First meeting impact on Jalal
Riding on the Arabian, one of the finest breed black stallion as Jalal soared, his mind seized and captured by Jodha's fiery aura and seductive beauty, which brought an evil smirk on lips. His tender orbs with full of desire turned emotionless, ice-cold, severe, and unforgiving. He viciously stated to himself, 'You have dared to set your foot in the lion's den, Princess Jodha; you addressed me a Casanova and a heartless monster. I swear to Allah, you will repent for every word you have spoken. I proclaim, shortly, you will be part of my harem. You will serve and obey me for your audacity. I will lust your beauty from top to bottom and breakdown your arrogance and strength apart.
Let us see who will rescue you from me now. Your swollen pride will melt in a second like a piece of ice on fire. Soon, you will worship at my feet and be my slave. Oh, I am eager indeed to see you begging for my mercy. You are a challenge, which Jalal proudly accepts, my dear Princess JODHA.
Princess Jodha, you have underestimated Jalal's strength. You have pride in your values, beauty, bravery, and your sweet Amer, but soon you will see the real monster Jalal and the shady side of me. Now, no one can save you from my cruelty; soon, you will see the cruel side of Mughals. I will explore every inch of your spellbinding stunning body with my greedy desire till I lose interest in you. Then like a showpiece, you will stay in my harem forever.
I cannot wait to see a look on your face when Amer will lose against the Mughals sultanate. I will be at peace when I see bloody tears in your beautiful eyes. You called us cruel now you, and your Amer will know what cruelty means is.'
----
On the other side, Jalal left a lasting impression on Jodha; with his dominant aura, magnetic personality, and breathtaking look, he successfully stole the juvenile young Princess's heart. While awaiting Moti, Jodha got deeply lost in the spellbinding encounter with an unknown mysterious person.
Their first meeting left an unspeakable imprint on Jodha. A deep blush smeared on her face; her beautiful rosy lips twirl with a broad smile. She was engrossed in thoughts, so she didn't realize when Moti arrived.
"Princess Jodha, why are you smiling? What happened?" Moti asked with a bemused expression.
Jodha stirred up from the magic spell and grasped that she was lost in his thoughts for too long. With a nervous look, she smiled at Moti, then quietly began to walk towards the palace.
"Princess Jodha, why are you blushing? What happened? Did you win the competition?" Moti questioned again edgily.
"Moti, some unknown, mysterious warrior has dazed me today. You know, I defeated almost everyone in the competition. The announcer made the last call if anyone would like to fight with me, and I don't know where, but one Rajvanshi warrior suddenly appeared in the contest ground. As soon as my eyes caught his glimpse, I felt some weird sparks inside my body. I almost trembled with a heavy jolt. I am sure I have not met him in the past, but he looked so familiar." Jodha openly shared with her Moti.
"What happened, did you win the competition?" Moti curiously asked
While walking hastily towards the palace, Jodha responded disappointedly, "Moti, I lost the competition, but my regret is, he was only defending himself and testing my skills. He didn't even attack me throughout the competition, and at the end, with his first attack, I fumbled in a second." She paused and, with a deep sigh out continued, "You know his sharp eyes had a mysterious look in it, somewhat devil but very mesmerizing. He didn't even reveal his identity to me, but seeing his Royal personality, I am sure he is a Rajvanshi king."
Moti teasingly said, "Looks like, that Rajvanshi king has wounded your heart in a first attack. It seems like love at first sight," she jested while observing Jodha's expression.
Jodha squinted eyes at Moti and angrily replied, " Moti, seriously, you need to see hakim (doctor), you have gone crazy mad. Do you think that I would fall in love with that arrogant King who didn't even tell me his name and the way he was staring at me as if he has never seen any women in his life before? I felt his talk was somewhat crazy, shadowy, and complex. You know what he told me before leaving, 'soon you will know who I am?' He acted as he rules on the entire Hindustan. I have a feeling he has some mental issues."
Moti worriedly said, "Princess, walk fast, hope everything is fine at the palace. Before entering the palace, you need to change your clothes as well. Hope no one has found out that you are not in the palace; otherwise, we will be in trouble."
Jodha proudly smirked and responded with confidence, "Moti, when are you going to change? You worry too much. I have not been caught and never will. Trust me; I have explained to Reva if anyone asks for me, then tell them that I went out to do Ghangor pooja (Prayer)."
In the palace, everyone was thrilled, including King Bharmal, Queen Mainavati, and Dadisa (Grandma). Just a few days ago, they decided to search for an appropriate groom for Jodha. And already so many royal kings have sent the proposal for her hand; it was an overwhelming joy for them, and at the same time, they were in a dilemma about whom to pick for their beautiful and very skilled daughter Jodha.
Jodha had grown up in a vast family, four brothers and bhabhi's (Brother's wife), and two sisters. She was pampered and loved by her family very much. Jodha is a very respectful, royal, sober, and at the same time, playful and mischievous girl. She never gets scared of telling the truth in any situation; so far in her life, she has never seen any big trouble; in other words, she has not seen life yet, with no ups and downs. She is very loyal and proud of her land Amer. She has pure Rajvanshi royal ethics to die for her land, which was blended in her blood. She hated Mughals since her childhood for their cruelty. Still, after the temple robbery by Mughals and Moti's abduction incident, she started loathing Mughals and the Mughal King Jalalludin Mohammad even more.
Jodha reached the palace; she felt relieved to know that no one had any suspicion of her.
In the evening, King Bharmal called Jodha to his royal chamber and gave her the good news that they have found an appropriate groom for her, from a Royal family, very brave and a decent looking king expert sword fighter like her. He is the King of three states; his name is King Ratan Suryabhan.
"Father, I am sure whatever you have decided is the best in my life." Jodha shyly replied and ran away from there.
While fixing her long tresses, her mind began to think about the mysterious man. Who was he? Maybe he was King Ratan Suryabhan. Suddenly she got annoyed at her imprudent notions and scolded herself, 'Stop thinking about him, Jodha.' But her mind was not ready to listen, and she ended up asking herself 'why he said that he would come to get me.'
Sukanya, Jodha's younger sister, saw Jodha blushing; she asked in a playful voice, "My dear Jiji (Sister), where are you lost? You have already begun to dream for King Ratan Suryabhan."
"Sukanya, don't bother me; I have not even seen him. Why would I be lost in him?" While masking her inner excitement, Jodha replied with irritation.
"Jodha Jiji, you know I saw King Suryabhan today at the sword contest ground, he is tall, fair, good looking and courageous. You know he was the winner in a sword fight." Sukanya informed in an optimistic tone while picking bangles for herself.
"I do not want to marry anyone, and don't touch my bangles Sukanya" Jodha replied in a bashful tone while putting her bangles away from Sukanya.
"Jiji, if you don't want to marry him, then I will marry him." Sukanya instantaneously responded
"You have gone insane, Suku." Jodha irritably said, but before she could finish, Mainavati entered Jodha's chamber with a smile on her face told
"Suku, my child, Stop bothering your sister; soon, she is going to leave us and this palace."
The realization made all three very emotional. Queen Mainavati changed the discussion right away and said, "Jodha, do you know the significance of the Ghangor festival? This festival is especially for unmarried girls who fast and pray to Goddess Parvati to get a good life partner and Also, Goddess Parvati gives her blessings and hints of the future. It's an old tale that after final prayer, if you wish to goddess Parvati wholeheartedly, she will give you a hint of your future husband. So, go to the temple in the evening for final prayer before the engagement function, same time King Suryabhan is also going to visit the temple." Mother Queen advised Jodha.
Jodha got dressed in her best outfit and Jewelry for the Function since her engagement was going to be announced.
On the other side, Jalal realized that because he got distracted by Jodha and didn't reach on time, Abdul, his shadow, his best childhood friend, and very faithful protector, got captured by Amer soldiers. Even though it was precarious to release Abdul single-handed, he decided to take on that dangerous mission. Jalal roamed around to find a clue from Amer people where they keep Mughal prisoners. While in search of Abdul, many information revealed to Jalal from commoners why they hate Mughal's. He enjoyed seeing the fear of Mughals in their eyes. It also revealed to him that Rajvanshi Kings has many disputes internally. Though he talked to every possible source, he could not find out the dungeon's location where they keep Mughal prisoners. But he finds out that a prominent public function was organized in the late evening, and many Rajvanshi Kings and their family will attend this Function.
As per her mother's instruction, Jodha went to the temple to pray to Goddess Parvati for her better future and a good husband; she also wished for guidance from Goddess Parvati to recognize her future husband. Due to safety and her protection, she was alone in the temple while praying. After the prayer, she came out of the temple and hoped to see King Ratan Suryabhan first. Jalal was talking to a man right in front of the temple about Amer prison, and just behind him, King Ratan Suryabhan was walking towards the temple. First, Jodha's eyes laid on Jalal, talking to someone. Seeing him, suddenly she felt happy and very cheerful, she thought this might be an indication for her future from Goddess Parvati.
Jodha stared at him without a blink, her happiness was beyond words, and even she couldn't understand why she was so joyful to see him. About a minute later, Jodha saw King Ratan Suryabhan walking towards the temple with a few guards. As soon as he reached near the temple, his guard announced for King Ratan Suryabhan's arrival. Jodha realized that Jalal is not Suryabhan. As soon as she realized her face turned pale, she got all confused; why goddess Parvati made me see him first? What kind of sign is this from god?? Depressingly Jodha walked out of the temple without looking at King Ratan Suryabhan.
At the Function
The Function was organized in a vast open ground; There were seating arrangements for about five hundred Royal Rajput kings and their families, administrator, royal workers, and the rest of the commoners were assigned to sit on the runner ground. There was a small stage in the center where Amer King Bharmal and all prince's seats were allotted.
It was around five in the evening, with the loud announcement, King Bharmal entered in the Function while walking on center rug toward his throne, all of the Rajvanshi and common people got up to respect and welcome him. After he took his seat, everyone else sat on their chairs. There was a big red runner in the middle and on both the sides' big chairs for Royal Rajvanshi kings and their families. On one side, all married women were sitting with transparent veils (Ghoonghat); this was a traditional custom. All other unmarried girls were sitting behind them.
Jodha was sitting behind her mother with her closest mate Lilavati and other princesses.
Jalal smiled, seeing a well-organized arrangement for the Function, but everything seemed very different than Mughal culture. Women without a veil were odd to him. He also wanted to see how many Rajvanshi kings were supporting King Bharmal. He scanned the entire audience to see how many Rajvanshi kings attended this Function; he tried to judge how many will defend Amer against Mughals. After studying the whole area, his eyes searched for Jodha between all those women.
Finally, he spotted her in a beautiful orange long skirt (Ghaghara) and heavy work blouse (Choli) with green transparent dupatta with gorgeous royal Jewelry.
When his eyes laid on enthralling beauty, his heart stopped breathing, and lips parted. He had never seen such a magnificent perfection before. Desire flared to see her from near; he walked towards the front row without putting a thought. It was dangerous, too dangerous for him to come in the front this close.
Her mates were teasing her; they all were chit-chatting and giggling, and she was blushing with a faint smile.
He got entirely hypnotized by her divine beauty. He heard many times that Princess Jodha has unspeakable beauty beyond any description, but now he got smitten by it, and without knowing consciously, she became his obsession. Jalal always claimed that he doesn't have a heart, but somehow this unpredictable and multi-layered and cunning personality started to feel a flutter in his dead heart for the first time.
King Bharmal stood up and thanked everyone for attending the Function, and then he continued cheerfully and announced Jodha's engagement with King Ratan Suryabhan. The entire crowd got excited to hear this news, but some kings and princes got disturbed since their proposals were rejected.
King Bharmal had looked at all aspects before selecting King Ratan Suryabhan for Jodha, King Suryabhan was not yet married to anyone, and he was King of three big states. He directly approached King Bharmal with the proposal and said if Jodha agrees to marry him, he promises that he will never marry again, and she will be his only wife.
King Bharmal invited King Ratan Suryabhan courteously on the stage and requested him to sit next to his chair.
Jalal bitterly looked at King Ratan Suryabhan, who was looking at Jodha without a blink. Jalal turned to see Jodha's reaction.
Jodha's eyes were lowered; she was flushed shyly under King Suryabhan's powerful gaze. His brown eyes filled with murderous glare and nostrils flared with anger, so close on the brick on rage. He felt like grabbing her in front of the crowd and run away with her that instant.
Suddenly few soldiers came to function ground with captured Abdul and informed King Bharmal that he is a Mughal secret agent and he was trying to steal a map of the palace. Abdul was too injured and in poor condition; he could hardly breathe. He was beaten so harshly that he couldn't walk; guards were dragging him towards the throne.
Jalal's eyes turned red, seeing Abdul's condition; his warrior blood boiled up.
King Bharmal, with an angry face, got up from his chair and took his sword out to kill Abdul; he swung his sword upward to kill him. Before he could kill Abdul, Jodha yelled with a request, "BapuSa... Father, please stop it, we cannot kill him as per our ethics, we don't kill "weak, weaponless, or handicap." it's against our reputation, dignity, and grace. Our enemy is Jalaluddin Mohammad, not his spy. No doubt, he is a spy, but killing him would be unfair punishment. Our primal enemy is Mughal King Jalalludin Mohammad, not his spy. Instead of killing him, we need to get information for Mughals and put him in the dungeon. Also, today is an auspicious day, the last day of Ghangor; I am requesting you please don't kill him."
King Bharmal realized his mistake; he proudly stated, "Princess Jodha, you are right. He is our enemies' spy, and we can use him to get information, and also he is badly injured, to kill injured enemy is a coward act."
Jalal was shocked and, at the same time, impressed with her royal ethics and kindness. The way she got up in front of a thousand without fear and convinced a King to change his verdict was commendable.
Jalal wanted to save Abdul, and he got the best opportunity to protect him while he was in public. Immediately he strategically planned in his mind, and he ran back to his horse, got ready with all the weapons he had, and decided to free Abdul in front of all Rajput Rajvanshi Kings and show them the strength and power of the Mughal King. He galloped on his horse with the speed of a tornado and trotted through the main gate and passed by the crowd in a flick of seconds; before anyone could think further, he killed two of the guards in a moment and swiftly grabbed Abdul and fled back in front of the enormous crowd. Within seconds, he grabbed Abdul; no one had time to think about what was happening; before people could realize what was happening, he was far from the guard's reach.
Everyone was traumatized seeing this, many warriors, guards, and King Ratan Suryabhan ran after his horse, but it was too late. Jalal ran into the deep desert; the gloomy night favored him to disappear.
After reaching back in his tent, Jalal immediately called his general minister Agtah Saheb to prepare for the war.
Jalal decided not to send any information about this war to King Bharmal and suddenly attack Amer.
Three days later, the Mughals suddenly attacked Amer with ten time's bigger army. King Bharmal tried and fought till he lost all his hope.
Unfortunately, most of the kings were upset at King Bharmal for rejecting their proposal for Jodha's hand. So only King Ratan Suryabhan stood by to support King Bharmal. His Military general captured all four princes, the sons of King Bharmal, while fighting King Suryabhan died in this war. The majority of the Amer army died fighting bravely against the Mughals; the rest were injured badly. When King Bharmal heard Mughal military general has ordered to kill all of the wounded soldiers against the rule of the war, King Bharmal requested to see Shahenshah, Jalaluddin Mohammad.
Jalal was eagerly waiting for this moment.
It was the saddest day for Amer. Entire Amer was filled with fire everywhere. Sharrifuddin's soldiers were all over Amer. In the palace, all women were ready to do Jauhar to save their dignity and honor. They didn't have any message about King Bharmal and all of his sons being captured. Grandma instructed every woman in the palace to get ready for Jauhar and urged young women to be prepared with weapons in case of alternative. Everyone was in deep sorrow, pain, and horrified fear. It was an awful day for Jodha. This war happened so suddenly and without any information, which gave her more bitterness towards Mughals for this betrayal. It is against the rule of war to attack anyone without any notification.
Note: Jauhar: Royal Rajput queens and princesses burned themselves to death when facing defeat at an enemy's hands to protect their dignity and honor.
Jalal was sitting on his throne when King Bharmal was brought to the court.
Jalal stated proudly with a victorious smirk, "Welcome King Bharmal to Mughal's court. Tell me what I can help you with."
King Bharmal lowered his eyes for a second, then after a long pause with a deep sigh out, he replied, looking straight with dignity, "Shahenshah, as per the rule of the war, defeated King should not be captured after surrendering. I want you to release all my sons and me with respect and do not kill any of the wounded warriors."
Jalal asked in an impassive voice while keeping his calm poise, "What do I get in return, King Bharmal."
Bharmal got surprised and shocked by his question; he already won Amer, and what else does he want? "Shahenshah E Hindustan, you have taken everything from me, including my kingdom; what else do I have to give you? What do you want from me?" King Bharmal replied confusingly.
Jalal paused and smirked viciously at King Bharmal and, in a loud tone, replied in one word, "JODHA."