Chapter 23
"I wonder what could have been the reason"? for injuries to these pretty delicate hands"!
(Spoke Jalal taking Both her hand in his own examining them with frown on face. Jodha felt her heart flutter it was first time when he took her hands with gently with care. Unlike other time when he will manhandled them she was lost in the warmth his hand provided to her's that she for seconds forget everything but than his low husky voice made her come out of her lost emotions and she spoke).
"What will happen if you get to know the cause"!
"That's for me to know you to figure out"!
"Strange you pay attention to wounds which I received from others"! But you never bother about wounds which you yourself give me"!
(Jalal who was till now looking down at her hand hearing her words look up at her, her veil face head cover by ghoonghat doesn't let him get to see her face entirely. And he knew he can't expect her to take it off cause they're out in entrance corridor of Palace, sighing at his every action being judge by her or compare with his previous action he was so close to get angry but he controlled himself thus instead of replying to her sarastic words he question her ).
"You defy me by paying visit to temple"! I forbidden you even step out from your room and you"! I wonder what I should make out of your actions "? do you seek to get punished by me"?
"I talked with Dowger Queen her Highness today she gave me permission"! What's wrong in that I just went to offer my prayer"! I don't think it's punishable act"!
"But you come back with brusie hands but not a single sign of discomfort ",I see on soldiers maid and servant went with you"! Not only your pretty hands but your dress is ruined from down"! I don't think that's how you went there"!
I just"!...
"Shh not a word come with me"!..summon the Hakima at my room"!
(Saying this he started taking her to his room Jodha immidately got alert, while ordering the servant to get Hakim in his room, she didn't wanted to be at his room last time she was there, he ended up caging her scaring her to limit by getting her on edge of terrace forged wall. Her steps started halting and a sense of protest was getting evident by her reluctant steps Jalal sense that but choose to ignore them without giving any assurance).
"Now tell me "! what's the cause of these wounds"?
(Jodha look at him he first made her sat on couch in his room and now asking so lovingly "what's gotten on him "? why he is behaving as if as if everything is fine between us? Is it some trick of him "? to make me gave into something he wish"! Oh lord bless me show me way to understand unpredictable evil mind and twisted personality of my husband).
"It's better you take a look at happening in state under the territory of your empire"!
"You don't need to tell me what I had to do as Emperor "! And it's for me to decide what's important and what's not"! So it's better , answer as much asked"!
"On my visit to temple I saw"!..
"Forgive me your majesty", for intruption but out there are people seek to meet you"!
'I think I ordered no one should disturb when I am with"!..
"I don't think it's his fault"! He is just doing his"!....
" You may leave"! You're not needed either"!
(Saying this he dismissed both the servant who intrrupted and Hakima who just arrived at entrance of room with Another servant. The servant sigh thinking at least he got save by Emperor wrath. While Hakima got confused without her work why she is dismissed. But she knew better not to cross question him. Thus she to left with servant).
"A Emperor does not tolerate disobedience of his spades and interference during his speech"! Being royal and princess cum empress, you must be aware of this"! Yet you commit both mistakes to rile me up"!
(Spoke Jalal by gripping Her hands tightly forgetting they're already wounded. His eyes glare at her daring her to speak anything in response to test his paitence anymore. Gulping the lump formed on throat she try to get her hands free but immidately realised the more she will struggle the further the grip would get tighten. Thus she gave in and looked at him the lack of struggle pulled Jalal off from his anger he closed his eyes squeezing them for fraction of second he open his eyes and release her from his hold).
"I ain't person whose temper should be played with"! I hope you might learn it by now so don't try again"! Now answer what I ask you"!
(Somehow his words ended enraging her as well she pushed him away and getting up step further from his reach and spoke firmly).
"Stop pretending to be caring for me "! we both know the truth of our relation better than anyone"!
"But I am sure you don't want", everyone to get aware about secret of our relation"!
Why you have to use every damn way to threaten me and defeat me"?
"I can ask the same why you have to defy me disrespect me at every damn chance"!
(A sudden burn on pain made Jodha winch, she look down and found him standing close applying salve on her wounds. While talking she didn't realize when he come close and started applying the salve on her wounds).
If I hurt you I can heal you as well cause you're mine to break mine to love"! You're my wife my queen my better half never forget that"!
(Jodha didn't said anything she look down and found his index finger bit hurt and the salve was applied on it. She got it the salve he is applying on her must be leftover one who was prepared for his injury. How can he do this every damn time one minute he will act as if no one can care for her as much as he do and other minute he will act as if no one can hate her as much he do. Why he is so confusing why their relationship is so complicated why every damn time she want to avenge the humiliation she went through cause of him but she do nothing. Why it's so damn difficult for her to see him as her husband her partner she can't deny if she wish to live peacefully in Mughal harem she had to make a peace with him, No one support her no one pleased by her being here).
"A letter had arrived from Amer her queen of Amer her highness is going to arrive here next week"! For some post wedding ceremony"! Here is one more letter personally for you"! I had to leave for now but I expect you present here when I come back"!
(Saying this he forward her one letter keeping the salve bowl on table and walking away he did all of it so swiftly so quickly that she didn't even get to thank him for applying salve on her wounds personally so delicately she didn't get to object either about him expecting to be in room at his arrival. Sighing while looking at his retreating back from room she unfolded the scroll to read the letter).
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"Attention silence let everyone know! Fold your hands! Lower your eyes! Crown of the Mughal's! Lord of his subjects! Hire of of Timur! Jewel of Babar! Son of Humayu! Merciful protector! Renowned in the Universe! The Emperor of Hindustan! Abul Fath Jalal Ud-Din Mohammed graces this public court with his presence! Long live Emperor Abul Fath Jalal Ud-Din Mohammed!
(Till the announcer announced about his arrival Jalal reach to throne. In way to throne he didn't missed the slight smirk on the faces of Scholar. He knew the look very well it's mean trouble for Emperor or one of royal , but he was informed the case is about law being violated by a mere farmer. Ignoring the look he glance towards the soldier who step before him with a old men and a little boy the men looked so void of emotion while the boy was trembling with nervousness his eyes seems to pleading him. He had tight grip on the old men hand as if not going to let go ever courages yet so vulnerable at the moment. Jalal look at Zafar Ali to proceed with court hearing who nodded and stepping forward started speaking).
Your Majesty"! This men didn't paid the taxes today when our summon him to office "! He cause destruction there he attacked on our Chief officer Tarbez Khan"! The incident happen mid noon"!
"It's going to be second hour of evening the court wish to know the cause of delayed"! As cause of your delayed to present this convict here we have to set the court at odd hours now"!
(A frown appear on Jalal face he sense the trouble awaiting him, the question should be , what was the motive of attack? why the men didn't paid taxes? But what Scholar ask was not very important yet Jalal let that go for while and look at soldiers. Cause even that was important after all Diwan'e Aam open at evening when there is something very important).
We were stopped by Princess cum Empress her Highness Jodha Bai"! She ask us to get him medical aid"!
(Listening this entire court got embrace by deadly silence. Everyone look at Emperor awaiting his order would he summon the empress in court. Or he would end up going ahead with case by letting delay slid for once. Unsure about the upcoming scene in court everyone prayed for best. But sir Adhga who understood the gravity of situation spoke in firm tone).
That's issue to handle later for now cause of law being violated matter most"! So what's his motive behind such a punishable action"! So reveal what happen and how it's happen"!
Your majesty the men was summoned at our office to pay tax"! He come there but denied to pay tax and started his cooked up story of his daughter being disappear"! Sir Tarbez Khan tried to make him understand he will investigate about it himself first he should pay for tax he summoned for but he attacked on him by the dagger laid on table"! He even abused him and used indecent word against him and the empire as well"! Cause of being severally injured Sir Tarbez Khan can't come here to present his side"!
(Sir Adhga nodded and look at the old men and little boy clinging to him. His experienced eyes told him that's not true the eyes which he is looking now are full of grief void of emotions. As if they lost everything everything to even feel anything at all. Same was case with Jalal even though the two colleagues of Tarbez Khan present there said their side he could feel that's not entire truth. He to look at boy and men just like everyone present in court awaiting to hear entire case for once and all).
"Do you agree to whatever spoken against you"! Do you denied for being summoned at officer farm office for paying tax"! Do you denied to attack on Chief Officer Tarbez Khan", do you denied all the charges against you"!
(There was complete silence no one spoke anything the old men didn't even flinch at charges , knowing well if the charges proven right he will be penalised to death before everyone. The boy standing besides him look up at him wiping his tears he glance around few people eventually look down not even trying to make eye contact with him he knew them they were his neighbour. He knew what's that mean it mean they're sorry for his loss for everything but they're helpless they can't stand with him. "They have proof witness and money to fabricate a lie"! But you have what no one there have And that's the only thing will protect you"! That is Truth be honest before him he won't disappoint you"! Recalling the words of Jodha the boy knew it's time cause the officer fabricated entire story into making them a culprit he knew truth is the only weapon he have. Looking towards Sir Adhga than back at Emperor he spoke knowing it's time to do so but the way things are asked it doesn't look like they want to her his entire side. Gulping the lump formed in his throat he wiped the uncontrollable tears flowing from his eyes than spoke).
"It's true My Baba was summoned to pay tax"! It's true My Baba attacked him"! It's true he even abused him verbally and even you indecent word against the empire"! But we don't agree to everything spoken against us"! We deny all the charges against us"!
(The people and courtier present there shared a look, they had to gave it to boy that he is indeed brave one. His strength cannot be ignored by mere size and age of him. The way he spoken everything firmly even though he was crying miserably. Tears were flowing from his cheek nonstop yet he didn't fumbled in his words fearing even little stammering may end his side. Zafar Ali look at the boy tan ask him straight).
"You yourself agree to violating law but you deny the charges what's your side of story boy"!
"My my sister's"! The the officer took them from our home"! And told him if they want to get him back he have to come at office to pay tax and get them in return , My Baba went there to inquire about them and but but we are poor my lord we had nothing to pay helplessly we we inquire about my sister's , whereas they mockingly and cruelly told us ! One burned herself while other sold by them to we still don't know whom they sold her"! We are yet to get ashes of my sister who set herself ablaze"! We didn't get to perform her last rites cause we're were dragged by soldiers beated all the way until her highness step forward and stop them"! And orderd them to take us for medical aid"!
(The boy was just answering Zafar Ali and everyone present there, his side made everyone heart to bleed for him. Jalal sigh inwardly he had nothing to say nothing left to ask yet he can't just dismissed them but sudden intruption by soldiers brought his attention to them).
"The boy is lying that's not what happened he is lying to save the sorry asses of his old father"! You people didn't pay tax and"!..
"If there would be left anything for us to pay than that was our pride and life"! My sister's paid that with their Honor and life"! What we would have done your Majesty what would any father do"! If if a group of men tell him how they molest his daughter and sold another one"! What he would do realising the place he stand and inquiring about his daughter is the very place she set herself ablaze"!
(Jalal was stunned by cold demeanor of Old men who was now whimpering slowly , and boldness of boy. The way he spoke everything he knew the boy is telling truth but he was surprised by the boys courage , he fear no one and the one he fear for he is standing with him with all his little strength to fight for him. The thing which the old men should have done by assuring the boy by presenting his case done by the boy. But more then this he was ashamed by the revalation he can't even let his ego slid and here the men lost his daughter the boy lost his sister's. That to at the hand of one he assign to provide security to them of-course' he isn't the one involved in choosing the candidate for Officer job still it was his job to make sure the one choose are capable enough to do whatever task they're assign for. He dream to get entire Hindustan under Mughal territory it's not only his dream that's what from Timur to Babar to Humayu had seen and what they didn't done to fulfil this dream. But the place under his Territory the people living under his Territory aren't protected and happy healthy than how he can fulfil this dream. When a mere men doesn't back out to attack on Officer then what he can expect from his enemies land for now. It was a slap a lesson unless you provide security ensure all the arrangements you have no right to go around celebrating your victory on other states. But more than that the silent evoking storm of hatred fire of vegenance against him against his empire. No wonder the custom of Veil started after the invaders attacked on Hindustan no wonder the women burnt themselves).
"Do you have any proof to stat whatever you said is true"!
"When my sister's were taken by officer my entire village was witness to it", but no one objected when my sister set herself ablaze the officer to servant saw but no one try to stop her"! When my father attacked on officer he was whipped by flog and dragged from streets"! Everyone are witness to it"! But just like no one objected no one will step before to speak on my behalf to prove I whatever I said it's true"! So no I even having proof have no proof"!
"That's enough untie him then get Trabez khan here"! This very moment doesn't matter he is injured sick or at dying phrase get him here now"! And you both where is his daughter reveal before your head been chopped off"!
"Your majesty he is lying we don't know his sister's whereabouts"!..
"Punishment of lying before Emperor is whipped by flog 100 times, or toungue being ripped off from mouth"! Even penalised to death"! Which one you will prefer"!
(Their face went pale they don't get to look up at Emperor anymore, sharing a look to each other and fell on their knees. Begging for mercy but Jalal ignore that royally knowing well they're the real culprit but he was waiting for Tarbez Khan to be there. Soon enough he heard another voice coming from Scholar group sides it was none other than Khwaza Moin speaking to him).
"Your majesty the motive behind such action were grave one"! but we can't let the action of men slide"! It can serve wrong massage to everyone"!
"Sir Khwaza Moin is saying right your majesty not only this ",but Intruption caused by her highness which delayed the covict to get here shouldn't be ignored either"!
(Jalal didn't knew either he should bang their head on wall or his own. Such a tight slap on face of empire by one single men protest , unforgivable sin commited by empire officers. But all these scholar have to mention about his wife the empress of Mughal Empire , who just protected the empire to some extent by little kindness. Clenching his hand into fist he glare at them but said nothing as before he get to say anything few Soldiers arrived in Court Dragging Tarbez Khan with them, who was indeed very much injured his one hand was chopped off the eyes suffered most injuries obviously not being well armed skilled warrior the men in rage attacked him wherever he could thus there were uncountable sign of dagger attack on Tarbez Khan face and right hand which was the only part of body to suffer more. Ironically he felt no mercy for him in-fact in his view Tarbez Khan deserved to suffer more than he did at the hand of father. And he was going to make sure he suffer for the sin he committed).
"You're given last chance to confess the sin you commited"! Your crimes are proven already"! Reveal about the whereabouts of girl"! Right away"!
(Tarbez Khan who wasn't in his sense already whimpering in pain , got over taken by The loud Cold voice of Zafar Ali he glance around and found almost everyone are looking at him with disgust and hatred. He look back at Jalal but didn't get to meet gaze with him such a string cold gaze on him void of emotion expressionless face looking at him he tremble in fear he knew it's end of him and everything he ever build on own. Thus he in low tone admitted all his crimes but what he admitted was far more than the one petty case of law being violated. The more Jalal heard the more miserable and enraged he got even his own cold heart ended up feeling miserable for the plight of those two young girls. And the men and boy present before him who had to re-listen all the suffering the girls have to endure).
Sieze property and Wealth of these three, get Tarbez Khan stoned to death publically"! Whereas chopped the tounge of these two guards and flogged them100 times"! Then thrown then in dungeon for life prisonerment!
(Announcing the punishment of Tarbez Khan and those two soldier who were witness of it and told lie. He look at Another soldiers who got The men in court they were already trembling in fear. Whereas the Boy who so boldly presented his side was now clutching the leg of his Father tightly fearing that he may punished his father for violating the law. But Jalal himself was confused how he can punish him the men had nothing no wealth no home no one in simple word he have no life anymore).
"Release them i free them from all the charges against them", while you both have to pay fine for mistreating them"!
(The soldiers sigh at least they doesn't have lose their life. They vow never to do this again. While the boy thank Jalal for not punishing his father the scholar present there wanted to say something he knew he sense it but he was aware they won't speak anything after how he announced the punishment. Obviously they doesn't want to face the wrath of him. The court was dismissed after his instructions to March a troop to charge against robbers and get the girls released from their captivity.
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"Whatever you did might be morally and emotionally right but logically and practically wrong"!
(Jalal heard his mother words who was walking along with Rukaiya besides him, They were present at Diwan'e Aam (public royal court). He knew the pro and cons of his decision yet he didn't back away or even hestitate for second thus he spoke back by letting her know what he think about all).
"Sometime what's practically and logically is right to do ",mean nothing before emotions and morality principles of human"! You saw only the weak point of my decision today but I see all strong points of my decision today"! What I did today going to ensure for me serving justice to my sucjects are way more important than long run laws"!
(Listening his opinion about his own decisions Hamida Rukaiya shared a look while Maham walking with him just take her own time to get all fact stated by him. She was sure the loophole in case will get in here favour in various ways. But than they heard Rukaiya speaking firmly Looking straight at Jalal while walking by his side's)
"That's what our responsibility as empress are"! The subjects might appreciate you for your justice"! But as adviser as well wisher, it's our responsibility to get your attention on Point which may become grave hurdle on your way to rule"!
"The one you people trying to get my attention on are Baseless point's"! " You all trying to say I ignore Queen Jodha interference"! You all trying to point out how my decision of freeing the men and his son"! Can be judge on religious expect isn't it"? Than let them think and judge this in whatever damn way they wish"! I don't care and one more think advise me only when I seek for it"! I ain't a fool to make decisions before everyone without a thought"!
(Saying this he walked ahead towards his own room leaving Hamida Rukaiya Maham and his aunt concern. They sense him getting out of control unlike any previous ruler he only wish to get point out when he really need it or else he don't bother about others thought. As much it's strength of him it's seem his weakness as well it's right you do good or bad people will judge you in every way even in good they will try to find way to accuse you and in bad to they will try to find way to see reasonable motive. Thus we shouldn't bother about their view but having empire which can easily be influenced by scholar and get in favour of some greedy opportunist who desire to become Emperor is to difficult to avoid displeasing then can cost Jalal his throne even he knew. But he doesn't seem to bother or maybe he does but he have his own way to get even with them).
"At least he is so strong to get influence by anyone your highness"!
(Spoke Rukaiya to Hamida watching Jalal retreating back. Who just minutes back warn them not to get after him to question him, at every decision he take as he owe no explanation to anyone not even them. While hearing Rukaiya words get thoughtful than spoke).
"You're right Rukaiya when our words doesn't effect him much than no one can influence him either"! It's good cause he is Emperor he shouldn't be controlled by anyone"!
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(Reading the letter sent by her sister and mother Jodha was to lost in them she inhaled the fragrance of scroll , she reread the letter again and again untill she felt her eyes becoming heavier enough to lure her to slowly to sleep, But in that to her moves were always on alert mode for her being in his room itself is enough for her to wary about her security).
"Stop attacking on me everytime"!
(Hissed Jalal getting hold on her hand preventing her from blowing his head of , by striking at his neck by her little dagger. He was exhausted emotionally and physically by entire day events. But the latest case of that boy took toll on him so sudden attack by her who was so engrossed in reading the letter did manage to unleash the monster in him).
"You sneak up on me", I didn't knew it's"!..
"Do you take me as kid huh"! How many time I had to remind you you're wife of Emperor mean you're Empress of Mughal Empire"! No one no men have right even to look at you or fancy you forget about getting this close to you"!
(Clutching her shoulder by both side he made her get up, from couch making her come to his level of head she was terrified by his cold demenar why he can't treat her with cool head. As if his soft warm emotions are for other and his hard anger wrath is reserved solely for her. Admit she did wrong by attacking on him by her dagger but she seriously didn't thought him to get back this soon. And even enemy sneak up on you with intention to kill being warrior by heart she had learn to be alert at every move. Alas it's always end up getting against her now looking at him listening his words she try to apologise).
"I am sor"..
"Shh what I told you about Emperor doesn't tolerate few before I left"!
"You're hurting me"! Can't you be civil with me"! Leave me"!
(He slammed her to the wall behind the couch making the back of her hit a bit, she didn't even get to turn around. When he stood close to her cornering her by caging her between the wall and his arms. Her words her repulsive emotion against the closeness of him to her, to their close proximity always trigger him to no end. Her struggle her always turning gaze away from his hold from his face make him more enraged).
"What about the hurt you cause me"! by disrespecting me attacking on me questioning me ignoring me and the list goes on and on"! Can't you act as just loving wife with me"! Love me respect me"!
"Love respect aren't given as charity it's should be earn"!
"So you love to earn disrespect getting involved in every one matter huh "! why you didn't told me about that boy and old men case"! Do you even thought about the consequence of your action"!
(Getting caged by him she knew there no use to fight anymore thus she gave in but his words confused her she look up at him, He knew his words aren't making sense yet she would get confused by his words , that's what happen next as well her confusing gaze met with his cold intense gaze. It was strange as soon her struggle stop his dominating action stopped as well the sooner she gave up the fight to get away from his hold she found his grip loosening on own. She noticed the cold demenar of him is fading slowly his tighten up muscle getting relaxed on own but with sudden change in persona she noticed him leaning more close to her face. His gaze got fixed on her lips she sense the danger for her lips she was about to turn her head away but heard him speaking).
"I wish you weren't Rajput Princess cum Empress and I wasn't Mughal Prince cum Emperor", I wish there was no wall of difference between us on the basis of religious beliefs and Sworn enmity started by our Ancestors"! I wish we met in diffrent circumstances"! I wish Instead of hate and disrespect love and respect would been the base of our relation"! I wish Instead of mistrusting each other move with our every breath, we trusted each other with our life"!
(Jodha didn't said anything the way he spoke all this she knew he is honest on whatever he spoken she saw the sincerity in his eyes while he said all this. Jalal didn't realise he spoken his thoughts aloud he was just looking at her when her trembling Rosy lips robbed his attention but before he could the savour the taste of them he read the rejection to his move he anticipated her move of turing her head away as soon he will get near to his Goal thus he stopped at right moment and thought how different the life would been if whatever he wish would been true. The time was long forgotten nothing matter to him for now. But to her horror she saw pair of eyes and something silver shined cause of lamp lited in room she knew what this mean an Assassination attempt on Emperor she knew what she had to do no matter how much she hate him she cannot let him die. Thus she she did what every Women as wife would do she pushed him aside but eventually both of them ended up falling on ground cause his hold might got loosen on her he didn't released her at all he still had firm grip on her arm. The dagger missed its target and ended up hitting on the wall Both of them look at it Jalal wasted no second getting his own dagger out he shot back towards the attacker and like always his shot didn't missed the mark but it's ended up slaying the attacker right away by piercing him on neck straight. He fell on floor outside corridor behind forged window and bleed to death. Jalal helped her in getting up and instead of going out to check he ask spoke).
"If even claiming to hate the person you show gut to protect him with your life", "I wonder what would be limit of you claiming to love"! By the way nice try but I ain't letting you get out of my hold not even death can do us apart"!
Mannat Har Khushi Paane Ki
Arjun
Cricket
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