Transmigration - Accidental or Intentional - On Hold

Chapter 7

Agra

Jalal had announced the celebration for the victory over Amer. The courtroom had been splendidly decorated for the celebration. Important people had been invited for the same. Everyone was dressed to impress. Jalal entered the courtroom along with Jodha. This was suggested by Atgah Sahab in front of everyone. Even though he wanted to ignore it, he couldn't. Hence, he grudgingly came with Jodha. Once they settled on their seats, the celebration began with the important people wishing them. They were showered with expensive gifts and praises. Jodha kept watching everything with keen eyes. She had mentally made a note of the people whom she wanted to keep company with and people whom she wanted to avoid. By the end of the celebration, she understood that most of the well-wishers were actually fake. She decided to keep an eye on every single suspect.

Once the wishes were complete, they were ushered to the dining room. Just as Jalal was about to eat, Ruqaiya stopped him. Ruqaiya spoke proudly, 'Jalal, how could you forget the Mughal rule? The food has to be tested by the cook before being served to the King.' Atgah was about to intervene when Jodha answered, 'Shehenshah, I had no idea about this rule. I am willing to test it right away. However, as your wife, I can't eat before you. Hence, I request you to order me to taste it.' Everyone was stunned. They never expected Jodha to accept the command. They thought she would throw tantrums or feel insulted. However, nothing of that sort happened.

Jodha understood the silence and spoke once more, unknowingly turning the tables around. 'Shehenshah, as a Mughal Begum, it is now my duty to follow your rules too. I apologise for not following the rule immediately. Though I knew the food was to be tested, I was unaware of how the food was to be tested. I believe that you will forgive my lapse this one time. I am sure Ruqaiya Begum will help me in understanding the rules of the Mughal Kingdom. Hence, I request you to order me to fulfill my duty, Shehenshah.'

Every single person was stunned. No Queen would have allowed the food cooked by her to be tested. But Jodha proved that she was different as soon as she came. Jalal and Ruqaiya were fuming on the inside. They never thought that Jodha would turn the tables like this. Had Jodha refused to test the food, they could have insulted her. However, the step she took would raise Jodha's position in the eyes of the people of the Kingdom. Afterall, who wouldn't want a Queen or a Minister who follows the rules and regulations of the Kingdom?

Salima, who had been quiet so far, spoke, 'Shehenshah, can I speak something? (on being permitted) Shehenshah, though I don't like speaking about it, I would have to say this. Please do think twice before accepting Jodha Begum's request. If you order her, your Begum, to test the food, then it would be considered an insult to all the Begums. I hope you understand.'

Jalal and Ruqaiya had forgotten that Jodha is now Jalal's wife. If Jalal had ordered Jodha to test the food, then it would be assumed that he would order every other wife of his to test their hand-made food too. This would be considered a great insult. Jodha, understanding Jalal's dilemma, spoke to Salima Begum, 'Salima Begum, if you don't mind can I ask you a few questions? (Salima nodded) Salima Begum, I would first like to apologise for speaking about this. Begum, your first husband was one of the most important advisors of Shehenshah. Am I correct? (Salima nodded) He had proved that he could be trusted blindly. During the same time, you would have proved your loyalty to the Kingdom too. Am I right? (Salima Begum nodded) As Shehenshah's wife, you would have proved at least once that you can be trusted. Similarly, Ruqaiya Begum would have also proved that she could be trusted. However, I haven't proved myself yet. So, I do not think that Shehenshah's order would be considered an insult by both of you. I apologise if I was wrong.'

Salima Begum smiled brightly, 'I apologise Jodha Begum. I was only thinking about one side of the issue. I have no right to stop you from proving your loyalty.' If Jodha was considered good earlier, now she would be considered great. Not wanting Jodha to improve her position any further, Jalal quickly ordered her to test the food. Jodha quickly sat down with her trusted maid, Neelakshi, helping her. Once the food was tested, the maids started serving the others. The minute they tasted the food, they felt they were in heaven. Jodha was truly talented. Once Jalal was done, he stood up and was about to leave the room. He slowly nodded to Ruqaiya and complimented Jodha before leaving the place. Ruqaiya quickly came forward and complimented Jodha before following Jalal. Once everyone left, Jodha too went to her room. That night Ruqaiya and Jalal spent their time together planning their next move.

The next day Jodha Begum went in search of Jalal. When informed that he was spending the night in Ruqaiya' room, she left to her room informing the guards that she would come back later. Jalal was informed about the same by his servant. Hence, he purposefully didn't leave Ruqaiya's room. Jodha later spent her day talking to Hamida and Salima. She gathered as much information as she could from them. She then spent some time playing with Rahim, Salima's son.

After checking with the guards once more about Jalal's availability, she went back to her room. Her maid, Neelakshi, had set the room perfectly for Jodha. She had also prepared water for Jodha's bath. While bathing, Neelakshi slowly spoke, 'Something is not right. (when Jodha frowned, she continued) the bird refused to come to the nest.' Jodha's eyes widened. She immediately ordered Neelakshi to find out about the bird. Once done, Jodha got dressed in a simple cotton lehenga and proceeded to bed when Jalal suddenly made an entry.

Looking at Jodha's stunned look, Jalal smirked, 'I heard you looking for me. That desperate, are we?' He then tried to move closer which snapped Jodha from her trance. She immediately spoke, 'I am sorry to burst your bubble again Shehenshah. I wasn't looking for you for that reason. On the contrary, I wanted to discuss something important.' Jalal moved a bit more closer and spoke, 'Really? What is it?' Jodha moved a bit back, 'Shehenshah, I wanted to talk about the testing of food.' Jalal smirked, 'Feeling insulted?' Jodha shook her head. Sometimes, she felt she was dealing with a kid and not a King. 'No Shehenshah. It is an important rule. I just wanted to improve it a bit.' Jalal looked confused, 'What do you mean?' Jodha spoke slowly, 'I would like to speak about it in front of a doctor and your advisors.' Though liking it, he wanted to insult Jodha. Hence, he allowed it. He then took one more step towards her, making her retreat and fall on the bed. Jodha was scared, 'Shehenshah, I really wish to stop here. I don't want to do it now. Please.' Pleased with her reaction, Jalal moved back and laughed, 'Don't think I am dying to touch you.' He then turned on his heels and left.

Jodha then leaned on the bed. She closed her eyes and prayed for strength. She hoped to bring a change the next day.

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Hey Readers!!
I hope you guys are fine. I was stuck with this story. Nothing I wrote felt good. It took me a lot of time to frame this. I hope you guys like it.

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