Transmigration - Accidental or Intentional - On Hold

Chapter 8

Agra

The trees were speeding away from her eyesight due to high speed. After riding for an hour or so, she came to a halt and got down. When she turned around to see her horse.....

Jodha woke up with a start. She pinched herself. It was indeed a dream. The dream had left a lot of questions for her. Before she could ponder on her dream, Neelakshi, her maid, greeted her brightly, 'Good Morning, Jodha.' Jodha gave her a small smile and said, 'Good morning, Neelakshi. Please get the bath ready. After that, kindly ensure that Shehenshah remembers about the discussion. Also, remember to follow the instructions I had given yesterday.' Neelakshi went away after a nod. Not having enough time, Jodha decided to think about her dream later. She quickly got up from her bed and freshened up.

Meanwhile, Jallal had informed Atgah Sahab, Maham Anga, Ruqaiya, Hamida Begum, Salima Begum and the chief doctor to reach the discussion hall for a discussion. The group reached the hall to find Jodha Begum waiting for them with her maid. After the customary salutations, Jallal signaled everyone to  settle down and Jodha to begin.

Once everyone settled down, Jodha began, 'Pranam Shehenshah. Thank you so much for accepting my request. I hope this discussion on food safety measures would be useful for future generations as well. Before we start the discussion, I want to demonstrate something with your permission.'

Jallal, who wanted to turn the tables against Jodha, knew a demonstration would clear the doubts which the group might have. This was something he didn't want to happen. Hence, he questioned Jodha, 'Jodha Begum, why don't we directly start the discussion?' Jodha spoke, 'Shehenshah, if I say that the laws regarding food safety are a total waste, would you agree to it?' Jallal, who didn't expect a direct attack, was taken aback. Maham Anga, who was silent till then, spoke, 'Jodha Begum, I think you are unaware of the fact that these rules were made with proper debate and discussion with Ministers of various departments. Shehenshah, I think this discussion is going to be a waste of time.' Jodha smiled, 'Maham Anga, can you please tell me if a doctor was present during that discussion?' Maham was confused, 'What is the use of a doctor in a political discussion when we have the health minister?' Jodha smirked mentally, 'Then, if someone falls sick from eating something, we can call the Health Minister to cure the patient instead of the doctor.' Maham Anga was baffled, 'Why will the Health Minister treat a patient? He is not a doctor'. 'Exactly. The Health Minister might have the needed knowledge regarding health. But he/she is unaware of various antidotes which can be used to treat the poison. He/She might also be unaware of certain rare poisons which haven't been in the market for ages. However, a doctor will know about the rarest of poisons. It is therefore essential that a doctor be part of the discussion. Anyways, that's beyond the point. I am not saying your rules are a complete waste. I am just saying that it could be improved.'

Maham Anga was fuming by then, 'Why should we improve the rules when it is working fine?' Jodha turned towards Ruqaiya, 'Ruqaiya Begum, I heard you threw away your Necklace. Why did you do that when it was perfectly fine?' Ruqaiya, though confused, answered her, 'I got a better one. Why should I keep something, when I can get a better one?' Jodha then turned towards Maham Anga beaming with a triumphant smile, 'There you go Maham Anga. There is nothing wrong in updating it. You will understand it better once I demonstrate what I wanted to.'

Jallal knew he can't stop Jodha now, hence, he allowed her. Jodha turned to Neelakshi, instructing her to get the necessary things. Jodha then turned towards Ruqaiya and Salima, 'Ruqaiya Begum, Salima Begum, I request you to allow your maids to help me in the process.' Though confused, they did as instructed. Ruqaiya sent for her most trusted servant, Hoshiyar, while Salima requested her maids, Aaliya and Beshumar to help Jodha. Jodha instructed Aaliya and Beshumar to wait outside till she called for them.