Her hair was in the middle of being unbraided when she found his eyes on the mirror.
"Salam alaykum," he greeted.
"Namaste," she folded her hands, welcoming the Shehensha through the mirror.
Pausing all activity, she turned around to grace him with the sight of her tired eyes.
"I was wishing to speak with you Jodha Begam,"
"Yes go ahead,"
He cleared his throat, looking around. It took her more than a second to understand what he meant, after all she was new to any sort of mutual understanding between them.
"Ekaanth," and the maids immediately dispersed.
Before he could speak, she stood up, her sleep deprived form making its way to every door of her kaksh, sealing their privacy.
In that moment, she announced the Shehensha's victory in yet another battle. The battle for her trust.
She sat opposite his cushioned seat, "So may I have the pleasure of knowing what brought the great Emperor of Hindustan to my chamber?" she didn't bother with her veil.
"A husband needed an excuse to meet with his begam? Forgive me Jodha Begam, I must be terribly ignorant for I was not aware of such a norm."
His sarcasm around her has gained confidence, more than what she would've imagined, after that incident with the snake.
She hadn't changed her notes, nor had he. They both simply began to comprehend to rhythm of the other. He wished to harmonize.
"So essentially you are here to waste time?"
"In a way,"
"With all due respect Shehensha-e-Hindustan, you have other Begams who would be much more willing in that matter,"
"I'm afraid we are discussing different matters then, my dear Begam," he pursed his lips in an attempt to hide his forming smile.
"I'm quite confident we are not. My suggestion was made taking into consideration the desperate need of rest this long yatra has left me in."
"My needs do not require much effort on your part, Jodha Begam,"
"That shall only be decided after you disclose them,"
With her granted permission he continued, "My need is to coexist, and you, my Begam will have to take the trouble to breathe...by choice."
"That is quite a favor you ask of me Shehensha," She hoped he caught the sarcasm in her voice.
"Indeed it is, I would be indebted if you could carry it out," he played along.
-Shweta
Book Talk
Kabhi Neem Neem Kabhi Shahad Shahad
Cricket
Real Estate
Cryptocurrency
Financial markets and global economy
