Nurjahan's Daughter by Tanushree Podder Page A

exchanged notes.
    ‘I was hoping Jahangir would reinstate your position at the court,’ Asaf Khan remarked, reaching out for kebabs.
    A shadow of anger crossed the soldier’s face. ‘It doesn’t seem as though he wants me here.’
    ‘You are lucky to be away from the jealousy and corruption of the nobles at Agra,’ consoled Mirza Ghias Baig. He liked the unpretentious soldier and his blunt approach. There was no trace of cunning in the young man.
    ‘I don’t mind staying away at Burdwan, but Meherunnisa misses Agra and her family. Sometimes I wonder if the emperor has some ulterior motive in keeping me away from the court. It can’t be possible that he doesn’t know my capabilities,’ Sher Afghan complained bitterly.
    The Mirza sighed deeply and reached for his son-in-law’s hand. ‘Don’t fret, it will not be long before he appoints you in the court. The emperor hasn’t forgotten his tumultuous days just before the coronation.’ Turning towards his son, he ordered–‘Asaf, pass the delicious biriyani to Sher.’ He knew Sher Afghan loved good food. ‘Asmat begum has specially prepared it for you. She knows you are partial to the Persian method of preparation.’
    ‘How are Meherunnisa and my granddaughter?’ asked Asmat. ‘Laadli must be keeping her busy.’
    The Mirza missed Meherunnisa. He wished there was some way to bring Sher Afghan into Jahangir’s good books. ‘Why don’t you send Meher to us for some time? Neither Asmat nor I have laid eyes on the face of our grandchild.’
    ‘Laadli is too young to travel right now, and the journey is long and arduous. The weather is also not favourable for the long journey. They will come as soon as Laadli is a little older. To be frank, I cannot live without that little witch.’
    After dinner, the men moved to the outer room where freshly made paans and hookahs lay waiting for them. The Mirza brought out an ivory chessboard and laid out the pieces with care. It had been a long time since he had played the game with his son-in-law. But Sher Afghan was distracted and he lost every game. Finally, he gave up the effort and reclined moodily on the divan.
    ‘Tell me what is on your mind, Sher. It is obvious that you are upset about something,’ the Mirza asked gently.
    ‘I heard some rumours while I was in the court. Some jagirdars were discussing the rebellion in Bengal and my name was mentioned a couple of times. I wonder why they were clubbing me with the rebel faction.’
    ‘That is a dangerous rumour. I would counsel you to take care. If such gossip reaches the emperor, the consequences will be dire.’
    The Mirza had also heard the strange rumblings in court. Jahangir was sending his foster brother, Qutubuddin Koka, to Burdwan as the governor, ostensibly to control the rebellious faction which had renewed its activities. But there were undertones to the appointment that befuddled Ghias Baig.
    The next morning, as Sher Afghan took his leave, the Mirza cautioned his son-in-law. ‘Sher, I would give you a word of advice even if you don’t seek it. An old man sees things that a young man cannot. It is better that you keep away from the court. You have made many enemies with your blunt tongue and undiplomatic ways. They would take great pleasure in discrediting you in the emperor’s eyes. Jahangir is also unpredictable in his behaviour. It is better to avoid getting entangled with ministers who can influence the emperor.’
    ‘I understand what you mean. I’ll be careful.’
    Sher Afghan knew exactly what the old man was warning him about. As emperor, Jahangir could demand and command anything he wanted. God forbid, if he still nursed an ardour for Meherunnisa, Sher Afghan’s very life could be in peril.
    It was a worried man who returned to Burdwan. Tired, Sher Afghan fobbed off Meherunnisa’s persistent queries about her parents and the capital. But it was difficult to neglect Laadli, who clambered all over him and refused to leave him alone even