Transmigration - Accidental or Intentional - On Hold

Chapter 4

6 Months Later

Amer

Jallal's approval made Jodha happy as well as sad. Happy because she could start her married life on her terms. Sad because she has to leave her house now. Marriage meant responsibilities. Though Jodha was mentally ready, she felt that she didn't have the necessary knowledge to fulfil the responsibilities that would be bestowed upon her at her new house. Hence, she decided to spend the time wisely and prepare for the unknown future.

She made a mental map of the things she wanted to do and started doing it consecutively. She requested her Father to introduce her to Dilawar Khan. Though confused, he accepted her request. With the help of Dilawar Khan, she learnt as much as possible about the Mughal Dynasty, the administrative structure of the Dynasty, their laws and rituals, important people in the Court, their relationship with Jallal, the Mughal Royal family etc. She made a mental map of the people whom she wanted to bond with and whom she wanted to stay away from.

She sent a few spies to collect some information regarding the Dynasty, the problems faced by citizens, villages and important places in the Dynasty, basic facilities available for the villagers. The spies took a good 4 months to collect every data required. She collected the data and noted it in a book. She had used a code language to note it down. She also made notes on places where immediate action had to be taken. She was determined to use this information for serving the people.

During the period, she had also learnt a lot about Amer and brought in a lot of changes in the laws for common people. She fought for the poor and needy. She proved that she didn't need a crown to offer her services. This made her people love her more. They affectionately called her Rani Gulaab.

Slowly, time for Jodha to leave Amer also neared. 6 months were about to end. The Royal family had started the preparations for the wedding. Every citizen of the country enthusiastically participated in the preparation. The city was decorated beautifully for the wedding. The smell of food, especially sweets, could be smelt at every nook and corner of the city. Every tailor was busy stitching dresses for people. Not one person could be seen sitting casually without doing any work. Afterall it was their Rani Gulaab's wedding. Nothing should be missing.

On one side there was happiness, while on the other it was sadness. With time, people also realized that Jodha was about to leave Amer. Everyone, irrespective of whether they were Royals or citizens, cried secretly in the nights and kept a happy face by the day. No one wanted Jodha to feel sad. They prayed heartily for her happiness, health and safety.

Agra

The pleasant climate did not seem to soothe the Mughal Queen Mother, Hamida Banu Begum. She had been worried for a long time. With no one to share her feelings with, she had been spoiling her health by worrying about something which she could do nothing about. While she thought that she hid her worry from everyone, Atgah Sahab's sharp eyes caught the deteriorating health of the Queen Mother. He slowly moved towards the soft yet strong lady. He softly gave his salutations to the lady breaking her trance.

Hamida woke up from her trance and spoke acknowledging the man, 'Arey Atgah Sahab, Addhab. What happened?' Atgah slowly yet sharply questioned her, 'Mariam Makhani, your health has been deteriorating and I can feel that something is bothering you. Share your worries with someone. Worrying doesn't magically show solutions to the problems one is facing. It just troubles the mind. On the other hand, sharing it with someone and seeking guidance will definitely show you a path from which you may seek a solution. I hope you understand. Now, I will take my leave. Addhab'

Atgah's words hit the right spot. Hamida knew that neither she nor Atgah would be able to do anything. But as Atgah said, maybe sharing her worry would help her somehow. She stopped Atgah from leaving and spoke, 'Atgah Sahab, please wait. It is not that I don't trust you or something. My fear doesn't have a solution and I am sure about that. Hence, I didn't bother anyone with it. However, I am unable to stop myself from worrying. No amount of prayers seem to give me peace.' Atgah was surprised, 'Queen Mother, if you know there is no solution, then there is no point worrying. I would like to suggest that you vent out your frustration and clear your head for some time. Please try it.' Hamida took a deep breath before deciding to confide.

'Atgah Sahab, ever since Ruqaiya suffered miscarriage, the palace has been in chaos. Jallal and Ruqaiya have turned desperate for revenge. I agree even I am furious at the person who caused the miscarriage. However, that doesn't mean that we hurt anyone and everyone. Jallal had not conducted a thorough investigation regarding the issue. He has assumed that the Royals of Amer are responsible for the miscarriage and wants to take his revenge from them. That is not correct. Why can't he think that they might be innocent? If they are proved innocent, can we go back in time and change what we did? No, we can't. Jallal's one mistake can make him the worst ruler the Dynasty has ever had. None of his positives will be seen. People will only see his mistake. Why can't he understand that? I am unable to sleep at night, Atgah Sahab. I can see a girl asking me what was her fault that we destroyed her life in my dreams. Even if her family is responsible for the miscarriage, she was no where at fault. How can we hurt her for something her family might have done? How can we justify our actions to that poor kid? I don't know what to do Atgah Sahab. I feel helpless. I wish I could tell Jallal that he is wrong. I just wish I could.' Hamida broke down after sharing her worries. The bottled-up emotions were pouring as tears.

Atgah gave her some time to get a hold of herself before sharing his view, 'I agree, Mariam Makhani. Your worries are genuine. Even I share the same views regarding the investigation. When Badshah wanted to plan his revenge immediately after the miscarriage, I had tried to convince him that he is wrong. But you know well that he only listens to Maham Anga. I don't know why but Maham Anga supported his plan. I immediately knew there was no point speaking to him. Sometimes I felt I should tell the Princess to elope before the Wedding. However, I also knew how important their respect is for the Rajputs. I knew she wouldn't listen. I always pray to give the Princess strength to fight for herself. When I heard of the Princess' conditions, I realized that my prayers have been answered. The Princess of Amer is streetsmart and made a genius move.'

Hamida turned curious. She requested him to share his thoughts without fear. Atgah spoke calmly, 'Everyone including Badshah thinks that the Princess's last condition will get her insulted on a regular basis. But it is not so. She understood that while a Queen has powers within the Harem, her voice won't be that loud in the Court. A Minister, irrespective of the gender, has a voice in the Court. They can turn tables even against the King himself. She can turn every insult thrown at her towards the same person. Don't worry Mariam Makhani. I suggest you support her silently and speak to her. You can slowly tell her the truth. Only she will be able to prove her innocence. Our words would never be heard. Think about what I said. Adhab.' Atgah Sahab slowly left the place leaving Hamida in thoughts. After a few minutes, a determined Hamida wiped her tears and stood up. She decided to support the innocent girl no matter what.

Amer

Finally, the day for the Grand Wedding arrived. The Mughals reached Amer Fort on time. They were properly welcomed and settled. Jallal was then asked to sit in the Mandap where he waited for his prey. Jodha was later brought in by her mother. The Wedding ended without much drama. Finally, it was time for Jodha's bidaai. Everyone was crying. Jodha looked around and spoke in a soft voice, 'Please don't cry. I don't want these tears. I want your blessings. I am starting a new journey. Bless me with strength, health and wealth. Send me with smiles on your faces so that whenever I think about Amer I will remember your smiles.' Everyone wiped their tears and smiled. They wanted their Rani Gulaab to be happy.

Jodha slowly left Amer. Jallal was extremely happy as his first step for revenge was successfully completed. After travelling for sometime, the troupe decided to call it a day and rest there. Tents were pulled up. Everyone was seen relaxing. However, Jallal was making his next plan. He smirked evilly.

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How will Jodha save herself now? What has Jallal planned?

Stay tuned to find out

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