PART 2 - To the forests
Jodha's Chamber
Having secured the long pearl chain dangling around the young queen's neck, the doting friend eventually made the final adjustments to the veil. Casting regular glances at the grand mirror in front, Mothi observed her mistress' reflection for an approval. No doubt, she looked ravishing - decked in jewellery befitting her status, yet just enough to be comfortable for an adventurous outing. However; while the regalia and the red ghagra complemented her royal aura, the same could not be said about the persistent sour expressions on Jodha's face.
'Jodha' Mothi spoke up, ceasing the awkward silence between them 'Rajasa and Kunwarsa also used to go hunting...didn't they?'
Bitterly looking away from her reflection, the queen quipped 'But they never forced me to do something against my wishes...' And anyway, that was the LEAST of her issues with this trip she'd been ordered to attend!
Sighing deeply, Mothi placed her hand on her friend's shoulder with a smile and helped her up 'Jodha, he is a strong-willed man...an emperor...it is in his nature to tame anyone that stands against him...do you ever wonder that the emperor possibly likes toying with your patience since you give him good reason to do so...'
Startled, the young queen looked up with an irked frown 'Mothi! What do you suggest? That I sacrifice all of my...'
'Jodha' Mothi interrupted her - she'd uttered more than she'd intended to 'Now, let's forget about all of this...its well past sunrise and the Shehenshah must be waiting for you!'
Gradually, she started guiding the disgruntled queen towards the entrance of their chamber 'Besides, even if you don't participate in the hunt...you can still enjoy the sights of the beautiful forests and the fresh air...furthermore, as we discussed yesterday, you're travelling North-Eastwards...so, you should be passing by the Sacred Temple of Bhagvati Mata which the Shehenshah should be able to take you to...'
Jodha was just about to leave her chamber when Mothi stepped forward and blocked her way 'Wait! You've forgotten one very very important thing!'
The puzzled queen looked at her friend, awaiting a reply.
'Your smile'
Taking a moment to overcome her disgruntlement, Jodha finally gave in to Mothi's antics and broke out into an endearing smile.
The forest
It was nearly noon and a good while since they'd left behind the familiar outskirts of Agra. Having barely stopped for rest since then meant that the group had already entered areas of woodlands that were markedly denser. Vast stretches of thick undergrowth had made travelling cumbersome, but thankfully the tall trees provided welcome respite from the mid-noon heat.
Though restricted within the confines of her palanquin, she'd been enjoying the sounds and smells of the trails so long - be it the rampant cries of the wildlife or the musty smells of damp foliage.
Regularly peeking through the drapes out of casual curiosity, Jodha observed the hunting procession. It was a grand affair indeed. The leading members of the procession were trotting quite far ahead. Yet, it took less than a moment for Jodha to recognize his lustrous turban and distinctive persona. She hadn't exchanged a single glance with him since their not-so-pleasant exchange the previous evening. 'Thank the Lord' she thought.
Led by a group of skilful local tribes the emperor marched towards the heart of the forest while soldiers on horses flanked him on all sides. The rest followed suit - elephants, palanquin bearers, footmen carrying luggage, chefs, attendants and even entertainers!
A thought suddenly struck her and she made a few swift computations with regards to their progress 'It has been more than half a day since we left Agra...we've travelled North Eastwards so long...so, we must be somewhere in the vicinity of Bhagwati Ma Mandir...'
Contemplating on the thought for a moment, the excited queen peeped out.
Quickly summoning one of her palanquin bearers, Jodha reconfirmed her presumption about their whereabouts. Once assured, she wasted no time in instructing him with a message 'I have a message for the Shehenshah that I would like you to convey personally...please let the Emperor know that I request his permission to be able to take a short detour to the Bhagwati Mata temple...it should be situated somewhere around here...I have long wanted to visit this Sacred place...'
Taking leave of the queen with a parting bow, the bearer hastened off to do as told.
**********
Twirling the ends of her veil within her fingers, the queen watched on - she'd been restlessly awaiting news for a while now. Growing up in Amer, she'd heard many beautiful things about the Goddess. Why, her dadisa had even recited many tales of how powerful and miraculous this deity was. Paying a visit to this temple had been a long-standing wish of hers. After all, this was the only feature of this expedition that she was enthused about!
Eventually noticing the attendant's re-emerging figure, Jodha eagerly parted the drapes of her palanquin - the anticipation on her face evident!
Stationing himself in front of her parked palanquin, the modest man bowed his head 'I apologize for my impudence Begum Sahiba... however I am only delivering the Shehenshah's words as he conveyed them to me...the Emperor has sternly refused to oblige your wishes...he has also requested you not to delay the progress of the group by making any further trivial requests along the way...I apologize once again Begum...'
She instantly felt her heart sink 'What?No...' she couldn't believe what she'd just heard.
It was not just a mere refusal, it was a rebuff! Taking a few moments to come to terms with the facts, Jodha's disappointment soon enough gave way to displeasure, which eventually amplified into bitter annoyance!
**********************
Campsite - The Tent
'Begum Sahiba...' one of the maids had unwittingly informed her during their idle conversation sometime earlier 'On our hunting trips... its customary that whatever animals the Emperor's troupe returns with is used by the chef to prepare our night feast...it is a matter of pride for the King and for us...aren't we fortunate to be blessed with such an adventurous Emperor?'
'Animals? Night feast? Fortunate?' The very thought had killed her appetite!
Having travelled relentlessly, the party had finally found a suitable safe spot to set up camp only late at noon. However, the energetic young king hadn't squandered any time reposing in his tent. Refreshing himself in a jiffy, Jalal had set out on his hunt with the tribes soon after - returning only when it was dark! It'd been a while since he'd set foot in such dense jungles and the lure of the sport was just too tempting to resist!
However, she'd had little else to do. Staring through the tent apertures at the night sky, the lonely queen sat idly on her luxuriant couch.
'Oh! How I wish Mothi was here' she sighed unhappily casting a half-hearted gaze at the not-so-indulgent maids sitting near the entrance of her tent.
She was disheartened...bored...irked...fatigued...hungry...frustrated - you name it! Being cooped up in a makeshift tent from sunset till nightfall had taken its toll on her spirits. He hadn't consented to let her visit the temple then - and now, he wasn't permitting her to step out of the camp for a stroll.
During both instances she'd remembered her friend's words with unease 'It is in his nature to tame anyone that stands against him...do you ever wonder that the emperor possibly likes toying with your patience since you give him good reason to do so...'
******
'Mashallah!'
She woke up with a startle - the familiar voice appeared to come from close by.
Opening her eyes, the queen looked up - she hadn't expected to find herself greeted by his charming grin. Flustered, she swiftly studied her whereabouts - unbeknown to her, she'd just dozed off on the couch in her tent.
Instantly straightening herself, Jodha sat up and adjusted the veil on her head - trying to avert his gazes all through.
However, the unruffled Jalal had no reason to flinch. He casually continued from where he'd paused 'Mashallah! From where I'm standing, the moon does indeed appear very very alluring tonight...'
Taken aback, she stared at him. For a moment she didn't know how to react to the flirtatious remark - as though his presence was not unsettling enough! Much as she tried - she couldn't stop the flushed colour spreading to her cheeks. Worse; she could notice the maids giggling at her predicament, in the corner.
Observing Jodha's abashed frowns, Jalal hastily pointed to the beautiful spectacle in the dark sky 'What happened Begum...I was only referring to the full moon in the skies...' he broke out into a mischievous frown 'I hope you didn't assume something else...'
'W...w..what?' she was lost for words. He was having his fun at her expense and he was thoroughly enjoying it. She didn't know why she felt offended and THAT made her even more annoyed. Nevertheless, she deliberately continued evading his hypnotic gazes.
Smirking to himself, Jalal nonchalantly resumed their conversation 'I heard that you have not had your dinner yet...' he paused with authority 'Shehenshah Jalal would not even allow his guest to go to bed hungry... you are his Begum, after all'
'N...no...I ...am not...really...h..hungry' she protested - her unhappiness evident
Not minding her words, the Emperor proceeded to clap his hands as a signal. Thereafter, a bevy of attendants made their way into her tent with bowls of hot food, plates and goblets 'All of these items have been prepared exclusively for you...SEPARATELY... in special cauldrons that were only used to make VEGETARIAN dishes...'
She was compelled to look at him now. She didn't know whether she had to be grateful for this gesture of his or remain suspicious of his intentions - so, she just stayed quiet!
'I'll join you if you need company' he offered - barely hiding the mischief in his voice
She was quick to respond 'N...no that would not be necessary'
He watched her reluctance to proceed 'I have always respected your sentiments at Agra...why did you think it would be any different here on this instance?'
'Respect my sentiments?' she couldn't help but silently sneer at the irony.
However, her displeasure didn't go unnoticed.
'Takhliya' he ordered soon after, taking her by surprise
'What did he want now?' she wondered. Disguising her curiosity, Jodha watched on as the slew of maids and attendants left them to their privacy
He stepped closer to her - close enough that he could look directly into her eyes 'What is your gripe Begum Jodha?'
Sighing deeply, Jodha eventually overcame her reservations and returned the pleasure by staring back into his eyes 'Shehenshah...if you indeed respect my sentiments as you claim...' she paused -trying to choose her words carefully
'Pray continue...' he prodded on
'Shehenshah...then, why did you not permit me to step out for a stroll now...a short while ago?'
'For your safety...this is a forest...it was past sunset...' the proud king broke into a whisper 'MY begums don't go for recreational strolls past this hour...'
'Shehenshah...then, why did you not allow me to visit Bhagwati Mata Mandir earlier today?'
He studied her adorable temperament - his 'NO' had definitely offended her 'Again, for the sake of safety' he justified 'That area has been known to be the haunt of many-a-bandit'
Still unconvinced, she moved on to her next issue - there was no stopping her 'If you respect my sentiments... then, why did you throw that plate at my Kanha Mandir yesterday...you didn't even listen to what I had to say...'
Though only for a moment, it was HIS turn to avert HER gaze now. His teasing smiles had given way to a momentary frown. She had a point. He shruged his shoulder subtly- his pride not allowing him to mete a proper apology 'I was angry...I realize I acted impulsively...it was not meant to be a slight against your place of worship...'
He redirected his gazes towards her again - realizing soon enough that she was not one to be impressed by his large ego!
'Shehenshah...why did you force me to come here when you are aware that I do not enjoy hunting?'
Amused by her perseverance, Jalal couldn't help but erupt into the slightest smile 'Mashallah! You do have a long list of gripes against me, don't you?'
However, he didn't reply this time - he waited for her to study his expressions instead.
Just as he'd hoped, Jodha derived her answer from his impish grins 'It is in his nature to tame anyone that stands against him...the emperor possibly likes toying with your patience since you give him good reason to do so...'
The discomforting thought gnawed at her. Suddenly reminded of the fact that the couple had been gazing at each other for longer than necessary, she broke away from his sight. Hassled, she decided to bring their tense exchanges to an end 'Fine Shehenshah...I shall go out for a stroll tomorrow morning then...and thank you for the meal now...'
There! She'd conceded to all his orders, so he shouldn't have a problem with her final request - or so she thought!
Following a brief pause, he smoothly reverted with a caution 'Not beyond the camp-site...'
'W...what! But why...' She couldn't believe her ears 'I've come all this way...only to...'
'I...said...no...you...shall...NOT Begum Jodha!' his tone was more assertive this time
His mind-games had already rattled her enough- and now this! Jodha questioned the Emperor in desperation 'Shehenshah! Then, what am I supposed to do here?'
Pausing to 'tut-tut' with mock empathy, he reminded her of why he'd brought her along 'If you like, you can come hunting with me tomorrow morning in order to give me company...'
Mischievously winking at his speechless queen, the spirited Emperor then offered Jodha a final salutation before leaving her presence for the night.
The end😳
Edited by lashy - 12 years ago
Anupamaa
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