Chapter 35 Part 1

Abdul, in a low tone, called him, "Shahenshah, please wake up. "Always awake, his subconscious mind woke him up in a jiff. Jalal looked at Abdul with hazy eyes, seeing a deep line of worry on his forehead. He immediately flicked up from the uncomfortable bed and put his hand on Abdul's shoulder; and asked, "Abdul, what happened? Why are you looking so stressed? Is everything alright?"

Abdul struggled how to lay this horrifying news to Jalal. After inhaling, he collected all his strength then stated in a low fearful tone, "Shahenshah, Queen Jodha, and Nandu are missing. I have looked at their cottage, by the river, at practice ground, but I could not find them. Not only them, but all of the soldiers are missing as well. I don't know what is going on? My fear is, what if someone has abducted them?"

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The first reaction to word abduction, Jalal's hands, reached his sword and brought terror to widened eyes. But before he could utter a word Panditji walked into the cottage, and with the utmost respect, he greeted the King and Abdul, then informed, "Shahenshah, please don't worry for Hira and Nandu." He paused and corrected himself, "I mean Queen Jodha and Nand Kishore. Here is the message from Queen Jodha." He gave a rolled green covered letter to Jalal then continued, "Queen Jodha has left to Amer, and for her security, she has taken all the soldiers with her and sent one of the messengers to Agra to send guards for your protection. They will arrive here by afternoon."

Jalal could not digest the words; his sharp brain denied comprehending the simple information. The intellectual King questioned foolishly to Panditji with squinted eyes, "What? Where?" His agitated confused sound made Panditji uncomfortable.

While looking down, in a faint tone, Panditji recapped, "Today, early morning Queen Jodha went to Amer."

Jalal's cold eyes behold at Abdul with a questioning gaze. Before Jalal bust at him, Abdul looked at Panditji and thanked him for the information.

After Panditji left the cottage, Jalal spoke in a deliberate slow voice for maximum impact, "What is this, Abdul? Why did our warrior not report to you before leaving us?" His tone alarmed Abdul; he very well knew when to answer and when to keep mum.

Jalal's nostrils flared; his stony eyes hardened with frustration his fist slammed at the wall. A faint voice echoed with one word, "Why?" His fury turned into confusion, then disbelief followed by hurt. He sat on the chair, then rolled his hands through his hair and exhaled.

Abdul gave him a minute to control himself, then in a low tone, he requested, "Shahenshah, can I read the letter."

Without looking at Abdul, he forwarded the green roll.

Abdul wasn't sure Jalal was ready for him to read the message, so he waited for his attention.

Jalal lifted his eyes and, with frustration, stated, "Waiting for what, Abdul? Now Spill the bean?"

After reading the first sentence, Abdul's face filled with humor. While controlling his tone, he spoke, "My and only mine." he paused, then said in a clear and precise speech each word while looking at him directly, "Akdu... stubborn... cranky and short temper, but loving Jalal. By now, you must have already learned that I have left for the Amer. So, come on, stop fuming. I know for sure, right now you growling at Abdul, and your face turned red in anger and ears ejecting smokes." With every word, it was getting harder for Abdul to conceal smirk from his face.

Abdul's eyes twinkled with mischief; eventually, a snicker dashed out from his mouth, which annoyed Jalal.

The next sentence directly addressed to Abdul, "Abdul, before reading further, please give him a big glass of cold water and make sure he drinks it."

Abdul mechanically got a glass of water, which confused Jalal, "What happened, Abdul? Why did you stop reading?"

"Jodha begum has written in the letter that I should give you a glass of chilled water before I continue reading." Abdul notified,

Fiery heat burned his cheeks with the thought of Jodha's stupid decision and her antics.

Jalal held the glass and waited for Abdul to read. Abdul knew Jalal was on the verge of bursting any second, but still, he waited for him to drink water; Jalal screamed aloud- "Read Abdul."

"But... But... Shahenshah, can you drink the wat..er.? Jodha begum has written..." Seeing red haze in his eyes without further delay, he began to read.

"Shahenshah... I know you are very upset and mad at me right now, but I request you to please calm down and listen to my perspective and try to understand.

Everyone knows in what circumstance I agreed unwillingly to marry you. I married you only for the sake of Amer people, not for my happiness. I was too disappointed and upset at my destiny, so I fought with my Krishna and Devi Maa; I cursed everyone, including my Kanah, my loved one, my parents, my brothers, my friends. The day of our marriage was the saddest day of my life. Before our wedding, I wished for your death thousands of times. Like every girl, I dreamed of my grand wedding, but my dreams were destroyed in a flick. When I took the nuptial rounds in front of the holy fire, my intentions were malign towards you; I hated you. When you tied the sacred thread in my neck, just in that single moment, I died thousands of times cursing my destiny. The moment you filled my head partition (maang) with sindoor, I wished for your death, not for your long life. I denied putting your name in my henna; I refused to follow the religious customs. The most significant ritual is the Kanyadaan; it is believed that Kanyadaan purifies the parent's sins, not for this life but the previous birth as well. When my parents offered my hand to you that time, I cursed them with hatred thinking they have sold me. When I think about all this, it feeds me disgust. When it was time for bidaai (goodbye) from Amer due to my extreme anger, I couldn't even cry with my heart and hug my mother and family to feel their warmth and love for the last time. I always think that I didn't take our wedding vows wholeheartedly.

After seeing so many ups and downs in our lives now, I firmly believe each ritual has meaning. Ever since we got married, one or the other problem keeps endeavoring our path. When you told me it was Queen Rukaiya and Badi Ammi's conspiracy, I realized everything was happening because I disrespected the sacred ritual. After six long months of separation, I met you, so I want to marry you once again wholeheartedly with all the traditions and start our new life with everyone's blessing. I want to live my childhood dreams once again. I want to marry you in front of Ammi Jaan with her blessings. I want all your near and dear ones to attend our wedding.

I know you must be thinking about why I have taken such a drastic step without your permission. Like yours, my heart is also desperate to be with you, but sometimes you have to listen to your sixth sense. I can feel there are clouds on the horizon; troubles are on their way, and I will go to any extent for the protection of your life. I know you do not believe in bad omen, but I do. Please forgive me for my audacity.

My eyes are at the door anxiously waiting for you. Please come before I lose my patience. I can't bear this separation any longer.

And yes, the last thing I want to say is; I know very well, no matter how much you try, but you can't stay mad at your Jodha for long. I love you, Jalal.

Yours and only yours,

Junglee Billi

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Jalal cooled down a bit after finding out her point of view, but still, it pinched in his heart the way she left him while he was sleeping without any discussion. After this long separation, he didn't want her to go out of his sight, even for a minute. Waiting for another week to see her was making him growl. No matter what situation, no matter what evil omen threatened, he would not have left her for a second, but she did. It hurt from inside, thinking, 'She didn't long for him the way he did.'

Of course, his heart was at peace now since he found Jodha, but at the same time, her desire to remarry at Amer brought alarming concern, which turned his mind into a buzzing mess of static, the political state of current affairs with Rajputs was trailing down. The Mewar King Uday Singh and Prince Pratap were gathering Rajput supporters. Going to Amer was an open invitation for an unwanted war; as per his strategy, it was not the time to fight against Rajputana, yet many loose ends needed to sort out first. After seeing Amer Rajput's bravery, devotion, and loyalty towards the Mughal dynasty, Jalal realized joining hands with loyal Rajput as friends are much more beneficial than keeping them as dangerous enemies.

Instead of enjoying the moment which he waited for long, his mind occupied setting up the strategy.

Last month was too harsh, too long, and also tiring for him. He wandered his territory district by district, seeing the area's culture, reviewing the administration's trustworthiness, and meeting the province's military chief and administrator superintendent to know the war readiness ability. The entire month he stayed among ordinary people disguised as a commoner for his verification to see the domain welfare, safety, and problems. After one-by-one betrayal by his closed officers, Jalal understood it was time to clean up the senior administration. Therefore, in the past six months, gradually, he replaced and recruited seventy percent of his direct courtiers, advisors, military generals, and administrators.

It was nearly time for goodbye to glorious golden sunlight and welcomed to the silver glimmer of the moonlight. Far From the distance, Jalal's eyes rested on the Mughal dynasty's pride flag; it was sparkling cheerfully. The King of the Kings, Shahenshah E Hindustan, arrived at the red fort, Agra palace after a month, with a victorious smile and excitement.

Two horses entered through a special entrance, and in a flash, dull momentum swapped with enthusiasm. Few guards hurried towards the Shahenshah and Abdul. While looking at the Palace with serenity, Jalal came down. The feel of the home overwhelmed his mood. His lips curved at the guards with a genuine smile. He heard the background cheering sound 'Shanhenshah arrived,' which echoed again and again from various directions. His unannounced arrival brought joy to the surrounding.

He decided to give thrilling news to his Ammi Jaan personally; he wanted to see how her face sparkles. Without taking a break, first, he went to Mariam Makhani's chamber.

His eyes shined seeing his Ammi Jaan after a month; with a loud cheer and a wide grin, he greeted, "Ammi Jaan, Aadab."

Seeing Jalal, she put the register on a side and got up to welcome him with equal joy and a content smile. Jalal was stunned to see such a glow of happiness in his mother's eyes, which were long lost since Jodha left the Palace. He wanted to share his utmost joy with her first because she was the only person who could feel his extreme pain and agony all the while in the last six months.

But before Jalal could utter a word, she yelled in a delightful tone, "Mubarak ho Jalal, Congratulations Jalal, finally you found Jodha."

He kept staring at her with confused thought, How did Ammi Jaan come to know without saying a word?.

While kissing on his forehead, she disclosed, "You don't need to think that much, Jalal. It was an easy guess. The glow on your face revealed that finally, you had found my dear daughter Jodha."

Jalal took her in a gentle embrace. The gleam of water sparkled in both pairs of eyes. A satisfied smile raced his face; he expressed with utmost contentment, "Ammi Jaan, words cannot describe my happiness. I feel alive; my eye can see colors now; once again, I desire to live life."

"Jalal... my dear son, you have given me bliss."

Both hands opened towards the sky, then with closed eyes, she prayed, "Yaah, Allah, save my son and his happiness from all the evil eyes. Finally, after a long time, holy spirits have walked to our door."

After the prayer, Mariam Makhani ordered, "Jalal, Announce the biggest jashan ever this Palace has seen. Decorate every wall of this Palace like a newly wedded bride. Donate money, food, and clothing to needy people. I want a grand welcome for my daughter to this Palace."

She drew in a long breath then inquired in an exciting tone while looking at the door, "Jalal, Where is my Jodha? I can't wait to see her anymore. My eyes have waited for this moment for so long."

His face turned pale and back straightened up at her question; in a salty tone, he complained, "Your beloved daughter-in-law Jodha went back to Amer and wanted to remarry with all rituals." He let out a harsh breath.

"Why are you looking upset, Jalal?"

He informed in a cold tone how she left him sleeping with just one letter.

Hamida smirked, seeing his flared nostrils and darkened eyes, "Jalal, This is an excellent thought. Honestly, I was also thinking the same; since you both got married, you haven't felt peace for long. All the time, miseries kept hurdling your way, and I regretted not being able to witness your wedding with Jodha, but now Jodha is going to fulfill my wish too."

"Ammi Jaan, you love to pamper your spoil kids," His lips curved in a crooked smirk.

"You are well experienced, Jalal." She snapped while caressing his cheeks.

Throughout these six months, between Moti and Jalal, there was not a single conversation. Still, Jalal noticed few time tears in her eyes, and every time he entered Jodha's chamber, her silent melancholy eyes questioned with hope. After meeting with Hamida, Jalal went to Jodha's chamber to inform Motibai.

While sitting on the ground in Jodha's chamber, Motibai was preparing garland for God Krishana's evening Aarti. She heard the announcement of Shahenshah's arrival. She swiftly got up and bowed down while keeping her eyes lower.

"Motibai," In a low tone, Jalal called by her name.

"Ji Shahenshah." In a soft tone, she answered.

"I have found Queen Jodha." In simple plain words, he informed, keeping his steady gaze at her face.

It took her two seconds to comprehend. Her eyes sad eyes sparkled; For the very first time, she looked straight into King's eyes to verify, "What? You have found Jodha." she asked elatedly and bounced on her toes, then with a hearty genuine chortle, she laughed. Same time tears dribbled out from her eyes.

Seeing her reaction, a hint of grin curved Jalal's lips. He nodded his head and put his hand on her head, and commanded, "Motibai, start preparing; we are going to Amer to bring my bride and your friend back to the palace."

With teary eyes, she folded her hands to express her happiness.

At last, he sat by the God Krishna's temple and looked at the divine flame for a few minutes as if he was conversing with God. Gratified tears dazzled his eyes. With respect, he folded his hands and bowed down to thank Lord Krishna.

The entire Palace started to echo with cheerful sounds with a loud laugh, giggle, and happiness in a short time. All maids, soldiers, administrators, and even begums were running happily to share this news with everyone. Suddenly a silent, quiet, lifeless Palace got filled up with the music of joy.

Jalal informed Queen Salima, Jodha's nephew Maan Singh, his sister Bakshi Bano, Atgah Sahib, and Raja Todermal. Everyone was pleased beyond any words. Rahim jumped to hug Jalal hearing his Choti Ammi will be with him soon. Jalal's face was glowing like a star. The contentment filled in his eyes... walk... talk... and his loud voice.

At the top of the Palace, the drums buzzed with the loudest cheerful sound today. Within an hour, thousands of people gathered outside the Palace. In his supreme majestic voice, Jalal shared the happy news that he has found Malika E Hindustan. Overwhelming emotions and victorious pride mingled in his sound. People took balla e (evil omen) from their King's glowing face and blessed him.

After the general announcement, he commanded for a Diwan-E-Khaas gathering in one hour.

Meanwhile, the inside Palace undercover spy Asim Khan arrived.

Asim Khan greeted while bowing down.

"Any specific information," Abdul inquired.

"Hazoor, nothing specific but Subedar Sharifuddin Husain called one of your concubines Rizwana to his chamber; I saw them few times together."

"What else?" Jalal ignored.

"Hazoor, Lady Maham Anga's health is trailing down. She is bedridden for the last three months." Jalal's shoulders dropped with a sigh, and his eyes swelled with fear. He sank into his chair and buried his hands in his hair.

"Abdul, make sure Badi Ammi receives the best treatment if needed, then call healer from other states." He stated in a monotonous tone and looked at Asim Khan to continue.

"As per Queen Rukaiya's punishment, she mostly stays in her assigned cottage. I met with her eunuch Hoshyaar Khan last week; he wept to see her in pitiful condition. Mainly Harem ladies are taunting her, and all family member has broken ties with her." Asim Khan read the report monotonously.

Jalal swiftly got up from his chair and turned towards the window, and stated, "Will continue later, Asim Khan, you may leave. "After Asim left, Jalal requested in a throaty sound, "Abdul, can you please leave me alone."

"No, Jalal," Abdul Shouted. "I am not going leave you alone in this condition because for me first, you are my best friend, and then Shahenshah. For God's sake, speak Jalal, how long are you going to pretend? I know you still love Queen Rukaiya and Badi Ammi, and hearing about their pitiful condition tearing you apart. It's okay to feel sad and stop faking in front of me; I can read your fake smile, laugh, anger and the flash of pain in your eyes wound my heart. Don't punish yourself for their mistakes; please go and see them once. In the last six months, what you have endured, I can't keep silent anymore. Say something, Jalal... look at me." With a Jerk, Abdul turned Jalal towards him. His weak face froze Abdul's muscles. He drew a sharp breath.

Jalal stood there shaking; a low groaning sound bubbled from his mouth. His form felt like an eggshell, ready to break any moment. Slowly Jalal's depressed eyes glared at him with anger and pain. Before Jalal could utter a word, Abdul took him in an embrace with a tight grip.

Constrained tears freed with two vulnerable words, "She is dying, Abdul."

"Please, Jalal, stop brooding over and go see Badi Ammi once. "Abdul guided.

"No... I can't, Abdul." Jalal released himself from Abdul and responded in a bleak tone. He wiped his tears roughly and commanded casually, "Let's prepare for Diwan E Khas meeting."

In Diwan E Khas, Jalal once again, with pride, announced that he had found Malika-E-Hindustan Queen Jodha, and they are going to remarry in Amer with all the customs and rituals. Then he invited every courtier to join their wedding.