Is It Hate OR Love? Jodha Akbar

Chapter 13 Part 4

It was time for Havan; everyone was running around for a function's preparation. Many relatives were invited. Arrangements were nearly like a marriage. Jalal got ready and came to the hall where Havan was organized. Dadisa (Jodha's Grandmother) welcomed Jalal and blessed him.

Jodha entered the hall; she was dressed in an exquisite pure slike white and green lehengas and crimson red rich colored dupatta with heavily embroideries of Kundan crystal stones and real gold Zardozi work. Large neckpieces and earrings and a large nose ring were used to adorn her flawless beauty. Even though she was a Mughal queen, but her root was deeply embedded in the Rajput culture. Jodha covered her head with a brocade dupatta. Everyone's eyes got glued on her, seeing her dazzling beauty.

Jalal completely got mesmerized by enchanting beauty. She was blushing faintly; her hazel eyes shyly dropped, which captivated not only Jalal but everyone around. In Agra, she occasionally got dressed, but not like this. In white color, she was looking more divine and pure. Green and red were blending impeccably on her fair skin. Jodha bashfully watched around, and unknowingly her eyes were probing for Jalal. Finally, scanning through the entire area, her eyes caught at Jalal beheld at her without a blink. He tenderly smiled to compliment her beautiful dress-up.

His constant passionate gaze made her nervous and shy. To mask her excitement, she gave him a fake angry stare. Jalal smirked, seeing her antic act.

The Priest announced that it was time for Havan. Both walked together towards the Havan mandap. Jalal seized a chance and held her hand softly while walking. They settle opposite Havan Kund, sitting beside each other. The Priest began the prayer with Lord Ganesh Mantra. Jalal followed as per pandit's (Priest's) instruction; both of them repeated the Mantras.

Pandit gave sindoor thal to Jalal and told him to fill Jodha's Maang. Both Jodha and Jalal looked at each other with an intense gaze and deep sorrow. Jalal didn't want to take advantage and fill her maang without her permission. So he waited for Jodha's eyes to mellow down and permitted him to fill her maang.

Jodha lowered her eyes and bent slightly towards Jalal, approving to follow the ritual. Jalal took a pinch of sindoor and filled Jodha's maang with pure love and promise. Jodha lifts her eyes slowly; tears pierced out from her innocent eyes. All of her bitter memories evoked in a second, but her heart softened slightly when she saw his hazy, moist eyes, and guilt on his face. Jalal looked at her with remorse; then, he wiped her tears from her face with a gentle touch. In a low tone, he muttered in her ears, "Jodha, I promise I will never hurt you again, please forgive me."

Jodha beheld at him blankly for a few seconds.

As per Priest's instruction, Jalal forwarded his hand towards Jodha. With hesitation, she advanced her hand towards him. Jalal promptly took a grip of her hand tight with a smile; he whispered in her ears, "Jodha, I will never let this hand go away from me again." Jodha was still not ready to accept him wholeheartedly. She bitterly stared at him, then Priest poured some water in their hands and instructed them to dispense water in Havan Kund after the mantra is finished.

Seeing her miserable, he put his other hand on top of Jodha's hand and began to tickle. Jodha looked at him with an irritated stare. He continued tickling her; finally, she began smiling with a little blush. Mantra finished, and they poured water in the Havan. They both retook wedding vows. Havan ended peacefully. Both took blessings from the elderly.

After the prayer, Jalal informed King Bharmal that they would leave tomorrow morning.

Jodha instantly said in-between, "Yes, of course, Shahenshah has lots of things to catch up, he can surely leave, but I would like to stay here for some more time."