Chapter 35 Part 2

After two days with a minimal break, Jodha reached the desert dunes close to home. As requested, the camel arranged for the Queen Jodha. Her eyes sparkled seeing the never-ending mountain of glowing orange sand. The last most brutal twenty miles gave her the nostalgic feel of homecoming.

The hot desert winds flowed past her dupatta as she slanted side by side on top of the camel. Constant silence of the desert sunk into her spirit and her subconscious queried, 'what you did is right, Jodha? Without thinking, without informing, you walked out like a coward just because of one horrible dream and ominous indications?'

'When it comes to his life, nothing matters; if I had told him why I want to remarry, he wouldn't allow me. He never believed in evil-omen or a superficial thing; on the contrary, he gets mad and upset who has faith in it. He wouldn't understand my point of view.'

Her mind probed again, 'What if he doesn't come to Amer in retort?'

Without hesitation, her heart rebutted with confidence, 'No matter what, he will arrive. He loves me way more than his anger. He will come, but maybe with a heavy heart.'

The King of Amer Raja Bharmal sat on his throne; the special court was occupied with his chief prime officers and crown prince Bhagwan das. The latest news about Pratap joining hands with the Bhil tribal people and training and recruiting them in his army shocked everyone. While this vital discussion was going on, the guard rushed inside, and without waiting for King's approval, he informed, in a loud and exciting tone, "Rajaji, Princess Jodha has arrived."

King got up from his throne and inquired again to verify, "What???"

"Ji Rajaji, Princess Jodha is in Queen Mainavati's apartment." His voice was much sharper and louder.

With King Bharmal and four princes stormed off the meeting between and dodged towards Queen Mainavati's apartment.

The older man sprinted from the courtroom to his Queen's apartment while breathing heavily. Six months he masked his worry and acted brave, but today, his tears betrayed him when he saw his dear daughter hugging his mother.

He opened his arm, and in a vulnerable voice, he called, "Jodha,"

The feeble sound of his father and teary eyes shook her, "Oh Bapusa," words spilled in a whisper; she paced up with open arms and hid inside his broad chest.

The sudden arrival of Jodha brought joy and happiness to Amer palace, similar to Agra palace. Of course, both parents scolded Jodha for not coming to her maayka Amer in her difficult time instead of hiding herself in the jungle.

Jodha tried to explain her point of view, but none of her clarification justified worried parents. As always, the pampered princess beheld at Dadisa and silently pleaded to help.

"Bharmal, Mainavati, stop scolding my Jodha. Don't you see she has lost so much weight?" Dadisa scolded the King. "Come, my child." She hugged Jodha and said, "I am so happy to see you safe and healthy."

After an hour, when everyone settled down, Jodha informed her family how Jalal found her and told them how she came to Amer without telling him and leaving a letter behind. She also expressed to everyone about her wish to get remarried with Jalal.

After hearing Jodha's dramatic act, Mainavati lectured, "Jodha, how could you leave your husband like this and take such a colossal step? What if Shahenshah gets upset with you..."

"My dear Masa, you have not changed a bit; why do you worry all the time? I am sure Shahenshah won't be upset with me." Jodha replied in a casual tone while praying Kanah, 'save me from Jalal wrath.'

Her remarriage plan excited everyone. Raja Bharmal with a proud approved Jalal and Jodha's remarriage. Sukanya and Shivani both exploded in anticipation and began to contrive for a wedding.

The grand wedding preparation started in Amer. After a year, Raja Bharmal's relation got better with most of the Rajvanshi states. Invitation sent out the same day; Journey from Agra and Amer took about 5-6 days. So, they had enough time for planning and preparing everything as per their desire.

Jalal sat alone on the swing while looking at the moon; he talked to himself- 'Jodha, no matter what, I am not going to forgive you that easy, but at the same time I am so desperate to spend time with you; I don't know how long I will be able to ignore you and control my desire.' After a long sigh, he murmured, 'Junglee Billi, prepare yourself; I won't spare easily you this time.'

Jodha looked at the moon and talked to herself simultaneously. 'I know very well, my dear Jalal, you must be planning and thinking with your tactical mind how you will ignore me. Let's see how long you can spare yourself from my beauty spell.' Jodha blushed while thinking.

As per Hindu Pandit, Jalal and his Karwa departed the Palace two days later, early in the morning. This time Jalal wanted to follow every ritual deliberately. Instead of waiting for a formal invitation from King Bharmal, Jalal choose to leave, and instead, he sent a message to Raja Bharmal that they are on the way to Amer for the wedding.

The following Five days in Amer, for Jodha, was eventful and dreamy, as if she stepped once again into her teenage years. Her overjoyed happiness dispersed on the entire Palace. Every morning and evening, the palace bloomed with her melodious Krishna's Arti. Now the faded picture of lord Krishna was clear; every time she closed her eyes to pray, she saw Jalal in Krishna's attire.

She forgot the pain in the last year she had gone through; Once again, she became like an unmarried, careless, naughty, innocent, mischievous Jodha. Like an enchanting butterfly, she spread her wings and soared all over the Palace, teased her brothers and Bhabhi, fought with Sukanya and Shivani. She challenged her brothers for a sword fight and cheered on her victory. Like a little teenage girl, she visited almost all Amer jewelers and dress designers to determine the best outfit for her wedding. There is no way she could hide her feelings for Jalal; in her every other sentence, Jalal was mentioned.

Her evenings were expended on the terrace beholding at sunset with a hope of love and his soon arrival. The starry nights charmed her dreams with the imagination of their sensual lovemaking.

About three days passed, and people started coming to the Amer Palace to attend the royal wedding. Day by day, with Jodha's eagerness, her anxiety increased as well, her mind contemplated over and over again how she will pursue him? How will she justify her unforeseen action?

At last, an awaiting message swayed her heart that King of the Kings Shahenshah E Hindustan stepped inside Amer border with his Royal Karwa of five thousand people. The enthusing tune rang her ears with grueling excitement. Once again, she viewed herself in the mirror and blushed; she outfitted in olive green and crimson red, his preferred colors.

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Four days of endless travel with massive Karwa exhausted the Shahenshah. Before Queen Rukaiya managed Harem's issues and Royal functions due to her absence every other step, Jalal had to get involved in petty matters; his endurance and hindrance were on the verge of unleashing.

The Five-mile long royal karwa entered the Amer border with thousands of soldiers, workers, dancers, concubines, courtesans, cooks, Royal family members, friends, courtiers, administrators, and some kings. This time, the King directly came from Agra, not from the war camp; hence, it was grand and majestic. Based on the individual ranking, hundreds of palanquins and horses followed, but the hundreds of carriages loaded with goods for the wedding arrangements.

The first hundred soldiers stepped inside, all in the same outfit paraded with a flaring Mughal flag left to right in the same disciplinary motion and steps. Then twenty officers in stiff posture mounted on black Arabian horses ambled with a tapping sound while holding a proud Mughal and Amer flag.

A young relative, friends, and professional dancers were twirling, spinning, and jumping on loud drum beats and rowdy electrifying music behind them.

The Shahenshah E Hindustan sat bolt upright on the specially made howdah under a jewel-crusted canopy. For King's protection, soldiers on black stallions with luxurious, expensive saddles marched in front and back of King's elephant. Maan Singh and Mirza were riding on his left side, and Atgah Sahib and Raja Todermal rode on another side.

Like a big festival in a kingdom, a mile-long path from the Amer border to the Palace was decorated with flowers. Ameri people stood to welcome the King and Mughal processions. The guests relished dancing and singing so much that they were at the same place for more than an hour; with this slow pace, Jalal began to lose his patience.

As always, his heart fluttered as he entered Amer; even in his utmost resentment toward Jodha, he desired her one glimpse. He yearned to reach the Palace as soon as possible, but people enjoyed dancing too much to his annoyance that they didn't want to stop or move further. Every few minutes, Jalal probed with irritation from his howdah to Mirza and Maan Singh how long dancing will go on? Seeing Jalal's infuriated and frustrating impatient face, the young princes' eyes twinkled with mischief.

Mirza teased, "Bhaijaan, don't be too hurried to see Bhabhi Jaan? We all want to dance for another two to three hours; let Amer people know Mughals are not less in celebrating, and Shahenshah has reached to get his bride."

'What? Two hours more!' Jalal's jaw clenched; he shouted with an impatient snort, "Abdul, Let's move further; enough of their dancing."

The young Amer Prince Man Singh and Mirza both laughed out loud, seeing Jalal's frustrating state. Jalal instantly realized they bantered him about dancing. He fished out his eyebrows and glared at both of them, but his lips curved slightly.

Both of them viewed Jalal with a poker face. As soon as Jalal drew his eyes away, both of them started laughing loudly like little kids."

The sound of their mockeries and chuckle grate Jalal's ears. His lips curled at his own silliness.

Finally, the baraat arrived at the porch of the Palace. Jalal stood by the middle of the gate, his face covered with a flower veil. On his side, Jalal's immediate family, including Mariam Makhani, his brother Mirza, his sister Bakshi Bano, Salima begum, Rahim, and all other guests, stood and the opposite side Jodha's family stood to welcome the groom and his family. Every person who attended outfitted in their best finery.

Leela ran to Jodha's room and updated; Jodha pulled down her veil and rushed to the terrace. The moment her eyes laid on him, a flutter ambled her stomach, her knees weakened, a shy grin softened into a sunshine beam.

While pinching her lips together, Jodha pouted, "Leela, I want to see his face, but flower veil has covered it."

"Soooo... Are you ready, Jodha?" Their eyes glowed with mischief

Jodha grinned wickedly, then she carted out small stones from the corner plant pot and aimed at Jalal. The first stone hit Jalal's chest, which he noticed, but ignored. He was too frustrated due to the veil on his face and the enormous crowd.

Jalal speculated, seeing a massive crowd on the porch. 'Ohh, God... How am I going to find Jodha?' Jalal called Mirza nearby, and in a low tone, he whispered, "Mirza, let me know if you find your bhabhi Jaan somewhere."

Mirza smirked with a roguish grin then yelled with an innocent tone, "Ammi Jaan... If you find bhabhi Jaan somewhere, then inform Bhai Jaan; he is desperate to see one glimpse of Bhabhi Jaan."

Jalal stomped on Mirza's feet.

Mirza screeched, "Ahhh Bhai Jaan." At Mirza's mischief, everyone laughed out loud, which embarrassed Jalal.

Pandit started to mutter mantras for the ritual. Now it was Leela's turn to throw a stone; she aimed a tiny pebble and tossed it but hit directly on the Pandit's bald hairless head. Pandit looked around with a chaotic expression while rubbing his head, then began to chant the mantra. Jodha and Leela giggled, seeing Pandit's confused face. Jodha picked another stone, targeted it at his face, which hit right on Jalal's nose, but this time, Jalal noticed from what direction the rock was coming.

He placed the entire flower veil on his head and scrutinized upward toward the terrace; his eyes laid on Leela, who was cheering and laughing. The sparkles in her eyes spelled mischief. Jalal grinned when he saw a lady covered in a long veil; her palm met Leela's with a victorious high-five. It didn't take him long to recognize Jodha.

Jodha drew her veil till eyes to view him. Finally, the awaited moment succeeded; their waiting time came to an end. Her long lashes fluttered at him, and his desperate eyes sparkled. Their eyes beheld each other; tears emerged down from her cheeks, an innocent smile glowed on her pink face. His eyes flickered, and his lips arched in a response for a mere second; he snapped his gaze away too quickly, but she was able to read both his excitement and resentment in his sharp orbs.

One glimpse gave his heart full contentment. Now he got fueled up to act his resentment. He averted his gaze and attention towards the guest and ritual.

Her anklet buzzed a tune of a love song as she paced towards her room. Brimming joyous tears and a burst of giggles stirred her belly and mixed with thousand butterflies, Lila ran behind Jodha and shouted, "Wait, Jodha, why are you going towards your apartment? It's time for the Shahenshah's welcome."

She bounced back on her toes and hugged Leela. "Oh Yeah! Leela... he is here... Thank God! He came."

"I know... Jodha, calm down! Let's go downstairs for his welcome."

"Don't worry, Leela, I have planned for his grand welcome." While rubbing her tears, Jodha informed with a mischievous grin. "Lila, remember you asked me? Does Shahenshah ever smile or blush? You will see him blushing bashfully in front of everyone. Let's go welcome Shahenshah." Jodha winked at Leela.

Jodha plopped down a long veil and went down into the main hall where many other women were singing.

The groom and his family stepped inside the Divan hall via the main entrance. Mother Queen Mainavati did Aarti and softly yanked Jalal's nose as part of the custom. Jalal smiled then he bent down to get her blessings. Mainavati recalled the first time when Jalal came; he didn't bend down properly to get a blessing from the elderly, but seeing his change of heart, tears overflowed from her eyes with a blessing.

With a tease, Jalal probed to the Queen's mother, "Is there any ritual in which the groom pulls the bride's ears?"

Mainavati snapped, "Ji Jamaisa, we do have a ritual like that, but in that bride has to pull groom's ears, so he listens to her all the time." Everyone started to laugh.

Jalal squinted his eyes with a thought, 'Yah... Yah... without pulling my ears, I listen to your pampered daughter.'

Mariam Makhani Hamida Bano and Queen Mainavati hugged and greeted each other fondly. Now, everyone's eyes were searching for Jodha. As Jalal walked further towards his chair, ten women surrounded Jalal and, as per plan, began to throw rose petals on him.

Suddenly the group ladies stopped singing wedding songs, and the hall seemed quiet for a few seconds. Then Jodha began to croon with her rhythmic euphonious voice.

Hm hm hm, mm mm

बहारों फूल बरसाओ, मेरा महबूब आया है

हवाओं रागिनी गाओ, मेरा महबूब आया है

O, blossoms sprinkle the flowers, my beloved is here,

O, soothing winds chant your melody, my beloved is here,

The instant Jalal's ear rang with the melodious sound of her, his eyes wandered. Romantic lyrics warmed his blood; he imagined her melting in his arms; his eyes lit up with desire. Her unique welcome style curved his lips lopsided; the heat warmed his scarlet cheeks.

Her deep soothing melodious sound enchanted every person in the hall. The words directed towards him, so he became a target of the crowd. Each teasing eyes glued at the king; he vainly fought to constraint a grin on his face.

ओ लाली फूल की मेंहँदी लगा इन गोरे हाथों में

उतर आ ऐ घटा काजल, लगा इन प्यारी आँखों में

सितारों माँग भर जाओ मेरा महबूब आया है

O, crimson flowers apply Henna to my hands,

O, clouds inclined down to outline my eyes with kohl,

Fill up my hair parting with sparkling stars; my beloved is here,

Jalal's face rose to glow with colors since she hid behind many women, and every single simpering eye glued on him. His eyelids drooped to avoid playful stares. He was unable to hide his excitement, happiness, and bashful smirk pasted on his face. The King of kings floundered in embarrassment with awkward shyness.

सजाई है जवाँ कलियों ने अब ये सेज उल्फ़त की

इन्हें मालूम था आएगी इक दिन ऋतु मुहब्बत की

फ़िज़ाओं रंग बिखराओ, मेरा महबूब आया है

The young buds have decorated the bed of love,

Knowing the season of love would blossom one day,

O, Ambiance sprinkles the colors of love, my beloved is here,

बहारों फूल बरसाओ, मेरा महबूब आया है

Oh, blossoms sprinkle the flowers, my beloved is here,

Eventually, Jalal lost all of his patience. He swiftly walked inside the ladies' group where the music came from; he drew Jodha out from the crowd. Her face covered in a veil, in a lured tone, he insisted, "My dear Queen, why are you hiding? Why don't you sing in front of everyone? Your beloved is here." Including King, Bharmal laughed out loud at Jalal's statement. With a jerk, Jodha released herself and dashed towards her room.

Mirza yelled, "Bhabhi Jaan... Wait... Let my Bhai Jaan look at your one glimpse, at least." everyone chuckled once again. Jalal's eyes narrowed at Mirza.

Dadisa teased, "Don't worry, Mirza, the next ritual is Muh dikhai. Jamaisa will get to see his bride." Jalal walked towards Dadisa and bent down to get her blessing. Dadisa kissed Jalal on his forehead and blessed him for long and happy life.

In Jodha's Room:

Dadisa went to Jodha's room with a sweet box and instructed Jodha that the groom and bride need to feed each other sweets as per ritual.

Ten Minutes later, Dadisa instructed Sukanya to take Jalal to Jodha's room for muh dikhai ritual.

While walking back and forth, Leela babbled, "Nooo... Jodha, trust me, it's not a good plan; what if he hugs me without even removing my veil?"

Seeing fright in her popping wide eyes, Jodha giggled, "Oh Leela... Don't be chicken! Trust me; he is too upset to even talk to me forget about hugging and kissing. Don't be scared, cover your face and compose yourself; I will watch you from my balcony.

Before settling on the bed, Leela let out a harsh frustrating breath. Jodha stood outside on the balcony while waiting for Jalal.

Sukanya queried while walking towards Jodha's apartment, "Jijusa, you don't seem excited to see Jiji?"

"Yap, I am not excited but mad at your Jiji, Sukanya." Brooding words slipped from Jalal's mouth.

"I agree with you, Jijusa; you should be. She is too annoying; make sure you punish her."

"As you wish, my dear Sali Sahiba." Jalal grinned.

"Your wait time is over; it's time to punish your bride Jijusa." Sukanya's eyes twinkled, then she left with a chuckle.