SS: Truth, Trust & Love updated: Chapter 8 Pg 20

Jodha's eyes glistened with tears, Maham Anga has spewed her venom as usual. How could she lie to the shahensha and accuse her of deliberately throwing colour on her?

Maham's evilness knew no bounds and she was hell bent on revenge. She despised the Rajputs but more so Jodha - inwardly she feared the Ameri princess as she saw the exceptional qualities the princess had.

She also knew that the day Jalal's heart and eyes opened to Jodha's personality she would lose control over him.

Just then Moti came running to inform Jodha that her mother Rani Mainavati was in Agra and was in an audience with Hamida Bano and Maham Anga.

Jodha was being summoned to Hamida Bano's chamber. She dried her eyes, adjusted her dupatta and walk stoically to the chambers. Her maids looked at her in confusion, they have never seen her so impassive. Moti was worried though, she rarely saw this side to Jodha and when she did she knew something was brewing in the princess's mind.

Jodha walked in and bent forward, touching Hamida's feet seeking blessings. She joined her palms and greeted Maham who glared at her icely. She then turned to her mother, touching her feet. Her mother held her by the shoulders and drew her into a hug. Jodha's actions were mechanical, she sat down, though upright and tense but her eyes were downcast.

Rani Mainvati berated her daughter accusing her of committing a grave sin by applying colour on a widow and how her actions have disgraced her parents.

Mainavati - I am hurt and disappointed in you Jodha - I don't know what punishment the Shahensha will pass down but from my side you have commited a grave sin and for this you must abstain from all food and water for the next three days; give up all royal luxuries and comfort. You must don the garb of an ascetic and on the 3^rd day you must go to Shree Krishna temple in Mathura, prepare food yourself and feed the brahmanas and poor people. Furthermore you must offer charity and only then will your penance be complete.

By this time Jalal also came to his mother's chambers, he was shocked at the punishment meted by to Jodha by her mother.

Hamida bano tried to intercede but was quieted by rani Mainavati. Seeing Hamida defending Jodha and knowing that Jalal was in the chamber Maham spoke up - Rani Mainavati - Jodha begam shouldn't be punished so harshly I forgive her she lied

Jodha knew it was Maham's ploy and falseness but she kept quiet.

Rani Mainavati - I appreciate the concern both that both Hamida bano and you have for Jodha but in truth she does not deserve your forgiveness. I have pronounced punishment on behalf of Amer, you have full right to now pronounce your punishment on her.

Saying that Mainavati stood up and asked for leave to return to Amer. Jalal protested and so did Hamida imploring her to stay in Agra at least for the day before returning to Amer but the queen would not budge. She declared that she was too troubled by Jodha's behavior to stay in Agra and besides she would rest in the on the way to Amer should she feel exhausted. The raja of Amer sent an army contingent with the Queen so her safety and comfort was assured.

Turning to Jalal she requested a private meeting with Jalal in Jodha's chambers.

Maham insisted on walking rani Mainavati to Jodha's chambers. Jodha stood up paid her respects to Hamida and followed her mother and Maham to her chambers.

Jalal stayed back to have a word with his mother before joining the rest. Upon reaching Jodha's chamber, Maham turned with a sneer to rani Mainavati and said "bahoth khub' you have punished your daughter, if you hadn't, by God I swear I would have made her life miserable. Even though she is innocent and did not throw the holi on purpose, I could not let the golden chance escape and not humiliate her and give Jalal more reason to hate her.

Mainavati was shaken - such hypocrisy and lies. She looked at Jodha but Jodha remained unflinched. Maham walked out just as Jalal walked in but not without catching Maham's scathing reply.

Please let me know if its worth continuing - writing FF is not easy and there is so much talent in this forum so please bear with me if you think I should continue!

It's really good I want to see the next part u should continue pls pm me when u do

it was nice and diferent beginning. I like it. Continue soon. Plz pm me if possible.

Hey Awesome SS and Update dear!!👏 👏 ⭐️Really Loved it alot.❤️And Don't seems that you are writing for first time😲As you have written it so Beautifully and Perfectly!!😃 😳 👏 👏 ⭐️
So Jalal did hear what MA said as He entered and MA exits the room,Haan?! 😳
Well Then I'm surely hoping that his trust on MA will be shaken and He'll start viewing Jodha in a positive light from now on and trust her rather than blindly following his LIER Baddi-Ammi!! 😛 😉 😆 And Trust would be the base of Akdha's relationship. 😊 😳 😳
Pls Do continue this soon and If possible then Pls PM me when you update. 😊 😳 😳

Chapter 2

Jalal turned pale; he almost fell - his head reeling in shock. Could this be the same woman who just a few minutes ago said that she had forgiven Jodha. Can badi Ammi lie so blatantly!

Mainavati saw Jalal and quickly composed herself though she was in turmoil. She had pronounced a harsh punishment on her innocent daughter but the word was given and that too in the presence of Hamida and Jalal. Relinquishing Jodha from punishment will bring further disgrace.

She called out to Jalal - Jawaisa thank you for honoring my request. I called you here to hear what I have to say to Jodha - you are husband and wife hence there is nothing that I say to Jodha that you cannot hear. Besides I did not this to be discussed at the diwan-e-khas.

Turning to address Jodha the queen spoke - Jodha is it true that you want to return to Amer for good.

Jodha stared at Jalal and said in a quiet but firm voice - ji maasa hum amer lautna chahti hoo.

Mainavati - taken aback by Jodha's confirmation she spoke to her daughter firmly - how can such a thought enter your mind and besides what makes you think that your father and I will welcome you back with open arms.

Jodha and Jalal were stunned by hearing what the queen had to say. Needless to say she continued.

As a married woman, Jodha, our doors will always be open to you and your husband but as a divorced woman Amer has no place for you. I have two unmarried daughters that I need to consider. As it is Sukanya's future is has already been marred by the murder of the Sujanpur prince. Should you return to amer separated from the Shahensha not only would it bring us humiliation but it would bring disgrace to the Mughal Sultanate - your marital home. This is not the values we taught you. You may think I am selfish as I am asking you to sacrifice yet again, you may even hate me but whatever I am doing is for the best. The sindhur, the mangalsutra and the vows you took before the scared fire during your marriage is something you need to uphold and honor. Marriages have its ups and downs but you need sort these issues with patience and understanding, not pride and egoism.

Jodha listened to all that her mother had to say, not a syllable escaped her lips, eyes still downcast a single tear rolled down her pale cheeks.

Turning to Jalal the queen continued. Jawaisa marriage is not easy, more especially for those religion and cultures are vastly different. You pursued Jodha and insisted on marrying her. I ask that you too honor this marriage by resolving the differences between you both. Hamida bano also expects the same. Lastly as a mother with folded palms I apologise to you for any offense that Jodha has committed.

Jodha could not keep quiet - Bas maasa - shama mangne ki koi avashakta nahi hai, mai apradi hai aur joh dand Shahensha mujhe denge hum swikar karte hain. Jaise aap ki iccha, humari doli amer si uthi thi aur agra meri arthi nikal jayenge. Mai aapko vachan deti hai maasa aaj ke baad main kisko bhi koi pareshani nahi denge

Jalal flinched as she spoke, partly guilty, partly angry.

Rani Mainavati kissed Jodha on her forehead giving her blessings to her as Jodha bent down to take her mother's blessing. Jalal saluted the queen and taking leave of Jodha and Jalal Mainavati went to bid farewell to Hamida before returning to amer.

The awkward silence in Jodha's chamber was broken by Moti who came in to hand over an orange raw cotton sari and a grass sleeping mat (the types used by ascetic) that maham anag has sent. Apparently Maham was in such glee that she could not wait to see Jodha in such attire. Jalal fisted his hands in anger when he saw what Maham had done.

He snatched the contents from Moti and dismissed her. Turning to Jodha he spoke, his tone soft.

Begum Jodha - there is no need for you to dress in this attire or accept such harsh punishment. I overheard what Maham said to your mother before I entered. I am appalled not only by her actions but also my behavior towards you. Without understanding the facts or giving you a chance to explain I pronounced you guilty. Before punishing her I need to punish myself.

Although Jodha was surprised by his admission she did not retaliate as he expected her to do so. She walked up to him and gently took the contents from his hands saying:

Shahensha - a rajput's word is their honor, before being your wife I am the daughter of a Rajput clan. The punishment meted out by my family for dishonoring my sasural is just; it is small in comparison to what lies ahead she whispered.

Comments welcome

loved it esp that jalal came to know about MM so soon...i hope now things get ok between JJ.

Both the chapters were brilliant...it's a refreshing story...Very well done...👏👏👏

Very well done. What will jalal do after knowing the truth