RAABTA

March 16 5 8, Agra " In bloodshed and hatred, In battles and bravery, Tears of love, years of hope, All was lost." Months passed by as Shah Jahan grew sicker than before. His mind was disturbed by the constant move of his sons and the talk of their alliances against Dara. He had crowned Dara the heir. Jahanara had backed his decision. Now he feared for his most loved son’s life. “Janni.” He had feebly extended his hand to her as she entered the Khas Mahal. “My child” “Yes, Father.” Jahanara stared at the empty eyes of the Emperor that lacked spark. “How long has it been since your mother left us?” He asked, staring at the Taj in the distance. “Father…” “Tell me, Janni.” “It’s been twenty-six years, that she…” “She was my will to live, Janni. I see Dara finding that will in Nadira. After her death, I didn’t rule well, did I?” He stared at his favourite child. Jahanara’s jaws stiffened. “You were a father like a king… You are…” She stopped at hi...

2nd June 1634, Burhanpur. " My heart is an endowment of my beloved, the devotee and lover of his sacred shrine, a soul that enchants mine."  The Raja of Bundi had arrived at Burhanpur after a win in the war of Paranda. He had met the crown prince Dara and was honoured with a sword and elephant before he came to pay his respect to the Padishah Begum as per the norms of the court. Jahanara was writing in her room. Her maid came with the news, “Begum Sahib, the Raja of Bundi has arrived at court; he is at the Bagh to pay you his respect.” “Tell him to sit in the courtyard of my bagh, I will be there.” She had risen from her place, covered her face in the veil of her dupatta and walked to the place where he waited. “ Begum Sahib”, he had acknowledged her presence with a salutation. She returned the bow with a nod. She was sitting inside the arch while he was on the other side of the Purdah, the sun shining over his head as he took his seat on the velvet carpet th...