King Bharmal heatedly shouted at the top of his voice, "JALAL!!! How dare you?" His eyes filled up with fire; His roar echoed back in the chamber a few times. Most of them in the court got up from their chairs and pulled their swords out to kill King Bharmal for disrespecting King of the kings, Shahenshah E Hindustan.
Shortly, King Bharmal realized that he is at his mercy and shouting at Shahenshah will worsen his chances of freedom. After looking around, he, bitterly, but in a warm sound, said, "Shahenshah, forgive me for my elevated tone, but do you have any clue what you are asking? Undoubtedly, you don't know much about Rajput people and their self-respect and dignity. We rather prefer to kill ourselves than trading our daughters for our lives. And the same way our females would rather slaughter themselves than surrender to the enemies."
His fearless argument annoyed most of the administrators; Jalal slowly observed them. He lifted his right hand and indicated to everyone to calm down; then, with his creepy gaze at King Bharmal, he slyly smirked. "King Bharmal, 'I want Jodha,' It was not a request, but it was a statement. If you agree willingly, there is a possibility of a more beneficial outcome of your position, but as far as I can see, I don't need your approval anymore. I have already won Amer, and everything in Amer belongs to me. If you give your consent or not, I will get Jodha, and you cannot do anything about it." Jalal evenly replied
Jalal's deadly calm tone sends fearful shivers in King Bharmal's body; his face turns pale. While masking his anxiety, King Bharaml responded ironically, "Shahenshah, Do you know before Mughal soldiers could touch any women in the palace, they would jump into the fire pool and kill (Johar) themselves? At this time, they all are possibly around the fire pool, and once they receive messages that I have been captured and as soon as they see Mughal soldiers in the palace, within a second, they will jump in (fire pool) to protect their honor and dignity. No doubt you will get a palace, but empty without Jodha." He sneered proudly
Jalal realized that if he doesn't find a better way to persuade King Bharmal, he will lose Jodha, and he wanted her at any cost. Jalal promptly plotted in his mind. With his political tactic, Jalal continued humbly, "King Bharmal, why do you think that I want to disrespect you and your family? I am not asking you to gift me your daughter. I would like to get married to her legitimately with all of our customs & rituals. Jodha will receive admiration as a Begum E Hindustan, and that is my promise, and everyone knows that Jalal never breaks his promise." He took a brief pause and scanned King Bharmal's expression; seeing his easy stance, he grinned silently and then continued convincingly, "If you agree, there are three things you can get with this alliance." He paused for a moment
"First, You will rule on Amer'," as soon as he voiced, 'you will rule on Amer,' Adham and Shariffudin both looked at each other with an annoying expression. Jalal's sharp eyes were on the entire court to consider their reaction." Jalal continued further
"Second, your sons will be discharged with all due respect. Third, your land will be more secure and more substantial with our support." Jalal showed his big heart towards King Bharmal and gave him an appealing proposition.
King Bharmal beheld his gaze at Jalal with baffling expression; it took him a while to comprehend.
The entire court had the same reaction. It seemed like everyone got frozen, hearing all the reasoning; no one could understand what Jalal was trying to accomplish out of this.
Slowly King Bharmal came out of the dilemma, and his face began to show an effect, he looked convinced, but at the same time, he looked chaotic and mystified.
"King Bharmal, what dilemma are you in?"Jalal calmly asked
Bharmal nervously wiped his sweat from his forehead then replied dejectedly, "Shahenshah, you have made me speechless. I am obliged to your generosity, but I know my daughter very well. Pardon me, but since her childhood, she has hated Mughals, and she will not agree at any cost for this marriage; she is too strong to persuade, even I won't be able to convince her against her desire. She will kill herself, but not marry you. I don't know how she will agree to this proposal." Jalal could sense his genuine concern in his voice.
Jalal viciously smirked while thinking; only I can control your untamable daughter, princess Jodha. "King Bharmal, I understand why you are worried, but as per my information, your daughter is a true patriot; she loves Amer more than herself. I do not think she will be able to see Amer's people in trouble. If you tell her that her sacrifice will save Amer, then without any argument, she will agree to this marriage." He tried to convince him tactfully
Seeing Jalal's desperation to marry Jodha, King Bharmal felt relieved. Unhappily convinced himself, thinking Jalal would take Jodha's good care after marriage.
It was another blow for everyone in the court to know that Amer Princess Jodha dislikes Mughals and even after knowing that Jalal is still persistent to marry her at any cost.
Finally, King Bharmal agreed to his proposal with a heavy heart and immediately sent a message to Amer palace that the situation is under control.
At The Palace:
King Bharmal straight went to the palace and informed everyone other than Jodha about the proposal from Jalal. Everyone got traumatized after hearing. Dadisa (Grandma) and Mainavati both froze, their words stuck in their throats. All of the brothers and their wives, Jodha's sisters Sukanya and Shivani, every single person in the chamber had tears in their eyes. They all knew it was the most significant sacrifice anyone can give. They had no other choice left, so everyone gave their consent and decided to inform Jodha about this proposal with a heavy heart.
They called Jodha to the big divan hall. Jodha walked in a pin-drop silence chamber; she nervously glanced at all of them; she could sense that something significant had happened. When she saw her brothers and father safe back at the palace, she felt relieved, but deep dark silence in the chamber and tears in everyone's eyes threatened her and made her panicky.
At last, King Bharmal gathered his courage and said, "Jodha, very few people obtain this opportunity to sacrifice their dreams for their land, and DESTINY HAS CHOSEN YOU." He paused and, with deep sighed out and continued sadly, "Mughal Shahenshah, Jalaluddin Mohammad has sent a marriage proposal for your hand, and your 'YES' can save the entire Amer, your family and Ameri people."
Hearing the name Jalaluddin Mohammad, Jodha walked two steps back in extreme shock. His name echoed in her ears many times in a few seconds. All of a sudden, she felt quack, as if the earth was shaking underneath her feet. Her entire body shivered with a jolt, her eyes widened for a few seconds, and her vision faded; in a flick, her dreams were shattered. Suddenly she felt as if someone had sucked out all of her energy; Word got stuck in her throat. Without any sound, tears began to pierce out her eyes.
She could not believe that her possessive brothers, who did not even let her go out of the palace, freely traded her to the Mughals. She looked at all of her brothers vulnerably; her eyes were screaming out loud, how could you let this happen to your sister? You are my protector, not a trader?
All four of them shamefully looked down at their defeat.
Then she pointedly stared at her mother with millions of questions in her eyes; how could you let this happen to your daughter? you were the one who always worried for me, my one small sneeze makes you restless, and you agreed to send me to our biggest enemy, Mughals? Mainavati folded her hands and showed her feebleness.
She could not gather the courage to see her grandma, her painful cry deafening her ears and pouring acid into her consciousness. She always supported and saved her from many punishments, but today her tears tore her up. Her vulnerable face killed her last hope.
At last, she gazed with penetrating fury at her own father, questioning him in her silence, Are you the same father who worried day and night for my safety and today you are ready to trade me to those butchers, who don't respect women?
Silence prevailed in the chamber for long. No one dared to say two sympathetic words to Jodha. Her stare pricked in everyone's heart.
When King Bharmal noticed horrifying fear and pool of tears, he gulped his sorrow and continue in a begging tone, "Jodha, Amer's destiny is in your hands today; your sacrifice will save thousands of people and their families. If you do not accept this proposal, then your brother's life will be in danger, and Amer's people will also pay a high price for it. Lastly, King Bharmal and Queen Mainavati bowed down in front of Jodha with intense guilt.
Jodha was stunned to see his father so weak and fumbled, her brain suddenly stopped processing, her mind got frozen and unable to think further, her eyes were filled in a pool of tears, everyone was looking at her devastatingly. There was complete silence in the hall. Everyone was waiting for Jodha's answer.
After a stretched silence, to end, she broke down in sobs loudly and said vulnerably, "Father, if my sacrifice will save my country and my family then, I agree to this marriage." She walked away from there without looking at anyone, but suddenly she stopped and turned back and requested her father that she would like to see Shahenshah once before marriage.
"Why do you want to see him?" Warily King Bharmal asked
"Father, my apologies, but I will talk to Shahenshah only." Jodha respectfully replied
She briskly walked away with tears in her eyes and anger for her family. At that time, she didn't desire to speak to anyone. It was the saddest day in the palace, not only for Jodha, but everyone's dreams were shattered for Jodha's wedding.
************
On the other hand, almost everyone in Jalal's administration was upset and surprised at his awkward decision. Chief administrator Maham Anga, Military general Adham Khan, Maham's son, and Sharifuddin, Jalal's brother in law, all three asked for an explanation. Why did he take this decision, and why does he need to get married to a Rajvanshi Hindu princess???
Jalal yelled, "ENOUGH."
After a long pause, he continued with an assertive tone, "I am the Shahenshah E Hindustan, and I am not answerable to your questions. But when you all have raised your voice, then listen and keep in mind forever, Jalaluddin Mohammad does not make any decision without thinking. I want to rule the entire Hindustan, and all of you know, the biggest obstacle in our path is Rajput Rajvanshi states. They are brave and extremely loyal to their land; they will agree to die but not surrender to me easily. To win the spirit of Rajput and Rajvanshi people, this is my first footstep. Fundamentally, this is a crucial political decision. With this alliance, I will put my first foot in Rajvansh, and soon this Rajvanshi will be under my influence, soon their brave soldiers will fight for my protection, and their supporting states will become approachable with the Mughals." He glanced at everyone crossly and walked out of the court with his royal grace while shutting everyone's big mouth at once.
Raja Bharmal sent the message to Shahenshah that princess Jodha wants to see him before the wedding.
It surprised Jalaal and created a little anger inside him, but he agreed to meet her unwillingly.
A meeting was arranged in Jodha's chamber alone. Jalal walked into Jodha's royal chamber, which was simple but graceful and large. Every piece of art was fascinating; many beautiful paintings were hanging on the wall. Even though it was eye-catching art in her chamber, his eyes searched for Jodha sitting on the divan, and her face was covered with a transparent veil (ghoonghat). An uncanny smile kissed on his lips; while gazing at her pale, lifeless face, he sat the opposite divan, across from Jodha. Her eyes were still lower down, looking at her shivering hand, which was resting on her knees. Jalal could see the massive pain on her face, but her pain gave him irritation instead of satisfaction.
He edgily asked, "Princess Jodha, why have you requested to see me?"
Jodha soberly started, "Shahenshah, I am grateful to you for coming here and releasing my brothers." Then, slowly, she lifted her beautiful eyes; as soon as her eyes laid on Jalal, she got up from the divan and yelled, "YOU" in shock.
Seeing her angry face, he smirked wickedly and responded in a deadly calm voice, "Yes, as I promised princess Jodha, I told you that I would come back to get you, and you will soon know who I am! Mughals also keep their promises," and again he grinned uncanny at Jodha.
Jodha's eyes turned red with fury. Millions of thoughts ran through her brain in a fraction of seconds; she disgusted herself at first for liking him. It occurred to her all of this blood poured just for her; because of me, everything has happened? she questioned herself. Seeing his constant lustful gaze on her, she said dryly, but in a husky tone while glaring straight in his eyes through her veil, "Shahenshah, there are two conditions for my to this marriage" after a short pause... she continued.
"I will not be forced to change my religion. I will continue my customs, rituals, and religion." She beheld his gaze deliberately to see his reaction.
After hearing the 1st condition, Jalal's anger boiled up. As per Mughal custom and religion, after marriage, a woman needs to follow a man's religion; it was a huge demand not to change her religion. He furiously asked, "What else???"
Seeing his hindrance, she felt more confident and fearless; she put out her second condition.
"I will come to Agra with my God Krishna, and you will build a small temple in my palace. I will marry you only if you agree to these two conditions."
How dare you, Jodha? You want a temple in the Mughal palace. Is she out of her mind??? He thought; he got up with scorching anger on his face and looked at Jodha while running his hand through his soft dark hair.
Jalal's rage and nervousness brought a captivating smile to Jodha's face. This was the last option for her to come out of this marriage. She knew very well that this condition is almost impossible for him to accept. As a Shahenshah, if he denies her conditions, he will be humiliated that the kings couldn't fulfill two small conditions. If he agrees, then he will be questioned by his religious maulvies. She could read defeat on his face.
For Jalal, everything in his life was about winning or losing. For him winning was a passion; he could go to any extent to win against anyone. It was the first time he got challenged by a woman. Jodha's desire was gradually increased by every meeting, even though she put him in a precarious condition, but her cunningness touched his heart. He knew from the first time they met that she is different from others; he will have to work hard to achieve her.
Jodha was very sure that he would never accept her terms and he would deny the wedding, but how could he let her win and lose her in turn. He looked at her with his sharp eyes and announced, "Princess Jodha, I accept both of your conditions. Your wishes will be fulfilled, my fiery princess." He waited there to see in her eyes his victory.
Jodha could not gulp her tears any longer since this was her last way out. She pulled her veil up and saw directly pierced in his eyes.
Jalal saw her red, teary eyes and her swollen face; her condition shuddered him for a second. Her pitiful state slightly bothered him. Her innocent charm was gone.
Jodha bitterly stated, "Shenshah, you have proved every word I have told about Mughals; I was right, you are a cruel, ruthless and Casanova. Just to mollify your hunger for my body, you have killed thousands of innocent warriors. Yes, indeed, you have won today; I can see you standing on thousands of corpses of innocent soldiers and claiming your victory over my lifeless body. So go and celebrate you have won nothing but a living corpse and remember that Jodha hates you and she will hate you forever."
Hearing her sharp, bitter, but painful words, he got furious. Her piercing gaze began to torture his heart with the guilt of wrongdoing. He clutched his hand to control his fury and thought, Jodha; soon you will be underneath my possession then you will need my consent even to breathe, you won't be able to speak a word against Mughals and me. Without saying a single word, he kept staring at her. When he didn't respond to her harsh accusations, she got more annoyed.
She sarcastically added, "Shahenshah, do you know that according to Hindu beliefs, you pay for your past life sins in your current life. I can confidently tell that in my past life, I was a cruel monster or a devil, so in this life, God has decided to give me a devil husband like you."
Jalal was staggered to see her daring even after knowing that she will be under his mercy after marriage, she was still talking fearlessly with her sharp tongue and pride. He decided to ignore her ruthless words; he was content with her frustration.
Before leaving, he deviously whispered in a threatening tone, "Be ready for the wedding princess, soon you will get to know real Jalal.
He walked out gracefully from her chamber and informed everyone about Jodha's conditions and his acceptance of the conditions.
*************
All the pre-wedding rituals like the Mehndi ceremony and Pithi ceremony finished dejectedly. None of the Rajvanshi Kings accepted the wedding invitation; the entire community cursed King Bharmal for his harsh decision. Many of them instantly broke all ties with him and accused him of swapping his daughter to Mughals for his life.
Three days passed in a flick, every family member tried to speak to Jodha, but Jodha was silent. Her antagonism towards her family and God Krishna for choosing him as her life partner. Since her childhood, any problem arose she always shared with God Krishna; her faith in God was unbreakable.
Wedding day
Jalal was feeling excited about his conquest, and Jodha's heart was crying on the day of the wedding. Her vulnerable heart was cursing her parents and god Krishna for this injustice. Jodha's sisters, Shivani and Sukanya, dressed her with all wedding outfits and jewelry, but Jodha had no interest in getting dressed; she was still silent and didn't utter a word. Sukanya and Shivani tried to cheer her, but she dimly smiled at them and worried about their future.
Jalal arrived at the Amer palace entrance on a horse, accompanied by a few family and friends.
Seeing his Shahenshai majestic royal aura and powerful glow, many of the Jodha's side family got awestruck; Shivani mumbled in Sukanya's ears, he was so fair and good looking. Everyone's eyes glued at his sharp captivating eyes and his spell bounding strong magnetic persona. He dressed in a specially made gorgeous long orange kurta; on top of that, he wore a jacket which was studded with precious gems, and he wore a small rounded turban on his head embossed with a precious stone. All of his clothes possessed sophisticated Kundan work that suited his Shahi royal personality. He was wearing big pearls around his neck and also as a waistband, with large pieces of emeralds adorning them. He also wore big rings on his fingers, which were extraordinarily lavish and spectacular to look at, besides being heavy. His face looked innocent, but his eyes speak about his cunningness.
Jodha's mother, queen Mainavati greeted everyone with Arti and Tilak's welcoming ritual on Jalal's forehead. Jalal noticed while following ritual unstoppable tears were flooding out from Queen Mainavati's eyes. She was futilely attempting to mask her anger and pain with a smile. Jalal was unable to see in her eyes straight; her eyes were making him feel guilty. Then Jodha's brothers escorted Jalal to the Mandap, a canopied stand where the ceremony was performed.
These rituals were new to Jalal; he was interested in every tradition and asked the priest questions about its purpose.
The observance begins with a worship of Lord Ganesh, the destroyer of all obstacles. The priest guided Jalal and Jodha's parents in offering flowers, sweets, and prayer to Lord Ganesh.
The priest requested to bring Jodha to the Mandap; Jalal's lips curved with a smile, and his eyes got curious to see Jodha in wedding attire.
Seeing Jalal's attentiveness in the wedding rituals, Maham Anga and other administrators were getting annoyed and irritated.
Sukanya, Shivani, and Lilavati brought Jodha to the Mandap. Jodha's face was covered with a long transparent veil. The priest announced that it was time for (Kanyadaan and Hasta Milap) giving Jodha's hand in Jalal. To perform this first ritual priest requested Jalal to forward his hand towards Jodha; Jalal immediately followed, then the priest calmly told Jodha to put her hand in Jalal's hand. Her uncontrollable tears began to pour out, which Jalal could see through her veil. Even after hearing, she ignored and didn't forward her hand.
The priest again requested in a little louder tone, "Princess Jodha, give your hand to your would-be husband." She hesitantly forwarded her hand towards him but unexpectedly pulled back. Immediately Queen Mainavati walked behind her and forcefully forward her hand towards him. Jalal instantly grabbed her hand, gave a little squeeze, and gazed at her with the look, 'you are mine.' Jodha closed her eyes to bear the pain.
The priest then lighted the holy fire. He informed Jalal that sacred fire symbolizes the divine aura, which presents as a witness of the ceremony. It is considered that commitments made in the presence of holy fire are made in God's presence.
It was the time for the most important ritual of the wedding, seven steps together, circling the divine holy fire. (Mangal Phere) The priest explained each circle around the sacred fire; the bride and groom gave each other vows. Jalal listened to each vow they took and was content to know the meaning and thought Jodha would follow this and treat him like a god as per Hindu culture. Jodha also took vows, but with a heavy heart while cursing her destiny.
After the seven steps together around the holy fire, the couple returned to their seats. The priest informed the couple that the next ritual is the most significant in a wedding. Shahenshah will put the necklace around the princess's neck and apply sindoor (red vermillion powder) on the parting of her forehead. During this process, Princess Jodha will pray for Shahenshah's long life, and in return, Shahenshah will offer her lifelong protection.
Queen Mainavati pulled a Jodha's veil to follow the process so Jalal can put sindoor and put on a necklace. For the first time, Jodha lifted her eyes; while Jalal was holding the necklace in his hand, their eyes met. Seeing the pain in her eyes, Jalal felt agitated. He was waiting for this moment. He wanted to see bloody tears and pain in her eyes, but instead of contentment, he felt uneasy and stressed. Somewhere deep down, he desired to comfort her, but instead, he whispered in her ears, wickedly while putting on a necklace, "Now you are mine, princess." Words slipped out from his mouth in a harsher tone.
Jodha tossed at him in burning rage at his interference, but soon her doe-like eyes dazzled with a few drops of tears. She closed her eyes and knuckled on her palms and bent down her forehead so he could fill her parting with Sindoor. Jalal could sense that she was marrying him against her desire.
Finally, the priest announced them husband and wife and guided the couple to take blessings from elders.
It was time for Bidaai (Leaving her palace forever) - All of her close relatives came one by one and said a final goodbye. All of them had tears in their eyes, but Jodha gulped her tears and kept her silence to show her anger. Her father, mother, grandma, brothers, sisters, all of them were folding their hands in a gesture for apologizing, but Jodha didn't shed one single tear. At last, she broke her silence and requested her father to give the statue of Lord Krishna and dryly took farewell from everyone.
Every time Jalal met Jodha, she surprised him with her talent, bravery, or divine purity. Her sacrifice wobbled his cruel heart.
It was a four days Journey from Amer to Agra. Maham Anga and Adham could not believe that Jalal had accepted Jodha's conditions. Maham always hated Hinduism, and now there will be a Hindu queen in the palace. She couldn't accept this. she was burning from inside and decided to take revenge on Jodha.
Everything happened within a week; Jodha could not believe her destiny that she had to get married to a cruel, ruthless Mughal king. She was angry and annoyed; she cursed her fate. For the first time, she was furious at Lord Krishna for this biggest injustice. Since her childhood, she used to talk with Krishna for hours. She always shared everything with him. She always believed everything was happening in her life, which is planned by God Krishna. Her faith was shaken a bit.
She was so angry at Krishna, on the first day of the Journey in her tent Jodha talked to him while praying in an upsetting tone "Krishna, I thought you always did what is best for me, but today you just watched what was happening to me. I don't know why you have punished me, but now I will punish you. I will fast for three days without food and water. I will punish myself for the next three days to punish you."
Moti was standing outside the tent and heard Jodha showing anger towards Krishna by fasting. She had cried for hours in the last few days; even her tears dried up seeing Jodha's condition. She immediately got worried for her since it was a very long and tiring Journey from Amer to Agra, and on top of it, Jodha decided to fast to torment herself. No one knew about her fasting other than Moti.
After dinner and safety planning, Jalal walked toward his Royal tent while imagining his first night with Jodha. For the first time, he felt nervous and excited; he never felt like this for any other woman. His dead heart began to emerge restlessly; deep down, he knew Jodha would not readily accept him, but he was still dreaming of sucking her rosy lips... His sudden urge to take her in his arms made him walk rapidly towards his tent. He hoped to see Jodha in a long veil sitting in the center of the bed waiting for him in his tent.
Jalal stopped at the gate of his tent, instructed all Guards not to disturb him, and swiftly walked into his tent. Shortly, he yelled, "Guards."
Two Guards ran inside his tent. "Yes... your highness."
Jalal furiously asked, "Where is queen Jodha?"
"Queen Jodha is in her tent." One of the guards replied while shivering
"Call Badi Ammi (Maham Anga) immediately." He ordered
"Jalal, what happened? Why do you look so upset?" Maham asked concernedly
"Why was I not being informed that queen Jodha is staying in a separate tent tonight?" He irritably questioned
"She is a Mughal queen Shahenshah, your official begum (queen)... How could I question her why she was staying in a separate tent, and I thought she must have taken permission from you beforehand, so I didn't inform you?" She lied cunningly and didn't give Jodha's message to Jalal to create a rift between them.
Jalal immediately calmed down and realized he almost shouted at Maham Anga for no reason. "Excuse me, Badi Ammi, for my loud tone." He calmly replied
"Jalal, I understand your frustration; this Hindu queen is very arrogant, it's your first night, and she decided to keep you away from her, but why do you care, and you have more than five thousand women in your harem. Don't give her any importance soon; she will be on your knees. I will arrange for your entertainment." She poured more poison in a vicious mind.
"Badi Ammi, I am too tired today, and I would like to take a rest." Jalal curbed his anger in front of Maham
"Khuda Hafiz Jalal!!! Shabba Kher (good night)" Maham grinned while walking out of Jalal's tent.
Jalal's pov
I know Badi Ammi that queen Jodha is an arrogant queen, but I am drawn towards her just because of her bravery and fearless attitude. Even though I have five thousand women in my harem, I only desire her. In my harem, women succumbed to spend the night with me, they are ever ready to please me, and Jodha is so different from all of them; she doesn't even care that I am the Shahenshah. Possibly, to control her, first, I will have to shatter her royal pride slowly and steadily. If she desires amenities and prominence, she will have no alternative other than putting her ego aside. I am sure she won't last without royal lavishness since her family pampered her throughout her life.
After changing to his nightwear, he laid on the bed frustratingly since his desire was unsatisfied, he closed his eyes to control his fury. Momentarily her vulnerable face and teary eyes came in front of his eyes. His anger immediately softens, and he decides to give her a day to accept reality.
The next day followed; similarly, two days' journey passed, but she did not come in front of him. At the time of Dinner, Jalal decided to talk to Jodha. He sent his maid with an invitation to Jodha to join him for dinner.
In five minutes, his maid returned and informed him that queen Jodha was already asleep and asked nervously, "Shahenshah, do you want me to wake her up?
"No... You may go." He replied dryly to a maid impassively
Slowly Jalal was dropping his patience; mainly, her negligence was killing his tolerance. He was hopeful that her resentment would be mellowed down soon after their marriage.
The next day before Journey began, Moti informed Jodha that Shahenshah sent you an invitation to have dinner with him last night. Jodha sadly gazed at Moti and kept her silence. Long, tiring Journey, stress, and fasting (without food and water) began to impact Jodha. Moti's heart shattered after seeing Jodha's condition, Jodha who talked nonstop all the time, now only speaks a word or two in an entire day. Her glow on the face was paled. Luminousness, in her eyes, was gone.
Three nights and two days' journey finished, but Jodha didn't come in front of him.
Finally, they reached nearby Agra. As per the plan, they took the last halt in a safe place. It was the third day of Jodha's fasting. She was feeling weak due to fasting, but as per her routine, no matter how she feels, she always cooked Prasad (food) herself for Lord Krishna.
Three days later, Jalal's eyes finally glowed seeing Jodha; it was early in the morning when Jalal saw her from far, she was cooking in the open area where the kitchen was set up. He was staggered to see her cooking. He called Moti Bai and questioned her, "What is Jodha doing in the Royal kitchen?"
Moti informed him that she always makes Prasad (food) for God Krishna by herself.
Instantly his devil mind made a scheme to humiliate Jodha in front of many people. He sent a guard to bring Jodha, where many administrators, Maham, discussed some political issues.
Jodha, with her long veil, came in grace and a soft tone greeted everyone "Pranam (hello)"
Jalal viciously gazed back at her and greeted her in the same tone, "Adab queen Jodha." After a pause, he continued loudly, "Queen Jodha, I would like to celebrate our marriage with all the people from Agra who have come so far to attend our marriage. I want you to please us by cooking special Ameri style food for all of us since I love Ameri spices." He wickedly smirked at Jodha.
Oh, my dear queen Jodha, I know you are a princess, and probably you do not even know how to cook. Once you deny, I will insult you and your parents that they have not taught you anything. You are just a showpiece. He was scrambling words in his mind about how he will insult her when she denies cooking.
The way Jalal asked in front of so many people to please them by cooking, she realized his torture began; it was his first step toward shattering her self-respect; she knew beforehand if she denies, then he will publicly insolence her.
She pointedly stared at Jalal for few seconds then replied sarcastically, "As per your wish Shahenshah E Hindustan, Begum E Hindustan (Queen of Hindustan) will serve you as a royal chef today. I am sure that will increase the honor of the Mughals that queen of Hindustan work like a maid and cook for everyone."
Her piercing dialect and attitude made him feel low, he fumed inside, but he gulped his anger and smiled bitterly at her. Everyone got shocked to hear that the queen of Hindustan will cook for that many people.
Some of them knew this was how Jalal is taking revenge for her audacity, but others were just confused about what Jalal was up to!!
A whole day with help from some Hindu maids and cooks, Jodha cooked Ameri food for everyone. Jalal was shocked and surprised that she agreed to cook and didn't argue about it and quietly accepted the challenge. None of his begum or concubine would have accepted this type of challenge.
The entire banquet area was smelling with the delicious aromas of Ameri food... Dinner was arranged, and food was served to everyone. Still, before anyone began to eat, Maham got up and in a suspicious tone instructed, "Queen Jodha, as per the Mughal law, whoever cooks the food needed to eat the food first in front of Shahenshah and verify if that food is safe to eat before he eats."
Jodha politely replied, "I cannot eat food until I do the prayer of Kanah."
Maham got annoyed when she denied, "Queen Jodha, this is a decree that whoever cooks has to eat. First, you cannot deny it."
"I will not eat anything, no matter what happens." Jodha stubbornly responded
Jalal looked at Jodha and noticed she looked weak, pale, and nervous. Seeing her in strain, his heart immediately melted for her; he thought it was too much work to cook for that many people and also it was stressful past few weeks for her... he could sense weakness on face due to tiring long Journey. Suddenly his heart mellowed for her, the way she was sitting in the middle of the dining hall under Maham's suspicious penetrating gaze. It was pitiful to see her in that state for him, so he stopped Maham in between and told Moti to eat food to verify if it's safe to eat. Maham was surprised to see Jalal softening against Jodha.
When Jalal's eyes met with Maham, he realized he suddenly lost track and missed the perfect opportunity to humiliate her.
At last, Jalal tasted food. It was a very delicious meal, even without any meat. Even though he enjoyed it, he sarcastically said, "Queen Jodha, the food is delicious, I think I should designate you as a Royal cook in the palace, and you deserve a reward for cooking this meal. He took out his necklace to give her."
Jodha angrily stood up and stared at him deliberately, and without saying a word, while rejecting his reward, she walked out briskly from the banqueting range.
Everyone got shocked to see her courage and impolite behavior towards the Shahenshah.
Seeing her audacity and publically disregard ignited the fire inside him. Jodha smashed the boundaries of his patience. The way she walked out in front of so many people without accepting rewards offended his male ego. He kept eating silently as if nothing happened; he decided to show her proper place by punishing her.
After dinner, he went straight to his tent; he felt devastated, shattered... broken... angry... and frustrated. Instead of breaking her apart, she snapped at him publicly... He quickly gulped a few packs of hard liquor.
While marrying Jodha, he thought she would be another trophy wife to add to his collection, but what he didn't know was that she would be his biggest challenge. He did not realize that Jodha was not a land or a war that he could win easily. Jalal has always gotten women on their knees and has never been eliminated by anyone so far, her rejection he was not capable of managing it merely.
While walking towards Jodha's tent in his drunk condition, he called back to penalize her for her impertinence.
When Moti saw Jalal walking towards Jodha's tent in a drunken condition, her heart sank, thinking of the outcome.
He angrily entered her tent to take his frustration out, he found Jodha asleep on her bed peacefully, and her wavy but shiny hairs were spread on the red velvet cover-up. She was not wearing any Jewelry; her pink transparent dupatta revealed every curve of her sensual body. Her eyes dazzled, seeing vibrant beauty and magical curves. She looked so beautiful, gracious, divine, and full of lust; his heart stopped beating for a while. Her bosom was slowly moving up and down with a breathing rhythm; his eyes widened with lust, seeing her fully formed curvy breast and bare waist. Within a second, he forgot his anger towards her and was mesmerized by her captivating spell. He could not take his eyes away from her flashy body; his desire for her touch fired up with passion; he was utterly lost under her beauty spell. He wanted to hold her in his arms and wanted to kiss every part of her body; he craved to possess her. His suppressed desire flared up after seeing her near. He slowly walked towards her bed; he smirked, seeing her in a deep sleep. Her spotless creamy smooth skin was glowing in dim candlelight. The aroma of sandalwood in the entire tent was making him obsessive. He completely lost all his senses due to heavy drinking. Millions of sensations ran through his spine. His heart, mind, and soul only wanted her at that time.
At first, he felt nervous to touch this exquisite, delicate beauty. He leaned down and kissed softly on her forehead, her simple touch sending shivers inside his entire body. Jodha did not react; she was still sleeping peacefully, not knowing how her life would curve in the next few minutes. He kissed her again on her cheek so softly, Jodha moved a little bit but didn't grasp that it was Jalal, and he inhaled her aroma deeply with a deep sigh out; his lips felt the soft touch of her skin; there was no way Jalal could control himself any longer. With passion, he began to kiss her on her neck, then the ear, and with a shock, Jodha screamed out loud. There was dim glowing light in the tent. Jalal covered her mouth with his hand harshly, and while putting half of his body on top of her. their eyes ran across in dim radiance. She realized Jalal was touching her without her consent. She smelled alcohol from his mouth, and when her eyes noticed the dark, deep lust, desire in his gaze, her entire body shuddered.
She gathered all of her force and drove him away from her, then yelled out loud, "What are you doing here? How dare you touch me?" She looked frightened and weak.
He was shocked when she rejected him again. He shouted back angrily, "What have I done wrong? You are my official wife; I have absolute right over your body. You are supposed to fulfill my every wish... You can't say no anymore."
He angrily pulled her towards him and took off her dupatta (chunni), and began to kiss her roughly. To defend herself, Jodha again pushed him harshly and made him fall on the floor with all her strength. This rejection brought extreme anger and fierceness in him. He took hold of her long hair harshly and pinned her to the pillar along the wooden wall. He was extremely angry for pushing him on the floor; he lost all of his wits. He pinned both of her hands along the wall cruelly then; he shifted his entire body towards her; his grip was so firm, she couldn't move even one bit. Her glass bangles broke and pricked in her vein, and her hand started bleeding.
His fury was roasting; his eyes were blood red, and he shouted while clutching her wrist, "I will fulfill my desire, and you will have to obey me. You are my winning trophy." He began to kiss along her cleavage with painful bites. Jodha realized she couldn't do anything against his strong force as she could not even breathe or move. Her eyes were full of tears; her hands were full of blood; she was standing there like a dead body.
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Concubine: a woman residing in a harem and kept, as by a sultan, for sexual and entertainment purposes.