

"Waah Atifa!!! Waah!" He exclaimed, clapping sarcastically as he became the centre of the attention of every soul present in the court, including her.
Atifa looked at his nearing physique in horror. "This is NOT possible! This is just not possible! I've murdered him in front of everyone few moments ago. How the hell is he alive???" In shock, she glanced at the lifeless body lying on the floor of the precious Mughal Diwan E Khaas.
"He wasn't Jalaluddin! He tricked me. He tricked me into murdering someone else. I'm gone.."
"Tum yahi soch rahi ho naa.. ki hum zinda kaise hain.. Ki hum bach kaise gaye jab tumne KHUD apne haathon se humare seene mein ye khanjor ghopa tha.. To hum batate hain Atifa, jisse tumne mara hai wo tumhara khud ka shauhar hain!!!" He said, anger dripping out of his every word. Atifa, over come with sudden wave of emotions, dropped to her knees in front of the lifeless body of her husband, one whom she really loved.
"Ya Khuda! Ye humne kya kar diya.. Apne.. Apne hi shauhar ka katl humare haathon se kaise ho gaya?"She broke down, remorse and grief taking her over. She couldn't bring herself to believe that she has actually murdered her husband, one for whom she was ready to take the life of Shahenshah Jalaluddin Mohammed Akbar!
At that point of time, she wasn't a criminal, nor a traitor. But was a lady, mourning the loss of her beloved. She forgot that she could be beheaded at that moment itself for trying to murder the Shahenshah, she forgot that the next moment she could be arrested and imprisoned for the rest of her life. She forgot everything, all she could remember was she had lost her husband, all because of Jalal.
"Jalal.." She hissed, her eyes dark, dark with revenge. "I've lost my husband, my shauhar because of you!!! I'll not spare you, you murderer!!!"
She pounced on Jalal, holding the dagger firmly in her hand. But before she could attack him, she felt a strong grip on her hand. It was Maan Singh.
"Humne apni buasa ko vachan diya tha.. ki hum har stithi mein Shahenshah ki raksha karenge.."He tightened his grip on her hand, twisting it.(This version of Maan is different from the show.. I know) It was only when harem soldiers reached their and grabbed Atifa that he left her hand, but not before leaving bruises.
Jalal was shocked, not that he didn't expect this from his wife. He knew that she will always protect him, but even after hurting her to this extent, even after saying that he'll divorce her, it came out as a big surprise for him. He glanced at her, clad in a yellow lehenga with pink dupatta, her hair messy, no accessory or jewelry to adorn her beautiful figure.
"What have I done to her?"This was the first thought that hit his already tensed mind. "Just for exposing Atifa.. I went to such an extent that I actually broke her?" He knew he will come face to face with this situation, sooner or later. But when the situation did arise, he couldn't help but have second thoughts regarding his plan.
Tears strained her milky cheeks, silent ones still flowing freely on her beautiful face. Tears of happiness. She was happy that her beloved was alright, that there wasn't a scratch on his body.
Jodha lifted her eyes to meet his soft, loving gaze. Her eyes were filled with pain, enormous pain. But somewhere, just somewhere, he could see a glint of happiness shining in those hazel like doe eyes of hers.
He let a soft smile play on his lips, a smile of pain it was. Pain of hurting his beloved, pain of hurting her. Jodha wiped the tears that were flowing from her eyes, she felt like she had had enough, that she shouldn't shed a single tear more, that everything will be alright. After a big storm in their life, things were finally looking up. Things were finally getting better.
Jalal started closing the distance between them, tears finally finding their way to his cheeks. He knew that after saying the most ruthless words he can ever utter to her, lighting up her mood isn't going to be a cakewalk for him. But he stood determined, knowing that she will forgive him and embrace him tightly.
Reaching out to her, he took her hand in his. How much he missed the feel of her skin against his! It was a true heaven, but one that didn't last long. She pulled her hand back, her eyes showering millions of questions on him. But there wasn't even a ghost of anger in her eyes, all he could see was pain, hurt and a broken soul, mirrored by her puffy eyes.
JODHA'S POV
Why did he do this to me? How could he? He knew that I'll be broken after this. I can see in his eyes, it was all a game plan. He still loves me, and he will, always. I know this, but what was the need of lying to me?
If he loves me to this extent, then couldn't he trust me? Trust me that I'll stand with him, forever.
NO! NO NO NO!
What are you thinking Jodha? How can you doubt Shahenshah? He loves you endlessly. And if he chose to lie to you, to make you shed tears, to make you feel broken, then envision how much pain he himself had gone through! Another part of my soul spoke up, barely giving my heart to speak up.
He loves you Jodha.. He Loves you..This was all I could hear from my heart, but somehow, it was way more effective then what my soul spoke.
END OF POV
She felt the world spinning around her, her vision slowly fading, blurring. Her eyes suddenly having an irresistible urge to close, one that she couldn't deny. But she wanted to lose her consciousness in his arms, near his heart. After all, this is the most secure place she and her twins can ever be in.
This sudden change in her didn't go unnoticed by him. He was afraid seeing her like this, seeing her lose her consciousness in front of him. He cocooned her in his arms, placing him near his heart, tight, needy. He knew that they were in Diwan E Khaas. He knew that ministers and courtiers were ogling them. He knew it all. Yet he couldn't help but embrace her, desperate to take away all her pain and suffering.
"Shahenshah.."She uttered, her senses betraying her, pushing her towards the dark, unconsciousness.
"Jo..Jodha begum.." He replied, tears now clouding his vision.
JALAL'S POV
I watched helplessly as she lost her consciousness in my arms. How secure she felt there. How will I meet my eyes with her? Knowing that I've shattered every bit of her, that I've broken her in every way possible, how am I to meet my eyes with her!
No.. this is not the correct time to think about all this. I have to pay for what I've done. I'll take care of her. I'll shower my immense love and concern on her.
I scooped her in my arms, a part of me regretting my plans, this would have hurt her and our babies beyond repair.
I rushed towards my chamber, her petite figure in my arms, safe, secure. I sent for the doctor immediately, my heart and mind sending prayers to Allah for her well being.
END OF POV
Hakim checked Jodha's pulse and then pressed her stomach gently. A little smile played on her lips as she turned her gaze to Jalal and other royals in the chamber of Shahenshah.
"Huzoor. Jodha begum aur aapke bacche durust hain. Tanaav aur kamjori ki vajah se wo behosh ho gayi thi. Haan, lekin aapko dhyan dena hoga ki agli baar se ye kisi bhi baat ko lekar chinta na kare, varna vo unki jaan ke liye khatra ho sakta hain."
Jalal nodded with tears in his eyes. He knew that he was responsible for her condition. That he was the one to be blamed. The father in him was enraged at the thought of losing his sons. The Lover in him was traumatized to even think of losing Jodha. He wanted to hug her tight and apologize for all this, say sorry, a sorry coming straight from his heart. But he composed himself, choosing to wait for her to come in her senses rather than losing himself in his emotions.
~~~~~~~~
She blinked twice, her eyes taking time to adjust to the newly found brightness, much in contrast to the dark she was in, few moments ago. Her eyes were searching for him impatiently; the whole big chamber was empty. She couldn't find a soul there. Yes, of course except Jalal, who was standing behind the bed, his back towards him.
Now that he knew she's alright, he could feel his heart rising again, forcing him to apologize to him. But how could he? He couldn't afford to look in those broken eyes of hers, he didn't have that much strength. Not at all.
Yet, he felt like apologizing to her. For the sake of his sanity, for the sake of his peace.
Gathering courage by recalling the lovely moments they've spent together, he came in front of her. Delight spread across her face as she spotted him, her expressions only to be replaced by pain and hurt a second later. It wasn't the pain he gave her. It was the pain he was burying in his heart. She sat on the bed, her weak form wasn't helping her much. She pulled his hand gently, like a child pulls when he wants something. Jalal understood what she wants and sat beside her, but not looking at her. Why? He couldn't find the words he would say to her. Jodha lifted his chin to make him look at her.
"Aap humse itne krodhit hain ki aap humara mukh bhi nahi dekhna chahte?" She said in a childlike voice. The arrow hit the target precisely. He looked at her immediately and shook his head in no. Jodha smiled softly as Jalal cupped her face and pressed a kiss on her temple. She was home.
"Humein muaf kardijiye Jodha begum.." He said, enveloping her in his protective arms, protecting her from every evil of the world.
Jodha rested her palm on his chest, just where his heart exists. She closed her eyes, letting the sound of his heartbeat reach her heart. Their heart were beating in synchronization. She had never experienced such divinity, such peace and serenity in the moment.
"Humne aapko kshama kiya Shahenshah... Hum jaante hain aap humse prem karte hain.."
"Hum aapse beintehaa mohabbat karte hain Jodha Begum.." He finally broke down, letting all his guilt and fear flow from his cheeks. He was holding his feelings in for too long.
Jodha caressed his back, knowing that he needs to let his fear drain from his body.
"Hum humesha aapke saath rahenge Shahenshah.. (she puts his hand on her tummy) aur humare putr bhi.." She smiled shyly. Jalal kissed her cheeks and bent a little to kiss her tummy.
The biggest storm of their lives, had been over. They were together, proving that even God HAS TO bow down to true love...

Howz it? Waise to I know its boring..😆lekin phir bhi asking you all...😳
Waiting for your response...😃
Regards,
Anushka
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