AKDHA FF: 'No Name To My Desire' THRD 3- Chap 12 (Part 3)

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INDEX

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TREAD ONE

FOR Chap 1-6 >>>> CLICK HERE

TREAD TWO

FOR Chap 7-10 >>>> CLICK HERE

TREAD THREE

FOR Chap 11-12 (Part 3) (scroll down)

TREAD FOUR

CLICK HERE

'She is coming...she is coming to me. My solace, my peace, my life is returning to me. Few more hours and I will have my Jodha in my arms...close to my heart...again'. It would be not less than hundred times Jalal uttered these lines to his heart...but nothing seemed to work on it right now...as if it has made its mind to have its own way.

He got the news 2 hours back. Since then there's not been a single moment Jalal could sit calmly...not been a single moment he could bring peace any closer to him. His mind, his heart - everything was numbed by a strange restlessness and a storm of varied emotions. He was happy...yet it was not solely happiness that he was feeling. He was eager...yet it was not solely eagerness he was feeling. Jalal himself was very much unsure of his actual condition...neither he had that much time and effort left in him to work on it. Things were gradually getting more difficult for him. Every passing moment was bringing Jodha closer to him...at the same time pushing his longing to wilder edge.

Jalal had no idea how he was going to control himself in her presence...how he was going to keep his hands off her. He really had no idea. In fact he was a bit worried about the possible outcome of such an encounter. 'What if she gets angry or tries to run away? Will I be able to bear the loss this time?' Numerous times he repeated these questions to himself...every time ended up with the same reply...'I surely won't'.

Four and a half year...without her. Long days...longer nights...and a never ending wait. Jalal didn't want to get back to THIS life of his. He didn't want to return to a life of endless 'longing'. He wanted to taste the pleasure, even a commoner is blessed with. And for that he needed HIS Jodha in his life. Jalal knew his one mere mistake will turn his long wait to ashes. And he surely didn't want that. 'I can't afford it this time...I can't afford to loose her again. I can't afford to live my life without her anymore...I...I must control my feelings...I must be...very...careful with her this time.' Jalal was trying hard to get hold over his inner turmoil to make things easier for both of them. He knew he had to do this...any how...that too very soon.

But there was another thing bothering him all the while that aroused in his mind since he heard about Jodha's call...'why she suddenly changed her mind?' all these years he is almost raking the earth for her. But she somehow managed to escape his gaze. Even she didn't let him know about their son. Then all of a sudden why is she forgiving everything to return to him?

'Is there anything I don't know yet? Is she in some kind of trouble? kya baat hogi?' Jalal ran his fingers through his hair...in an attempt to pacify his boiling mind...but that didn't help much. Questions kept poking their heads. Jalal repeated this act of his few more times then gave up. 'Few more minutes and she herself will be here to answer my questions'. Jalal made up his mind.

10 minutes later...

'Let her in'. Jalal ordered his security person to let Jodha come inside his suit. Jalal was sitting on a couch facing his back towards the door. Jodha was out of his view but he could sense her presence around him. He could sense her nearing steps...her irregular breaths. She was not very far from him. Jalal's heart was beating at a wild speed, making his own heartbeats audible to him.

'Leave us alone...make sure nobody interrupts till I ask'. Jalal made the order to his security person without even turning back. He waited till he could hear the sound of closing door.

There they were. Under the same roof. Breathing in same air. Alone in a suit. Two life...two set of thoughts...two set of feelings...but one destination - they both needed to talk to each other. They both needed to tell each other what they were carrying in their hearts. The only difference was...one relishing the proximity of his beloved...another detesting the presence of the man she curses every moment of her life.

'After so many years...so many hurdles...finally you have come to me. I promise you Jodha...I will make sure you spend rest of your life with me. I will bind you with me in every possible way. That's a promise from Jalaluddin Mohammad.' A winning curve appeared on Jalal's face as he set his goal. It was time to begin the journey. Enough of thinking for now!!! Lets face my desired'. Jalal stood up from the couch and turned towards Jodha. But what he saw was enough to stab his heart hard.

An ordinary cotton salwar suit...lost its luster probably months ago. Messy hair loosely tucked behind with a clutch. Not a single piece of ornament to her grace. But what drew Jalal's attention more was the distress and pain that was visible in every part of her appearance. Her eyes...her cheeks...her face - everything was almost red with immense crying. He could even locate a few drops, hanging from her eyelashes. That was hurting Jalal like hell. He felt like pulling her in his arms right there and kiss away her tears...kiss away every mark of pain from her face. He wanted to tear the bust**d in two pieces, who descended such pain on his Jodha.

Jodha was standing like a statue. She wasn't even sure whether her heart was beating or not. She felt like a lifeless body. No words...no movements. How can she forget...she was standing in front of the person she vowed to not see again?

Jalal couldn't hold himself anymore...he rushed to Jodha...extended his hand to her cheek to wipe the tear drops. He just wanted to erase her pain somehow. But his sudden proximity alarmed Jodha...his forwarding hand drove a known disgust through her veins. Every cell of her body rejected this closeness. Jodha swiftly drew back few steps, making Jalal's fingers missing its destination at very last moment. How can she let THAT brute touch her!!!

THIS refusal to his touch displeased Jalal. He slowly drew back the dejected fingers in his fist. He didn't like it...he never like it whenever she tries to go away from him...whenever she tries to run away from his touch...be it today or the NIGHT they met before. He felt like caging her in his arms and making her realize...'she has no RIGHT to refuse him'. But looking at her condition Jalal knew...it's just not the right time. He controlled his turbulent nerves...put a lid on his blazing desires at least for time being. He knew he would get enough time to pamper his wishes in near future. Now he decided to shift his focus only on Jodha's despair...her pains.

'Ok Ok...that's fine...I won't touch you. Just be relaxed and tell me what's wrong? Why you crying? What is it?' asked Jalal while locking his gaze on her face. Jodha could feel his piercing gaze on her...her immense despise was burning her from inside. But she had to finish for what she came here. Without even lifting her face she began, 'my son...'

Utterance of this pair of words suddenly stirred Jalal's mind. He feared something terrible. Jalal immediately cuts into her line, 'what happened to him?'

'Aaa...he..he...ha has been kid...kidnapped', Jodha could only utter this much in her shaky voice before breaking into sobs. And the reaction of the listener??? Well just as expected.

'What!!! Are you insane!!! Do you even know what you are saying!!!' yelled Jalal at the top of his voice. That news was like a stab to his heart...it was the shock of his life. The dreaded thought of loosing his son all over again raked Jalal's nerves. He felt his bleeding heart would stop beating at any moment. An immense rage was scorching its way to his head. He erased the gap between him and Jodha in a fraction of second. Jalal gripped her by her shoulder and pulled her to him. 'Kahan hai woh??? Kisne kidnap kiya use??? What else do you know about it???...Speak out damnit!!!' Jalal descended his fury on Jodha. But what he got in reply was only a shivering stature in his grip and a pair of down cast eyes. Her silence ruffled him even further...this time he strengthened his grip, making her wince in pain. 'Look at me Jodha when I am talking to you', Jalal hissed between his teeth.

Jodha slowly pulled her eyes upwards...gradually her tear soaked dejected pair of eyes were being visible to 'much in fury' Jalal. Her eyes...and the pain and helplessness exhibited in those tears somehow made its way to Jalal's heart. He felt a strange pang there. Suddenly the temperature in his head started sinking...sinking in her presence...sinking in her tears. He could feel the birth of a new emotion in his heart...for the first time he could feel a PAIN...that belongs to somebody else.

'Her pain is no less than mine.' it took almost no time for Jalal to realise the truth he was ignorant of. He realised she was in agony of loosing her son as much as he was. It was no less a sting for her. He released Jodha. 'A...am sorry...I was just out of my mind...I promise I won't touch you again.' with this Jalal receded back from Jodha, increasing the gap between them...but all the while he had his eyes on her. 'Ok...now calm down and tell me what exactly happened?'

Jodha knew she had to sum up everything before Jalal. In fact she was preparing herself for this encounter from the moment she made her mind to meet him. But everything got messed up in her head on entering this room...facing this man. His proximity...his touch...even his mere presence around her withered her mind of logics. How can she look into the eyes of a man she curse every moment of her life? How can she talk normal with a person she despises to hell?

Jodha felt like loosing her balance at any moment. Suppressed terror...continuous crying...loathing disgust - all these three were on their mission to bring her down. But she knew...it was just not the right time to let his lusty intentions tousle her mind. Putting in all her efforts she finally gathered to speak up, 'we went to a shop near Park Street...'

Jodha told him everything...from their entering the shop to buying the ball...then from her standing in the queue to his roaming near the sports car window...and finally his disappearance and that call. But something inside her told her mind to omit the first line of the caller.

'Are you looking for Jalaluddin Mohammad's son?'

It was nothing but a desperate attempt of Jodha to keep her son away from that devil's clutch. She thought this omission by her will keep Jalal away from the TRUTH. Only if she could have known...how far he has already gone in pursuit of THAT truth!!!

A deep line between his brows was replicating the kind of affect her description had on him. One thing was clear as day light...his son has been kidnapped and he must act fast to get him back. 'You got the call on your mobile right? Gimme you phone.' Obeying to his order Jodha handed him her phone. Jalal grabbed the set and pressed for 'received call' list. A look on the list forced a failed smirk on Jalal's face. 'Off course!!! Private number...Private number...my foot!!!' Jalal threw the phone on table. He paused for a moment then picked out his mobile and dialed a number. 'Abdul...am sending you a number. Few hours back somebody called up this phone from a private number. I want each and every information about this f**king private number and the f**king person called from it.'

'Is everything ok Jalal?' Abdul query was justified but Jalal was simply not in a mood to reply. 'Just do what I say idiot. And jaldi hotel aja...I need to talk to you.' with this Jalal snapped the call. It wasn't a rocket science for Abdul to sense something wrong in the whole thing but keeping in mind Jalal's previous reply, he decided to let it go for now.

'Gimme your number', Jalal ordered Jodha. She obliged. Jalal typed the digits and send it to Abdul. Only thing they could do now was waiting for Abdul's reply...only if the kidnapped doesn't make effort to call again.

Few minutes later...

When emotions speak louder, words take a back seat. Such was the situation with these two souls. For one...hatred was so strong that she couldn't even imagine spending words on him...for another...desire was so intense that he couldn't take risk of staring at her or be in her proximity for long. It was a challenge for Jalal to be in her presence yet not touching her.

Jodha was sitting in the couch...gaze fixed on floor...she was lost in her thoughts. She was hardly aware of the fact that her every move was under surveillance of a pair of eyes...which was stealing glances on her every now and then. She could have remained in her stupor for longer if her thought process wouldn't have been broken by the man, standing near the wall-wide glass window. 'You should have been more careful with him...you shouldn't have taken him out like this.' Uttering these lines, Jalal rolled a swift glance on Jodha to notice her reaction. His words broke her trance.

It was actually a bit odd for Jodha. She was fully aware of his obsession for her...she faced it with her life...but today she was a bit surprised at his overzealous attitude towards her son. 'I didn't told him Rico is his son...then why this bothering? Or it's just his another ploy to show me how much he care for my son?' such questions were continuously intimidating her...but couldn't do so for long as Jalal's next sentence numbed all her queries, 'world's never a safe place for Jalaluddin Mohammad's son. You should have been much more careful with him.'

This shook Jodha to the core. She couldn't believe her own ears...'did I heard it right? Did he say Jalaluddin Mohammad's son?' Jodha was completely dumbfounded. Thousand things flocked her mind within no time. 'How on earth does he know about this?' She was about to ask but a ring on Jalal's phone discarded her effort. 'Hello...yap let him in.' Jalal ordered to let somebody in. Jodha turned her face towards the door to see who this could be. Abdul entered.

It was a huge shock for Abdul. He couldn't believe his eyes. The person he is assigned to look for...the person they are searching like hell...sitting peacefully in Jalal's suit!!! Is he daydreaming or is it a kind of joke Jalal cracking on him? Abdul's frowns told Jalal what was going inside his mind. 'Abdul come here.' Jalal called him to his side.

Abdul's reluctant steps told Jalal, he was still dipped in his amazement and awe. Jalal knew his one answer will clarify everything to his pal. So he did. 'Salim has been kidnapped.'

'What!!! What you saying!!!' within a lap of few seconds Abdul received his second shock.

'Yes Abdul...' Jalal narrated everything to his friend, whatever Jodha told him.

'But who could have done this? Anyone hardly knows he is your son.' Abdul still couldn't believe what he heard was actually truth. His mind was looking for some kind of logic behind all these.

'No Abdul no...it means somebody other than us knows this...and whom we don't know.' Jalal was damn certain about this.

'But Jalal...my informers are very safe...it's not the first time am dealing with them and lab mein toh maine sample unknown likh ke bheja tha...so no question of any leakage. I don't think the mistake is at our side.' Jalal got what Abdul hinted at.

'I think you are right. Baat kahin our se nikli hai.' With this Jalal sneak a glance at Jodha. That was the same thing going inside Abdul's mind as well, 'we must ask her...if she...' before Abdul could finish what he began Jalal hushed him in the middle. 'No Abdul...not now...she is too much stressed.' Uttered Jalal in a suppressed voice, making sure his words couldn't reach her ears. Abdul sensed...his friend doesn't want to interrogate his beloved right now...he could feel the reason himself, looking at her condition. But something must be done...that too very soon, 'Then what!!!'

'Abdul I have a feeling somebody spied on us...or may be just snooped.' Jalal rubbed his hand on the prickly stubble that has grown overnight.

'That's impossible. We both use encoded networks. That's snoop-free.' Abdul objected.

'Am not talking about me and you Abdul. Am talking about Jodha and Ammijan. They use normal network na...' Jalal strikes the right cord here.

'Hmm...that can be the case...fine I have both Jodha and Mrs. Hamida Banu's number...let me check if they were snooped.' With this Abdul starts walking towards the exit. Before going out of the door Abdul paused for a moment to look at Jodha, who was still sitting on the couch though now with a stiff face. 'Hope everything starts for normal with them'. With this prayer Abdul left, closing the door behind.

'May be Abdul was right...may be Jodha ne kisi ko bataya hoga...about Salim...it could have been leaked out of that person...I think I should ask her about this.' Just as thinking Jalal started walking towards her...in little and hesitant steps. He knew she was fully distressed now...but he had to do this...for his son's sake...for her sake as well.

'Have you ever told anyone about...' Jalal couldn't finish his line as something chocked his voice. It was Jodha's eyes. With his every forwarding step, she slowly lifted her face to him. Her eyes...blood red...face dipped in rage...her every expression was giving testimony to the burst out he was about to face. Before Jalal could guess the reason behind this...Jodha started. 'You spied on us!!! Went for tests!!! How dare you!!!' her despise, her disgust was oozing out of her every word. 'I have heard everything. How could you even think of getting any close to my son!!! How dare you!!!' Now mentioning of Rico as 'her son' ruffled Jalal like hell. He couldn't hold himself anymore. Jalal grabbed Jodha by her arm and almost hissed, 'how...dare...you. Who are you to keep my son away from me!!! Himmat kaise hui tumhari...' Within no time Jodha retorted, 'being a mother it's my duty keep my son away from any kind of evil. Our waise bhi lagte kaun ho aap uske...nobody. It's because of you that I have lost my son...warna kisi ko kabhie pata nehi chalta...' With this Jodha tried to free her arm from his grip. But he was too strong for her. 'Leave my hand'. Jodha almost yelled but all for vain...he hardly paid any heed to her objections, 'Just because of your THIS attitude...we are in this mess. Why did you keep my son if you can't protect him?'

'He is not your son!!! Stop calling him that.' Jodha tried to move away from Jalal's grip but only to be landed in more ordeals. Jalal pulled a retreating Jodha and held her from back. His right hand wrapped around her belly, locked her back to his front. His left hand got hold of Jodha's left hand to restrict its movements. She was caged. Jalal brushed his nose on her earlobe and whispered, 'ab kare bhi toh kya kare jaan...it's a truth even God himself can't alter.'

His closeness...his grip...his touch...his erotic breath on her skin - everything filled her with utter disgust...she felt like running out of that place then and there. Jodha gathered all her strength and tried to push Jalal away...but more she struggled, more he tightened his grip around her...almost squeezing her against him. She could now feel every part of his body against her. She realized her attempts will only push her towards more embarrassment. Hence she gave in, leaving herself to his mercy. A winning smirk appeared on Jalal's lips. He again brought his lips to her ear. 'You know there's nobody on earth who understands me as much as you. What am doing...what am about to do...you gauge everything in a moment...while others keep grappling all their life...I appreciate this HUNAR of you very much.'

His appraisal was like a pinch to her already sore heart. Jodha burst out, 'he will never accept you...knowing what you have done to his mother.'

'Trust me...he will. He is a MUGHAL dear...in saab baton se use koyee fark nehi parega...you know there was a time, when men in our family used to have thousands of begums. People didn't even know their names...because they hardly mattered.' Suddenly a smirk appeared on Jalal's face as if something sparked in his wicked mind. He touched her earlobe with his lips and uttered in a husky voice, 'But I am not like them...maine toh ab tak ek bhi shadi nehi ki...and for me...mera BETA jitna zaroori hai...utni hi uski MA bhi...' with this Jalal placed a light kiss on Jodha's earlobe, making her almost mad with rage. She could have ended up hurting him if her phone wouldn't have started ringing.

Both turned their gaze to the phone kept on the tea table. It was showing 'PRIVATE NUMBER'. Jalal hurriedly grabbed the phone and pressed for answer. 'Who the hell are you?'

'Jalaluddin...Mohammad. The chairman of IMPERIAL...the kind hearted MUGHAL king...most influential human being on earth...the man of many women's dream...is actually a RAPIST. Kaisa ho agar yeh kal kisi newspaper ka headline ho toh...' kidnappers words raked every inch of Jalal's body, rushing a fire through his veins. He yelled at the top of his voice, 'you bast**d'.

PRECAP: chhutti hai...

'I have Mr. Mohammad...I have. You are the one who spoiled my life...crushed my dreams. You are the one who took my love away...you are the one who made my life...living hell. Now it's my turn...you bloody fu***ng womanizer!!!' The kidnapper almost lost his cool for a moment. His anger was much evident in his voice. But he quickly checked his temper...took a pause and resumed again, this time in a calmer tone, 'if you want to get back your son...in one piece, arrange the money before tomorrow morning. Warna...well...you are not that dumb...right?' With this the call ended, leaving a half raged, half scared Jalal behind.

An unknown man with hardly any substance in front of the mighty MUGHAL king just threatened Jalaluddin Mohammad on his face. Threatened to tarnish his reputation...threatened to cut his son into pieces. Enmity was nothing new to Jalal. He had been through many variation of THIS since the day he coroneted to the throne of IMPERIAL. In other words he grew among enemies. From sibling rivalries to business tussles - he faced it all. But this time there was a different dimension to it. It involved his son. And that scared Jalal.

Jalal was hardly bothered about his own reputation. Society knows what Jalaluddin Mohammad is and what his ways of life are. But off course...his dark secrets, yet hidden from the world, would definitely taint both his name and his family reputation. It would surely bring unrepairable damage to Jalal and his ancestral legacy. But at this stage...what ailed him more was his lil boy's safety. One thing was damn clear from the kidnapper's words...that he wants revenge...revenge of something...Jalal has caused him. Jalal knew...a man in revenge is no less dangerous than a starving tiger. Hence, he was scared...damn scared.

Kidnapper's threat, his audacity...everything was slowly fading out of Jalal's mind...only thing remained was his concern for Rico's safety. This sudden change in Jalal's expression didn't escape Jodha's attention. She couldn't listen to what the kidnapper told on phone but she could fathom its severity on Jalal's face.

Jalal slowly kept the phone back on table and turned to Jodha. He had something very important to ask her, 'thik se yaad karo...have you ever told anyone about...about us? About Salim?'

'No I didn't. Apart from Ammijan I never spoke to anyone about this.' replied Jodha with a firm jaw line.

'Then how come this guy knows everything...everything about us...about Salim...sab kuch...how come!!!' Jalal ran his fingers through his hairs. He could feel that throbbing pain making its way back again. Immense pressure, both physical and mental, was slowly making Jalal's senses numb...sucking every bit of energy out from his body...dipping him deeper into the depression. Jalal couldn't take any more. He griped his forehead and sat on the sofa...rather almost threw his dejected body on sofa.

Too many questions, no answer. Who kidnapped Rico? Why he kidnapped him? Is it money all he wants? Or it's part of some bigger conspiracy? These questions were ruffling Jalal's mind like hell. He felt as if his head would break open in any moment. Jalal was tired, tensed, scared, and above all...panicked. Jodha's condition was no better than him. Mother's heart was bleeding profusely for her son. 'Subhah sirf ek glass doodh piya tha. nasta bhi thik se nehi kiya...pata nehi un logo ne khane ko kuch dia bhi hoga ya nehi...mera bachha...' with her last words Jodha broke into tears. Her heart ached imagining how her lil one would have been doing without food.

She faced numerous hurdles in her life...some of them she is still struggling to overcome. But nothing ailed her this much. Every moment was coming with new set of worries...each...more striking than another. Jodha was fighting relentlessly to keep those scary assumptions as far from her mind as possible...trying hard to keep the door shut against those looming thoughts. She clutched the ends of her dupatta with her both fists...tears kept flooding her eyelashes.

Jodha's tears moved Jalal. Looking at those pained pair of eyes, he forgot his own pain for a second. This was a sight Jalal can never ever bear with. He forgot the ruckus they had minutes ago, because of his touch...he forgot the vow he made and rushed to Jodha...again. This time he cupped her face with both hands and wiped her tears with his thumbs...he did it before she could get hold of...what exactly happened. But within moments of realizing his proximity Jodha pushed him away. This sudden shove made Jalal almost stumble on his feet...somehow he managed to hold on to the ground. But THIS enraged Jalal to the core. He glared at Jodha.

'Why? Why you keep doing this to me? Problem kya hai tumhari...haan?' Jalal yelled almost at the top of his voice.

'It's you I have a problem with. Why you just...just...don't let me live...why you just don't let me be myself...you have made a hell out of my life. Ab our kya chahiye mujhse? What else do you want?' Jodha didn't take more than a second to retort back. She almost poured in all her disgust in her sharp words. It left Jalal wonder...how much hatred she still have in her. But that surely didn't defer Jalal from the counter attack.

'It's not me...it's YOU who's responsible for all these', Jalal pointed his finger back at Jodha.

'Yes...off course...it's me all the way...main toh bhul hi gayethi...insaano ki takleef samajh ne ke liye minimum ek insaan hona padta hai.' Jodha hurled those words with a mocking smirk, making Jalal infuriate to the core. He busted out.

Jalal griped Jodha by arm and pulled her to him. Their faces were inches apart. Jalal's worm breath was brushing against Jodha. 'Yes you are right. I am not a human...am a beast. Jalaluddin Mohammad is an animal. But you know why?...because of you. Tumhari wajah se.' Jodha tried to protest, 'what you...' but Jalal hushed her by putting his finger on her lips. He continued.

'Just because of your NO...your damn refusal...we are facing this. Do you love me? No. Do you wanna be with me? No. Do you wanna speak to me? No...no, no, no...Am fed up with this. Mera dard...meri takleef...in sab cheeso se toh tumhe koyee fark hi nehi padta!' While coming to the end of his line a presence of moist could be sensed in Jalal's voice. But that hardly made any effect on an embroiled Jodha.

'Nehi padta fark. Aapke kisi chees se mujhe koyee fark nehi padta. Aap jeeye, mare...I hardly bother!...You mean nothing to me.' Jodha poured her hatred in her words. Her last few words left Jalal totally numb. It's not that he wasn't aware of her feelings for him...her state of mind towards him...but this much hatred!!! He was shocked.

Her words stabbed him...stabbed him hard. 'She doesn't bother...whether I live or die!!!' Jalal couldn't believe his ears. It sucked the air out of him for the moment. It hurt him just the same way...her words hurt him years ago...'I can't leave Sanjay...he is my life...he is my love. You better stay away from me'. She is still there where she was...years ago...still hurting him with her words...and he...receiving the shots relentlessly.

Jodha could feel...things were rapidly going out of her hand...she could feel the need to get out of here...as soon as possible. She looked at Jalal's bewildered state and rushed to the door. But before she could reach...Jalal closed the door. He grabbed her by waist and pinned her against the door. He lowered his face on her and uttered...'Jee nehi sakta main tumhare bagair...you WILL have to forget him...Trust me...I won't repeat that again.'

PS: part 2 coming shortly😳

Few minutes later...

'There she is...still far away from me...still detached from me...still indifferent to me...just where she was four and a half years ago...when I asked her to come to me...' These thoughts...memories of that night were intimidating Jalal's mind persistently...as if some floodgate has been unlocked by Jodha's harsh words. He couldn't control the flow of painful memories that raked his soul like hell.

Peace was surely not something prevailing on Jodha's mind either. She was raged, depressed, distressed - all together. For her the situation was like a double edged knife...neither could she leave the place, as she was aware of her limited resource in searching Rico...nor was she being able to bear with HIS presence around her. But she had to...somehow...it was the only way to get back her son...and she knew that. Jodha was trying hard to goad her mind into the situation...manage it to live through the hitches at least for time being. She was decided, once she get Rico back, she will leave the place immediately. Still it was really tough for her to put up with his presence...put up with his gaze. How can she forget what he did to her?...his every touch...every look was reminding her of those painful hours she had to spend...in that hill top guest house...with HIM. She didn't even need to pinch her wound to make it alive...it was...BURNING ALIVE.

After his last round of altercation with Jodha, Jalal retired to his room, leaving a still fuming Jodha in the drawing room. Jalal was hurt...damn hurt. He wasn't being able to come out of the phrase Jodha hurled at him few minutes back...'I hardly bother...' it was a shot for Jalal. A shot of realization...that the situation is no better than what it was few years back. It brought back to him the memories of the night that changed his life forever. The night that made him forgo his vow...his tradition...his ethics - everything. The night...he let his royal robe loose only to beg for happiness. The night...he let the HUMAN in Jalaluddin die in the hands of a selfish devil.

One night. Two souls. Two set of thoughts. For one it was a night that gave him a reason to die for...and for another it was a night that striped her of the reason to live for. But there were many similarities as well...for both of them...it was a night that changed their life forever. For both of them...it was a night that gave them...NOTHING BUT PAIN.

Four and a half year ago...

The valleys of Simla were drenched in early monsoon. But this rain of love was not so lovely for all living souls across this heavenly hilltown. Just as it wasn't for Jodha who was scaling a nearly deserted uphill road to reach the place Disha called her to. It was a guest house on the hilltop. Autowala refused to come this far. It dropped her on the main road. She was on her foot since then...a nonstop shower much in addition to her despair. 'I will kill you Disha ki bachhi! Kya zaroorat thi yaha bulane ki! Aisa kaunsa surprise hai! Haal kharab ho gaya mera...upar se thori der me shaam hone wali hai...will have to get back soon...huh...grrr...I hate u. I hate u. I hate.' Jodha was hell disgusted with everything...from Disha's sudden message through her friend...to her coming here in such weather. She wasn't even sure whether she would get any auto on her return or not, 'use hi mujhe home tak chorna parega...no spare this time...idiot kahiki!!!' Jodha continued her going while scolding Disha all the while. She was utterly disgusted.

Jodha reached the hilltop. The deserted road ends at the door of the guest house...huge enough to draw onlookers' praise and grand enough to arouse pleasure in visitor's eyes. But Jodha was feeling none. Rather she was surprised...and curious as well...what Disha has got to do with this palatial guest house!!!

Reaching the hilltop Jodha paused for a while. She looked at the condition of her dress. It was almost wet with shower. Her hair nearly displaced. She was breathing heavily due to long walk. She took few seconds to compose herself...then walked forward to the door. Jodha rang the bell.

Three minutes later...

Jodha pressed the doorbell for third time but still there was no response from the other side. Each passing second was increasing Jodha's perplexity. She wasn't getting what's going on there...why on earth Disha not opening the door! Suddenly something stuck in her mind and she pushed the door. It was open!!!

Jodha was standing in front of the huge door way. She could see a magnificent leaving in front of her...it was half dark as faint lights of late afternoon couldn't make fully inside. Jodha was in a fix...whether to go inside or call out for Disha from here. 'God!!! Kya musibat hai!!! Pata nehi kiska guest house hai...our yeh Disha kahan mar gayee! What to do...shall I go inside or...chali jayun...' after giving few minutes to herself finally she made her mind and called out...'Disha are you there?' few more minutes...still no reply. Jodha decided to go again, 'Disha, am here...waiting at the door.' but this time also silence prevailed. Jodha's voice was lost inside the darkening interior of the guest house.

Now it was a serious trouble for Jodha. She couldn't make her mind whether to go back or wait for some more time. She knew the whole drama can be a planned prank by Disha but whatever it was...it was really getting on her nerves. If that was not enough...darkening evening was adding toppings to the whole fiasco. Enough!!! Jodha decided to go back...but before that she just wanted to have a look inside the house whether she was missing something or not...a decision she was going to regret all her life.

Entire time Jodha was unaware of a pair of eyes scanning her every move...gazing her all the while from a window on extreme right. With her every forwarding step those eyes could be seen brightening many folds. He was waiting for her...waiting for her to come to him.

Jodha entered the house. It was rushing into darkness inside out. She quickly glanced around. The drawing room...it was lavishly decorated...expensive couches...huge wall paintings...exotic show pieces...blanket carpet. Class and royalty were oozing out of each and every thing the house shows off. Jodha was a bit taken aback by the grandeur...it was first time she was so close to anything like that. Everything about the room was grand and fascinating. Jodha lost herself to the majestic beauty for couple of seconds...but not for long. Soon she got back to the reason, she came here for.

'Disha are you there?' yelled Jodha as she saw a ray of light coming out of a room on right. She could sense somebody's presence in that room. She was damn sure it was Disha...may be putting up her last effort to culminate her prank. But Jodha was not the one who could be swayed away so easily. She decided to confront her and started walking towards the room. Few steps and she reached the door...half open. The room was enlightened with neon bulbs...but not bright enough to make everything clearly visible. Jodha pushed the door lightly and peeped inside the room. It was a little dusky inside; still Jodha could see a person standing near the window, turning his back toward her. It wasn't clear enough...but for whatever reasons Jodha presumed it to be a friend of Disha...she strolled towards him.

The moment Jodha set her foot inside the room...a strange feeling engulfed her...as if there was something wrong...something terribly wrong in the entire happening. All her senses were put on alert...there was something about the room that's too familiar to her...something she came across recently...'what it could be!!!' Jodha's mind was grappling for a fitting answer while she was nearing on the man slowly.

She was just two steps behind the man when she got her answer. The odor of cologne was familiar to her. She knew the fragrance and she knew the man. It was HIM. It was the same fragrance she inhaled, when she met HIM for the first time at the lake side...then in the park. This realization unearthed another truth to her...she was tricked. There was no surprise...there was no urgent message...and the guy who came to her was definitely not Disha's friend. Everything was planned...everything was planned to drag her to that place...to his grip. The bait was placed and she took it.

It was Jalal who had sent the guy to Jodha dressing him as Disha's friend. He knew it won't be difficult to entrap her...especially if he use Disha's name for the same. He found Disha was one of her closest friends. And there he was... successful.

Jalal was waiting for Jodha since early afternoon. He never moved from the window...not even for a single moment. He was eager to meet Jodha...eager to speak his heart to her...eager to take her to his heart. He knew the path he choose was not right...it was not ethically right to trick her that way. But Jalal hardly had any other option with him. There was no other way he could have availed to get to her. And this meeting was very important...at least for Jalal. He was supposed to leave for Delhi next morning. Before that he wanted to sort things out between him and Jodha...before it gets too late.

Jalal knew it was tough...it was tough to bring her to his term...but he had to...he had to...anyhow. It was a matter of life and death for him. There were rush of feelings inside Jalal...there were anxiety, eagerness, desperation...but above all one thing Jalal was absolutely confident of...he will make her HIS...come what may.

Jodha was standing motionless behind Jalal. She was stunned...stunned at his audacity...stunned at his shrewdness. She never imagined someone could be so cunning in his means. Something in her was shouting loud to her...go away Jodha...run away from him...save yourself. But she felt her legs too heavy to move...as if some parts of her wanted to hear why he played such mean trick on her? How dare he do so? What is he up to? Jodha decided to listen. He slowly turned to her.

'Why you did this?' that was the first question Jodha hurled at him. She wanted to hear the reason behind this pathetic did. Well...if she was focused enough and had the will, she could have read the answer in Jalal's eyes...but she barely looked at them. Hence Jodha had to wait for Jalal to begin. 'I...I...I have something very important to tell you. And I need to tell you today itself...' Before Jalal could go any further Jodha shoot off her mouth. 'How many times I need to tell you...mujhe aapse koyee baat nehi karni hai...why don't you understand...we have NOTHING to talk about.' Jodha concluded with giving an extra stress on NOTHING. But Jalal had already made his mind...however angry she may be...he will complete what he had to say. He made a lil step towards Jodha and uttered in a controlled voice, 'look...am leaving for Delhi...tomorrow morning. I need to tell you something before that. It's...its very urgent.' Jalal had a pleading tone in his voice...with the hope that this will make its way to her heart. But he was wrong. Jodha was in no mood to give him any favor. 'Maine kaha na...we have nothing to talk about...and how dare you trick me like this? What you think...the entire world is your slave?...they will listen to whatever you say?...they'll do whatever you wish for? There may be some...but am sorry Jodha is surely not one of them.' With this Jodha turned to leave.

'Jodha I didn't mean any such thing...trust me...and for God's sake just listen to me for once. Ek daffa sun toh lo main kya keh raha hoon...please...' Somehow this 'please' worked on Jodha. She decided to give it a minute. Hence she halted her forwarding steps. Jalal began, 'I...I never talked about any such things before...I may sound a bit odd...but whatever it is, there's not a single drop of lie in it...'

'Am listening.' uttered Jodha without even turning to him.

'Aaa...I...somehow...you...aaa...is it possible for us to be together? Like...you being with me...' Jalal left this here as he had no idea how to take it forward.

'What!!! Together!!! Us!!!...are you...' Jodha was hell shocked at his words...more of all at his audacity to approach her like that. She turned to him swiftly...a faint smile appeared on Jodha's face. 'Oho...so that's your new trick...aise baat nehi bani...toh waise hi sahi...manna parega...you are a genius!!! A Master of tricks!!!'

Now that hurt Jalal. He never thought his genuine intentions will be negated like this. Jalal grabbed Jodha's arm and spoke out, 'trust me I had no such intentions. I was just...' before he could conclude Jodha yelled out; 'leave my hand.' But Jalal didn't pay any head to her words and gripped her other arm as well.

'You WILL have to listen...it's because of YOU I have lost my peace...it's because of YOU am leaving a torn life...din ka chain, raat ka sukoon...sab khatm!!! Since I have seen you...bas tumhari hi khayal...tumhari hi tasveer saamne hai...there's not even a single moment I didn't think about you. Ek ajeeb sa dard ho raha hai dil me...har waqt...its killing me like hell. I can't concentrate in any damn thing...family se bichhar chuka hoon...my business is suffering...I AM SUFFERING god damnit. And you are not even...' with this Jalal shock Jodha by her arms. The pain, the despair he was going through, was oozing out of his every word...every part of his face. He could feel a lump in his throat trying desperately to come up. Jalal squeezed his eyes as he gulped down the surge of emotion...but a lone tear drop escaped his effort.

Now things were getting a bit clear for Jodha. His single tear drop divulged many things to her which his words couldn't. Jodha was in a great dilemma. She had no idea how to face such immense passion...it was completely new to her. What he did next...made the situation even more difficult for Jodha.

It is said...LOVE has the power to make the king a beggar...and the beggar a king. For some moments Jalal forgot who he was...what he was. He forgot what he was capable of. Only thing he had in his mind was to somehow stop her...stop her from going away. And this made Jalal do...which he couldn't even imagine doing in his wildest dreams...not for any damn thing on earth. He went down on his knees with folded hands...in front of her. 'Please...don't leave me...please don't go away from me...I won't be able to live without you...I will loose my mind...please don't go.' For the first time Jalaluddin Mohammad begged for something. He begged for his life...begged for his happiness...begged for his peace. Tears flooded his face.

Jodha didn't know what to say. She was all dumb with his confession...his words. She couldn't believe what she just heard...million questions bugged her mind...But above all...for the first time Jodha felt something for the guy...she felt something for the person, she despised so much...she felt empathy for Jalal.

Jodha also came on her knees in front of Jalal...she held his folded hands...and perhaps for the first time she looked at his face with a emotion other than rage or despise. 'Am sorry for everything you are going through...I...I really had no idea...I don't know what led to such situation, but one thing I can tell you...that girl will be very lucky who will have you in her life. You know...its...its dream of every girl to have somebody as caring...as loving as you in life.' Jodha paused here for his reaction. She was actually feeling guilty for his condition. She wanted him to understand her words and come out of that ordeal he was writhing within.

Jodha waited for sometime but Jalal was stone-still...no words, no reaction. His eyes were still closed...hands folded...as if he was waiting for something...some kind of words...some kind of answers. But Jodha couldn't wait anymore...she had to make things ok...somehow. 'You know...I would have been the HAPPIEST person on earth if I could have someone like you in my life...but...' before Jodha could finish, Jalal reacted, 'But???' All of a sudden Jodha could see the piercing gaze back in front of her. She fumbled, 'but...aaa...I mean...it...could have been possible...aaa...if we would have met...few months ago. I...I have...somebody...in my life. And I love him.' Jodha somehow managed to drag her line to finish.

This revelation stabbed Jalal's already 'much in pain' heart. 'She loves somebody!!!' He couldn't believe HIS Jodha love somebody else...even the idea of her belonging to somebody else raked Jalal's nerves. This truth stirred something inside Jalal...he could feel the selfish devil in him raising his head again. This change in him didn't escape Jodha's gaze either. She could read it in his darkening eyes. Jodha swiftly drew back her hands...and stood up to leave...but Jalal stopped her way. He blocked the door.

'Who's that guy??? Kaun hai woh???' Jalal almost hissed.

'Leave my way...' retorted Jodha.

'Yeh wohi hai na...who came to meet you at the orphanage??? The bike guy??? Haan??? Answer me!!!' yelled Jalal.

'I don't feel the need to...you know...you proved me wrong today...you are not even worthy of pity...you are just an animal who drive on instinct.' Jodha almost yelled back. She tried to glide through the gap between Jalal and the door but only to be stopped by his arm. He was not ready to let her go like that, 'Jodha...look...I...know you are angry with me for whatever I did...but trust me I had no intention to hurt you. Bas tumhe dekhte hi pata nehi kya ho jata hai mujhe...I loose control over myself...and that's what led to...' Jodha didn't let him complete, 'Look mister...'

'It's Jalal...Jalaluddin Mohammad.' Jalal corrected her.

'Fine...look Jalal I have an important work to do. I gotta go now.' Jodha tried to find an excuse to get out of the place. It wasn't very hard for Jalal to sense that. The helplessness he was feeling till now was slowly moving towards desperation. He could see all his efforts were going to ashes...the doors of hope closing one by one. With every passing minute he could sense her moving out of his grip...moving out of his life. That was unnerving Jalal. How can he live without her??? How on earth he's gonna bear with this pain??? How on earth he's gonna endure this life??? Jalal was slowly loosing his thinking power. He had no idea...what best thing he could utter to make her realize his condition...what best thing he could do to make her realize how much he need her. Jalal was looking for some kind of answer...some kind of way...that will lead him to his goal. The sharp-edged businessman in him gave up long ago...only one left to be asked was the MUGHAL in him.

Jodha could feel...things were rapidly going out of her hand...she could feel...she could feel the need to get out of the place...as soon as possible. Jodha looked at his bewildered state and rushed to the door. But before she could reach...Jalal closed it. He grabbed her by waist and pinned her against the door. He lowered his face on her and uttered...'Jee nehi sakta main tumhare bagair...you WILL have to forget him...Trust me...I won't repeat that again.'

PRECAP: For last few minutes Jalal was continuously asking his mind...how far he can go to get her...how far he can go to make her his. Every time the answer was...whatever it takes. Some mind storming minutes and finally Jalal was decided. He knew what exactly he would do to bind her to himself...forever. In other words...he knew which only thing he could do now...to make her his own. Finally Jalal decided to stroll on the path, forbidden for gentle hearts.

This left Jodha stunned. It's not that she wasn't expecting any kind of outburst from him...In fact that's the reason why she wanted to leave immediately. Looking at his changing gaze she could easily sense the turn of emotion in him... She tried to flee but that was too little and too late. He had her by then... But how can she let him have his way like this!!! Jodha retorted back. 'How dare you touch me? Leave me...right now.' She tried to push him away but he was way too strong for her. She was helplessly locked between the wooden door and the rock solid built of Jalal. His face was just inches away from hers...She could feel his irregular breathe on her face. His proximity was rushing disgust through Jodha's veins. She just wanted to run away from his clutch...Somehow.

Jodha's silence to his order angered Jalal. He went again, 'you will have to forget him...and come to ME...do you get my point?' With his last words Jalal strengthened his grip on Jodha...making her almost fuse to him. This made Jodha incensed with anger...She yelled, 'don't even think of that...I will never leave Sanjay...he is my life...he is my love...aisa sochna bhi mat...now do YOU get my point?'... But things didn't turn out the way she thought it would be. Her primary shock at the whole occurrence was gradually bending into fear...fear of something unknown...fear of Jalal.

'Leave me Jalal...mujhe jana hai...I can't stay here anymore...please...let me go.' ... Jodha was panicking...She started struggling in his arms. She put in all her efforts to free herself from his hold. But with this she was unknowingly plunging herself deeper in trouble. Incessant brushing of her delicate figure against his perfectly toned body was slowly raising his inner desires...This sweet friction was awakening his carnal senses...Something he never wanted to happen at this stage. He knew it would make situation difficult for him. But at the same time he couldn't let her go as well. Jalal somehow controlled himself and uttered...perhaps for the last time, 'Try to understand Jodha...I need you...'

'You try to understand...I love him.' Jodha tried her best to convince him. But alas! Fate had other plan in mind...and so did Jalal.

Jalal released her...He receded back few steps and fixed his gaze on Jodha. 'Is this your final word?'

'Yes', replied Jodha.

'Are you sure there's no other way?' asked Jalal with a stiff face.

'No...I don't think so.'... with this Jodha released a sigh...She thought finally this whole episode came to a closure. She breathed easy for the first time in last half an hour. Jodha was feeling relieved...but she had no idea that a huge shock was awaiting her...that too not very far.

Jalal took some time to gulp down Jodha's rejection. He never imagined...one day he...Jalaluddin Mohammad would have to beg in front of a woman...Try everything but only be rejected at the end. He never imagined a woman can be so difficult to attain in life...He never imagined Jodha would reject him like that. All doors shut...All hopes crushed...Except one.

For last few minutes Jalal was continuously asking his mind...How far he can go to get her?...How far he can go to make her his? ...Every time the answer was...Whatever it takes. Minutes after some mind storming session...finally Jalal was decided. He knew what exactly he would do to bind her to himself...Forever. In other words...He knew what was the only thing he could do now...to make her his own'. Finally Jalal decided to stroll on the path, forbidden for gentle hearts.

'Am sorry Jodha...I don't want to hurt you but I can't let it happen...I can't let you go...I...I can't live without you...am sorry...I don't have any other way Jodha...am sorry.' This sudden and 'out of the blue' apology by Jalal alarmed Jodha. It left her to wonder...Why this sudden apology??? Why is he saying all these??? What is he upto??? Jodha's mind was running in every direction for the answer...but things were beyond her reach. Hence she decided to confront him...'What do you mean?'

There was no reply to Jodha's question. Jalal was standing there like a statue...A strange serenity was masking his look which Jodha wasn't being able to decipher...For some unknown reason it appeared to be the peace before storm to her. His strange behavior was slowly injecting uneasiness in her blood...making her nerves quiver in the apprehension of something unknown. She just wanted this to end...as soon as possible. Giving a final look at Jalal, Jodha turned to open the door. She clutched the nob...but before she could twist it to unlock, something stopped her. It was Jalal who pulled her dupatta.

This act of Jalal sent a shiver down Jodha...An unknown fear was slowly engulfing her...What is he upto? Is he...he...? Jodha turned to face him... There he was standing with the end of her dupatta in his clutch. His dark eyes fixed on her...they were appearing way too darker. There was something very scary in those eyes...Something she couldn't ignore...'What is it? Rage? Passion? Obsession? or Lust?' Her trepidation was increasing with every passing second, just as the rate of her heartbeat. Somehow Jodha managed to utter, 'What...what is this?' This time as well Jalal didn't reply...but it was his action that divulged everything to Jodha. Jalal left her dupatta and clutched her hand. His piercing gaze was still fixed on her face...not even moving an inch. Jodha finally got the call. It was crystal clear to her...what his intentions were. Nothing left to be guessed anymore. Jodha knew the battle has begun and VICTORY was the only option she had.

There is a saying...'Lovers are selfish.' Jalal never believed he actually fell in love with Jodha...If he had...he would have understood that he was just being a selfish lover...A lover who doesn't care about the world before his love. Jalal was pursuing the result without knowing the reason. He wasted no further time and pulled Jodha to him and picked her up in his arms...making Jodha almost squirm in fear and shock.

Jodha was struggling terribly to get free...She was even hitting him with her fists...But more she was fighting...More he was pulling her closer...She could feel her delicate form being pressed against his hard chest. Jalal clutched her even harder. Her proximity was harping on Jalal's desires. He was plunging deeper and deeper...his Jodha...in his arms...at his will...those were a call to Jalal's damn blood. It made him forget what his action will bring on to Jodha...It made him forget...what he was actually up to. He stepped in the adjacent bedroom with her.

This knocked Jodha out of her senses...she could feel the looming danger in front of her. Her senses were slowly paralyzing...imagining...What was going to happen to her. Jodha yelled, 'Leave me Jalal...this is not right...you can't do this...am not going to tolerate this...' But to whom she was uttering this, was hardly in his senses. By then he was completely taken over by his till suppressed DESIRE. Only thing he had in his mind was to...HAVE HER...MAKE HER HIS OWN. And that is what he did that night.

Jalal had her in his arms...He had his possession in his arms. He carried her like a precious chalice to the next room. All the while his gaze was fixed on her. Jalal knew the only way to possess her...was to bind her with him...and he had to do that forcibly...against her will. The idea of hurting Jodha was actually more painful for Jalal himself. If there any other way left...he would have availed that...but there wasn't. And for Jalal even death was more comforting than living without Jodha. Hence he was at it.

There was a part of Jalal who was in his senses...who was scared of hurting Jodha...who was worried of her reaction...But there was another Jalal who was besotted by her...who was plunged in desire...who was craving for her. The decision of the former one had already pulled the later out of slumber. The proximity of Jodha...the feel of her delicacies was feeding this desire full Jalal...nourishing his crave for her. The logical Jalal was receding back, making way for the other one.

Their first meeting...her much soaked figure...the taste of her sweet lips...her feel - everything was returning back to Jalal's mind. It was reminding him of the sleepless nights her thoughts gave him. An unbearable restlessness was engulfing him. The need to touch her...love her...bury himself inside her was pushing Jalal to the edge. He was losing his hold over himself...that too very fast. He needed her...Now.

Bed was still few more steps away...Jalal put Jodha down on a large centre table...placed in the middle of the room that showcased a century old porcelain vase. Before Jodha could make any effort to run away from his clutch, he pushed her on the table, making her fall flat on it. Before falling... her back collided with the vase...causing its fall and eventually smashing it into pieces.

'd...dare you touch me...I warn you Jalal...don't even think of...' Jodha was trying to get up from her position...but within a fraction of second Jalal descended on her. His dark eyes and piercing gaze was bringing chill down Jodha. She was scared...hell scared. Jodha was trying to push away Jalal with her tiny fists...continuously...but this protest irked Jalal. As a punishment he thrust his full weight on Jodha, making her almost gasp for air. Knowing fully that her chances were little, Jodha continued her fight...but it was getting more and more difficult for her to challenge this well built man. She was losing her strength fast. On the other hand with every passing moment Jalal was dipping more into craziness. The feel of her softness against his hard chest was arousing Jalal all the way...he lifted his body a bit and stared at those delicacies of her.

The crave...the need in him called for more. He wanted to relish the taste of her...wanted to feel her true self... Jalal clutched the dupatta covering her. Jodha could sense the looming catastrophe in front of her. She made one final effort to survive but again Jalal unarmed her by pushing himself on her. She was trapped between the table and Jalal. This push and pull game was actually unnerving Jalal. It was raising his appetite to an uncontrollable level...nearly impossible for him to hold himself any further. It was burning him to death. Finally bowing down to this immense pressure Jalal unshackled the giant in him. He removed the dupatta in a swift move and gripped the neck of the salwar. Jalal clutched Jodha with his right hand and started pulling the salwar down with his left. Salwar couldn't fight the pull and it started ripping from top, making one side of her exposing to him. The view of her glowing skin was drugging Jalal...pulling him like magnet. He couldn't wait to take it in mouth. Jalal swiftly descended and pressed his teeth on her womanly form. He gripped it hard. Such an attack on her softness gave Jodha a terrible dose of pain. She felt like losing a part of her flesh to those hungry teeth. She started struggling terribly...making the job even tougher for Jalal. But he had another plan ready in his mind. He released his left hand to join the right...clutched Jodha with both hands. She could hardly move now, leave any question of fighting. Jalal continued the onslaught with his teeth. The taste of her silky skin against his tongue...was hardening Jalal's desire for her. He wanted to suck the sweetness out of it...he wanted to have it all. He pushed his teeth deeper and deeper, without knowing he was actually biting her hard. Jodha couldn't bear this assault anymore...She shrieked out loud.

Jodha's cry pulled Jalal into his senses...it dragged him back to reality. It made him recognize...what he was upto. Jalal rose his head from her bosom...looked at her eyes...they were flooding. Jalal couldn't move his eyes from her face...it was red with pain, rage and fear. Her state ached Jalal's heart. He felt guilty for bringing such ordeal on her.

'Am sorry...I didn't want to...want to hurt you...how can I...I was just...I was not in my senses...am sorry...' Jalal struggled hard to put his words forward. He moved his gaze to the place ...he just brought an assault on. That area on her bosom was swelling...bearing the mark of his teeth...testimonial to the torture he brought on her. Jalal touched the place with his fingers. Jodha cried out in pain, 'aahh'.

Jodha was aware of this man's obsession but she had no idea about the existence of animal instinct in him. She was scared...hell scared. But above all she was disgusted...she was disgusted at his touch...his proximity...his words. Everything about him was breaking her soul. And the thing she hated most...was his SORRY! Jodha couldn't control the raising temperature in her head and she roared in pain, 'You are sick!!! Sick you are!!! Bloody psycho...leave me'. With this she pushed him with all her strength. Jalal, who was lost in her teary face couldn't foresee what's coming and fell from the tabletop. Taking advantage of this Jodha tried to flee the place...but her hand slipped of the edge of the table...she tripped and fell from it. Her face was about to hit the broken pieces of vase lying on the carpet...but Jalal caught her in time.

Stop doing this stupid...you would end up hurting yourself...do you have any idea what could have happened just now!!!', uttered a half raged-half worried Jalal. Jodha was numbed with the abruptness of this incident. Though she couldn't fathom...what would have been more fatal...her face hitting those sharp pieces or her body being trapped in his cage. She was tired...Damn tired...both mentally and physically.

Jodha stood up somehow...she covered the place, exposed by the torn salwar, with her hand and turned around from Jalal, making a final attempt to retain her dignity.

'Please let me go...I...I can't do this...I really can't do this...please.' Jodha literally pleaded to Jalal in a teary voice. But he hardly had the strength to let her go. He was shackled to his insecurity of losing her.

'Am sorry Jodha...am sorry...trust me...if there was any other way I could have availed to make you mine...I would never have travelled on this one.' Jalal slowly closed in on Jodha...he placed his hands on her shoulder and continued, 'I know...it will be painful for you...but...but...I will fill your world with so much happiness that you will forget every pain of your life. I can do anything for you...ANYTHING...just don't ask to leave you...I really can't do that.' Jalal slowly removed Jodha's dark hair, untied due to scuffle, with his hand and buried his face on her shoulder.

One thing Jodha was sure of by then...there was no escape for her. Her fate was written...written to be the prey of the devil. Still her heart wasn't ready to surrender...It wanted to put up one last fight. Jodha freed herself from Jalal's clutch and moved few steps away. Her defying eyes fixed on him, 'I will go to police'...there was a tone of warning mixed in Jodha's announcement. But those little threats hardly made any impact on Jalaluddin Mohammad. He knew a mere uniform can't infringe his immunity. Jalal started walking towards Jodha. He didn't want to waste any more time.

Before Jodha retreated anymore, Jalal caught her arm and picked her up. He swiftly carried her to the bed... put her down on it. The moment Jalal freed her, Jodha tried to slap him, but he caught her hand before it could reach its destination. Now that attempt of her enraged the MUGHAL king like hell. 'Agar koyee our hoti toh jaan le leta...magar tumpe toh meri jaan atki hai.' Jalal hissed between his teeth. The wrath in his eyes actually frightened Jodha. This Jalal was scarier than those she came across till now. Jodha looked around for anything that could save her from him. Sensing her gaze, Jalal pulled her by leg and descended on her. Jodha started throwing her legs and hands...'Leave me you brute...Leave me I say...' Jalal thrashed his weight on her. She gasped for air. Jalal knew he must suck her energy out to seize her struggle. He grabbed her hands and pinned them above her head. Jalal fixed her hands with his right hand and brought his left to her face. Jodha tried to avoid his touch by turning her face. But an irate Jalal grabbed her face and fixed it towards him. Jodha could hardly move now. Without wasting any time further Jalal slammed his lips on hers. Jodha felt like breaking his head into two...she had no other way but to bear with this. He was much more powerful and tactful than her. She is not even a match for him. But she fought...fought till the last bit of her energy. She fought when he kissed her...she fought when his forcing tongue ravaged her mouth. She fought when he pulled her robe down to bare it all.

With every passing second she was losing her power, her strength to fight off the torment...she could feel her exhausted body and mind slowly giving in to his force. She was losing the battle all the way.

Within few minutes it turned out to be an easy go for Jalal. No protest...no barrier. She was all his. He ruled her at his will. He did everything he dreamed of doing to her...loved her...crushed her...possessed her. There was not a single point on her body his fingers didn't touch. He poured in all his desire on her. Fulfilled every wish he was nurturing in him since he saw her.

She could feel his presence all over her body...even inside her. She felt a terrible pain when he entered her for first time...but that was nothing compared to the pain she felt in her heart. It was the pain of losing everything...losing the most precious thing in a woman's life. It was the pain of losing her soul... Throughout the night she didn't utter a single word...only silent tears relentlessly flooded her eyes to mourn the grief.

Few hours later...

Jalal has been with many girls before...in other words his nights were never lonely...but there was something special about this one. Rather there was something strange about his desire for Jodha. It's been hours he is with her...didn't even leave her for a single moment...still feeling thirsty...still feeling the crave to have her all over again. Jalal himself was a bit scared about this trait of him. He never imagined...not even in wildest dream that he could have so much desire for any woman...He never imagined someone could have so much influence on him that her single No or single Yes will change the course of his action. His ethics, his policies don't really matter anymore...he had lost himself to her...irrevocably.

Jalal was lying beside Jodha... wrapping her in his arm...adoring her like a precious chalice. His world was never so complete...never so peaceful. His gaze fixed on her face...presently which was soaked in tears and unexpressed pain. She was broken in every possible way. Jalal was aware of her condition. He knew what she had to went through. How she might be feeling then. But he was confident...his love and care will wash this and every other pain away from Jodha's life. He will win her someday...will give her everything she deserves...everything Mrs. Jalaluddin Mohammad is worth of.

Jalal was caressing Jodha's arm, trying to sooth her. But his caring touch was stabbing Jodha like hell. It was bruising her already sore soul. She was lying like a lifeless body on bed. No movement, no reaction. Whatever he was doing or whatever he was saying was hardly making it to her ears. She just wanted this to come to an end. For the first time in her life Jodha regretted being a woman.

Few more hours later...

Jalal lifted his gaze to look at the watch. It was 3'o clock in night...still few hours to morning. Jalal had a very important appointment next day. He was supposed to reach Delhi before noon. But he wasn't feeling like leaving...he didn't want to leave Jodha in that condition. He wanted to be there with her...by her side...make her realize its SHE only, he cares about. He wanted to spend the whole day taking her in his arms...loving her...fondling her. How can he go away from her right now!!!

Some more minutes to this thought and Jalal was decided. He wasn't going to Delhi. But he needed to communicate this to Abdul. Jalal slowly moved out of the bed and picked up the phone. He dialed Abdul, who was in deep sleep. Jalal's ring snapped Abdul's dream and pushed him out of his slumber, 'Jalal!!! What are you doing in the middle of night?'

'Sorry yaar...for spoiling your sleep. Actually need to tell you something. I am not coming to Delhi tomorrow. You just take of the meeting. Ok?' with this Jalal waited for Abdul's confirmation. But he didn't get what he expected.

'But Jalal...your presence in mandatory there. IMPERIAL is going to sign the contract...how can it be possible without you!!! You will have to come...buddy.' Abdul replied, making things more difficult for Jalal.

'Is it possible to postpone the meeting somehow?' asked a bewildered Jalal.

'How can we Jalal?...Delegates have already arrived. Aise last minute me meeting cancel karna...you know it will go against our reputation...I hope you can understand?' Abdul tried to put his logics forward but suddenly something struck his mind. 'Jalal are you ok? Kuch hua hai kya?'

'No...no...nothing...nothing really...I...I was just not feeling like...anyway...agar aisa hai toh...thik hai...I will come.' Finishing the line Jalal quickly snapped the call, before his absent mind let out any more information to his friend.

Now that was a really tough call for Jalal. He had to leave Jodha like this...he had to. This made Jalal thoroughly disappointed. He knew how much important it was for him to stay here. Be with her. A dejected Jalal got on the bed...he crawled back to Jodha. She was laying still...eyes closed...only flow of tears was a testimonial to the fact that she was alive. Jalal leaned on her. He took her hand in his and pressed it against his lips. 'Don't cry love...I can't see you like this...I know am a bad...selfish...evil guy. But gimme a chance...I will prove myself to be the best husband in the world.' Jalal kissed Jodha on her cheek. He took her hand to his heart. 'I need to leave for Delhi...in the morning. Ek important kaam hai...but will try to get back by evening. Till then you take rest here. Servants are here for your service. But you can always call me...if you feel like. Tomorrow we will leave for Mumbai to take my queen to my palace.' Jalal completed this with a winning smirk and he pressed his lips on her's.

That night Jalal had already made love to her twice. But he was still aching for more...looking at her condition he initially pushed that thought aside. But again the feel of her soft, delicate lips against his, drove an uncontrollable desire through him. His thought about staying away from her for hours...added an extra flame to it. Jalal let himself sink to her aroma again. He slid his arm beneath her waist and pulled her to him...almost making her fuse to him. He explored her mouth...cuddled her softness...nibbled her smoothness...he loved each and every part of her body...adored her each and every curve. He claimed her...again and again.

His love...his torment...Jodha was hardly feeling anything...for her everything got over when he first violated her modesty. She lost everything with the loss of her dignity...now she was nothing but a corpse without soul. Even the pain his teeth was giving her, were not making it to her nerves. She even lost the power to feel what was happening to her...lost the power to feel altogether...was it love, lust or something else that he was showering on her. She was just waiting for it all to be over. This long wait and too much exhaustion pushed Jodha into slumber.

Jalal was lying, holding Jodha close to his heart...her head on his bare chest. He was hugging her with both his arms...he was just like the kid who thinks...if he leaves his toy even in sleep, somebody will take it away. He could feel the clock ticking its way towards morning but his heart was still not ready to leave her. If he could have made the night freeze there...he would have. But even Jalaluddin Mohammad couldn't do that. Hence he was relishing the present moments he has with her. Jalal was caressing her back...touching her bare skin with his fingers...feeling her bare delicate figure against his body. This was a pleasure Jalal never felt before. He was happy...Damn happy. He was happy because finally he had her...because from now on ...he could call her HIS...because from now on his nights will end with her and his mornings will begin with her. SHE was his world.

Jalal looked at the clock. It was 5 o'clock in the morning. He had to get ready now, if he wanted to reach Delhi in time. Leaving a deep sigh Jalal turned his gaze towards Jodha. She was looking like an angel in sleep. 'God!!! How much am gonna miss this sight!!!' Jalal inhaled a mind full of her...he would cherish this until he meet her again. He slowly laid her on the bed...carefully adjusted her head on the pillow. Jalal's gaze shifted to the marks of tears on her cheeks...he felt a stinging pain in his heart. It was he...who was responsible for all this. It was he...who let so much pain come down on her. He kissed the tear-mark. He wished he could have the power to suck every drop of pain from her body. Jalal let his lips linger over there for some time...then he touched her lips with his. He savored the warmth of her rosy petals. It tasted like nectar...he again felt himself falling for her. But this time Jalal withdrew before it could take him to a point, he cannot return from. HE HAD TO GO.

Jalal slowly withdrew himself from her...he pulled the quilt and covered her fully. Finally he came out of the bed and pushed his reluctant body towards the washroom.

15 minutes later...

Jalal slipped into his off grey tuxedo...checked the brown tie for last time. It was perfect. He turned to the bed. She was sleeping. Jalal walked up to her...checked the quilt if it was properly covering her or not...mornings in rainy Simla are chilling. He ran his fingers through her hair...she shifted in sleep. Jalal placed a good bye kiss on her forehead and turned to leave. Before closing the door behind, Jalal stared at her for the last time...hoping to get back to her within few hours. Only if he could have known...that was the last time he would see her in years...

Present time...

The ring on his phone...snapped Jalal's thought. He swiftly picked up the cell...it was Abdul.

'Abdul...'

'Jalal...we have got him...we got Salim...and we have got the MAN as well'. Abdul was almost shouting on phone...a huge amount of excitement and happiness could be felt in his voice. The situation this side was no different. Jalal almost jumped out of the couch.

'You have found him!!! Where is he??? Where are you now??? Is he ok???' Jalal showered his queries on Abdul.

'Ya ya ya...he is fine...he is a brave boy...bas tum jaldi se yahan a jao.' This time Abdul uttered in a much calmer tone.

'Where are you now???' asked Jalal...he had already started tying his shoe by then.

'This is Newtown...about 30 kms...from where you are now...' answered Abdul.

'Alright am coming...you...you just take care of my son...use kuch nehi hona chahiye...' uttered a worried Jalal.

'Yes...buddy...I will take care of him...' with this the conversation ended.

Jalal turned to leave...but his eyes fell on the person standing at the door. Jodha!

'Rico mil gaya? Kaisa hai woh?' Jodha asked in a shaky voice.

'Aaa...he is fine...Abdul found him...he is fine...I am going to get him back...don't worry...he is fine.' Jalal actually tried to convince her of her son's well being...that's why he repeated 'he is fine' so many times.

'I will come with you' uttered a teary mother.

'No you can't...you shouldn't actually...pata nehi kaisi jagah hai...kaise log hai...all criminals and all...it won't be safe for you...this may actually create another set of problems...hope you can get me...' Here Jalal paused to notice her reaction...He continued, 'I promise...once I get him...main usse phone pe tumhari baat karwaunga...' His last sentence injected some relief in Jodha...she could endure anything for her son's safety...if her son's safety demanded her to not go there...she won't. She will wait here for him. She nodded to Jalal. Giving a final look at Jodha...Jalal left.

PS: pals...my love...thank you for your support and help. Without you I couldn't have manage to post the update this week...your help means to me a lot...thanks dear...trust me you are a rare GEM...PP loves you...🤗