The Unversed Mohabbatein

"Finally arrived in India Dad, I shall call you once we check in to the hotel" and John hung up the phone and intimated the personal tourist guide about their arrival.

"I am so ecstatic to visit the Taj Mahal with you my love", Sheryl said as she hugged John. John and Sheryl were of Italian nationalities and had come to India for their honeymoon.

The next day, their tour guide Shyam was ready to pick up John and Sheryl from the hotel. "Namaste" Shyam greeted along with a garland and wished, May your love multiply and grow with age, welcome to the city of Love and he opened the doors of his car. Sheryl hugged John's hand fondly as it was her dream to visit Taj, the epitome of love.

We might take an hour to reach the Taj Mahal, I have already booked the tickets. At night the Taj looks more splendid sir, Shyam said as he adjusted the car glasses and they drove towards the destination. I know Shyam, that's the reason we choose our visit during full moon days when night visit to TajMahal is allowed, saying John smiled at Sheryl.

Sheryl's eye struck the Taj Mahal idol at the desk of the car. This mini Taj is so adorable Shyam, Sheryl remarked, tell us something more about the love story of Shahjahan and Mumtaz. I wish Mumtaz was alive to see this monument built by her love Shahjahan, he is a true love beyond time! 

Madam, Shyam said with pride, the world knows that Mumtaz was the most beloved wife of Shahjahan while giving birth to their 14th child she died. And in love for her wife and in her memory Shahjahan built this tomb which is now one of the wonders of the world. This is what historians say and read but as I grew up in this city, the locals here had a different side of the story.

Mumtaz was very supportive of Shahjahan and would accompany him to all his military campaigns. Mumtaz was very much interested in Archery and had earned laurels for her skills. Shahjahan was also very supportive of Mumtaz's interest and granted his vow to train their children in this art. Mumtaaz was pregnant with Shahjahan's 14th child and was expecting a girl child. Those days the gender of the fetus could be easily found out unlike the legal ban now. Mumtaz and Shahjahan were looking forward to welcoming their first daughter.

One fine afternoon, as Mumtaz and Shahjahan's kids were practicing Archery, accidentally the arch struck to Mumtaaz at her stomach, she started bleeding profusely, doctors were immediately called for her treatment, an immediate cesarean was required and after a 30 hr long battle their beautiful daughter was welcomed in this world. But there was bad news, the doctors informed due to severe hemorrhage, loss of blood and delivery, Mumtaz condition is very critical and she has only a few hours left to be alive.

Shahjahan rushed to his wife with their baby. Mumtaz held the baby in her lap along with Shahjahan's hand and took three vows from him, 1.To never disclose to the world the injury due to Archery because of their son and subsequent death. For the world, Mumtaz will die after her 14th childbirth due to medical complications.2. The second vow was to build a beautiful mansion at her tomb in memory of their love and Shahjahan to visit the tomb at her death anniversary.3.and the third vow was to always love her and not marry again.

Shahjahan agreed to all her vows and pleaded as Mumtaaz took her last breath. It is also believed that Shahjahan found out that during the arch lessons it was not his son's arch which hit Mumtaz but the attack on his wife was from one of his rivalry, who unfortunately couldn't be caught, also because of the promise made to Mumtaz, Shahjahan couldn't trace the attacker using his complete power as it will unveil the secret of Mumtaz death and also their sons future for whom Mumtaaz had taken a vow.

After grieving the loss of Mumtaz for 2 years, Shahjahan started building the Taj Mahal, which took 22 years. For the world, Taj Mahal symbolizes the love story of Mumtaz and Shahjahan but the love of the Mother and her sacrifice to save his son is a hidden tale.

After the death of Shahjahan, his tomb was buried next to that of Shahjahan. The love of Shahjahan and Mumtaaz is eternal and still bestows in this beauty, The Taj Mahal!

As Shyam finished his story he halted the car and said, Madam, we have reached the destination and he gestured his hand towards the Tall standing beauty, Taj Mahal. It looked unreal, glowing white at night with the full moon in the sky to amplify the beauty and a historical love story.

John and Sheryl held their hands tightly gazing at the beauty of the Taj and vowed love to each other forever !!