Chapter 15
(Silence prevailed in court once again, even slight breath of people could heard clearly knowing well no point formed by Amer side will lead any success cause of promise made, Jodha glance around and spoke in firm tone).
"Thrice we were left disappointed by Mughal Empire"! thus it's get hard to go on with alliance"! But we Rajputs are known for keeping promises "! we will abide by it this time as well"!
(Avantika frown grew widen she never expected this by her sister not only she accepted the alliance but she is taunting the Mughal in presence of Mughal emperor itself. She didn't knew she should praise her sister for her daring act or drag her to room and ask her intention behind acceptance for alliance. Even Jalal was sure something cooking in her little evil brain the witch will leave no chance to escape or make him get headache. Yet he made no move to show his desperation to figure out her intention behind so called acceptance towards alliance).
"As the alliance was made while keeping well fare of everyone in mind ", it was definitely not unconditional either If i am permitted then may I put forward my two simple condition"? before we go ahead with alliance"!
(Jalal try to glance at her to get look of her alas with her thick white silk color cloth veil, leave no chance for him to get any success even she was looking at her sister which made it impossible to even read her eyes to figure out exact purpose of being so sugar coated at moment. While Avantika knowing well there no use of declining her sister nodded she had no choice thrice Amer faced war another war ,they won't able to survive for well fare of her subject she need to abide by so called alliance).
"Thank you your highness I am greatful to you for being allow to put forward my condition"!
(Jodha stood from her seat and yet didn't step forward. And glance back at Jalal with unreadable look on eyes. She didn't wish for him to even get any clue about real intention behind her forwarded condition).
"Your Majesty the two condition I wish to put forward are for you to fulfil", as only you have authority to fulfil them"! before I proceed with them will like to clarify I don't mean to offend you or your religious beliefs"!
(Jalal was no damn unsure and he'll curious to know her condition. What she will ask for she is creating suspense as if at end she is going to ask for his head. well it's sound absured to his own mind forget about her asking this, well she is blood thirsty maybe she may ask him to behead Sharif Adham for attacking. No even that sound so unlike her. Knowing he can't predict on his own he spoke for the first time after formal greeting with Amer Queen).
"Go on Princess feel free to speak whatever you wish"!
"I am honored your Majesty so with your permission ", I request you to grant me right of practicing the rituals of my religions freely after marriage cause I don't wish to convert my religion"!
(Jalal got up from place he was sat on his grip on sword got tighten. Jodha was already standing yet it hardly effect her how he reacted her eyes were still unreadable. And her face was well hidden by veil so he didn't get to see her expression at moment he so wish to see it. Jodha after speaking out her first condition got quite realising his sudden action made everyone unsure he wish to listen another or not he spoke).
"Go on you mentioned you have two condition for accepting the alliance", it's been only one"! What's your other condition"!
"I would like you to grant me permission to carry the idol of my deity along with me I even wish to build a place of worship in the woman-quarter where I will dwell after the marriage"! That's all your majesty I will be forever be greatful to you for accepting my these two conditions they mean to much for me"!
(Jalal sat back on couch then spoke looking at Avantika in firm calm persona he was sure what he had to do he will give her peace for now and snatch it later on let her celebrate for while he will make her mourn for long).
"Your Conditions are very big but not so big that Mughal emperor cannot fulfill them"! Hence I respect your Condition and Accept the whole Heartedly"!
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" हर साँस हर आह वो हमारी मर्ज़ी से लेगी " !
" हर लब्ज़ हर हर्फ़ हमारा हक़ होगा "!
" उसके ख्याल और ख्वाब हम तय करेंगे "!
" उसके जिस्म का हर ज़र्रा हमारा होगा "!
" जोधा अब सिर्फ और सिर्फ हमारी मिल्कियत है "!
"Every breath, every Sigh, she will take on my will"!
"Every word, every emotion will be my right"!
"I will decide her thoughts and dreams"!
"Every means of her body will be mine"!
"Jodha is now and only my Possession"!
(It was oath taken by him what he will turn her life into, It was more like death warrant, of her dreams her belief her hopes her wishes. The fear of defeat in war the seem meaningless as soon she heard each line of letter sent by him for her. Furry of helplessness humiliation of defeat drove her to Insanity she got up from bed , walked towards the maid snatch the letter and glare furiously at content written on letter. Then without wasting another glance at letter she tore it into uncountable pieces, shaking in anger as if she will kill everyone at moment).
"Treat your defeat as nothing before enemy ", And celebrate even little victory like you won the world"!
(This was what going on and on in her mind when she was at court. Nothing was in favour of her nor she had support like she once had from her people, niether she had confidence on her decision. She really wanted to yell, "no I won't marry '! but she knew thing will happen which favour towards peace. And even though none favour the relation between Rajput and Mughal , she knew the way for peace go through by path of treatyof martial alliance. Hence she need to be sacrificial pawn in game of politics she didn't missed the smirk forming on his face she so wanted to wiped it of but she knew consequence and her limits so she did nothing there. But now in her room she was free to let out her frustration alas here to restriction were on. Now recalling the same quotes again she started laughing her laughter echo in entire room her maid got confused curious and concern for her few seconds back she was to much angered to even mess up with and now she is laughing like she heard most humourous joke of Universe).
"Jodha you ok"!
(Ask Avantika who step in her room and seeing her laughing hysterically she got worried stepping closer to her sister she ask her in concern motioning the maids to leave them alone she turn her attention back on her sister. To which Jodha ask back).
"Do you remember Father lesson to us on most powerful stretegy to defeat Your enemy"!
"Yes I do "!
"Can you believe it our most dreadful enemy used the very stretegy on us "! While we become victims of each strike of our enemy"!
"I don't understand "! What you mean by this which enemy how he implied all stretegy at once on us solely"!
"Well let me elobrate didn't he often told us"? "IF your enemy is secure at all points, be prepared for him'!. "If his Forces are united separate them, sovereign and subject are in accord put division between them ,Attack him where he is unprepared appear where you aren't expected"! If your opponent is temperamental, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant"! If he is taking ease don't let him rest"!
(Avantika nodded she was sure even she knew all these lessons but she was unsure what's going to come by her sister. Jodha didn't wasted more time and spoke further looking at the portrait of Her father she spoke).
"We failed we failed to fathom our enemy strength, we were unprepared from starter, he divided our force sovergain which was our strength your highness"! Trust support which we had earn from long was shaken by his one action against us"! We were ready to face him on Warfield ", yet he attacked diplomatically on place which I least thought of at crucial time of war"! I expected his arrival at war field he arrived at court of palace"! He pretend to be weak his army pretended the same by making no move from past two week"! Making me turn arrogant and over confident he knew I am emotional think by heart it's got me even temperamental thus he is irritating me by sending letter as such"! Robbing me of from left over sanity snatching my peace forget about letting me rest"!
(Jodha fell on her bed after speaking what's in her heart even though she wasn't crying but she was shaking badly there were no tears in her eyes yet her eyes held pain. She was miserable her shaking body swollen eyes which tell tale of them having sleepless night's. Avantika sat on bed making Jodha put her head on her lap like before Avantika started caressing her head softly making her body get calm and within few minutes Jodha harsh breath got mellowed. She was looking up at Avantika without word with lots of emotion).
"You know Jodha in game of chess Pawn are known to be weak pieces, that's why they're into sacrificial front row"! But you know what if we use pawn carefully at end they become most powerful weapon to strike"!
(Sensing Jodha confusion what's chess and it's pieces have to do with her present circumstances right now. Avantika smiled and patted her head making her sat up on bed and spoke further taking her hand on her own).
"cause they kept moving forward and triumphed against impossible odds, they become the most powerful piece in the game. Never forget that, all right? Never forget the potential one solitary pawn has to change the entire game"!
(Both sisters heard another voice their attention got on the entrance of Room seeing queen Mother the Dowgar Queen Mainawati stepping in her room. Both of them got up from bed and walked towards her before they could bend to touch her feet she stop them by keeping hands on Their cheek)
"You think you're pawn at moment Jodha a weak one that's why you're put on front to sacrificed but the truth is differ from your thinking"!
(Jodha didn't said anything but she nodded nonethless she had no choice anyway. What she can say that you are wrong on outting so much faith on me when I am on my most breaking point. Or she should lash on them how can they use her just to strike on enemy. She was unsure but certain on one thing her good time of life is over. While the ahead life is full of throne obliviously it's going to be painful. Like walking on two side sharp edge swords. But royal by birth courages by heart strong by mind she was ready to face it. She was confident she can live upto the way of true Rajput Lioness. By giving him taste of hell if he think a bond Sacared relation as Marriage can bound her to limit and make her his possession which he can toyed up with then she will prove him wrong like no other she vowed to herself).
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What how is it even possible "? How she can agree to such alliance" ?
(Ask Sujamal in stunned tone he fail to comprehend how his sister can agree to such absured alliance. He was sure Avantika can but even the information it was Jodha who did at end shake the earth beneath his feet. Like him even his own men didn't get to understand much how she can agree to it, she was captive of him and now she is trying to get in his prisoner willingly for lifetime with no escape).
Before entire court she did but by outing two conditions forward"!
And what were her conditions "?
(A lost cool started coming back slowly by condition he was sure she must have forwarded condition which isn't easy to fulfill but is there anything being emperor he can't Fulfill yet he couldn't help curiousity and ask about condition. Which was answer within few seconds).
She won't convert in Other religion she will like to practice like here religion freely even after marriage"! And second she will be having Her idol of Diety along with and wish to have temple build for it"!
He agreed "! Tell me he denied "!
No your majesty he agreed"!
(So not only Amer he lost his cousin sister as well. That to at hand of most dreadful enemy Mughal alas he was to blamed as well not entirely cause he didn't helped Amer enemy but he didn't helped Amer either when they were in need. Nor he had any right to object nor choice to act on against the Alliance made between both parties. So he listening the informer word just nodded and dismissed him).
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"She tear the letter then laugh whole heartedly"!
(Playing with sharp edge of Dagger Jalal was listening about Jodha reaction to his Letter. He had an amused smirk first then confused when he heard she laugh in last he ended up laughing as well. After what she said in court he didn't even wish her to get little comfort of her wishes being accepted. He knew for sake of promise and courage of her own she accepted the alliance but he wanted her to be aware what she is stepping at by going foward with alliance. He wanted her to know he didn't foeget what had hapoen between both, this such a letter he sent to her which made her aware how will treat her like it's not unknown the kings are ought to be extremely possessive for one they have rights on or owned. But he is well aware how much she relish freedom of living as her she wish as she dream it like to. It will be huge blow for freedom lover person to be controlled by other in every way and it will get more painful knowing the person herself give in knowing well the outcome of it. But soon his laughter ended when he heard Mirza words).
"Jalal you're playing with fire you should know by now"!
(Spoke Mirza when he get lone time with Jalal in his room. He was sure the letter he sent the princess must be tremendous cause they all get to know she tore them in pieces. While Jalal who heard what happen with his letter just chuckle and acted as if he won the war).
"I never decline Mirza"! I knew she is fire from starter"!
"You never admitted either doesn't matter you know or not"! Why you're doing this "!
(Jalal glare at Mirza he was being mood killer for him after all once he start there no stop on way or him. What's he have to do with him doing anything with her. For second he misinterpreted his concern as his fondness for her. Thus he ask in annoyance).
"What's up with your attitude nowdays "!
(Ask Jalal failing to understand why his brother seem so into his action against Jodha. He just sent a damn letter to his would be wife, what's wrong in that. Yes the content of letter might not be to acceptable, he read the letter himself to get so thoughtful. Even if he read then to it's no big deal cause he was clear he want her for vengeance. He want to teach her lesson for humiliation he went through. Mirza said nothing but before he could say anything a soldier arrived in room).
"Your majesty arrangements for our departure are done"!
(after court meeting he planned to leave from Amer palace. For Ajmer Sharif to seek blessings and meet his mother Who arrived there. Even he had invitation from King of Bundi for his son naming ceremony ,even though he didn't wish to visit such ceremony but it was important for him to not only accept the invitation. But out of courtesy visit their as well cause he get information by his spies Abul Mali is planning to be there as well. Knowing it will at least take two week and the marriage date is set after two week he was eager to get done with task as such. Mirza who heard this walked out of room without word. Making Jalal sigh he look at the soldier and spoke. Taking glass full of Wine).
"I will be leaving in sometime till then make sure everything done as per my liking"!
(Soldier nodded and walked out of room. While Jalal take of the Crown and walked towards the Forged Window and glance outside he took a sip of wine and look out side downward. When his gaze fell on Jodha Clad in Sleeveless yellow silk Choli which had very light golden worked on, while full length heavy worked done by silver golden thread ghagra and light worked done on border odhni on head which she wore by Tucking a corner inside Ghagra middle part of it was rested on chest and the end part was draped on each part of her shoulder above the head gracefully same color as her dress there was veil on her face , From head to toe she was adorned in Kundan golden heavy Jewellery studed with jewel. Either Maang-Tikka Earrings , Rani-Haar , arm-let , bracelet , finger-ring , waist-chain , anklet. Everything looked graceful on her he was yet to forget the Warrior look of her and now her Graceful Princess Form. Even though he doesn't wish to think much but she occupied most of his thoughts presently. She was walking across the garden on East part which led to Grand Royal function hall room. His gaze didn't alter from her until she disappeared in hall room followed by group of Maid's. He decided it's time even he leave hence wearing his Crown. Taking his Sword checking himself last time in mirror. Finding his dagger not on waist band he glance around and saw it on bed. He walked there took it and walked out of room on his way soldiers greet him by nod which he didn't care to pay heed he was walking towards entrance of Guest royal Palace glancing around when group of five Little Girls around age of 5 to 9 come to him they all were clad in royal Ghagra Choli and had very light worked Jewellery on yet they were tucked from head to toe very gracefully. They come before him and started laughing he got amused and bend to their level. And heard one girl words who seem to be the only one big in the group).
"We heard you're fearless fine warrior and witty powerful Emperor"!
"Is that so then it's might be true but none can believe on it unless they test me'!
"That's why we're here to test you"! Hence you had to come with us"!
(Jalal had hard time controlling his laughter. But he said nothing just nodded in understanding then got up and about to walk with girls when his security team Troop started walking with him as well. Which made the girls stop and eventually halted his step as well).
"We come before you without Soldier that's show we're fearless and you"!
(Jalal glance around and saw many of soldiers were guarding the little Princess , from nearby but they weren't before him with them. Mean they were giving sense of freedom to royal kids in palace but by their words Jalal look back and motion the guards to stop tailing behind him).
"If your opponent have Power of unity"! then you need to wary of them little Princess "! Cause with unity even many powerful opponent can be defeated"!
(The girls nodded and didn't said anything further listening his words soon enough, they reach another part of Palace which was more like arena made for Royal Kids training in weapon. He just stepped in the arena when he felt cold metal on his neck by behind. This happen so sudden that he didn't even get chance to get his other hand on sword to get it out from its Sheath).
"First trait of warrior are always stay alert you failed "!
(The Voice was more like boy voice, and even though he didn't get to look at it, he was sure he might be around age of 10. Jalal after seconds of silence spoke playing manipulation game).
"I heard Tale of Rajput's bravery and way to fight fairly"! hence striking by back ", seem so unlike any Rajput warrior"!
(Soon enough the Sword was down from his neck making him get his sword out and swing it on back below the shoulder getting it directly on front of Opponent chest. He turn behind and saw A Boy as he expected around age 10 but had hight of 18 year old teen. clad in Dark Brown color Long Angrakha and Pajama a saffron Color waist cloth was tucked around his waist where dagger was tucked each side. holding naked sword in right hand Wearing Saffron Color Turban on head. Looked no less then teen warrior he was sure He is one of Royal as well alas every people in Amer seem to have such aura authority that they seem no less then royal. From queen to princess to maids to common folk women all always tucked in jewellery and Ghaghra Choli. But according to standard there dress and Jewelry seem to minimal worked on or heavy or no work at all. But can't say the same about Men as from King to Prince to Servants to Soldiers to Common Men folk all seem to dress in same manner but their Turban on head shoe and Jewelry set their standard apart. Mostly everyone roam here and there in one two people group the bigger the post the number of people in group will be more. Common folk may use Camel so Soldier use Horse and royal use Elephant but Prince the most lower standard people may use Bullock cart. Even the meal which seem to really put Jalal if cause of how spicy it's always been).
"The warriors skill Doesn't work so you played game of Manipulation"!
"Thus it's may proved I am indeed witty emperor"!
(The boy nodded and strike on him by swinging his sword back on Jalal making him step back as he didn't expected this at least not when his own sword is on chest of opponent. Alas he seem to forget often Rajput doesn't care about their own life. The boy was attacking him effortlessly making him step back by his each strike. Nor he seem very aggressive neither he is being to defensive he was striking on him lightning speed. Jalal to was paying not much effort on attack either he was just being defensive and time to striking back whenever he thought he get chance. Which happened very rarely cause unlike him The Boy seem to perdict his every strike beforehand but he after 45 minutes of fight started attacking on His weak point that was strike by left. Hence within next five minutes Jalal made the boy fell back on Ground but unlike others when they fell they seem to lost the hold on Sword he didn't he was still gripping over sword. Jalal was impressed by The Boy sword fight and saw the potential of becoming good Warrior in future).
"First time i had my opponent on ground without being aware of his name"!
(Jalal forward his hand to help him up but the Boy git up on his own without his help making Jalal amused he could see the attitude in him well the chap deserve to have attitude as even being such young age he get to fight him 50 minutes without getting scratch. The boy was about to say something when a soldier step in Arena).
"Forgive me for interption gretting your majesty and my Lord , I am here with her Highness massage for you Your Grace, Her highness wish to meet you at Lord Krishna temple"!
"I will be there in sometime "!
(The Soldier bowed and walked out of Arena Jalal look at the Boy who look back at him and spoke firmly. Looking straight at Jalal in confidence and some unknown determination which seem challenging to Jalal. He didn't had to wait for long when he got another challenge).
"You proven how fine warrior you are but after being introduced anyone can know others", hence prove your intelligence of emperor by figuring out my name on own"!
(Saying this he walked out from Arena with group of girls who were smiling at him. Jalal smiled back at them and walked out of Arena as well when his security troop come to him in concern but seeing him all fine they sigh inwardly and started heading out of palace to leave when on way he saw her again but this time alone walking towards pool area. She was still clad in same dress but this time instead of golden Kundan heavy worked Jewellery she was adorned by Flower Jewellary in same manner as Her Royal Kundan heavy worked gold Jewelry He motion the guards to stop and walked towards her while she unknowns to him walking near her was lost in her own thoughts walked ahead. Reaching near her spoke in husky low tone making her look at him she was surprised to see him and immediately got self-conscious but then realise she isn't exposed to him in any manner)
"So brave for a Little doe"! To accept everything even knowing the consequence"!
"I ain't little Doe"! And soon enough you will know"!
"You are what I tell you cause you're mine my prize my possession ", if I ain't wrong you got the letter didn't you"?
(Jodha looked at him it took her more then five hours to forget or At least try to immune to the letter and the content of letter. And here once again he reminded her of it her stomach tighten at his words if not that then the way he voice out shown how deadly serious he is about what he mention in letter. She look sideways cause in a way he was right not yet then after two week he will definitely own her as his legally wedded wife and she will have none to complain or reason to fight for. Cause there is hardly anything for which a women can say no to her husband no matter how right she might be in denying. Lucky are those whose husband may understand the consent and worked accord to their wife wishes but that's are rarely found specially in royal household where the consumption are more for getting Hire for empire then love. He didn't like her looking as sideways it's immediately angered him hence he ended grasping her veil chin and turn her to look at himself. Somehow his grip hurted her and he read it in her eyes not by words she did seem to speak he is hurting her which made him spoke in icy bike chilling tone).
"NO BODY IGNORE ME AND I WON'T HAVE IT WITH YOU"!
(Jodha lost her paitence shoving his hand away roughly she run past him, without wasting second she knew she can no longer stand him before her anymore she need to work hard to not turn insane by his Sinful actions they're not even married yet and yet he dare to touch her even having Veil on she could felt the icy finger touch on her soft skin everything about him made her stomach churn in fear and disgust).
"Oh lord What I had done"? to deserve this what"! Why it's happening with me"?
(Jalal wanted then he could stopped her from running away from him but he didn't he decided he had enough fun at her expense thus he chuckled and walked away from Palace where he was bid farewell by Royal Adviser and Dowgar Queen Mainawati with his troop of Royal Adviser friends and Step brother).
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