Thread 2: Destined Love... (New thread created) - Page 80

Originally posted by: Shinning_Stuti

😊

Plx plc update sooon.. This is the best akdha ff i have read..

Originally posted by: Pinkpurplepolyp

Plx plc update sooon.. This is the best akdha ff i have read..

Wish everyone a very happy Diwali 😃

Sue me if i don't update this week😡

Originally posted by: Shinning_Stuti

Sue me if i don't update this week😡

Chapter 36:

A nice morning of Spring, the nature has decorated herself with ornaments of colourful flowers. The air is warm and cosy, a sweet and comforting breeze blowing to sooth the warmth of the Spring morning. The royal caravan is passing through down a rural muddy street. The caravan is huge, including lots of elephants, horses, palanquins, carriages and soldiers, and containing a proud flag upheld with the emblem of the great Mughal Dynasty. Marium Makani Hamida Banu Begam, the queen mother of the dynasty is returning from the old fort of Delhi to the capital accompanied by the emperor himself. Both had gone to visit the newly constructing mausoleum in the memory of the deceased emperor Humayun and to offer flower to his grave.

The queen mother was almost lost in her thoughts while enjoying the soothing breeze of spring in her royal palanquin. The mighty and armed soldiers were protecting her majestic honour like a walking fort; and her child was just in front of her, riding on a vast elephant, leading the whole caravan and beaming like the scorching sun like always. Jalal looks like a perfect sculpture when he is in the royal attire. His style of walking, way of speaking and smiling goes to a different dimension, elevating him far higher from the person who is standing in front of him. Flow of pride floods in Hamida's chest. Simultaneously a slight smile touched her lips. Suddenly she remembered the day when Jalal rode his horse for the first time on his own. He was merely five or six years old then, but his level of energy and enthusiasm used to beat even the trained warriors of Mughal camp then. Ride on those four-legged animals fascinated him so much that he started spending most of his time on his horse than being on ground, and already became an expert horse-rider when he was yet to touch seven. Jalal was an excellent archer in his tender childhood, became an expert swordsman when he was eight, fought in a live battlefield against violent enemies when he was nine years old, started talking like matured politicians when he was only twelve, and the burden of crown smashed his childhood forever at the age of thirteen. How much time did Jalal get to live his childhood? Situation made him grow up too fast, and Hamida is more accustomed and acquainted to the persona of the emperor Jalaluddin than to her son Jalal. She is so proud of her glazing son, but at the same time she feels a twig of pain in her heart. She has been too cruel to her son, too cruel to smash his childhood. How much time did Hamida get to be a mother of her little son, watching him to grow up? There are only a few moments stored in her memory where she enjoyed her motherhood with her child instead of celebrating the pride of being a queen mother of the glorious empire... Among those, a piece of memory is luminously bright in her heart. Jalal was merely some months' baby when she was living in the Hindu palace of Umarkot while the emperor had retreated back and was gathering strength. A big celebration of spring festival was taking place in the fort, the whole environment was cheerful, gay and full of colour. The royal ladies had come to apply colour on her, and toddler Jalal was smiling and chuckling joyously in mother's lap seeing so many colours. Hamida still remembers how much proud her young mother's heart had been seeing the smartness of her kid back then. That pride has elevated to the honour of the queen mother today; but that pure joy of just watching her son smiling has somehow lost in the tide of time.

Hamida's thought was distracted by some noises from outside. They were probably in front of a nameless village. Something was going on there. Out of curiosity, the queen mother ordered one of the maid to get informed about what was going on.

"They are celebrating their festival, Marium Makani... The girl presented the news after confirming from the guards. "This is called Holi, they said.

"Holi? Hamida Begam gasped in amazement and pure excitement from her heart. Her smile was not bounded by the etiquettes of a queen-mother for an instance. Forgetting her restrictions for a moment, she peeped out of the curtain of the palanquin like a little excited girl, her eyes filled with amusement.

And she saw myriad of colours over the horizon kissing the hue of the sky profoundly. The muddy rural streets are adorned with flowers; some nameless artists have drawn magnificent designs with various colours, increasing the beauty of spring. Each of the small huts are adorned with colourful festoons and garlands, the air is full of musical chants and enthusiasm of the happy villagers. A small crowd has gathered on the street, singing and dancing together while applying colour on everyone. It is very prominent from their looks that all hardly can make ends meet at the end of the day, but that does not change the intensity of immense happiness from their face. Perhaps that is the rule of the happiness; it does not differentiate between rich and moneyless. That's why sometimes the empress of the whole world cannot sleep properly at night out of worry, whereas the poor mother in a broken hut happily plants kiss on her son's forehead before going to have a tensionless, happy sleep.

That's why Hamida felt a pinch in her heart while watching those poor people with torn cloths living their life fullest. Probably they are the richest people of the world, and themselves do not know. Is there anything in this world precious than a unworried pure smile?

However, other people in the caravan was not that much impressed seeing the celebration like the queen-mother. The position of the village is so negligible in the route-map that none of the Mughal officials even bother to remember the name of this village. These villagers live on their own, lives on wood, prey and honey from forests and have no direct connection with the capital. Hence none cared to know whether the roads through the village were clear before taking the caravan through this route. How the hell anyone would know that these idiot villagers who are too poor to buy a whole cloth to cover themselves properly will dare to block the way of the Mughal caravan by starting a foolish carnival right on the road.

Asraaf Khan, the in-charge and conductor of the journey get off from his horse ordering the soldiers to pause the march for a while. He headed towards Faizal Seikh, the in-charge of the troop and security service and his Majesty's personal associate, Hamid Khan. Both were standing on the ground near to their own horses.

"What to do, Janab? He asked coming closer to Faizal. "Should we stop the journey and camp here waiting for these nincompoops to stop there foolish dancing? Annoyance was clearly visible in his face.

"By no means the caravan with the Emperor and Queen-mother themselves be stopped. Faizal Seikh commented in a stern face. "It will be an insult to the legacy of Mughals.

"By no means the Queen Mother can pass through this silly crowd as well, Seikh Sahab. Asraaf Khan shook his head. "That will be an insult to the honour of Marium Makani. We need to find some other way.

"There is only a single way left. Faisal Seikh looked at the villagers in indifferent eyes. "You command to stop here for rest, and I will take care of this crowd in the meantime. I am ordering to clear the mess as fast as possible.

"Alright. Asraaf Khan nodded. "But we should ask for the decision of the emperor regarding this as well... I mean, he is present in the caravan and we cannot cross him...

"I don't think it is needed to disturb His Majesty for this simple matter. We can handle this. Faisal Khan turned to Hamid. "Hamid Khan, if you could convey the message to the emperor that we would halt here for a while for rest till the road is cleared and ask for his permission.

Hamid Khan was ready for such an order; he saluted and went towards the ride of His Majesty.

Within a blink of eyes the soldiers and guards covered the place like a fortress; the rides are stopped and placed at a corner for the much needed rest, an awning got prepared for the emperor and higher officials and a special temporary canopy with velvet covers is set up so that the Queen Mother and her associates can sit and rest secured. The palanquin went through the canopy as even the sunlight is not allowed to see the face of Marium Makani in her journey though the road, and the emperor proceeded towards the awning of the officials after getting down from his elephant. His associate Hamid was by his side, visibly tensed and sweating.

"Asraaf Khan? The emperor called once in his low yet majestic voice, which is not less intense than the roar of thunder in the ears of his subordinates.

"Your Majesty? Asraaf Khan almost jumped at this sudden surprise before he could present a salaam for the Majesty. "You could have summoned me, I would have present myself to your kingship, Majesty... He said in a modest tone.

"Never mind. The emperor smiled and waved the matter aside. "Why this sudden change in plan? We were not supposed to stop until we reach Agra. And why I did not get the prior notice of the change in plan?

"Majesty... Asraaf Khan kept his smart appearance intact. "A little inconvenience seems to take place, hence this sudden change. We did not want to disturb his highness for this silly reason which we all can take care of.

"I see... This festival of the villagers... The emperor looked a bit lost when he looked at the sky which was glowing in the fragrance of colour and joy. Lost, content and happy too. As if this mindless celebration of spring with colours have touched the colour of real peace and happiness in his heart as well, and he is getting his due of smile through the happiness of these nameless villagers. Asraaf Khan gulped unknowingly. He could sense that they might come under the grudge of the emperor for the decision they made just a moment ago.

"How are you taking care of this? The emperor now looked at him and asked. Asraaf Khan knows to save own head, hence he directed everything towards Faisal Seikh. "This comes under the duty of security force, Majesty... Hence Faisal Seikh is taking care of it.

The emperor scanned him from head to toe for a moment with a slight smirk intact in his lips. "Alright. He said then before heading towards the entrance of the village crossing the wall of the soldiers. Hamid and the man carrying umbrella over his head had to run to catch up with his speed.

"Shou... should... should I call Faisal Seikh, Majesty? Hamid Khan almost lost his breath while catching up. "Why you would torture your gentle majestic skin under this scorching sun when we all servants are here to serve you...

"I am not a wax model that would melt in sun, so stop buttering me for once. Jalal found it hard to maintain the dignity of his language in front of his lame subordinate and almost derided him. "I want to see what kind of decisions my officers make regarding the minority villagers in my absence.

"You don't need to go there to know that, Majesty. I can tell you everything. I was around when Faisal Seikh told about his plan. Hamid Khan announced proudly. "He said he is ordering the force to clear the road. I bet by now our mighty Mughal force is pressing their precious decorations of funny colours with hoots and beating those half-nude nincompoops enough to forget the name of their ancestors. Rightly so, how dare they stop the way of a Mughal caravan...

"Seriously Hamid Khan! Only I know how can I tolerate you! Jalal sighed and looked at him in cold eyes. "For last time, if you want to stay around me and get praised for your loyalty which is very surely your trait, put a stop on your mindless rambling and stop seeing the world from that dark curtain which has been fixed in front of your eyes since your birth!

Hamid Khan gulped and slowed down unable to understand what made the emperor suddenly so pissed off of him. By then the emperor paced up as he was right at the gate of the village which is decorated with flower garland.

Rather, which was decorated with flower garlands. As now, the beautiful flowers are lolling on the ground, half smashed, half ripped out, and assaulted.

And then he could clearly see how each of the words of Hamid coming true in front of his eyes... The mighty' army of soldiers proudly carrying the emblem of Mughal dynasty crashing, smashing and rampaging through the whole village, vandalizing the panic-stricken villagers, trying to wipe out each trace of the happiness that was so vividly present in the air of this area just a moment ago. The decorations are being ruined and torn, the colours are being thrown out, the small stalls are racked, and some valiant soldiers are even whipping out randomly to increase the intensity of fear over the festive environment. All these are to simply make a way through a village so that the imperial caravan passes though without any inconvenience!

Such a nude exposer of demonic pride of power! Are they Mughals the mighty race of emperorship who have the strength to rule the whole world, or are they barbarians hungry for chaos and bloodbath, worse than the creepiest animal of the most chaotic jungle of the universe? This was supposed to be the pride of the crown that he carries? This horrible, crude barbarism?

Suddenly someone's face flashed in front of eyes. Someone had said him something long back in a broken hut in the middle of the desert when the soothing moonlight had kissed the temple of the earth, pouring love to each soul... The memory of the night suddenly throbbed inside his brain, those words came hard on his face like a hard slap!

These are the Mughals, Chandrajeet... Heartless, brutal, savage, barber... And that Jalaluddin is the leader of them!

So true she was! And how blind he has been the whole time!

The realization hit so hard suddenly that Jalal went numb for a moment. He collected himself quickly and took deep breath. He needs to put on the shoe of the emperor. Those poor villagers need him.

"STOP IT!! He roared out, his voice so loud and commanding that faded all the noise and pandemonium. The soldiers stopped at once in awe and everyone saluted together. The villagers who were present kept on standing with clear patch of horror on their face... which has grown darker after witnessing the leader' of these savage barbers in front of eyes.

"Who ordered this? I want to know who? Jalal forgot to maintain his usual majestic demeanor and shouted like a mad lion. "Where is Faisal Seikh? Present him in front of me at once!!

The soldiers kept on looking at each other out of confusion when Faisal Seikh came front of the crowd. "Your Majesty? He bowed down.

"How you dare to order this to the army? Jalal stopped himself from pulling his sword and chop out his throat after a lot of struggle. "How dare you to conduct such a vandalism in my empire on my subjects right in front of my eyes? He roared.

"The roads were congested, Majesty... We needed way to move on... Faisal Seikh presented his excuse.

"So you decided to rampage a part of my kingdom and hurt my people? Who are you to take this decision?? Jalal could not control the pinch of his voice and shouted again.

"Your Majesty, I only...Faisal gulped.

"Don't dare to... Jalal hissed as a warning. "Look around, see what destruction you have done without any reason. See how you cost damage to my empire. And if you still don't understand the gravity of the crime you did, I find it hard to find a single reason to spare your head.

"I am sorry, Majesty...

"That's not the point Faisal Khan... As I clearly see you are not! Jalal took a long breath. "For moving a crowd from way one does not need to conduct such violence. When you did this, I have to assume you have lot of violent issues in your mind which might be dangerous for your service years and my empire as well... I have to assume you are not eligible for the role you are given by the empire.

"Majesty... I... I... Faisal blurted out. "I have conducted such events before under order... I just thought it would be easier...

"Easier? Jalal frowned. "It is easier to wipe out every single being from the whole street to clear it up? You think this is normal?

"It is how we were trained from beginning, Majesty. Faisal told in a shivering voice. "We were always told to wipe out... to flush out every single being which comes between the path of Mughal emblem; be it a tree, a village or an entire civilization. He gulped again. "Khan-E-Khana Bairam Khan always told to...

"Who is your emperor???? Khan-E-Khana Bairam Khan or Me??? The volcano of rage erupted all of a sudden. Faisal Seikh stared vacantly silently praying for his life. Jalal's eyes were fuming red, his whole body shaking out of tremendous rage.

Maham Anga was right, he thought. The shadow of Bairam Khan will not leave him free even if he is not around. His venomous influence will infect Jalal's surrounding forever, and it is impossible to eradicate that influence, until Bairam Khan himself is eradicated!

"Khan-E-Khana is not in charge right now, he has been called off his duties. Jalal tried to keep his tone mild. "Hence, there should be no excuse of his name, what he trained or wanted, whatever. All must know there is only one emperor of this empire, and you all are bound to serve his orders and wishes only. Store this information inside your brain as if you fail to recall it again, I won't mercy your life anymore! Now... He took a long breath and looked at his surroundings. "Faisal Seikh and all his soldiers are suspended from their duties till we reach Agra. The court will then decide what punishment should they get for creating this chaos. I order the soldiers to immediately compensate whatever damage has been done to the village. His eyes became softer when he looked to the terrified villagers. "I understand how much trouble the army has cost to all of you. He addressed them in a compassionate tone. "I, the emperor of Hindustan himself is begging apology on behalf of my army and ensuring you all personally that this incident will never repeat again. You all are the free citizen of Mughal dynasty, and all are entitled to enjoy their own festivals on your own. I request you all to stop worrying and start celebration again. The Mughal caravan will not pass through the place till everything is over and will feel extremely fortunate if you people allow us to enjoy the warmth of your celebration as well.

The bunch of villagers, who had gone numb in shock and fear as the emperor addressed them, confusedly tried to recon the speech... how in the world the savage king of Mughals even propose to enjoy Holi with them, that too after such a horrendous rampage? Is it a trap, or he is just as honest as he looks?

Jalal smiled again, his eyes filled with emotion seeing the clear disbelief in the eyes of the villagers. "There is a ritual of giving present to everyone around in a festival. I would like to gift you all in this auspicious event. It was sudden and hence unprepared, but I ensure to prepare everything within tonight. Hamid... He called. "All the dwellers of this village should be gifted with a new pair of clothes from Mughal empire today, make it fast. It is an order. And the ingredients of their lunch will go from imperial stock today for the festival. Convey the message to Asraaf that the caravan will rest here for a while till the festival ends.

Hamid bowed down taking the order, thinking about the level of insanity of his majesty.

Jalal turned to the shocked villagers who were still at loss and staring at his face in a numb terror. The sharpness of the terror had softened but filled with the cloud of confusion. "What are you waiting for? He tried to cheer the crowd up with lighter voice. "Start the celebration. Start playing.

None moved, though. All of the villagers stared at the ground, seeming utterly uncomfortable. Jalal waited for some moments, then smiling sadly, he spoke in a mild tone in a cord of emotion. "I can understand, it is hard to you all to accept that I, the Mughal emperor, want to participate in your own festivals. It is hard for you people to accept my presence in your own festival. For you, I am an outsider after all... An outsider who is intervening your personal happiness and sadness unjustifiably. He sighed. "I would like to say only one thing. I am not an outsider. I belong to this soil, I belong to you, to serve you people... My origin, the names of my ancestors do not change this fact. I know it is hard. But, if I put two step forwards to approach you, you also have to step one step towards me... However. I will leave you all alone, and stay out like an outsider; no Mughal will intervene until the festivals end.

He was just turning around to go back to the camp, he suddenly heard a feeble voice.

"Your Majesty...

He turned back curiously. A very old man with trembling limbs and trembling voice, most probably the head of the village, stood straight in front of the terrified villagers. He has a pouch in his hand. He came forward, visibly nervous but determined, and with trembling hand put a little colour on Jalal's forehead. And then, outshining the confused and surprised faces of everyone including the emperor, he smiled and uttered, "Happy Holi, Your Majesty.

Jalal has won lots of wars; the taste of victory is not unknown to him... But he never knew in his life that the feel of victory can be so soothing.

The noise of pandemonium was even coming to the women section in the camp, making Hamida Banu restless in every second. She had ordered her personal eunuchs to check what happened and the news they got was exactly what she expected. The queen mother of Mughal Empire has no illusions that the vast group of soldiers will act modestly with the bunch of poor Hindu villagers. Still when the shouts and screams floated in the air piercing the soothing breeze of spring, her heart was pounded with a strange guilt. She reminded those old days of Spring festival in Umarkot, she remembered the happy faces of the queen back there; and those faces in her memory started to mock her suddenly. What kind of people you are when you cannot respect those who gave you refuge in your hardest times?

Hamida Banu is not a weak, powerless woman. She has participated in politics directly when it has been needed. She has shown her benevolence towards the Hindus publicly. But that is certainly not enough. Some compassionate words of a woman is not enough to change everything. The poison has been enrooted inside the deep of the veins of each and every person of the empire. It needs to be extracted completely by something more powerful. And it will not go in one day. It needs struggle and sacrifice... of whole life. And it is necessary to extract the poison out of the veins of the country. Else the sun of Mughal dynasty will never rise in this land of gold.

Will her son be able to rise as the sun, sacrificing himself in the vow of removing this venom and bring the flood of compassion instead?

"Marium Makani...

Hamida Banu opened her eyes and turned. The shouts and screams from outside has stopped. The claustrophobic air has suddenly been freed, the soothing breeze of festive spring has started flowing again. Hamida looked at the eunuch who sought her attention.

"His Majesty is seeking your attention.

"Please let him come. Hamida stood up from her seat.

Jalal entered. There was a red tika dazzling on his forehead like a sign of victory. His eyes shining like beaming sun, and a pure happy smile touching his lips with lot of enthusiasm. Hamida could not help chuckling. Jalal's victorious smile looked as innocent as a little boy to her, a boy who runs to his mother with joy after winning an exciting game.

"Welcome son, what made you come here? Hamida greeted. But Jalal seemed too excited even to perform the courteous exchanges. He just came forward and squeezed his mother warmly. "Oh God, Ammijaan! He uttered breathlessly.

Hamida hugged back, forgetting for instant that her son is not a random young man just crossing teenage but the emperor of a whole great empire. "It seems my son is too happy today? What is the reason? She broke the hug and cupped his face with happy smile.

"Don't know... Sometimes some little gestures touches deep... I felt like I won of the greatest war of my life. Jalal gasped. "I rule over such a vast land of so many different people, Ammijaan, and they are bound to abide by me, to accept me as their lord. But for the first time today I felt I won this acceptance on my own. They accepted me as their own people- not as their lord; not out of fear or obedience but out of trust, because of the call of their heart and this feeling... He squeezed his mother's shoulders excitedly. "This is the way of building it Ammijaan, isn't it? And today I achieved the first step... maybe a baby step, a very very small one; but still I did!

"Sure son... Hamida patted on her son's cheek. Her eyes were shining.

Yes, he will do it! Her son has the capacity to extract the poison of hatred and flow the tide of compassion instead. His eyes can say that; his beaming eyes say it all!

"I have something for you, Ammijaan... Jalal took out a pouch and opened it... "Here...

"What is this, Jalal? Hamida asked.

Jalal smiled naughtily, then took out something from that pouch with the pinch of fingers and put it on his mother's cheek. Before she could understand anything, her cheek got colored with the colour of spring...

"Happy Holi, Ammijaan... I don't know what exactly that means but they were saying it anyway. Jalal said laughing. "Look at you, you are beautiful, Ammijaan!

Hamida laughed hearing the innocence mixed in this compliment, seeing this rare display of childlikeness of her grown-up son. She bent his head and placed a kiss on his forehead, touching his cheeks affectionately. She remembered that first experience of Holi in Umarkot, and after a long time she could she the shadow of that little, just-born toddler in her grown-up son's eyes. And after a long long time the pride of her motherhood outshined the honour of the queen-mother.

Amer is celebrating Holi. Maybe the grandeur is not as same as the last year due to the disaster of last few months, still there is something in the air of Spring itself that automatically fills everyone's heart with joy of celebration. All the weary and tension burning inside Amer's heart has been soothed temporarily by the air of festival as all has flowed with the tide of celebration for this Spring festival. Everyone of the royal family waiting in the grand hall to begin with the colours after the rituals are done. The sky is sparking with the colour of Spring, singing the song of love everywhere...

Suddenly the festive noise broke by an interruption of silence. Someone had entered in the hall.

Rajkunwari Jodha Bai. Whose existence itself was the source of all happiness of Amer once upon a time. Whose existence itself brings hesitation to everyone of Amer nowadays. Who once had been the reason of all the fortune of Amer. Who is now the reason of all the misfortune of Amer.

But still, none reacts awkwardly, only keeps on staring still at her face.

Jodha had adorned herself like a princess should after a long time. The somber face of a yogini is temporarily plastered by the dignified proud smile of a princess. But her tired eyes lacked the grace; it seemed she is pulled towards the door of the hall by some external force, she had no ability to push herself from inside. She moved inside, the plastered smile on her lips touched with a mild bitter sarcasm looking at the dumbstruck crowd gathered in the hall suddenly gazing at her movement silently, and stood in front of the king who was just under the great idol of Krishna and Radha to offer the first colour to the God before starting the festival.

"Pranam, Rajasa... She greeted mechanically, like a princess.

"Jodha, mhari bitiya... Bharmal's eyes touched fatherly emotions for a moment but he carefully brushed it aside. "It's so good to see you. I am glad that you kept the honour of my request.

"Your wish is my order, Your majesty. Jodha bent her head and stood at a side where the other princesses were standing, carefully keeping a dignified distance from the rest. She could feel the silent chattering behind, but the plastered pride on her face did not get shadowed.

"She is like stubborn brick. A distant and jealous cousin said to another. "Will break but not bend. Look at her face, as if she is the one who rules, and we all are non-existent. For God's sake, at least now have some shame!

But that is the problem of Jodha. In these months of her life she learnt many things, she felt many things. She has gone through ranges of grief, angst, agony... but not for an instant she felt shame for whatever she did. Perhaps that's why her tired, extinguished eyes can still shine in the fire of pride when she has nothing to get, nothing left to mourn for...

And still in her heart only one line rings constantly... "Bin tere holi bhi na bhaaye...

Everyone was offering their prayer along with colour in the feet of God. Jodha was staring at the face of Krishna... the music ringing in her ears. Suddenly the king called her.

"Jodha... It's your turn...

Everyone present in the hall including her mother flinched. Jodha could not help smiling. Her father tries hard to present a replica of the world to his daughter- a world of assurance that everything is alright, that nothing has changed and Jodha is still the princess, the beloved daughter of Amer; while both of them knows how much false that is. Jodha feels for her father; she appreciates his attempt. And sometimes she feels pity. Her father should not have born in a royal family as a heir of throne. He should have been the head of the family of a small normal family... where he would easily bestow his affection to his daughter without any restrictions of law and orders. The load of the fallen system of Amer is too much to bear for her father; and someone needs to take that load to give him relief. Someone really needs to.

However, ignoring the stares of the people, Jodha just followed her father's orders. The priest looked exasperated while completing the rituals. Jodha closed her eyes... A whole life she has to spend here... a whole lonely life!

Touching colours on the feet of the idol she did not look back. After seeking blessing from the elders without looking at their faces, she excused herself from the place. There was no reason to ruin everyone's festival with her presence. Standing at the corridor, she took a long breath looking at the sky. There is an aroma in the spring breeze... aroma of happiness, aroma of love. Maybe he is also celebrating the happiness of Spring somewhere; maybe this spring breeze carries his aroma as well... Jodha would cover her whole entity, pouring herself in this air, colouring her soul with the colour of this Spring... She will celebrate her spring inside her heart, she will celebrate her love. Why she is so afraid of her future? This is only a single life! She will live!

A sudden low voice broke Jodha's musing suddenly. Jodha gave attention. It was her brother's voice.

"Why didn't you hand me the message earlier? Bhagwant Das sounded angry. "You know every single word coming from Sonargarh is so important for me??

Jodha's heart started beating in speed. Sonargarh? Bhagwant Bhaisa has some secret relation with Sujamal Bhaisa's marital house??

"Sorry, My lord... I thought you were busy in festival... The terrified messenger murmured.

"Damn you... Bhagwant Das sighed angrily. "God knows what's happening there. That a golden chance for Amer. A golden chance to play Sujamal, perhaps the only chance to outwit and defeat him... you understand?? he took a long breath. "I will leave just now. I have to go to meet him as soon as possible to know everything in detail. I cannot let Sujamal win every time. I cannot. He whispered sinisterly before rushing towards his own palace, perhaps to get ready to go somewhere.

Jodha took a long breath to grasp the incident. For a while her palms got cold out of an unknown fear.

Are her two brothers plotting against each other? Has the sibling rivalry changed into the usual family feud regarding the crown in a crude and nasty way? About what chance Bhaisa was talking about? What games are they playing? Who is sending message to Bhagwant Bhaisa from Sonargarh when none is able to connect with Sujamal Bhaisa? And with whom Bhagwant Bhaisa is going to meet in the midst of this festival?

"Have you heard what happened at the border area yesterday, Khan Sahab?

Bairam Khan silently poured drinks in the goblet, refraining himself from commenting. Saiyaad Ahmed got agitated.

"Are you listening or not?

"Politics is no more my area, Sheikh Sahab. Bairam Khan smiled sadly. "I am not entitled to comment on the emperor's actions anymore.

"It's really pity to see that the great Khan-E-Khana who once had been the face of the fierce Mughals, now living on the pity of a boy who is ready to sell the greatness of this empire to impiousness, chaos and destruction. Sheikh Saiyaad Ahmed uttered angrily. "Showing some favours to the Hindus were still reasonable but this?? Today the emperor is playing Holi with bunch of villagers. Tomorrow he will stop reading Namaz and bend head in front of those idiotic idols that those Kafers worship. Day after tomorrow he will ban Islam and welcome the God of sins on his own. And we, being the religious individuals of the nation will silently witness this destructions?

Bairam Khan sighed lightly. "You know I have no power or right to raise my voice against all these anymore. Why don't you people talk to the emperor?

"Who said we didn't! Saiyaad Ahmed fumed. "You know what your great disciple told? He directly said that how he will spend his day is his own wish and the religious people has no right to intervene inside his personal space. And he does not think that he has done any sin. We demanded to bring this matter in front of court and requested an official answer with apology from him. He literally shooed us telling that the Mughal court has a lot of important matters to handle other than discussing these silly things. Khan Sahab, Jalaluddin does not even listen to his well-wishers and religious people anymore... Well, who knows it better than you? He did not hesitate to insult you that way in front of everyone for a simple reason! He clearly saw how Bairam Khan's face became pale after this but did not stop. "He is ruling like a dictator, doing whatever he wants without caring about rules and religions. That should not be done. A Mughal Emperor should maintain a pure and religious lifestyle. Jalal is no longer eligible to be an emperor.

Bairam Khan closed his eyes for a moment. It hurts; it still hurts when someone says the perfect sculpture that he had created so vigilantly for this crown is not eligible to be the holder of crown. Emperor Humayun handed Jalal to him as a matter of duty. But Jalal was never a duty to him. Jalal was his passion. He has given his everything to Jalal, to make him the man of steel. And Jalal betrayed him. Jalal betrayed his creator, started bringing mayhem; crushed all the dreams of Bairam Khan that he has seen for him.

Saiyad Ahmed was noticing the change of expression in Bairam Khan's face. He nodded sympathetically. "I understand how much hard it is for you, Khan Sahab. But you cannot drown in despair and hopelessness like this. We owe our everything to this empire and we cannot let it down because of a silly, immature and arrogant boy who thinks himself greater than religion. He touched Bairam Khan's hands sympathetically. "Jalal has taken powers from your hand; it does not mean that you are powerless. You still have the same fire inside you which has protected the empire like a shield all these years. This is the time our empire needs that shield again. Our empire needs that protection from the emperor himself. Who will bring that protection if it's not you?

Bairam Khan stared at him with his cold, unreadable eyes. "Do you understand what do you mean, Saiyaad Ahmed? He said in a cold voice. "You want to go against the throne. And you do know what is the punishment of a rebel in this empire.

"Khan Sahab, we do not have any respect left in this empire. Do we ever had anything to lose other than our respect? The present emperor has already crushed that under his powerful boots. Why would I fear if I know what is right and what is wrong? Now question is, Saiyaad Ahmed looked intensely. "With whom would you go? Your duty or your fear?

Bairam Khan stayed silent. His heart silently echoed the words he heard from the queen-mother said to him days back... the only woman whom he has truly respected other than his mother... the only woman who has a great trust on him, that he will don't do anything wrong to harm her child. He will protect her child...

"For me you have only one identity... that you are the protector of Jalal. And I believe from my heart, I sincerely believe that you will keep the honour of that identity till your last breath.

What is Bairam Khan's duty? To protect the empire? Or protect Jalal?

Whom does Bairam Khan serve? The crown or the holder of the crown?

"What are you thinking, Khan Sahab? Saiyad Ahmed got impatient. "If you want, you can get as much time as you need to make up your mind. But the empire is going towards its destructions with every tic of clock and only you can save it. You need to decide your priority fast, Khan Sahab...

"There is nothing to decide anymore, Saiyaad Ahmed. Bairam Khan stood up suddenly. "I know my side. I know my duty.

"It's great to see that you chose duty over anything, Khan Sahab. I knew you would do it only. Saiyaad Ahmed looked elated. "You are the great leader of...

"I have not completed, Sheikh Sahab. Bairam Khan uttered reluctantly. "I said I know my duty. And my duty is to protect the emperor from all the odds. My duty is to protect Jalaluddin Mohammad. Emperor Humayun had assigned me with that job only. And even not Jalal is able to take that right from me.

"Khan Sahab... Saiyaad Ahmed looked puzzled. "You are against the rebellion...

"I don't say you are wrong. I don't say that I believe Jalal is doing right. I rather believe Jalal's autocracy will lead this empire towards its destruction. All I say is... He said in a low but firm tone. "If Jalal leads the empire to the last phase of destruction, I will be the one who will stand by him till the very end. That's my duty. I cannot overrule it!

"You will stay by him even when he drives you away? Saiyaad Ahmed smiled sarcastically. "What about your own self-respect, Khan Sahab? You are a tiger Khan Sahab... You are not a dog of the emperors. You want to stay by him till the end of destruction. But what if Jalal himself throws you away like a pile of rubbish, how would you do your duty?

"I don't need to know, Sheikh Sahab. Bairam Khan said in a slightly stubborn voice. "As long as I am in this capital, I will act as the shield in front of Jalal. There is nothing that can touch Jalal till the day I stay in this Agra!

"Have you kept an eye on those priests as I instructed, Abdul? The way they attacked me regarding the incident of Holi in that village, I have strong doubt on them.

"I have already set bunch of spies behind each of them, Shahenshah. And to tell the truth your doubt is very likely, as some of those religious people are already under our radar. Remember the hint of rebellion as told by Zafar a day prior to his death?

"Expected. What else have you gathered about that conspiracy of rebellion?

"We are working on it, Shahenshah. Some leads are found, search is going on. I have made a list of suspected who had recently been in feud with you. And...

Jalal suddenly stopped, looking straightly at Abdul with calm eyes. "Don't hesitate to tell the truth, Abdul. Who is there at the top of your list?

"Your Majesty... Abdul lowered his eyes in hesitation. "I really wish I would not have to say this, but Bairam Khan Sahab's actions these days are way too suspicious. All the prime suspects whose names have been enlisted, has a strong connection with Bairam Khan somehow. He regularly invites them in his house, they regularly keeps on meeting and discussing God knows what. I cannot forget that Zafar died while gathering information of one of those meetings only... there must have been something fishy.

"Yeah, maybe! Jalal hid his sigh and walked forward. He and Abdul was walking down the garden in front of his restroom while discussing the internal stuffs. The discussion was too confidential to have it in front of the guards as well, hence they were alone and unguarded. He took a long breath and unconsciously stared at the sky. Moonlight has flooded like a silvery flow of river flowing on the earth, a soothing sweep of gentle breeze filling the heart with immense comfort. It was another full-moon night... just like that night. That night when he asked for the permission to touch her once... that night when she opened her heart out to him, surrendering all of her entity in the name of their love... The night when the paradise had come down on a little broken hut of Rajputana... So many full moon night has come and gone till then! She is lost in the loop of time, and here Jalal is stuck in hell, where his most trusted people are trying to betray him, trying to kill him.

Jalal closed his eyes... Oh Purnima...

"Thing is, whole operation being conducted is a complete secret and hence the team of spies need to stay low. Meanwhile Abdul continues. "So, we are bound to step forward very carefully. For some reason Bairam Khan Sahab increased the security of his house, which is again a restrictions to watch his actions... There must be something going on for which he increased security... what do you think My Lord?... My Lord?

Jalal opened his eyes and looked at Abdul. It seemed as of he just woke up from a dream... "Yes... what were you saying Abdul?

"We were talking about Khan-E-... Abdul started, but suddenly got interrupted.

"Is there any news from Amer, Abdul?

"Pardon Majesty? Abdul was confused by the question itself.

"I asked if any message has come from Amer or not? Jalal said little impatiently. "I have not send an able spy there for months for getting absolutely no outcome. Did I?

"It is a festival season in Rajputana... transports are slower than it is expected. Maybe that's why it's taking too long. Abdul put an excuse fast. "Or maybe... there is no special information to send...

"That's not true... there has to be something going on! It is festive season, it is the high time for all the incidents taking place, Abdul! Jalal shook his head impatiently. "I am looking for an explosion there, Abdul, and my intrusion says that is not very far... And that explosion might be the only chance for me... the last and only chance... And I cannot lose it for some silly reason. I can't afford to lose it.

Abdul nodded in obedience without understanding how he should react. Jalal impatiently walked fast inside the garden. He tiredly stood on the pebbled path amidst of the wall of greenery surrounding him. Abdul followed him after some time.

"Majesty hang on... Maybe our spy Murshid has not sent any further news but I got an information from a different source. Don't know if that's relevant or not but... He came closer to Jalal. "Huzur... Sharifuddin Hussain has gone in a hunting trip with lots and lots of soldiers along with him... that too at a jungle very near to Amer.

"Sharifuddin... Means the general of Ajmer? Husband of my sister? Jalal looked at Abdul frowning. "From where does he come from amidst this? A sudden extravagant hunting trip nearest to Amer... might be a coincidence too...

"Most probably it is... But it might not be also. Abdul muttered. Jalal's frowns grew deeper.

"If not hunting trip then in a secret mission which needs a full army. What it might be? A secret attack? What is so secret about an attack that he has to lie to his own people? He shook his head. "I am not getting the calculation, Abdul.

"Another piece of information might make it easy then, Majesty. Abdul told. "Probably couple of months ago, a suspicious Rajput warrior had come to meet Sharifuddin Hussain making him elated. After that only he suddenly started planning for a grand hunting. There are rumours that he and that Rajput man discussed something about Amer.

"Are you sure? Jalal asked breathlessly.

"That's what the reports say, Majesty... Abdul said.

"Make it fast Abdul... I want to talk to Sharifuddin as soonest as possible. Jalal looked excited. "He has to answer each of my questions.

"As you wish, Majesty... MAJESTY WATCH OUT!!

Before Jalal could understand anything, Abdul almost jumped on him leaving his crutches and both fell down on the ground. Jalal saw a sharp arrow has penetrated inside the ground right where they were standing right now, and the arrow would have pierced his heart if Abdul had not jumped on him.

"Are you alright Abdul... Jalal patted on his back and was about to get up, while another arrow shot again.

Then another. Then another. Then there was a shower of arrows from four corners. Jalal was completely imprisoned inside wall of plants and bushes, unarmed and literally rolling and spinning on the muddy ground to safe himself from arrows while dragging the limp and helpless man beside him to save his life as well.

"O God! An assassin attack right inside the palace! Abdul gasped in horror while an arrow just barely touched his shoulder. "Where the hell are the guards?

"It has been a plan! A detailed, perfectly strategized game-plan! Jalal uttered in a breathless, cold tone. "The guards are carefully exchanged with the assassins! Plan was to trap me somehow inside this place and to watch for the right time... A huge plan... a perfectly sketched one. He smiled suddenly, as if someone has played a joke with him. Abdul stared with astonishment. How this man can even think to smile in this situation.

"Save yourself, Abdul. Hide behind that bush and watch out! The emperor whispered suddenly just before rolling back swiftly on the ground saving himself from the arrows. Abdul helplessly watched how the emperor spun and vaulted twice pulling himself towards the entrance of the garden. His movements were as swift as the arrows, but Abdul could understand what he intends to do. He wants to catch the pattern of the archers and to break it by dragging himself out of the trap without getting hurt. "God, take my life if you want but save him! Let those archers to leave him and kill me instead. Abdul pleaded desperately.

An arrow just missed Jalal's head again. Jumping back, Jalal tried to focus on his escape plan controlling his immense rage. The assassins are surrounding him from four corners, but they have not put much force at the north side. The higher security tower of the place is situated at north, and the assassins are not intended to show themselves to the security force. North is Jalal's privilege, and he just needs to send signal to the security tower after getting out of this trap...

If he manages to be alive till then.

The thoughts got interrupted by another shot of arrow which made him to look at the shooter involuntarily, and strangely he spotted the archer to fall down as well. He had been shot by arrow from back.

Jalal exhaled a deep sigh of relief lying on the ground. The higher security force has taken care of the attack, it seemed...

Just at the moment, he saw a group of people running towards him. One of them almost fell beside him panicking.

"Majesty! Say you're not hurt! Say you are alright!

Adham Khan.

Jalal could not get amused with this sudden thrash of love and care from his foster brother. Still he tried to smile a little while Adham helped him to stand on by feet. "I am alright, Adham. Thank you. Check on Abdul please... He is hurt. He instructed.

"Thank God that you are safe, Majesty. Adham was still trembling in tension. "I took control of the matter right at the moment I spotted something is going on right here. Thank God our archers were able to take over those scoundrels fastest possible. I was afraid that I would be late to take action...

"It's okay, Adham Khan. Jalal said tiredly. "You were not late. In fact you were way too fast... I did not expect someone to help so fast and kill them off like a happily-ended story, you know.

Maybe it was Jalal's fault of eyes when he thought he just caught Adham to flinch a little. Adham laughed nervously. "Well, thank God it ended like that, Majesty...

"How did you spot them, anyway... Jalal asked casually while rubbing his wrist. "I thought the trap they had set was full-proof enough. This area of the garden is private and the guards of outer palace has no chance to see it... The assassins were put so properly that it is not possible to spot them easily from outside...

"You understood the pattern of the attack so easily, Majesty? Adham smiled in astonishment. "It seemed as if you already knew the whole plan.

"Yeah I did.

Adham looked at his face confusedly. "Pardon, Majesty?

"I said I did know the plan. From first to last. From quite a long period I knew it. Jalal uttered calmly. His eyes focused on Adham Khan. Adham felt uncomfortable looking at them. His eyes were cold like ice. But there was a raging fire burning inside them.

Awesome chappy Di
When will they meet n get married
Update soon Di
Can't see them like this

Originally posted by: -Kavya_P-

Awesome chappy Di
When will they meet n get married
Update soon Di
Can't see them like this

Thanks for pm Di