Skip to main content

Turbulent Times

1626, Rajouri.

The entourage was forced to camp midway through their journey due to the sudden deterioration in the health of the Padshah Jahangir. The Padshah wanted a drink of wine, but he could not swallow it. As he choked and coughed, Nur Jahan held her nerves and wiped him clean and made him lie down to rest. His forehead was burning with fever, and he was losing consciousness. Nur Jahan immediately sent a messenger to Lahore to let Shahryar know that the emperor wouldn’t survive the break of dawn. However, she decided to keep the news a secret till they reached Lahore, where he wished to be buried. 

She sat through the night beside the man she loved, holding his hand firmly in hers as he slowly started losing his grip. At dawn, he had stopped breathing. She sat at his bedside, for some moments in silence, as Asaf Khan entered, hearing the news and put his hand firmly on her shoulder. All the chiefs were awake all night, praying for his painless passing outside the royal tent. As soon as Asaf Khan held Nur Jahan, she cried. It was like ages of pain were hidden in her tears as she shed every drop for him, who perhaps loved no other the way he loved her. After a few minutes, she regained her posture and wiped away the tears. She then called in all the chiefs and informed them to keep the news of his passing a secret till they reached Lahore, where he was to be buried. This strange request did not go down well with the chiefs. Most of them knew she was buying time to reach Lahore and declare Shahryar as the heir to the throne. After all, her daughter would that way be the empress. They never found Shahryr competent for the job. All at once, in the silence of the moments as Jahangir’s body was dressed and preserved in a coffin to be taken to Lahore, loyalties shifted from Nur Jahan’s side to Shah Jahan’s.

Asaf Khan had sent out a secret message to Shah Jahan at dawn informing him that the time had come. He was aware that after three days of mourning, Shah Jahan would set out for Lahore, but he knew his sister would act in haste. He took the men concerned about the future of the empire into his confidence. Unaware, Nur Jahan led the last entourage of the late emperor all the way to Lahore.

Shehzade Shahryr’s eyes glittered as he read her message. Ladli Begum asked, a little pale, “What’s wrong?”

“The Padshah...” He said. Ladli Begum nodded. She was about to take out her mourning attire when Shahryr stopped her. “Your mother has some specific instructions for us.” He almost whispered. For in the palace, even the walls could hear.

“Us?” Ladli Begum asked in fear. Shahryar nodded. That night, he set out with a few trusted men and opened the royal treasury. He took out as much wealth as he could and shifted some of the weaponry into his harem as well. But everything didn’t go unnoticed.

Dawar Baksh, who still believed he was indeed the competent ruler everyone wanted on the throne, was an inexperienced teenager at nineteen. He assembled his little troop against Shahryr’s men. 

Inside the Lahore fort, the men faced each other, and Dawar Baksh was captured again. Shehzade Shahryr, without a second thought, did as he was instructed by his mother-in-law and declared himself king. Ladli Begum kept begging him to wait for the empress, but he paid no heed. Angered and sensing that her child’s life could be in danger, that night, Ladli Begum packed her belongings in silence.

“Where do you think you are going?” Shehzade Shahryar asked, “You are my empress.” Ladli Begum let out a sigh. “Do you realise you are just a pawn here?” She rebuked her husband. “I kept telling you to stay away, but you never listened. Do you have any idea what you have caused?”

“Listen, Ladli Begum, I am as much the rightful heir to the throne as Shah Jahan, no matter what you think.” He spoke with irritation. Ladli Begum dropped the bundle of clothes on the floor.

“What do I think?” She asked, frowning, “What do you mean?”

“You know exactly what I mean.”

“No, please don't tell me!”

“You are my wife, but the truth is, you always think he is better. You never fell out of love with him, and you hope he kills me and marries you just like your mother wanted your father killed!” Shehzade Shahryr didn’t expect Ladli Begum to slap him. But she did. As soon as her father came into the conversation, Ladli Begum had had enough.

“You insulted me and our relationship and proved why I doubted you in the first place.” She said firmly, “How are you so shallow?” She had tears in her eyes. Shehzaade Shahryr fumed in rage.

“How dare you hit me?” He held her bun tight in his grip and made her shriek in pain. Arzani Begum woke up in the commotion and tiptoed to the threshold of their chamber. Unaware of her presence, Shahryr pushed Ladli Begum down on the floor. Her knees hit the stone floor and hurt her. 

“You are not fit to be royal blood! No wonder they all refused you.” He said in rage. 

“Is that so?” Ladli Begum got up and picked up her bundle. “Then mark my words, Shehzaade Shahryr, you are not even a pawn in this game. You will be doomed.”

“Oh, you pray for that, don’t you?” He asked, looking at her, hurt. “If only you stopped misunderstanding the Padshah Begum and being jealous of her.”

“Jealous? I wish I had never had a life like she had... and as for you...The universe knows how loyal I was to you, how I loved and honoured you; and you never did so truly from your heart.” Ladli Begum spoke, “But today, before being your wife, I am a mother. And today, I understand my mother a little better.”

Ladli Begum stepped across the threshold in tears and saw Arzani Begum standing there, shocked. She picked her child up and hugged her mother’s neck. Planting a kiss on her forehead, she turned to Shehzaade Shahryar, “I will pray that I am wrong and we meet again, in a better place.”

Ladli Begum instructed her eunuch to take them to Shahdara, where the emperor was to be buried, at dawn. She took up one of the quarters near the construction site, hoping her mother would decide to stay there to oversee the construction of the emperor’s tomb. 

“Why are we leaving Abbu behind?” Arzani asked once on the journey. Ladli Begum held her close and kissed her forehead.

“Because sometimes we have to choose ourselves over the ones we love.”





Popular posts from this blog

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 Twenty Seven

A week had passed since Binoy left, and Bondita found herself trying to get used to Aniruddha’s bouts of aloofness. On one hand, she was glad that Binoy and Aniruddha had talked things out and seemed to be on talking terms, but on the other, since Binoy left, she could not help but notice Aniruddha pushing her further away. He barely talked to her except for work, and she did not know what she had done wrong to deserve this coldness. She wished he would talk to her, and she could tell him that he was hurting her, but she kept a brave face and decided not to. At work, she was informed by her Senior Lawyer, Mitra, about the promotion Aniruddha had suggested for her. “A promotion?” She was surprised as he nodded. “Yes, from assisting him to having a cubicle downstairs.” Mitra thought it was good news for her, given how the Boss’s temper ran. Bondita smiled faintly. He also informed her that he would let her know for sure that week. Her desk would be moved soon. Aniruddha was away for a ca...

Purnota: Chapter Twenty Five

I t took Trilochon half a day to figure out something was wrong at home. Since he was back, Somnath did not talk to him at all, and Aniruddha looked visibly upset. They avoided each other at the dining table and the living room. Trilochon was not comfortable with asking Ashalata anything. In the evening, as Kalindi poured tea from the pot, Trilochon groaned inwardly. “It’s not even six months since he got married, and she has started a war between brothers.” Kalindi stopped pouring the tea as she turned to him. “What?” She asked, a little cluelessly. “If I had chosen a bride…” Trilochon stopped at Kalindi’s disapproving stare. “What makes you say that?” She asked rather calmly. “Well, I never saw Som and Aniruddha fight until she came here.” Kalindi looked amused at his words. “You are the type for whom people hate in-laws.” “Pardon?” Trilochon narrowed his brows. “What do you mean?” “Bondita. Ask Bondita.” Kalindi shook her head. “I told her it was a bad idea to work with him.” “You h...

Purnota: Chapter Twenty Six

Bondita was surprised to find Binoy in the living room of the Roy Chowdhury house as she entered the premises early in the morning. Trilochon sat with his brother, looking serious as they discussed some paperwork, as Bihari walked out with tea. Noticing Bondita so early in the morning, Trilochon looked up questioningly. “I have some errands to run before the office.” Bondita smiled as Trilochon nodded. She had to pay some bills and deliver some of the orders Kalindi had finished because her ankle hurt in the morning. Trilochon enquired about her need for medicines as Bondita reassured him that she had made sure of it. Bondita briefly eyed Binoy, who showed no interest in her or the conversation, as he remained focused on the papers. Bondita cleared her throat, informing Trilochon that she should be on her way. “I think you should show her the papers, Binoy.” Trilochon stopped her as he suggested to Binoy, who eyed Bondita briefly. He looked unsure as Bondita opened her mouth, shaking h...

Purnota: Chapter Twenty Eight

“I… made tomorrow’s schedule.” Bondita cleared her throat. She was about to leave the study room after she had made the next day’s schedule for Aniruddha to check when he entered the house. He seemed preoccupied, as he did not notice her presence and walked towards the study room, only to stop at the threshold and spot her pretending to arrange the files. Aniruddha moved away from the threshold towards his desk, making space for her to leave as he removed his glasses and placed them down.  “You should take that job in Kolkata.” Bondita stopped but did not turn as he continued. “It's a good opportunity to make contacts in the High Court and get paid well.” Bondita’s throat dried as she did not respond. “Thamma can stay here, you can visit on weekends.”  He wanted her to leave; what more could she say? She walked away without exchanging any words. Aniruddha sat in the high chair, watching her leave as he sighed. He clasped his hands together, realising they were sweaty. He sudde...

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 One

“Please, Sir, we were going to show the evacuation notice to the lawyer.” The older man with a salt and pepper beard and a bald head pleaded with the Judiciary official, who handed him a paper of illegal occupancy. The NGO stood on the ground of the property that belonged to the Bhowmicks. Their lawyer, Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury, had sent a notice of warning and evacuation that the NGO did not pay heed to. The man in charge looked least concerned at the plea of the older man. His hands were folded, eyes teary, as the men who came with the Bull Dozer to knock down the one-storey house with thatched roof broke down the board of the NGO.  “Why did you not show the notice then?” The man rebuked in a gruff voice. “Because we thought it was some mistake.” Another man, relatively younger and calmer, came forward from the crowd that stood there watching as he spoke. “We got the land as a gift from Mr. Bhowmick some eleven years back to make the school for the orphans.” “Then where is the dee...

Purnota: Chapter Twenty Nine

“Boro Malik is waiting for you.” Bihari’s words made Aniruddha look confused. “He has something to talk about.” Aniruddha eyed the watch on his left hand; it was past dinner time. He stepped into the house to find voices in the living room. He walked in curiously and found Trilochon speaking to a guest. “There he is!” Before Aniruddha could answer Trilochon’s queries, his eyes fell on the guest. Saudamini stood up, turning to him with a formal smile. She looked different with the Sindoor and Shakha Pola, a Tant saree and a gold chain around her neck. Aniruddha was a little surprised to see her, and it showed on his face, perhaps as Trilochon briefed him that Mini was here to sell off the property belonging to her father and wanted some legal advice. Aniruddha nodded, smiling back at her as he directed her to the study. “Oh, Mini is here to sell off the house.” Bondita looked wide-eyed at Kalindi and shook her head. “Why did you not tell me that before? I will go see her now.” She was a...

Purnota: Chapter Thirty Two

Bondita got down from the local train with a duffle bag and her hoodie tied around the waist of her dark green Kurti, which she teamed with white leggings and a white dupatta. The weather at Canning seemed hotter and humid than Chandannagar, and at first glance, Bondita spotted the spring blooms of Krishnachura painting the tree at the station red. She picked up her bag and looked around the crowded station. Someone was supposed to come and get her. She dragged her bag through the crowd and finally reached the gates. The rickshaws, vans and small autos were shouting out names of different places, names that appeared like images in her memories. “Bondita Malkin?” She turned to see a woman in a checked printed saree worn above the ankle with a Ghomta over her head and the Anchol tied to her waist. Bondita nodded as the woman in her forties surprised her by touching her feet. Bondita jolted away in shock. “What are you doing?” She asked with raised brows as the woman took her duffel bag. ...

Purnota: Chapter Twenty Four

Aniruddha let the shower run as his skin erupted into goosebumps under the cold water. He breathed out and removed the locks of wet hair from his face. He turned off the shower, wrapped the towel lowly around his waist and walked back to the room, not caring about the wet floor from the water dripping down his torso. He lay on the bed as his body soaked the blanket. He stared at the ceiling, stretching his arms over his head. Bondita’s promise played on his mind in a loop. “I will not leave… I will never leave.” He wanted to believe her. He wanted one person he could fall back on, trusting them to catch him when he stumbled. But his experiences proved him otherwise. He remembered that day as vividly as if it were yesterday.  He had bought a scarf for Bondita from Palika Bazaar as a truce because he felt bad leaving home after fighting with her. He had tried to be patient with her and sat her down numerous times to make her understand why boarding school would benefit her. Aniruddha...