Jafar's World

The first thing he heard was a collective, "Congratulations, Madame!"

He was confused. The last time he checked, he was not a woman. Quickly, he realized that they weren't addressing him.

"Waaaaah!"

"Sultana, she's a lively one! I foresee a bright future."

"Thank you, thank you. She looks beautiful."

A few more joyous pleasantries were exchanged that glazed over him. The lull in his thoughts were only broken after another high-pitched cry.

"Waaaaaaaah!"

"My, my. She is a feisty one, you were right. Husband, what shall be her name?"

"Hmm. Our first daughter. She needs nothing but the best, most beautiful name."

"I already have the perfect name."

"Really? Please, go ahead."

"She looks as beautiful as a flower. She'll be the most fragrant, peaceful, generous flower of them all… Jasmine."

'Why does that sound so… familiar?'

"Jasmine! What a terrific name!"

"Fufu. I'm glad you agree."

The older man turned towards his direction.

"And what say you, my Royal Vizier?"

"…"

There was an awkward silence.

'Me?!'

And in that single moment, everything snapped into place. It was like the blurriness after waking from a deep sleep instantly dissipated by the man's call.

The excited maids crowding the room. The nursemaid still stained from the afterbirth. The portly man wearing a large, expensive-looking turban. The tired yet smiling woman lying on the bed.

"Hmm? Do you have anything to say, Jafar? Or perhaps you were just far too taken by our beautiful daughter?" the man joked.

He could feel his heart visibly thump, but not for the mentioned reason.

'Jafar? No… no way. Absolutely not. No way in hell.'

"Jafar?"

This time, the woman addressed to as 'Sultana,' called his name, her voice laden with concern. The woman looked awfully familiar. Sun-kissed skin, full lips, slender nose, lithe figure. Princess-like, he would guess. In fact, that was on point.

"I…"

He was shocked at his own voice — a low, baritone that he was unused to.

"I agree as well! Jasmine, what a wonderful name!"

Thankfully, no one mentioned the awkward pause. They cheered in response, agreeing as well.

"Indeed, indeed! A beautiful name!"

"She'll be the flower of our kingdom!"

"Wonderful news for the future of the Agrabah!"

"Mm. Thank you, everyone. I couldn't have done it without you all."

There was another exchange of pleasantries. Jafar didn't hear any of it. He was far too busy trying not to throw up. His mind was in shambles. What was happening? How was he witnessing the birth of Jasmine? Was this even the right Jasmine from the Disney movies?

"Jafar?" the melodious voice called once again.

"Yes, honorable Sultana?"

His response was automatic — ingrained into his instincts.

The woman giggled at his words.

"I keep telling you, there is no need to address me with such honorifics. You've been working for us for more than a few years now, and this is the birth of our daughter! At the very least, drop the 'honorable.'"

"Yes, hon… Sultana."

She smiled, her pearly white teeth contrasting with her darker skin.

"Much better. Isn't that right, husband?"

"Of course, of course. I'm glad you finally got Jafar to speak somewhat normally. All business, no fun."

"Anyway, Jafar. Would you like to hold Jasmine?"

"… Pardon?"

"My daughter. Would you like to hold her?"

"Uh…" Jafar didn't know how to respond. Even his canon self would probably be a little flustered. "Of course, Sultana. It would be my honor."

The Sultan's wife rolled her eyes humorously.

"Here. Do be careful."

With an audible gulp, Jafar tried his best to wrap his arms around the squirming life form. It was an experience he had never tried. The warmth emanating from something other than himself was strange.

"Mmmhha… gaaaawww…"

The woman placed a gentle hand against her cheek, mouth slightly widening in admiration.

"Incredible! She's so relaxed in your arms!"

"Ha! I knew you would be good with children," the Sultan himself also chimed in.

Meanwhile, Jafar himself was enthralled at the sight of the cute little baby. Jasmine reached out towards him with her stubby arms and smiled with her empty gums.

"Precious…" he whispered. "Absolutely precious."

Jasmine and Jafar. Jafar and Jasmine. The two could feel it in their instincts — that they were bound together by the strings of fate.