Chapter 26

Jalal was deeply lost in thoughts, her hazel melancholy eyes which were filled with sadness, and her constant tears haunted him... Abdul noticed Jalal's stress and worry on his face... Obviously, he was able to guess what debate was running in his mind... After Diwan E Khaas, the way he countered towards his beloved Empress, Queen Jodha and on the top his dry behavior in the morning was eating him inside. He behaved rudely for the sake of his bruised manly ego, but his heart was restless knowing he was wrong but his mind overruled him. In a silence both were riding on their horses while debating within. At last, Abdul decided to break the silence.

"Shahenshah, Can I ask you something if you don't mind, where are we going?" He asked in a formal tone.

"To find out the condition of the people." He answered in clipped tone

"What??? Why so suddenly?" Abdul was unable to veil his startled expression in his sound.

Jalal took a deep sighed out then stirred his gaze towards him and continued in a gentle tone, "Abdul I have spent many many years on the Warfield, to make sure my people are secured. While I was busy in expanding sultanate I have given majority administrative authorities to take the decision to Badi Ammi. I am very sure that she has done amazing work keeping my people pleased, even though I am certain and confident that my people are well content and happy under my protection, I want assurance it today, I need to hear it, I need to see how satisfied they are? I want to see the condition of my people, I want to see how common people spend their lives... After yesterday, it became a prime need for me to know what they think about me... I have worked so hard all these years to fulfill my duties... I want to see with my own eyes, do they really respect me out of love or out of fear? I have many questions in my mind which I need answers for, I want to know am I too harsh or heartless toward them?"

Abdul pulled rein all of a sudden, his horse crooned before stopping. "What??? That means we won't be back to the palace before afternoon..." He questioned in a shocking tone while looking bizarre.

Jalal with confused gaze countered "Yes... I don't think we will be back to the palace for two-three days. Don't worry I have arranged everything early in the morning but why you look so traumatized??? Am I forgetting something important???"

Abdul pulled his brow, disappointment laced over his face and his eyes widen in a shock "Seriously Shahenshah, you don't remember?"

"Don't annoy me, Abdul, what is so shocking?" Jalal asked irritated.

"Seems like you have forgotten about the grand function you have announced in the honor of Malika E Hindustan this afternoon. We have invited so many royal kings and administrators and your absence will be absolutely disrespectful not only for the Mughal Kingdom but in the honor of Malika E Hindustan as well. People will not only laugh at her but they will laugh at you too... the way you have pronounced and given her such a title and in just two days this drastic rejection from your side will be in the discussion for days."

Jalal abruptly stopped with a dreadful expression "Yaah Allah, How did I forget about this function... It completely slipped out of my mind, this has never happened before. This is a very big function and I am surprised Rukaiya begum and Badi Ammi both didn't remind me. Abdul, it is important for me to reach the palace on time and attend the function for the sake of our Mughal respect."

They turned back towards the palace... Abdul asked in a low tone "Shahenshah, this is very the first time you have forgotten such a big event. Forgive me for my audacity, but can I ask you something??

He simply nodded his head knowing what's coming.

Abdul cautiously began the conversation "Shahenshah, I have noticed a vast change in you after yesterday's Diwan E Khaas. Since then you seemed lost and your face has turned pale. I can definitely tell something is troubling you and slowly slaughtering you inside. Is it because of yesterday's verdict by Queen Jodha???" After a small pause, he queried which was bothering even Abdul after the DWK.

His vigilant eyes roused thinly towards Abdul, for about ten seconds he kept quite while pondering over whether to continue on this sensitive matter or not. Finally, he stated in distinct tone, "Abdul you are right, you know well enough. Yes, yesterday's verdict has really put me in a dilemma. According to me, Queen Jodha has taken a decision by her heart overruling Mughal laws, therefore I do not agree with her judgment. Not only that her verdict has left me thinking about my decision on making her Malika E Hindustan. So tell me what your opinion about yesterday's decision??"

Abdul very well knew what Jalal wanted to hear? Their bond of friendship is not new, they are childhood buddies. Of course, he easily read his shroud mind and the way he approached. If Jalal wanted his genuine opinion then he would never reveal his thinking first. In a way, he forced him to agree to his opinion.

Without any hesitation Abdul stated his viewpoint in a determined tone, "Shahenshah, according to me there can't be a better judgment than this. She has not only given justice to the culprit but she has given life to the entire family. I think Queen Jodha has a broad vision and far thinking. I am not only proud at her verdict but I am proud of you for choosing her as Malika E Hindustan."

It was rare Abdul defy to Jalal's opinion, it shocked him.

His eyes scowled at him disappointedly before responding, "Abdul, My opinion is completely opposite. I strongly believe she has taken the decision from the heart and when you are in power to give a verdict... you can't take decisions by heart you not supposed to see the individual case, it's not practical at all, the neglecting law is never acceptable. If people's tears began to impact on me, then I won't be able to take the right decision. I am upset with queen Jodha because she knew very well before giving the verdict that she is going against the law, I gave her enough hints to follow the law. And lets she do not agree with my opinion then she should have rescheduled the case and call them back in the court a week later but Nop... she didn't do that. I see this as her audacity and disrespecting the law, she knowingly ruled against the law without changing the law... It takes weeks to amend any law, It's not a simple process. After many debates, evaluating the pros and cons then I allow to make changes in the law but she thinks she is way smarter than me. How cunningly she gave everyone the example of hungry kid, what was she trying to prove that I am a cruel and heartless Shahenshah and she is the only one who cares about the people. I will never forgive her Abdul... Never.

Abdul inhaled sharply... now it was clear to him what was bothering him the most... His manly ego was bruised, he was jealous the way court appreciated her intelligence.

"Shahenshah, if you permit I would like to ask you a question?" He guardedly asked

"Yes." He responded in clipped tone

Abdul cross-questioned cleverly "If this verdict was taken by someone else then would you have had the same reaction?"

Jalal glared at him with an annoyance, "Probably, I would have reacted the same way and I do not think anyone would have dared to give a verdict against my wish."

"I understand." Abdul agreed before asking the second question, "Okay, Now see the same case as a commoner and tell me truthfully do you still think as a commoner this verdict was wrong?

Jalal viewed at Abdul confusingly for a moment, but soon he responded with a confident tone, "Hmmm... As a common person... First of all, I can't think like them because commoner will have many opinions, if you ask hundred people, you might find hundred different opinions so I can't think as a common person... I have to think as the leader of the common people.

"Well... Shahenshah, No one can win over you in the debate... You always find your way out but I am sorry, I still do not agree with your opinion. "Even though he knew that Jalal defeated him an argument, Abdul still stood by his opinion.

Jalal curtly smirked while replying "Abdul, I know you very well, you somewhat like Queen Jodha... you also take your decision with heart and equally stubborn like her, once you form an opinion it is not easy to change it. But that is what I appreciate the most, your honesty. Plus you don't get dominated by my opinion and you always straight to the point."

Abdul and Jalal both understood clearly, both of them thinking way apart. Therefore their mouth sealed with silence, while riding back Jalal once again got deeply lost thinking. Repeatedly, DWK scene reminisced in front of his eyes which fired up his ego, the more he discussed, or ponder over, more his anger increased Eventually negativity filled his mind and thoughts. The whole way back his ears were echoing the words of praise from his Badi Ammi, Atgah Sahib, Abdul, his Ammi Jaan...and all of his proficient administrators for Jodha. His jealousy and ego bruised further, the more he heard positive about Jodha...the more his heart boiled. He tried to suppress his thoughts but it impacted reversely. The amount of the force he put to restrain on his thoughts it bounced back with double intensity. On another hand, her tearful eyes were giving him immense pain, his heart, again and again, questioned him, 'Why he kissed and hugged Rukaiya in front her? Why he couldn't see her crying and run towards her chamber?' He was unable to understand after hurting him brutally why she acted so innocent as if she didn't know anything. Of course, she knew why he was upset, she knew she took the decision against his command then why is she pretending?? His little brain was running faster than a horse pace. He was feeling suffocated as if someone has put a stone on his heart. Even after all this negativity, his heart was still beating in favor of Jodha, his heart was not ready to accept that she was pretending. A silent war between his mind and heart was choking him.

At the Palace

Jodha was sitting in front of Kanah's statue, three hours passed but her tears were still flooding out constantly. She questioned to Lord Krishna "What was my mistake??? What have I done wrong??? Why is he giving me this unbearable punishment?"

Her heart cried again at the remembrance, the way he hugged and kissed Rukaiya in front of her, knowingly to hurt her. 'Shahenshah, you very well aware, when I see another woman touches you, I feel like a fire in my soul. I understand she is your queen and it doesn't make any difference to me what you do with your other begums, I have accepted the cruel reality but I can't bear to see you hugging and kissing them in front of my eyes. Your negligence is slaughtering me within. It was different before but especially after giving me so much love and care why you suddenly turned your back towards me? Is it just because I gave one verdict against your wish? Your love seems too feeble today... did you ever love me??? I cannot believe my tears are giving you a peace. Shahenshah why are you so cruel?? Why did you accept my love?? Why have you given me dreams and then shattered me brutally? She cried out loudly and mumbled 'Krishna, I can't bear this pain, without his love I will die... don't throttle me like this!!'

A loud rumble of laughter rebounded in Rukaiya's chamber... In excited tone, she cheered,"Badi Ammi... Oh, my Badi Ammi... I am extremely happy, now that Rajvanshi probably realized she is only good for a bed and that only for a few nights, soon Jalal will find a pleasure in a new butterfly like always. Even though she became a Malika E Hindustan but I don't think Jalal will ever let her attend Diwan E Khaas. That dumb and stupid knows nothing about politics and manipulation. How stupid of her, on her very first day she gave verdict against Jalal's directive. She crushed his ego so harshly in front of the entire court that he will never forgive her. That bitch flew too high too fast and now fell back on the ground with the same speed... Ohhh... Badi Ammi... I can't explain you in words how I felt when Jalal embrace me and kissed me in front of her. I felt a peace seeing her pale face... The way she ran away I even heard her heart crash with boom... And Jalal didn't even moved a bit, seemed like she has completely lost her value in his eyes." She chortled.

Maham also grinned, "It's just the beginning Queen Rukaiya, don't get too excited too quickly, save it for later to celebrate, soon Jodha will be out of the palace... or she will kill herself out of humiliation. She has bruised Jalal's ego so much that he will never let her leave peacefully. Also, I can't wait for today's function... The grand function without Jalal in honor of Malika E Hindustan... I can't wait to see her humiliated face." Once again her room rebounded with loud wicked chortles.

Jalal and Abdul reached to the palace before time. Throughout the journey, there was muteness between them. One and only one person Jodha was in Jalal's thoughts, heart, and mind. Without realizing, he mindlessly... unknowingly... unconsciously walked inside Jodha's chamber. But as always even in his mindless state, he took off his shoes before entering her chamber. At first, his eyes laid on the Krishna's temple and the divine flame of Aarti, then his eyes laid on Jodha who was sitting but sleeping while resting her head on a small table next to the temple. The direct glow of the sun was radiating on her face. The winds were blowing high and the curtains were flying... Her long black curls swung freely over her glowing face, but he could clearly see dried tears on her face. For a moment, seeing her celestial beauty he forgot his ego and anger. His eyes wedged at her angelic innocent look, even though her beautiful eyes were closed but he could clearly able to see the deep sorrow laced among her face... He couldn't understand why he was getting attracted towards her, was it her beauty or her purity. As always, it was not in his control to hold himself any further. He simply gave in and sat next to her then gently put her hair behind her ears, so he could see her scenic adorable face. For a long minute, without a blink, he gazed at her face oddly. Just being with her was giving his restless heart a peaceful feeling... In no time his suffocating senses vanished... All of a sudden, he felt he was relieved from all the traps and negative thoughts, his discomfort disappeared. He felt her alluring aura and energies saturated inside him. At that moment, he wanted to love her... caress her angelic face... embrace her in his cocoon for long and take away all of her tears and pain. In her deep sleep, Jodha felt his proximity near him, a hint of smile smeared on her innocent adorable face... Her heart skipped few beats. She identified his touch, his hand on her head caressing her hair. She slowly opened her eyes.

As soon as their eyes met, the spell broke. He came out of the magnetic mesmerizing spell of love and realized he was sitting in her chamber. Like an electric shock, he took off his hand from her head and got up with a jerk. Before he moved further Jodha clutched his wrist. He turned and looked down towards her, their sorrowful eyes met once again. In no time, his pain turned into resentment and his eyes widened in anger. He pulled his hand with a jerk and walked towards the door.

With a teary eyes Jodha crooned poetically...

kuch hi palo ki thi mosam mohabbat ki

palbhar mein ban gayi dastan-e-gham ki

khata na hamari thi na hamare dil ki

Jaane kyun kar rahe hai hum pe zulmo-sitam

judaai ka faisla kiya hai aapne humse

aur zakhm-e-tanhai seh rahe hai hum, aap ki berukhi se.

He closed his eyes after hearing her complain and painful words. After a few second pause, he walked out of her chamber.

As soon as he came out he asked to himself, 'Yah Allah, What is happening to me??? How and when did I walk into her chamber and for what...??? Why her sorrowful eyes were giving me agony...??? Why she gets success in torturing me every time?' His own behavior puzzled him.

Mariam Makhani Hamida Banoo got ready for the Jashn (function) and prayed to Allah for Jodha and Jalal's happiness. She knew that Jalal was still upset with Jodha so she decided to bring Jodha for the function herself. Jodha was totally shattered after Jalal left her. The announcement made for Mariam Makhani's arrival... before Jodha could veil her condition, Hamida entered into her chamber. Seeing Jodha in the vulnerable state she got stunned, her pale face, teary eyes, and untidy hair was clearly showing her poor condition... Seeing her so helpless her heart cried. Of course, she knew Jalal's wrath and his ego not only that but she clearly was aware, what was bothering him the most, but poor Jodha didn't even know why Jalal was so mad at her... She just thought it was only a verdict, not even in her dream she would imagine that he could blame on her fidelity.

Hamida gave a warm smile to Jodha and sat next to her... While caressing her face she asked in a concerned tone, "How are you doing my child??"

Hamida's two sweet caring words gave slight life in her lifeless body. Her dry tears began to flood once again as if she was silently complaining about her son's harshness. Her pitiful gaze shook Mariam Makhani's strong heart. She took Jodha in her embrace and cried along with her. Little by little, Jalal was breaking Jodha's hope... his sudden negligence and insult were turning her heart into a stone. Hamida's embrace was not warm enough to bring Jodha back to the life. Hamida caressed her head and kissed on her forehead then she softly said, "Jodha, you know that I am like your mother and you can talk to me about anything, anytime."

Jodha hugged Hamida once again and replied "Ammi Jaan my hopes for life are diminishing. I just need your support and love, your care is giving me harmony, your affection is my strength to fight with my destiny. I am blessed that you are with me all time to help." She controlled her tears and forcefully smiled and said in very calm and respectful tone "Ammi Jaan, why didn't you call me, I would have come to your chamber. Is there any way I can help you with something?"

Hamida smiled a little and replied "Seems like my dear daughter in law... Malika E Hindustan has forgotten about the function in her honor."

She responded in regretting tone, "Ammi Jaan please forgive me, I don't know how I forgot about the function, but don't worry I will get ready in a few minutes."

Hamida warmly replied, "Don't worry Jodha, my child, there is some time left for the function and I have got something special for you for today's function." She gave a beautiful royal Mughal dress along with lots of precious Jewelry to her and wished, "Jodha, I want you to dress like Mughal Malika E Hindustan today."

"Ammi Jaan, Thank you so much for this beautiful dress... I will get ready in a few minutes..." Jodha smiled.