Transmigration - Accidental or Intentional - On Hold

Chapter 1

16th Century

Agra

The pleasant weather had turned stormy suddenly. Mariam Makhani, Hamida Begum, felt that sudden change in the weather was an ill-omen. Agra had seen such an incident only once during her lifetime. The previous weather change had ended with the death of King Humayun. She was hence worried for her family especially her daughter-in-law, Ruqaiya. After 10 years of marriage, Ruqaiya had finally conceived. She knew the importance of the pregnancy for both Jallal as well as Ruqaiya. She then closed her eyes and was about to pray to Allah for the safety of the unborn child and the mother when she heard a shriek of Ruqaiya. Worried sick, she rushed to Ruqaiya Begum's chamber.

Lying on her royal bed, Ruqaiya Begum was crying and writhing in pain. Hamida immediately rushed to her side and started patting her head. The doctor, or Hakim, tended to the Queen carefully and looked at the Queen mother with terrified eyes. The doctor knew that truth might get her killed but so will the lie. She was about to open her mouth when Shehenshah Jallaluddin rushed inside the chamber. The doctor silently prayed to be sent out of the palace alive.

Jallal rushed to his pregnant wife, who had been happy and cheerful till that morning. He couldn't understand what went wrong. He turned to the doctor waiting for answers. The doctor understanding his gaze lowered her head and said in a low voice, "Shehenshah, Queen has miscarried." Jallal looked furious and asked, "What? How dare you?" The doctor immediately fell on his feet and cried, "Shehehnshah, forgive me for telling this heart-breaking news. It is the truth. The Queen has miscarried." Ruqaiya was crying on the state of her child. She asked the doctor painfully, "Hakim, I followed all the instructions provided by you. Then, how did this happen?" The doctor fearfully stated, "Begum Sahiba, forgive me, but you had consumed a type of abortive medicine. It is the reason for the miscarriage." Ruqaiya was furious and shouted at the doctor, "how dare you? All the food consumed by me had been tested by my faithful and trustworthy slave. She will never betray me. How is it possible that the medicine didn't affect her? You are lying and blaming my innocent slave." Though Ruqaiya was arrogant, she had always taken proper care of her slaves. Their families had never complained about missing anything in life. It was the reason why the slaves were always faithful to Ruqaiya.

The doctor said, "Begum sahiba, this is a special type of medicine which is tasteless and odourless. It only affect the foetus. Hence, your slave would not have realised that the food is poisoned." Jallal was furious hearing that someone had killed his child. He wanted blood. He wanted revenge. He furiously questioned the doctor, "Which is the closest place to get this poison?" The doctor shivered before answering "Amer"

Jallal consoled Ruqaiya and left her chamber with one motive. He rushed to the court and ordered Sharifuddin, Defence Minister and Army chief, to prepare for war. He announced that he is waging a war against Amer. His ministers were confused as to what could have happened. He then dismissed the court and rushed to his chamber. Maham Anga and Atga Khan rushed behind him to know the reason for his sudden decision.

Maham gently questioned him, "Jallal, what happened? Why are you waging a war against Amer?" Jallal looked at Maham and spoke in a firm voice, "Badi Ammi, my child died before even entering this world. Ruqaiya was poisoned. The poison which she consumed can be obtained from Amer. I want to make them pay for their mistakes." Maham and Atga were shocked. Atga slowly spoke, "Shehenshah, how can you be sure that the poison was obtained from Amer?" Jallal's furious glare was enough to stop Atga. However, Atga also knew that if the Kingdom Amer was proved innocent, then Mughals would be termed cruel and no one would want to collaborate with them.

He slowly said, "Shehenshah, Kingdom of Amer had stopped producing poisons three decades ago. They have strict laws against those who try to kill foetuses. But the main reason for my doubt is that Rajputs are particular about never attack from the back. The King of Amer, Raja Bharmal, is a peace-loving person who would never think of waging a war against us. If you still think that the people of Amer are responsible, you can go ahead with your plan. But I am sure that Raja Bharmal would try to avoid this war at any cost. Remember Shehenshah, a citizen's mistake is a mistake but a King's mistake is a sin. I told what I had to. Now I would like to take my leave. Adhab." Atga left the room quickly not bothering to know whether Jallal understood what he meant.