akdha ff - the desert's rose - Page 15

Just a suggestion, but it might be helpful to add an index in the first post. That way, new readers (like me) can easily jump to the chapters. But totally up to you!

Omg, just finished reading this and I’m hooked! 😍 The way the plot was weaved together had me hooked from start to finish...well written, Mide!

The titles were so clever too, like each one teased the chapter perfectly

Loved it...update soon please !! and please tag me when you update :)

hier kommt die sonne (part two) (🏜️🌹)

here comes the sun
it is the brightest star of them all
and will never fall from the sky

sonne (translated) by rammstein

hier kommt die sonne
sie ist der hellste stern von allen
und wird nie vom himmel fallen

sonne by rammstein

flashback

It was the middle of the day and the sun had chosen the perfect time to hide between the clouds, peeking out with just enough rays to illuminate the earth.

As for Jodha, her sole company was her thoughts as she walked through the shrubs of the Angoori Bagh. The warm colours of the flowers helped bring a sense of serenity as she held out her hand to feel them.

Her mind still whirred with an internal conflict of its own, even after Ammi Jaan had presented her with the Quran, even as the harem bustled with the news of Jalal's recovery, even as the mahal grew livelier than they were previous days ago.

Even now, an occasional smile would grace her face as she paid her greetings to those who passed by and offered some of her jewelry for charity.

Despite this, she exhaled to herself, her eyebrows knitted and her fingers holding on to her pallu like it was an anchor.

"Choti Ammi Jaan!" A familiar playful voice broke through her train of thoughts with a bright smile appearing on her face again.

"Khan-e-Khana," she laughed, turning to see Rahim. The young boy joyously ran up to her as he drew closer. "Aap kaise hain?"

(How are you?)

"Accha, Choti Ammi Jaan!" He nodded animatedly before his face fell with a pout.

Worried, Jodha looked down at him with a frown. "Kya hai, Khan-e-Khana? Is anything the matter? Is there anyone I need to tell off?"

Rahim stared up at her, his eyes momentarily widening before he shook his head. "I was wondering if you had any stories to tell, Choti Ammi Jaan. It has been a while since you narrated one."

A sigh of relief escaped her lips as she chuckled lightly. "And here I was thinking I'd have a long word with someone. Arrey, it's a bit too early for stories now, Khan-e-Khana. How about later this evening?"

Looking offended, he retorted, "Nahin, Choti Ammi Jaan, you said that the last time and you did not show up..."

Jodha's countenance fell for a second. That night was supposed to be after Holi with her telling Rahim about Holika and Prahlada but alas...Maham Anga had created a plot that would disrupt her everything that fateful day.

Instead, Jodha maintained a tightlipped smile as she sat on one of the seats in the Angoori Bagh and gestured for him to do the same.

"Being that Holi has passed, how about I tell you about a story...one inspired by true events?" She asked, wiggling her eyebrows at Rahim. The little boy squinted his eyes in confusion before shrugging in approval. She moved closer as she started. "Theek hai, Rahim. This is about a Shehenshah and his begum; they were returning from a journey to the dargah at Ajmer Sharif when they decided to make a stop along the way...?"

"Kyun, Choti Ammi Jaan?" Rahim cut in, clearly engrossed in the story as he propped his face in his palms, slightly leaning forward. "Why did they make a stop?"

Jodha's lips curled into a smile as she proceeded, "You see, the Shehenshah had chosen that opportunity to stop by for a hunt, however, the Begum was not pleased with it..."

"But kyun, Choti Ammi Jaan," he interrupted again and Jodha feigned annoyance as she placed her hands on her waist while slightly tilting her head with a mock glare. Rahim giggled at her as he briefly held his ears in mock apology.

She only exhaled, shaking her head playfully before relaxing her posture. "The Begum was not pleased that the Shehenshah was going out to hunt. After all," she held out her hand to gesture. "They were just coming back from a sacred trip and such indulgence was out of place for that."

Rahim paused, his fingers drumming against his chin, and then he nodded in agreement. "Umm, the Begum was right."

A small part of Jodha preened at that but she chose to let that slide. "Regardless, it did not stop the Begum from accompanying her shohar into the wild jungle as their disagreement transitioned from a disagreement over hunting to one about the Empire. The Begum believed a few issues concerning the Empire needed to be investigated."

"The Begum must be a wise woman, Choti Ammi Jaan," he chimed in, making her face slightly reddened in response.

"Haan, Khan-e-Khana," she replied, memories of her afternoon with Jalal in the jungle replaying in her mind.

"Do you believe they are true; that our union could result in something more - something greater than whatever we have now?"

"Do you believe that our union could lead to something like...love?"

Did she? She shook off that thought as she glanced back at Rahim. "However, the Shehenshah and his Begum got intercepted by a flying arrow and in a bid to save her, he pulled her away from danger to hide behind a tree."

Initially, Jodha had fumed with her eyes blazing at him for what she had believed was a violation of her boundaries until she heard the sound of the arrow embedding itself into the wooden bark of the tree with a dull 'thwack'. She had lost that temper just as quickly as she was able to put it on.

"Didn't the Shehenshah have a musket with him? He was going to hunt after all," Rahim pointed out.

She clapped lightly in reply, "You are a quick thinker, Rahim, just like the Shehenshah. But someone had tampered with his musket by replacing his gunpowder with dud bullets, rendering the weapon useless." Rahim's face fell with his shoulders slumping. "But he had a backup - his dagger - which he used to defend himself against the assailants and the Begum joined in."

Just as quickly, the young boy's expression evolved to visible excitement, "They must have won then!"

"Haan," she replied with a slight nod. "But one of the assailants tried to shoot an arrow at the Begum which caught Shehenshah's attention. He stepped in between the crossfires, getting the arrow to his clavicle"

Rahim let out a gasp, his eyes widening before he calmed down. "The Shehenshah must have loved his Begum if he could save her twice to the point of getting hurt and almost losing his life in the process," he noted a look of innocence and awe. which caused her to suppress the urge to snort. Love was not the word for whatever was between her and Jalal.

Regardless, he had saved her life and the last thing she was was an ingrate. However, could she afford to let down her guard given the nature of their bond?

flashback over

Coming back to the present, Jodha clutched her dupatta as her legs took her to Jalal's hojra. The sun had finally come out of its hiding place in the clouds, bestowing its rays down the earth.

The posted durbaans acknowledged her presence, letting her through the hallways. She slightly nodded as she passed through.

She wondered if those men would have let her in if this was any other day, after all, the last time she had ventured down here was the day she had made her intentions known to Jalal that she refused the jizya exemption placed on her.

How long ago was that anyway? A few moons ago? It was insane how fast time moved.

Regardless, she continued. Perhaps they thought she was here to monitor his progress, after all, she was the one who kept vigil after him during the early hours of the day.

A sigh of relief escaped her once his khwabagah was within foreseeable distance, but, a distinct and recognizable voice stopped her in her tracks.

Bhapusa?! She frowned, her brows knitted in worry. Was everything well in Amer? What would make Bhapusa leave Amer for Agra and without any prior announcement.

It could not possibly be because of the recent incident, could it? That had taken place only four days ago and the trip from Amer to Agra lasted about eight days under conducive conditions. In addition, Ammi Jaan had strictly prohibited the news of Jalal's injury from going outside the four walls of the fort.

Regardless, Jodha waited by, her body hidden in a way that she would not give away her presence but close enough to overhear.

"Pranaam, Shehenshah," he greeted Jalal, his voice somber which further supported her point that his presence could not be as a result of the recent incident. "Kshama chhata hoon, Shehenshah. I was only aware of your injuries upon entering the fort or I would have waited a day later to come visit. How are you faring?"

(Forgive me)

A brief chuckle made its way to her ears, Jalal's voice coming out in a rumble. "I fare well, Raja Sahab. It will take a while before I fully recover, I appreciate the concern."

Bhapusa's voice then took a happy note as he continued, "I do not know how else I can appreciate you, Shehenshah. Your favour has been helpful a lot and words cannot relay how grateful I am."

What is going on? And what favour? Jodha frowned slightly and it would turn out it wasn't just her as she heard Maham Anga voicing the same curiosity, "And what are you talking about, Raja Sahab? What favour do you refer to?"

"As I speak, hamare bete, Rajkumari Sukanya has had her rishta finalized with the Kunwar of Dhawalgarh." The world came to a standstill for Jodha as she came out of her hiding place. Sukanya's rishta has finally been finalized, she found herself repeating in her mind as her initial worries gave way to an inexplicable sense of gratitude. "It has been difficult finding a groom from a reputable and honourable kingdom who will accept her but Shehenshah helped make this possible. Dhanyavaad, Shehenshah."

Now, able to see him, Jalal was placed in a sitting position with his back supported by pillows. He looked a lot better than she had seen him this morning although he retained his pallor and his tone still carried on weakly despite the latent authority it carried.

"Raja Sahab," he addressed Bhapusa with a foreign sense of reverence she'd not have expected from him. "You do not need to thank me. Dhawalgarh seemed a suitable kingdom as they are from your community and respectable as well. All that matters is your consent and if you have given that, then it is well."

Tears pricked at her eyes - not of sorrow or pain but at the thought behind his actions. They should not mean as much as they did to her considering everything but how could she ever minimize his hand in this one too?

"I greatly appreciate your help, Shehenshah," Bhapusa said before adding more. "But that is not the only reason for my presence. As per tradition, Shehenshah, the older sister of the bride and her pati are to preside over the wedding and bestow their blessings over her."

At that, Jodha felt her heart stop and it was as if then that he was clued in to her presence as his eyes veered over to hers. His face remained unreadable for the meantime, hiding any possible surprise or any other emotion.

"It will be a great honour if you and Jodha could fulfil the traditions as noted in this shaadi."

Then, a corner of Jalal's lips tugged and she instinctively stepped back.

Oh Kanha, she found herself praying again, this time, for her sanity.

flashback

One of the most established characteristics of the harem was how fast news seemed to fly about and never had Hoshiyaar been more eager as he dashed into her hojra, humbly paying his respect as he gleefully delivered the most recent news to her.

Just when Ruqaiya looked forward to a moment of reprieve, there had to be something to upend that little bit of stability.

With a hardened frown, Ruqaiya abandoned whatever duty she had been engrossed in, going over to Jalal's hojra.

Expectedly, he displayed no surprise at her presence as he boldly sharpened his shamsheer even as she dismissed his attendants from his space.

"With how you've made your presence known, I can tell something's bothering you?" He took the time to stare up at her. "Even though I know why you're here, I must still ask - what do I owe the pleasure of your presence?"

Ruqaiya's countenance hardened before briefly masking her irritation. She might be incensed by the recent news Hoshiyaar had delivered her but she was not about to jeopardize it all for this, after all, for her plan to work, she needed to be composed.

"There's news reaching me that you helped finalize Begum Jodha's sister's rishta and I cannot help but have certain questions that require immediate answers"

With an eyebrow raised, Jalal regarded her as he set aside his shamsheer before giving her permission to go ahead. To an outsider, a gesture like this from him should have signalled a halt in her mission but she proceeded against all warnings, after all, she was his dosti even from their early years in Kabul.

"What was your reason for fixing her rishta with Dhawalgarh? What decision have you reached regarding Raja Bharmal's invitation? And finally, do you intend to grace Amer with your presence?" She demanded without any further preamble, he stare hard at her as he chuckled out loud.

"Such questions you have laid out for me, Ruqaiya," he leaned forward, his focus unilaterally on her. "If you must satisfy your curiosity then, I will answer your questions. For one, my decision to find a suitable groom for Sukanya is no gift to Jodha Begum, after all, my favours always come with a price."

A faint smile curled on his lips and Ruqaiya could only reciprocate with a tight-lipped one of hers. It would be unlike him to give without an ulterior motive yet, why did this feel...out of turn?

"What happened to simply waging a war and adding Dhawalgarh as an expansion of the Mughal Sultanate?" She retorted with narrowed eyes.

He looked away, his eyes focused on what she guessed was a thali holding some fruits. He always did something of the sort each time he intended to give a long diplomatic statement to rationalize his position. "Sometimes, Ruqaiya, political interests, conquests and territorial expansion are won by diplomatic relations and alliances. With this rishta, the Mughal sultanate has an additional territory without even lifting a sword."

And just as she had predicted. It was so easy for him to explain it in that manner as if he had been waiting for her to question him. "How did I surmise you'd say that?"

"Many before us have tried to use brute force to take over territories, Ruqaiya," he answered, his hazel eyes staring up at her as he dropped his teasing tone. "They thought domination would yield them the results of vision but little did they know that some victories are won without spilling blood. Sometimes, bloodshed is not even necessary to get what we want. I see this as a win-win situation."

Touché, she concluded, her curiosity partially satisfied by the question answered. "And Raja Bharmal's invitation? Do you intend to honour it?"

His expression stood unreadable aside from the slight raise of the eyebrow that he accorded her. "Ruqaiya," he drawled out, one gesture that clued her into the fact that he was about to smooth talk his way out of this question as well. "Amer considers me her damad. It is one of their customs that Jodha Begum and I partake in the wedding rites. I have my duties to fulfill towards Amer."

"That answers my third question," she muttered under her breath. "You intend to honor Raja Bharmal's invitation."

His lips curved into a sly smile. "Indeed, Ruqaiya. Now, tell me, do my answers satisfy your curiosity?"

Another trait of his she had come to observe was his way of twisting her questions in a way they reflected on her. Instead, she relaxed her posture with a composed smile.

Her next steps were a risk in itself however, she had determined to ensure her position as Malika-e-Khaas remained secure regardless of what it took.

"As your dosti, Jalal," she started slowly. "You will not go to Amer. I refuse to let you." She paused to meet a surprisingly stoic mask on his face but the look on her communicated finality as she made her way out of his hojra.

flashback over

Now, she remained reclined on her divan as one of her bandhis massaged her legs, from below the knee to her ankles.

Despite the fact that she had exited Jalal's Khaas Mahal with an unwavering expression of confidence, there was that part of her that began to fear that she may have crossed her boundaries this time.

Maybe a few months ago, she would not hold such worries that battled her mind but this time, things were different and it tied back to a certain woman within this harem that even Ruqaiya's head was beginning to throb at the thought.

Fortunately...or not, her reverie was broken by Maham Anga's sudden entry, making her bandhis cease whatever activities they were engrossed in.

Ruqaiya let out a sigh of annoyance as the older woman had the effrontery to dismiss her attendants, leaving her just alone with her. Sitting up, she straightened her back to regard Maham with a taslim.

"There had better be a good reason for your impromptu visit to my hojra, Maham Anga," her voice carried with it a hard edge as she glared up at her.

"Adaab, Begum Ruqaiya. My visit is not for frivolous reasons if you must ask," Maham replied, looking down at her. "I believe you must be aware, by now, that Jalal has fixed Shehzadi Sukanya's rishta to the Shehzada of Dhawalgarh as noted by Raja Bharmal."

"Haan," Ruqaiya stressed heavily in her response, finding it even harder to hide her irritation. "But surely, you did not make your way over to deliver what is basically stale news to me, did you?"

Expecting anger or frustration from Maham, the older woman simply smiled down at her instead. "I would certainly not waste our time in such a manner, Begum Ruqaiya. In fact, I am here to inform you that as we speak, Shehenshah Jalaluddin Mohammad is currently making arrangements for his trip to Amer."

Slightly faltering in her steps, Ruqaiya immediately masked her emotions with a chuckle of her own. "And how do you think my aid is in any way useful, Maham?"

It seemed Maham could see through her bravado with her slight smirk and following reply, "As his dosti and Malika-e-Khaas, surely, you can convince him to reconsider his decision after all."

Ruqaiya found herself heated as she abruptly stood up to her height, advancing towards Maham. Just who did she think she was to think she could order her around?

"You have forgotten your place, it seems, Maham Anga," she pointed her finger at the slowly retreating woman. "Jalal may have made you his Wazir-e-Aliya but you are nothing more than a bandhi elevated by his favour."

Maham Anga's expression paled, a flash of what looked like hurt flickering on her face yet that did little to deter Ruqaiya. "I am Ruqaiya Sultan Begum, Malika-e-Khaas to the Mughal Sultanate. I am not your bandhi who does your bidding nor am I your lap dog who barks at your every command."

She sent Maham a stern glare for good measure which managed to unsettle the usually composed Wazir-e-Aliya. "Do I make myself clear?"

The older woman wavered in her step. "Gustakhi maaf, Begum Ruqaiya. I never intended to overstep my boundaries," she replied, apologetically and in a tight voice. "However, need I remind you of what lies at stake here? Am I the villain for pointing out the obvious danger that is Begum Jodha?"

Shifting her weight, Ruqaiya raised an eyebrow as she stared back at Maham, "You talk to me like I am a forgetful child. You think I had not attempted to dissuade Jalal?"

"You are not trying enough, Begum Ruqaiya!" Maham snapped suddenly. "If you had, Jalal would not have announced his decision to accompany Begum Jodha along with the Royal family and his advisors. Do you still not understand the implication of what is going on?"

Ruqaiya could only scoff, stepping back. "Oh, I understand well enough, Maham Anga but be careful with the tone you use in addressing me lest I remind you-."

"Ji, Begum Ruqaiya," Maham mellowed, with a fake smile plastered on. "But soon you will rue this very day when Begum Jodha takes away everything you hold dear. Tell me, Begum Ruqaiya," she paused, taking a seat on one of the divans. "Haven't you been noticing the patterns ever since Begum Jodha stepped foot in Agra? She is slowly gaining influence right under your nose, Begum Ruqaiya."

"First, it was an innocent game of shatranj, then she used her shahi farman to win the favour of the people. It doesn't even stop there, Begum Ruqaiya, it turns out she holds knowledge of Ayurvedic medicine and applied said knowledge to save Jalal's life," Maham concluded, throwing her hands up sardonically while each word felt like an invisible dagger was twisted even deeper in Ruqaiya's chest.

Blinking to herself, she retorted, "I did not need a reminder of Begum Jodha's growing influence, Maham Anga."

"Which is why I stand here before you, Begum Ruqaiya," Maham said as she rose to her height. "You claim that Jalal only listens to you; that you pull the strings holding him. Today is the day you prove you are not making an empty claim. Stop him from going to Amer, please, stop him."

Placing her hand up to her forehead, Maham whispered a "Khuda hafiz" before leaving Ruqaiya behind to deal with the fallout.

Ya Khuda, she wanted to curse out Maham's slithery influence as she stared out at the now vacant doorway. It seemed she'd have to make another appearance at his hojra.

The alam stood proud and tall on its hoist as it flew freely in the wind. Directly behind was the setting sun whose rays managed to shine through, highlighting the shir-u-khurshid.

The sight of the orange to red gradient could not be any more pleasing to the eyes with the beautiful canvas it displayed.

For many years, when he was only a young shehzada, Jiji Ammi had warned him against staring so often and directly at the sun.

"It will ruin your eyesight," she'd add in effect, wagging her index finger to further emphasize her warning.

However, Jalal's eyes were not staring directly at the sun this time. Although he stood physically with Atgah Khan and Abdul as his company, his mind soared to the sight which stood fragmented behind the jharokha.

Recently, his mind sought a level of peace and some emotion he could not quite name at the sight of Jodha Begum in the Angoori Bagh.

Ever since the announcement of Rajkumari Sukanya's rishta, this sense of joy accompanied her even out of the diwan-e-khaas and now, she tended to some of the rabbits, who would occasionally hop into the garden, while conversing with her attendants before Rahim would later join her.

The little boy seemed to have taken a liking to Jodha Begum, even calling her his "choti ammi jaan".

Her already elated expression evolved to something even more than what it was if it was easy for him to explain the possibility. Her smile widened at whatever Rahim must have said as everyone - they and her attendants - burst into laughter.

What he'd give to have her laugh with him in that manner...

"Huzoor?" His mind was snapped back to the present by Atgah's gentle interruption. With his brows raised, he turned to regard the two men. He had been so deeply engrossed in his thoughts that he had lost track of their discussion.

If either man noticed, they chose not to point out his momentary absentmindedness as Atgah started raising the issue of increasing the security in their camp.

"A Rajput had attempted to harm Begum Jodha and some men had attempted to assassinate the both of you while out on the field, Huzoor," Atgah pointed out with Abdul nodding in acknowledgement. "With the journey we are about to embark, there is the possibility of the Rajput kings making attempts on your life while you are in Amer."

Abdul, not hesitating, also joined in, "It would be wise if we do not let our guards down, Bhaijaan, given the environment we're about to find ourselves in within the next few days."

Not that this was the first time anyone would echo their worries about his decision to travel to Amer, he stood resolute, his gaze moving slowly from Abdul to Atgah.

"I understand your concerns, Abdul, Atgah Sahab," he said slowly. "And I trust that you both have my safety in mind. However, the Rajputs abide by a certain code of conduct. They will not harm me or raise a sword against me; not during an auspicious occasion like a shaadi nor while I am unarmed. But if it will soothe your concerns, then, you can go ahead..."

He faltered in his speech at the sight of none other than Ruqaiya. Her appearance this morning had left him slightly miffed although he had masked his irritation.

"You will not go to Amer. I refuse to let you," she had stated with an unwavering stare that left no further arguments. It became increasingly difficult for him to even suppress his amusement at the fact that she thought she could control his actions and decisions.

"Takhliya," he dismissed the two men before him before sending them a glance which conveyed his intention to continue their current conversation.

Atgah Khan and Abdul both greeted him with the taslim before extending the gesture to Ruqaiya who reciprocated. Now, it was just the two of them left in his hojra.

Jalal's posture remained relaxed as the setting sun made its rays shine through the jharokha. Somewhere in his mind, he remained aware of Jodha's presence somewhere in the Angoori Bagh.

"Ever taken a look at the setting sun?" He said, off-handedly despite his knowledge of Ruqaiya's motive for her presence here and yet, he continued in his poetic diatribe. "Such simple displays never cease to indicate Khuda's workings, do they?"

He stepped back, fully facing the one fixation on his mind. Ruqaiya, on the other hand, was barely interested in anything that had to do with the sunsets and she showed no hesitation in making that known to him.

"You are the Hindustan ki Shehenshah, no one can - dares to question your decisions, yet you chose to honour the invitation to Amer?" Her question dripped with incredulity. "If you had declined, Raja Bharmal would have offered no argument against your decision and yet..."

Jalal's eyes furrowed in confusion as he turned to face her again. "Why do you seem to have an issue with my decision, Ruqaiya Begum? You could come along with me to Amer if you wished," he added as a halfhearted suggestion despite being fully aware that she was too possessive over him to even consider such a suggestion.

And just as he has perfectly predicted...

"Because her presence spells misfortune, Jalal," she blurted out, her frustration barely contained. "Badaqismati every damn time. I have barely known peace or relief with her presence in this harem. Have you forgotten how somehow you had managed to return in a critical state on a journey meant for your safety and protection?!"

"She did not replace my gunpowder with duds nor did she attempt to assassinate me, Ruqaiya," he pointed out with a warning in his voice that she was once again overstepping her boundaries.

Yet, it did nothing to stop the already headstrong Ruqaiya who shot back at him. "Why do you keep on defending her?"

He clenched his jaw as his eyes hardened at her before they slowly lost their hardness as if he was in contemplation. "Hum mohabbat karte hain Jodha Begum se," he let out calmly.

The room fell so deathly silent that one could hear a pin drop. Looking at Ruqaiya, Jalal noted the moment her expression faltered as her face paled.

"It has been difficult coming to terms with this but I can no longer deny what I feel for her," he pressed on even as tears started welling in her eyes. "She remains my waking thoughts, she occupies my dreams and I cannot stand the thought of her being away from my field of vision."

"That is why...," Jalal maintained eye contact with Ruqaiya through this, each moment a bearing punishment for her before he burst into a bout of a cruel chuckle. "I merely jest; dil nahi humare paas, remember?"

Blinking, a stream of tears rolled down her face. "Never joke with me in that manner again, Jalal," Her voice wavered in effect as she slowly shook her head.

He merely clicked his teeth dismissively, "It was only a joke. I hadn't thought you'd have taken it to heart like this," he shrugged apathetically. "My trip to Amer is merely for politics just as my union with Jodha Begum. They will regard me with great respect should I show up, Ruqaiya."

"And should they attempt to harm you?"

His grin grew wider at that question, "The Rajputs pride themselves in keeping their word. They will not harm me, even if they wished to. After all, I am Amer's damad."

"For a moment..." she briefly looked away before shaking off her thoughts, opting to get closer in proximity instead. Her hands felt for his face, tenderly gliding over his skin.

Jalal gripped her by his waist as he drew closer to reassure her. "I only look forward to them bowing before me," He said, his lips slightly hovering over hers. "Shehenshah Jalaluddin Mohammad has no heart nor does he have feelings and that is not about to change anytime soon."

Closing the gap between them, she pressed her lips against his before creating some space between them. "Do what you must; I will be praying for your safe journey," she added, stepping back but he was quicker in drawing her back.

"Will you not come with me to Amer?" He questioned.

Ruqaiya shook her head, "You know that I will not find reprieve or any source of happiness in Amer and you know the reason. It is for the best I stay back in Agra."

Releasing her, he stepped back, watching as she quietly left his hojra. His eyes wandered back to the jharokha, a small smile tugging at his lips at the sight of Jodha holding in her hands one of the rabbits.

Even as he observed her, his words to Ruqaiya bounced back against his mind.

"I merely jest; dil nahi humare paas, remember?"

There was that part of him that called him out on his dishonesty with himself yet he stifled it with a scoff.

Mohabbat? Dil nahi humare paas

closing notes: this chapter was the slowest part for me to draft and also differs from the serial, given that I did change some parts in the previous track and the Ruqaiya scene. this part was particularly tricky because I didn't want to make Ruqaiya a yes-woman for Maham Anga, following her every bidding.

Ruqaiya does not like Maham despite aligning herself occasionally with her to undermine Jodha (even the serial portrays her relationship with Maham in this manner). she is fully aware of Maham being manipulative despite falling often for them. it is a peculiar dynamic ngl, hence why I have Ruqaiya behaving in this manner with Maham.

in addition, yes, the part where Jodha is in the Angoori Bagh with the bunnies was taken as inspiration from a scene in the movie itself.

now, unto Jalal's whole "fake" love confession to Ruqaiya... initially, it threw me off-guard because of how sudden it felt to me until Jalal started laughing in the serial and while he'd not have recognized it as love at this stage, there is a part of me that think he wasn't pulling legs but instead trying to test the waters. but anyway, this is just me speculating, lol. as usual, thanks for reading! 😄

Please share the next installments.