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Winter 1607-08, Akbarabad Fort’s Harem

Aitbar Khan Khawaja Sara, in charge of the harem quarters for the ladies in waiting, looked up from the accounts book and skipped a heartbeat. There stood a very familiar face this harem could never forget, only older, perhaps wiser.

“Mehr!” He gasped in delight, “How are you?” He rose up from his seat, and his eyes fell on the bundles of clothes in her hand and the child.

“Is she yours?” He smiled, “How wonderfully pretty, just like her mother!” Mehr Un Nissa forced a smile. Her habit of small talk wasn’t the best. His smile faded. “I’m sorry about your...”

“I am the new Lady in Waiting for the Sultana Begum.” She cut his words short, and he stood a little taken aback. Surely he was aware that the Sultana Begum had asked for a room for her new lady, but never in his strangest of imagination could he think it was Mehr Un Nissa.

“Why yes! I have been told...” He took the bunch of keys that hung from a nail beside him, which prompted a servant boy to come forward. He dismissed the boy and picked up one of her bundles. “I will take her myself. Follow me.”

Mehr walked through the narrow red-stoned corridors, beside the latrine cubicles, covering her nose with her veil, Ladli in her arm.

“There are the latrines you can use to wash your clothes, do daily chores and take baths. Right here are the wash basins for the utensils. I hope you brought your own.” Aitbar walked ahead, explaining as Mehr kept quick to his toes, avoiding the glances that fell on her. Some of the ladies were amused at the fall from grace of the Emperor’s lover and the Chief’s daughter, while others sympathised with her condition. Aitbar Khan opened the lock of a door and pushed the wooden knobs. It opened with a creaking sound, and a sudden smell of dampness and dust filled the air.

“Sorry, Love, this is the only available room now. I know it’s closer to the latrine, so keep the door shut, there is a small ventilator... umm... do you need any help?”He looked at her sheepishly, a little unsure if Ghiyaz Begh’s daughter could stay there.

“No, thank you.” Mehr smiled, putting Ladli down on the dusty floor. “I can take it from here.”

“Are you sure? You probably had help all your life and...”

“I am. Things have changed. I have to.” Mehr looked around and tied up her dupatta firmly on her face. “Can I borrow a broom and bucket from someone?”

“Surely.” Aitbar Khan called one of the girls, who reluctantly shared her bucket and broom, giving Mehr a judgmental look. Making Ladli sit on the stone slab that would be their bed with a toy to keep her occupied, Mehr Un Nissa started cleaning the room.

When Aitbar Khan stepped out into the Harem courtyard, it was already divided into two sides, one that spoke for the poor young widow and her fallen status and another that laughed at her audacity to dream of becoming a queen. He shook his head and made his way to the Rajput Zenana. Jodha Bai was on the balcony and sighed at the sight of him. He walked inside and bowed.

“You asked me to come here once the new lady in waiting arrived.” He now understood why.

“Yes, where is she set up?”Jodha Bai asked rather plainly, focusing on a grape she picked up from her silver plate.

“In one of the ground-floor quarters, besides the latrines.” He spoke reluctantly.

Jodha Begum seemed pleased. “Very well. Keep an eye on her.”

Aitbar Khan bowed, waiting to be dismissed. He knew if he wanted to be alive, the last thing he would do was to keep an eye on Rukaiya Begum’s ladies.

Mehr Un Nissa finished decorating her room and stood tired and satisfied. She had put all their clothes in the trunk in the corner, set up her utensils, jars and dress materials in another, made the bed on the stone slab, and even put a rug on the cold floor for Ladli to play on. Her toys lay scattered as Mehr tried hard to look at the courtyard through the small ventilator. She made Ladli wear her best clothes after cleaning herself up and made her way to see Rukaiya Begum.

Rukaiya Begum was sitting in her garden, hearing the bulbuls sing in the afternoon, as her ladies arranged for some juice and fruits, when Mehr came and bowed.

“She is Ladli.” Mehr Un Nissa spoke. “My daughter.”

Rukaiya Begum smiled at the scared child. Memories of Aqiqa filled her heart. She held out an apple for the child to take. “Tara.” She called out to one of the maids, “Take her to the school room for the girls and get her child enrolled.” Mehr Un Nisa bowed as she asked, “Is your room alright?” She nodded shortly as Rukaiya frowned, “Where have you been given accommodation?”

“The ground floor of the east wing, beside the Latrines, Sultana Begum.” Mehr had bowed and left, as Rukaiya frowned.

“Aitbar Khan!” Rukaiya Begum sat up on her cushion as soon as he arrived, “How dare you put my lady in waiting for accommodation with the others on the ground floor?”

“Mercy Begum, there was no more room...”He fumbled.

“Then make sure there is.”Rukaiya Begum spoke intently, dismissing him.

Mehr Un Nissa frowned to see a lock on the door of her allotted room as Aitbar walked up to her.

“You have been provided accommodation on the second floor, with a better view. Your things have been shifted. Sultana Begum told me to apologise....”

“What happened to the person already staying there?” Mehr asked with a little frown.

“We moved her in to share a room with an elderly person.” Abdullah rubbed his hands together “She is one of Jodha Begum’s girls.” He sighed.

“Won’t you be facing her wrath then?” Mehr asked as Aitbar Khan smiled sheepishly. “Have to choose between the bad and worse. That’s what living here is.”

Mehr nodded as she made her way up to the new room, airier, larger and with a large window to look out to the courtyard, and curtains. She sighed.

No matter how much she tried, living in the Timurid Harem meant she had to play the game everyone else was playing. She was thankful that one of the strongest pointers was on her side. Why? She had to find out.

It is clear that Mehr Un Nissa was a lady in waiting for the dowager queen Rukaiya Sultana Begum, and she played an active role in the marriage of Mehr with Jahangir. However, what is not clear is whether Jahangir met or knew Mehr before she became Ali Quli’s widow or whether she was discovered by him later, as one of Rukaiya Begum’s handmaids. Mehr-un-Nissa was also said to have been one of Rukaiya’s favourites in the harem due to her Persian blood. Aitbar Khan, Aqa Aqayan and a few others have been named by various sources as keepers of Jahangir’s harems at Lahore and Agra during his reign. For the sake of the story, it’s assumed that Aitbar Khan was in charge since he was there even during Akbar’s reign.

My Everything

Kunwar Pratap stormed into the Mahal at Gogunda amidst uncertainty and chaos. Happy faces of the chieftains and soldiers welcomed him as Rawat Chundawat, and some other chieftains stopped the ongoing Raj Tilak. A visibly scared Kunwar Jagmal looked clueless at a visibly angry Kunwar Pratap. Rani Dheerbai Bhatiyani hadn't expected Kunwar Pratap to show up, that too, despite her conveying to him his father's last wish of crowning Kunwar Jagmal. Twenty-one days after Udai Singh's death, she was finally close to a dream she had dared to dream since Jagmal was born. He was not informed about the Raj Tilak as per Dheerbai's instructions. She eyed Rawat Ji. He must have assembled the chiefs to this revolt against her son, against the dead king. No one except them knew where Kunwar Pratap was staying. It was for the safety of his family. " What are you doing, Chotima?" A disappointed voice was directed at her. She could stoop down so low? For the first time, an anger...

Purnota: Chapter Thirty Eight

Trilochon was so overwhelmed that Binoy came for the Pujo and Kirtan on Dol Purnima. Their neighbours, friends and acquaintances had all gathered in the Thakur Dalan, first for the pujo when the idol of Sree Radha and Sree Krishna were worshipped in the Dalan, and Horir Loot of Batasha and Naru were distributed. Unlike in the village, people here, especially children, did not fight over the Horir Loot . Bondita and Batuk took part in the ritual like they used to as kids, counting the number of Batasha each of them had, amusing the elders who reminisced about their childhood and how Batuk snatched Bondita’s share and ran as she chased after him, shouting. The Kirtan followed the pujo, the tales of Sree Krishna’s prowess, his Leela and Radha’s sacrifice were sung with the sounds of Dhol and Khanjani . It followed the devotional songs praising Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and his praises to Lord Krishna. Bondita not only liked the stories of Kirtan but also how the crowd joined in the singing and...

His Wife

" Where is the Kesar, Rama? And the Kalash?" Ajabdeh looked visibly displeased at the ladies who ran around. " They are at the fort gates, and nothing is ready yet!" She exclaimed. She was clad in a red lehenga and the jewellery she had inherited as the first Kunwarani of the crown prince. Little Amar ran down the hallway towards his mother. " Maasa Maasa... who is coming with Daajiraj?" His innocent question made her heart sink. " Bhanwar Ji." Sajja Bai called out to him. " Come here, I will tell you." Amar rushed to his Majhli Dadisa., " Ajabdeh." She turned at Jaivanta Bai's call. "They are here." " M... My Aarti thali..." Ajabde looked lost like never before. Jaivanta Bai held her stone-cold hands, making her stop. She patted her head and gave her a hug. The hug gave her the comfort she was looking for as her racing heart calmed down. Jaivanta Bai left her alone with her thaal. " Maa sa!" ...

Towards You

The Afghans, after Sher Shah Suri's untimely demise, were at loggerheads for power. Their troops near Mewar were now led by Mehmood Shah. They secretly captured territories in the forests and waited to attack Mewari camps when the time was right. Rawat Chundawat and his spies had confirmed the news, and Udai Singh sent a warning to Mehmood Shah to withdraw his troops from Mewar in vain. Now that it was out in the open, it was time they declared war. Mehmood Shah had limited resources in Mewar. His internal rebellion against his commander did not help his cause. His spies clearly suggested that in no way could he win, especially with Kunwar Pratap leading his troops. He was having second thoughts about the war. It was then that one of his aides suggested a perfect plan. Maharani Jaivanta Bai had decided to go to the Mahakaleshwar Temple near the outskirts of Chittorgarh, in the forestlands of Bhilwara. They had travelled a long way and across the Gambhiri river that meandered during...

Purnota: Chapter Forty One

Kalindi stood looking at the Ganga in the distance as Trilochon watched her. It was later in the night, and the stars were veiling the clear summer sky. A cool breeze blew from the Ganga, relaxing Kalindi’s restless heart as she took a stroll. Trilochon had spotted her in the garden from his balcony and walked up to her. She did not turn as he came up behind her and cleared his throat. “I apologise for storming off like that.” He was the first to speak. Kalindi inhaled. “Have you heard that she went to borrow a saree from Bouma to wear to some party?” Kalindi spoke rather monotonously. “Yes, Bouma said so.” Trilochon cleared his throat. He left out the part where Asha enthusiastically told him about Bondita blushing and her idea of telling Bondita to confess her feelings. Instead, Trilochon added, “The senior is very influential. He can have some good contacts for Bondita. Perhaps enough for her to get a job in Kolkata, like you wanted.” Kalindi could hear through his unconvincing...

To Protect You

Kunwar Pratap was in the court with Rana Udai Singh. The Mughals were conquering a huge part of the north courtesy of Bairam Khan and Mewar on their routes to the ports of Surat. " Daajiraj, we need to secure the roads leading to Agra and also towards the west. The attack-prone areas should always be under surveillance." " Yes, Ranaji. Baojiraj is right." Rawatji agreed. In the Rani Mahal, everyone was preparing for a grand lunch. Ajabdeh was making a drink for the princes and princesses, and in a hurry, she forgot to add the Kesar and Badam on top. As she served the smaller princes, including Kunwar Jagmal, Dheerbai came to inspect her eldest son's food. " What is this? Who made this? Kokoiaji?" She stormed to the kitchen with a bowl of sweet dishes. " Kunwaranisa did." Came a scary answer, from Veer Bai. " Ajabdeh Baisa." Her words let out a silent gasp from the lesser queens who stood witness. Calm and composed, Ajabdeh walke...

Purnota: Chapter Forty Three

Trilochon and Kalindi were having tea in the morning in their living room when Binoy walked downstairs in his Pajama Panjabi, pipe in hand and found them. Watching him unusually in his home attire, Trilochon frowned. “Are you sick? I thought you had already left.” Binoy sat down on the single chaise chair beside the couch as Kalindi poured some tea for him. “ I told you, Dada, I am here to retire.” He said, putting his pipe in his pocket. “Today, Som is going alone. We will see how that goes.” Their conversation was interrupted by Asha coming into the house in a white and red saree, with a red sindoor Teep on her forehead. She had a basket with her, and Koeli was accompanying her as she offered them the sweets she had taken as Prasad. “Since it’s his first day at the new position, we went to the temple together.” Asha narrated to Kalindi. “He left for work from there.” “Do you not have school today?” Kalindi enquired as Asha shook her head. She smiled, eyeing Trilochon, who narra...

Purnota: Chapter Forty

“ Ei Bondita,” Asha called her from the stairs as Bondita placed down some papers Aniruddha wanted from the office and was leaving the house. “Come up to my room.” She waved. “ Aschi, Boudi.” Bondita walked up to her room, removing the waistcoat from over her Kurti. She sat down on the edge of Asha’s bed and closed the door. Bondita looked perplexed. “What… is wrong?” “Where is Dadabhai? Is he here?” Bondita shook her head. He was probably still working. “Sir.” The newly recruited junior knocked on the chamber door of Aniruddha’s office as he looked up from the screen. “Your father is here.” Aniruddha frowned a little at his words. Binoy never visited the office. He asked the man to bring him in. Binoy walked in, in a polo-necked navy blue t-shirt over a pair of beige pants, as Aniruddha observed him remove his glasses and look around. “What brought you here?” He enquired after waiting a little in vain for him to speak. “Just came by… for a chat.” Binoy sat down on the seat acros...

Endless

Kunwar Pratap reached the Dangal. Ranima had ordered Ajabdeh to practise regularly. She was nowhere around since he woke up that morning. He had assumed she was with Ranima for the morning prayers, but then she was not in the Dangal on time, either. Ajabdeh was never late. He felt a little uneasy as he picked up the sword. A thunder made him look up at the gloomy sky as he felt the first drop of rain. A little wet, he ran through the corridors. Ajabdeh had woken up feeling unwell. He was sleeping after a tiring day, so she decided against calling him and, more, worrying him. She bathed, hoping to feel better, performed her puja and went to the gardens for some fresh air. Still feeling uneasy in the gloomy weather, she decided that playing with Parvati might make her feel better. After some talk with Bhago and playing with Parvati, she stood up from the floor and felt dizzy. Bhago caught her hand. " Are you all right?" " I just felt a little dizzy. I don't know why...

Destiny

The war was almost won. A few of Marwar’s soldiers were left on the field along with Rao Maldeo Singh Rathore, their king and leader. He was thinking of retreating at the end of this day. As his sword clashed with one of the opponent generals as he eyed the opponent King now open and prone to attack. A little hope flickered in his mind as his eyes instructed his closest aide. The opponent was in a winning situation thanks to their new Senapati. He was just sixteen, yet his bravery and valour reflected his blood and upbringing. He mesmerised the opponents and even Rao Maldeo with his clever war strategies and sword skills. As Maldeo’s aide swung his sword at a taken aback Udai Singh, someone’s sword defended it as his body acted like a shield for the king. He killed the man in one go. “ Ranaji, are you okay?” “ Haan Raoji.” He nodded gratefully. By half the day, the Marwar army had retreated as the air filled with “ Jai Mewar! Jai Eklingji!” From the triumphant soldiers. Rana Udai ...

RAABTA

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