Thread 3: Destined Love... (Chapter 61 updated) - Page 79

Originally posted by: SundariP

Another update is up and I didn't even realise...

So... Did you read?😃

Originally posted by: Akdha_Saumya

Updatum karwami🥺🥺

Tathastu

Originally posted by: Shinning_Stuti

So... Did you read?😃

Yup, read it in a hurry, need to read again.

Originally posted by: Shinning_Stuti

Tathastu

Kahan h mera update?😭

Love the prologue.

Chapter 58

“I don’t understand, is it really that crucial matter that needs prioritized attention setting everything aside?” Adga Sahab suggested thoughtfully. “A lot of things are going on, repeated attacks on the Emperor, traitors at loose, battles in hand, the load of changed military policy and everything... internal investigating force is supposed to be handling these things first. But you are suggesting them to keep everything aside and find out the reason between a negligible incident of a small village? I know it is necessary to check for mass revolts, but how can it come before assassin attack on the Emperor?”

Jalal was rubbing his eyes with fingers after the long sleepless days and nights in a row. After constant meetings with different officials throughout yesterday, he just finished the formal court session, taking official statements from the officials present at the village of Sambhal. However, nothing had any solidified proof. The administration had every reason to take necessary actions, the peace has come back under their supervision already. The incident looks like nothing but a temporary phase which should be forgotten after a time-being. Apparently the other two incidents that Abdul was talking about had no trace left anymore. Jalal could have issued a thorough search, could send officials there to get direct control, but he had refrained himself from doing so after a quick thought. The higher-ranked officers, admirals, commander generals and ministers had no interest in going deep in that matter personally, and annoyance was quite visible in their face. The priest community was happy neither. None would approve the Emperor’s too much compassion over an apparent petty incident which was taken care of already; rather might accuse him of becoming the puppet of his Hindu relatives. Jalal is a head-strong emperor who gets his job done without thinking about anybody, but even he has to know where to stop. The last time his open rules has costed him many loyal courtiers including Khan Baba, this time he would not lose some more of them because of a sick conspiracy. Besides, anyone among all these courtiers can be the conspirator- he had calculated. Rest of them might be loyal to the throne, but there is a clear line between Mughals and Hindus in their mind which they like to maintain. They cannot be neutral, and they won’t tolerate any biasness of the Emperor over a particular community. The only path left is to continue the secret investigation, control the matter from behind the cover, and reveal it only when you can punish them. That is why the current meeting is called in his room with only Adga Sahab whom he trusts the most.

He looked up tiredly. “I would not have worried much if this was a random incident, Adga Sahab. But if there is even a small chance of conspiracy, it will take no time to be strong enough to ignite fire in the whole empire. We must not forget what some people tried last time using Khan Baba as the face of the revolt. It is important, Adga Sahab, more important than figuring out who is trying to kill me... which is literally everybody actually.”

Adha Sahab smirked dryly. “Majesty, the people wanting Hindus becoming non-existent are literally everybody as well. If you start picking up between them, sooner there will be none left.”

“That does not mean I should compromise with the wrong Adga Sahab.” Jalal answered. “If this is the mindset of common courtiers, it has to change; or the structure of the court itself will change gradually. Look, I don’t want to rush ant decision since it is a real sensitive matter. All I want to do is a thorough investigation. So that if there is anything fishy we can go to the root of that. Are you with me in this?”

Adga Sahab smiled warmly, radiating affection in his eyes. “I am with you always, Your Majesty. If you want a complete investigation to find the pattern, I am here with all my strength. It won’t be easy, might put all our patience in trial after a while, but I promise you we will see the end of it. However, is there any name in your mind?”

Jalal closed his eyes to think. His suspect list is quite long, he was matching the modus operandi of them with the current pattern. “First name that comes to mind is Adham Khan. He is flying too high nowadays. But I don’t think this can be his game.” He said.

“What do you think of his mother?” Adga Sahab asked suddenly. “Is she clean in your eyes?”

“Badi Ammi... She...” Jalal sighed. “Honestly, she could be one of the suspects... she did not at all approve the healthy relationship with Hindus. But still, to plan a conspiracy throughout the whole Empire would need a big network; she won’t be able to control that from Harem. It is someone with a powerful hold of...” Jalal stopped abruptly all of a sudden, his eyes wide.

“Khwaja Moin, Adga Sahab.” He said in a gloomy tone. “That old man threatened me on my face. I just did not think he will operate so soon.”

“Khwaja Moin, Majesty? Are you sure?”

Jalal sighed. “He wanted me to actively help converting the Hindu Majority to Islam. Suggested me to start from Begam Jodha. Clearly did not approve me giving them importance. I clearly told him that he won’t get any political help regarding this matter; politics and religion both are completely different segments. It is possible that he wants to show me how both are not so different, rather dependent on each other; that religion can completely change the direction of politics any day!”

“By making people kill each other? What will he achieve by doing so?” Adga Sahab exclaimed. “He is a religious man after all.”

“A politically cunning religious man nonetheless. Maybe he wants to ensure the royal administration has no choice but to get involved and take control over the majority, just like it is happening in those villages. A long-term plan it is... make two of them fight, that fight will become war one day, the clash of the war will bring on an earthquake, the monarchy will shatter by it.” Jalal shook his head in worry. “God, if this is true I really don’t know what to do!”

“Pardon, Majesty, all these are assumptions.” Adga Sahab tried to console him.

“I know... but I cannot shake the feeling, Adga Sahab. Call it an instinct.” Jalal said. “If even one percent of this is true we have to stop it in the root!”

“Of course, My Lord. But we must not forget one thing. If this is Khwaja Moin then the accusation is big, Majesty. He is one of the faces of the whole religious community. You cannot question him based on some doubts; even if we find some proofs against him it will never be enough to arrest him” Adga Sahab warned. “He is a big name among priests, not some mere followers of a particular gang; we cannot even keep people in dark and do something beyond law with him. Majesty, allow me to suggest something. A secret investigation can go on, but don’t take any decision in haste, let’s think again about the next step. Any wrong step in this whole thing can cost you the crown.”

Jalal nodded silently. Then looked at Adga Sahab’s face. “What do you suggest?”

“Maybe keep on the investigation as it is going, and try to figure out the next incident on the row.” Adga Sahab said after a thought. “Even in randomness there have to be a pattern. Maybe if we can break it we can stop these. There has to be some counter strike majesty, we have to find that.”

Jalal sighed a little before dismissing Adga Sahab for other duties. “If you could help doing one more thing, Adga Sahab. I want to hear from Bakshi Banu begam. If possible, I would like to send a letter to her along with a courtesy letter to her husband.” He requested. The brotherly concern had softened his eyes. The threat of Khwaja Moin on his sister did not sound harmless to him now.

“As you wish, Majesty.” Adga Sahab bade and went off.

Jalal stretched his body on the seat and tried to take a small nap in order to revive energy. But he discovered his body is actively repelling any type of rest right now. He decided for a walk instead and came out of his palace. It was a soothing afternoon. The Sun had started its journey towards West, the heat of the noon replaced by a gentle breeze from the direction of the river. The birds chirping back to nest. As he walked through the pebbled path of Anguri Baag, he felt his nerves relaxing. The well-maintained garden is shining like always along with the gorgeous palaces of Harem. The maids and servants of the inner palace seemed busy in preparation of lighting the palace. Only after a few minutes Sun will set, the soothing light of the twilight will darken more and more as evening will come. But the palaces of Agra Fort will never be dark, it will glow with even more blaze and glory as darkness prevails the sky. Just like the glory of Mughal Empire, he thought. Only, the burden of keeping that light to glow forever falls upon him; and he cannot fail in this test.

“Pranaam, Your Majesty...” The sweet voice drew his attention as he felt someone caressed his agitated nerves with a soothing touch. He turned with a smile and acknowledged. “Good Afternoon, Begam Sahiba...”

Jodha was on the grass, half-bent, her fingers touching a just-blossomed yellow rose of a newly grown sapling earnestly. She was wearing a yellow Lahenga with green embroidery; her golden anklets sweeping casually in the grass; her hairs are tied in a bun and covered under her veil, still some of the disobedient locks are wandering freely all over her face, tangling with her nose-ring. There are some droplets of sweat shining in her forehead around her vermilion bindi like dew drops. She looked like another blossom of rose, growing freely in the lap of nature.

Jodha got up and bid her curtsy properly as Jalal came closer. “What are you doing with this plant?” He asked.

“You know? When I came in Agra they had just started planting this sapling here.” Jodha said in a childlike excitement. “And today she has her own flower. Her first flower. Isn’t it amazing?”

“Really?” Jalal looked at the rose tenderly. “I don’t think it’s amazing though. It is natural. Time flows in its own and everyone grows along with it. Being natural is the most amazing thing maybe. Think about how you have grown since you first came in Agra. Think about how I have grown. Think about how both of us have grown together since that first day...”

Jodha smiled shyly as she looked in his eyes. “Yes, you are right. Growing is natural, and growing is an amazing magic.”

Jalal chuckled in affection and gripped her shoulder from back. Jodha was surprised at first but she did not flinch in this sudden display of affection. “I wanted to breathe some fresh air so I came to walk in the garden. But God sent me the source of my breathing.” He said in a loving tone with pure happiness. “Let’s walk together...” he offered.

“You don’t have to wait for God’s wish to see me, My Lord. You can always call me, or come to me when you want to see me...” Jodha murmured in a low tone.

“I can... but again there are some reservations.” Jalal said sadly. “First of all, Mughal rulebook has created such a long list of processes for an Emperor to meet his Begam, by the time they are done the freshness of the wish becomes old. Secondly, even if I ignore all the rules for you, I will still not get the pure joy of surprise of seeing you all of a sudden. Pre-planned things are always good, Begam Sahiba, but they cannot provide that sudden joy.”

“So that is why I have to wait and wait and wait till God wishes me to meet you by a sudden chance?” Jodha’s voice mixed in a little resentment. “My wish of seeing you will lose under the pile of royal processes of seeing an emperor? I will be a stranger to His Majesty always, no matter how close I think I am?”

Jalal stopped walking and looked in Jodha’s eyes. He smiled softly. “Your Highness, when you truly want to see me, nothing is able to stop you. Maybe you will sneak in my room with a sword, or you might walk through lonely dark path to see me in a dark night... but nothing can be a restriction in your wish. Not even me.”

Jodha chuckled, the resentment in her eyes swept away. “So there is no rule for me then. Can I make it official?” She asked playfully.

“You already have, haven’t you?” Jalal smiled. “Begam Sahiba, this emperor will bend any rule, or create new rules for that matter, when it comes to you.”

Jodha chuckled. “Don’t forget that you said so.”

Jalal smiled as well as they walked through the path together towards the lake. “I went to see you today morning by the way...” Jodha said suddenly. “You were not there.”

“Yes, I left very early this morning, there was a meeting in a court.” Jalal said. “You know, I wanted to meet you today somehow. Unfortunately our boat-ride had an abrupt ending, I could not even escort you to your room. So I tried to find some time in order to mend it. But something came up and could not get time...”

“It seems you could not even get time to sleep, Majesty.” Jodha pointed at the dark circles under Jalal’s eyes. She held his hand empathically. “Everything okay?”

“Usual stressful state matters.” Jalal chuckled. “Leave it... tell me why you wanted to see me.”

“Wanted to share my beautiful experience with you...” Jodha uttered unmindfully. “But...” She sighed, then looked at Jalal with gloomy eyes. “My Lord, may I ask you something?”

“Sure.”

“What is the situation in that village, Majesty?” Real concern flashed in Jodha’s eyes. “You know... where the...”

“Situation is under-control there.” Jalal answered. “I have already taken detailed reports of the whole incident today. It was an unfortunate situation, not a fault of Mughal officials, so I found no reason to take matters in hand directly or order any thorough investigation. The place is peaceful now.”

Jodha did not seem much impressed with the reports of excuses. “And the people? How are they?” She said anxiously.

“The peace is reestablished Jodha. The people will calm down and find peace eventually.” Jalal reasoned as he could sense the underlying tone in Jodha’s voice. “Sometimes the rulers have to be strict in order to maintain discipline, Begam Sahiba. The lives of the subjects might shake in that turmoil, but in long running this serves good to them.”

“But the turmoil also can bring an earthquake in the safehouse of the ruler.” Jodha looked into Jalal’s eyes. “You cannot ignore that.”

Jalal paused a little, probably calculating something in his mind. Then he looked at her, his voice being low. “That’s a secret Jodha, but I think all of this is a part of a ploy. Some big conspiracy is going on beneath all of this. The unrest situation is just a reflection of that.”

Jodha stared silently for a moment, then nodded after giving it a thought. “Maybe... maybe someone is trying to use the raged mass against you! I sometimes wonder how easily people can plot something so brutal, something that claims hundreds of innocent lives without any proper reason!”

“You will be surprised.” Jalal smiled drily. Then he went back to his serious tone. “I am planning to start a secret investigation about it. Someone clearly implanted something forbidden in the temple in order to hurt the religious sentiments and hamper the complete peace of that village. I will be going into the root of it, I promise you.”

Jodha sighed silently. Her eyes tried to convey something, but she kept that to herself. “That’s great then.” She commented.

“And that is not from your heart. I know when the words of your heart does not reach your lips.” Jalal said. “What is it you are hesitating to tell?”

“I just...” Jodha sighed again, then looked into his eyes. Her eyes were calm, but the rigid jawline reflected her demeanor of the queen. Jalal amazedly noted how changed she looks in a moment; so different from that moment when she was floating in childlike giggle seeing a flower.

“Beg your pardon, My Lord. I agree with your whole theory of conspiracy. Someone tried to play with religious sentiment, someone tried to use the raged mass against you. I get that. But I don’t believe this is the only reason of such a burst of rage in that supposedly peaceful village. A vile conspiracy cannot give birth to such an explosion my lord. The fire was already there, the suppressed rage was already boiling, it only needed a mere trigger, a very small push from an outsider. If you want to go to the root you have to find beneath that fire, finding out the trigger will do nothing.”

“What do you mean, ” Jalal argued. “That the villagers were already...”

“I mean the villagers were already at the end of their burning point, Majesty. It was just a matter of time to explode.” Jodha said in a clear voice, looking at his eyes. “They were scared of living, and so they forgot the fear of death. When someone is tortured at the end of his tolerance, he decides to see the end of it. Exactly that happened. If this incident happened repeatedly in your empire, then maybe the future of the empire is at stake. As I said, turmoil brings an earthquake.”

There were something in Jodha’s voice that made Jalal’s heart tremble. But still he put his point for sake of argument. “Those villages were under proper supervision Jodha, they are in good hands. I did not hear any complain for once. The officers there are competent enough, the places are resourceful; the villagers are supposed to be happy.”

Jodha smiled. “My Lord, if happiness of people could be measured with the yardstick of competency of the officers, then there would not be any unhappy person in this entire world. A human can never be happy when someone he considers outsider sit over his head to control his beliefs and will and throw some food to him in order to calm him down. How can someone be happy when they know they are prisoners in their own land?”

“What do you suggest to do then? To withdraw all kind of imperial control over them and go back to the deserts of Kabul?” Jalal’s voice sounded frustrated, a little impatient.

Jodha held his hand, her eyes conveyed deep apology. “I did not mean to hurt you, My Lord. I never meant anything like this. I just...” She sighed. “Something kept on bugging me since I heard about that incident. I kept on thinking about the suppressed emotions of those villagers that lashed out all of a sudden. Once upon a time I have felt it too, I know how erratic, how enraged this can be. And the thought scares me.”

Jalal smiled. “I get it Jodha. Believe me, I think about my people; I consider them as the most important pillar of this Empire. I assure you the people of that village will be alright. That is my responsibility.”

“I know, My Lord.” Jodha nodded. “But question is, do they know?”

Jalal frowned. “What do you mean?”

“Pardon if I say something wrong Your Majesty...” Jodha stated. “You are kind, compassionate; you spend all your days thinking about your subjects- these are the truth... I know, we all know; we see it in our own eyes. But the villagers of a nameless village miles away from this fort cannot see it. They see you through the acts of your soldiers, they see you through the cannonball which takes the lives of their fellow-villagers. I know the strict methods of disciplining an Empire in order to reestablish peace is important, because it will serve the subjects only... but they do not know. Because they only see the strict punishment, they cannot see your benevolence, your love for them. This partial blindness can bring turmoil, My Lord. Believe me...” She smiled sadly. “I used to be one of them, I believed you as a devil before I know you. Today my perception changed as I came to know you. How their perception will change?”

Jalal stared silently for a long time. Then he sighed. “You know Jodha... I am new at this. Very new at this.” He confessed his vulnerability loud to someone for the first time. “I was a kid when I became emperor, I was yet to learn the play of politics and warfare; naturally the elders, the higher ranked officials took care of the duties instead of me. I had been literally a puppet ruler, puppet in hand of my mentors, the higher officers, the priests. And one day, when I decided to take the matters in my own hand, the whole world around me changed drastically; and suddenly I was standing alone in a deserted island, not knowing what to do, whom to believe, whom to rely on. Everyone taught me how to fight, how to rule, how to exert the ultimate power of an emperor; no one taught me to navigate my compassion- the magic of holding everyone together under the shade of my empire... The kindness, the benevolence that you are talking about, that you have somehow found in me, that probably ran in my blood from my parents, and I learnt it inside my heart, I felt the importance of it in my soul. But how to incorporate that in this ruthless system? I want to try, I want to go against the whole system in order to change it... but who will be on my side in this? Because I know the people I need the most will stand against it; they will try to bring me down first... They will think I will break the system and make a mess of everything, that I will ruin the legacy of my throne. You talk about changing the perspective of people. But the truth is I am not enough competent to gain their trust... I could not become the ruler I wanted to be when I took everything in hand with my independent thought. I am still a puppet of the whole system, and nothing has changed. I still feel like a novice boy who has no idea what to do with all the powers that is entrusted on him, wandering like an aimless ship here and there. This is a fight I wanted to win at any cost, and this is the fight where I don’t know how to fight, whom to fight with!”

Jodha pressed his hand affectionately, her face glowed as she smiled. “It’s only your thoughts that matters the most, your Majesty. If you believe it, the change will come spontaneously. No outsider has the power to stop that change. Majesty, you are the supreme. No one can restrict your will. The only demon that you need to fight in all these is the negative thoughts that are clouding your judgement. Change happens every day My Lord, little by little; maybe too little to be detected by us. But that is the only thing constant. All you have to do is to direct that change to the betterment, in the way of achieving your dream.”

Jalal chuckled. “Your words are kind Jodha. But reality says something else.”

“You know what the reality is?” Jodha looked deeply into his eyes. “Today morning, when I was worshipping in the temple, the Hindu slaves of the Harem reached out to me. Those poor maids, who have never seen the sunlight outside of the Harem, who has never known what the life actually is apart from the constant tiring work of serving the royals and getting punished every moment for any simplest mistake. Those women who have forgotten how it was to be human; but you know what, they never forgot their origin, where they came from, what are their ancestral beliefs. So when they heard the ring of temple bell in this Harem, their heart soothed for the first time in their whole life, and they came to me... with the hope that they will be able to pray to their deity, they will be able to nurture their spiritual belief the way they want. Today they saw the change they rooted forever, a small change in the structure of this Harem- a small temple in a queen’s quarter, which was able to make them feel human again. This is the hope that is suppressed in every one of this Empire, My Lord, and these small changes are all they need to feel humane again. And I know their Emperor is able to bring that change in their life.” She paused for a moment, then smiled. “Your subjects need to see it too. In their own eyes. You have to take the responsibility to show them. Once they see, they will believe in you. And no outsider’s conspiracy would break that trust.”

Jalal gazed at her face for a long time, myriad of different expressions played in his face. “And how do I show them, Jodha?” He asked sincerely, ardently seeking for advice.

“If they cannot reach to you, maybe you need to reach to him.” Jodha said with a smile.

Jalal nodded. Then he chuckled once more. “Your advice is so extraordinary, Jodha. I wish I could ponder upon it right now. Maybe that is the only thing that needs to be done, but yet the most testing thing.” He sighed. “There is a hierarchy in the whole administration and I sit on the top. If I want to break that and reach out to the people directly that will enrage quite a lot and that might risk the whole administration. Also, people might take this as a method of manipulation, the conspirators might brainwash people.” He smiled. “The distance between the emperor and his subjects are vast, and it is expected to keep it that way. That is not so easy to implement.”

Jodha said nothing only nodded thoughtfully. She was starting to think maybe the Emperor is right. That’s when Jalal’s face suddenly brightened as he held a mischievous smirk at the corner of his lips. “That’s right! Who said I cannot reach out to them if I cannot go to them myself?”

“What are you thinking, My Lord?” Jodha asked.

Jalal smiled broadly. “Maybe I don’t need to go to them officially as an emperor, but I can do whatever I want as a part of my leisure. My family members can go wherever they want in this empire whenever they wish. No courtiers have to say anything about it.”

“I... I don’t understand...” Jodha uttered, but was interrupted by the sudden pull in those strong arms. “Begam Sahiba...” Jalal pressed Jodha’s body against his torso, his nose touching hers affectionately. “You gave me a great suggestion today. Just promise me you will be by my side all along and listen to me.”

“I...I... always...” Jodha said haphazardly while becoming red in embarrassment in this sudden public display of affection. “Can... can you just... you know... loose the grip on me?” She stammered.

“Sorry, I cannot. You are too precious.” Jalal stated chuckling. “You just found the last piece of puzzle for me whereas I was groping in dark. Now the game will be even. Conspirators can do anything they want, I will make my subjects to be in my side. Because I have someone they do not.”

“What?” Jodha raised a brow.

“Like you don’t know...” Jalal bent his face and was about to kiss on her lips, but Jodha gave a jolt all of a sudden. She was completely red. “She is there... watching!” She whispered as she gestured to her back.

Jalal turned and a pang of embarrassment brushed through him as well. Maham Anga was looking at them without a blink. She was dressed in white as usual, and had prayer beads in hand. This garden is not actually a maintained private place for Emperor and queen, anyone can come; hence it is not her fault to catch them in that moment.

“Assalam Aleikum, Shahenshah. Adaav begam Sahiba.” Maham Anga greeted as their eyes met. “Sorry if I bothered you.”

“Aleikum Assalam Badi Ammi.” Jalal greeted, and proceeded to her to rectify the uncomfortable situation. “How are you?”

“I am doing good, Jalal. Great that you asked at least. I forgot when you and I had a conversation.” Maham Anga smiled drily. “You are doing fantastic, so is Jodha Begam, as I can see.” She pinched a little.

“Yes, it’s a shame that we don’t get enough time to talk, Badi Ammi. Things are going pretty bad in court. You know that.” Jalal said.

“Things in court are never good. It’s a never-ending pressure as we speak. Especially when the Emperor drags negligible incidents in the imperial court without prior notice and makes a big deal about it.” Maham Anga smiled lightly. “My opinion is there are other pressing matters, what happened days ago in a petty village should not even come into consideration. But...maybe there are some important indulgence which leads to take sudden decisions and make a big deal of nothing...” She abruptly stopped, her gaze piercing Jodha’s eyes. Jodha’s ears started ringing in anger.

“You are right, Badi Ammi. Maybe I was overthinking.” Jalal said. “There is absolutely no need to think about that village anymore.”

Jodha looked at Jalal, all shocked. She was even more surprised to see the calm smile in his lips. How can someone like Maham Anga taunt the Emperor such directly and still get away with it? Is her motherly relationship with him is so deeply rooted? But her words seemed more manipulating and less motherly in Jodha’s ears. Is Jalal blind and deaf when it comes to his foster mother, or anything else is cooking behind that calm and modest smile?

“Good then.” Maham Anga did not sound much convinced, although she smiled and was about to greet good bye, Jalal stopped her. “Badi Ammi? I had a request to you. Especially to you.”

“Sure son; what can I do for you?” Maham said.

Jalal’s modesty flooded in his eyes as he spoke. “Actually this is for Jodha Begam. We were talking and I suddenly realized she has never seen anything of Mughal Empire except this fort and that forest we had gone for hunting. She is always all bragging about Rajputana, has no slightest idea how beautiful even the small villages of my land can be. Hence I promised her that I would make arrangements for her to visit them by herself. Could you please help me to fulfil that promise?”

Maham Anga was visibly startled, and slowly her confused expression was changing into envious rage as she looked at Jodha. But her voice had no indication of it. “I am happy to help, Jalal. But is it at all safe for a queen to visit the whole empire? Besides which queen in Mughal History has ever gone outside of the fort itself?”

“Well, days are changing, Badi Ammi. Had ever my ancestors even considered to take certain women’s advice seriously in politics? But it is happening today, isn’t it?” Jalal said in the same calm tone. “Please, Badi Ammi... I insist. Jodha Begam will be grateful forever, isn’t it, Jodha Begam?”

Jodha was still processing what was happening in front of her, hence her smile was confused than ever. “S..sure... but when I...”

“Don’t worry, Jodha Begam, you will get a great view of all the villages, even smallest ones. Badi Ammi, please take care of it? No need to think about security, I will send Maan Singh himself with her along with special troops.”

“All the small villages, Jalal? There are hundreds of villages...” Maham Anga suggested grimly.

“Well, then maybe we should start with the moderately closer ones? Like the villages near Sambhal? Or what about the minor villages near Delhi?” Jalal said, his eyes dancing.

Maham Anga stared silently for a moment. Meanwhile Jodha felt her excitement level will reach the cloud. Simultaneously her heart filled in emotion realizing the responsibility the emperor has bestowed on her, just because he trusts her.

“As you wish, Majesty.” Maham said after a while, her eyes still being spiteful. She gave a glance towards Jodha for a moment, and then went away.

“My Lord...” Jodha murmured. “I am overwhelmed that you thought I am eligible for such a responsibility but...”

“There is no extra burden of responsibility I am giving to you, Jodha... I just want you to see the empire. And let the people see you.” Jalal said huskily with a slight of emotion mixed in his tone. “There is a unbreakable wall between the Emperor and his subjects, I cannot break that. But you are their own. They will accept you, will trust you. Just like the maids in the Harem did.” He cupped Jodha’s face affectionately. “I want you to be my face, Jodha. Won’t you be by my side in this?”

Jodha’s smile glowed as she uttered- “Always, Your Majesty.”

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The evening was quiet ordinary like always. Jodha was sitting in her room with a book, trying hard to read but her mind was tangled in the discussion of the afternoon. The decision of the emperor had shocked and overwhelmed her at first. But now when the excitement has diluted, she felt the worry. She was completely new to this world, but she has understood perfectly this thing will stir the whole household of Mughals along with the outside. Just how it did when the Mughal Emperor decided to marry a Rajputani princess without converting her. Or when she was allowed to practice her religion and carry her idol with her. Or when a temple was built solely for her. Or when she sat beside him in court. Maybe her marriage is based on this pillar of conflicts, and both of them have to face challenges and fight in every phase of it. The question is what is her role in these? His Majesty’s weakness? Or his weapon? Everything depends upon how strong she can stand amidst all these. Jodha was realizing how she was getting completely and directly involved in imperial politics, no matter how unintentional it is.

“What are you thinking?” Moti sat beside her and put a hand on her shoulder. “You look worried?”

Jodha tried to smile warmly, but that did not hide the worry. “It’s okay Moti. Actually you know... I might have to go out of this place for a while.”

“Meaning? Where will you go?” Moti frowned deeply.

“Don’t worry, I won’t leave you behind. You will be with me.” Jodha answered before going back to the book.

“But...” Moti’s concern was going. “Rajkunwari Sa, did you meet His Majesty today in the garden?”

Jodha chuckled. “You will be a great spy, Moti.”

“I don’t have to spy to know that, Kunwari Sa. You know news float in the air of Harem. Especially these news.” Moti smiled. “And going by the vivid descriptions that are being discussed in every corner, it does not look like you were even trying to hide, were you?”

Jodha scoffed. Then after a small pause she spoke again. “Yes, we met, had a walk and some talk. Some serious discussion.”

“Okay...” Moti pondered over.

“Then Maham Anga arrived. And His Majesty requested something to her. For me.”

Moti’s frown grew deeper.

“He told her politely to make arrangements for me to visit this land. Since I am new to this place and all...” Jodha revealed.

“Oh, that’s great. Really, we did not see much out of this fort.” Moti looked relieved and elated. “His Majesty is so thoughtful and he takes so much care of you... but wait...” She frowned again. “He ordered Maham Anga to do that? I mean, is not she in some higher post in court? Why would he...”

Jodha chuckled drily. “There are underlying things going on Moti, don’t even try to decode.”

Moti looked confused, but she did not stretch the matter. “I just hope that woman stop meddling with you that’s all.”

“That also is never going to happen.” Jodha stated with a small sigh.

Moti was going to reply something, but was interrupted by a sudden pandemonium from outside. “What’s going on?” Jodha stood up leaving the book. Moti sighed. “Looks like meddling has start!” She commented.

Both of them came out of the room and headed towards the hall. There were already a crowd gathered as something severe was taking place, though they were unable to fathom anything from the chaos. Some fragmented words like ‘thief’, ‘fraud’ came in their ears. A curious Moti tried to get pass the crowd and the visual made her blood boil.

Gauhar Bai, the egoistic concubine of the Emperor was standing behind like a proud peacock, beside her was an eunuch with a whip in his hand and red in his eyes, and a fallen figure of a girl was trembling miserably near the feet of Gauhar Bai, repeatedly requesting to stop. And the face of that girl is too much familiar for Moti. It was none other than Reva, an attendant who came with them from Amer!

Jodha was still standing behind unknown of the whole fact. But Moti could not care to give her the whole information and rushed through the crowd forgetting all royal etiquettes. “Wait wait! What are you doing!” She screamed as she fell on the floor covering and protecting young Reva from the vicious attack of the whip. “How can you beat someone like this? Stop!”

“See... Here comes another thief! Or should I say the gang leader?” Gauhar Bai smirked dirtily. “Hey, whip the hell out of this one too.” She ordered. “Else they won’t return my necklace!”

The rest of the crowd started making noise again. ‘So these people are thieves?’ ‘This is why things were going missing every now and then!’ ‘But is it for sure they took those?’ ‘O My God I did not even realize when this girl took my ring!’ ‘But most of the things are not found yet’ ‘Thieves have come from desert lands! Beat them till death Gauhar!’ ‘If the Harem authority cannot protect us we have to show the thieves by us!’ All type of different snippets of comments floated in the air as the ruthless eunuch proceeded with the whip. But the whip could not touch Moti and Reva. Someone caught it in air, and the roar of a lioness deemed all the other noises. “Stop! Don’t even dare!”

The silence dropped at once. Jodha stood in front of Gauhar Bai, eyes burning in rage. “How dare you put hand on my girls?” She uttered in a calm anger. Gauhar Bai probably was not used to with such regality, hence she moved her eyes and started in mocking voice. “Here comes the chief of all thieves! Let us request Hosiyaar to search her. All the stolen things will be recovered.”

However, the crowd did not encourage her this time. Because Jodha Begam has been able to secure quiet a status in these days in the world of Harem. Besides no one wants to meddle with a queen, especially when the Emperor shows special interest on her. But Gauhar Bai looks foolishly audacious.

“I asked a question. Who gave you the permission to harass Reva.” Jodha asked again, in a measured tone with chilled rage.

“Do you know what she has done? She stole my necklace!” Gauhar replied this time.

“Not only Gauhar’s... Some of our ornaments are also lost, and we suspect it is Reva...” One among the other ladies stated.

“Tell her about that ring...” Some other lady murmured from behind. “That ring of mine which Gauhar found from her?”

Jodha looked at Reva’s face once, witnessed the image of hurt and humiliation as that comment dropped. She then fixed her gaze at Gauhar again. “I don’t want stories. I want the answer. Who gave you permission to assault my attendant? From where did you get the audacity of laying your hand on my girl?”

Gauhar Bai stumbled as she was losing in front of Jodha’s personality. At that very moment another familiar voice came from behind.

“Because she is a thief. And in Harem’s law thieves are supposed to be whipped.” Hosiyaar Khan came forward. “My Lady!” He bowed curtly with no indication of respect in his attitude.

“In Harem’s law any random concubine can lay hand on anyone without any authorial intervention?” Jodha scoffed. “Indeed a great administration is running here, Hosiyaar Khan?”

Hosiyaar looked slightly offended, but there was no indication of that in his voice. “Gauhar bai reported the theft. The guards of Harem found that authentic. Hence the guards have every right to whip the thief publicly under Gauhar Bai’s supervision. This much of intervention is more than enough for a notorious maid.”

“Then Hosiyaar Khan, go through those rulebooks and change them if necessary.” Jodha kneeled and made Reva stand straight by her side. “Because this girl will not be punished under any circumstances as long as I am a queen of this Mughal empire.” She declared in a commanding tone. “Moti... take Reva to her quarter and tend to the injuries she has received.”

“Begam Sahiba!” Hosiyaar Khan protested. “You cannot condemn the rule of Harem directly.”

“The let the ruler of the harem come to me. I will talk to her.” Jodha said in a firm voice.

“Begam Sahiba...” Hosiyaar’s voice was feeble this time as Jodha was about to leave. But Jodha could not leave so easily. The other ladies of the Harem stopped her path.

“You cannot do this.” Nazma Begam came forward. “There are people who has lost things, getting robbed everyday by some stealer. You cannot dismiss all those claims just because the culprit is from your land.”

“Innocent till proven guilty.” Jodha told in a grim voice.

“This is Mughal Harem. Here suspects are whipped first to be proven guilty.” Someone said. “That won’t be different for Reva.”

“Besides there is enough proof against her. Your attitude won’t change that.”

“Clearly Reva has something to do with this.”

“Of course... Else what was that ring doing in her pallu?”

“And why she would be glaring greedily at Gauhar Bai’s necklace.”

“Not only that, she always keeps on staring at my ornaments. I am not able to find my toe-ring from this afternoon!”

The voice of the crowd was getting stronger than Jodha’s firmness. Meanwhile Gauhar Bai poked her stinky comment. “That necklace... His Majesty himself gifted me that! Oh those diamonds, those rubies! Of course that girl took it. She was ogling that necklace from two days. Her mistress even did not see that precious thing in her life, how can she control her greed? I say search the queen’s room! Maybe this little one has submitted that to her? Maybe...” She abruptly stopped as Jodha’s icy cold glare almost burned her down. Meanwhile Reva started sobbing.

“It’s true... it’s true that I liked Gauhar bai’s necklace.” She sobbed. “I was doing my job when she came to me and was all friendly; she was wearing that necklace and I was stunned. But I swear to God... I never took that necklace! Neither do I know how that ring came in my chunri! I am not a thief! I am not a thief!” She broke down in cry.

“See... she is confessing that she was greedy for my necklace!” Gauhar Bai screamed. “Hey thief! Give my necklace back to me!” She excitedly proceeded to slap Reva, and gasped shortly as her wrist was twisted in a stronger grip.

“I said... you will not raise hand on my girl.” Jodha hissed in blind rage this time. “Learn to stay within your limits. Don’t think too much of yourself just because His Majesty favours you once in a while. You are just another concubine stuck in this hateful world, don’t forget that! Understood?”

“So is that it? Now I have to witness a catfight between a Begam and a concubine in the middle of the hall in my Harem? Is this the urgent emergency situation which you wanted me to handle Hosiyaar?”

Suddenly the whole scenario changed. Ruqaiya Begam stepped in, her confident footsteps confirmed absolute peace in the scene.

“Fist-fighting with a concubine? Really Jodha Begam? I thought you have better standard.” She stood in front of Jodhaa ns smirked with sarcasm.

“Pardon me, Ruqaiya Begam. I am absolutely capable of maintaining my dignity; but that does not mean I have to stay silent and take hit after hit from a concubine.” Jodha said in a calm tone.

“You get excited very quickly, you know that?” Ruqaiya Begam laughed. “Gauhar Bai, I don’t want to spare a word with you. The next time this happens, I will deport you to Kabul.”

“Begam Sahiba...” Gauhar Bai stated in trembling voice. “Pardon me... But my necklace... she stole it...”

Ruqaiya chuckled. Then she looked at Reva. “Hey young maid. Would you do me a favour? Return that necklace to her, and get the hell out of my sight after taking the punishment. I have plenty of important works than solving some stealing to be honest.”

“I did not... I did not take it!” Reva trembled in fear.

“I see. You know, every thief says that.” Ruqaiya smiled. “So Jodha Begam, your take?”

“If Reva is telling she is not thief, she is not.” Jodha said adamantly.

“You think the world revolves around your words?” Ruqaiya Begam told. “What is the proof of her innocence?”

“There is no strong proof of her being guilty as well.” Jodha argued. “A ring suddenly found in her chunri? She hardly goes near other queens, how can she even get access to that ring? Gauhar Bai suddenly became overfriendly to a Hindu maid and showed her off the most precious necklace? Anything sane in this logic? And today I am hearing about a lot of theft complains, but till yesterday none was worried about them. Please go and try to find harder, you will get them in your things only!” She said loudly to reach the crowd. “Ruqaiya Begam, you cannot punish her without finding these out!”

“Sorry, are you suggesting me that I should prepare an enquiry committee to investigate a simple theft where the accusing is a concubine and the accused is a Hindu maid?” Ruqaiya looked amused. “Do you even consider there might be some other important works in this world?”

“This Harem is under your rule, Ruqaiya Begam. All the people living here is your subject. And they deserve justice. All of them. Providing them that is the primary duty of the ruler.” She sighed. “This might seem silly to you, Ruqaiya Begam. But this Hindu maid’s honour is depending on your justice. You cannot ignore what she deserves from you.”

Ruqaiya stared at Jodha’s face for a few moments. Then she stepped back. “Hosiyaar!” She called.

Hosiyaar Khan came in front and bowed.

“This girl will not face any punishment unless any hardcore evidence is found.” Ruqaiya Begam declared. “She can stay under Jodha Begam’s supervision till anything found, but guards need to keep an eye on her every movement always. I need this matter to be solved as early as possible, so appoint your best lot to solve this theft mystery. Whoever has stolen the necklace cannot possibly send that out of the Harem, so search every corner of servants’ quarters from now onwards.”

Another pandemonium was about to be started, but Ruqaiya raised her hand to stop the crowd. “Is it fair enough for you, Jodha Begam? Or you won’t let searching to take place as well.” She said in a taunting voice as she turned towards Jodha. “Thank you for understanding, Ruqaiya Begam.” Jodha acknowledged in a mild tone.

As the group of women scattered slowly, the guards started rampaging in servants’ quarters, Jodha supported Reva’s shoulder and proceeded towards her own room. She again broke down crying as she felt Jodha’s touch. “Kunwari Sa, I swear I did not even touch Gouhar Bai’s ornament. Since a few days her maid was getting friendly to me, I was also being nice. Today she called me to her mistress’s quarter telling she wants to know something from me. Gauhar Bai was very nice to me, making small talks about Rajputana. Then suddenly in the evening all hue and cry started. I don’t even know who slipped that ring in my chunar... Kunwari Sa, I would die for you if I need to, but I won’t touch anyone else’s thing in greed knowing that will bring humiliation to you! Believe me!”

“I know Reva!” Jodha nodded. “I don’t understand what is happening here. If the necklace was stolen and they were mistakenly condemning Reva then it could be a justified explanation. But the ring under her chunar and Gauhar Bai knowing that instantly, her continuous trial of framing her by hook or crook? These things do not add up. She is clearly trying to frame Reva. But why?”

“Maybe because framing Reva as a thief will lead to your direct humiliation.” Moti added.

“Maybe... but why would Gauhar Bai do that? What is her purpose to take this big risk? I have no direct connection to her.” Jodha said. “I fear there is something big going on.”

“Kunwari Sa... if they can put a ring in my chunar, they can easily keep the necklace in my room.” Reva sobbed. “If it happens and I am proved as a thief, I will rather die than taking this blame on me. I did not do this, Kunwari Sa!”

“Reva... I promise you as long as I am around I won’t let anyone frame you wrongly. You trust on me.” Jodha said. “They can do anything they want, but I will go to the root and dig up the truth.”

“Maybe you could tell the Emperor about it? He will definitely do something” Moti suggested.

“No I am not going to tell him anything. Complaining to him for every small dispute is an insult to both him and me. This is my problem, and I will resolve it without anyone’s intervention.” Jodha said firmly.

“Sorry Rajkunwari Sa...” Moti uttered. “But what will you do?”

Jodha sighed. “First let us see what comes up.”

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“Jalal...”

Jalal turned around, seeing Maham Anga standing behind the door. And she is not alone, two or three priests are standing there as well.

“Come in, Badi Ammi... How can I help?”

Maham Anga entered and bowed. So did the priests. Khwaja Moin bowed with extra curtesy, although his cunning smile did not impress Jalal at all. “I would be going to Diwan-E-Khas in any minute. Could not it wait till then? What is the reason of calling a sudden private meeting, Badi Ammi?” He said.

“Pardon, Majesty. The matter is private so we did not feel it alright to present the topic in open court.” Maham Anga said.

Jalal glared at each of the priest’s face, then scoffed before he took his seat. “What is the complaint against me this time, Khwaja Moin?”

Khwaja Moin did not respond, but Maham Anga proceeded instead. “We are concerned about your decision of sending the Rajputani Princess in those affected villages, Your Majesty. All the respected priests think this might give a wrong message to everyone.”

Jalal laughed. “My Begam wants to see the land, I am ought to fulfil her wish. What wrong message possibly it give, Badi Ammi?”

“Pardon Your Majesty... but if people assume you are sympathetic to some rebelled mass in such a level, that might break their trust on the throne and the religious value of it.” Khwaja Moin spoke this time. “The religious morality of the throne is already in question. No one has approved His Majesty’s marriage with the Rajputani Princess or his biasness towards the Hindu relatives. Now their active inclusion in the sensitive politics might not be a wise decision.”

“No one approved my marriage!” Jalal chuckled sarcastically, his eyes sharpened. “By no one you meant no one of the priests, I suppose?”

“You might misunderstand my way of talking, Majesty but...”

“Khwaja Sahab...” Jalal raised his hand. “I won’t tolerate another single word against my marriage or my wife. If you have anything else to discuss, you might proceed.”

Khwaja Moin took a long breath. “There are incidents of notorious Hindu rebellions all around, that has escalated in some of the villages in such a way that blood has dropped. The administration has taken good care of those places, handled the rebels in rigid mind. Right now those places are at peace, the rebels are suppressed properly. Right now if the Mughal Emperor himself plans to visit those places and pamper those people, the rebellion will erupt again.”

“The Mughal Emperor is not going anywhere to pamper anyone, Khwaja Sahab. The queen is going.” Jalal said. “Had I gone there myself, there was a chance of explosion of rage or excitement. The queen is going on her own, not for some political agenda. These discussion should not even arise.”

“Pardon Your Majesty, if queen is going, she is going as your representative only. The common people will think of nothing else.”

“Yes. But you are not understanding one thing, Khwaja Moin...” Jalal stood and moved towards the priest. “You might have reservations against me going to visit those alleged places, but you have absolutely no right to express your opinion about where my wife will be going and where she won’t. That is completely a private matter as we speak, and that should not be questioned by a group of random priests. Jodha Begam will go for a visit in the empire, she will decide if she wants to visit those villages, if she wants to speak with the villagers. It won’t be a political decision. It will certainly not be a religious decision whatsoever. Do you have anything else to say?”

“Majesty...” Khwaja Moin’s face had gone red. “I merely wanted you to understand this might not be the best decision. Instigating the Hindu subjects to be rebellious again is not a...”

“You know a lot about instigating the rebels, I suppose?” Jalal’s sharp glare pierced through the priest’s soul. “And it seems you know too much about the places where Jodha Begam will be visiting. I thought what happened in those places were negligible, it should not even come to notice of the priests like you. You are too much informed than needed, Khwaja Sahab.”

“Your Majesty... it was my duty to warn you.” Khwaja Moin looed at the Emperor’s eyes directly. “If after queen’s visit the rebellious subjects erupt again, then...”

“Then that will be a complete administrative and political affair, Khwaja Moin. Your religious involvement will not be necessary.” Jalal stated in a cold voice. “And from now onwards, don’t overwhelm yourself with the thoughts that does not come to your territory. You are a priest, it is not your duty to question the personal decision of the Emperor. This is a private meeting, I am warning you privately. Next time I will declare the same thing in Diwan-E-Khas. That will not be good for your image.”

Khwaja Moin digested the whole humiliation with occasional grunts. “Allow us, Majesty...”He asked the permission to leave.

“Please...” Jalal showed them the door. The group of priests left the room. Only Khwaja Moin stood at the doorstep, turning to the Emperor. “Your Majesty, let me remind you something as an elder. The Emperor does not recruit the priests. The priests make an Emperor.” He smirked like a sly fox.

“Wrong, Khwaja Sahab...” Jalal also smiled as his eyes glowed. “The people of an empire make an Emperor.”

Khwaja Moin bowed again and left.

Maham Anga did not utter a single word in this whole time. She started speaking as all left. “Jalal, son. I don’t think it is a good idea to enrage the priests. The priests hold the sacred image of an Emperor to the people. They are the pillar of the throne.”

“They might hold the throne, Badi Ammi. They are not the one who sits on that.” Jalal smiled. “The pillars might get rusted, they need a little care, little sunlight sometimes; else there is always a way to replace them.”

Maham Anga did not utter a word, just stared at Jalal’s face. Jalal scoffed. “I am surprised at you Badi Ammi.”

“I did not understand, Jalal.”

“I made that request to you so that you take care of it. Not for you to spill the beans to the group of priests.” Jalal said in a strong voice. “May I know why you did that?”

Maham Anga sighed sadly. “First tell me one thing Jalal. Do I have the right to worry about your and this empire’s well-being and act accordingly at your best interest? If you snatch that right from me I will not even raise my finger unless you order me to do so. But until then I cannot help myself to follow my instinct.”

“I always know you are one of those few who won’t do any harm to me or the empire, Badi Ammi. But that does not answer why you brought all the priests before me to defy my one decision?” Jalal said.

Maham Anga looked at his face. “I thought this was best for you. To have a clear conversation between you and them. Maybe when the announcement of Jodha Begam’s visit to the Empire was to made, this group of priests would stand against it publicly. That would not be good. Neither for your reputation, nor for the queen’s respect. Maybe I was wrong to think so, Jalal. But never think I had any malicious motive behind this.”

Jalal nodded affirmatively. “But you agree to what the priests said, don’t you?”

Maham Anga chuckled. “Yes, Jalal. I am a religious lady. I do agree with them, I am against your decision of sending Jodha Begam in that visit. But if you have made up your mind, I have nothing to say. I just fear what Khwaja Sahab said that might be true.”

Jalal smiled this time. “You don’t really like Jodha Begam, Badi Ammi.”

“Maybe I don’t. I have reservations for her clan, Jalal. That does not matter. She is your queen, and she deserves that respect. I am just worried that showing her under the limelight of politics might do more harm than good. What you intend to do will bring a severe change all of a sudden. People do not like change, they search for constant.”

“Maybe change is what we all need, Badi Ammi.”

Maham Anga smiled delicately. “Maybe. But if this sudden change alters the base of Mughal dynasty, that won’t be called a change- that would be called annihilation. I am scared of that Jalal.”

“It won’t happen, Badi Ammi. As you will eventually learn to adopt the change.” Jalal smiled as he bent and kissed her hand. “I love you, Badi Ammi... I am always scared that I will lose you eventually like Khan Baba. Over a simple difference in opinion. Don’t do that with me, I beg you.” He said in an emotional voice.

“Don’t worry son... I won’t let that happen. I won’t lose you.” Maham Anga pulled Jalal into a hug as her eyes shined suddenly. “I am not Khan-E-Khana Bairam Khan. I know better than him.”

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Moti Bai was sitting in front of the idol of Kanha when Jodha came for her regular worship in the temple. She looked extremely tired when she sat beside Moti. “Where is Reva?” She asked in a grim voice.

“Sleeping now. After a restless night.” Moti said in an unmindful voice. There was a pile of flower in front of her and a needle in her hand, but she did not make a single garland till now. She was lost in some other world.

“What are you thinking Moti?” Jodha nudged her. Moti looked at her. Her eyes were red and puffy after a sleep-deprived night. Sign of panic and anxiety flashing in those eyes.

“Rajkunwari Sa... I have something very important to discuss with you.” She almost whispered.

“What happened, Moti?” Jodha frowned.

Moti was about to open her mouth, but got interrupted. The Hindu maids of the Harem was gathering in the temple for their worship. All of them looked worn-out, sleep-deprived, exhausted to the end.

“Everything okay?” Jodha asked the eldest maid.

“No, Ranimaa! They rampaged our quarters last night, broke every single pot we owned in order to search a necklace.” The woman almost broke in tears. “I have lived my lifetime serving in this harem, have I ever took even a grain of rice from here? Tell me Ranima, what would we do with a necklace? Where the else we have to go other than this place that we will steal something? Why these allegations are given on us, Ranima? They are not searching the places of the other maids or the concubines. Why us?”

Jodha could say nothing, just touched her shoulder.

“Whole night the guards did that. Now from the morning they are searching the other places in Harem. But they have warned us all to give the necklace back. As if they are certain we will do this.” The woman wiped her tears. “That’s why we all came to you in early hours of morning. Maybe sitting in front of Kanha in the temple will bring back some peace of mind. He will protect us all, won’t He, Ranima?”

“Everything will be alright. Keep faith of Him.” Jodha nodded. “Sit, all of you. Help us to prepare for the worship. Today we all will sing together to pray to Him.”

As they started praying together, the atmosphere of the temple changed spontaneously. The essence of sacred spirituality floated in air, filing everyone’s mind with bliss... But all of a sudden the blissful peace in the room broke drastically like a thunder.

Some eunuch guards of the Harem invaded inside the temple in heavy boots, like the hounds of hell. Their gray eyes showing no human emotion, their actions machinery; in a blink of an eye the leader of them passed an order- “Search this place thoroughly, no corner should be untouched!” They did not care about the divinity of the place, entered in and started scattering things here and there, making excessive noise intentionally to heat up the situation.

“Wait wait...” Gulal Khan ran from behind, so did the other maids of Jodha... “You cannot enter here now. The queen is praying.”

“The group of thieves are praying with her too.” Someone from the guards commented ruthlessly as they stomped in and moved towards the pedestal of the idol, corrupting the whole spiritual atmosphere of the temple.

“Who send you all?” Jodha could not let the others handle the situation at this point of time, hence she came out and looked at the leader of the troop directly. “Don’t you have the smallest sense of etiquette that you don’t have the right to hamper a queen’s daily prayer?”

“Pardon, My Lady. This order has directly come from Mallika-E-Harem Ruqaiya Begam. She passed the order to keep on searching unless the necklace is found.” The leader said. “The servants quarters are searched, nothing was found. The other places of the Harem- the kitchens, the corridors, the halls... every corner except for the queens’ rooms are being searched thoroughly. The only place that is left, where all the maids have free entry- including prime suspect Reva, is this place of worship. Hosiyaar Khan himself gave us the clearance of searching this place right now. This is an exceptional scenario, My Lady, pardon the inconvenience. If you let us search peacefully it will take a very small amount of time.”

“This is a place of worship. You cannot just get in and search.” Jodha stopped them. “You can see we are praying here. Requesting you not to create any scene and back off.”

“I am sorry, My Lady.” The leader of the group said in a straight face. “We have carry out the order we received from Begam-E-Khas. Allow us or we might have to force in.”

Jodha was about to say something in return, was about to directly go to Ruqaiya Begam to stop this atrocity, but before she could prepare herself to do so, the situation around them changed drastically, and that change even made Jodha dumbstruck.

“Beware! If any of these invaders even try to step in, or move an inch towards the idol, I would cut down his throat!” The elder maid, who was actually a timid personality in real life, roared like a lioness. As a shocked Jodha turned, she saw all the Hindu maids have gathered behind her, fire ogling from their pale eyes. “If anyone has to get in, they will have to pass through our dead bodies!” They shouted together, chanting relentlessly in Jodha’s name. “Heil to Queen Jodha! Jodha Rani ki jay ho!”

The troop of guards proceeded inside crossing Jodha, and the group of maids lunged towards them; some unarmed, others weaponed with household knifes and blades, large brass plates, pans and pots. They have absolutely no training to defend the trained troop of eunuchs, but they had no fear in mind, and they outnumbered the few guards. Moreover this unexpected protest caught the guards offside, and before they could react properly the army of defenseless maids attacked them. Soon the place converted into a battle-ground. No matter how much Jodha shouts or screams, no matter how the other maids and attendants try to make the situation normal, no matter how much they are beaten or bled, they did not stop; the chanting in name of their God, as well as in the name of their queen did not fade a bit. Meanwhile the whole Harem broke in. More troops of guards joined readily, and soon they outweighed the feeble protest of the maids. “Arrest all of them and hang them all publicly.” Shrilled Hosiyaar Khan from behind of the guards in an enraged voice.

As the defeated group of maids were ruthlessly dragged and hauled by the group of guards without caring about their honour, Jodha ran towards Hosiyaar. “I command you Hosiyaar Khan, you will not decide the faith of these maids. That’s not under your right!” She demanded in a grave voice.

“My Lady, these bunch of girls have broken the laws of Harem in broad daylight; they attacked the appointed guards and injured some of them gravely. All of these they have done while chanting your name loud. Of course I don’t have to follow your command in this severe matter.” Hosiyaar Khan replied in his stoned voice. “I am sorry if I rude My Lady, but you don’t decide the fate of these women.”

“Long live Queen Jodha. Jodha Begam ki Jay!” The maids kept on shouting their lungs out even when they were beaten and dragged out. Jodha’s heart bled while witnessing that scene. “Wait!” She scream viciously. “No one puts hand on them! No one!” She looked back to Hosiyaar, calmed down. “This is not a time of showing ego or anything, Hosiyaar. Hence I request you not to take any step until I talk to Ruqaiya Begam. I fear this is beyond your understanding.”

Hosiyaar was about to say something in an irritated voice, but he had to stop. Ruqaiya begam herself came to the spot passing the crowd. “You need not to go anywhere, Jodha Begam, I myself had to come to you today!” She stood in front of Jodha. She was still in her sleeping robe, open hairs flying clumsily in air, eyes still red in the inertia of half-sleep. “What do you have to say about this now Jodha begam? What type of chaos is this? In my whole life as a princess and a queen I have never seen such a indiscipline that too while chanting a random queen’s name! What is happening here? You are trying to create a clan of your followers or something?” She demanded directly in serious tone. The absence of her usual sarcastic tone was significant.

“I beg to differ these assumptive accusations, Ruqaiya Begam. These chaos started spontaneously, when the guards tried to invade in our prayers and insulted the place of worship. Humen can tolerate years of torture and say nothing, but they react when someone humiliates their devotion. Because that belief, that devotion they nurture in the deep of heart, they value that more than their life.” Jodha sighed deeply and explained in a calmed tone. “You are a sensible woman, Ruqaiya Begam. You know the impact of this sudden erupt of wrath.”

“I don’t want to hurt your devotion Jodha Begam. But you know the rule. When I order to search the Harem, the small temple of your corner cannot get a pass. The guards followed an order passed by me, and your troop of girls dared to raise weapon against my order. You know what this is called in a lawful term right? This is an act of rebellion. And a rebel must be punished with death.”

“Ruqaiya Begam!” Jodha’s voice almost broke. “Please... don’t do this! They don’t deserve to die over this. It started from a minor theft, remember? Overnight it escalated to such a degree where so many lives are put on stake. If you don’t stop this here and let it be escalated again who knows what great calamity will tell upon us? Ruqaiya Begam there is no you and me. We are all together in this. I understand all of them did wrong. But even you know they are not any kind of notorious group of insurgents. They lived here for their whole life, they served all of us their whole life, don’t they have the right to plea for their lives to your kindness? I am pleading to you. Take back Hosiyaar’s order.” Jodha did not hesitate to join her hands and bend her head for the first time in front of Ruqaiya.

Even Ruqaiya was visibly startled. “I wish I could listen to you, Jodha Begam. Denying your plea is like dishonouring you which I don’t want to imply at all. But please understand this is not a sentimental issue. This harem never ran on sentiments. The rules of the Harem never bent for anyone. And today’s incident is definitely not a simple thing that I can ignore for keeping your honour. I cannot let them go unpunished because they are under your shelter. No one can bend the laws, Jodha Begam, even if they are under the confidence of the most powerful queen of the Empire.” She sighed. “I would look into the guards’ action because they disrespected a queen’s honour by invading in while she was praying. But that does not nullify the act of these maids.”

“At least don’t kill them!” Jodha’s voice trembled as she was in verge of tears. “Don’t kill them! Believe me for a moment, Ruqaiya Begam. This thing... this whole incident from yesterday’s theft to this moment- all of them could be a part of a bigger plan!”

“Bigger plan?” Ruqaiya Begam smirked as she always does for the first time of the day. “What new theory do you have Jodha Begam?”

“I don’t know... But Ruqaiya Begam!” Jodha looked into her eyes. “Let me tell you something. If this incident leads these maids to death today, it will repeat again. How many lives will you take to stop this kind of incidents? Will you kill them all, the whole community?”

“What do you mean to say, Jodha Begam?” Ruqaiya Begam frowned. The whole crowd behind her looked at Jodha suspiciously. “Will you start a revolt against Begam-E-Khas, My Lady? Are you threatening Her Highness?” Hosiyaar Khan sneered venomously.

“I won’t dream of that.” Jodha shook her head. “Ruqaiya Begam, this Harem is the heart of this empire. Our emperor comes here to find peace in his turmoiled life. Because this is his home. It is our duty to serve him that peace, it is our duty not to let the outside’s worry touch him in his home. I would give everything I have to destroy the slightest chance that can snatch the peace in this home. For his sake. Won’t you do that too, Ruqaiya Begam?”

Ruqaiya stared silently, but her eyes were affirmative.

“I can assure you, Ruqaiya Begam, what has happened here today, and what is going to happen now, if we don’t stop it, the filthy air of the outside world will pollute the inside. This is the last thing my emperor wants- this is a nightmare which he dreads. When the Harem will mirror the outside world, where will our Emperor go to find peace? It is his duty to keep the whole world safe from these filthiness. Cannot we just try to do that here, to keep the peacefulness intact like it was, for sake of him?”

Ruqaiya Begam smiled a little as Jodha stopped. “You know him really well. Don’t you?” She said.

“Maybe one life is not enough to know him completely Ruqaiya Begam. But I know him enough to know that if he was here today, he would certainly not approve it. He would be hurt.”

“Hosiyaar!” Ruqaiya called suddenly in a commanding voice. “Order the guards to keep these maids in house-arrest till I give any further instruction. Before I know everything and reach to conclusion, no one will be facing death sentence.” She looked at the guards. “Why did you conduct the search when the queen was praying?”

“We did not mean any disrespect to Begam Sahiba, Your Highness.” The leader of the troop answered. “We were just following the schedule arranged by our commander.”

“The schedule of the search hardly matched any of the queens daily routine, My Lady.” Hosiyaar commented.

“Was any other queen’s room searched? Did you search the prayer hall of the Harem too? Was the search covered each and every quarter of this Harem?” Ruqaiya questioned.

“We tried to cover as many places as possible, My Lady. All the maids quarters were searched.”

“By all the maids you mean all including the higher ranked ones, or only the slaves?”

“Mostly the slaves, the lower ranked and the Hindu maids quarters were covered last night, My Lady. There might be some exceptions.”

Ruqaiya chuckled sarcastically as she looked at Hosiyaar. “As per the schedule, I suppose?”

“Begam Sahiba, we were...” The guard was trying to justify their act, but Ruqaiya stopped him by raising her hand. “And you did not find it there?”

“Not there, My Lady... We were told we must check all the places where these maids go and so we thought this temple might be a place where...”

“Search the temple.” Ruqaiya commanded.

“Pardon, My Lady?” The guard repeated surprisedly, which echoed in the face of everyone present there.

“All of this started with a theft, right? A cheap missing necklace started all these. Let’s solve that issue first.” Ruqaiya said in a firm tone. “I ordered to search that thing by today, and they will carry my order. If this temple needs to be searched, it will be. Let us be sure for once and all that Jodha Begam or anyone associated with this place is not making any drama to hide that thing from our eyes. If there is even a slight of doubt in anyone’s mind, it is important to see the truth so that the doubt cannot increase like a fire and destroys peace.”

Another hue and cry started among the crowd. The Hindu maids started crying, Jodha’s attendants stared in hurt glare, the others whispered among each other. Only Jodha stood straight, eyes still at Ruqaiya.

“Search this temple in front of me. I will be here to ensure none insults the glory of this place or taints the devotion it holds. One of you go inside, search the place with help of Jodha Begam’s attendants and come out. Jodha Begam?” She looked at her. “You have any problem?”

“No Ruqaiya Begam. If the stolen element is really here in this temple, then the place is already tainted. We must uproot it as soon as possible.” Jodha answered. “Everyone of this place will agree with me.” She declared with a command in voice.

The search took place in no time, after a while the guard came in front of Ruqaiya and bowed.

“No necklace?” Ruqaiya asked.

“No necklace, Your Highness.”

“So this bunch of Hindu maids did not steal it. Nor did any of Jodha Begam’s attendant. Unless they supplied that to somewhere else.” Ruqaiya looked at Hosiyaar. “Clean up this mess and find that necklace. Throw that in Gauhar Bai’s mouth and bring that thief on my feet by evening. I will skin that worthless piece of life with my own hand.” She said in an uncontrolled rage and left the place.

“Everyone scatter from here.” Hosiyaar shouted to break the crowd. His face was twist in utter irritation as he left along with the guards and the imprisoned maids. Others were slowly going away. Only Gauhar bai stood for a minute, peeping to the pedestal of the idol. “Are they sure they did not find it there?” She whispered to the person next to her. Jodha could get a glance of her eyes as she turned and was about to leave. They were almost white in worry and fear.

Why Gauhar Bai is so upset? Because her whim with this necklace created such havoc? No, of course not. Because they did not find that necklace yet despite her sure accusations at Reva? But her eyes said otherwise. Was they supposed to find that necklace from this temple? That’s what Gauhar Bai wished for? Where would be Jodha’s respect go today if after everything that necklace were to be found from this place?

As the temple was cleared after a while, Jodha sat tiredly at the idol’s feet. “Hey Kanha, what are you playing My Lord?” She asked in an exhausted voice.

Reva sat at her feet, sobbing. “All these is my fault. They searched the place of our devotion only because of me.”

“Never blame yourself, Reva. Not your fault.” Moti stated curtly.

“Right you are.” Jodha smiled drily. “The fault is not hers, the fault is mine. Apparently my whole existence in this palace is not tolerated by some people. These all are tricks to put me down.”

“At least they won’t kill them!” Reva said. “Rajkunwari Sa, you begged to Ruqaiya Begam for them? For us?”

“Sometimes we have to give up pride and embrace the reality for greater good, Reva.” Jodha said. “Ruqaiya Begam is the ruler of this Harem. Everyone should bow in front of her. They are not supposed to find a substitute in anyone. She is far different than what I thought. She kept my words, she protected my self-respect, my honour as a queen today. However...” She sighed. “Go to own works now. I need some time to think.”

Everyone left the room but Moti. “Kunwari Sa... ” She said. “I have something to tell you. It is very private.”

“Private?” Jodha frowned.

“Yes.” Moti dragged Jodha to a corner where nobody from outside could see them.

“What are you doing? Everything is so messed up, Moti! I cannot understand anything.” Jodha said.

“No, Rajkunwari Sa. I would say things are very clear now. Someone obviously trying to frame you for something big. Not only you, the intension is to frame each and every Hindu that lives under this roof. Someone did this purposefully.” Moti answered. “I know that for sure now.”

“How are you sure?”

Moti loosened her pallu, and took something out from inside her blouse. “I was sick worried it would fall in all pandemonium. I would be damned then. Kanha saved our grace today.” She handed the shining thing in Jodha’s hand.

As Jodha stared shockingly, the valuable gold necklace adorned with diamonds and rubies glowed in her hand.

“Careful, Rajkunwari Sa. Not even the wall of this room should know!” Moti whispered cautiously.

“Where did you find it?” Jodha uttered in shock.

“There...” Moti signed towards the pedestal where the idol stands. “Someone must have placed it under the idol itself. When I got there today morning I saw somehow the idol is not standing straight. I moved it, and then...” She sighed. “Kanha saved us, Kunwari Sa. Someone is plotting against you. You have to do something.”

Jodha took a glance at the necklace. Then she looked at Moti. “Don’t worry, Moti. I got it.”

Hey everyone? How have you been?😳

Sorry for disappearing for such a long long time. Was going through something so could not really work on the story. Now back in track again (hopefully) and will try not to be vanished again🤪

Sorry for keep you waiting for such a long time. These gaps are long enough to lose the complete interest from the story. I am so lucky to have you all who are still here to read what I write and inspire me not to give this up in middle.

Thank you so much you all. Love you❤️

Amazing chappy Di

Poor jo n jalal

Damn conspiracy in n out

Update soon Di

Thanks for Pm Di

Originally posted by: Shinning_Stuti

Hey everyone? How have you been?😳

Sorry for disappearing for such a long long time. Was going through something so could not really work on the story. Now back in track again (hopefully) and will try not to be vanished again🤪

Sorry for keep you waiting for such a long time. These gaps are long enough to lose the complete interest from the story. I am so lucky to have you all who are still here to read what I write and inspire me not to give this up in middle.

Thank you so much you all. Love you❤️

I can understand that you have your own personal life. But when it comes to this story i get selfish and possesive. It is one of the best akdha story. I could picturise the whole scene through your writing and our beloved actors of the serial, especially parijat such is the impact the actors have had on me. Thanks also to the amazing writers like you in this forum, who still make us come back to the forum time and again.

A heartfelt request to you my dear, pls dont make us wait for the next part as this part of the chapter was very very exciting and full of adrenalin, and i dont want to lose that impact not even 0.1%

As for the cospirators in the story, soon they will reap what they sowed. I am a non violent person, but want to see white witch, that yuck concubine, idiot hoshiyaar so called religious conspirators to see hell on earth. I know this people will bring out durga and kaali through the emperors beloved queen, so that these idiots wont even dare in their dreams to cross path or conspire against the future mallika-e-hindustan.

Lots of love to you stuti for this amazing story❤

The chapter is worth to wait, Stuti..I think this chapter has laid the foundation of upcoming turbulence in their lives as Jalal already predicted in the hut..... of dirty politics of Harem..and his concern if Jodha could swam of it strongly and safely..

I love the way all is unfolding..I haven't understand this Ruq pshyce..she is different from serial.. Stuti you are an amazing writer,and when it comes to write politics you rock..

Stuti, thanks for this bliss.