Transmigration - Accidental or Intentional - On Hold

Chapter 9

Agra

Ruqaiya was resting in her room lost in thoughts when Jallal entered her room. Seeing Ruqaiya lost, he went near her and slowly spoke, "Thinking about whether Amer was really involved in killing our child?" Ruqaiya looked at him and spoke, "Jallal, after hearing Jodha Begum's thoughts, I was really confused. I hence went to speak to her earlier. What she said, I am afraid, almost proves that Amer might be innocent." Hearing this, Jallal urged her to tell about her meeting with Jodha.

Earlier that day, Ruqaiya had went to Jodha's room. Jodha welcomed her wholeheartedly and asked about the reason for arrival. Ruqaiya said, "Nothing much Jodha Begum. I just wanted to know about Amer's thoughts about children and abortion. You had mentioned that Amer has been working on reducing the number of abortions. How exactly are you doing it?" Jodha smiled and said, "You have asked me the one thing I am not exactly sure about. My dad believes that if you wish to save someone then your methods must be the best kept secret possible. The complete information about this is only available with my dad and his most trusted minister, Rawatji. All I know is that our doctors having been doing research on reducing mother and child mortality rates. If I am not wrong, they are also working on treatments to ensure that all women can give birth."
Ruqaiya said,"Hmm. But why hasn't your dad informed you about the methods? Doesn't he trust you?" Jodha said, "It is not about trust. It about safeguarding the secret. Let me give you an example. Now I inform you about something, let's say some 'x', because I trust you. You trust Shehenshah and tell him the same. Shehnshah trusts Maham Anga and tells her. Maham will then tell someone else. This in turn will become a cycle and we won't be able to control the extent to which the information is spread."
Ruqaiya noded and pondered about what Jodha said. Bharmal's thought process will no doubt reduce the spread of information. That means even Jodha has no idea about how the medicine was sent from Amer. She then asked Jodha, " Jodha Begum, your father never wanted war. I have always heard that Rajputs are brave. Then why would he get his daughter married to an enemy?"
Jodha smiled and spoke," Do you know who is my mother? (Ruqaiya shook her head) My mother was a widow (this surprised Ruqaiya) Yes, Ruqaiya Begum. Years ago, my father had fought a war and even won it. He was proud of himself. My grandmother however felt the war was unnecessary and hence asked my dad to take a trip around Amer as a commoner. During that trip, he realised the devastating result of war. Many widows were struggling. He met my mother who blamed him for spoiling her life. The war announcement was made on the day of the wedding and hence, she lost her husband even before starting a life with him. She was furious at dad. Her in-laws had blamed her for the death of her husband and ousted her from their house. Her parents refused to accept her back as if they did so then they wouldn't be able to get her sisters married. She was hurt and broken. My dad always says 'that day I realised what I lost. My people were crying because of me. I then decided that I would avoid all unnecessary wars.' My mother was the only widow who was alive when he went on that trip. All other widows had already committed suicide by then. My dad brought mom back and married her. You have no idea Ruqaiya Begum what issues it created. But my dad never gave up. He brought in new laws such as widow remarriage, legal rights for women in property, special rights for widows and so on. My mom took her sweet time to forgive father before accepting him. This is the reason why Amer refused to fight. You are right, he got his daughter married to his enemy. But it was to save the lives of his other daughters i.e. his citizens. I hence don't blame him."
Ruqaiya was pleasantly surprised by this information. Amer seemed to be more ahead of time. She couldn't help but admire Raja Bharmal. This made her doubt their theory of Amer's involvement in her miscarriage.

Jallal heard everything and pondered over it. He then said,"Ruqaiya, maybe you are right. Maybe you are wrong. What if Jodha Begum lied to you?" Ruqaiya shook her head," No Jallal. I had asked Hoshiyar to check if what Jodha Begum said about her mother is true. All hindu dasis know about this. In fact, they are trying to shift to Amer for the same reason. I feel there is something more. I have an idea. But Jallal you shouldn't mention this to anyone not even Maham. Promise me that. (Jallal smiled and promised) Let us go on a trip to Amer as commoners. There we will try and see if we can find a doctor who sells these abortive medicine. If we did, we will interrogate him/her and then destroy Amer. What do you say?" Jallal agreed.

As per their plan, Ruqaiya and Jallal left to Amer by stating that they are going on a religious trip. They were followed by people but somehow they kept escaping from their watchful eyes. At last they reached Amer. They spent 15 days trying to figure out if any doctor was involved in the miscarriage. At last they found one doctor who agreed to sell the medicine provided they meet him after sunset at a particular place with 100 gold coins. They agreed and left.

After sunset, they reached the place. But they were suddenly surrounded by soldiers. Though Jallal wanted to fight, Ruqaiya held him back. She felt there was more to the story. The soldiers brought them to a secret room where Bharmal and Rawatji were waiting. Rawatji spoke, "Listen here, abortion is an unforgivable offence here. If you try to do it, then penalty would be death. I don't think you are from Amer. Tell us where are you from if you want to live." Jallal and Ruqaiya understood that Bharmal would not have allowed the abortion. Even if someone from Amer was involved, Bharmal would not have spared them. Before they could speak something, Bharmal addressed Ruqaiya, "Beti, don't be afraid. If your husband is forcing you to abort the child, then tell us. We will protect you and your child. We are there for you as your strength. Never think that you are alone." Ruqaiya could not control herself anymore. Bharmal gave her the one emotion that she was looking for, strength. He didn't pity her. Ruqaiya slowly controlled herself and spoke, "Raja Bharmal, I am Mallika Ruqaiya Sultan. This is Shehenshah Jallal." Bharmal stood up immediately. He was furious and spoke, "Shehenshah, I might have said that I don't want war. But that doesn't mean I can't fight. If you force your wife to abort, then I will not spare you. I will fight till either of us is alive."

Jallal smiled sadly and said, "how can I ask her to abort when we already lost our child? Someone fed Ruqaiya with abortive medicine and killed our child. We don't know who did it. We heard that the medicine is available in Amer and...." Bharmal didn't let him finish and continued, "and you waged the war. That is why you were willing to wait for my daughter. It was because you wanted revenge. I can't really blame you for wanting revenge. However, remember one thing Shehenshah, if a citizen does something for revenge without properly analysing the situation, then it wouldn't affect the nation. However, if the King does the same, then he becomes a bad example for his citizen. This should never happen. Anyways, regarding abortive medicine, it was decided by the Rajput community that fake news regarding the availability of the medicine in Amer will be spread to prevent abortions. That is why you were informed that the medicine is available in Amer. We have regular meetings with doctors regarding the availability of these medicines. I was informed that the medicine is currently available in Bhugra (an imaginary place in West Bengal). I suggest that you investigate about the same and let me know if you find the medicine in Amer. I promise that the culprit will be punished as per Mughal law." Jallal accepted Bharmal's suggestion and worked for 2 weeks continuously. Meanwhile, Ruqaiya stayed with Rani Mainawati who treated her like her daughter even after knowing about their revenge plan. Bharmal and Sujamal treated her as their daughter and sister respectively. She couldn't take their care and compassion and was feeling extremely guilty.

She then spoke to Mainawati about the same. Mainawati said, "do you know that I was a widow and that this is my second marriage? (Ruqaiya nodded) When Rajaji married me, I was furious and wanted nothing but revenge. However, post our marriage no one wanted a remarried bride as their Queen and suggested Rajaji to remarry. He refused and fought with everyone for my respect. That was when I realised that if I had hold on to my grudge, then I will loose this man. I fell for him. It took us 3 years to prove that I am a good Queen. Now, my people refuse to have another Queen. Moving on helps in letting go and looking forward. No matter what life has to go on. I also know what you went through is something which I won't want to enemies to even suffer from. Hence, I forgive you and Shehenshah." Ruqaiya was happy that they forgave her. She decided that even if someone from Amer was involved, she will not hurt the innocent people.

Meanwhile, Jallal found out that Bharmal was indeed right. He informed Ruqaiya about the same. They then apologised to Bharmal. Bharmal understood their plight and forgave them. However, he also stated that if Jodha wanted to divorce her husband, then he won't stop her. This hurt both Jallal and Ruqaiya. However, they also knew that Bharmal was right.

They then started their journey to Agra to seek Jodha's forgiveness.

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Hey Readers!!!!
Thank you for your patience.
I know I took a long time to update. I will try to update this weekend again.