Thread 2: Destined Love... (New thread created) - Page 43

Originally posted by: Shinning_Stuti

You can't call them coward, rather they are too much courageous than need😆 and I think ambitious will be the right term instead of power hungry. Possible or not at least they are teytry to unify the rajputana against mughals.

Thank you so much for comment dear😃

Originally posted by: selvi1275

The night sky was alone in the dark, yearning for one sight of its love- the moonlight... and that pain of yearning for love was echoing in the darkness... was echoing in the heart of Jalal

What a start...👏...Wonderful description of the scene and Itz similarity with Jalal's feelings...Jalal shivered with the known touch...oh why...what do you mean...

>> Thank you~😳😳 That line did not have much significance. He was unmindful, so he was shocked suddenly.

Excellent analogy here...the sky dark inspite of the presence of scores of stars...It is the Moon That makes the difference...so it is in Jalal s life...with thousands of wifes including Ruqaiya...he still is forced to long for Poornima's presence in his life...

>> You got it right! 😃

Jalal wanting to confess about his Love and Ruqaiya dozing off...Is it a Good thing or bad?...The pain of his heart...pain of loneliness...poor Jalal...Ruqaiya had known him for so long...still couldn't understand his plight, His feelings...

>> Ruqaiya does not know him. He is alone from the beginning. Like many common couples lives together without knowing each other

But there Poornima and Jalal could communicate without words...What a predicament...

>> They are made for each other

Stuti...How effortlessly you shifted scene from Agra to Amer...👏👏

Awww...Jodha is having the answer to Jalal heart ache...inspite of the distance, they're perfectly in sync...😳

>> 😳

Awww...Wow...That piece of cloud travelled bearing Jalal's message and now is waiting for her reply...to carry it back to her lover...So Romantic..Stuti...😳😳

>> Inspired from Kalidas's Meghdutam! 😃

[no comment on the song? 😛]

He will come to get Her...she knows it is impossible, but her heart believes otherwise...Beautiful...What a Romance...☺️...When they will know each others true identity, I don't want their tainted...I hope you wouldn't follow the Ekta-style story...😕

>> Have faith on me 😉

Sagarmal asked the right question to Sujamal.😃...And maybe his grandmother, mother and wet nurses told this to him when His father was alive...

>> Not necessarily. His closer people wanted him to be king and so might have tried to make him ambitious frm childhood

His father didn't hand the crown to his uncle is proof that some sort of procedure has been followed for making him King...

>> Of course. But that does not end his flow of ambition.

Conversation between the friends reveal the cunning side of Sujamal's friends...sagarmal telling that his sister deserved to be queen of queens.😕...a princess from a very small kingdom...hmmm ...Really an over ambitious man...

And here Sujamal was still a Prince of a bigger state...

>> Yes. A big ambitious man who sees dream in broad daylight

Now...How is his unified empire different from whole of Rajputana?...a really ambitious plan of his...Oops...Sujamal held Jaswant's collar...sagarmal is cunning and his sidekick friend is equally so...otherwise he couldn't have put up with sagarmal this longer ...

>> His concept is of a unified Bharatvarsh 😉 Hoping too much but you always should aim the sky na? 😉

Of course they are cunning. Suja is short tempered.

Now what is it with Jaswant and Leela ...What did Sujamal miss...😲

>> 😉

Mughal court... ...The Sun has come out of the clouds...Shining brightly...or should we say Burning brightly...The way Jalal delivered Justice was overwhelming...The Emperor rose over every obstacle...be it Bairam Khan, or the Qazis, or the corrupt generals giving false evidence...⭐️Jalal shone like a bright Sun in the court...

>> SO beautiful description 😃

But who smirked behind BK...was it Maksud Khan...does he want to kill the Emperor...or was it somebody else...

>> Dekhte jao! 😃

Waiting for next ... Stuti...

This is a Marvellous chapter from you...Stuti...Kudos...⭐️

>> Thanks for ur comment di!

Chapter 28

"I have enquired about the incident, Shahenshah! Samsuddin Adgah Khan informed the emperor. "The convict is a poor farmer of the nearest village, often working in the farm of Haidar Mirza. His name is Ramnath, and he has no one except his fourteen years old daughter Bindi... Gopi, that boy is an orphan often stays with them and works as a helping hand to Ramnath. Some days before Ramnath went to nearby village to buy seeds in cheap price; Bindi and Gopi were alone. Bindi had gone to fetch water from pond while some of the men of Haidar Mirza noticed her and kidnapped her to present her to their boss. That night there was a small and informal celebration in Haidar Mirza's house where Ali Hassan and Gafur Mohammad, our two esteemed generals who are friends of Haidar Mirza, were present and enjoying... The girl was bought there and most probably was presented in front of the generals too... Even the stone-hard man Samsuddin's voice also trembled while describing the incident... "However... the girl was imprisoned in the harem of Mirza Sahab and Mirza Sahab was not in the mood to free her very soon... but the girl chose the way and burnt herself in order to save her life and dignity.

"I still cannot believe such anarchism takes place in my empire- right in my capital! Sitting on the couch of his grand restroom, Jalal was fussing. Adga Sahab stood silent in front of him with lowered yet cautious eyes. He was there to report him about the complete incident. The excitement of Jalal did not touch his calm stature as when he talked, his voice was completely natural. "This anarchism is not new, my lord. From the first day of the history, these types of incident take place. Everyone knows, my lord. None cares. Perhaps I also would not care if you won't point it out in the public so crudely! This crudeness was important perhaps...

"What Ramnath did then? Jalal asked in a painful tone.

"He did what exactly a father would have done... He ran towards the Haveli with fire in hand, burnt Haidar's farms, farmhouse, grains everything; fought with the guards and entered in the room o Haidar Mirza himself... He had a sickle in his waist; he hurt Haidar directly with that... Haidar would be killed if generals were not present there. All the males of the Haveli were drunk and semi-dozed, hence it became easy for a strong farm man like Ramnath to create such havoc destruction there...

"What happened then? Jalal asked while unmindfully staring at the floor.

"He was immediately arrested by the local administration, my lord... Then, you can see what happened there with him the whole night; his whole body is carrying the evidence. However... Samsuddin Adga wiped out the trace of sympathy from his voice very professionally. "The local Kaji had already sentenced for a public death penalty. But since the Diwani-E-Aam was going to be held today only, and this man has openly rebelled against the empire itself, later is was decided that he will be brought here. Everything was going as per expectation, My Lord. The other kajis and ullemas had found him guilty... Even Bairam Khan Sahab also confirmed his view about the death sentence. But none perhaps had thought in their dreams that the situation will be changed this way after coming in front of you! he could not hide the content smile... "Poor them...

"I am just speechless Adga Sahab! Everyone has gone through the whole case... every sensible personalities of the court- the Kajis, Ameers, Ullemas, even Khan Baba... everyone! Still none of them could understand that the man was not a criminal? None could recognize the actual story behind his hooligan act? How? Jalal shook his head restlessly. "I had understood from a single glimpse of the man that he is not the culprit, he is the victim... What I could understand, the experienced officers and scholars could not?

"Everyone has eyes to understand the difference of black and white Majesty... None cares. Adga Sahab smiled. "Moreover, the importance of Haidar Mirza's one drop of blood is much more important than the life of a poor Hindu farmer girl.

"That's not done! I cannot believe it! Jalal started walking restlessly out of excitement. "I know about the uncontrollable brutality shown by the army after a war; but such a grave offence being done sitting right under the surveillance of law... and everyone connected with the administration is directly or indirectly supporting this! This has to be changed Adga Sahab. This has to be changed...

"Sorry for my audacity, Majesty. Adga Sahab said. "This will not be changed.

Jalal stared at him with a deep frown. "I will change. He uttered each word very prominently, emphasising on the word I'.

"You can impose new laws Majesty. But how would you impose your thought in the stagnant mentality of people? Adga Sahab said. "The Mughals believe that they are the owner of the Hindus of this land. They can do anything they want with the Hindus. Each and every girl of the Hindu houses is born to be the tool of satisfying their desire. How you would change that mind-set?

Jalal sighed. He ran his palm through his face in order to wipe out the trace of weary. "Whatever may happen, I would do justice to that poor farmer girl, Adga Sahab... I will do justice to the poor helpless father. But alas! I would not be able to return the greatest treasure of the poor father to him again. If the girl were alive, Adga sahab, I...

Samsuddin Adga Khan smiled sadly. "You could have done nothing, majesty.

"Why? What made you think that I...

"I know, Majesty... Adga Sahab stated. "The girl would not be able to return in her society. Even if she would be saved from the clutch of the lust of Haidar Mirza and others, she would not have saved her self-respect and dignity in her society... The abducted Hindu girls get only two paths to select, Shahenshah... a life-imprisonment in Harem, or a death of freedom. The girl chose the second one...

Jalal stared at him speechlessly. "They would not be able to return?

"I don't think they would, Majesty. Adga Sahab sighed. "The Hindus hate the Mughals much more that the Mughals hate them. The Hindus think the Mughals are much more inferior to them. They protect their community from the contamination of us. They believe even the touch of Mughals is impure; hence those girls are unchaste, not eligible to maintain a social life again... He shook his head. "Ramnath had gone mad and tried to avenge the insult of his daughter... but most of the fathers do not dare to do this... Perhaps that's the fate of those girls, and they become habituated to buy the comfortable life of Harem in cost of their self-respect and freedom.

"You mean those abducted girls become...

"Pardon my audacity, your majesty... Even the royal harem consists of thousands of female slaves... Has anyone ever bothered about from where they come?

Jalal stood at the side of the window. He could see the line of water of the river over the horizon... His mind also floated with that water... He was floating in the sea of memories of the nights he spent in the small hut of the desert land... her voice was ringing in his ears...

There are certain differentiation between an emperor and the leader of a robber's gang.

He is clearly an invader, who had become a self-proclaimed emperor!

These are the Mughals, Chandrajeet... Heartless, brutal, savage, barber...

I hate him! The whole Rajputana hates that savage barber!

We hate him! The Rajputs hate the Mughals!

We are going to hate him forever!

There is such a great barrier between him and Purnima. He perhaps never knew that the barrier is so big, so vast, so unavoidable... The barrier of hatred! All the limits can be crossed... but when the roots of existence are contaminated with the poison of hatred, how the plant would grow and spread its branches over the horizon, filling the earth with colours and flowers of love? When the root itself is poisoned with hatred, how the flowers of love would blossom?

Jalal gazed at the river unmindfully while he could not notice the arrival of Bairam Khan. He turned back when Bairam Khan called him. "Jalal?

Jalal came closer. "Sit, Khan Baba...

"Sorry for late. I was busy in some other affairs regarding army. Bairam Khan said while sitting. Then he looked at Samsuddin Khan in a questioning glare.

Samsuddin Khan smiled meaningfully looking at him. Then he turned to the emperor. "Allow me, your majesty... He said.

Jalal nodded. After Adga Sahab left the room he looked at Bairam Khan.

"I have something to say you, Khan Baba.

"I too have many things to say, Jalal. There was a cold rage suppressed in his voice. "However, since you are the emperor, you start.

"I just want to know that how you made such a mistake Khan-Baba? Jalal said in a surprised tone. "Without cross-checking the real situation, without investigating the whole incident, you sent an innocent to die?

"There was absolutely no point of investigation, Jalal. That man had attacked Haidar Mirza yesterday, and that was already proven. Bairam Khan's voice seemed quite vexed. "Nevertheless, I cannot understand from whom did you get the idea to go against the whole justice system for a mere convict?

"I read from his eyes that he is a victim, not a culprit Khan Baba! Jalal told suppressing his anger. "Moreover, I don't think I need to go against anyone to do justice to someone, isn't it? The whole justice system is standing on my ultimate decision, and if I decide something, that is expected to be accepted by everyone related to the system.

Bairam Khan tried to smile sarcastically. "Of course... you are the emperor, your decision is the ultimate decision... But Jalal, you must not forget that all the other officers related to justice system have turned their hair white while working in this profession. You cannot insult them by ignoring the worth of their experience.

"I won't, if I hadn't got the direct evidence that how much worthless the experiences collected by the white-haired wise officers and scholars are. Jalal said. "Maybe with the hairs becoming white, their eyesight is getting weaker too with age and so... The disgust of his mind was clearly reflected with his words.

"Don't mock them Jalal... Bairam Khan said angrily. He was feeling as if Jalal indirectly tried to target him as well. "Do you know how much dangerous it can be? Not only you offended the community of the kajis and the ullemas by insulting their sense of judgement, but also by arresting two efficient officers like Gafur Mohammad and Ali Hassan you literary weakened the pillars of the vast Mughal army as well. Do you even have any clue?

"And do you even have any clue that how much the great sense of judgement of those so called scholars and efficient officers like you was going to harm the base of the whole empire? Jalal stated with even more rage. His bright face was glowing in the ray of anger. "The officers like Gafur Mohammad and Ali Hassan, the merchants like Haidar Mirza do whatever they want ignoring the law, and the whole system is protecting them behind the back. A father whose daughter is snatched mercilessly was going to be hanged publicly to bury the whole incident and you people are encouraging this! Can you imagine what impact is falling on the mind of the subjects?

"That man was a rebel and a rebel should be hanged like that only. Bairam Khan shouted. "He openly challenged our Mughal monarchy... did not you hear that?? His punishment would invoke fear in other rebels' mind. And what you did??

"Today a single man has challenged the system and took the justice in his own hand. Tomorrow some other people would do the same... Day after tomorrow the whole nation would do the same! Then what will you do? Would set fire to the whole nation to kill them in order to stop them? Jalal said.

"You are thinking too much Jalal. Those bloody Hindus do not have that courage...

"Who said you? The pathetic death of Ramnath had made him violent. If tomorrow some more incidents happen this way some more Ramnath will be born... Jalal moderated his voice. "Khan Baba, solution is not to kill those Ramnaths. One and only solution is to stop these unwanted incidents. And to stop them, if I have to go against thousands of my faithful officers and scholars, if I have to suspend thousands of efficient soldiers like Gafur and Ali, I would not hesitate for a moment.

"You are talking like novices, Jalal. Have anyone of this world heard such a strange logic? For a utopic nightmare of Hindu revolution you are directly damaging your own system? Bairam Khan asked helplessly.

"What is utopic, Khan Baba? My thought? Or your strange belief that revolution can never happen? You are very concern about the defence of our empire as you fear the external enemies. You are concerned about the spy-system as you fear the internal conspirators. But how strange, you do not even want to think how dangerous the seed of hatred of the subjects can be? Jalal expressed in a sensible tone. But then his eyes suddenly sparked with a fire of extreme rage. "If these things go on, the empire will really burn in the rage of those wounded and insulted subjects, Khan Baba... The women of the house are the pride of the house, and if someone touches that pride, a man can do anything... His cold and husky voice suddenly reflected the rage which was sparking from his eyes. "If anyone even dares to look at the women of my house; if anyone would even try to touch the modesty of my mother or my sister or anyone, I would have chopped him alive into four pieces and would feed those pieces to vulture. What that man has done was just nothing! I would be happy is he could burn those sons of bitches alive!

"At least accept the fact that your mother or sister or the women of the royal family are not at all relatable with a random Hindu girl? Bairam Khan uttered helplessly. "For a random Hindu girl you took such a big...

"Khan Baba...

Bairam Khan had to stop. There was something in Jalal's voice which made him stop. For the first time in his life, he could feel that Jalal has grown his personality so concretely that he can easily compel Bairam Khan to stop just by calling him. It was obviously a matter of pride, but Jalal's mentor was hurt. The aura of Jalal's personality wounded deeply right in his heart.

"Any random Hindu girl of this empire, any random Islamic girl of this empire, any random homeless beggar girl of this empire, any female slave of this empire and the women of the royal family... all is same. Jalal uttered in a cold voice. "Don't forget this. Hindus are also the legal citizen of my empire. They are the part of my empire. They are not the slaves of the Mughal officers or merchants. And everyone has to understand this... I will make them understood. If they don't understand in straight way, I will take the rough path. But I will make them understand. That's my challenge!

Bairam Khan could not say anything more. He kept on sitting silently. Jalal took only two seconds to come back in this own calm and composed form. "Khan Baba, He said in a soft tone. "We are here to rule the whole empire. And a ruler cannot be biased. A ruler cannot rule for a long time sitting on the throne of hatred. We have to spread the fragrance of love, Khan Baba... we have to!

"Is this a way a warrior think, Jalal? Bairam Khan uttered in an offended voice. "You are looking more like a priest to me!

"Neither I am a warrior, nor a priest, Khan Baba. Jalal stated in a confident tone. "I am an emperor.

Bairam Khan tried to say something, but his words lost their paths in front of the confidence of his disciple. "You are thinking from your heart Jalal... Not from your brain...

Jalal smiled. "Ammijaan tells that the heart never lies, Khan Baba... Let the heart to think. I have my brain to control those thoughts and to decide what is the right thought...

Bairam Khan got up. "There is a meeting of planning the next war-strategy today. Come sharp...

"I won't go, Khan Baba. Jalal stated in a calm voice.

"What? Bairam Khan frowned.

"There is some more important works left regarding this particular case. I need to sit with Adga Sahab in this matter. I have to study the other similar cases in order to think about the remedy. I don't think I am in mood to plan the next war strategy right now, Khan Baba. That can wait... or you please attend the meeting on my behalf; that will be a better idea.

It is not that Bairam Khan is being requested to attend a meeting on his behalf for the first time, but still he would not be happy. Nowadays Jalal maintains his schedule himself; but cancelling the important meeting with him now Jalal will sit in a discussion with his Adga Sahab completely ignoring him and his wishes as Jalal believes his discussion with Samsuddin is more important, that very thought started hammering him inside his head.

"As you wish... he uttered in a low tone. Then after remembering something, he turned back to Jalal again. "By the way... There are many followers of Gafur and Ali in the army. Your decision has made them enemies... You have to be prepared for any type of attacks.

"I am not worried. Jalal smiled brightly. "As I know you are there to protect me.

Bairam Khan smiled pale. "The internal conspirators are dangerous, Jalal. I really do fear them! If the faithful people of the empire turn rebel then...

"Faithful people would never turn rebel, Khan Baba. As they love and respect the empire... Some small disputes can never break that armour of love and respect. Jalal came closer and help Bairam Khan's hand. "Think about you... no matter how much dispute you may have with me; will you ever be able to raise your weapon against me? Never... That's the faith and that's the power of the faith. And when I have so many people like you... especially when I have a protector like you, why would I fear of some mere conspirators?

"Right! Smiling, Bairam Khan patted on Jalal's shoulder. No matter how much he becomes unhappy with Jalal's whimsical decisions, he will never stand against him... as he had been appointed as his protector. And Bairam Khan is very particular about his own duties and responsibilities. Even if Jalal's actions crush his wishes and personality, he will always be beside Jalal.

He bid Jalal, and left the room.

Jalal sat on his bed... Again the same voice was ringing inside his ears- We hate him. The Rajputs hate Mughals.

The poison of hatred had contaminated the root of the existence of two individual races... still it could not contaminate the purity of love. That's way a Rajput girl fell for a Mughal man. A Mughal man gave his heart to a Rajput girl. And the bond of that love is so strong that it is alive in its own glow... a bond so strong that the Rajput girl did not even hesitate to endanger her life to save the life of the Mughal man- without even knowing his real identity.

A slight pinch of pain overpowered his heart along with a deep content. "I will not let the hatred to win, Purnima... The light of love and faith will prevail. I promise you... He murmured.

Jalal felt something fishy when he entered into his room in the afternoon. He felt as if someone is there... He took out his sword and peeped here and there too, but saw nothing. Even the guards said that there was none. Maybe a mistake...

Forgetting about that, Jalal released himself on the bed. Such a hectic day it was. More than the physical tire, the mental disdain was more tiring. Jalal has been grown up in a completely political environment. The dirtiness of the crude politics does not affect him at all. But the anarchism and tortures on the poor subjects in his empire was something he could not tolerate. It was directly questioning his ability as an emperor, a direct slap on the face of the empire...

However, he has to fight it. He has taken the oath to change everything... he will prove his ability in front of everyone; in front of him...

And in front of Purnima... yes... no matter he ever meets her or not, he will be confident that the next time when someone will say anything about Emperor Jalaluddin Mohammad to her, her face will not distort out of hatred, but her eyes will shine in the pride of humanity. She will never ever tell anymore that she hates the emperor of the Mughals. Rather she will respect the emperor. And that small respect from the heart of the flower of the desert land will be the greatest award for the emperor of the great dynasty.

The heart sank as always when he thought about Purnima. A strange cloud of agony envelops his heart and mind... He yearns to see her for once. For once. Is it that impossible??

An idea flashed in mind. Jalal got up and went to the corner of the room. There is an easel and canvas there being a part of the emperor's mere time-pass. After a long long time he was in front of the canvas. He took up the brushes and the colours from the desk nearby. A light and content smile brightened his face...

Then he started drawing. The moonlight of the desert-land reflected on his canvass. The few touches of the brush from the expert's hand perfectly captured the beautiful, glowing eyes of the beautiful woman on the canvas... Another stroke of the brush perfectly figured her perfectly-shaped nose. And with another stoke, the beautiful lips like the petal of lotus, where the poor, helpless, vagabond Chandrajeet had painted a kiss as a sign of his devoted love for her... The picture of Poornima was reflecting on the canvas slowly... like a dream, the dreams Jalal used to see only some days back- in a broken hut of a desert land while bathing in the shower of moonlight...

Perhaps Jalal too was going to float with the dream, but he could not. As suddenly he heard a suppressed sound of appreciation. "Wow!

A concerned Jalal turned back at once to search the source of the sound. As a habit he grabbed the brush of his hand like a dagger. "Who's there? He shouted.

None answered, but he could clearly hear the sound of the giggle. Perhaps the giggle was intended for him only, as he must be looking funny while holding the brush like a dagger. Jalal kept the brush aside and proceeded towards the source of the sound while rubbing his nose to wipe out the sweat.

And the intensity giggle increased. It was expected, as Jalal's nose was now coloured red due to the colour which was in his hand. Jalal sharpened his eyes. He had detected the source of the giggle. Slowly stepping ahead, he opened the unlocked chest beside his bed. And a sudden air of reasonless joy swept his heart.

As he could see a little boy was staring at him with his gleaming, curious eyes putting a finger on his lips. He was trying to stop his giggle and was trying to be serious by keeping silence, though his eyes were speaking a lot.

"What are you doing here in this chest? Jalal scolded a little like a guardian. "What would happen if it got locked?

"What can I do. There is no better place of hiding here. Keeping the finger on his lips like before, the boy complained. As if the room was made so that he could hide here.

Jalal could not control his laughter anymore. "Okay come out... He told.

"I will, if you promise that you will not tell my mother that I am here. The little boy put his condition.

"Okay okay... I won't. Jalal laughed and picked him up from the chest and made him sit on the bed.

"So, who are you? He asked.

"You don't know me?? The boy fussed as if Jalal has done a great offence.

"No, My Lord! Forgive me... Jalal told in fun...

"No no, I am not the lord. I know, you are the lord... You are the majesty. The boy commented like a smart wise man. "I am future Khan-E-Khanan.

"Really?

"Yes. The four years kid had no hesitation in front of a stranger. "My father is the present Khan-E-Khanan, so I am the future Khan-E-Khanan.

"Is it? Jalal picked him up and rubbed his nose. "So you are the Abdul Rahim Khan-E-Khanan??

"How do you know my name? The kid was suspicious.

"How can I even dare not to know my Khan-E-Khanan's name? Jalal made him sit on his lap and planted a delicate kiss on his hairs. "You have grown up so fast! Last time I saw you when you were only a three-month kid! He told in a very affectionate voice while pinching his cheeks. "So Khan-E-Khanan, do you know who am I?

"You are Shahenshah! The little boy pronounced in a kiddish way without knowing the meaning of the word. Jalal laughed and started cuddling him. "I am the Shahenshah for others, but not for you... I am your...

"No no you are Shahenshah... The little kid protested. "Mother said me.

"Okay okay... You are Khan-E-Khanan and I am Shahenshah, right? Jalal touched his nose. "Let's be friend then?

It seemed Rahim was not liking the cuddling and all. He was expecting a much formal behaviour from the emperor but the emperor underestimated him thinking him a kid only. It was a prestige issue for Rahim, though he was actually liking the man named Shahenshah. However, to distract him Rahim looked at the canvas. "You can draw?

"What do you think? Jalal laughed.

"Hmm... Rahim nodded like a wise man. Then with a childlike enthusiasm he said- "I also draw.

"Really? What do you draw? Jalal asked.

"Trees, houses, sun... Rahim was too impatient to tell the whole list. "Draw something for me. He demanded.

"As you wish, Khan-E-Khana... Jalal took up a paper from the desk and drew various interesting figures for him. Rahim seemed to be elated with those. Then he looked at the sword. "You can fight too? He asked.

"Yes... A little. Jalal smiled.

"My father also fights a lot. Rahim said. "But he can only fight. He cannot draw. He does not see my drawings too... He looked a little sad thinking about his aloof father. Then again his smile shined. "Will you teach me how to fight?

"First you grow up a little bit, then I will teach. Jalal caressed his hairs. "By the way, your father himself will teach you. You know, he taught me how to fight.

"But he will not teach me. He hardly stays at home. I hardly see him. The kid uttered sadly. "You know, yesterday I was awake till late of night to show him the gift I made for him. But he even did not look at me and rebuked me for being awake.

Little Rahim's eyes had become blur in sorrow. Jalal felt a little sad. His Khan Baba is so much busy and occupied with the political stuffs that he hardly can give time to this small kid. Poor Rahim! He is so thirsty for his father's love.

"First you grow up, he will teach you. Jalal said him. "He is very tough, you know. So he expresses his love by rebuking.

"He rebukes you too? Rahim was curious.

"Yeah! He even used to beat me when I was learning sword-fighting. Jalal said. Eventually he discovered his mind was filling with a cloud of gloom. He was seeing his own Khan Baba in his memory while talking with Rahim. A rough and tough warrior, as hard as rock, merciless, angry... but Jalal always felt the touch of his affection; he had protected Jalal always being a great banyan tree; he taught him everything- from the sword-fighting to the norms of an emperor... Khan Baba had been the reason of Jalal's existence... and today? Today that very known man has changed a lot! Their relationship is taking different dimension. Is this happening all of a sudden? Or Khan Baba was this type of man only, Jalal was not matured enough to understand him!

"Shahenshah... Rahim pulled his Kurta. "You know, I have learnt how to write.

"Really?

"Ammijan taught me how to read and write... She reads all the day!

Jalal smiled. Ammijaan- must mean the second wife of Khan Baba. Rahim's mother passed away when he was a new-born baby. Khan Baba married a young woman of their royal family, a distant cousin of him. Though, he does not remember much about her.

"You know how to read? Rahim asked.

Jalal shook his head a little ashamedly. Rahim frowned. "Really? Never mind... I will tell Ammijaan to teach you.

"Okay, but first tell me what were you doing here in my room hiding from your Ammijaan? Jalal asked in whisper.

"I have fled. Rahim whispered... "Else Ammijaan will fed me fruits. I don't like fruits...

"You don't like the tastiest thing of the world?

"No! Yaakk! Rahim made such a face that Jalal laughed out. "Okay, so you came here to hide so that Ammijaan does not find you. But what if your Ammijaan starts crying thinking that you are lost?

"I will run to her and hug and kiss her! The little boy gave the easiest solution...

"So, now go? Your Ammijan is searching you... Jalal told.

"So early? Rahim's face dropped. He was really enjoying his time.

"Okay... I will go to your palace to play with you. Jalal promised and Rahim's face became brighter again...

"Rahim... Rahim... Ra...

Both Jalal and Rahim turned back. Rahim suddenly became afraid and hid behind Jalal. Jalal did not say anything as he was speechless for a while.

A woman was standing. A woman of around 21-22, young, bright and beautiful... the gorgeous skirt and kurti with golden embroidery and the properly matched precious but less jewelleries evidence both the high class and the taste of her. She did not wear hijab and beautiful hairs are opened and tamed under a casual veil. Her head is held high, eyes are shining brightly; there is a little touch of hesitation reflecting from beautiful lips... hesitation, not shame. The woman did not shrink in shame in front of a man other than his husband. Jalal was speechless. Not for the heavenly beauty he is witnessing; for the strange aura of personality reflecting from the whole presence of the woman. Without uttering a single word the woman can establish her stand and authority so amazingly.

"I am sorry, Your Majesty! The woman uttered in a delicate and modulated voice in a very spontaneous manner. She has a wonderful and attractive way of speaking. "My son... Rahim... I was searching for him in this whole palace, only your room was left... I thought you are not in room so did not ask permission. I apologize.

"Never mind. Jalal smiled. "You have come in the right place. He tried to pull Rahim from his back but Rahim did not move. "First tell her to promise that she won't scold me. He murmured.

"First you come here then I will tell you. The woman uttered in a very controlled voice. Jalal noticed with wonder how her authoritative and controlled voice echoed the warmth and affection at the same time. "You have become so naughty that you have come here in Shahenshah's room? You thought I won't come here, right?

"I won't eat fruits... Rahim murmured from back.

"First come here. The woman ordered.

"Tell something na... Rahim pinched Jalal in a pleading manner.

"Hmmm... Jalal suppressed smile. "Khan-E-Khanan will only go when you will promise that you will not scold him.

"And not fed fruits... Rahim murmured.

Rahim's mother smiled. "Okay... Come now. She told in a softer voice this time. Rahim peeped out from Jalal's back.

"I am sorry on behalf of Rahim, Majesty. The woman smiled looking at Jalal. "I should have guarded him better...

"Not at all... Rather I should cross-examine my security guards; don't know how they are guarding my room that such a big man entered and they did not notice? Jalal laughed and picked up Rahim. "Khan-E-Khanan, don't listen to your mother's orders when it comes to visit my room. You can come here anytime you want.

"Khan-E-Khanan? The woman smiled while taking Rahim from Jalal's arms. "Don't call him Khan-E-Khanan from now, Majesty. Rather bless him so that he becomes a real Khan-E-Khanan one day.

"He will. Jalal kissed Rahim's hand. Then he looked at Salima. "I met you only once, that too from far. It's such a pleasure to meet you.

"Pardon your Majesty... But what we did before was not worth of calling a meeting. You only saw my structure from behind a curtain. She smiled. "But you must have forgotten that we met long before in our childhood?

"Yeah that's true... Jalal too smiled a bit ashamedly. "I seriously don't remember.

"I think we met in Kabul. You were too small that time. Maybe of Rahim's age... Me too don't remember properly... However, do you remember my name? She asked.

Jalal had to shake head in a slight embarrassment.

"Salima Sultana Begam. The woman uttered.

"Right. Jalal smiled. "Very nice to meet you, Salima Begam. I wish you to come in royal palace sometimes...

"I come here often. To meet with Ruqaiya and Marium Makani. Today I really did not guess that Rahim will come here directly. Salima smiled.

"He is very smart. Jalal said.

"Yeah. Salima nodded proudly. Then she kissed Rahim's cheek. "Bid him, Rahim...

Rahim took Jalal's hand and kissed profoundly. Jalal ruffled his hairs with deep affection. Salima Begam too bid him, and before going out her eyes suddenly stuck at the portrait of Purnima... She kept on gazing.

"Wonderful! A word of appreciation came out automatically. Jalal smiled with a light blush. "Thank you...

Salima Begam looked a knowledgeable person about pictures. She went closer and started scrutinizing the half-made picture with critic's eyes. Her eyes filled with a dreaminess very fast.

"It's divine... She uttered. Then with a dreamy glare she looked at Jalal. "So strange... the hand which is raised in war in order to destruct, can create such a beautiful thing in the solitude?

"Weapon is not a warrior's identity always. Jalal smiled.

Salima Begam looked a bit lost. Maybe a little bit gloomy too. Then she smiled again. "If you allow me can I dare to ask something, Majesty? She asked.

"Yes, please...

"Who is she? The eyes shining as thundering bolt, as peaceful as moonlight, as deep as ocean... just as beautiful as a dream? Salima Begam said in a dreamy way...

"Assume that she is a dream. Jalal said a bit sadly.

"Indeed... Salima said. "Each piece of art is a dream of the artist. But this one is different... This painting is not made with mere colours with the stroke of brushes; this painting has made with the brushes of dreams, mixing the colour of life in the lifeless canvas. Otherwise these eyes would not be so lively... She looked at Jalal. "An artist can live in his dreams. But an emperor must touch the dream. For an emperor the dream cannot be captured only in the white canvas.

Jalal smiled. "Sometimes emperors are too helpless. They too have some dreams which are their very own, very personal... They cannot let those dreams to get contaminated in touch of the nasty reality.

"Pardon Your Majesty... Salima Begam smiled. "A common man hides his dream from the nasty reality. The emperor protects it.

Jalal looked at her in a sudden shock. How strangely without knowing anything this almost stranger woman said what he must do. He must achieve his dream... then he must protect it with his love... He cannot be defeated by destiny. He has to achieve Purnima. He has to!

"Thanks, Salima Begam... Jalal said from the bottom of his heart. Both of them looked at each other for some time. Then Salima Begam bid and left the room.

Jalal too concentrated on the rest of his drawing.

Little did he understand, that two cunning eyes which were constantly following him right from the Diwan-E-Aam, smirked.

"So that's the complete report, my lord. The emperor and the Khan-E-Khanan are not having a smooth relationship nowadays.

"I know it. But something more poignant is needed. Something which burns the thread of their relationship forever... The man sitting in the darkness uttered impatiently. "From the description you gave, it is quite clear that no matter what happens, the dog will never leave Jalal. Forget him joining our group!

"But if anyone can pull Jalal down from the throne, that's only Bairam Khan. Bairam Khan is the pillar of Jalal's empire. Khan gone, Jalal is finished!

"I know it very well... But how! How to poison their relationship completely??

"Pardon my lord, I think your mother can help.

"Yes she can... The man in the dark throne nodded head helplessly. "But... it's tougher to poison Jalal's mind. He is too too too clever to be manipulated by anyone. We have to manipulate Bairam Khan!

"I have found the way, Lord...

A man entered. His eyes were beaming in the smirk of conspiracy.

"Come Maksud Khan! The man welcomed him heartily. "What way?

"Salima Begam.

"What?? Both of the men trembled in shock.

"Yes my lord... Bairam Khan is very possessive about his second wife...

"But how...

Maksud Khan whispered something dark. The faces of the rest of the people became paler in tension.

"Your plan is like jumping in fire, Maksud Khan.

"It will be much better than the fire of humiliation I got from that Jalaluddin! Maksud Khan groaned.

"But Maksud Khan your plan is very...

"Creepy. I know... Don't worry. Leave everything on me. Maksud Khan smiled. "This Maksud Khan will only spark up the sparkle. The forest-fire will spread in natural way...

"I am not assured. The man in throne shook his head. "However, have a try... But fast. Another good thing is the followers of Gafur Mohammad have shown interest to join with us. None wants Jalal on the throne. We only need to collect our weapon to uproot Jalal completely. And that will be done by Bairam Khan...

Suddenly a sound of whistle came. Then a eunuch came inside...

"What happened Resham? The man in darkness asked.

"Maham Anga Huzur is coming, My Lord... Arrange yourselves as soon as possible.

In two minutes the whole room was empty. Only the man kept on sitting on his dark throne.

"Adham... Adham... The middle-aged women came inside. "What are you doing in dark? She asked in a motherly affection.

"Nothing Ammi... Head was aching so... Adham Khan sat up winking at Resham Khan. Resham Khan smirked.

"What? Headache? Maham Anga looked too much concerned. "Resham, come with the medicines.

"No need Ammi... Adham yawned. "I am just a little tired. Need a sound sleep... by the way, why you had come?

"I have come to warn you Adham. A pure fear reflected from the motherly voice. "Jalal has thrown away Maksud Khan from his post. Officers like Gafur Mohammad, Ali Hassan and rich merchant like Haidar Mirza even did not save themselves from Jalal. Try to control your desires and all from now on.

"Nothing will happen, Ammi... Adham smiled. "I know where to start and when to stop. I am your son after all.

"I don't trust you! You and your temper... Maham Anga said in worry. "I feel so afraid because of you Adham! The way Jalal is spreading his wing, he will not spare you even if I fall on his feet!

"Yes... we need to cut his wings now. Adham Khan uttered in a low tone.

"What did you say Adham?

"I said not to be feared, Ammi. Adham Khan held her hands. "Jalal favours me. He has given me the control of two important provinces.

"I pray that he continues trusting and favouring you. So that you can become the most powerful Subedar...

"And you become the Wazir... like Bairam Khan. Adham Khan uttered. "Ammijaan, Bairam Khan is finished. Slowly all the persons from his side are getting suspended by Jalal.

"Bairam Khan is a fool Adham. Maham Anga smirked. "He does not know when Jalal becomes happy and when Jalal gets angry. He only tries to put pressure on Jalal. He does not know to play mind-game.

"But you know mind-game right? Adham Khan said impatiently. "Then why aren't you making that Bairam Khan the beggar of the street by manipulating Jalal?

"What do you think, I don't try? What to do; Jalal is not an easy prey. It is tough to change his thought-process according to own wish! Maham Anga said. "I am trying... Leaving no stones unturned to pollute their relationship. I know Bairam Khan is the only thorn of my path. I need to uproot that for getting a direct access to politics and Jalal as well. She hissed. "I will finish Bairam Khan; I promise.

Adham Khan smiled. Poor mother. Bairam Khan is foolish. But you are more foolish. You are thinking to eliminate Bairam Khan from Jalal's life in order to get access to the politics. But you don't know that Bairam Khan is the main protector of Jalaluddin. Eliminating Bairam Khan means to remove the shield of protection from Jalal's front. Let the shield to be removed forever, your dear son Jalal will be readily eliminated from this little cruel world.

The Mughal throne is made for Adham Khan only.

"Read it out first! Jalal was not able to hold his excitement anymore. The first message from his spy in Amer has come. Mushid is a very efficient spy and his chain is very active as well. In today morning only he sent a letter to Jalal through a nomadic vendor hiding it inside a wooden showpiece.

The letter where he would get the news of Purnima. Which is as important as breathing to him now.

The false vendor who has carried the letter throughout started reading.

Yours Majesty,

I have set myself properly in the palace of Amer. None has suspected me by now. The palace of Amer is small, they do not have that much infrastructure. It was easy to penetrate in. The situation of Amer is very bad right now. They have become vulnerable from inside and outside. The marriage of the princess has broken. The prince of Bhangarh, who was engaged with the princess, has threatened the king. The nephew of the king, Kunwar Sujamal has left the palace after a bitter exchange of words regarding throne. The other states have cut all the relationship from Amer. Amer's situation is not better than a rudderless ship aimlessly roaming in the sea being unable to fix the goal. If His Majesty wants, he can easily win Amer right now.

You had ordered me to search a girl named Purnima in particularly. I have searched a lot. Surprisingly there is no maid named Purnima in the palace. You had ordered me to search in the prisons as well. But there is hardly any female culprit in the prisons. There was no orders of death sentence of any criminal recently in the prison. Regarding the arrest of the servants and maids I have got some news. Some days ago a vagabond, suspected to be a Mughal spy though I know he was not, had fled from the border area. The princess had confessed that she had given shelter to that vagabond. She is house-arrested right now. All the maids and servants of the princess were involved in this act, hence all were arrested. Though none was imprisoned and all were released without any penalty. None of them were named Purnima. There is no Purnima in the palace.

I tried to get news from the documented lists of the citizens of the fort as well. There are 4 Purnimas in the fort in total. One of them is an old woman of seventies. Two of them are kids of 5 years and 9 years. And another one is a married woman of thirty five years, having two kids. None of their descriptions match with the description given by you. Though, I did not get scope to search the refugees whose names are not documented officially. Hope to get some positive feedback after doing so.

You can send your next order through this man whom I sent to you with my letter. He is my trustworthy and he will reach to me safely.

Hail to your Majesty. Long live Mughal dynasty.

Jalal sat on the couch devastated. He did not expect to win Purnima so easily. But at least he had really expected to get some news of her. But what is this?

There was no Purnima in palace??

Everything else is fine. The princess giving shelter to a Mughal vagabond; the Mughal escaped... the maids and servants were first arrested then released based on the princess's words... Just like how she said to trust the princess... The princess is house-arrested even- Jalal felt really bad for her... No imprisonment of females... No orders of death penalty recently...

But Purnima? She has no existence in the palace? Not even in the fort?

Jalal tried to control his excitement and tried to think. That has only one meaning. Purnima had faked her name. Just like him.

She did not tell her name in a direct way. Suppose my name is Purnima. She had said.

Now? Jalal knows nothing about her except the name. And her identity as a maid of the princess... If that is not true, then how will he search for her?

Jalal took another half minute to think. Then signalling to the messenger to get ready with paper and ink, he started dictating.

Murshid,

Your work and deduction is really impressive. In a very small time you have gathered a lot of information about Amer and also about Purnima. I would recommend you to keep on working like what you had planned before. I have a lead for you which might help you to search Purnima. A medical camp was arranged by the princess of Amer in order to serve the wounded homeless victims of the market fire. I think you will find some information about Purnima there. Another lead is a local physician named Sadanand Vaidya. You have to ask about Purnima to him, but without invoking any scope of doubt in his mind. The old man is simple and innocent, but he is not stupid.

Besides this I want detailed report about the conflict of Kunwar Sujamal and the king of Amer. I want to know where is Kunwar Sujamal right now, has he gone without weapon or has he taken the troops under his supervision with him. I also need a detailed report about Amer's current army status, their strategy of war, the characteristics of the main commanders of the force. Also I want to know the king of Amer more. Not about his personal life or habit; I want to know the mentality of the person.

Long live Mughal dynasty...

Jalal asked to read the letter. This much will work. He ordered the man to leave.

Keeping the thoughts of Purnima aside, he tried to concentrate on the other information about Amer. It really seems Amer is in a tough position. The external enemies plotting against it, the son of the house going away after a fight, signs are not really good. Even the bond with Bhangarh has broken. This type of broken bonds impact a lot in politics. He has to know Amer from closer. He has to get inside the political structure of Amer now.

He can defeat Amer with his soldiers at any second. But he will not do that. He will wait. He will wait and will know Amer from closer. He will not harm Amer. He will only wait and see how the destiny plays with Amer.

The destiny had met him with Purnima. The destiny played to keep them apart. Now the same destiny will play with Amer. Now it is the turn of Jalal...a golden opportunity to see if he can use the play of destiny for his own benefit or not.

A slight smirk shined at a corner of Jalal's lips suddenly.

Originally posted by: -Kavya_P-

Res Di

Originally posted by: -Kavya_P-

Unres Di

Amazing chappy Di

Cheap fellows

Now jalal wants his love

Great job

Now waiting for jalal to know about Jodha

Update soon Di