Friday Update on Jodha & Akbar, 23rd July, 2021

In Agra, Moti and some Hindu Servants wish to see Jalal; Jalal orders them in… They sing praises of Jalal’s broadmindedness and thank him for removing the tax. Moti adds that had Jodha been here, she too would have been elated. Jalal hopes that this news does reach Jodha and she at least will remember him on this pretext.

Jodha is praying to Kali maa, Saguni Bai informs Jodha Begum that her time to depart has come. Jodha smilingly agrees and says she has completed her prayers and will be leaving soon… Shaguni corrects her pointing out that she had called her Jodha Begum and not Kunwri Jodha… Jodha is puzzled, she falteringly replies that she has not understood Shaguni’s cryptic talk… Shaguni grows even more enigmatic, retorts that destiny is always inscrutable. Jodha walks out.

In Agra, Hamida and Jalal have a chat. Hamida has begun to treat Jalal as the King addressing him respectfully. Hamida hesitantly brings up the issue of Maham and involving her in running of the government, but Jalal doesn’t agree with her.

In Amer, Jodha is handing out coins to Hindu pilgrims so that they can pay the tax for pilgrimage when a maid comes hurrying, she tells Jodha that a messenger from Agra has come with the news that Tax has been abolished Jodha is very surprised and comes out of the temple, she is ecstatic to hear everyone singing praises of Jalal. Jodha realizes that Jalal’s heart has awakened.

SOULTALK
Jodha says she began to recollect each and every word that he had said. We get the flashback of Jalal apologizing, of all the other moments…

In Agra, Maham is in her room, gnashing her teeth and riling against the overweening influence of Jodha. Maham is angry that Jalal is veering towards Hinduism and away from Islam, She blames Jodha for this change!

Hamida walks into Maham’s room. Hamida and Maham engage in conversation. Hamida informs Maham that her faults are many, but at the same time, Hamida says one cannot overlook Maham’s contribution and her sacrifices. Hamida encourages Maham to try and decrease the distance between Jalal and herself. Hamida points out that Jalal still respects her hence, he has overlooked many faults of Adham and hers. Hamida wishes the best for Maham and leaves.

Maham who was looking all broken with tears rolling down her cheeks gets back to cruel mode again. Maham says unto the empty room, that she is least bothered about Jalal’s opinion nor concerned about him. From this moment on, all her energies, her planning will be towards getting her own Son Adham to the throne!

In Amer, all have sat down to dinner and are waiting for Jodha to come. Jodha bustles in, declares that she was foolish and pushed her stubbornness beyond limit and wants to return to Agra, that too on that night itself, all in one breath. Manawati reminds Jodha that it is night and not safe, and one has to see to the auspicious time, but Bharmal shoots down this suggestions saying that since Jodha is returning to her home, there is no need for such formalities.

In Amer, Jodha is leaving for Agra, she meets Kaki and Manawati, they cry, she touches Bharmal’s feet, he blesses her, Menawati does her aarti (farewell prayer), Jodha comes out of the Palace and sit in the palanquin, their caravan starts its journey to Agra.

In Agra, in Court, Atgah says some Hindu people want to thank you for removing tax and wants to gift you, Adham says only this was left, Sharifudden says don’t burn your blood, just enjoy the drama. The Hindu representative comes and thanks Jalal, Jalal says it was my duty, they say you took your duties and told this world that everyone can follow their religion. you told us that you have a big heart and you lessen our burden.

Jalal says Emperor is like a father, I hope I always keep all of you happy and serve my people, they say they have brought some gift, Jalal says it’s not needed, they say please accept it, they gifts him a big Quran paak, Qazi says they are playing with Jalal’s feelings to make him on their side, Jalal is happy to see it and prays.

Soul Talk– Jalal says that day, I realized that what is Eid is actually karvachauth (fast), when God didn’t make wall between people, then why we make it, that day I hoped that you come back.

Ruqaiya is happy and says to Jalal in the room that people are going crazy for your no tax order, Jalal says most of the people are thinking that I did that only for the Hindus, Ruqaiya says it doesn’t matter, see how much people are happy, Jalal says I should have done that before, when I went out with Jodha, I was subjected to this tax, Ruqaiya says let’s play chess for your celebration, Jalal says I have political matters to handle, Ruqaiya becomes angry and says you care for all, but not my feelings!

Jalal smiles and says okay, lets’ play but only one game, they sit to play but a Servant comes, Ruqaiya scolds her and says to go out, Jalal says what’s the message? The Servant says a letter came from Amer, Ruqaiya says Jalal will come after playing, Jalal says no, it must be important, he goes out and gets the letter. Ruqaiya fumes that Jodha is snatching him from afar too.

Jalal comes running to Ruqaiya and ask her to read the letter for him, Ruqaiya ask about game? He says I will play 2 games, but read it first, Ruqaiya reads and Bharmal writes in the letter that;

Jodha is coming to Agra

Jalal can’t believe it, the letter says;

Jodha have already left for Agra and will reach soon.

Jalal says this means Jodha forgave me, this is the best news of my life, I will welcome her grandly, I will play with you some other day, he goes out, Ruqaiya is heartbroken and shouts Jodha, I hate you a lot!!!!!

Jalal comes shouting to Hamida and says my wife and your daughter is coming back, Hamida says thank God, he listened to my prayers, I don’t want it to be a dream, Jalal says it’s reality, he says I did a mistake, but I hoped you forgive me, Hamida says let bygones be bygones, I hope that you both learn from this incident and start to trust each other, we have to welcome her grandly.

Jalal is excited and says my Wife, Queen and sunshine of Agra is coming back, so her welcoming will be done by the whole Agra, it’s only because of her, that I became a great Emperor, she taught me how to rule hearts, he ask Salima to keep check on Harem’s preparation, Salima nods and sasy you are so much happy? Jalal says yes, he says to Hamida thanks for forgiving me.

For the celebrations, Jalal assign duties, Sharifudden thinks I am happy Jodha is coming, but sad also, as you are not coming for me.

Jalal ask Atgah to send fast paced horses and ask them to inform me about how much distance is left for Jodha to come, he ask Maan Singh to do arrangement in Rajvanshi style, she is our pride, I want you to go to Jodha and do a grand welcoming for her, I want her to come here with so much happiness that she forgets about the time she left from here. Maan Singh nods.

Jalal says to Sharifudden that you have responsibility to check decorations, you have to decorate the whole Agra, he agrees. Jalal says I can’t tell you how happy I am that you are coming!

Hoshiyar tells Moti that Jodha is coming back, she thanks the lord and says I have to clean and decorate her room, she says Jodha coming here is like light coming into darkness. Salima comes there and supervise the decorations of her room.

In the Palace, it is been decorated, Jalal is checking, Jalal ask Atgah have you sent the fast paced horse men, so that they can infrom us about how much Jodha has reached? Atgah says yes. Atgah says I am happy that you have smile on your face, Jalal says to Atgah that when Jodha went away, everything was finished but now, I have ray of hope in my heart and now she is coming back, I am so so happy, he hugs Atgah (2nd time he’s hugging Atgah because of Jodha; the first was when she recovered from Benazir’s Poison intake on behalf of Jalal)

Jalal gets the news that Jodha has covered half distance, Jalal gets happy and gifts the soldier, Jalal says I am only waiting when you will enter here, without you, every minute is like a year.

The Queens gossips that first, she was stubborn, she didn’t come with Jalal and now coming here? One Queen says if you understand her, then you would be in place of Jodha, it’s a thing of love, it was the first time that Jalal went for some Wife so there is something different in her.

Ruqaiya comes to Jalal and sees him restless, she thinks that the one who left you, you are waiting for her, and the one who is with you from childhood, you are ignoring her. she ask Jalal what he’s doing on the terrace? Jalal says I am waiting for Jodha, Ruqaiya says I know you are happy that she is coming back, even me too, but by waiting like this, will she come quickly? Jalal says you are right, but I don’t have control on my heart, I only want to see Jodha, I am not feeling to do anything or to rest.I have only one wish, that I get to see Jodha.

The soldier tells him that Jodha have covered most of the distance and she will be here by tomorrow, Jalal is beyond happy and says see Ruqaiya, only one night, then tomorrow morning, she will be here. Ruqaiya says that’s good, I have to do preparations, Jalal says I am happy that you are doing all this, Ruqaiya says my happiness is in your happiness, she thinks in mind that I don’t want to do it, but I fear that I don’t get away from you, so I have to pretend to be nice in front of Jodha. she goes.

Ruqaiya comes to the Servants and orders them to do good decorations, the whole Palace should look beautiful and Jalal wants it to be in Rajvanshi style and also prepare Jodha’s favourite food.

Maham comes there and says seems like you are ill? Ruqaiya says may my enemy be ill. Maham says who tried to snatch your position, you are doing all this for her welcoming. Ruqaiya says I told you many times that no one can snatch my position and I also can’t go against Jodha like you, but I will be close to her to get close to Jalal, then I will find a way to separate them. Maham says you should have said that you are scared of Jodha. Ruqaiya says not fear, it’s cleverness, one should move in the direction of the wind and not against the wind, as it will destroy like you, she leaves.

Jodha’s caravan is on its journey, they stop somewhere seeing tents, they meet Maan Singh there, Shehnaz is with jodha, Jodha comes out and ask Maan you here? Maan Singh says I will accompany you from now till Agra.

Resham comes to Maham and says decorations are like tomorrow is Eid, Maham scolds her. Adham comes there and fumes that Jalal is celebrating Jodha’s return greatly, he says you tried a lot and now she is coming back with full respect and we will bow down to her, it’s our defeat! Maham says not our defeat, but the defeat of the Mughal sultanates. Once, this sultanate made Rajvanshies bow down to us, and now, it’s the opposite, it’s doing karma and only because of one Rajvanshi woman!

Maham says we can stop it, didn’t you see Bharmal? Maan Singh got positions, then Shivani was forgiven, then Todal Mal came here, but you couldn’t do anything, we have to remove roots to stop all this, we have to make loyal people of Jalal go away from him like Maan Singh, Todal Mal, Atgah Khan, Jodha and all. First should be Atgah in the list, Adham agrees.

Maan Singh ask Jodha to take rest, Jodha ask why is he here when she was only coming to Agra? Maan says Jalal ask me to come here for your security, there is huge ceremony, Jodha ask about Jalal? He says Jalal was not happy before, but when he got news of you coming back, then his face glowed, Jodha smiles.

Jalal gets the news that Maan Singh has met Jodha, they will reach Agra soon, Jalal again gifts him.

Jodha ask Maan Singh did he send any message? Maan Singh says his eyes was saying a lot, but he didn’t say anything to me as he wants to talk to you only, Jodha ask when we will reach Agra? He says not much time, we will reach there by tomorrow morning, Jodha says I want to go fast, I have hurt many people like Salima, Rahim, Hamida, I miss them. Shehnaz ask what about Jalal? Jodha gets shy, Maan Singh leaves, Jodha recalls Maan’s words and is blushing.

Salima comes to Jalal, she says I thought when Jodha comes here, you will get peace, but you are restless, Jalal says right, it’s the biggest night for me, I don’t know when Jodha will come, Salima says wait for one night only, then glory will shine in whole Agra, Jalal says as a woman too, I want to ask you something that tomorrow, when I meet Jodha, what should I do? What should I say?

Salima says it’s strange that you are same King that enemies sweat with your name and you are sweating to face your Wife now. Jalal says I fought many wars, but it’s a thing of the heart now and I am dumb at it. Salima says don’t worry, as love has its language, you don’t need to say anything, when you meet your love without speaking, you listen and talk with your love and same will happen with you and Jodha, she leaves.
Jalal says you sleep Salima, as I can’t sleep now.

On the otherside, Jodha also thinks when this night will end, when will I reach Agra? She thinks he sent Maan Singh for my welcoming, I know until I don’t reach Agra, he will not sleep.

Jalal thiks that my sleep is with Jodha, when will she come, please forgive me.
Jodha thinks that you asked for forgiveness, but I was stubborn, I didn’t even talk to you but now, everything will be fine, I will be with you.
Jalal thinks I will get peace when I get you. (in ankhoon song plays…) they both can’t sleep and are restless. Ishq hai who ehsas plays…

Finally, it’s morning, at the gate of the Palace, all are waitng for Jodha to come, common people are also there and chants for Jalal and Jodha. The caravan arrives, the palanquin comes in, Jalal has broad smile, Jodha comes out and is emotional, Hamida says the drak night has ended, Jodha’s glory has come back, Rahim runs to Jodha, Jodha meets Hamida and folds her hand, Hamida hugs her, Jodha hugs Salima, Jodha meets Shivani and hugs her. Her feets are washed by Salima.

Jodha is looking out for Jalal, Salima in Rajvanshi style does her tilak and aarti (welcoming). Jalal is behind the women, Jodha thinks where is Jalal? The women moves and Jalal is standing in front of Jodha, she looks at him and freezes there, Jalal nods to greet her.

Jodha is coming on the carpet. Jalal is moving towards her too. She recalls when they were getting married. People are roaring Jalal’s name. Jalal smiles at Jodha. Jalal does the adaab (Islamic etiquette). They smile at each other. Jodha does the aarti of Jalal. She recalls when she said to him that she will only come back if she wants to. Jalal says come with me. He extends his hand and Jodha holds it.

Ruqaiya is in tears and angry to see this. She leaves and so does Adham Khan. Jalal and Jodha smile at each other. Jalal takes Jodha forward. They are moving together, in the castle. The rest of the people are following them. Jodha is happy to see that Jalal has made a temple for her in there. Jalal says you took your Khana with you so I planned on welcoming your Khana back too. Everyone is smiling.

The Priest says all the arrangements have been made for the prayer. Can we start now ? Jalal nods. The Priest says you both have to sit along as a Couple for that. Jodha says to Priest that we both are always together. The Priest asks them to take their places. They sit together.

Salima says to Jodha that I am so happy to see that Jodha and Jalal are back together. Hamida says me too Salima. First, Hindus gifted Quran Pak to the Mughal King and now, the Mughal King is doing prayer for his Hindu Wife. A new combine culture is about to start. It’s a new beginning where the two are meeting together.

Jodha and Jalal does the prayer rituals. The Priest says the asthampna is done.
Jodha says Emperor I want to say something. Jalal says I have so much to talk about as well, but you are tired now, go and take some rest, we will talk later on.

Hamida says to a Servant that all things are good. Jodha comes to Hamida’s room. She says pranam (a respectful greeting made by putting one’s palms together and often touching the feet of the person greeted) to her. Hamida says Jodha… Jodha asks how are you ? She says I am better now. But when you left me without telling me, I was so low. Jodha says please forgive me Mother. She is in tears. Hamida says I can’t still see your tears. You don’t need to say anything. I can understand your emotions.

Hamida says that a small kid cried and tells all the problems to his Mom and you tolerated all that alone. I think there were shortcomings in my love. You didn’t even think that you are not just Jalal’s wife, but my daughter too. Jalal had to be punished. What was my fault and Salima’s ? The small Rahim thought that his favourite Aunt has left because he asked for stories. He came to me and said bring my Aunt back, I will never ask for stories. Why you punished all of us?

Jodha says please pardon me. I took too intense step in emotions. Hamida says you will be punished too for this mistake. From today henceforth, you won’t go out of Agra. You won’t go out of this castle without telling me. Jodha says I accept this. Hamida says If you hadn’t left, Jalal would never had realized his mistake. The human inside that King would never have come out. First time, I saw jalal working as his heart directed him. He respected others’s emotions. I am grateful to you that you gave him his heart back.

Jodha tells the story to Shivani. She tells that he kept on asking for forgiveness, then I realized that it was too much. Shivani says you have done wrong to him. He left his empire to look for you and asked for forgiveness, but you never said yes. I could see some special life on his face when he heard that you are coming back. He asked everyone to start arrangments for your welcome. The Emperor loves you a lot.

Jodha says not as much as you love Tejavant. Shivani says please don’t tease me. Jodha says you can say everything. She asks are you happy with Tejavant? Shivani sasy yes, I am so happy and this has happened because of the Emperor. How is everyone in Amer ? Have Mother and father forgiven me? Jodha says you are their daughter, why won’t they? You gave them a reason to be angry, but when Jalal forgave you and Tejavant, I could see peace on father’s face. Shivani says such beautiful decorations.

Ruqaiya says you will never win Jodha because the game of heart and mind is still left. She looks at the painting and says wow, it’s so good! She gives gift to the artist, Ruqaiya says this Harem has been ruled by the one who has been ruling Jalal’s mind. You came and changed all the rules. This is now a game of Jalal’s heart! First time someone gave me a tough competition.

Jodha asks how this painting came into my room Moti ? Moti says the Emperor have got it for you. When you were not here, the Emperor used to stay here the whole nights. I never saw him sleeping. He always used to look at your picture and kept on talking to your painting for hours. I felt like he has lost himself. He was broken even after being an Emperor. I have seen him crying. He never met any of his Wives after you left. I have seen love for you in his eyes. Shivani says Jodha you lost in his thoughts? There is time left in the night… Jodha runs after her. Shivani says I am sorry. They hug each other.

Jalal is in his room and recalls Jodha’s arrival. He smiles. He recalls Jodha holding his hand. A man comes and tells him that Jodha has come.

Jodha comes in, Jalal feels confused. Jodha says Emperor, I want to say something. Jalal says thank God, I heard those words again. I was dying to hear them. Please stay, I am coming in a moment. He takes out a hunter from the trunk. He says that I deserve punishment as well. I know that my words did hurt you. I want you to hit me with this. Only then will I be able to look into your eyes. He gives the hunter/whip to Jodha.

Jalal ask Jodha to punish him, Jodha takes the hunter and ask how much should I beat you? Jalal says as much as you want, until my fault is removed from your heart, till you are satisfied, you can beat until that and I will not say anything, Jodha looks at him, Jodha says if this is the thing, then I am at fault first and you should punish me first, Jalal says no, you haven’t done anything, I was wrong.

Jodha says no, I did a crime, you did what you had seen and what you understood, but I didn’t allow the truth to come out to you, I hid the truth, you kept asking for forgiveness, but I couldn’t see, as I was blinded by my ego, I did a sin that my husband was begging me and I didn’t even look at you, I am a criminal, I hurt a lot of people for my ego, Hamida, Salima, they are hurt and Rahim, I hurt him too, so I am the biggest criminal, so give me punishment.

Jalal says no, I am the criminal, I asked you to leave from Agra, because of me, all are hurt, I am neither a good husband nor a good King, punish me please forgive me, he folds his hand. Jodha holds it and says no, Jodha says husband bending in front of the Wife is not good and a King bending in front of his wife it’s even worse and to tell you the truth, I forgave you from a long time, but I couldn’t forgive you when you came over, she says I didn’t return because you removed tax or you forgave Shivani, but I returned to see the person who has a heart, have softness, have love for his own and that person is standing in front of me, I returned because my mission is accomplished and the person in front of me is the best human and King, I am proud of you and that I am your Wife.

Some prick goes into Jodha’s eyes, Jalal gets worried and says I will take it out, he gets close and blows air in her eyes, Jodha holds his hand, Jalal looks at her… in ankhin main plays… they are not leaving hands, Jodha is shy, Jalal holds her hand in his palm, they share eyelock, Jalal gets emotional and hugs Jodha, Jodha is stunned at first, tries to control herself, but closes her eyes and feels Jalal’s heartbeat, she pulls up her hand and hugs Jalal back who is stunned and hugs her tightly.

Read Next: Saturday update on Jodha & Akbar, 24th July, 2021