Thread 3: Destined Love... (Chapter 61 updated) - Page 76

Originally posted by: SundariP

I was thinking the same thing and you mentioned it,

For the story of Jalal and jodha to start, they have to give closure to chandra and purnima.

>> Right Now Emperor and his beloved queen can start over.

Why are you doing this though? Making me like rukaiya Begum, really. Although her character did need a bit depth rather than being the jealous and power-hungry saut of protagonist, still don't do this.

>> Oh I totally will😈

I actually don't want any third party vamp in the story. Why Ruqaiya has to be bad to make Jodha good?

Jashn Khan being accomplice of adham is a great shock. I must admit that revelation of true intentions of adham is as much anticipated as J-A close moments.

>> We have to wait for that. 😆

Looking forward for more updates (fast) 😊

and I'll re-read and comment on each part fast.

❤️

>> Thank you deaar❤️

Originally posted by: abha22

Loved the chapter

Jalal told rukaiya...I like the conversation between Jodha and rukaiya

>> Yes.. thanks dear.

That adham will only stop when he die😑😑

>> And these all will be the reason of his downfall.

And of course jj moments and that MOHTARMA

So good

>> ☺️

Love the story

And thank you for putting so much efforts to write such big chapters ❤

>> Thank you so so much dear.

Originally posted by: Kavya_P

Amazing chappy Di

>> Thank you.😃

God these complicated personalities

Can't say in simple language

Always in knotted type

>> Because I am a knotted type🤣

So adham is the one

Conspirer n this co r in very close to him

>> Like always...

Update soon Di

Thanks for Pm Di

Does this mean we're getting a new update?

Originally posted by: SundariP

Does this mean we're getting a new update?

Have not started yet🤣

Originally posted by: Shinning_Stuti

Have not started yet🤣

I'm so damn busy that can't even pester you to speed up, so take your time.

Meanwhile I'm re-watching the show, just reached the end of Benazir fiasco 😆

Originally posted by: Shinning_Stuti

You might want to read my other fanfiction : Humari Adhuri Kahani. I just completed it. Please tell me how u felt about that.

Yes, will surely read this one soon.

waiting for next.........😭

Chapter 57

There is a slight touch of moist in the air tonight. Jodha draped the shawl properly around her shoulder as she looked at the silvery beam unfurling over the black sky. The palanquin was not far from Yamuna, she could hear the lyrical flow of the water from here. The music of the river, the whispers of the leaves and the silence of the night has created a dreamy euphony. She could not wish for a more perfect night... she thought as she lowered her eyes shyly.

“You know, you still did not tell me what happened back there.” Salima Begam, who was her co-passenger in the trip to Yamuna tonight, asked all of a sudden.

“What are you talking about?” Jodha looked surprised. “What happened where?”

“Alright, no need to pretend. I am talking about the hunting trip.” Salima said.

“You know what happened. With the attack on the Emperor, things ended horribly and we returned traumatized.” Jodha mixed a little amount of sadness in her voice.

“Yes, that’s what the whole world knows. Except your smile is completely opposite to what we call ‘traumatized’.” Salima smirked naughtily. “Come on Jodha, don’t feel shy to me.”

“Nothing!!” Jodha exclaimed though could not suppress the blush.

“Yeah, sure. Your red cheeks are the evidence of that?” Salima pretended to be angry. “Okay, don’t tell me. But beware of this Jodha, if I get to know this from His Majesty, I will never ever arrange a romantic boat-ride for you two.”

“Yeah yeah okay. As if I wanted to go!” Jodha scoffed. “Ask from Your Emperor, he will tell big beautiful lies to entertain you.”

“So you did not want to come today? You had no interest to meet with the emperor in the boat in the middle of water, while the moonlight pours the shower of love on both of you?” Salima raised one brow. “God! Looks like I am wasting my precious time over a silly worthless...”

“Alright alright, no need to be so dramatic.” Jodha pouted. “Okay, so the forest we have talked through our differences and kind of mended up.”

“Only ‘talked’?” Salima winked.

“Salima Jiji!” Jodha smacked lightly on Salima’s hand. Then her voice got playfully serious. “Your actions and words are not appropriate for a Mughal Queen!”

“Okay, hang me, Begam Sahiba.” Salima laughed out. “Come on Jodha... Tell me in detail. You are not supposed to hide things like this from your sister. And you know I cannot ask these from him. So please, please...”

“What? There is nothing to tell!”

“Except?” Salima raised one brow again.

Jodha blushed again. “Except... maybe there is no wall between us from now on.”

A real proud smile flashed in Salima’s face. She did not say anything for a long time. Then slowly she touched Jodha’s chin and shook affectionately. “May you have all the blessings of God, my sister.” She said.

The palanquin had reached to the jetty specially used by the royal family. The appointed eunuch servants rushed to the palanquin to welcome the queens warmly with rose-water and drinks. The queens were safely escorted to the dock where a beautiful sailing yacht containing royal signature was waiting for the royal passengers. Jodha’s eyes was awestruck looking at the decoration of the boat.

“This is the vessel that will be the carrier of both of your journey of love tonight.” Salima Begam uttered mildly into Jodha’s ear. Then she looked back to a servant. “His Majesty has not reached yet, I suppose?”

“Thankfully I did not delay much, Salima Begam. Though this is an establish fact that ladies usually take more time than men to get ready, they do not forgive men for being late.” A husky voice commented from behind as they saw His Majesty’s horse coming to the jetty accompanied by only another rider. Salima smiled heartily and proceeded to him as Jalal dismounted from the horse and patted its head. Abdul was helped by the servants of the jetty and he came by Jalal’s side and gave a courtesy bow to the queens.

“I wanted this night to be strictly private, so did not bring any of my bodyguards with me. But looking at the whole arrangement it is safe to say that this night is anything but private.” Jalal chuckled while looking around. “You queens never can keep something small can you?”

“Well, the Emperor is going out with his new queen for the first time, if it is not worth of celebration then what is, Majesty?” Salima said. “Now why don’t you stop complaining and start complementing?”

“I don’t have the courage of commenting on your arrangements, Begam Sahiba. Forget complaining, I don’t even have the worth of complementing...”

“Or you are storing all of the complements for someone else tonight.” Salima smiled. “Well, I should not waste any more time then. I wish you both have a great journey, Majesty. Now allow me, I have to leave.”

“I would love to have your company, Salima Begam. You don’t have to go.” Jalal said but Salima refused with a modest smile. “Not tonight, Majesty. It was meant for you two. You should go now, she is waiting...”

As Salima proceeded to leave, Jalal moved towards the boat along with Abdul. He could see the boat anchored at the bank of the river, and the silhouette of the woman standing in front of it, perhaps counting the ripples in the water. A slight smile touched the corner of Jalal’s lip as he looked at Abdul.

“You can stay here Abdul. Enjoy the ambience, protect the maids of the queen if needed. I will be coming back late at night.”

“As you wish, Majesty.” Abdul bowed.

Jodha was staring at the night sky at the bank of the river during all these conversations. She felt a pleasant excitement in the heart when she heard footsteps behind her. The bold and firm steps which radiate confidence all time, thought Jodha... The sound is so familiar, yet so distinguishable. She has known the sound from the deep of her heart, has been bewitched by the weight of personality associated with it; now it is curved inside, and her heart knows when he comes closer.

“Good Evening, Majesty...” She turned, bowed down as per royal ethics. Her brows frowned a little when she did not notice any guards.

Jalal reciprocated and greeted her back. “Good Evening, Begam Sahiba.”

“You are alone... no guards...”

Jalal laughed. “I am always surrounded by so many people Jodha Begam, sometimes I need freedom from the shackles of extra security.”

“But security is important for you...” Jodha said in a worried voice. “It’s only been a week after that incident in forest.”

“If something like that happens again, guards won’t do anything. My Kshatriyani will protect me.” Jalal said with a confident smile in his lips. Jodha lowered her eyes with pride shy. “Still it is...” she hesitated after a while.

“No, Jodha. History is the witness that your company repels all the dangers and agony. Accidents can happen anytime, but when you are with me, you take the hurt from me. I respect security protocols and will abide by that every moment in my royal life, but when I am with you, and only with you, I don’t want anything in any form to become a constraint- be it my personal security.” Jalal declared.

Jodha chuckled suddenly. “Really? You are crazy...”

“Yes I am.” Jalal stated proudly. “But I am honoured that I am crazy for my Kshatriyani!”

Hiding the blush, Jodha pointed at his bandaged. “How are you? The wounds are not healed yet?”

“They left some nice scars, ornament of a warrior as we speak. The physicians are not letting me to take the bandages off, says ribs are not healed yet. Well, he thinks he knows my body better than me. Because I am feeling no pain and all...” Jalal said playfully. He was actually looking quite good and rested. The signs of exhaustion was toned down in his face, he was looking majestic and vibrant. And handsome too in his gold-plated red coloured royal robe and turban. Looks like he has taken special care of his appearance today, Jodha thought shyly while stealing gaze of him.

“Now tell me about you, Begam Sahiba... I hope you are enjoying the view.” Jalal asked while he gestured the boatmen to anchor up the vessel.

“It is heavenly, My Lord.” Replied Jodha with a smile. Then she tuned towards the river, taking a deep breath. “Not only the scenery which is magnificent. I am more enthralled by the poetry associated with it. The darkness of the night sky faded by the soothing moon, which has created a magical lyrics when mingled with the water of the river; the silence of the night along with the crickets and flow of water has created this beautiful melody. Really... a river is so lively, so vibrant. I could spend a whole day just staring at the river. Amer has so many things, but she is poor that she does not have a river.”

Jalal walked closer towards Jodha. He touched her shoulders softly and leaned towards her ears. “Are you ready to go, My Love?”

Jodha bit her lips while looked back at his eyes. She was having goosebumps when he addressed her. It is not a dream! She assured herself. “I am ready to go with you anytime anywhere, My Lord...” She replied.

Jalal signed the boatmen to prepare the vessel to leave. He got in the boat and gave his hand to Jodha to get in. Both of them found themselves comfortable in the seats under the shade as the boat started moving, the oars synchronizing with the euphony of the river. The gentle breeze swept in their faces, the moonlight showering blessings over them. Jodha leaned over and touched the water, her eyes closed with an exceptional happiness when the soothing waves kissed the fingers of her hands. They were slowly going away from the bank, leaving the gorgeous nightlife of Agra fort far. In front there is nothing but water; and as the silvery beam of the moon glows in the reflection of river, and the silence of the night sky adorns the whole environment with a blissful peace, she suddenly feels as if the door of that paradise has opened... just like how she had imagined it once... now she is free from every burden this world had loaded her with; she can ride through the silvery way of moon now, to reach to the land of love and peace along with her love in her side...

And then she felt a strong arm carefully touching her shoulder, embracing her from behind to protect her from any mishap while leaning. She touched that hand with her left hand and squeezed it gently. She took a full breath, then turned to look at his eyes. His eyes were full of love and affection as he smiled back. “Careful. Don’t fall down. I won’t let you drown anyways but you won’t want to wet yourself in this time of night.” He said.

“Or maybe I would...” Jodha said as the water kissed through her fingertips. “This night, the weather, the breeze, the water... as if every element of the nature is calling me to unite with them. I won’t mind now if the silvery beam of moon engross me and take me away right now... ”

“Don’t even think of that.” Jalal said with a pretended grudge which clutching her shoulder more strongly. “I would see which silvery beam of which moon of this universe has the power of take away the queen of Jalaluddin Mohammad.”

Jodha was about to chuckle, but there was something in his eyes that stopped her. Instead she kept on gazing at his eyes, lost in those intense orbs...“Maybe there is not, My Lord... There is no power in this universe who can break this bond and take this queen away from her Emperor!” She whispered after a long time.

A long moment passed in between. The only sound audible was the song of the oars and the water.

“Suddenly the silence is overwhelming. Why are not we talking?” Jalal asked in a mild tone.

Jodha did not say anything, but smiled with a blush, hiding her face away and touched the water again.

“The beauty of this river blinded you in such a say that you forget you have a company?” He said. “I might get offended, Begam Sahiba.”

“No, My Lord, the beauty of this place has engrossed us in such a way, there is no individuality left. We both are one under this sky, we have same entity, same soul...” Jodha said in light stone, her voice dreamy.

“Really? I don’t feel like being one entity. Make me feel it.” He came more close, gripped her tighter.

Jodha bit her lips as she played with the waters... “How would you feel it if you sit on that pedestal of the emperor and don’t interact with the river?” Her shy smile changed into mischief all of a sudden as instantly she sprinkled the water in his face with playful giggle. “Now? The cold water making you feel? Come on, have some more...”

Jalal’s face was half wet along with the velvet seats of the royal boat. Jalal smiled brightly and pulled her closer to his chest. He leaned towards her face, his lips almost touching hers as he could breathe in her aura. His forehead touched her, their noses played with each other, his eyes stared deep into her eyes and he murmured- “Now I feel, My Lady!”

She held her breath as his hands moved around her torso and she embraced him in the neck, negating the minimal distance between them. His arms gripped her waist, she cupped his jawline, closed her eyes, and their lips touched. slowly the passion grew like fire, flowed in their blood, through their veins... They grew more intense, sharing the heat of passion through the kiss... It was passionate, it was wild... and as they absorbed each other fully, they could feel their souls connecting... becoming one.

They kissed for the first time as Chandrajeet and Purnima; the kiss ensured their separation, a closure to the togetherness... Today as they sealed their soul together with this kiss, they promised the journey of togetherness to each other, binding each other in an unbreakable bond forever...

The moon in the sky was witness to all of this. She smiled quickly before hiding her face under the veil of clouds...

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Abdul stretched his hands in lethargy as the leather seat of the platform really making his back stiff. Abdul was a great horseman once, but after losing his leg it is a little tough to maintain the same physical fitness. Sometimes it makes him really frustrated. Though the Emperor has done more than enough to repent the irreparable loss, and still tries to mend that fact in every way possible, he cannot give Abdul another leg and that is a fact. Abdul can never run again, can never go to a war, cannot go to hunting on his own, cannot even participate in a swordfight. Hell, he even has to think twice before getting up from a seating position with stiffened back depending on a crutch.

Suddenly the air felt exceptionally heavy, Abdul found it hard to breath. The whole world around him is going on like before, even the silliest of the silly persons has full control over his body, but that very basic right is snatched cruelly from Abdul. People keep on saying he is doing very good, he is shining in his career, he is overcoming all the physical difficulties with determination... the people who have two legs... who have no idea what it is like. No one knows what it is like to be judged by thousand of eyes drooling with worthless pity all the time; what it is like to fetch help in every single task of daily life; how it feels when your fiery youth is restrained forever, your future is covered under a forbidden dark veil and all dreams you see becomes a mocking joke.

“Do you want some more drink, Huzur?” A monotonous voice of an eunuch brought Abdul back. “No thanks.” He sighed unmindfully and looked at the river. It was quiet soothing night for an imperial boat ride. The wind, the flow of river, everything seems to be perfect. They have already gone far from the bank of the river. The boat was looking like a dot from where he sat. His Majesty will not return anytime soon. Abdul cannot leave until he comes back. But right now Abdul cannot be here... The air was suffocating, the stiffened back had started to mock him. Even the expressionless face of the eunuch waiter seemed to flood in pity as he spoke. Generally Abdul runs and hides himself under a pile of works in these situations. But in this lonely night in a jetty platform surrounded with strangers with pitiful face where will he run and hide? Where can he find his refuge?

He groped for his crutch and struggled to get up. The waiter tried to assist him, only to get rejected rudely. “I got it, do your own job and mind own business!” Abdul suddenly got too mad to hold himself. Ignoring the surprised face of the eunuch he carried himself towards the river bank, away from all the lights and glory. Despite being a royal servant from beginning he suddenly started despising all of it. He needed some air, some silence... some darkness to take shelter in.

He struggled to climb down the stairs and stood at the last step. The quiet waves of the river was sweeping over his toes... He kept staring at that, the only limb he has today to support all his balance... He inhaled sharply as his eyes ran through the void where his other leg was supposed to be. The horrific experience of the ‘punishment’- the slow process of detaching the limb from his body suddenly trembled him from the core. The punisher is no more, all the hatred for him has gone along with him... but at this moment Abdul felt as if Bairam Khan’s untimely death was not enough, nothing in this entire world would not be enough for him to make him forgive, to make him forget. The heart clenched and he wanted to scream away the agony...

“Are you alright?”

A sweet, modest voice; almost unfamiliar. But Abdul felt someone caressed his wounds with utter care as he looked at the speaker. She was sitting on the stair, almost mingled in the shadow of darkness, but Abdul could see her eyes today. How do her eyes resembles so much to Abdul’s imagination? Abdul remembers vaguely that day when he went to imperial Harem to handover the Emperor’s gift to Jodha Begam, had seen those beautiful hands under the veil for the first time and imagined how she looks like in his entire dream. The memory was vague, because he had walked in a spell for next couple of days after that, then he tried to bury everything inside- assuming everything to be a dream. Today it was entirely different. Today the dream approached to him, but he was not spellbound. Rather he felt something else deep inside his heart. Something he did not feel for a long time, something he forgot he could ever feel... He felt a soothing comfort. That day Abdul was mesmerized in her mystic aura. Today he felt peace.

“Are you alright?” She repeated again, her voice was touched with worry. “You look disturbed. Can you sit down?”

“I am fine, thank you, My Lady.” Abdul managed to speak tenderly with his royal courtesy. “I came here to get some fresh air, Did not notice you. Sorry if I interrupted your solitude.”

“It’s alright. You can sit here if you want, I will be going.” She was about to get up. Abdul suddenly got brave enough. “If you don’t mind My Lady, we both can sit together. Would you like to be my company?”

She looked startled at first, little agitated even. Eventually the lines of her face smoothened after she understood Abdul means nothing bad. “Please...” She said with a modest smile and made space beside her. Abdul sat keeping quite a decent space in between. He tried to concentrate towards the flow of river, but his disobedient eyes were much eager to steal a look beside him. She has pulled her veil again as he sat beside, her eyes are not visible anymore. But she has kept her hand beside her on the stairs, the fingers casually moving the dusts and watery soil, sometimes playing with the pebbles. She has perfect fingers- he thought... A slight smile came in his lips, soothed his heart, and he forcefully removed his eyes.

“You are the head companion of the Rajputani Queen, I presume? I think we have met before, when I went in the Harem with the gift from His Majesty.” He tried to start small talk after a long time.

She looked at him unmindfully, and nodded after a long pause. “Head attendant of Queen Jodha Begam, yes.”

“My name is Abdul Khan. I used to be the personal attendant of His Majesty before. Now I head the internal intelligence of the Emperor.” Abdul tried to move forward with the acquaintance.

“Yes I figured. Heard about you.” She did not show much interest. But something rang in Abdul’s ears. She has heard about him. What she heard about him? All the pity talks that flows in Harem gossip? How poor Abdul’s leg was chopped off by the supreme commander of Mughal Empire because of his disobedience for him? Does she knows Abdul as a sheer example of Bairam Khan’s viciousness and hold on the Emperor himself? Does she knows him like everyone else, and pities him like everyone else under the cover of respect? Abdul again felt he was unable to breath anymore. All the peace he felt just a moment ago was strangulating him with double force. He closed his eyes, tried hard to overcome the feelings; tried to accept the fact that he has to live like this only- no matter what he does for the Empire from now, his status will always be of an example of Bairam Khan’s ruthless control.

“I heard about how you saved Our Emperor’s life...” She spoke after a while, her voice did not change it’s scale, it did not drowned in pity, did not flooded with fake modesty. She spoke as if she was simply stating the fact. “You are a brave man. Brave and loyal. Not everyone dares to cross Rajputana’s dessert on their feet for sake of his lord.”

“How... you...” Abdul was astonished. He could only stammer, unable to form the sentence. Suddenly the memories of those toughest days in dessert started flashing in front of his eyes. The memories that he himself had buried under the trauma of losing the legs. The scorching heat of Rajputana was perhaps more brutal than Bairam Khan’s punishment, but there was a satisfaction in his heart that time; a determination that he has to save his Emperor. Yes, he completed that toughest trip on his feet, he did that. He was able to reach the Mughal camp, send help to save the Emperor’s life. That satisfied feelings overwhelmed his heart, faster than the strangulation... And he wondered how this girl could remind him of the pride he should have borne in his heart this all time.

“No one told me all the details, but I figured.” She smiled in mystic. “I happen to know some of the incidents about His Majesty’s journey in Amer, how he got stuck and you were the one with him. I am a Rajputani, I know how harsh the dessert can be to a human; and how much bravery it takes to cross it by feet. Apart from this, I am loyal to my lady, I know exactly how a real loyal person feels. How much proud you must have been felt when you could complete what you determined to.”

Suddenly a soft gentle breeze past through them. She was looking at him now. Her veil was not covering her whole face anymore. Abdul could see her eyes... her big beautiful eyes filled with compassion and support, so deep where Abdul could drown himself without caring to float up again... Both of them did not talk for a long long time, but the song of the river and the hush of the breeze filled for whatever silence the darkness had stored for them.

“Thank you.” He said after a while back, all of a sudden, in an unmindful moment.

She smiled. “Maybe I should not say anything like this... but... life is much bigger than loss, and living is much difficult than suffering. Maybe it is necessary to leave the suffering behind and take the tougher path?”

“What... what do you...” Abdul was surprised again.

“All those lights, all those people... they don’t let you live in peace when you are alone, isn’t it?” She said in the same monotone. “That’s why you are sitting here in the dark, searching for shelter in the silence? I know...” She sighed. “Sometimes some losses are unrepairable; but still the life goes on, like this river. I just... I just sit here when I can and try to accept this truth every day. Sometimes I do, and I disown it the next moment... Maybe I will finally accept one day. Maybe you should, as well!”

Abdul chuckled this time, a pang of sadness came out with that smile. “You don’t even know me, but you read me like an open book!”

She smiled. “Because sometimes eyes are enough to understand who is lost.”

“Who are you? An angel to show me the reality of life?” Abdul could not stop expressing his amaze anymore.

She chuckled again and shook her head. “Losing a body part is not always the greatest loss, Abdul Ji. Some losses are greater than that. I am just a poor woman, trying cope with that loss, that’s all.” She looked at the sky and sighed. “You lost a limb in your war of proving your loyalty, I lost a piece of my heart while doing so... Maybe not very different from each other...”

“Whom did you lose?” Abdul asked cautiously.

She did not answer. Maybe that was the part where she felt the need of pulling the curtain of privacy. “Maybe I should not have spoken so much, Abdul Ji. Pardon me if I have said something wrong unknowingly.”

The silence prevailed between them all of a sudden. But Abdul was not feeling strangled anymore. Someone had touched his heart with a magical wand of peace, reciting the mantra of living. Life is bigger than loss, living is more difficult than suffering. Why not choosing the bigger path, the tougher path? He looked at the lady beside him once again, who was lost in the small waves of water, whose eyes were now shining with tears... Abdul’s heart clenched all of a sudden. Whom did you lose, mystic lady? Who was lucky enough to have your heart? Who was that much unfortunate to be the reason of your tears?

Maybe Abdul will never be that lucky enough. But even in that clenched pain of heartbreak, he could feel the comfort. Maybe Abdul can’t have her, but today she has touched his heart... Not many man can be fortunate enough to feel that!

There was suddenly sounds of hoot behind. Turning around, Abdul figured two horses probably coming for him. She also saw it, and was about to leave.

“Maybe there is some official news from the court. I should leave... It is already late, I have to prepare for the queen’s arrival as well.” She said while getting up.

“At least tell me your name before you leave, Mahotarma... I might like to know that after such a nice conversation...” Abdul said in a decent voice suppressing the excitement.

She looked at his eyes for a moment. Then she smiled. “Moti Bai.” She said before disappearing.

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Chahe aandhi aye re, chahe megha chahe re,

Hume tu uss paar leka jana manjhi re...

The folk tune mixed with the constant melody of the river, had created a magical ambience. The air was quiet, and the moon was smiling from under the veil of soft cloud, and the whole river showered in the glowing silvery moonlight. Jodha was gazing at the horizon, her head resting softly on Jalal’s shoulder. His embrace had enveloped her whole body like a cocoon, his fingers running through her hairs, his lips occasionally touching her head and face with sheer affection. They were no longer under the shade of the boat, the sky over their head was beyond all limits now, their minds could roam boundlessly in the deepness of the sky riding the path of the moonlight. Jodha slowly put her hand on his chest and caressed lovingly as he held her hand and started playing with the fingers. Both of their hands clasping each other, fingers tangled in each other, forming a unbreakable bond... Jodha took a deep breath in the fresh air when a gentle wind swept through them, eyes closed, hands gripped by another hand, and suddenly she felt she has achieved a kind of freedom she has always wanted from her life. No, the wide sky did not give her that, neither did the gentle breeze of the river... She felt the joy of that ultimate freedom in that tight bond of hands... And she realized freedom is not a magical state which floats in the secrets of nature... rather it is the simplest feeling... which lives inside the deepest happiness of a human.

Had she ever thought she will get this much of happiness? Is this a dream? She asked her heart.

No, this is the reality you deserve. Her heart answered smiling.

“Ooo Manjhi re, Jaiyo Piyaa ke desh...”

The tune of the folk was spreading across the night sky now, the sky, the wind, the water of the river swinging along with it. Jodha tried to mingle her voice in that euphony...

“Hum tum kitne paas hay, kitne dur hay chand sitare...

Sach puchho to mann ko jhute lagte hay ye sare..

Magar sacche lagte hay, yeh dharti, yeh nadiyaan, yeh raina...

Or... tum... ”

Jalal had embraced her more tightly as she played with the melody in her voice. He leaned and smelled in her hairs passionately, then kissed on her forehead affectionately... “Still feels like a magical dream ride, isn’t it?” He said.

“No My Lord...” She smiled. “This is real, that’s why this is so beautiful...”

She grew more intense to him, he touched her nose with his nose and cuddled her. “You are beautiful.” He uttered.

She blushed and touched his forehead with hers, giggling silently. “You too... she whispered after a while.”

They were floating at the middle of the calm river, the beauty of the nature embracing them as the night grew. The glorious fort at the bank of the river was looking like some dots of light now, the other sides had mingled in soft darkness of the full moon night. “I wish I could live here all my life.” Jodha uttered as she snuggled in Jalal’s chest.

“You can. All you have to do is to wish for it.” Jalal said. “My Lady, don’t forget who your husband is.”

Jodha smiled. “What will you do?”

Jalal pointed out at a place in the river, his voice was dreamy. “Over there, I would build a great palace... biggest of the universe, something no one has done before. It will be made of white marbles which I will import specially, the ones who will shine like moonlight in the dark. The palace will be veiled with the cover of mist, and only reveal itself when moonlight falls in it. Alone in the river, the palace will yearn for the moments of togetherness, will witness how the flow of life is embellished in the lyrics of the river... and when the moment will come, a small, wooden boat will come; there will be no expert boatman, no bodyguard, no stuff in royal uniform. I will row the boat myself, and you will be standing at the window with a lamp in your hand. That dim light of that lamp will be my guide in this flow... I will cross the river, I will reach to that light... We will meet again...”

“And when it is not full moon, when there will be no moonlight, when the palace will hide itself under the veil of mist? How would we meet?” Jodha asked, her eyes lost in dreams too.

“We don’t. You will stand near the window of your palace, I will stand at my window. You will lit one lamp, I will kindle another one. The pale gleam of the lamp will penetrate through the veil of mist, will reach out to each other... and we will find each other in that sparkle of light...” Jalal said. “And every night in each other’s room, we will look forward to the full moon night, will count days... and then once it will become real, it will be beautiful... Just like today!”

“Right after being together after such a long wait, you want to create distance again? You want the hours of yearning to grow?” Jodha said.

“The melody of love is written in the note of yearning, my dear...” Jalal uttered, kissing her ears.

Jodha smiled. “But what do I do when I miss you so much that I feel my heart will stop beating?”

“Maybe you will sing a song, and I will answer you in your heart?”

“And when I want to touch you?”

“Write a letter to me, and my reply will bring that touch...”

Jodha chuckled suddenly. Then a fake resentment touched her voice. “I will be in isolation, completely engrossed in the thoughts of my love in the mist, and there will be in that fort, taking care of affairs, barely thinking about me?”

“My Love, if only you knew, taking care of affairs in that fort is worse than being imprisoned in the palace of mist.” Jalal laughed.

“Then escape from that... Let us go together in that palace of mist inside the river...” Jodha whispered.

Jalal sighed. “If only I could... But that is my life, I cannot escape from my life.”

Jodha caressed his hairs affectionately. “Then I won’t go as well... I will be right there beside you as you live your life... and when it feels too strangulating, I will be there to sooth your heart.”

Jalal kissed her hand. “But the palace will be here though. Maybe one day we will escape together, take a refuge in here?” He took a long breath, as if he was able to see the imaginary palace in front of his eyes. “That will be named as Jodha-Mahal. When we all be gone, lost in time, maybe History will forget as well, the palace of your name will be still here, to tell people that once there was an emperor, who had built this great palace for his beloved queen. I will be alive in your name.”

“No My Lord...” Jodha said fondly, but there was a proud determination in her voice. “When we all be gone, but you will remain immortal in History, when people will remember Emperor Jalaluddin Mohammad centuries after centuries, will give examples of his names, that will not be for the palace you made for your queen, but for the great nation that you created in your lifetime... and I will always be there when they remember you eras after eras, maybe my name will fade eventually, but the proud imprint of my heart will stay alive in all your achievements, that will be remain immortal along with your name...” Her voice shook in emotion as she spoke. “I don’t want to be remembered in a structure of bricks and rocks, My Lord... I want to be stay alive along with you... And I know I will, I believe that is written in my destiny now.”

Jalal stared at her eyes mesmerized. All of a sudden he pulled her, cupped her face and kissed passionately in her lips again. Jodha sunk in his lips, their heart melted together... This time the kiss was warm and soft, carrying emotions from one heart to other. “I love you. I love you so much that you cannot imagine...” He whispered emotionally after the kiss, confessed his deepest feelings for the first time in three simple words. She smiled shyly, her eyes filling with tears slowly. “I love you too...” She confessed back.

The boat floated along, both of them sat together, mingled with each other in there journey to the paradise of love. Feeling safe inside the cocoon of Jalal’s embrace, Jodha closed her eyes, and sang along with the tune of river...

“Kuch jana juch anjana sa mujhko to woh lage,

Sare raina sapna banke do aankho me jage...

Bade acche lagte hay,

Yeh tare, nazaare, yeh chanda...

Or tum...

Yeh dharti, yeh sagaar, ye chanda...

Or... tum...”

They thought their dream journey would be never ending. But every good thing has to come to an end. Suddenly the calmness of the environment broke when the boatman caught the flares in sky. The guards from the coast were sending red alarm. The Emperor is needed right now.

Sighing a little, Jalal ordered the boatman to move back. But he smiled as he saw the face of Jodha who was smiling at him. Probably it is important to get out of dream as well... Because he will have to write his love-story in the pages of his achievements in History... The story, which destiny wrote only for both of them, the story- which will change the life of the whole nation one day...

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The boat anchored down in the pier, Jalal helped Jodha getting down. Abdul was standing along with two horsemen, evidently worried. It is Abdul who has called out emergency. Jalal’s brows automatically frowned as worry started overpowering his refreshed mind. If Abdul is the one to interrupt in the private evening of the Emperor, the situation is not a simple one.

“What is it, Abdul?” He asked without wasting a simple moment.

“I am very sorry to disturb, Your Majesty... I am sorry My Lady!” Abdul apologized earnestly to both the Emperor and the Queen. “Suddenly such a news arrived that I could not decide if the situation can wait...”

“Of course the Empire comes first Abdul, you should not have any second thought about this.” Jalal said. “What is the situation?”

Abdul hesitatingly looked at Jodha. “You can say in front of Begam Sahiba, Abdul.” Jalal reassured.

Abdul took a breath. “These two gentlemen work closely in internal intelligence. They report me about the current situations across the empire. I just got a news from them, which made me worried, Majesty.” He paused and looked at one of the spies. “Kismat, why don’t you describe the whole incident in front of His Majesty?”

Kismat bowed and started speaking. “Your Majesty, there is a small village near Sambhal with Hindu majority. There has been reports of communal unrest there. Yesterday evening, a large group of Hindu rebels gathered to show resistance against the administration. Some of Mughal guards were injured during this. The enraged subedar of the place ordered to fire cannons, and nearly twenty people were killed... officially. After running a routine investigation things looked complicated. Surely some instigation was there.” He paused for a moment then started again. “There was some chaos going on with a very popular temple. Someone had tampered with the purity and respect of the deity there by putting a piece of meat somewhere. After the firing things escalated, even more lives were sacrificed... It looked like a conspiracy to break the harmony there.”

Jalal’s frown grew large while listening. He looked at Jodha for a moment, who looked almost pale and horrified. Was she remembering the incident happened in that broken temple near Amer border where she had found him? The temple which were vandalized by Mughal soldiers? And she is able to relate herself with those villagers who wanted to ignite their fury for one time, maybe? All of a sudden a huge burden of guild almost hunched Jalal’s back, the depth of the incident in that nameless village hurt somewhere in deep.

“Why don’t you go and take rest, Begam Sahiba? Let your maids and guards escort you. I am sorry I am not able to spend the rest of the evening with you.” He offered, partially to save her from the stress of hearing this incident. Jodha nodded and proceeded to leave as the guards escorted her. Jalal sighed a little and turned to Kismat. He was all serious and professional in a moment.

“What is the unofficial statement that you are not telling me?” He asked.

The man gulped in hesitation. “The village is completely terrorized now, Mughal soldiers have scattered it completely. A lot of men were arrested randomly and were blown with cannon, countless women are missing. However, the place is quiet now, no sign of unrest.”

“That’s not calm, that is a deadly silence which will tell upon us.” Jalal frowned deeply. “Who gave the order of using cannons on villagers?”

“The subedar of the place is Seikh Ajmal Kafur. He is a loyal and responsible man to the court.” Abdul answered on Kismat’s behalf. “As he reported, the rebels made havoc chaos, Mughals were endangered, there was no choice left.”

Even a loyal courtier and a responsible administrator can do blunders as well. Or sometimes situations leads them to take decisions which are not good in long term. Or sometimes the personal justice takes control, does not care about systematic judiciary. This is vindictive, and no way to stop it by charging the courtiers. Jalal sighed again, pinching his eyes.

“Send order to Ajmal Kafur to meet me in royal court along with presenting a complete report. Send some delicate officials in that village to normalize the whole unrest. I want to take control of this myself.” He said after some time. “Let’s handle it such a way so that this unfortunate random incident does not escalate any further and peace comes back.”

He was about to dismiss them when Abdul opened his mouth, a worrisome gloom darkening his voice. “I am afraid this is not a random incident, Majesty...”

“What do you mean?” Jalal frowned. “You gave a hint of conspiracy, but it might be an action of some rouge hot-blooded scoundrel who wanted a chaos. Is there any reason of thinking otherwise?”

“I would think so, Your Majesty. But it is the third time I am receiving this kind of reports.” Abdul sighed. “First time I ignored it since situation was under control. Second time I could not decide if I was overthinking. Now I am confident that there is a pattern.”

“What?” Jalal almost shouted. “Why weren’t I reported? When these happened?”

“Forgive, My Lord. The last reports came during the last week, when the searches were completely directed towards finding the head of the assassin attack in forest. This thing merely crossed mind back then, but...” Abdul gulped. “Both the incidents took place in some minor villages near Delhi and the capital. The first incident thankfully had minimal casualty, however there are darkness with the second one. But thing is in both cases someone or something triggered the rebels, causing a sudden eruption of rage between mass. If we put these in a single line, it looks like someone is playing with the psych of the rebels and the administrators of those places like pawns.”

Something chilled Jalal from inside, which rarely happens to him. “Are you sure these are the only cases?”

Abdul bent his head. “Majesty, we must admit that not all the small incidents happening all over the Empire comes under our radar always. There are a lot of admiral officers who do not care to report in capital after disciplining a group of Hindus.”

Jalal palmed his face and closed his eyes. Then taking a long breath he geared up. “Call a meeting Abdul, right now. Only you, me and Adga Sahab. Need to strategize everything.”

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Moti was noticing Jodha for quite a long time now. She was unmindful for some reason. Unmindful and gloomy- contrary to the very good mood she is in these days usually. Moti knows Jodha from her core, she understands her before she herself can. And this melancholy in her face was terrifyingly reminding her of the house-arrested princess’s condition in Amer.

There was no reason of this depressed mood that Moti could think of. The last night before going to the boat-ride with the Emperor Jodha was literally glowing in excitement and anticipation. She was suddenly extra choosy about her dress, make-over and jewelries, undoing and redoing her hair at least thrice, repeatedly asking Moti if she is looking enough beautiful for the evening. The brightness in her face had made Moti content after a long time, as she realized Jodha has at last got back the smile she lost, along with the true happiness she deserves. Moti had anticipated that Jodha will come late at night if she returns in the Harem at all, and they will spend the rest of the night listening to Jodha’s wonderful experience of first official date with her husband. But Jodha returned earlier, was not escorted by the Emperor since he was stuck with something serious, and she suddenly looked tired and lost in thoughts. Jodha had not spoken to Moti since then, and now while sitting in front of the idol in the temple she was unmindfully making the garland, her eyes fixed but her soul not there. She did not offer any song today, was not humming, was not even attentive to her regular worship routine. While rubbing the sandalwood block to make the Chandan paste Moti could not help herself anymore from asking Jodha the reason behind her silence.

“You are scaring me Kunwari Sa. What happened last night?” She asked directly.

Jodha did not answer. Did not seem like she hear anything. Moti was about to repeat the question when she answered. “Nothing happened. Everything was great. We spend a great time together.”

“Then?” Moti pressed.

“Then nothing... can you pass me that plate?” Jodha tried to force herself back in the real world.

“Rajkunwari Sa... Tell me.” Moti held Jodha’s hand and looked at her eyes. “Something must have happened.”

Jodha smiled delicately, but her eyes radiated sadness. “Everything was fine Moti, everything is fine. But I don’t know why...” She sighed. “The moment I feel in my heart that there is no difference between us anymore, that nothing can do us apart, the harsh reality slaps me hard and somehow manages to show me that we are so different to each-other, there is nothing common between us... And that line of difference is so hard to ignore.”

“You both have found each other, accepted each other as soulmates. How can be possibly any difference between you?” Moti protested. “If there was any, your dedication has dissolved that long ago.”

“Maybe in our heart, in our soul we are same. But the society? It has drawn such a strong line between us, that is so evident that we cannot overlook even after trying. The society won’t let us to.” Jodha sighed.

“Are you talking about the difference in religion? Or the fact that you are Rajputani, he is a Mughal Emperor?” Intelligent Moti could catch the notion of Jodha’s voice. “I thought these things do not matter in love. Love happens between two souls.”

“But relationship happens between two people, two family... and for the royals like us, between two states, two nations, two allies. It is more broader in my marriage Moti, our relationship happened between two completely different society, who are apparently enemies.” Jodha sighed. “I know it is the challenge he had to take in order to restore a healthy relation, I know I have to carry this out with all my effort... But you know, sometimes I fear if it will work or not... I fear if the burden of maintaining the relationship will tell upon the unconditional love... Sometimes I wished if there were no burden at all, no difference at all!”

“You are overthinking.” Moti assured. “You know I realized one thing after coming in Agra... Mughals are not very different than us. Remember the stories about Mughals we used to culture in Amer? How we grew up with the stories of Mughals being barbaric savage demons? Remember the cruel rumors we heard always about Mughal Harem? How much scared we all were when you marriage was fixed thinking you will have to live a life of imprisonment in hell. It is funny how all perspective changed here, we are knowing every day that Harem is not very different from Amer’s indoors... Sure, these people are different, their background, culture, religion, food habit, thought-process everything is different; but they are for sure as humane as we are.” A slight smile touched her face. “We used to think Mughal men are synonymous to devil of hell. But today all of us know how great a human His Majesty is. Not only Him, there are other people here who are as humble, loyal and good as Rajputs, who wakes respect in heart. I met such a person yesterday...” She stopped. “Anyways, what I want to say is there is no difference at all. This is just like any other marriage, you don’t have to bear any extra burden. You love him, he loves you. That’s all matter.”

Jodha smiled tiredly. “You are telling the very obvious truth Moti. Sadly, truth does not lead the society, people does. Your realization works between this fort as you get to know them, the difference does not matter to me as I accepted him in my heart... But the world does not revolve around this realization. The people outside this fort, the common men are the driving force of the society... Who will erase the line of difference from their heart? Who will remove the trace of hatred and replace that with essence of love? As long that difference stays, our marriage will be in the face of challenge... always.” She looked ardently at her deity. “Hey Kanha... you have created all the men, then why they fight and take lives in your name? Why people who worship you has to die in the hands of torturers because they were true to their devotion? Please take away this hatred, God, don’t let them kill and suffer...” She inhaled deeply as tear dropped from her eyes. “You know Moti, I was so happy and proud when he built this temple for me. I felt as if I have become successful in reserving my root, my entity in this completely changed world. But after last night, after hearing that...” she confessed. “Today I feel this temple is just a sign of royal luxury, a valuable gift of an emperor to his wife- nothing else. The people outside are dying to protect their devotion, they are still forcefully being converted, their temples are vivisected, their homes burnt; and here I am living a luxurious life in Mughal Harem, completely saved from that fire. It feels wrong, Moti... And my marriage won’t be perfect till I can make this right.”

“The Emperor built the temple for you, Kunwari Sa. He broke the stereotype so that you can reserve your devotion freely. Maybe this is just a start? Who knows, maybe your love will be the one who will eradicate hatred from societies heart and feel it with essence of love?” Moti touched Jodha’s shoulder. “Maybe you heard something that has disturbed you, you are scared to lose what you get. But I know you will get pass this, and you yourself will lead the society to the truth that we have realized. Your marriage will be the one who will show the path.”

Jodha was silent for a moment. Then she smiled. “Thanks Moti.” She touched her hand. “You are right. I have to do it. I will do it.” She took a long breath. “The hatred will dissolve when the distance goes away, then only people realize the truth. One day we will wipe away that distance, bring the essence of love and happiness.”

“Ranima?”

A timid voice at the doorstep caught both of their attention. It was a little surprise, since no one in this Mughal Harem addresses a queen as ranima. Jodha looked up. An elderly woman was standing outside the door followed by some other women of different ages. All of them were wearing the same dress, similar set of iron pendent hanging from their neck. They were a group of countless Hindu maid-slaves of this Harem- the few among lot who were bought by royals once upon a time and has been living their entire life serving for the queens and concubines since then. They had no opportunity to protect their roots and beliefs like Jodha had, hence the memories of their upbringing fades constantly, and the guilt of not regarding their devotion kills them every day. Until today, when some of them could gather enough courage to face the queen, the Hindu queen of the Harem who is like them in this completely different world.

“Ranima... Can we...” The elderly woman was stammering, fear was evident among them. Jodha stood up and went to the doorstep. Her eyes were shining with tears.

“You want to join me in the worship, right?” She asked.

The group of women silently looked at her, their eyes melting in gratitude. “This is the home of God, no one can stop you from coming here. This temple is yours as much as this is mine.” Jodha declared. “You can come here whenever you want, and pass this to your fellows as well. Worshipping the God you believe is your right, and Rani Jodha Bai will protect that right of yours.”

The group of slaves sat together on the floor and touched Jodha’s feet before entering inside. There were tears of gratitude in everyone’s eyes, their face glowing in an unforeseen delight. As they sat together, placed their offerings on God’s feet, started chanting together, Moti and Jodha looked at each other. Jodha acknowledged Moti’s sensible smile with a proud smile. She was wrong all along, this temple is not just a royal luxury... this is a hope for countless people like this group of women. She is the ray of hope for those people, her marriage is the path of hope for them. She will keep on being the hope for them forever, she has to bring the light... She knows she will be able to do this. Because he will always be there by her.

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Originally posted by: Shinning_Stuti

Link to previous threads:

THREAD 1

Thread 2

Index:

Chapter 45

Chapter 46

Chapter 47

Chapter 48

Chapter 49

Chapter 50

Chapter 51

Chapter 52

Chapter 53

Chapter 54

Chapter 55

Chapter 56

Chapter 57