SS: Truth, Trust & Love updated: Chapter 8 Pg 20 - Page 5

that was lovely. interesting the way story is going.

Chapter 5

Atgah shahab was a loyal confidante of Jalal. When Jalal decided to marry Jodha, although some of the ministers opposed the marriage, Atgah sahab was inwardly delighted. He had heard of the Ameri princess through his Rajput friends, she would be the perfect queen and empress he thought. She was the only one who would take Jalal to new heights. For now he knew of the strained relationship between the couple but he was confident the day they fell in love it would be a turning point in history. As much as Jalal denied having a heart but when it came to Jodha he bent even his own rules to please her.

Jalal did not want to take Jodha back to the Mathura town, as it is he drew enough attention, the last thing he needed was attention on his wife, especially considering her state. The cotton sari clung to her delicate frame emphasizing her curves. He saw a small mandhir close to the river bank, sun was high above and it would perfect to him and Jodha to wait there until Atgah sahab arranged for their travel back to Agra. Leading her to the mandhir they sat on the steps in silence. Jodha was mortified at her state, her mind in turmoil. She felt terrible and was too embarrassed to look up at Jalal. So much had been said, she did not know what to believe. Her ghrina for him began when the Mughal soldiers looted the Kali maa mandhir and tried defiling her friend. He says he knows nothing about it but can she be sure?

Jalal had difficulty keeping his eyes away from Jodha, even in this humble state she looked ethereal. He had no idea his wife had such beautiful long hair, which she hid under her duppata. Even without jewels she looked luminous, her trembling pink lips; droplets of water running down her face and neck - Jalal could take it no longer - yes he desired his wife but he also wanted his wife to desire him. It was an unknown feeling to him; he longed for even a glimpse her affection. With ruqaiya their relationship was plutonic not sensual or passionate. Abruptly he got up and walked to the river bank.

The sudden action of the emperor startled Jodha, she looked up staring at his retreating back.

At length he spoke "Jodha begum I understand your confusion and loneliness, you may not believe this but you and I are two lonely souls travelling on the same path, I know what rejection feels like; especially by the ones who are supposed to love, care and protect you. I say this yet again Agra is your home and will always be. You never have to leave and I ... I do not want you to go he stammered the last part as tears welled in his eyes.

Quickly brushing his tears away he turned to face her as he continued...

The only good that has come of this incident is the truth; I now know why you despise me and you know why I said such bitter things to you. Having said this may I ask you something?

Jodha until now was dumbstruck - she had never seen this side of the Shahensha - all she could mumble was a Ji

From now onwards can we be honest with each other, I mean if we hear that either one of us has done something to offend or hurt each other, can we address the matter first before jumping to conclusions. I know I am very guilty of this and if I am not wrong you have the same streak too. Jodha blushed a little as he said that.

Jodha looked up at him, tears blurring her hazel eyes as she nodded her head in agreement.

You know Jodha begam this is the quietest I have ever seen you!

Jodha - and they say women don't know when to keep quiet! Sometimes shahensha you have to let the man think that they are in control.

Jalal burst into a throaty laugh saying welcome back Jodha begam!

Just then Agtah sahab come to inform the emperor that the carriage was waiting to transport him and the queen back to Agra.

Extending his hand to Jodha Jalal asked her "Ghar chale begum?"

Ji she said as she placed his hand in his.

I loved it.I am so glad they they decided to be open with each other. It is very important in a relationship.plzzz pm me when u update.

thanks..loved it..finally they open up to each other

Originally posted by: JAN_SA

Chapter 4

Color drained from his face as he read the scroll

"Moti bai - hum apne anthim yatra se nikal chuke hai aur hamari lautna asambhav hai. Tum meri bachpan ki saheli ho isliye mai janti hoo ki tum mujhe kshama karenge. Tum sari hindu bandis koh apni saat amer laut jao.

Shahensha - bina agya lekar mai jaa rahi hoo - iss gustak ke liye hum aapse maafi chahti hoo. Ek athim iccha hai - aap hamari bandis ko mookt kardo aur unhe amer pohchado"(Moti bai - I have started on my final journey and my return is impossible. You are my childhood friend therefore I know you will forgive me. Gather all the hindu servants and take them to amer.

Shahensha - I have not asked for permission hence forgive my audacity. My final wish is that you release my servants and send them to Amer.)

Just then Hamida entered the chamber to check on jodha - seeing moti wailing loudly on the floor and jalal's ashen face she took the scroll from jalal and began reading.

Yah khuda she exclaimed - meri bahu as tears welled in her eyes. Shaking jalal out of his stupor he ordered him to find Jodha at all cost. Firing into action he ordered that no one including maham and ruqaiya find out about this. He spoke to moti in a consoling tone assuring her that he will bring his queen back.

Ordering his servants to bring his fastest steed he bolted en route to Mathura. He knew she had gone there and right now he was too scared to be angry with her. He had only 4 hours to midday and he need to get there fast.

In Mathura Jodha arranged with the local cooks to prepare a feast. She paid them handsomely using her gold coins. She worshipped at the Kanha mandhir by performing a havan. She stared at the beautiful Kahna moorti teary eyed as she prayed for strength. Finishing the puja she paid the pujari more that he asked for. Distributing all her ornaments and jewels she set out to feed the poor who had gathered for midday meals.

Completing the necessary tasks she again walked up to the alter and placed her head at Kahnaji's feet; seeking forgiveness for what she intended doing. Paying homage to the resident pujari she walked towards the Jumuna river which flowed in majestic wonder. She walked on the banks taking her further away from the town to a quiet spot.

By this time Jalal reached Mathura racing at break-neck speed. He jumped of his horse and ran towards the main temple. He saw crowds gathered enjoying the feast and talking of the orange-clad yogin who so handsomely donated gold and jewels to locals.

The pujari of the temple recognized Jalal and aksed what he was doing in Mathura. Jalal upon questioning the pujari learnt that the yogin had walked in the direction of the Yamuna river.

Fear gripped his heart as he raced in that direction ignoring the pujari's call. He reached the spot only to find Jodha walking into the river palms joined in prayer. His shouts fell on deaf eyes as he saw her neck deep in water. Without thinking he jumped in, the current was strong but in his favour it pushed him closer to Jodha. He managed to grab hold of her just before she sank completely. Dragging her to the river banking he held on her tightly shivering in fright. Mustering whatever strength she had Jodha pushed the Shahensha away from her, her eyes spitting fury.

Why did you save me - she asked her tone laced with bitterness. Why she shouted punching him on his chest. Holding her fists he snapped back - YOU ARE MY QUEEN - AGRA's PRIDE AND HONOR.

She laughed synically - Queen - Agras pride and honor. When was I treated with pride and honor in agra she asked. Since the day I arrived in agra all I have ever faced was humiliation. I was accused of tampering with the food I served you, I was accused of killing your unborn child, I was accused of deliberately throwing holi color on maham anga. Anything and everything that goes wrong in Agra is my fault. You found ways to humiliate and taunt me. The last straw is wanting to leave me offering me separation and sending me to amer. You sent a message to my mother asking her to come to agra and then discuss our personal life in court. I have no place in Agra nor do I have a place in amer, my mother has refused to take me back to amer that too in full view of the court. You said you married me to break my pride and that you hate me because I held a sword to your neck in Amer. You forget that I had no idea it was you at the time, and beside what wrong have I done considering the terrible sin you and your soldiers committed by stealing jewels from our devi maa murti. Rather than living such a life I prefer death and now you have robbed me of that too.

He let her spew out her frustrations - finally the truth was coming out. He listened trying to control his temper.

Jodha begum if you are done I'd like to say something too - when she didn't respond he continued.

My faults are grave indeed - I admit to blaming you for tampering with the food and the holi incident, as a king I should have investigated further before accusing you. As far the miscarriage I was hurt and blinded but when I found out that you and your family were innocent I publicly apologized to you all. An apology you never accepted, all I hear from you is how much you hate me. Why you even told Ruqaiya that you would willingly bow to her if she kept me away from you. What do you think I am Jodha begam - a lecherous sex crazed king who cannot control himself? Have I ever forced myself on you or demanded my rights! You have never accepted Agra as your home and when you failed to accept my apology and peace offering in the form of the white duppata I tried to gift you- the only thing I could think that would make you happy was if I left you go back to amer. You too seemed very happy to go, not once did you think of me or wanting to stay back. You give me mixed signals on one hand you cannot bear to see me wounded or bleeding but on the other hand you make me bleed with your bitter words. Until now I have done things that I am not very proud of but I can tell you this that I have never ordered any of my soldiers to defile a hindu temple. I give you my word as Shahensha I will find the culprit. I am sorry that your mother refused to take you along with her to Amer but this I guarantee you Jodha begum that Agra is your home. Even though we do not share a husband/wife relationship you are one of my chief queens after Ruqaiya and Salima hence you will always be held in high esteem and given full and complete rights in Agra. Saying that he stood up and extended his hand to her, hesitating she placed her hand in his and got up.

Just then Akdha sahab arrived at the spot, he had seen Jalal ride off in hurry and followed him. Jalal smiled at Akdha sahab - his faithful friend.

One more point jalal is illiterate(I'm not sure u wanted jalal in this story as the person who knows how to read and write) .. You are writing so good ..It's not to find faults as

wonderful update dear... tooo goood...

Wow nice update ...
Do pm me nxt time n update soon

Wow!! I just read whole story and I must say 👏👏👏👏

awesome update dear, just loved it
please do continue soon
& thanks for the pm