Akdha FF- A tale of ice and fire Chap 10: Part I 03/22/2020

Hi guys..

This is SM here..Although it has been quite long since our fav show Jodha Akbar has gone off air, but I'm quite sure all we fans have the moments, of our awesome leads, afresh..I've been a reader of JoJa stories for long, thought to share one of mine.. Its my first take @ writing, so please let me know your views and expectations.

P.S: I'd already posted few chapters of this story in fanfics, but one of my friend, in fact the only first friend "Wishu" on this forum suggested to post the rest in JA forum so that the story gets to have wider reach. Thankyou wishu for the suggestion. I complied..

Its a historical story with all the characters we're already acquainted with..So no character sketch..

Index

Chapter 1-4

https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/topic/5073726

Chapter 5 : part I

https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/topic/5073726?pn=3&pc=149817797

Chapter 5: part II

https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/topic/5073726?pn=5&pc=149893912

Chapter 6 : part I

https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/topic/5073726?pn=6&pc=149933044

Chapter 6 : part II

https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/topic/5073726?pn=7&pc=150010823

Chapter 7 : part I

https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/topic/5073726?pn=9&pc=150153975

Chapter 7 : part II

https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/topic/5073726?pn=10&pc=150216599

Chapter 7 : part IIb

https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/topic/5073726?pn=12&pc=150235397

Chapter 7: part IIc

https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/topic/5073726?pn=14&pc=150445258

Chapter 7 : part III

https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/topic/5073726?pn=16&pc=150580272

Chapter 8: part I

https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/topic/5073726?pn=18&pc=150688631

Chapter 8 : part II

https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/topic/5073726?pn=19&pc=150899167

Chapter 8 : part III

https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/topic/5073726?pn=21&pc=151090096

Chapter 8 : part IV

https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/topic/5073726?pn=23&pc=151174449

Chapter 8 : part V

https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/topic/5073726?pn=25&pc=151358449

Chapter 9 : part I

https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/topic/5073726?pn=27&pc=151579126

Chapter 9 : part II

https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/topic/5073726?pn=30&pc=151964396

Chapter 9 : part III

https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/topic/5073726?pn=31&pc=152037738

Chapter 9 : part III continued…

https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/topic/5073726?pn=32&pc=152278903

Chapter 9 : part III continued…

https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/topic/5073726?pn=33&pc=152469648

Chapter 9 : part III continued…

https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/topic/5073726?pn=34&pc=152663163

Chapter 9 : part IV

https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/topic/5073726?pn=38&pc=152923722

Chapter 10 : part I

https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/topic/5073726?pn=39&pc=152958142

Chapter 1 The aftermath of Humanyu's retreat

Losingthe battle of Chausa and Kannauj, there was no escape for the thenreinging Mogul emperor, Humanyu but to leave his throne at Delhi for themighty Sher Shah Suri and find refuge along with his few trustedgenerals in west Sindh. It is said that Humanyu with his 15 year oldpregnant begum, Hamida Banu walked day in and out, crossing theterrains, mountains and valleys and it is during this journey, HamidBanu Begum gave birth to the prince who was destined to rewrite thefading Mogul glory back on the pages of Indian history. Oct 1542,Jalal'ud'din Muhhamad was born at Umerkot, Sindh in the Rajput fortressof the local hindu ruler Rana Prasad.

The same month year 1542witnessed the birth of an extraoridinary Rajput princess, Harka bai,fondly called Jodha, born to Raja Bharmal and Rani Sa Mainavati of Amer.The apple of her parents eyes, was raised basking in the tales ofRajputana glory and valor, with the nerve of steel, fire in her veins,patriotism in her heart oozing with pride yet kindness in her eyes,affection in her voice and respect for her subjects, Jodha entered herteens. The rumours of her warfare skills, the political wit andunfathomable beauty had already begun to seep across the palace walls tofaraway lands.

On the contrary Jalal'ud'din, also in his teen,the same age, deprived of all the glory, royality, comfort of palacesand above all family was sharpening his raw paws under the stricttraining regime of his regent, Bairam Khan, an entrusted general ofHumanyun in the cold and dreaded valley of Kabul. He couldn't evenrecall how long it had been. A vague rememberance of his mother leavinghim under the care of his nursing maid while he was just 2, and neverseeing him back was enough to overshadow the pain of physical exhaustionand the injuries from his combat sessions. A towering physique, warfareskills people said bestowed by devil himself, cold eyes, and no painwas the deamenour of jalal'ud'din Mohammad, but was he really onlyinhumanely a "perfect combat assassin, a "ruthless king in making- Noone knew, not even his best pal, or perhaps the only pal, Abdul, butwhat this childhood friend knew that Jalal was indeed the "One who wouldchange the course of Indian history once throned and the time hadalready come.

1956- All plans were set, armours placed,weaponaries loaded, flags hurled and the Moghul battalion charged aheadunder the lead of ferocious Bairam Khan, and the young fiesty Moghulprince who was ready to claim the throne of Delhi back from the reigningKing Hemu in the plains of Panipat. The day was all set to mark "A newreign or "End of a dynasty..

Chapter 2 The Historic Panipat

BairamKhan looked from the top of the hill and could see the flags of Hemu'sarmy swaying in the winds. The army was huge with more than a lakh ofsoldiers on foot, 50,000 horse riders and a massive fleet of war trainedelephants adorning the front row of the charging company. The sight andmight of the enemy was good enough to make Bairam Khan believe thathead on collision of that small 50,000 soldiered troop of Mogulbatallion with that of Hemu's was going to be nothing but suicidal.

Bairam Khan: Thisis bad, worse than I thought. They are thrice our size, and thoseelepants will pulp us in no time. Our soldiers might not be ready for acombat this hard. I might have been too enthusiastic to underestimatethe true color of our enemy.

He noticed the young prince, allcalm, looking at the model of the terrains of Panipat, scrutinizing thepositions of Mogul army and that of the enemies.

Bairam Khan: Do you have any proposition, my prince?What is it that you are thinking at?

Jalal: Retreat is no option khan baba..We do or die..isn't it what you always say..(the calmness of Jalal's voice miffed Bairam Khan)

Bairam Khan: I do, but one needs to stay alive my prince..Death never brings victory. You're too young, I cant risk your life..

Jalal: (Giving the cold icy detached stare) As if I ever had one?

Bairam Khan: (Softeningup) My prince, I can not let you go to the battle field. I'm splittingthe army, 40,000 of our men go with me to the battlefield. If I foreseethat there is noway the fighting ones can make it alive, the remainingwill march back with you to Kabul.

Hearing no response from Jalal, Bairam Khan turned to Abdul and pulled him aside.

Bairam Khan: (Sternly)Promise me you will take him back, if you see us at the losing end. Icannot afford to lose him. He is the only hope of Mogul empire. The onlysuccessor of Moguls, he has to live Abdul.

Abdul: I'll try Khan baba.

Bairam Khan turned to leave but halted at the sharp tone of Jalal,

Jalal: (Hissedin contempt) I see myself ascending the throne of Delhi Khan baba andthere is absolutely nothing anyone can do about it. NOTHING..

BairamKhan didn't turn to look back at Jalal. Somehow the chill in his voicemade him shiver. He knew the young prince meant it. Who was Bairam Khankidding, the lad was the decendent of the fierce and brute clan ofTaimur Lung and Chengez Khan. He knew this young fourteen year old wouldkill and kill (may be get killed) without inching a step back. BairamKhan knew he had to win this impossible situation before his princedecides to jump in (that he was utterly sure of).

Coming out ofjalal's tent Bairam Khan yelled at the top of his voice calling out forhis three lieutenants- Chugtai Khan, Mirza Haakim, Mohammad HidayatBashir and entered his tent awaiting for all three of them to join infor the final strategy that had to be followed and strictly accomplishedat any cost, if they were to seize the glimmer of chance to win thiswar and claim the throne of Delhi for Moguls.

Chapter 2: Part II

The three lieutenants enteredthe tent of Bairam Khan, and saw him engrossed in thoughts looking atthe clay model that reflected the positions of the Mogul and Hemu's armyon tye battlefield

Bairam Khan: (Sensing that the men havearrived) Only way out is through hell. We'll have to take down Hemu atany cost. Get your best archers ready. Thirty archers in groups ofthree, from three different directions will take aim at Hemu.

Chugtai Khan: Huzur!But he is heavily armoured up. And taking shots either on foot or ahorseback, aiming high up, given the fact that Hemu is on the back oftoughest and strongest war elephant would make the aim almostimpossible.

 Bairam Khan: (Roared) I don't care ChugtaiKhan. We have to strike down the heart of this army to convert it into aleaderless mob rather than an organised strong army you're seeing.Taking Hemu down is our only hope. Prepare for march, ask your bestarchers to take their positions and aim at Hemu. Give them covers.(Suddenly a thought struck in Bairam's Khan head) His eyes, his eyesChugtai Khan. Ask your archer to aim for his eyes.

Thelieutenants dispersed to accomplish the near impossible task. Call tothe most elite group of archers were made and the remaining battalionstrapped their boots to march ahead under the leadership of Bairam Khan.

Commanders of both the armies yelled " Charge..And the armours clashed as the strike of lightening bolt.

Itwas one of the worst massacre one could witness. Hemu's army was at amuch greater advantage, and with Mogul archers having no luck at thegiven task, Bairam Khan knew if this was how he had to embrace death,then he would be taking Hemu down to hell with him. He spirited hisgalloping horse towards the enemy king and shot an arrow aiming at Hemu.The arrow struck at the forehead of Hemu, that was covered with metalarmour. Sensing the close strike of death, the agitated Hemu threw thepointed Javelin in his hand towards Bairam Khan. The javelin pierced theright shoulder of Bairam Khan, and before a defenseless and emptyhanded Hemu could smile at the fall of his enemy commander, a teen boywith a captivating built of a warrior seem to flung up from his horsefrom behind Bairam Khan and shot at Hemu's eye. In no seconds Hemu felloff from his elephant and the Mogul prince roared " Hemu is dead.Hearing their king dead the entire army fell prey to terror and startedfleeing off from the battle. The Moguls surrounded the fallen Hemu.

Bairam Khan: (Javelin still across his shoulder blade, yelled at the top of his voice) Long live the Prince! Long live the Mogul Sultanat!

Jalal proceeded towards Bairam Khan

Bairam Khan: You never listen my Prince! You came to battlefield... What if something,,.

Jalal: (beforeBairam Khan could finish) Relax Khan baba..You already knew I would.(Turning to the army he proclaimed aloud). Your prince shall grace theTakht-e-hindustan. Dehleez-e-hindustan, Delhi is ours. We fought to getback our rightful place in the history of this land, we fought to takeback what was snatched away from us. Now we fight for the glory of Mogulsultanat- One nation, one king and whosoever would come afront this vowof your prince shall meet death in all its beauty.

Affirming theproclaim of their exiled prince who was now the youngest king to ascendthe throne of Delhi, the army roared so loud that it shook both theterrains and hearts of the mighties who ruled the varied provinces ofthe Hind- Northern states, eastern Bengal, central Deccan, and southernplateau. Although oblivious to roar, and unaffected amongst all theprovinces "Rajputana the clan of fierce warriors studded with theirmighty valor stayed affirmed that they would crush every thunder thatever dared to move pass their lands. And no one but the history to bewritten knew that it was just the matter of time when this young Mogulking would get to know the mettle of Rajputs- the true warriors of theland of Hindustan and what it takes to be the "One true king of all..

Chapter 3: Part I Eyeing the Rajputana

Conquestof Lahore, Multan, Ajmer, and Gwalior followed Jalalud'din's successionto Delhi, and in the span of next two years the Moguls had strengthenedtheir position in North India, besieging the inconquerable forts northof Narmada which were earlier in the strongholds of Suri rulers(Sikandar Shah Suri clan). Another two years and by 1569-1560 Malwa,Bihar, Gondwana were next to fall bringing major central India under theMogul rule. Rajputana was still untouched, but the northern peripheryof Rajputna covering Nagor, Mewat and Ajmer had already been annexed byMoguls.

Rajputana was to be dealt with care, and Jalal knew therewas no hurry. He had to be fully prepared to meet the fury of Rajputs.It was the battle to be struck with wit, and not just a brute invasion.If dealt unruly, clash with Rajputana might incur thrice the more lossto Moguls, in terms of soldiers and resources. The undefeated streak ofMoguls could be at stake and Jalal ud'din was not ready to take thatstain on his name. It was for this reason that he kept his eyes onRajpuatana but laid his hands off until he had strengthened his positionin the entire northern, eastern and central India.

Six years hadpassed, twenty year old Jalalud'din was perhaps the youngest king ofsuch a widespread reign, ever but his political wit as a ruler hadblossomed to its full. The time was right for the invasion that had beenhaunting his dreams, all he needed was a plan, an opportunity to breachthrough the high thick walls of Rajputana that stood tall even againstthe roar of the mighty canons of the brute invaders.

He indeedhad heard of them, may be just in stories, and singing ballads -Rajputana, the land of people who bask in colors and sing the valour oftheir soldiers in folkores. Rajputs, the men of their words who smeartheir forehead with vermillion and wear the swords as their pride, whostrike their enemy in the battlefield as a dance of death, who leavetheir fort with the garlands of basil around their neck and hail thename of their deities so loud and thunderous, embrace death, neverretreat. The clan where women are respected as goddesses, raised andtaught equal to men, who enter burning pyres if their men fell inbattles letting no enemy seize their sanctity..fierce yet moral, braveyet kind, loyal yet proud- true sons and daughter of their motherland.

Thestories had always thrilled him, the folklores always made him wonderthat despite being this valorsome, they never grew their territory. Theyare just a group of smaller kingdoms, they never invade, never attack,just defend their own piece of kingdom. If united they could be a forceto reckon with, but divided each kingdom stands alone with its entireworld in the premises of one fort, which are next to impossible toseize.

Engrossed in his thoughts, Jalal was looking at the terrains of Rajputana when Abdul entered his tent.

Abdul:The word has been sent my king. The royal family and begums will leavefor Agra from Kabul under the secure and watchful eyes of Mirza Hakim.No worries, the journey will be safe. Arrangements have been made at thefort of Agra and western wing has been transformed into palace of royalbegums as per your command..

Jalal: Good..How is Khan baba?

Abdul: Iwouldn't say well..I don't see him getting better..Medicines don't seemto be working. He has asked me to request you my king- his wish tovisit Mecca.

Jalal: He is too weak to journey. Tell him...

Abdul (interrupting Jalal, sadly): I think you should grant him the wish.

Jalal turned to meet Abdul's gaze and sensed the restlessness and grief.

Jalal (sighedand shook his head in affirmation): Make sure he is in best hands. Heshould be well taken care of during the journey Abdul.

Abdul: Should I make arrangements for you too, to leave for Agra?

Jalal (sternly): What for?

Abdul: Youhaven't seen them in five years. Mariam Makani has been sendingletters, you haven't sent even one reply. Don't you miss them my king.

Jalal (sensingthe concern in Abdul's tone, changed the topic): Let the lieutenantsknow. I need them here first thing tomorrow morning with all the detailsof our position in the outskirts of Rajputana. You be here too Abdul.For now, have a sound sleep, my friend.

Abdul nodded and left witha heavy heart. He knew there was no point arguing. One often pushesaway the thing, one needs the most. Call it an art of survival, ameasure to escape reality. All his life, Jalalud'din had been subduinghis pain. In an urge to conquer his pains he had himself silenced thesobbing younger self to such an extent that after all this time he cannot hear his own heart thudding. The hardships of war, the betrayals ofhis uncles, helpless mother sowed the seeds of anger and hatred so deep,that all he is now, is the fruit of apathy.

But there is alwayshope, and no matter what Abdul believed that a day would come when hisfriend's heart would find the warmth he had been looking for all hislife. A companion would find her way into the closed cold closets ofJalal's heart, a whirlwind will knock his breath out and his heart wouldbeat so fast that the ignorant man would come to know what love does toyou. And how so much he would want to shake her off, she would cling tohis breath like the essence of rose for life and lives to come. Thenperhaps my friend would know what is there to miss...Amen!

(Little did Abdul know that his prayers were to be answered soon, very soon)

Chapter 3: Part II A- Damn Abdul! His prayers got answered "The first meet"

Abdulhad left leaving behind the wailing question for Jalal-Don't you missthem, my king? What to miss when he hadn't even felt what it is to bewith the family. Families protect but his family either abandoned him orplotted treacherous plans to get him killed. His mother had been toodistant, his relatives wished him dead, being under the kingship of atwenty year old was unbearable for most of his ministers. Beinginhumanely strong and brute in his decisions was never an option forhim, it was necessary to keep the conspiracies under check. He had to betoo feared for anyone to even dream to dare to act against hisverdicts. And yet every now and then he had to march to curb theatrocities of his mansabdars (governors of the regions under Mogulrule), to refresh their memories that he was the king of empire, like ornot. His begums, oh yeah, Ruqaiyya sultan, the first of all, she isquite a friend more than a wife, but too busy being the begum of kingthan wife to a husband. He hasn't ever felt what it means to havesomeone one could truly connect to, one who could understand what isbrewing within even if you don't say a word. All he has come across ishate, anger, prisoners of wars, their wailing families who despise him,people who fear him.

He was sure hate is a real thing, and thislove thing that makes you miss something definitely belongs to stories.Though he would admit, he was fond of listening to stories, cultures,landscapes, histories- and for this he was fond of Abdul and Khan baba.

Jalal (laid back on his bed): Silly Abdul.

Inno time he dozed off, keeping in mind that he has to go visit khan babathe next day to check up on his health. He has been sick for long. Thecontinuous battles and governance have had a toll on his health. He soonmight have to take over all the responsibilities from him. Is he readyfor that?

It had just been four hours, the sun was yet to come incouple of hours, but Jalal woke up. He felt a gush of restlessness, maybe some nightmare. He cursed and left the bed disappointed. Not having apeaceful sleep was quite common for him, but he wished atleast his minddoesn't have to be his foe. He came out his tent. It was the darkestcouple of hours before the sun but the moon lit shiny. He was in a plainwhite dress. The night was too silent all he could hear were the shreakof night creatures and hooting owls.

Suddenly he heard faintgallops of horses. Focusing himself in the direction of the sound, helooked from the top of the hill down in the jungle and saw four ridersriding horses at an unimaginably fast speed. One of the four wasamazingly fast and from the top it seemed as if the remaining three weretrying to catch hold of him. The fastest one made a swift move, dodgingthe other three and took an unnoticeable turn. Jalal could see him fromthe top hill that the turn leaded to the borderline of Amer (part ofRajputana) and Nagaur (under Mogul dominance). The thought that someonewas trying to breach the Mogul area in the dark hours of night leftJalal disturbed. Who was the one who took the turn? why the other threewere following him? Was the first rider on run? The whirlwind ofquestions overwhelmed and there was just one way to find out.

Jalaltook his sword from his tent and whistled aloud. In a minute his horsethe mighty dark stallion "Sultan was next to him. Leaving the asleepbatallion behind he vanished in the dark of night galloping towards thepath treaded by the first rider. Riding in the forest he could see thetrail left behind by horses' feet. It was not very long, when he heardthe galloping horse a few distance away from him. Sensing someonefollowing, the rider spirited his horse and gave his speed a massivethrust. Jalal was amazed, he had never seen his sultan struggling forpace to beat any other horse. He patted Sultan to speed up, but realizedthat it would be much better if he blocked the rider's path other wayaround. Jalal took a steep turn. Sudden disappearance of the followerleft the rider off guard, and just when he looked back, Jalal blockedhis path coming afront.

The riders horse came to an abrupt halt sensing an obstacle at front and knocked the rider off his back.

Jalalcame down his horse with his hands on the hilt of his sword. The fallenrider was absolutely alert seeing a foreigner (Jalal) infront of him.It was quite dark, but under the moonlit sky, Jalal could see that therider looked like a teen boy, in a Rajput attire loosely covering hisbody. Turban was wrapped over his head, covering his entire face excepthis eyes, his very alert eyes. He wouldnt call such a boy a warrior, buthis riding skills held no bounds. He was definitely a spy, thoughtJalal. A sword hung from the side of his waist and the moment he hadfallen his hands were on the hilt.

Jalal (marching forward): Drop the weapon and no one gets hurt here.

The rider stood silent holding his grounds.

Jalal: I said drop the sword and reveal your identity?

Therider didn't seem affected by the approaching jalal, instead he tookthe sword off its cover and balanced himself on his heel in a completewarrior pose.

Jalal (amused): You wanna reveal the truth the hard way.

Jalal smirked and held his ground waiting for the strike.

Therider sprung a circle and struck at Jalal plunging the force of entiremomentum in his blow. Jalal defended, but the blow was quite hard thanhe had expected, it pushed him a step back. Jalal realised that he wasmaking use of his gait and swag to compromise for the loss of manlyweight-so typical rajput style of combat.

Jalal (bemused): Impressive. Go again.

Jalalcould feel the rider was up for the challenge. On Jalal's call, herolled his sword in his wrist like a pro and waged a full fletchedattack on Jalal. Jalal escaped the left hook, blocked the right, in notime the witty rider unloaded another sword form the back of his attireand a clean left sweep of the sword left Jalal off guard. To avoid acut, Jalal leaped back, but the riders sword had touched him at thechest and a small smear of blood appeared on his chest. Jalal couldn'tcontain his amusement, the teen was an amazing swordsman, any fool whowould underestimate his potential looking at his physique would sure bedead.

Jalal (smilimg cockily): Huhh.. not bad for someone who's just a tender teen. Thats all you got boy..

Theremark was not welcomed and again the rider swayed his both swords andattcked Jalal with all his might. Jalal blocked both his swords crossedover his head, and the rider again surprised him giving a strong blow onhis chest with his leg, pushing Jalal back.

But closing thedistance Jalal swirled in a swift motion, blocked teen's right sword,and split his left sword in half using the power of his grip. A strongright elbow jab from Jalal knocked the breath out of the teen's lung andhe fell back with a thud on ground defenseless.

Jalal swiftly moved ahead to pull up the fallen teen, but now it was Jalal's time to skip both a breath and a beat..

Theturban had fallen off the teen's head and long curly tresses wereflowing in the wind like the waves on the eve of high tide. She was awoman. Jalal was stuck on the spot, with no words, no breath, no beat.

Theblow was so hard that it took a minute for her to compose herself andthen she turned to look at his opponent, while still being on ground.

Whatjalal saw was beyond description, she was the most beautiful earthlinghe had come across or may be she was a celestial nymph. The doe shapedeyes were brown with a hue of molten gold, her slightly elevated plushpink cheeks, her slender nose had a diamond ring that shone like atwinkling star in the light of moon. Her lips, pink like the freshlydewed petals of a tender rose, and there he could see a deep deep cut,she had just suffered from his jab. The blood drop was oozing out of thecut. She wiped it off and in the process smeared her lip deep red.

Thecut brought him back to his senses, and he squirmed in unease wishinghe could chop his hands off. How dare they touch her like a brute. Notable to withstand her dizzy state Jalal lowered his gaze.

Jalal (looking down): I apologise. .I didn't know or else I wouldn't have...

Shewas taken aback at the apology, she wasn't expecting any. She got up onher feet but was still dazed by the blow. Trying to keep her balance,she reached her horse, and took a gulp of water from the silver slimcontainer hung there.

But before she could gain her composureback, rustling of the leaves, left both her and Jalal alert. They werenomore alone. Jalal could feel pair of footsteps approaching them. Wait,not just a pair, there were more. He cursed and for the first time inhis entire life he felt a shiver, not for him, but for someone else. Forthe first time ever, he felt concerned, and for the first time ever hewas ready for the kill, not for him, but for someone else. For the firsttime ever, he felt the urge, to save someone than to destroy.

Part II-B

Jalal picked up the sword that had fallen out of her grip during the combat and forwarded it back to her.

Jalal: You might need it. (In an emphasizing tone) Stay right here. Dare not move with that dizzy head.

Thegirl still dazed gathered her senses, grabbed the sword and spanned thesurrounding assessing the situation with a spinning vision.

Inmoments, fleet of fifteen men came out in front, ravishing the thickweeds and dense cover of forest. A relief washed over Jalal, they wereMogul soldiers. But in the very next moment Jalal realised they didn'trecognise him. He was in a simple attire and the sun hadn't risen yet.He was about to address the soldiers as their king, suddenly the thoughtof the rajput girl standing behind got him tongue-tied. How muchRajputs despise Moguls was already known to Jalal. He decided to stayquiet. Suddenly one amongst the soldiers yelled at him:

Chief Soldier: Who are you?

Jalalstayed quiet. The girl moved to have a better picture of the situationas Jalal's towering built was blocking her plain sight.

The othersoldier noticed that there was someone else standing distant to theintruder (Jalal) and the attire was that of a rajput.

Sensing the movement behind Jalal cursed, why she had to move?

Second soldier: Wait! They are two, other one looks like a Rajput.

The moment the chief soldier zeroed on the other intruder at the back, his eyes got widened.

Chief Soldier: (Toother soldier while oggling the girl behind) Do you see what I see? Sheis a woman, and Oh god I haven't seen a beauty like her.

Theword was out his mouth and Jalal's fury boiled his blood, and a devilishfire inflammed his eyes. He barely managed to contain himself, thedeathly grip on the hilt of his sword cut past his palm, and a drop ofblood dripped off the finger.

He stayed quiet.

Chief Soldier: (yelling in ecstacy) We take her to master Shariffudin. He will weigh us in gold for her.

Hearinghim, the girl fumed at the insult. She silently moved her dagger out ofher waist band to silence the creep forever and heard him yellingagain.

Chief soldier: (In a creepy lust laden tone) But first bring her to me. Let me have an eyefull glimpse of her before...

Before he could complete his sentence, Jalal's knife left its destination and penetrated the centre of his forehead.

Thechief soldier fell dead with a thud. The girl was awestruck, the knifemust have moved with a speed of lightening.Who was he afterall?shewondered.

The soldiers gasped at the sudden quick death of theirchief and ran towards Jalal for the kill. What followed was a massacreshe had never seen before.

Mutilated soldiers lay dead in just aflash of moment. Jalal's sword dripped with blood. A sense of griefflashed his face, he had killed his own soldiers.

Still amazed bythe intensity of event that had just passed, she move past the corpsesand came in front. She looked at the man who was fighting with her ahour back, the same man who plunged into the fight that she was supposedto face, who poked life out of all those who tried to harm her. Shelooked at Jalal absolutely confused.

Jalal (looking back at her): I didn't mean to kill them (grief evident on his face). They were...

Her: "Moguls. It was the first time she had spoken since their encounter.

Her: They were Moguls (with a despise laden tone). They would have killed us if you hadn't.

Jalal could sense the sheer disgust she had in her tone.

Her:The Mogul soldiers stationed at Nagaur, Malwa and other provinces ofMogul dominion raid the border villages of Rajputana. Everytime theysweep past its like a killing spree, they rob the villagers for grains,money, jewels, enslave them, destroy our temples, shrines, kill young -old alike, honor, life, everything at stake.

Jalal could feel her voice shaking in agony and anger.

Her: Thosebrute and cruel Mogul mansabdars of Nagaur and Malwa, Shariffudin andAdham Khan have created havoc since their succession here. These menlike their masters have no dignity. They show no mercy, so why feelremorse for their death.

You call them soldiers? They aren'tsoldiers, they are just mercenaries, soldiers fight for a purpose, forprotection of their people. I wonder if these petty mansabdars of theseprovinces are so vicious, cruel and brute. What would their 20 year oldpig-head king be like? Afterall subjects reflect the nature of theirmasters,don't they??. I so hate them.

You did the right thing, don't feel bad.

Jalal could see the pained features, a strange mix of agony and anger was quite evident in her beautiful sparking eyes.

Whathe heard was strange, he indeed has been waging war since past sixyears, his soldiers are one of the most trained and brute in their artof battle, but he has always lived by the rules and so has his army. Henever lays hands on Prisoners of wars,women, kids or olds; neverdestroys the city or its people; what is she talking about loots anddestruction? But, what he saw just now was quite a proof that she wasright. He just saw them trying to abduct a women for Sharifuddin, one ofhis mansabdar. He had also been hearing similar news from Malwa. Whatif this is true? What if he has been so busy in enhancing the range ofhis reign that he hasn't given any thought on his reign. What if hisministers were misusing their powers under his name.

The thought and the hatred emmanating from her left him restless.

Seeing him quiet, she looked back at him.

Her: Are you hurt? Blood is dripping off your palm.

Jalal was still consumed in his thoughts analyzing what she had just said.

Hearingno reply, she removed the sword from his grip and held his wristupfront. The injury was from markings of the hilt, when he had pressedit too hard to contain his anger at the chief soldier.

Shetweeted in a bird like voice and the next moment her horse was besideher, She washed the blood from the injury off his palm and offered himwater.

Jalal was amazed at the gesture. The girl was in combatwith him moments ago and now she was cleaning his wound Something warmmelted inside his heart. Being in so close vicinity, he studied herfeatures again more closely, she was the epitome of beauty in allrespect. Suddenly a shiver ran down Jalal's spine when she swiped herfingers across jalal's palm, pat dried the blood stain with a piece ofcloth and tied the cloth around his palm. Getting conscious of Jalal'spiercing gaze she lifted her face up, and underneath those thick longeye-lashes, her beautiful kohl laden eyes met jalal's stare. Jalal couldsee her pupil dilated for a moment and her petal like tender lips driedin anticipation. The cut on her lip was glistening like a dew drop on afreshly bloomed petal.

Jalal couldn't stop himself and glazed his thumb on the cut of her lip,an unfamiliar pain sweeped across his heart.

Jalal: "I'm so sorry, does it hurt?A tint of pink glazed her cheek and in a flash she retreated few steps back.

Her: (In a frail voice, looking down) No it doesn't.

Jalal smiled, perhaps he was not the only one getting affected here from their close proximity.

She managed to look up again, distant this time and asked,

"Who are you?

Jalal: Aaa... I'm,,,I'm a horse trader.

She laughed with a sudden outburst, "What? They train their traders like assassins, where you belong from??

Her laugh tinkled like a temple's bell in his ears  

Jalal (all flushed up, seeing his lie caught, stammered): I...I'm..!!

Her: Itsokay, you don't have to tell me, if you don't wish to. I understand.Although, you do have an amazing horse, what a pretty beautiful strongstallion..

She moved towards sultan and gave him a featherlighttouch on his back and underneath his eyes. Jalal moved to stop her,given sultan doesn't like being touched by anyone other than him. Butthe amazement followed next, when sultan willingly gave in and bowed toher touch.

Jalal: Well! you too have perhaps the fastest horse, I've ever come across. Even my sultan couldn't catch hold of him.

Her: (Smiling) Yeah, he is my beloved Badal.

Jalal: So who are you? What you were doing in the forest at this late hour? Who were the other three riders chasing you down?

Her: Well! I'm Jodha.Those three were my brothers. With the orders of our king, they movepast across the borders every morning to make sure the guards at bordersare in place and alert. I just happen to wake up early and they agreed(after much convincing) to take me along for a ride. I thought to scarethem, took a sharp turn but then out of nowhere you happened.

Jalal: Yeah! I looked from the top of the hill and thought some fellas were chasing some..

Jodha (laughing heartily): What? Some dacoit, spy?

Jalal: (smiling) But I must admit you've an excellent riding and combat skills. I wouldn't have ever believed that...

Jodha: What? That you were fighting a woman...we teach our boys and girls alike (she smiled).

Jalal: Yeah ofcourse, "Rajputs the clan of mighty men and fiery women.

Jodha smiled sensing the true admiration in his eyes for her clan.

Suddenlyshe heard a faint calling..someone was calling out her name fromdistance. She knew they must be her brothers looking for her...

Jalal could hear the call as well..

Jodha: I must leave, they are looking for me.

For an instance Jalal didn't want her to leave. He lingered and then out of blue asked her,

"Would you ever wish to meet me again?

The honesty and sincerity in his voice touched her heart.

Jodha: Yes! Would you?

Jalal: Please don't ask. I might not let you go.

Jodha (with a frail smile): I haven't felt like this ever. Thankyou for saving my life.

Jalal: Oh Please! A warrior like you doesn't need a saving. What I thought I was saving, was my life.

Jodha'seyes misted, the conversation was making it hard to leave. She wasamazed at the audacity of the stranger. She had just met him a hour ago,was feeling something that she had never felt for anyone.

Jalal: (Restless) Listen, Jodha! You must know who I am, I'm...

Jodha (stoppedhim midway): No, don't tell me who you are. If we are destined, weshall meet again and if we didn't, I would cherish this moment as themost perfect, precious and specialsome moment of my life. This memoryshall stay untainted in my heart forever.

Jodha rode her horse in one leap and looked back at Jalal to bid a final goodbye.

Jalal: (with a content smile) Do not forget to get that cut treated, or it will leave a mark on your lip. And I'm quite sure you wouldnt want to be called "Marked".

Jodha (a shy smile crept on her face) Who knows, I might want to keep the mark. You better get your chest wound treated.

Jalal: Oh please! Believe me I would love to stay "marked".

A broad smile on Jodha's face spread content in Jalal's whole existence.

Jalal: (waved) until we meet again..

Jodhaleft galloping in the redness of the rising sun. His heart ached withsome unwavery nagging sense of pain while watching her fade away fromhis sight.

He knew the moment had changed him, and she perhaps ruined him forever, leaving him no good for anyone anymore but only her...

Chapter 4: Part-I The path of "Rediscovering the reign

The sun had risen but there was no sign of Jalal in the tent.

Abdul (wondered): Where has he gone so early in the morning??

With every passing moment, threat was looming in Abdul's head.

Abdul (restless): Where the hell he went, Doesn't ever give a damn about telling anything that hovers in his mind..

Abduldecided it was time to go look for him. It wasn't safe for Jalal, beingin this close vicinity of Rajputana. Who knows what dangers were hiddenin the unknown landscape.

Before Abdul could leave the tent, Jalal entered

Abdul (witha sigh of relief): Sweet lord! Where have you been?And look at you, Didsomeone attack, you're hurt, bleeding...What What happened Jalal? Wereyou ambushed by the Rajputs here??For God sake speak youuu...

Jalalwas still in trance..He did see Abdul mumbling but couldn't hearanything..The glimpses of Jodha, the proximity, her leaving had beenflashing in his mind on his way back.

Abdul (jerking jalal): WHERE WERE YOU?WHAT HAPPENED? WILL YOU SAY SOMETHING??

Jalal (jerked out of daze): Aaa..Did you say something??

Abdullooked at Jalal, looking all confused staring back at him, he looked asif he was in a fight, he was indeed hurt, but there was no sign of painon his face, rather he seemed as fresh as the view after rain, he hadnever seen a peaceful Jalal..So calm, quiet, serene...Who was he, surenot the mighty ruthless king he had befriended while he was a teen..

Abdul touched his shoulder, "What happened Jalal? Is everything okay??

Suddenly Jalal remembered the soldiers. There was something to be done.

Jalal (witha hardened face): Abdul! Downhill in the forest at the westernoutskirts of Nagaur, bodies of fifteen Mogul soldiers are lying. Makearrangements for them to be taken back to Nagaur, give them properburial. Send words to Shariffudin, I need to see him.

Abdul (shocked): Our soldiers attacked you???Sharif's men??

Jalal:Yeah..Ask Chugtai Khan and Hidayat Bashir to employ their best spies inthe provinces of Nagaur and Malwa. I need every detailed report ofSharif's and Adham Khan's activities.

Adham Khan wasMahamanga's son, the woman who held the position of the prime advisor toJalal. She had gained Jalal's attention, trust and affections same asBairam Khan since his childhood. These were the only two people Jalalentrusted with his life, and held close as family.

Abdul stayed quiet.

Jalal (seeing Abdul quiet): You know something??

Abdul: I heard. I pray they were just rumours.

Jalal (surprised): Rumours..Really! That's all you've gotta tell me.

Jalal (getting no reply from Abdul again): Tell me Abdul, How bad is it?

Abdul:I don't know my king,,, and what is there to tell, as if you're goingto hear anything against your own brother in law, and brother in bond?Idon't wish to speak anything against anyone with no proof..

Jalal: Thenfind proof..We're not mercenaries Abdul, I'm raiding kingdoms to getthem all in one rule..People may see me or my men as warlords, but weshould not be seen as undignified savages, as looters. Our men, my armywages war, we annex kingdom, but the people there are not harmed. We arenot the looters who are robbing this land, the natives off their richesand lives. And if some of our ministers have got wrong impression it ismy duty to tighten the straps. I'm a king Abdul not an invader..I wasborn in this soil, this country is my motherland too. I belong here and Iwouldn't let anyone lay their foul hands on my people or my land'sglory. Ask the lieutenants to send in their best spies and I need tohave the detailed report of whatever is happening in Nagaur and Malwa ina week's time. Make sure Sharif and Adham dont catch any clue about allthis.

Abdul was amazed. Never has he seen jalal think this way.He has been waging war since past six years, and it was for the firsttime he saw Jalal talking as a king not as the commander in chief of hisarmy.

Abdul: What about our plans for Rajputana?

Jalal: No more invasions until I get everything straightened under my reign..

Abdul (astonished): What has happened? Did lightening strike you?

Jalal (smiled softly): Yes, got struck by lightening and it is only after the strike, the reality dawned..

Abdul (almost getting his eyes popped): Did I see you smile???

Jalal: Nooo...Just go away...

Abdul, returning the attention back to his state. "Should I send Hakim saab?

Jalal: Nah...I'm fine,,trust me,, have never been better..

Serenity returned back in Jalal's eyes as he gazed at the cloth tied to his palm.

Abdulfollowed Jalal's gaze and yes, the cloth, that embroidered piece ofcloth, a style with a stark resemblance to crafts and stitch popular inRajputana..

Humming away his curiosity, Abdul thought it best toleave Jalal with his newly found peace and tranquility. He could die toget his friend a taste of what Jalal was basking in this moment.

Besides,he had work to attend to. The bodies of their men were to be givenproper burial and also the time was ripe when the atrocities andbrutalities of Shariffuddin and Adham were brought to justice by noneother than the King himself...

P.S Please let me know your views and suggestions..Thanks!

SM

Chapter 4:Part-II "The Realization of the facade

The beautiful morning had begun spreading the warmth, Jalal was all clean, freshed up, wounds tended to. Suddenly his eyes swept past the wound on his bare chest. The blood streak had dried up, he touched the blood trail with his fingers and the flashes of combating Jodha move past his eyes. Smiling he decided to leave the scar untouched.

Ready to meet Bairam Khan before he left for his journey to Mecca, Jalal left his tent and headed to Bairam Khan's.

Seeing Jalal entering, Bairam Khan made a failed move to get up, but Jalal intervened

Jalal: Relax Khan baba, Please do not rise on my account.

Bairam Khan: Long live the king! May your honor rise like mountains and glory be spread to lands far and away.

Jalal: How are you feeling?Are you really sure, you would be able to make through this journey khan baba? It could take a toll on your recovery.

Bairam Khan: My dear king, my beloved Jalal, I'm fine. Please allow me to go. Take it as my last wish. Grant it son.

Jalal stayed silent yet reluctant.

Bairam Khan (sensing the reluctance): I've something to say to you, perhaps for the last time. I have raised you like my own and I'm so proud of what you've become. I want you to know, that you are not just a valiant commander, but also a great king in making. The hardships of life have made you almost unbreakable. People fear you for you can crush the devil himself when it comes to war, but what others can't see is that underneath the brutal persona, you carry a heart of gold. Yes! A golden heart of king, who would treat his subjects equal beyond the classifications of caste, religion, language, culture, gender, in the time to come. You are too young to see it now, but my old eyes can see them all. Let noone tell you otherwise Jalal. This country was never a home to your grandfathers and father, but to you my boy, it is home. You were born in this soil, and this is your identity. Time will prove it Jalal.

My time has come and you'll have to carry forward your journey to "One Nation-One king and "A king of subjects and for subjects without me. Remember Jalal a king rules the territory but a true king rules the heart of his people.

If I were to die I would want to spend the rest of my days in the lap of Almighty, so please let me go Jalal.

Jalal : Please don't say that, May almighty bless you with a long and healthy life. I want you to know Khan baba you saved me. The hatred, anger, despise that I had as a child, you didn't let them consume me rather you moulded the anger in my skill, fueled hatred against injustice, despise against traitors and respect for culture in this land of diversity of ours. I shall always remember your teachings and I promise you what you forsee shall come true. Amen! I shall miss you.

Bairam Khan (with a content sigh and closed eyes): Make fewer but loyal friends Jalal and do recognise the foes amongst your own. Never, never trust anyone my boy..

Jalal nodded.

A brief pause prevailed between the two.

Bairam Khan (fluttered open his eyes): What have you thought about Rajputana. I think you should strategise more before taking any final decision my king. They are going to be the toughest opponents you could ever wish for.

The Rana of Mewar, Maharana Pratap can turn out to be nightmare. Give yourself more time Jalal. One setback and everything Moguls have attained so far will go in waste. A head on collision with him will be sheer disaster. He is politically ripe in his decisions, a gallant mighty warrior not an ounce less than you, and the patriotism he harbours for his soil makes him even more lethal and deadly. You will have to exercise great caution my king.

Jalal listened to Bairam Khan with a calm air. He knew Bairam Khan never under/ over estimates any enemy's potential. If he says that Rana of Mewar was equal to Jalal, he sincerely meant it.

Jalal: I agree Khan baba and I assure you unless I have made an accurate estimate of enemy's military strength and might, I shall not step a foot forward. Just to let you know, I have decided to give a halt to any further invasions. Have heard of rumors about Mogul atrocities in Mewat, Nagaur and Malwa. Have asked Abdul to report at earliest. I shall first strengthen governance in the provinces we've already seized. Would then move on to fresh encounters.

I agree, Rajputana has to be dealt with great caution. I assure you, I shall see to it.

Bairam Khan: Mewat, Nagaur and Malwa, provinces under Sharif and Adham Khan. I have heard too. Adham Khan has not even sent the details of seized treasury to be recorded in Mogul accounts after the annex of Malwa. I ve heard he didn't allow the women of harem there to leave the city after the Nawab of Malwa fled. I couldn't look into the matter given my health, but now that you've decided to look into the matter, I'm quite sure the truth shall be out soon. I never get loyal vibes from the two of them Jalal. They are vicious, brute, arrogant and too ambitious, you better be cautious of the two.

Jalal nodded but stayed silent.

Bairam Khan: There are two more things I wish to ask you my king, but you'll have to promise me that you'll grant me the wishes.

Jalal: Just say it Khan baba and deem it granted.

Bairam Khan: Take care of my family- my wife, Salima Begum and my son Rahim. Nourish him under your wing Jalal after I've left.

Jalal: Please stop saying that Khan baba. You're going nowhere. You'll be fine. But if it brings you any peace, I promise you, your wish shall be my command, and I shall accomplish the task as my responsibility. Say, what is next?

Bairam Khan: Reconcile with Mariam Makani.

The expression at Jalal face changed from soft to stern.

Bairam Khan: I know you feel hurt, given the fact that she couldn't fulfill her responsibilities as your mother. She kept you distant, when you needed her the most. But my dear son she knew she couldn't protect you on her own and you were the only hope of Moguls, you were to be protected at any cost and it is because of this she took the toughest decision of her life. She should be respected for her courage, because you don't even know what it takes to stay away from the person you love the most. The courage you've is her inheritance.

I know you don't hate her, you just wanna keep that distance, not fall into temptation. I know how much have you yearned for a parental love, my boy. The feeling that she could distant you again is what makes you vulnerable to reconcile with her.

Do you stop going to battles because you got struck the last time. No, it never stopped you Jalal, because you know whatsoever comes you'll seize the victory. Same goes in relationship my boy. Love comes with an inevitable part of pain, but you've to be sure that whatever comes your love for that fella shall stay forever.

Now that everything is in your control and command, and that you've also called the ladies to Agra, spend time with your family, get to know them, make them realize that you shall make up for all the lost time. Every phase of life of a king has to be won Jalal, be it personal or political. Open your heart my boy and let the love of people peep through.

Jalal (sighed): I shall try khan baba, I assure you.

Baiarm Khan (rejoiced): That's all I wanted to hear that you'll try. May god bless you with all best he has Jalal and I know with the bottom my heart, my boy, that he will. Let the time come.

Jalal kissed Bairam Khan's hand and left the tent, wishing him a happy and safe journey.

On his way back, faint glimpses of his mother kept flashing before his eyes and words of Bairam Khan "she should be respected for her courage kept reverberating. Jalal knew somewhere in his heart that every word uttered by Bairam Khan was an absolute truth. He was too scared of love lost to give it another shot and fail again. Staying apathetic was much much easier than to open up and get hurt again. Was it so hard to give a try.

Jalal was so amazed that his khan baba had been hinting this for quite sometime, but he never gave the man's advice a serious ear, but what has changed today why he could understand every single word to its actual meaning.

The realization struck him the very moment. The last night he was so natural, he was so overwhelmed in the company of Jodha, everything was so effortless. Her vicinity, his racing heart, he felt and loved the feeling to the very core without even trying for it. As if she just opened the door he'd kept locked for ages. Is his apathy, just a facade that he had believed to be real. Is he just a normal being and is it this easy to break away the walls he had built around his heart to not let anyone, especially his mother to get in as it was for Jodha.

Jalal realized that his childhood was denied of motherly affections, love and care. It was his fate. But now, it is him, who is denying himself the love and care of a family staying distant.

Awestruck and amused he realized that he met her just this once and she had already struck his facade in one blow. God! She was going to be the death of him.

Remembering Bairam Khan's prayer " May god bless you with all best he has Jalal smiled feeling relieved and light- "He just did Khan baba, raising his hand in prayer and sweeping the palms across his face, he murmered "Amen!