Next day In Diwan E Khaas

The entire court was filled with many officers, administrators, royal Navaratnas, priests, maulvis, Begum-e-Khaas Rukaiya, Vajire Aliya Maham Manga, Subedar Sharifuddin, Adham Khan, Maryam Makani Hamida Bano.

Chapter-29

DWK continued

The announcement was made for Shahenshah E Hindustan's arrival.

He walked into Diwan E Khaas with Royal Grace; his eyes roamed around to greet individuals. When he saw the vacant seat of Malika-e-Hindustan, his heart filled with sadness. He kept his grace and sat on to the throne. He was seated at DWK, but his mind blanked out, and lost in her thoughts - "Why she didn't come even after my request???" that thought made him restless.

Today time was testing his patience. The first time in DWK, his nervousness was visible on his face. His heart sank, thinking she will never come to the court. But soon, he heard the announcement for the arrival of Malika E Hindustan; instantly, his pale face glowed up. His lips smeared with a wide smile. His heart skipped many beats in excitement. The instant his eyes laid on Jodha walking inside the diwan, he got up from the throne and walked towards her.

Seeing his desperate act, he surprised everyone in the court. Even Jodha was also stunned by his behavior. Rukaiya and Maham both thought after horrible, Jodha will never dare to come back to the court but instead, the way Jalal welcomed and greeted her back in the court, their heart burned with fire inside.

It took a few seconds, Jalal realized, seeing everyone shocked expression, what he had done in his excitement. But still, with pride and smile on his face, he held her hand and walked with her. They both sat next to each other on the throne.

As always, Atgah sahib got up to start the Diwan e Khas (Court) proceedings, but before he could continue, Jalal got up and paused him, then with the commanding tone he announced- "What I am going to do today, this palace has never seen in its history. In front of the entire court today, the king of the kings Shahenshah E Hindustan, Jalalludin Mohammad, will apologize for the gravest mistake he has ever made. A few days ago, all of you probably remember Malika-e-Hindustan Queen Jodha gave a verdict on her first case from her heart, against the Mughal laws. Her decision was very wisely based on her long vision for the family. She made everyone understand that rules are made for our convenience, and we should amend them as per requirement. She also gave an example that it is not fair to cut a five-year-old child's hand if he steals bread in hunger. Cutting his hand will be a cruel punishment. Her explanation extremely hurt my ego and directly pounded on my pride in being a great emperor. I felt insulted and thought that she tried to prove me wrong. I felt she is stepping on my self-esteem. I was distraught with her decision, so I insulted her in front of the entire court in anger. So today, in front of the entire court, I am asking her for forgiveness for my impervious mistake."

She got shocked by the apology in front of the entire court. Her eyes got filled with tears. She held his hands, and with overwhelming eyes expression, she wholeheartedly accepted his apology.

Jalal cleared his throat and continued his speech- "Jodha Begum's purity, her truth, her sanity always showed me the mirror and broke me apart from my wrong principals... Because of her, today, I can see clearly how inappropriate and irrational some of my decisions. How unfair my acts of racism were towards my awam. She made me realize that I am the father of every person in this sultanate; I need to see every person as my child. I need to see them neutrally as a father does for all his children.

Last month, I was not ready to accept my faults. I was confused; to clear my mind, I visited some villages as a commoner. Then it came to my attention how dependent I was? How my people manipulated the law? Now I can see clearly what my sultanate needs. Well, it's never too late to rectify your errors. Before, I was proudly saying to everyone Jalaluddin Muhammad is heartless, but today I have learned humanity, and my heart started to beat for my awam. There is a tale behind every successful man; there is a strong and wise woman; Queen Jodha has proved it right. Queen Jodha is behind my first step towards success. What I am going to announce now will become history for tomorrow. It will be written with golden ink."

Everyone eagerly listened to his speech and were curious about his announcement.

He continued with a directing voice- I am announcing that all people in my Sultan will have equal rights. All Hindu and Muslim will have equal rights. From now on, every Hindu has a right to use any public garden and school without any restrictions.

He paused for few seconds to see all the administrators' reactions, then with a thunderous commanding tone, he announced, "And this law applies from right now. HIS LOUD VOICE ECHOED BACK IN THE WHOLE PALACE... HUKUM KI TAMIL HO... TAMIL HO... TAMIL HO.

COMPLETE SILENCE IN THE COURT.

Jodha gazed at Jalal with a shocking bombshell expression. She never imagined even in her dreams that Jalal would take this drastic step one day. The entire court was in shock with this unexpected, astonishing, and shocking announcement.

Out of all the people sitting over there in DWK, few were left with their mouth opened in ample, while others were left with their eyes widen. Rukaiya and Maham felt like somebody just pounded a hammer on their heads. All the Maulvi's present in the court couldn't believe what they heard. Adham's eyes turned red in pulping anger. Sharifuddin was also not satisfied, but still, he was happy inside since he knew politically Jalal would be in big trouble due to his people. The only person who was very happy with this announcement was Hamida Bano. She never thought that one day her ears would hear these soothing words in her life. She felt his son had fulfilled his father's (Humayun's) last wish. She felt now she can die peacefully. The first time she felt like calling him. SHAHENSHAH. Her lips widen with a broad smile and eyes with happy tears. Her hand forwarded routinely to take Jalal's Bala (evil aura).

The entire court was silent for longer than usual. A roar echoed back many times. HUKUM KI... TAMIL HO... TAMIL HO... TAMIL HO... Gradually people came of the shock, and little by little, the entire court got filled with loud murmur like a busy market.

Atgah sahib's face had a pleasant smile on it, showing his agreement to this announcement. He got up with his hands up and told everyone to be quiet.

Again stillness prevailed the court.

Atgah sahib looked at Jalal and cheerfully said, "Shahenshah, I can't express in word how happy I am with this announcement. You have become true Shahenshah and the father of this sultanate. I am genuinely proud.

Jalal smiled and nodded his head appreciatively toward Atgah saheb.

He observed with his sharp eyes each and everyone's expression. His witty brain and piercing eyes were judging what is coming next. He was waiting for the bombshell. One of the leaders of the Maulvis got up from his seat.

Jalal said to himself, 'Here you go.'

Maulvi began calmly and respectfully, "My Lord, forgive my insolence, but with your permission, I would like to say something."

Jalal responded evenly, "Yes, Maulvi Sahib; what would you like to say?"

Maulvi complained, "My lord, I am so confused and wondering that you have taken this huge decision and kept all of us apart from it. I am shocked to know that you didn't feel the need to ask for our advice."

Jalal confidently answered, "Maulvi sahib, that's exactly what I have done so far, listen to everyone and follow others' advice. At a very young age, I became a Shahenshah and followed the seniors' advice. My every decision had a shadow of someone else's thinking. Many people have dominated my mind and ran my life, but today I have realized that anything goes wrong or any injustice happens in my sultanate. I am the one who is responsible for it, so I have taken this decision without anyone's influence after deep thinking and research."

Maulvi argued, "But my lord, this decision is not fair to our own people. I mean, it is not appropriate for Mughals. It is an injustice to them."

Jalal's eyes turned dark and filled up with pulping rage, but he responded in a thick impassive tone, "Maulvi Saheb, Can you explain in detail because I do not understand how this law is unfair to Mughals."

Maulvi countered with annoyance, "Shahenshah, After this announcement, there will be no difference left between Hindu and Muslim people. Their kids will study and play with our kids. My lord, please think about Mughal kids' future. They are much lower than us. How could they stand with us?"

Jalal cleverly retorted, "Maulvi Sahib, You are a proud member of our Mughal Darbar, and I didn't expect this low thinking from you. When you are in the top position, you have to think like a father. Tell me, What is the difference between you and the Hindu people. Is your blood white and their red, or were you born with diamonds on your head, and they weren't. When Allah has made all of us equally, then who are we to differentiate. Take Jodha begum's example, She is a Hindu, but she is not less than any of my Mughal Queen in any way."

Maulvi instantly realized he has lost in the argument; there is no excuse left to define himself any longer. He sat back on his chair with a disappointed face.

After hearing the comparison of queens, Rukaiya's blood boiled; she got up and continued in an irritated tone, "Shahenshah, forgive my rudeness, but I agree with Maulvi Sahib's opinion. Your argument only looks good in books, but Hindu people can never stand against Mughals in reality. My advice is to think twice; otherwise, you will end up feeling guilty for your hasty decision."

Jalal was shocked and disappointed at Rukaiya; she stood against Jalal's decision in the court for the first time. Jodha noticed Jalal was about to lose his temper and control. She kept her hand on his hand to calm him down and make him realize that he is in court.

Jalal looked back at Jodha sadly. Jodha, with her eyes expression, conveyed him to calm down.

Jalal took a deep sigh out to control his fury and responded in a loud, firm tone, "Begum Rukaiya, let me ask you something. Imagine that you and Jodha begum went out errands, and you both liked the same jewelry, and the shop owner asked for double money for the same jewelry from you than Jodha begum just because you are a Mughal. Tell me how you will feel and what you will do?)

Rukaiya, with an upsetting tone, "Shahenshah, There is no logic in this example. Obliviously I will get mad and feel angry. Instantly I will order to cut the hands of that shop owner.)

Jalal looked at Atgah sahib and asked him a question, "In our sultanate do Hindu people pay taxes??"

Agdha knew where Jalal was taking him, "He instantly responded with a grin on his face. "Yes, majesty... Hindu people have to pay double tax than Mughal people."

Jalal questioned Rukaiya while looking at her, "So Rukaiya begum... tell me even after paying double taxes your kids can't play in the garden and can't attend school, how will you feel? Will you be able to respect the king of the sultanate?? Will you be able to accept him wholeheartedly? Think what if you are in place of Hindu people? How would you feel about this injustice? He paused and scanned all the administrator's expressions once again and continued louder than before.

"I want everyone to remember... I am the king of this sultanate, and for me, every human being within this sultanate is equal; and Yes, I admit, I have made many mistakes in the past, but I have learned from my mistakes. I will not cry for what I have done in the past, but slowly and steadily, I will rectify my every mistake. I want love from all Hindus and all Mughals, every person who lives in my sultanate. I want to be fair to all of them." His loud sound echoed again.

Rukaiya was shocked by this alteration in Jalal. She had nothing left to argue.

Jalal finally looked at everyone and asked dominantly, "Anyone else who has a problem with my announcement."

Adham sarcastically replied, "My Lord, You are a Shahenshah of this sultanate, and your decision is the final decision, but I would like to ask you that who is behind this sudden & drastic change in your thinking? Is it a Hindu or Mughal?"

Maham's eyes widen after listening to his stupid question to Jalal.

Jalal looked at him with an angry look, but with his emotionless tone, he questioned, "What do you think, Adham? What is behind it, and who is behind it?"

Maham prayed inside, hope Adham doesn't respond to this question.

But brainless Adham retorted disrespectfully in a loud tone, "Shahenshah, everyone knows here, who has enchanted your brain and captured you in the magic of her beauty charm... that low cast has shown her true color... At last, she has proven she is low cast; since the day she set her feet in Agra..." then he pointed his finger at Jodha and said, "This Naapak .... (Unhallowed,)"

Before he could say more, Jalal got up from the throne and roared with fuming anger, "ADHAM" His warrior blood boiled up. His sword thirst for Adham's blood. His eyes turned bloody red. Instantly Jalal pulled his sword out and shouted at the highest pitch, "How dare you, you scoundrel... I will not spare you today." He ran towards him like a wounded, angry tiger, but before he could attack, Maham Anga came in between them. She knew Jalal would kill Adham within a second. Adham had crossed all the boundaries.

The entire court freeze, seeing this too horrified scene. Many of them shivered inside, seeing Jalal's pulping warrior fury. All of them got up from their chairs out of fear. No one dared to stop Jalal; his anger was at the peak of the mountain. In an extreme rage, Unknowingly, he pushed Maham ruthlessly on a side and lifted his sword to kill Adham, but before he could kill Adham, Maham grabbed Jalal's feet and cried out loud with sobs and She begged for Adham's life. Seeing tears in his Badi Ammi's eyes and her vulnerable condition, Jalal returned to his senses and took control of his anger.

He gazed at Adham darkly and said fumingly, "This is the last time I am forgiving you and sparing your life. Remember, you are still alive only because of Badi Ammi today. Otherwise, no one can save you from me..."

Then he looked at Atgah sahib and ordered, "Take all subedaris (regional controller of Armies) from Adham. I don't want to see him in DWK again; he doesn't deserve to serve in my court."

Adham looked at Maham and Jalal with rage, then pouted and walked out of the court.

Jalal went back to his seat, and in resentment, he addressed everyone with his commending echo sound. "I am the leader of this sultanate, and It is my responsibility to see if my people are happy and feeling fair under my administration. What I see, you all don't see it this time. And I am not going to change my mind; YES, I admit that I am very ambitious, I want to acquire the entire Hindustan, but If my riyaya hates me then, I don't see how I can fulfill my dream. I want to fulfill my dream, but Not at the cost of being unfair with Awwam." He paused and continued in a thicker & louder tone, "From now on, every administrator of the higher position will be assigned by me only. I want to see my darbar(court) equally filled with talented Hindus and Muslims. I am fully aware that my decision will create antagonism by Mughals. I AM READY TO FACE ANY CONSEQUENCES, but I want to have a fair Rule & Regulation for everyone... I want to hire most talented people to run this country..." Finally, with the loudest pitch, he said, "I am requesting to everyone, who disagrees with my terms, can resign and leave this court right now, no action will be taken against them. But I want everyone to follow my order with their heart if you are working for me. I respect everyone's suggestion and opinion as long as it is fair and for the betterment of riyaya. I WILL NOT CHANGE MY DECISION. I WANT EVERYONE TO FOLLOW MY ORDERS IMMEDIATELY." He emphasized on IMMEDIATELY. Then he adjourned the court and walked out of the court.

Jalal was in his chamber standing by the Jharokha(Window). His mind was too disturbed to think anything other than court arguments. Most of his court subedar, Maulvi's, were against his decision, including Rukaiya. He recalled his Badi Ammi's helpless face. It was shocking and stressful for him. He was so excited before DWK... and now all of his happiness vanished and turned into stress... Today, the first time, he decided his heart, but everyone seemed against him. he was expecting this reaction, but reality struck him hard. He grasped his entire court was filled by Mughals only, and they all have only one sound, that's of racism. Adham and Rukaiya both added more fire into it. He was feeling upset, disappointed, and angry at the same time.

A maid walked in when he was deeply lost in his thoughts. She requested "Shahenshah, begum..." before she could continue her sentence... he dryly said... "I don't want to see anyone at this time..."

Maid walked out and informed Jodha.

Jodha slowly and cautiously entered Jalal's room. When he was deeply lost in thoughts, he heard Jodha's anklet's soothing sound, chum chum. Gradually his mind got diverted; his stress started to melt just by hearing the sound of her payal (anklet)...He said to himself silently...

Without looking behind, he said, "Queen Jodha, Why did you come inside? I instructed to guard not to disturb me." and turned to look at her... She could read the severe lines of stress on his head.

He sounded calmer than upsetting. He looked at her without any expression. He recalled his apology to her in the court. He still didn't know how she will react to it; his curiosity diverted his mind entirely towards her.

She knew Jalal was disheartened and broken by what happened in the court today.

To cheer his mood, she lovingly looked at him and went close to him and encircled her hand on his neck and replied teasingly, "I don't need permission to enter my husband's chamber." with her soft touch and closeness, he instantly cheered up, and he came back to his full-on teasing mood...

Jalal teased, "My dearest queen, yes, you can come anytime you want, but you might not like seeing me hugging my other queen like this."

Hearing his statement, she instantly moved two steps back from him. As soon as she imagined him hugging other queens, it evoked jealousy. She squinted her eyes at him and answered, "I think you need privacy at this time. I am leaving," Jodha pouted and angrily turned towards the door but before she could move further. Jalal pulled her towards him with a jerk, with a thud she crashed on his chest, instantly he tangled his both hands surrounding her waist and captured her in his grip.

Jodha gave him an upsetting gaze and insisted, "Let me go... you can enjoy with your other queens.

Jalal chuckled, seeing her fuming angry reaction, "Hmmm... so my Junglee cat is jealous. In fact, all of my queens are jealous of you, and you are jealous of them."

Jodha got annoyed further, seeing him chuckling; she snapped, "Let me go, and by the way, It doesn't make any difference to me what you do with your begums."