16th century
Amer
Sujamal was sitting near the widow of Jodha's room lost in thoughts when he heard a noise. He turned around to find his sister waking up. Jodha woke up to find the same surrounding as earlier but found a different person in the room. Instinctively she pulled herself away from the man. Sujamal felt bad to see his sister moving away from him. But he knew he can't blame her for that. It was not her fault that she was not able to recognise him. He carefully moved to the end of the bed and asked her, 'Are feeling better now Jodha?' Jodha found herself nodding but also felt confused. The man's voice held so much concern and worry for her. She was not able to realize why this man would be worried for her. She slowly asked him, 'Who are you?'
Sujamal felt himself close to tears. But he pulled himself together and spoke in a casual tone, 'Hi, I am Sujamal, your brother.' His reply made Jodha feel bad as she felt she had hurt him unintentionally. Her eyes held unshed tears when she spoke, 'I am sorry Bhaisa. I didn't recognize you. I didn't mean to hurt you. I am sorry.' Sujamal was touched by her apology. He knew his sister was upset for hurting him. Hence, he shook his head and said, 'No Jodha, it is not your fault. Don't worry no one will feel bad about it. I will bring the other family members to meet you later. For now, take rest.' Jodha hugged her brother and dozed off to sleep again.
As promised, Sujamal brought the Royal family which included King Bharmal, Queen Mainawati and Queen mother Sudha. Initially, everyone walked on eggshells around Jodha. However, Jodha didn't like that. She spoke to each of the family members and made them feel comfortable around her.
Jodha's routine was set. She would wake up early and join her brother for fencing practice followed by helping her mother with household chores. By mid-morning, she used to join her father and brother during the court sessions. This had become her favourite hobby. Following the court session, she would discuss the points she felt were neglected with her father, brother and Minister Rawatji. Some of her points were taken into consideration and worked on. Post lunch, she would spend her time talking to Rawatji and knowing about her city. Her insights during those sessions would always amaze Rawatji. He would encourage her to delve more into topics and come up with new ideas. She would religiously follow his instructions. Her day used to end after listening to a story from her grandma.
Life felt smooth. But destiny always likes to throw things at you. Bharmal had forgotten about Jallal and his demand till the time a messenger arrived at the court with Jallal's message. Luck had been on Bharmal's side and Jodha had not attended the court session that day. Bharmal was not able to understand how to talk to Jallal regarding Jodha's health. He needed time before he could drop the bomb on Jodha. He requested the messenger to wait for an hour. He moved to the Royal family room and informed the members that he was going to meet Jallal to inform him about Jodha's condition. But he failed to notice his daughter standing behind him. She moved forward and asked him, 'Why do you have to meet King Jallal and inform him about my health Bapusa?' Bharmal was at a loss of words. He was not able to understand how to explain it to Jodha. However, Sujamal took the reins in his hands and explained to Jodha regarding Jallal's proposal. He also mentioned how war could devastate everything.
Had the old Jodha been alive, she would have been completely broken and hurt. The new Jodha, however, was more mature and understanding. She was able to understand her father's stand too. Jodha slowly looked at her father. It broke her to see him so devastated. She slowly stood in front of him and said, 'Bapusa, I will marry King Jallal. Do not worry about me. Your daughter is not that weak. Can you please ask if I can meet King Jallal once?' Bharmal was shocked at Jodha's acceptance. He asked her, 'Are you sure Jodha?' Jodha nodded, 'Yes Bapusa. I just want to clarify a few things with him before wedding. Do not fret. Your daughter won't let you down.' Bharmal patted Jodha 's face teary eyed and went to meet the messenger.
The messenger had left immediately to inform Jallal about the new development. Atga was overwhelmed at the polite reply. He advised Jallal to meet Jodha. However, Maham was not happy with the new development and hence, tried her best to prevent Jallal from meeting Jodha. Jallal, though upset with the turn of events, knew that rejecting a polite message would question his morals and virtues. Hence, he decided to meet Jodha and later punish her.
The Mughals reached Amer fort by evening and were welcomed warmly by the Royal family. Jallal was asked to sit on one side of the room. A huge curtain was drawn in the middle dividing the room into two halves. Bharmal requested the Mughals to have their refreshments and informed that Jodha would arrive in a minute. As soon as Jodha arrived, the hall turned silent. She gracefully wished the Mughals and sat in her place. She did not wait for the pleasantries and immediately informed Jallal the reason behind her invite, 'Welcome Shehenshah. I don't like beating around the bush. Hence, I will come directly come to the point. I requested your presence as I have 3 conditions which should be fulfilled. Only then will I marry you.' Jallal gestured her to continue. She took a deep breath and continued, 'I will not change myself after marriage. From my clothes to my religion, it would be the same even after marriage. Do you agree?' Jallal kept looking at her. She took that as a signal to continue and continued, 'I would like to plant tulsi in front of my room in Agra. My last condition is that I do not wish to be a queen. Rather I want to be a Minister. I want to serve the country. You can test my skills before allowing me to take up any post. If I fail, I would prefer being called Amer's princess and not your Queen. These are my conditions. Will you agree?'
Jallal stood up immediately. Every soul in the room stood along with him except for Jodha. She kept sitting regally and looking ahead. Not a trace of fear or sadness could be seen on her face. He never thought that Jodha would be this sharp. He immediately knew that disagreeing to the conditions would make him look like a fool in front of his people. It was his move to attack Amer and it was his decision to marry Jodha. Her conditions would be difficult to be accepted. But he also knew that was the only way to pull her under his control. Jallal took a deep breath before speaking, 'Your conditions are tough. But I have no issues with it. Regarding your last condition, I do not want to test your skills. You can be the Minister of Family Affairs at the Mughal court.' Jodha stood up and answered, 'I thank you for your consideration. However, I would rather die than take up charity. I will prove my capacity to you. Only then will I accept the position. Thank you for your time. I would like to leave now.' Jodha didn't bother waiting for anyone. She left the room with grace.
Jallal was intrigued by Jodha's answer. Anyone would have accepted the offer. However, Jodha proved that she is not anyone. Bharmal spoke to Jallal and informed him about the Priest's decision of having the wedding after 6 months. Though he didn't want to wait, he knew he can't offend Bharmal. Bharmal had been anything but patient. Jallal's one wrong move would make Bharmal a Hero in the eyes of others. Jallal couldn't let that happen. Hence, he gave his approval and left Amer.
6 Months Later;
Jodha had learnt a lot regarding Amer as well as the Mughal Dynasty in the time period. She had brought in a lot of changes in the laws for common people. People of Amer started to call Jodha, Rani Gulaab, affectionately. She didn't need a crown to offer her services. This made her people love her more. Sujamal had also started the preparations for the wedding. Jodha was upset that she has to leave Amer. But she knew she has to do it.
In Agra, Jallal and Ruqaiya were still burning for their revenge. How would Jodha save herself? Wait and watch
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Precap -
Jallal Jodha wedding
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