Because You Belong With Me!
Moti, you go and inform Maasa that her daughter would not eat a single morsel if she doesn't allow me to go to Kaali Maa Temple.' Having tried all the coax, cajol and convince' methods, the headstrong princess finally zeroed upon her last resort- blackmailing.
But Jodha, Raanisa has ordered that you do not step out of the palace. How can I defy Her Highness?' her friend was definitely not one to give up- not yet.
Great. So you'll not help you friend na.' Putting forward her best puppy please' expressions, the impatient lady waited, and waited- but no response. Glancing over, she found her buddy with a wicked smirk, standing there with her hands crossed.
No. I'll not help my friend.' She whispered, her eyes dancing in mirth. She slowly stepped forward, her gait mischievous- just like her own self.
Moti...' Her voice was barely audible now, as if sensed that she was in trouble. Serious Trouble.
Haan Jodha'
This.. This is wrong. This is very wrong..' She advanced back on her bed, back and back till she could feel the wall against her body.
Everything is fair in love, war and friendship!'
I hate you!!' Greeting her friend with a pillow throw, she jumped out of the bed. Now you wait and watch. I'll make sure that Vikramsa will not meet you. Phir dekhna..'
It was Moti's turn to be surprised. Jodha, why are you dragging him between us?'
Ohho!' Bellowed Jodha, her hands automatically resting on her hips. So someone's getting overprotecting of HIM, that too before marriage! Tch Tch Tch Moti. I never expected this from you.' Feigning seriousness, she teased her- just perfect with a naughty wink.
Jodha! I'll not leave you for this!!!!' Shrieked Moti. Too bad, her friend had already dashed out of the chamber, headed to the place that she so wanted to visit.
~~~
Near the Main Gate, Amer Palace
Ab hum kya Karen.' Her slender fingers knotted to aide her now aching head Moti ke saamne toh I was so confident that I will visit the temple no matter what. But these guards bhi naa.. How will I exit now?' Her anger seemed to wade away as a ray of hope appeared to her...
Idea!' She'd nearly yelled there, but had checked herself in time, lest she would have been found, hiding below the pillar.
Suno..' Having finally worked out a way to escape the confines of the palace, she could barely conceal her happiness that seemed to flood on her face. Expressions eerily similar to a 5 year old who'd just managed to lay his hands on the toy he so wished to own! Well, of course- he only didn't have to hide' his feelings.
Jee Rajkumarisa..'
Humein aapke vastra chahiye.. get me one of your lehenga choli.' Her firm voice seemed to be a little shaky- why, she wasn't used to go around ordering her maids.
Jee?' The maid reconfirmed, her ears inching closer- just to make sure she'd heard right.
Yes? Can't I borrow them?' She reaffirmed, her eyes now becoming fiery.
Yes, of course you can. I'll get them now Rajkumarisa.' Having bid her now miffed mistress, the flustered maid quickly dashed towards the quarter assigned for them- her sole aim to reach as soon as her legs can carry her.
Here, take them Rajkumarisa.'
Hmm..'Her eyes softened, as if silently murmuring a thank you' for her help.
The maid turned back.
And then, she was called back- by the same person!
I'll return them as soon as I come back. And, thank you for this.' Her lips curved into a small smile. Her heart had just become lighter!
For a second her smile flickered, she'd suddenly spotted someone suspicious-looking chatting away with the guard of the temple.
Who's he? And why is the guard chatting when he's supposed to be at work..
*************
Near The Kali Maa Temple
At The Mughal Camp
Shahenshah'
He put his hand up in denial, stern and firm. He didn't want to hear that once more- not by the same person repeating it again and again!
Am I obliged to listen to you?' He hissed, his dark eyes boring into his as the terrified servant took a step back- just in case! Pardon, Shahenshah.. But.. Atgah Saheb... He.. He has sent strict... strict orders that..'
That I stay back here while my army is fighting? I know that, anything else?' His anger went up a notch, reasons familiar to him- how could his father like figure think that he would hide at the camp while HIS men are fighting for HIS honour? No. He is not a coward.
Send a message to Atgah Saheb that I'll be leading my men, I can't take the risk.' His hands banged against each other as he emerged out of his camp, a scribe immediately running to him. Take the message from him, and send it as soon as possible.' Once done with giving instructions, the charming King dashed towards the lakeside- suddenly finding it entrancing.
I'm going for a bath..' His sharp gazes appreciated the scenic beauty that lay in front of him, fallen leaves adorning the otherwise still water.
Jee Shahenshah' Nodded another servant as he rushed to get a towel for His Highness.
Taking a silent step towards the lake as he managed to get his senses back, he let his hand dip in the cold water. Gasp. His hand retreated, no sooner than it had emerged it in. He inhaled sharply, suddenly aware of the fact that many eyes were fixed on him. He immersed his hands again, before taking them out to remove his stately attire.
His fingers slipped on his robe as it loosened, before giving in to his efforts. Young hearts skipped a beat as all the maids stood still, drinking in the appealing sight that their eyes beheld. A knowing smirk resurfaced on his lips, aware of the magic his bare, sculpted chest casted upon them.
He took a step further, allowing his hands to clap once more. Takliyah.' As the area deserted, he reckoned that the beauty of nature can indeed do wonders on both, one's mind, soul and body.
Shahenshah Jalalludin Mohammed..He whispered, breaking out into a sadistic smirk. Any other day and he would've felt the nature tearing away his wounds, regrets, grief and what not. But not today. It seemed he was doubting himself, doubting if he was really, really being true to himself.
Am I what I am? Am I pretending.. but then, I'm the Shahenshah.. why am I pretending.. My name is enough to ignite fear into others. Why am I pretending? Ducking into the still water, he emerged out of it once again.
His chiselled chest bathed into the soothing water as it traced his torso. He frisked his fingers in his hairs, running it through them smoothly. I'm not afraid of anyone.. and I am NOT pretending.. Only those who know fear pretend, and I..am NOT one of them..
The water was cold, and his bare body shivered with the sudden injected icy feeling. Bathing in cool water in the dangerously cold winter months isn't what he was used to. Yet, when he'd decided to let it all flow with the water, it was something he wouldn't give up on. Not yet.
I am just over thinking.. He'd finally reasoned it out with himself, reasons not logically convincing, but enough to put a temporary stop board on his emotions.
---------
Where's Shahenshah?' An informer panted as he enquired a guard. Seemingly, he'd come from a long distance, with an important news, perhaps.
His Highness is taking a bath, what is it?' Resonated Atgah Saheb's voice who'd just made his arrival at the Mughal Camp, hopefully to convince Shahenshah.
I have a news for him.. Its about Amer, the princess is supposed to pay a visit to the nearby temple today!' His happiness seemed evident as he let his wild fantasies develop. Who had not heard about the celestial beauty of the fiery princess? Who didn't want to devour her heavenly body? Sure, he wasn't fit to acquire her. But maybe, he would think.. Shahenshah would bless him by gifting her to him when he was done playing with her? Wild thoughts.
So?' The unconvinced general questioned further, seemingly failing to get the hint.
It is that.. I mean..Shahenshah would.. like her.. She is the most beautiful princess of the whole country..' He fumbled, unable to phrase his words with a strange combination of formalness, decency and above all- to hide his real intent about informing them!
So you will decided whom I will like or not, right Farhan?' Came a deep voice from a distance as the little group turned to greet the King. His eyebrows, furrowed. His eyes gave away no signs of merry. He wasn't joking.
Blood drained down the face of the informer as he retreated, taking a few steps back just in case him temper breaks out of control. Not that he controlled his temper.
I.. I... Pardon Shahenshah...' His head dropped down as he saluted him.
What were you saying Farhan? About that princess..' Not bothering to glance at the obviously frightened soldier, he continued drying his charming face.
N.. Nothing Shahenshah... It..It wou..would be a w..waste of time..' Oops! He committed another blunder.
You're taking a lot of decisions today, Farhan.. Your work is to inform me and go away.. so don't waste my time and your life..' He peered in his eyes as the scared man trembled.
The princess of Amer is said to come to the nearby temple today. The foolish guard told me that..' he recalled how he'd tricked the palace guard into giving away information about how Jodha was going to pray at the Kali Maa Temple. What he didn't know was, poor boy, that the plan had been nearly cancelled and it was she who'd decided not to let her devotion suffer. The trip would still be there, only with her being the only one informed about it.
And what is our benefit in that?' He asked, his interest piqued by the way Farhan had been fantasizing about her before he'd announced his arrival.
Shahenshah, see this..' Saying this, the panicked soldier fished out a rolled up painting that'd been hugging his waist up until now. Unrolling it presented a painting of a girl who could only be acquired in dreams. Her eyes were hazel, presented in a doe like frame with a twinkle of mirth in the corners. Her nose, sharp- her lips, full, bow like and the most kissable he'd ever seen. His eyes moved down to her body, her especially attractive chest, her slender waist peeking out of her green transparent chunri of her exquisite lehenga of the same colour.
Ya Khuda..He could feel his heart skip a beat, flutters born that were strangers up until now. She's really the ultimate desire queen! His lips curved in a lustful smirk, she was beautiful, and she was attractive. And, she belonged to him..
His hands, moving of their accord, caressed her sublime features as he spoke the next words he'd never thought he would say-
When is she coming?'
~~~
At The Kali Maa Temple,
Hey Bhagwaan'
Another soft curse escaped her throat, the nth one during the course of the evening! Sure, she wasn't the one to give up on her trip to the auspicious temple. Yet, travelling up through the rocky path that culminated in the Temple itself was no less than a feat in itself!
Now I realize the importance of palanquins.. She would utter every now and then, letting her eyes roll in pure disappointment as she would take small steps towards her destinations.
Despite the harsh weather of Amer, the mid day sun shining at its peak in the winterly months letting off a strange hot-cold' weather, never had she once thought of calling her trip off. Why would she? This trip was surely an adventure, a fine one at that!
Yesss' She'd nearly jumped as her eyes caught the sight of the temple, the melodious bhajans looking like the words of her Kanha himself to her ears. I'm here, I'm here!'
Moti.. you should have been here.. I've reached the temple!
With renewed enthusiasm, she took fast paced steps towards the temple, careful not to step on her ghagra.
--------------
Pulling the reins of his stallion, the mighty King rode towards the temple, his eyes squinting due to the light by the Sun.
The Royal Princess, you said?' He turned towards Farhan who rode beside him, showing him the way.
Yes Shahenshah,'
Only the Princess?' Needless to say, she'd grabbed his interest. And he, as he thought, was waiting to grab her.
Yes Shahenshah, no one else is accompanying her.. A small platoon of 15 soldiers, and her guards. I suppose.'
Do you know why is she coming here? I mean.. this place is quite far from the palace, isn't it?'
It is, Your Highness. The guard said that there's some fast she'd kept for her God. Remarkably, she'd kept it straight from two days, and is heading there to break her fast.'
Two days?' He'd failed there, he couldn't mask the surprise that'd flown into his voice.
Yes Shahenshah,' He nodded, a faint smile touching his lips. Why, he'd just managed to please the King of Kings!
Fine, I don't care...' Shrugging nonchalantly, he fixed his eyes on the path that lay ahead. Much to his dismay, he was still quite far from the temple. His patience was wearing thin, he couldn't wait to catch a glimpse of her.
~~~
Entering the temple, she let her soul sway in the flow of the bhajans that'd increased the serenity of the place. Careful to cover her face properly with the veil lest she would end up being caught, she smiled to herself. How she loved this place!
After the Aarti, the ceremonial ritual was over, she bowed to the idol, touching their feet as respect. Turning towards the priest that was serving the Prasad, she couldn't help but feel in love with the place- all over. While the architecture of the temple was no grand fete, much like the Muslim places of worship, it was simple and beautiful in its own elegant way. The Kali Maa Temple, something that she'd always been awed by, was something that no Ameri could resist praying in.
May Kali Maa Always shower your blessings on you..'
The words ringed in her mind as she gently corrected the priest after having the Prasad.
May Kali Maa shower her blessings on all of Amer..' and save it from muslim enmity. She would have hissed, had the situation been any different. But not now. Her mind was simply too spiritual to focus on any of the negativity that would else captivate it.
You're a true devotee of Maa, child.. and she always listens to her devotees.'
She smiled. Didn't say anything, just smiled as she exited the temple.
Strangely enough, her serenity didn't vanish as she stepped out. Her gait was calm, mirroring a soul who'd found its purpose in the play of life and achieved it. She was careful not to let her veil come over, for her people wouldn't take a second to recognize her.
---------
Where's the royal platoon? The soldiers? She should have been here by this time..
A sudden burst of restlessness engulfed him. He could feel his desire aching, growing passionately inside him. For the first time, he was actually waiting for someone. And for the first time, someone was going against his wish.
You said the royal platoon would be here by the time we reach?' He questioned his informer, impassive.
I... I estimated that they'll be here Shahenshah..'
Estimated?' Taken aback, he'd quickly retorted back. You did a guesswork?'
I.. I thought that...'
Who gave you the right to think when it concerns ME?'
Pardon, Shahenshah..'
What if they'd already returned back. We would have lost a heck of an opportunity because of you!'
No Shahenshah.. I don't think it is possible.. the way from which we came was possibly shorter than the path they would have taken. For safety reasons they would've taken a long, safe route that's the main route to the temple. We, on the other hand had taken a short and fast route to the temple.' He explained it all, familiar with the ways and turns of the Desert City.
He didn't respond. Instead, pulling the reins once more as he kicked his stallion, he rode further near to the temple. He'd just spotted a lady clad in a simple blue lehenga stroll towards the path that led to the royal palace. Surprisingly, her walk was dignified- gracefully and elegantly. It was different, different than any other commoner he'd seen. Why, he wondered- was she heading to the royal palace when the commoner's living area was on the other side of the city?
His interest spiked, he rode towards her- signalling for Farhan to head back to the Mughal Camp.
But shahenshah.' He called out, unsure to leave him alone.
Just do as I say..'
He turned back, riding away to the Mughal camp as the Emperor headed to his interest.
Heyyy.. you wait..' It was then that he noticed, she was carrying a cloth bag, slung around her shoulders. From what he could see, he could make out they were royal clothes, heavy work embroidered on them.
Hum?' She thought, lifting her eyes to catch his glimpse as the gentle wind played the part of cupid, her veil receded.
Before either could fathom what happened, Jalal felt his breath catch. Amidst all the simple finery, lay the woman he'd been aching for. Her eyes, her nose, her lips, her figure- it was her!
Y..You..' His mind strained itself to recall her name, when it hit her- Jodha?'
She stood still, frozen. Never in her dreams had someone, a commoner by his appearance had called her by name. But she didn't bother for that. What worried her was, he knew her! A sense of danger invaded her mind. She could sense a strange, uncomfortable aura in the air. As if warning her.
Her mind crashed, for a second she couldn't make sense of her surroundings. What should she do? Run away from the commoner who'd just intruded in her space? Yes, she thought. I need to run.
Without thinking of anything, she turned and ran back, her limbs carrying her as fast as she could. For that moment she didn't care for any thing. She didn't know why she was running away when she'd done no wrong. All she knew was her instinctive guess- she was in danger. A danger she yearned to run away from.
Wait... Wait..' He shouted, to no avail. She couldn't hear him, she couldn't see him. The danger she was fighting from was unknown to her, and she could feel her womanly instincts kicking in- she was in trouble!
Jumping off from his stallion, he rushed after her. No, he couldn't let her slip away from him, not when he was so near to him. She belongs to him!
Oucch..' her ankle twisted, and a silent curse made its way to the heaven from her side as she cursed her fate. Before she, or He could do anything to break her fall, she fell on the ground, the sand kissing her skin.
Are you alright?' He'd said before he could rethink his words. Was he concerned for her?
His voice instilled dread in her. What was he trying to do? She tried to get up, failing miserably. What she didn't know was that her dupatta had been misplaced to a considerable extent and that her bare waist and back was visible to him.
His eyes drooled over her milky, luscious skin for a second, before realizing that she was still on the ground. "Hey..' he reached out, holding her arm gently to support her in getting up. Don't touch me..' She hissed, her fiery eyes set ablaze as she pushed his hand away, getting up on her own.
A shooting pain in her ankle knocked her out as she nearly fell again, but he broke her fall. His hands captured her waist as she restrained her arms from snaking around his neck. Her eyes were shut close, tightly enough for him to prevent sneak any glances of her eyes.
He let his fingers marvel at the softness of her skin. Her adorable, seductive features shining brightly in the mid day sun captured his attention. She was so beautiful!
Not willing to leave her as she stirred in protest, her eyes still closed, he tightened his grip as she finally stepped out of his charm.
Lord, She was horrified at her own will, she was agreeing to him cosying up to her? What am I doing? This is a sin! Managing to get her strength back, she pushed him away- suddenly finding his touch disgusting.
You... what were you doing.. how dare you touch me?' She was seemingly on fire now. How dare HE touch her? Who is he to touch her? Who are you to touch me?'
Surprised, he stood back, smirking all the while she fired on him, and when she finished, he grabbed her arm, pulling her closer to him as he inhaled her flowery smell once again. I am Shahenshah Jalalludin.. the emperor of this whole country.. I can touch you however I want..' His whisper was hoarse, as he brought his lips closer to her eyes. She closed her eyes, in disgust, in anger AND in mild titillation. What is it that he was doing to her? Why can't she fight him?
Wait! Her brows shot up, her eyes fluttered open. You... Shahenshah?' She struggled in his grip, failing miserably. She couldn't pinpoint when, but he'd seized her waist in his grip too. What are you doing here? How dare you come here, pollute our land..? You came here for a war? Or for getting another thousands of women for your pleasure? Leave me you...'
Shh!' He closed her mouth, his fingers resting on her full lips. You're speaking way too much.. Breathe..'
Her eyes seemed to burning in fury as she pushed him of with all her strength, barely able to push him an inch. God, he was so strong! She shook her head sideways, punching her little fists in his well sculpted chest to let her speak, all her efforts going down the drain.
You know Jodha, one day I'll come here with a huge platoon, win you over and whisk you away with me.. you know why?' His lips were ready to devour the profile of her ears, letting his palm slip off her lips. Because You Belong With Me..'
Strangely enough, he'd long freed her lips, still she couldn't speak. There was something, something in his eyes that was preventing her to speak. Maybe, she was mesmerized. Maybe, she was feeling titillated by his words, flattered by the way he spoke it. As she drowned in those brown orbs of his that shined through, he left her waist, freeing her finally.
Seconds before she would've been at peace as he would have left her, but for some reason, reasons utterly strange to her, she wanted their' moment to last a little longer. Two minutes, maybe?
His words flashed through her mind again and again as she stared at his retreating figure, jumping on his stallion.
Because You Belong With Me..'
-------------------------------------
obviously, I didn't proof read it.. I never do.. so for all the typos and all baccha samajh ke maaf karo😆
how was it Aisha!!!!
and yep, actually I have 2 more ideas but time ki wajah couldn't write them.. will write them these upcoming holidays and then send them to you okay!😃
Love you!🤗
Edited by ...Anushka... - 10 years ago
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