Chapter 4

King Bharmal heatedly shouted at the top of his voice, "JALAL!!! How dare you?" His eyes filled up with fire; His roar echoed back in the chamber a few times. Most of them in the court got up from their chairs and pulled their swords out to kill King Bharmal for disrespecting King of the kings, Shahenshah E Hindustan.

Shortly, King Bharmal realized that he is at his mercy and shouting at Shahenshah will worsen his chances of freedom. After looking around, he, bitterly, but in a warm sound, said, "Shahenshah, forgive me for my elevated tone, but do you have any clue what you are asking? Undoubtedly, you don't know much about Rajput people and their self-respect and dignity. We rather prefer to kill ourselves than trading our daughters for our lives. And the same way our females would rather slaughter themselves than surrender to the enemies."

His fearless argument annoyed most of the administrators; Jalal slowly observed them. He lifted his right hand and indicated to everyone to calm down; then, with his creepy gaze at King Bharmal, he slyly smirked. "King Bharmal, 'I want Jodha,' It was not a request, but it was a statement. If you agree willingly, there is a possibility of a more beneficial outcome of your position, but as far as I can see, I don't need your approval anymore. I have already won Amer, and everything in Amer belongs to me. If you give your consent or not, I will get Jodha, and you cannot do anything about it." Jalal evenly replied

Jalal's deadly calm tone sends fearful shivers in King Bharmal's body; his face turns pale. While masking his anxiety, King Bharaml responded ironically, "Shahenshah, Do you know before Mughal soldiers could touch any women in the palace, they would jump into the fire pool and kill (Johar) themselves? At this time, they all are possibly around the fire pool, and once they receive messages that I have been captured and as soon as they see Mughal soldiers in the palace, within a second, they will jump in (fire pool) to protect their honor and dignity. No doubt you will get a palace, but empty without Jodha." He sneered proudly

Jalal realized that if he doesn't find a better way to persuade King Bharmal, he will lose Jodha, and he wanted her at any cost. Jalal promptly plotted in his mind. With his political tactic, Jalal continued humbly, "King Bharmal, why do you think that I want to disrespect you and your family? I am not asking you to gift me your daughter. I would like to get married to her legitimately with all of our customs & rituals. Jodha will receive admiration as a Begum E Hindustan, and that is my promise, and everyone knows that Jalal never breaks his promise." He took a brief pause and scanned King Bharmal's expression; seeing his easy stance, he grinned silently and then continued convincingly, "If you agree, there are three things you can get with this alliance." He paused for a moment

"First, You will rule on Amer'," as soon as he voiced, 'you will rule on Amer,' Adham and Shariffudin both looked at each other with an annoying expression. Jalal's sharp eyes were on the entire court to consider their reaction." Jalal continued further

"Second, your sons will be discharged with all due respect. Third, your land will be more secure and more substantial with our support." Jalal showed his big heart towards King Bharmal and gave him an appealing proposition.

King Bharmal beheld his gaze at Jalal with baffling expression; it took him a while to comprehend.

The entire court had the same reaction. It seemed like everyone froze, hearing all the reasoning; no one could understand what Jalal was trying to accomplish out of this.

Slowly King Bharmal came out of the dilemma, and his face began to show an effect, he looked convinced, but at the same time, he looked chaotic and mystified.

"King Bharmal, what dilemma are you in?"Jalal calmly asked

Bharmal nervously wiped his sweat from his forehead then replied dejectedly, "Shahenshah, you have made me speechless. I am obliged to your generosity, but I know my daughter very well. Pardon me, but since her childhood, she has hated Mughals, and she will not agree at any cost for this marriage; she is too strong to persuade, even I won't be able to convince her against her desire. She will kill herself, but not marry you. I don't know how she will agree to this proposal." Jalal could sense his genuine concern in his voice.

Jalal viciously smirked while thinking; only I can control your untamable daughter, princess Jodha. "King Bharmal, I understand why you are worried, but as per my information, your daughter is a true patriot; she loves Amer more than herself. I do not think she will be able to see Amer's people in trouble. If you tell her that her sacrifice will save Amer, then without any argument, she will agree to this marriage." He tried to convince him tactfully

Seeing Jalal's desperation to marry Jodha, King Bharmal felt relieved. Unhappily convinced himself, thinking Jalal would take Jodha's good care after marriage.

It was another blow for everyone in the court to know that Amer Princess Jodha dislikes Mughals and even after knowing that Jalal is still persistent to marry her at any cost.

Finally, King Bharmal agreed to his proposal with a heavy heart and immediately sent a message to Amer palace that the situation is under control.

King Bharmal went straight to the palace and informed everyone other than Jodha about the proposal from Jalal. Everyone got traumatized after hearing. Dadisa (Grandma) and Mainavati both froze, their words stuck in their throats. All of the brothers and their wives, Jodha's sisters Sukanya and Shivani, every single person in the chamber had tears in their eyes. They all knew it was the most significant sacrifice anyone can give. They had no other choice left, so everyone gave their consent and decided to inform Jodha about this proposal with a heavy heart.

They called Jodha to the big divan hall. Jodha walked in a pin-drop silence chamber; she nervously glanced at all of them; she could sense that something significant had happened. When she saw her brothers and father safe back at the palace, she felt relieved, but deep dark silence in the chamber and tears in everyone's eyes threatened her and made her panicky.

At last, King Bharmal gathered his courage and said, "Jodha, very few people obtain this opportunity to sacrifice their dreams for their land, and DESTINY HAS CHOSEN YOU." He paused and, with deep sighed out and continued sadly, "Mughal Shahenshah, Jalaluddin Mohammad has sent a marriage proposal for your hand, and your 'YES' can save the entire Amer, your family and Ameri people."

Hearing the name Jalaluddin Mohammad, Jodha walked two steps back in extreme shock. His name echoed in her ears many times in a few seconds. All of a sudden, she felt quack, as if the earth was shaking underneath her feet. Her entire body shivered with a jolt, her eyes widened for a few seconds, and her vision faded; in a flick, her dreams were shattered. Suddenly she felt as if someone had sucked out all of her energy; Word got stuck in her throat. Without any sound, tears began to pierce out her eyes.

She could not believe that her possessive brothers, who did not even let her go out of the palace, freely traded her to the Mughals. She looked at all of her brothers vulnerably; her eyes were screaming out loud, how could you let this happen to your sister? You are my protector, not a trader?

All four of them shamefully looked down at their defeat.

Then she pointedly stared at her mother with millions of questions in her eyes; how could you let this happen to your daughter? you were the one who always worried for me, my one small sneeze makes you restless, and you agreed to send me to our biggest enemy, Mughals? Mainavati folded her hands and showed her feebleness.

She could not gather the courage to see her grandma, her painful cry deafening her ears and pouring acid into her consciousness. She always supported and saved her from many punishments, but today her tears tore her up. Her vulnerable face killed her last hope.

At last, she gazed with penetrating fury at her own father, questioning him in her silence, Are you the same father who worried day and night for my safety and today you are ready to trade me to those butchers, who don't respect women?

Silence prevailed in the chamber for long. No one dared to say two sympathetic words to Jodha. Her stare pricked in everyone's heart.

When King Bharmal noticed horrifying fear and pool of tears, he gulped his sorrow and continue in a begging tone, "Jodha, Amer's destiny is in your hands today; your sacrifice will save thousands of people and their families. If you do not accept this proposal, then your brother's life will be in danger, and Amer's people will also pay a high price for it. Lastly, King Bharmal and Queen Mainavati bowed down in front of Jodha with intense guilt.

Jodha was stunned to see his father so weak and fumbled, her brain suddenly stopped processing, her mind went frozen and unable to think further, her eyes were filled in a pool of tears, everyone was looking at her devastatingly. There was complete silence in the hall. Everyone was waiting for Jodha's answer.

After a stretched silence, to end, she broke down in sobs loudly and said vulnerably, "Father, if my sacrifice will save my country and my family then, I agree to this marriage." She walked away from there without looking at anyone, but suddenly she stopped and turned back and requested her father that she would like to see Shahenshah once before marriage.

"Why do you want to see him?" Warily King Bharmal asked

"Father, my apologies, but I will talk to Shahenshah only." Jodha respectfully replied

She briskly walked away with tears in her eyes and anger for her family. At that time, she didn't desire to speak to anyone. It was the saddest day in the palace, not only for Jodha, but everyone's dreams were shattered for Jodha's wedding.

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On the other hand, almost everyone in Jalal's administration was upset and surprised at his awkward decision. Chief administrator Maham Anga, Military general Adham Khan, Maham's son, and Sharifuddin, Jalal's brother in law, all three asked for an explanation. Why did he take this decision, and why does he need to get married to a Rajvanshi Hindu princess???

Jalal yelled, "ENOUGH."

After a long pause, he continued with an assertive tone, "I am the Shahenshah E Hindustan, and I am not answerable to your questions. But when you all have raised your voice, then listen and keep in mind forever, Jalaluddin Mohammad does not make any decision without thinking. I want to rule the entire Hindustan, and all of you know, the biggest obstacle in our path is Rajput Rajvanshi states. They are brave and extremely loyal to their land; they will agree to die but not surrender to me easily. To win the spirit of Rajput and Rajvanshi people, this is my first footstep. Fundamentally, this is a crucial political decision. With this alliance, I will put my first foot in Rajvansh, and soon this Rajvanshi will be under my influence, soon their brave soldiers will fight for my protection, and their supporting states will become approachable with the Mughals." He glanced at everyone crossly and walked out of the court with his royal grace while shutting everyone's big mouth at once.

Raja Bharmal sent the message to Shahenshah that princess Jodha wants to see him before the wedding.

It surprised Jalaal and created a little anger inside him, but he agreed to meet her unwillingly.

A meeting was arranged in Jodha's chamber alone. Jalal walked into Jodha's royal chamber, which was simple but graceful and large. Every piece of art was fascinating; many beautiful paintings were hanging on the wall. Even though it was eye-catching art in her chamber, his eyes searched for Jodha sitting on the divan, and her face was covered with a transparent veil (ghoonghat). An uncanny smile kissed on his lips; while gazing at her pale, lifeless face, he sat the opposite divan, across from Jodha. Her eyes were still lower down, looking at her shivering hand, which was resting on her knees. Jalal could see the massive pain on her face, but her pain gave him irritation instead of satisfaction.

He edgily asked, "Princess Jodha, why have you requested to see me?"

Jodha soberly started, "Shahenshah, I am grateful to you for coming here and releasing my brothers." Then, slowly, she lifted her beautiful eyes; as soon as her eyes laid on Jalal, she got up from the divan and yelled, "YOU" in shock.

Seeing her angry face, he smirked wickedly and responded in a deadly calm voice, "Yes, as I promised princess Jodha, I told you that I would come back to get you, and you will soon know who I am! Mughals also keep their promises," and again he grinned uncanny at Jodha.

Jodha's eyes turned red with fury. Millions of thoughts ran through her brain in a fraction of seconds; she disgusted herself at first for liking him. It occurred to her all of this blood poured just for her; because of me, everything has happened? she questioned herself. Seeing his constant lustful gaze on her, she said dryly, but in a husky tone while glaring straight in his eyes through her veil, "Shahenshah, there are two conditions for my to this marriage" after a short pause... she continued.

"I will not be forced to change my religion. I will continue my customs, rituals, and religion." She beheld his gaze deliberately to see his reaction.

After hearing the 1st condition, Jalal's anger boiled up. As per Mughal custom and religion, after marriage, a woman needs to follow a man's religion; it was a huge demand not to change her religion. He furiously asked, "What else???"

Seeing his hindrance, she felt more confident and fearless; she put out her second condition.

"I will come to Agra with my God Krishna, and you will build a small temple in my palace. I will marry you only if you agree to these two conditions."

How dare you, Jodha? You want a temple in the Mughal palace. Is she out of her mind??? He thought; he got up with scorching anger on his face and looked at Jodha while running his hand through his soft dark hair.

Jalal's rage and nervousness brought a captivating smile to Jodha's face. This was the last option for her to come out of this marriage. She knew very well that this condition is almost impossible for him to accept. As a Shahenshah, if he denies her conditions, he will be humiliated that the kings couldn't fulfill two small conditions. If he agrees, then he will be questioned by his religious maulvies. She could read defeat on his face.

For Jalal, everything in his life was about winning or losing. For him winning was a passion; he could go to any extent to win against anyone. It was the first time he got challenged by a woman. Jodha's desire was gradually increased by every meeting, even though she put him in a precarious condition, but her cunningness touched his heart. He knew from the first time they met that she is different from others; he will have to work hard to achieve her.

Jodha was very sure that he would never accept her terms and he would deny the wedding, but how could he let her win and lose her in turn. He looked at her with his sharp eyes and announced, "Princess Jodha, I accept both of your conditions. Your wishes will be fulfilled, my fiery princess." He waited there to see in her eyes his victory.

Jodha could not gulp her tears any longer since this was her last way out. She pulled her veil up and saw directly pierced in his eyes.

Jalal saw her red, teary eyes and her swollen face; her condition shuddered him for a second. Her pitiful state slightly bothered him. Her innocent charm was gone.

Jodha bitterly stated, "Shenshah, you have proved every word I have told about Mughals; I was right, you are a cruel, ruthless and Casanova. Just to mollify your hunger for my body, you have killed thousands of innocent warriors. Yes, indeed, you have won today; I can see you standing on thousands of corpses of innocent soldiers and claiming your victory over my lifeless body. So go and celebrate you have won nothing but a living corpse and remember that Jodha hates you and she will hate you forever."

Hearing her sharp, bitter, but painful words, he got furious. Her piercing gaze began to torture his heart with the guilt of wrongdoing. He clutched his hand to control his fury and thought, Jodha; soon you will be underneath my possession then you will need my consent even to breathe, you won't be able to speak a word against Mughals and me. Without saying a single word, he kept staring at her. When he didn't respond to her harsh accusations, she got more annoyed.

She sarcastically added, "Shahenshah, do you know that according to Hindu beliefs, you pay for your past life sins in your current life. I can confidently tell that in my past life, I was a cruel monster or a devil, so in this life, God has decided to give me a devil husband like you."

Jalal was staggered to see her daring even after knowing that she will be under his mercy after marriage, she was still talking fearlessly with her sharp tongue and pride. He decided to ignore her ruthless words; he was content with her frustration.

Before leaving, he deviously whispered in a threatening tone, "Be ready for the wedding princess, soon you will get to know real Jalal.

He walked out gracefully from her chamber and informed everyone about Jodha's conditions and his acceptance of the conditions.

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All the pre-wedding rituals like the Mehndi ceremony and Pithi ceremony finished dejectedly. None of the Rajvanshi Kings accepted the wedding invitation; the entire community cursed King Bharmal for his harsh decision. Many of them instantly broke all ties with him and accused him of swapping his daughter to Mughals for his life.

Three days passed in a flick, every family member tried to speak to Jodha, but Jodha was silent. Her antagonism towards her family and God Krishna for choosing him as her life partner. Since her childhood, any problem arose she always shared with God Krishna; her faith in God was unbreakable.

Jalal was feeling excited about his conquest, and Jodha's heart was crying on the day of the wedding. Her vulnerable heart was cursing her parents and god Krishna for this injustice. Jodha's sisters, Shivani and Sukanya, dressed her with all wedding outfits and jewelry, but Jodha had no interest in getting dressed; she was still silent and didn't utter a word. Sukanya and Shivani tried to cheer her, but she dimly smiled at them and worried about their future.

Jalal arrived at the Amer palace entrance on a horse, accompanied by a few family and friends.