NOOR

14. COMPANION

Jyoti was sure that her luck's been changing sides too quickly, for just a minute ago she was wrapped in Jalal's arms, and was now surrounded by the begums of the harem. Their scrutinizing gaze on her was enough for her to know that soon she'll be hounded with questions and insults. But for some reason, they seemed to be biting their words back. Their gazes were fluttering between the ground and Jyoti, as if cursing out under their breaths.

" Umm, where is Begum Ruqaiya?" Jyoti broke the thick silence. 

" She's coming soon, she's with child afterall. She needs to watch her steps" one of the Begums replied.

" Yes, she's now on her way to become Mariam-uz-zamani, she can come and go whenever she wants and we'll have to wait however long it takes to meet her if ordered so" another added.

The slight jealousy laced in their words made Jyoti shrink a bit. If she stayed silent, it would mean she agreed with them. But if she spoke up, she would very well be ostracised by the other Begums. 

" Well its the starting of the pregnancy isn't it? It's better if she moves around normally for the pregnancy and delivery to go about smoothly" Jyoti spoke, wondering if her tone was subtle enough or not, " although it is true that no one can ever be too cautious when with child"

" You seem to know a lot about pregnancy Begum Jyoti" Ruqaiya's voice filled the chamber as the maids and Begum's shifted from their places to let her in. Jyoti turned to meet the eyes of the senior Begum, a bit of fear evident in her demeanor.

" Umm.. yes, I have seen a lot of pregancies and births Ruqaiya Begum... helped in a few too" 

" Wow, then maybe you could be my companion in these few months" Ruqaiya sat in her designated spot, followed by the other begums. " Not as my maid of course, that would be silly" she added humorously, as the other women chuckled while hiding their smiles, " but as someone I could share my thoughts and pass time with"

" Of course!" Jyoti answered too quickly, her enthusiasm shocking everyone around. She didn't pick up on the curt mockery, and stopped processing Ruqaiya's words after she had heard about being a companion to her. Afterall, that was what she wanted in the Harem, a good companion. Someone she could spend her time with, just how she had her brothers and sister-in-laws back home.

Too startled to keep digging into Jyoti's naïve personality, Ruqaiya started with the ceremony of celebrating her pregnancy with the Begums of the Harem. A festive feast was scheduled for tonight, and before that all the personal gifts, if there were any, were to be given to her. 

Each one of the begums presented her with their gifts, a few were gold jewelries for her, and a few were for the heir. Some had brought cushions and shawls, while the others presented with swords and little bow and arrows for the future heir to play with.

" What have you brought Jyoti Begum?" one of the begum's asked softly, the environment was slowly warming up to her.

She stood up and shuffled closer to Ruqaiya, pulling out a small wrapped gift. " I am sorry Begum Ruqaiya, but I didn't have much time to think of a suitable gift for you. So I made this with whatever resources I had during the journey"

Ruqaiya took and opened the gift to find a washcloth, embroidered with patterns resembling chess pieces, and a wooden baby rattle, with an inscription in urdu that said; " Mubaarak ho".

" Mubaarak ho?" Ruqaiya chuckled just a bit, " where did you find this Jyoti Begum?"

" Is there something wrong with the inscription?" Jyoti stiffened up.

" No, it's appropriate for the situation.. but its too vague, as if bought for a commoner" Ruqaiya put down the rattle and started scanning the washcloth, " This however seems like a personal gift" she smiled, " How did you come to know I like the game of chess Begum Jyoti? I am sure this is only the second time I am having a chance to talk to you"