost in the little ripples on the surface of the water. Though it was dark, he could clearly see the reflection of her eyes there... and he could see the drop of tears in those eyes... He closed his eyes while putting another stone on his heart... Someone was chopping his heart with a butcher's knife!
You could have saved her! His inner mind suddenly whispered. Coward emperor! You feared to face consequences and you fled leaving her to deal with everything! You are self-centered, inhuman, coward! You don't deserve your crown! You don't deserve your throne! You don't deserve your respect! You don't deserve this comfort! What you only deserve is pain and humiliation of leaving her alone... forever...
"What could I have done! My leg was tied with chain! He murmured helplessly and sat on his bed covering his eyes...
Well, you did not have any option left other than to escape... But after that? Did you even try to save her? Did you even try to know what happened to her? Is she alive or not? No! You were too busy with your emperor's duties... you were too busy with your people, your politics... You forgot her! You just forgot her!
A deep sigh came out automatically from Jalal's heart while he poured his head inside his palms helplessly. He is alone here in this whole world... and there she is waiting for him... still he cannot go... he is so helpless!
"I have to go! I have to save her! He suddenly got up with a sudden rage... "I will go to her and will take her along with me! I will!
In sudden excitement he started walking restlessly. "I am the emperor of Hindustan. I have power! Damn it! I have enough power to crush that little kingdom of Amer under my feet and to free Purnima from the shadow of Amer! And I will do that! War! Yes yes a war!! He was panting... "A war... like Badi-ammi said... I will get what I want... Who will stop me?
And he rushed out from his tent...
...
Bairam Khan was sleeping inside his tent. After a stressful day and the unexpected encounter with Jalal which affected his mind and nerves a lot, he needed a little dosage of opium to sleep. Hence the sleep was too tight to break in the sound of someone rushing into his tent...
But at the next moment he was forced to open eyes, as someone was literally dashing him to wake up...
"Khan Baba! Khan Baba!
Bairam Khan opened his eyes along with a big yawn, and was literally shocked seeing Jalal beside him.
"What happened? He could not help but to be astonished seeing Jalal's face. Jalal had an uncanny restlessness in his face which is not very usual for a composed and matured young boy like him. The reflection of that restlessness has wiped out the trace of maturity from his face and he is looking as childish as a teenager boy now... In spite of all his resentments on Jalal, Bairam Khan could not help to be amused, and a bit relieved too, seeing that even today Jalal rushes to him at night first when he is in problem...
"Khan baba... I... Jalal was still panting, and his excitement was affecting the flow of his words. Bairam Khan kept his hand on his shoulder. "What happened my son?
"I need war!
"What?
"Yes a war! Jalal demanded. "I want Amer! By tomorrow! As sharp as possible! His demand sounded like an adamant child.
Bairam Khan had to take another little yawn and he rubbed his eyes. "At this late of night suddenly you decided that you have to rule on Amer right from tomorrow? He then said.
"Yes... I... I... Jalal clutched his own hairs confusedly.
"Don't do this... Bairam Khan restrained him and held his hand inside his hands. "Today morning only, when I suggested sending troops to win Amer, you stopped me. Now what happened suddenly that you became so restless?
"I... I don't know... Jalal tried to control his temper. "I just thought that I...
"If you want I will order the troop to march right tomorrow morning. Bairam Khan said. "But tell me what happened? His eyes suddenly sharpened. "Did Mahamanga tell you something?
Jalal stared at him. He was getting back his senses. Yes, it was Mahamanga's suggestion- win Amer in the war and get the girl you want... like every emperors does... like every man inheriting royal blood keeps on doing from the first day of civilization... In subconscious her idea succeeded to influence his mind, to control his temper...
A war like Mahamanga wants... an easy solution... Amer will be destroyed, the king will be finished, the Mughals will completely capture the fort... Everything that belonged to Amer will belong to Mughal empire, including their pride and honour, and the women... And Purnima will be freed and will come to him walking through the path of that bloodbath...
Easiest way... And after that?
After that she will hate him. She already hates his name without knowing the person behind it, now she will hate the entire entity of that person... She is not an ordinary woman, she is a valiant warrior, and devoted to her land, the soil of her land; Amer is not different from her entity... He had assured her once that Amer will face no harm due to him and he cannot break his vow! Humiliating Amer to get her will be equivalent to humiliating her, and humiliating his love... He loves her... he will achieve her... He will not just get her by destroying Amer!
He will not harm Amer... But he will free her...But how?
"Jalal? Bairam Khan stirred him. "What happened?
"Sorry Khan Baba! Jalal uttered in a dull voice. "I disturbed you for no reason... Sorry! I was talking foolish! No need to attack Amer now.
Bairam Khan stared at him with a confused frown...
"Khan Baba... Jalal suddenly held his hands, his eyes were looking vulnerable... "Whatever happened between us today and what I did, was only what I decided as my duty as an emperor! Please don't misunderstand me for that Khan Baba!
There was something in Jalal's voice that Bairam Khan could not be able to keep a little grudge against him anymore and flowed in affection. He slowly patted on Jalal's chin affectionately... "What is disturbing you so much my son? If I am a reason of your restlessness then I am... He sighed. "I am sorry Jalal! What has happened should not have happened... I should have been...
"Leave it Khan Baba... Jalal tried to smile.
"Tell me then what happened to you?
"I don't know! Jalal smiled again... "I think... I think I really need to go away from this desert-land Khan Baba. Can't we go back tomorrow?
"To the capital? Bairam Khan frowned.
"Yes. I want to depart from here in the early morning... Arrange everything accordingly. Jalal said without taking pause. "Okay, sorry again for disturbing you... Good Night Khan Baba...
Bairam Khan stared at the silhouette of Jalal slowly mingling in the dark outside...
...
Jalal could not sleep in his camp. He was walking around ... A strange restlessness was strangling him at every second. Purnima is there... all alone... how will he rescue her? How??
"May I come in, Majesty?
Jalal looked at the entrance of the tent.
"Yes please...
A tall, slender and very average looking person entered and bowed in front of the emperor. Jalal observed his face for a long time...
"So your name is Murshid?
"Yes, my lord... This mere servant is grateful that you remember me! Murshid smiled humbly.
"I have heard a lot about you from Abdul. You are one of the most efficient spies this empire could ever get... Jalal told without removing his eyes from his face. "I want to give you an assignment.
"Order me, my lord!
Jalal paused to observe him for a while. Then he stated... "You have to go to Amer.
"Amer? Murshid tried hard not to reflect any kind of arrogance from his face. "Sorry your Majesty, but I think Amer is a soft target for Mughal empire and so we...
"First listen to me.
There was no touch of temper in Jalal's voice still Murshid's heartbeat skipped. "Sorry, my lord! He uttered...
"I am giving you a special assignment. You have to penetrate into the system of Amer, and you will give me all the detail news of the internal affairs taking place in that small kingdom. Jalal paused for a while, then started again taking breath. "You have to know about all the details of prisoners of recent days, who were arrested and why, what punishment did they get, everything... and also... He passed an automatic sigh suddenly. "You will try to know about each and every maids working in the palace- all about the new and old maids... You have to search the details of a maid named Purnima Bai- each and every detail of her whereabouts... Remember the name, if you don't find any information in the palace, go outside of the palace... I want each and every detail of each and every Purnima Bai living in Amer. Understood?
Murshid was perplexed with the order as this is the first time in life he is getting such a weird assignment. But since a spy should not question, he nodded.
"You will report to me only. None else should know about these things. Jalal said. "Everything has to be highly confidential.
"As you wish your Majesty!
"Now you can go... Jalal waved his hand. Murshid bowed and got out of the tent...
Jalal sat of a seat and covered his eyes with his palm... he really needs rest but from where should he fetch it? The nights of this desert-land was a source of peace only some days ago, but now they only gives pain... The soothing moonlight also gives a strange ache in heart... There is no peace... The loneliness in desert-land has snatched the peace from his life... Will his Agra will be able to give that back?
The conference room of the palace of Amer was floating in the air of heated argument from the morning. The meeting to discuss the current adverse situation had turned into a verbal fight between the family members...
"There is news that Bhangarh's king will now join hand with the enemies of us. Ajabgarh is always there to defeat Amer by hook or crook. They will not leave this opportunity. The rumours in Jodha's name are spreading like toxic virus in the Rajput society- the community will take no time to abandon us! And above all that there are threats of Mughal attacks. God knows what Jodha has informed that escaped spy about our Amer's army! Khanjar Singh, an irritating prince of Amer having a high designation in court, commented heatedly.
"You think Jodha has leaked all the confidential information to the spy? Sujamal argued. "Don't you know her? She will die but will not do anything which goes against her motherland!
"Yes I used to believe this even two days back... before she backstabbed Amer by giving that spy a shelter and then by breaking the chain of political relation with Bhangarh! Khanjar Singh told. "I wonder Majesty, even after ditching Amer such severely how Jodha is spared and we...
"So what do you expect Khanjar Singh?? The king of Amer, who has become much silent after all these events, suddenly screamed out. "Should I call my daughter here and cut her head off from her body in front of all your eyes with my own hand? Or should I hang her publicly in the market and tag a label of betrayer on her forehead. Tell me, what should I do???
"You are getting excited without any reason, Bapusa... Khanjar Singh's voice mellowed down. "We all love Jodha just like you do... but we cannot deny the fact that she is the root of all the problems...
"There is no use of measuring the mistakes of princess, Kunwar Khanjar Singh, the old minister intervened. "We have to find a solution first. I suggest we should build a new political chain of relation with the other friendly states. Here Bhangarh and Ajabgarh at another side, and the threats of Mughals hanging on the head, Amer will drown in this tide if she is alone in this calamity...
"I agree, but before that we have to come into a faster solution for facing the upcoming storm, Mantriji... Sujamal said. "The Mughal spy has fled, and there is a Mughal army-camp very near to our fort... I bet the spy has already reported everything about Amer and they will attack in no time! We do not have the time to prepare even!
"If Mughals attack right now, we have no choice but to accept defeat and surrender! Bhagwant Das sighed.
"Surrender??? You are thinking to bow down in front of those vidharmi?? Sujamal shouted in excitement. "How can you even think like that being a Rajput?
"Because I am rational and I do not live in eutopia like you! Bhagwant Das too raised his voice. "The Mughals are triple in force than us. All we can do right now is to defend our fort from there clutch. I do not dream to get victory over them in a frontal war with our negligible soldiers armed with some swords and bow and arrows. Mughals have cannons and firing arms... Amer will not be able to stand for even one hour against them. It is better that we learn to accept defeat from now if we cannot get a better solution.
"What the hell! Accepting defeat?? Sujamal's face became red in excitement. "We are Rajputs... our each drop of blood is enough to defeat those Mughal weapons! We will face them in frontal war; each and every male of every family of Amer will stand against those Mughals... we will die but will not accept defeat!
"Stop shouting Sujamal. You were given the responsibility of securing the borders of Amer. When you could not do that, you have no right to shout in the court! Bhagwant Das hissed and then looked at the king. "Majesty, I think Mahamantri is correct, we have to try to befriend the other Rajput states as soon as possible. Though it is tough, as most of the states of Rajput community is not going to stand by Amer anymore after all the rumours. Still we will send letters from right now only... But I have no idea how we will face the Mughal troop I this situation!
"The only way is to ask help from neighbours... Mahamantri suggested. "But I wonder who will help us now? Ajabgarh and its friendly states will be always against us; now another strong force like Bhangarh is also not with us... Our friendly states are not that much strong to fight Mughals. Most of the states are against us and they have sided us at a corner... Maybe Mewar will give a hand. The heritage of Mewar has always been very high and they will fight the Mughals passionately...
"But Mewar is not in much good relation with Amer. Besides the internal state of Mewar is not going well nowadays... I wonder if they will be ready to join with Amer right now... A prince commented thoughtfully...
"Still we should not lose hopes. We will shortlist the names of friendly kingdoms within today and will send letters to them with the request of help. Bhagwant Das said... "Within that time, we have to arrange enough troops to defend Amer. Sujamal?
Sujamal, who was fuming in anger after the insult he got, did not respond. Bhagwant Das felt the fury, but did not care. "You have the charge of the arsenals of Amer. You have trained the young people of the state these days, now it's time to show their valour. The army of Amer should be ready to face the attack of Mughals at least for two-three days.
"Each and every youth will fight with the last drop of blood. Sujamal said.
"Good. We can hope we will get support from other states within that time. But if not then... he sighed. "We have to think of a second option.
"What can be the second option? Mahamantri looked at the king.
"Of course there is no second option in the war-field. You have to either win or die! Sujamal told passionately.
"But there is no sense in committing suicide in war-field, Sujamal... Let us think of a strategy! Bhagwant Das stopped him. Sujamal bit his lips and looked at his brother suspiciously. He was not liking the flow of the conversation.
"Rajasa... The minister pleaded. "We all are waiting for your opinion.
Bharmal looked at the minister's face and then sighed hopelessly. "Mahamantri, I appreciate the thought of the way-out you have found, but I have no faith on my fortune anymore... The Rajlakshmi of Amer is not happy with me, and she will not stay with me anymore. I can feel it! I have already dreamt that the Rajlakshmi is leaving me and my palace... So I have a least hope for everything!
"What are you telling Bapusa? Bhagwant Das stated desperately. "maybe our fortune is not with us, but that does not mean that we will not try!
"After everything happened, after all the whisperings about my daughter in the community, do you really believe that there will be any kingdom who will support us? King Bharmal shook his head. "I never knew this was written in the destiny of Amer... Such loneliness, such emptiness, such fear...
"Still we have blood in our vein Kakasa! Sujamal said. "We will fight!
"And we will lose! Bharmal Singh got up suddenly. "I can see no way-out Bhagwant! He looked at his elder son. "I am feeling ashamed to say this, but to save the heritage of Kachhwara rajputs, there is only a way... to abandon the fort of Amer for some days and save at least the lives of the women and the next generations! Bhagwant, open the gates of the secret tunnels and arrange everything to...
"To flee?? Bhagwant Das exclaimed.
"Yes! To save our lives! To save the dynasty of the king of Amer! Bharmal sighed. "The Rajlakshmi has already left me... I cannot let the Kulalakshmi to abandon me!
"So you will flee? Sujamal almost shouted. "The Rajput king will flee to escape the danger without facing it, and you think the Kulalakshmi will be happy after this??
"Calm down Sujamal... Bhagwant Das tried to warn him in a low voice but it was too weak in front of Sujamal's rage. "Kakasa, what you pronounced today is enough to wipe out all the pride of our clan which our ancestors had achieved in a moment!
"I am more experienced than you Sujamal! Bharmal said. "What I said is based on my experiences. If Mughals attack and rule over Amer, they will not spare us by taking our lives... They will play with our pride and our honour... They will take the dignity of the women of our clan... They will destroy us! I want to save ourselves from this destruction!
"Why? Do you think the women of Amer are coward like you that they don't know how to save their dignity?? Sujamal hissed in extreme anger.
"SUJAMAL!! All the sons of Bharmal present there shouted together. But Sujamal's eyes did not tremble and kept on sparking. "To save your own head you will flee... You will not think about the people of Amer. You will not think about the children of Amer... You will not think about the common women of Amer. EXCELLENT!
"Their security will be taken care of, Sujamal. Let me complete first! Bharmal tried to calm him down, but Sujamal was fussing in fury. "I can understand very well what can you think Kakasa! I don't agree with you! I hate even to dream to agree with you!!
"None of us want to flee Sujamal! But facing the force of Mughals at this stage will be a mess for us. Bharmal tried to pursue. "I just want to set some of soldier for the security of the fort and the royal members to go out of the tunnel and...
"ENOUGH! Sujamal shouted.
"SUJAMAL HOLD YOUR TONGUE! Bhagwant Das shouted in double voice. "Don't forget this is a court and you are talking to the king!
"The way he is talking is not the way a Rajput king talks! Sujamal was panting in excitement.
"Don't fuss Sujamal! Bharmal too raised his voice. "I am too a warrior and I have seen wars. I know how it is...
"I too know how it is, Kakasa! Sujamal hissed. "I was only five years old when my father achieved the death of a warrior. Being an orphan of war I know it in my blood! And the death in a frontal war is achievement... much greater than a life of an escapist! I will not let you to leave a stain in my clan's legacy, in my father's legacy...
"Sujamal you are getting personal! Try to understand!
"Yes I am taking it personally! As I believe the principles of valour we were taught in childhood has mingled in our personal lives! A Rajput warrior cannot have his own personal family... and here you are thinking to save your family's life by escaping?? Shame! Sujamal paused and took large breath to control the anger. "Sorry for losing my temper in the court. He apologized. "But I strongly refuse to agree with the king! Hence this decision cannot be taken... I will prepare the soldiers from now, and we will try our best to face the Mughals. That will be a single choice and nothing else!
"We are in a conference Sujamal. Bhagwant Das said in a raged voice. "And in a court the king's decision is the most important one. Who are you to decide what to do with Amer??
"Of course I have the right! I am a prince! Sujamal shouted.
"Yes, but not more than the king! You can give suggestions, you can voice your disagreement. But you cannot announce your own decision directly insulting the king this way! This is a punishable offence!
"Offence my foot! In this critical condition your father is thinking about saving his own family only... Is not it a punishable offence as a king? Sujamal shouted. "Do you think he deserves to be a king after this??
"SUJAMAL! All the princes shouted. "Who are you to say this?? WHO ARE YOU??
"I am the heir of Amer. I have the right to say what I think! An excited Sujamal told.
"Heir? Bhagwant Das exclaimed.
"Yes... The throne belonged to my father and so I am the rightful heir of course. Still I left the decision of selecting the crown prince in hand of King Bharmal. Sujamal said. "But today for the first time I feel I was wrong. Okay, if you people have difficulties to listen to my orders, I demand my throne right now!
"Your throne? King Bharmal stared at him vacantly.
"Yes, my throne... This was my father's throne and hence it belongs to mine! Sujamal's face became red in excitement. "I still have faith that you cannot degrade yourself so low that you will snatch the birthrights of your nephew whom you treated as your son and has raised in your own lap. Will you?
"There is no question of betraying you or anything Sujamal, Bharmal said in an astonished tone. "As this throne never belongs to you. The throne was not a private property of your father, and so there is no question of birthright. According to the clan rules the elder son of the dynasty will get the crown, and you are not the elder son of this generation. Bhagwant Das, being the elder son of the dynasty, and also being the most efficient and experienced prince will take the responsibility of the throne after me... You will always get your complete rights and your shares of properties... But there is no question of handing the rights to you!
Sujamal suddenly felt as if a lightning bolt struck him. He had blabbered all these words of rights and all due to excitement which he should never have, but the response of his uncle made him speechless. The dreams and ambitions which he had built from his childhood surrounding this throne became a lie in a second. Sujamal felt as someone is crushing his dreams under a powerful boot of power and rule cruelly.
So it was never his! All he did for his Amer, was not for his own Amer... All he did was his duty as a servant of Amer. As a servant of Bhagwant Das! And the rest of the life he has to live as a servant of this coward Bharmal Singh and Bhagwant Das and to abide by their coward orders! Terrible!
"It can't happen! Sujamal murmured.
"Yes this is the truth! Bhagwant Das hissed. "Look Sujamal, I have never differentiated you from my own brothers. But with this shameful attitude of yours, with your arrogance and shameless demand of the throne in a complete adverse environment, I have to say that I really despise you! Bapusa, I will not stay in this court if this black sheep is present!
"Don't mess anymore Bhagwant Das! Sujamal is still a child and he has done mistake. I have already forgiven him, he does not even need to apologize... King Bharmal said in a softer tone. "Let's continue...
"Before that Sujamal has to apologize for whatever he said... A prince demanded. All others agreed. Sujamal kept on standing like a rock. His face was trembling in an unknown rage...
"Maharaj we are diverting from the topic. We will get enough time to sit with Kunwar Sujamal on this matter but right now we have to save Amer before planning about her future owner. The sensible minister changed the direction of the discussion swiftly. "Let us concentrate on our old discussions of how to save us from Mughals...
"My opinion was not liked by my son Sujamal and I... Bharmal started the speech with enough contents of buttering the crushed Sujamal, but he was not listening to anything now. Sujamal never desired the throne and the power of king in his life... as he knew it was his own. But the single statement of his uncle broke the base of the pillar on which he had built the palace of his further ambitions... And he was unable to think anything more than that. So strange, a moment before he was so worried about Amer and her subjects, but now he had no thought of Amer and the dangers on Amer. He was thinking about him only... and about his crown... like a power-hungry selfish...
"Maharaj!! Sujamal's thought, and the speech of the king was interrupted. Someone came and sought for the attention. He was none other than a special agent who was sent to know the probable movements of the Mughals...
"Yes... What news did you get? The king asked in hurry.
"It's a good news my lord! The agent told. "The army which had camped at the other side of the desert and which was feared to attack our kingdom, has already headed towards their capital. The large caravan which probably has their emperor with it, has set off towards Agra and there is no other sign of their forces which can be left to attack Amer.
"That means for now Amer is safe from Mughals?? Bharmal exclaimed in joy.
"I think so Majesty! The man nodded humbly.
"Thank God!
"Jay Maa Bhabani!
"God is there always...
"Lord Krishna saved Amer...
The fire of the previous conflict in the court took no time to be extinguished in this happy air. But it left its burning mark already. In the courtroom, in the air of Amer...
And in the heart of Sujamal!
Being half-lied on the couch and resting his back against the back-rest, Sujamal was taking the first sip of his daily allotted quota of healthy drink. This is a time of pure relaxation in his schedule, but he was restless than ever! The tension of instant Mughal attack has been released, but it changed the dimension of Sujamal's life. It showed him the true colour of reality and the true colour of his close relatives. He was feeling humiliated now... not because he will not be the future king, but because he is compelled to stay under the shadow of a coward self-centered king forever to carry out his escapist orders which goes completely against to his warrior nature. He was thinking a lot to get away with it but was unable to find any solution...
Suddenly a soft sweet darkness covered his eyes and a slight sound of giggle rang in the ear. And eventually smile came automatically in his lips...
"You're getting naughty day-by-day! I see... He laughed and pulled the soft wrist, making the beautiful woman sit on his lap.
"How you get to know? She asked adorably.
"What do you think, I don't recognize your touch? Sujamal cupped her face in deep affection. "I even recognize each of your heartbeats...
"Lie! Then how come you did not understand when I entered?
Sujamal sighed... "I was... I was occupied with something else Leela...
"What happened to you Kunwarsa! She picked up his chin looking worried. "I heard something happened in the court... Everyone is angry on you... why, what happened?
"Yes! Sujamal sighed again. "You know Leela, I had been dwelling in a palace of lies these days. I had crafted the dreams for which I had no rights... I would have coped up with this reality check, but after this incident, after the sourness coming out so brutally I fear I can ever...
"Don't say this Kunwarsa! Leela stopped him worriedly. "I fear these words... At this stage, when I am in the best phase of womanhood, everything is changing so swiftly around me... First the incident of Jodha, then your conflict with Kakasa in court... I... She tried to check her weep... "Where I will go with my baby if something bad happens?
"Don't fret Leela, everything will be fine! Sujamal smiled and kissed her forehead. Then he touched her bump on her abdomen. "My little prince is playing inside? He smiled and touched his ear on her belly, talking enthusiastically. "Come on baby, come out as soon as possible... Your father is eagerly waiting for you! I have so many plans to groom you, you know? He then looked at his wife. "When he is coming to meet me, Leela?
"You have to wait for 4 months more. She smiled. "But he will be too small to be groomed with your warrior lessons and the lessons you will be giving him to be an able future king.
Sujamal's smile dimmed again. He suddenly felt his unborn baby also is going to be deprived the same way he is going to be! The dreams he has for his baby will not get fulfilled when he is under his uncle... He will never be able to see his baby as an able king like he wants when he is under his uncle... It increased his restlessness even more.
"Leelavati... He said in a hopeless tone. "Don't see these dreams anymore. Our son will never be the king.
"Why? You are the future king on Amer, and after that our child... Leelavati, Sujamal's wife tried to understand.
"I am not the future king. The King of Amer has told me clearly that I have no birthright on the throne as the throne of Amer was never a private property of the previous king, my father! Sujamal stated hopelessly. "I am a mere servant of the state, Leela! My son will also be a mere servant of the state! Oh! If I could change my fate! If I could...
Leelavati's face also became pale. She sighed and touched her husband's shoulder.
"I know Leela this will hurt you a lot! I asked for your hand from your brother with the promise that I will make you the chief queen of Amer one day... I promised him that his nephew will be the future king of Amer... But now... I... He covered his face. "It's like I have ditched you all with a false hope...
"Never mind, Kunwarsa! Leelavati tried to smile. "See, we have such a happy and content life together, and our baby will come to us very soon, and we will be complete... This crown and throne and all matters a little...
"Yes... still... Sujamal covered his eyes. "I am not feeling good, Leela... If I could get anyone with whom I could discuss about all these.
"Then I have a good news for you. Leelavati told smilingly.
"Good news?
"Bhaisa will be coming by tomorrow to take me Sonargarh with him.
"Really? Sujamal's face became bright again.
"Yes... I will go to my mother and will return after the baby comes.
"Sagarmal will come! Sujamal smiled. "It will be really good. None will be as good as Sagarmal as an advisor!
Sagarmal Singh, the king of Sonargarh and the brother of Leelavati, was one of Sujamal's bosom friends of Gurukul. They had the same mentor in archery and so the sense of aim, and so they did not take much time to be friends which is still continued. Sujamal, Sagarmal and Jaswant Singh- these three names were taken together in those days of Gurukul. Sujamal was always the hot-headed one, Jaswant, who was the son of the minister of Sonargarh, was more a follower than a leader, and Sagarmal was as sensible as a real king from that time only. Sujamal had accepted him as him mentor from heart, and still his devotion to him is not gone. It was Sagarmal who had taught him to dream big and aspire for big ambitions.
Sujamal had seen Leelavati first time when he had visited Sonargarh to attend the coronation of Sagarmal. He could not forget Leelavati. After some years, when he again visited Sonargarh to attend Sagarmal's marriage and he saw her from closer, he could not late anymore. Sagarmal was very willing to give the hands of his dear sister to his childhood friend, but he hesitated for a while as he wanted to see Leela as maharani of any state. Sujamal had promised him to fulfill his wish. Almost three years have passed after the marriage, and Leelavati is expecting now, and they are very happy couple with a smooth relationship with Sonargarh. The dimension of the relationship between Sagar and Suja has also changed a bit. But it seemed after a long time, Sujamal will need his childhood friend in that old form of his advisor and mentor.
An uncanny pain automatically choked Moti Bai for once when she entered the room of the princess passing the security panel.
The room was strangely empty and pale... Everything was there as it was, but still the vacancy in the room was clearly visible. The air of the room was gloomy, and the environment was colourless. Everything was neat-and clean, and everything was silent. As if the life of the room has been soaked. And Jodha was sitting on her study-desk, reading something very attentively.
Moti Bai got closer. Jodha's hairs were opened, and there was no ornaments adorning her body. The resplendence in her beauty has been converted in a strange secluded purity. Moti gazed at her, and her eyes filled with tears...
"Moti, you?
Moti tried to smile. Jodha had seen her. She got up from seat and came to her. "You wanted to say anything? She told very casually and Moti could not control and started crying loudly.
"What happened? Jodha almost laughed. "You again fought with Vijay Singh and now want me to reconcile?
"You are cutting jokes even in this situation? Moti sobbed.
"Not at all! I am super serious! Jodha laughed. "What happened?
"I... I can't see in this state! Moti started weeping. "Why God punish them who has no fault?
It seemed Jodha trembled a little, but she managed to hide. "What happened to me, Moti? I am perfectly fine. Look... No work, no tension... Only eat, sleep and read books if you want... A lovely life!
"Whom are you trying to convince? Moti cried again. "Why it happened! Why you got punishment for no reason!
"No Moti. I did mistake and this punishment was needed! Jodha smiled. "I could not balance till the last day. I messed up everything. For me my state had to face so many adverse situations, my parents had to face humiliations... She could not control her wet voice anymore. "I deserved a punishment Moti! I failed my parents, my family, my Amer...
"No no Kunwarisa! I don't know what the other states of Rajputana are talking, but the people of Amer reserve the same respect which they had for you! The people who know Rajkunwari Jodha Bai can never believe these rumours...
"I am fortunate that still people have the same love and respect for me. They do not lose their faith from their princess even when everything goes against them. But... she readily wiped the drop of tear which was going to roll down from her cheek. "You know Moti, I am lucky that I got this punishment of abandonment! This imprisonment is like freedom for me! I am lucky that Bapusa punished me and did not forgive me! His forgiveness would strangle me. The faces of my family would whip me every moment. What happened is the best for me, Moti! Believe me... Yes I am not well. I am in pain. But that pain has a freedom. My pain is only mine... I do not need to be happy for someone else strangling myself inside!
"Kunwarisa... Moti hugged her tightly. Jodha hugged her back. Some moments passed this way. Then Jodha picked up head, wiped the eyes and smiled. "Well, when you are here, why don't you comb my hair?
"Yes yes I will. Moti readily came with the comb and started dressing her hairs. Jodha spoke after some moments.
"Moti... She asked in a low tone. "Did the spies get any more news about him?
"Whom?
"Chandrajeet? Jodha pronounced with a little hesitation. "Has anyone get any news?
"Oh! Moti exclaimed. "No, he has been vanished like a lightning bolt in the desert...
"Good! Jodha sighed. She had wished only this to her God. To let Chandrajeet disappear forever for everyone else... he should live only in her dreams only... nowhere else...
"You were right Kunwari Sa, Chandrajeet was not a spy! Moti said. "Today a messenger got the news to the court that the nearby Mughal army has already set back to their capital. No chance of attacking Amer now. There is no relation of Chandrajeet with Mughal force; if it was, Mughal force would have attacked by now, is not it Kunwari Sa?
Jodha tried to smile. Maybe Moti's logic was too simple for politics, Jodha's heart wanted to faith on her words...
"I knew that our Kunwari Sa can never be wrong in judging people! Moti said enthusiastically. "You know, Rajasa himself was telling to Ranisa, I myself heard, that Jodha can never do anything which will harm Amer... He himself was telling that the man whom you saved was not very likely a spy! Amer will not be harmed for him!
Jodha smiled. She suddenly felt a big burden from her heart is relieved. I had faith on you Chandrajeet, that you will never be the reason of any downfall of Amer! And I had that belief on my faith... you will never harm my Amer, I know it!
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