Chapter 25 Part 1

Diwan-e-Khaas continued...

Jodha glanced at him with contentment. In an appreciative tone, she slurred, "Shahenshah Thank you for inspiration, your support has boosted my strength and courage... A few minutes back, I was so worried and I was afraid that you might get annoyed or any of my words could upset you... But the way you are encouraging me and supporting me, I feel I am blessed."

Jalal teasingly whispered in her ears- "I didn't know that my wild cat has knowledge about political issues"

Jodha smirked and whispered back- "Shahenshah, stop teasing me, you are in the courtroom not in your chamber."

Rukaiya eyes were on the duo, seeing them engrossed in talk and their romantic smirk churned her inwardly with annoyance and jealousy. Little by little, volcano molded to erupt in her heart with fiery fumes.

Maham sensed Rukaiya's suppressed wrath, her resentment was clearly visible in her eyes. While gesturing to calm down Maham caressed on her hand and mumbled in a dim tone, "Have patience Queen Rukaiya... I don't believe Queen Jodha is expert in administrative matters, if once the arrow hits the target then it doesn't mean that you have become an expert in Archery... It's just the beginning, so keep watching wait for the right moment. Sooner or later, we will trap her, I can clearly see how Jalal and Jodha's views are so diverse from each other. Jodha is a feeble person, and won't be able to take a tough decision thenceforth Jalal will comprehend how wrong he was to appoint her to the position of Malika-e-Hindustan instead of choosing you. Rukaiya Begum, don't lose your courage... If not today then maybe tomorrow, but we will definitely succeed. You just have to keep patience, soon we will show that Rajvanshi her right place, till then keep wearing your mask and hide this resentment from your face." Rukaiya grinned and nodded her head.

At last Jalal announced his final verdict, "We will give a tax break to those villagers until and unless all of them settle down well and start their routine life once again... Meanwhile, we will dispatch immediate help from Agra." He also directed to notify all the nearby states to support and send immediate relief to villagers. The King was very much pleased with the decision of tax break and additional support. He stood up at his place and bowed down respectfully to thank Jalal and Jodha.

Jalal instructed to proceed for next issue.

Atgah Sahib after reading the next memo informed everyone:

Jabalpur Township, some of the common people gathered and sent this complaint. They have a complaint against some food marketers who are selling basic grains like rice, wheat, and lentils for the extremely high price. They are even mixing lots of pebbles in the food and according to them all marketers covertly got together and increased the price so people don't have any other option.

Jalal asked his expert advisors for their opinion on what should be done to control this situation.

Almost everyone gave an identical opinion that all the marketers need to be penalized for retailing basic need items for the higher price.

Even Jalal agreed with all of them... They can monopolize the market in basic need item, it is a cheating with consumers and sultanate since they are making more profit and paying the same tax like any other state.

Jodha in a hesitant tone expressed "Shahenshah, in my view, we should not reprimand those marketers."

"Jodha, why don't you put your opinion in front of others but make sure you have a valid reason for it." Jalal in poise manner instructed. While looking at the scholars, he informed, 'Malika E Hindustan has a different opinion on this matter. She would like to discuss this matter further.' then while nodding toward her he permitted her to continue further.

Jodha began with a composed manner, "To begin with, I want everyone to know that I feel fortunate to work with highly knowledgeable scholars. Please forgive if I make a mistake due to my inexperience in the topic and please feel free to guide me and correct me. According to my point instead of looking at what markets has done wrong we should look at why they were able to do it, we should not punish these marketers because there are no laws established by the sultanate yet to control pricing for basic need items. They have full liberty to sell grains at any price they wish since there are no restrictions established by the law. Of course, one way it is good not to put a restriction in pricing for the growth of the market. Usually, in most of the markets competition controls inflation in pricing but unfortunately in this town all marketers unitedly increased the price and in turn punishing the common people. My suggestion is we need to establish a new law according to which the sultanate will decide maximum prices for basic need items and if marketers don't follow the law then we can punish them and this law will benefit not only Jabalpur but throughout the sultanate in all the states." She explained in a confident but poise tone while looking at the scholars.

The entire court was awestruck with surprise after hearing Jodha's wise opinion. The court was silent even after her speech as if they were lost in the music. All of them including Jalal thought Jodha has no knowledge about economic issues of the states. Suddenly Jodha gained immense respect in all advisers and administrators eyes. Jalal also got astonished with her long vision and intelligent view.

Rukaiya and Maham's heart sank seeing her extraordinary aptitude.

Atgah Sahib got up and openly agreed with her opinion and suggestion, he graciously expressed "We are very proud to have you in our court as Malika E Hindustan, your far insight will tremendously benefit the sultanate."

All of the administrators appreciated Jodha's wise thinking. Diwan e khass got filled with murmurs, most of the faces were overwhelmed with a cheerful expression. Hearing so much admiration... so much praise... so much respect from everyone Jalal was very pleased but he slightly felt uncomfortable, as it was too unexpected for him, Jodha gained so much respect in just one single day.

While inhaling the surge of jealousy and his slightly bruised ego he also appreciated and agreed with her opinion.

As if it wasn't enough to shock, one of the high scholar-administrator, Mullah Piazza got up and while slightly bending he politely asked "Malika E Hindustan, can I ask you something with your permission?"

Everyone got curious with his approach, in a sober tone she responded, "Yes, please ask me?"

"Are you the 'Gulab e Registan' (Desert Rose)???" He asked in a hesitant and nervous tone.

Jalal got up from his throne in an anger he roared "Mullah Piaaza ..."

Seeing his sudden burst of anger... The court fell into silence.

Instantaneously, Jodha got up and held Jalal's hand to control his anger and answered: "Shahenshah, he is not disrespecting me, but he is asking about the writer."Gulab e Registan" who has written a book about the economy and yes, I am the one who has written the book on 'How to improve economy' and to hide my identity I gave Mughal name as a writer."

Mullah Piazza Khan got up and apologized "Shahenshah, forgive me for this misunderstanding but as soon as Malika E Hindustan gave her view about how to control the pricing issue, I recalled the book which I read about year ago. There was no identification of the writer in the book... only at the end of the book it said 'Gulab E Registan'. The only other thing I knew was that someone has written this book in Amer and Malika E Hindustan is known in Amer as Registan ka Gulab and moreover she is from Amer, so I wanted to confirm if this book was written by her. After reading this book I was in awe and so impressed, I wanted to meet the person who has very creative concepts on how to improve the economy. I am so glad to see you as Malika E Hindustan in this Mughal Darbar."

Jodha respectfully said "Dhanyavad (Thank you)."

Now every single person in the court realized that it was not a coincident of wise views but she indeed is very intelligent.

Jalal was awestruck by this revelation, of course, he felt proud, but soon realization hit him like a rock... her extreme intelligence add more fuel in his jealousy, he felt inferior of his illiteracy. He can't even read or write and she had written a book, it gave a deep sting in his heart.

Maham smirked seeing Jalal's miserable expression. After reading his thought how she could miss the opportunity, she swiftly got up from her seat and in a loud tone praised and clapped genuinely, "Wah... Wah ... Malika E Hindustan!!! No one can touch your intelligence in this court... In one single day, you are standing equally next to Shahenshah E Hindustan. Your opinion shows your depth of education and knowledge. We all are so proud to find a precious diamond, your literacy was indeed necessary for this court."

Entire court roared with the sound of clapping.

Jodha blushed deeply obtaining so much veneration.

Every word of Jodha's praise by Maham poured more oil in the fire which just started to burn in Jalal's heart. It began to irritate him little by little... suddenly he started to feel she is superior in knowledge than him but with poker face he kept smiling while hiding his insecurity and pain.

If you all done with admiring my queen, then we move on to next case.' He sarcastically addressed to the people.

Atgah Sahib continued towards the next case and announced "This case is about stealing... the Sarpanch (Administrator) of the village was unable to resolve the case so he forwarded to Diwan e aam. But since Malika e Hindustan is with us in Diwan e khaas I have decided to proceed this case in Diwan e khaas so she can interact with people directly. The complaint is registered from the elder brother who has spotted his younger brother stealing his wife's jewelry... And according to Mughal law and order, stealing is a big crime and its punishment is also very brutal, that's why this case is being forwarded. The Sarpanch was hesitant to punish this severely."

Jalal's eyes got filled with anger. He granted his permission to continue, "Bring them all in the court." Elder brother entered the court with his wife and younger brother, all of them were escorted by three guards.

Atgah Sahib guided, "Give your introduction to the court and without any hesitation tell Shahenshah clearly everything in detail."

Salamat Ali introduced himself in nervous tone- "Your majesty, my name is Salamat Ali and I am a farmer... Farming is the only revenue with that I fulfill all the needs of my family."

He pointed towards his younger brother who standing next to his wife, and he is my younger brother Azim Ali. My Lord, I have nurtured him like my own child. When he was just three years old our parents died due to some deadly disease. We don't have our own child. For the last twenty years, I have been taking care of him. My wife has also loved him like her own child, but because of too much love and affection he has become a very irresponsible person and spoiled himself... He senselessly roams here and there and rests at home like a lazy person... Not only that, he has now indulged himself in gambling. Many times, I have tried to make him understand to leave all these bad habits but he thinks I am his enemy. Lately, his behavior got worst and worst, he gets angry at us, disrespect us, shout at us and many more things he has done which I know of I have ignored just because my wife purposely hide his mistakes. But this time, he has crossed all the limits... He has stolen his mother like sister-in-law's jewelry and lost everything in gambling. After this when I slapped him, rather than scolding him my wife got angry with me... We are very poor people, those jewelry were our only property."

After listening to Salamat Ali's statement, Atgah Sahib moved forward and asked Azim- "Azim do you want to say something? Do you accept this stealing offense?"

Azim's young blood boiled up, he angrily gazed at his brother Salamat and replied in his defense, "First of all, I don't think I have stolen jewelry. Yes, I took the jewelry from my home but that's my home too. So how can it be called stealing? When Sister-in-law has no problem in this, that jewelry belonged to her, then why Bhaijaan (brother) is over reacting and getting mad at me and even he slapped me when he came to know about this. He always thinks that I am a useless and lazy person but he never sees my pain. I love them like my parents and I wanted to buy gifts for them so I went to gamble to make more money. I thought I will earn so much money from gambling and I will return that jewelry... But it's my bad luck that I lost the jewelry, I don't think I have done any offense. I will return my sister-in-law's jewelry as soon as possible."

Jalal tensely questioned Salamat Ali, "Do you have any idea what the punishment is for stealing in Mughal Sultanate?"

He nervously replied "Huzoor, No... we don't know what punishment for this crime is?"

Maham looked at Rukaiya and stated in a low tone, "According to Mughal Sultanate's law the person who steals his/her hands are cut off... When Jalal is feeling so much pain while giving this serious punishment then what will happen to Jodha... That foolish always thinks through her heart, and I don't think she will be able to take this brutal decision."

Maham got up and informed, "In Mughal, Saltant stealing is considered a very big crime and the punishment for this crime is to cut the hands of the thief."

Salamat Ali completely got shaken, taken back, his eyes got wide out of a shock, in a stammering tone he pleaded, "No...No...Majesty I didn't know" but before he could react any further, Maham stopped him and said... "You will get the opportunity to speak." His eyes filled up with tears... The entire court realized that he doesn't want his brother to get punished that harshly but as per the rule, his brother will get punishment...Jalal doesn't bend the law for anyone and in any situation, that is the reason people called him cruel and ruthless."

Salamat Ali and his wife began to cry profoundly after hearing the punishment.

Agtah sahib also showed a little sympathy towards Salamat Ali and looked at Jalal.

Jalal regretfully continued "Stealing is a big crime, and till today in Mughal Sultanate history no one has been pardoned for this crime."

Before Jalal continued further Maham requested "Shahenshah, I am requesting you, since today its first day of Malika E Hindustan in Diwan e khas, we should give this case to Malika E Hindustan and we should honor her decision as her first judgment, we all have seen her how wise and intelligent she is."

This was a tough decision for Jalal and he knew it is going to be very difficult to punish Azam for Jodha but the law is a law... it's same for everyone and Azim has confessed his crime in front of the whole court, he didn't want to disrespect Maham so unwillingly he agreed and said: "Malika E Hindustan will announce the decision."

Jalal looked at Jodha with concern. Jodha was also apprehensive and hesitant, she knew the punishment for stealing in Mughal Saltant is to cut the hands of the guilty. Also, at the same time, She felt this punishment is too harsh, not only for the offender but for the entire family. But if she doesn't punish him then she will be going against the Mughal law... She again looked at Jalal with confused expression... Jalal kept his hand on her hand and directed, "Queen Jodha, I have trust in you that you will be fair and give your verdict according to the Mughal Sultanate's law." With his statement, she could tell that Jalal was in favor of punishing Azim and wanted her to follow the law too, but her heart was not accepting it.

Maham and Rukaiya's face began to glow with an evil gimmick. Finally, Jodha collected all her courage and proceeded further.

She asked Azim (Culprit) "Azim, Do you know that stealing is stealing... it doesn't matter where you stole it from, that Jewelry didn't belong to you and you should have asked your Bhabhi Maa before taking it. Tell me in detail what was the reason for stealing."

After hearing the punishment, his anger and attitude disappeared, he replied fearfully in a pleading tone, "When I took jewelry I thought I will put it back in a day... I just wanted to show my brother that I can also make money and take care of them. I very well know my brother has worked so hard his entire life and took care of me... I have seen him working hard doing all laborious work, I wanted to work on our farm but he never let me do anything there, he always said I am not made for this work. He has so much expectation from me and I didn't know what else to do."

She asked Salamat Ali, "Is it true that you never let your brother work on your farm??"

Salamat Ali lowered his eyes in a regret, "Yes, it is true that I didn't let him work on our farm because I don't want him to work hard like me, I want him to do business or work like a noble man... He is very intelligent in studies, he has studied for many years but he failed to fulfill my desire."

Jodha asked Salamat, "What is your opinion, your brother should be punished as per Mughal Laws."

Salamat Ali instantly responded "Nahi Malika, No way... I am like his father and would never even in my dream think to punish him like this. If I knew Mughal laws I would have never come to diwan e khaas for justice. Can I take my complaint back??"

Jodha looked at Jalal to answer... Jalal responded; "It is too late, your brother confessed his crime and as per the law he should be punished. You can't take your complaint back."

Her heart sank seeing tears in all three's eyes. Jodha looked at Jalal with little resentment... she was hoping he will dismiss this case and let them go... but Jalal's heart is still not that soft when it comes to justice.

Jodha was in a dilemma, her mind and heart both were not ready to punish Azam this harshly. Finally, she decided to listen to her heart and she announced her decision confidently "After listening to everyone... In my opinion, Azim did a crime of stealing of his Bhabhi Maa's jewelry and he should be punished for this crime but according to me if we cut Azim's hands for this crime, it will be considered as cruelty not only to him but his family as well. The law is made for our convenience and it should be changed the time to time based on need. If a kid who has not eaten food for days steals bread and if we cut his hands for stealing that would be considered as injustice and cruelty. So I have decided a different type of punishment for this case. Azim will work an entire year on his brother's farm and will take care of his brother and sister in law... Mughal soldiers will keep an eye on Azim for one year and if they find him gambling then his hands will be cut immediately. I don't want to cut Azim's hands and make him dependent on his brother for his entire life." She looked at Azim and said "Azim, Your brother has done a lot for you... now it's your responsibility to take care of him. And lastly I would like to give you an advice, never choose shortcuts to achieve your goal, work hard and make money, don't take the wrong path."