Chapter 25
"Didn't expect you be here again"! But seeing you here didn't displease me either"!
(Startled by the voice behind her, she turn around and Saw him same as previous dress standing with folded hands up to chest looking at her, she didn't said anything but turn and walk towards the place she sat before , but end up tripping over stone lying near her foot).
"Careful clumsy women ", do you fancy being in arms of man "? Or what "?
(Ask the Man with amused smirk on face, while caughting her in arms preventing her from felling down. If she wasn't annoyed by his arrival, Frustrated by the happening in life she would defiantly let his stupid remark go but that's got on her nerves thus as soon got steady on feet she pushed him down on ground it was long since Jalal left her in room and didn't get back bored by being alone in room she thought to leave but the guards didn't allow her thus when her maids step in room to serve her some refreshments she pulled Moti Bai aside in Hamam and after exchanging the dress with her sneak out from there with group of maids).
"Do not try to touch me ever"!
"What if I do"!
(With syly smirk on face he neared his hand to put on her right shoulder but , "Ouch"! with low yelp the next second he found himself on ground, with her dagger on his neck she made him fell by twisting her leg behind his right foot and pushing him by left arm hard it was quick and that's caught him of guard with reflex action he should have hold on her but she step back way sooner than his reflex action could act on.now she was hovering over him with her dagger pointed towards his neck).
"I will chopped your hand off"! Ripped the tounge out "! Than you would left with Nothing to fight by"! Or voice to complain"!
(Chill run down his spine the voice was cold he was glad he cannot see her face or even eyes . But that's what Make it tough for him to anticipate her move , apart from her voice he know nothing ,what's up with every women attacking on him first that Rajput Princess cum Empress , now this women darn. He was here to seek peace with in disguise just like before, but finding her here he wasn't disappointed either but now even he himself wasn't sure. Lost in thought he didn't even realise when the women went to big stone near Lake and started relishing the nature beauty savouring the fragrance of Flowers).
"You're always this hot headed or taken special training to be one"!
"I can ask the same you're always this talketive or taken special training to be one"!
(The voice both of them find each other voice known their presence near each other seems familiar yet they cannot pin point who the other, they donot wish to reveal their real identity to each other either. "Oh just like her fiesty not bad"! Seem like all Rajput women are as such"! Well almighty one of most wonderful creation who won't wish to have them. Deciding to test her loyalty for Jodha he ask).
"I heard her highness is very arrogant"! She doesn't mingle with any women who dwell here"!
"Be careful with what you hear about a women", Romour comes either from a man who cannot have her", or a women who cannot compete with her"!
(She didn't like the way he stated the question arrogant and she the most arrogant people are already living here, damn heaven curse why women pride are always term as ego, she is good and humble as far she prioritise others before herself, she rude is egostic if she prioritise herself before others huh thus she reply him in way he can get. Whereas he got silent listening her reply Understanding the depth of Her words and found them very much true and right. But after sometime to have light conversation he spoke).
"Right um leave that "! how are you doing "? last time you were upset"! What about today"?
"I don't know"! I don't seem to have anything left in life"! Everything seems end"!
"That's what everyone think"! But nothing ends in life till they're breathing Alive"! You seem to stop looking out for hope and aim of life"!
(Jodha glance back at him and find him looking at her already for second she got self conscious, but than sighing at her appearance which is well secured by Veil and Ghoonghat, Be don't even know her yet how he can gave her such a advise which is right in every way. Either to find out her aim or make aim of life but she had to live with and till she live it's not end yet).
I should take your leave now"! It's not right for man and women to be with each other even bring commited to others with their life"!
"You're leaving cause it's not appropriate "? according to others view norms of society"! Or You Don't trust yourself and me"?
I am leaving that's matter "! Cause of my leaving doesn't"!
"It does my lady more than outcome of action cause of action matter"! It's serve the purpose to predict the outcome and took side"! It's alright if you wish to leave without revealing the cause to me I don't mind"!
"To be honest I didn't really wanted to talk today nor I wanted to be here"! I am bored by the palace and wanted to head out"! But I ain't allowed"!
"Well maybe I can help you with it"! So if you wish shall we"!
"But it's can get you in trouble"! why would you risk your life for me"?
"Well getting curious are we"! Worry not I have no bad intention at least not yet"! But one thing is no one do anything for other"! No matter what they say thus you should trust the action of people not words"! Words can be manipulative but action can be anything but manipulative never"!
(Oh his company isn't that bad she assume at first, good for her more than her handmaiden, she would be with commanders of army or common soldiers not them than with common folk of Amer. Spending time with her pet's or relishing the beauty of nature by venture , but now oh she confined behind castle walls only standing up from stone she stood before him and saw him walking at another side of entrance of the place. She clutch the Dagger tight knowing she may need it if he turn out to be some vile man for a minute it's seems all wrong it's can get her in trouble if Emperor comes to know about her little sneak out than only almighty know what would happen next but she knew one thing it will be worse the man lost all humanity when it's comes to her. But then looking over the man before her she had otherwise it thought when being loyal to Emperor he can risk his job his life than why can't she let her fear in control for while if mere employee can get gut to risk everything than she should as well).
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"I am really saddend by the loss of Gafur Saheb"! He was very skilled physician here"!
(Indeed the lady physician were just called on for mere brusie to check or labour time ending up as wet nurse as well and it was bonus point for them being female they had easy access to understand depth of illness, but Male Physician than they had to without seeing the patient’s face, or feeling her pulse was that a handkerchief was rubbed all over the body of the patient and then put into a jar of water. By its smell or color the doctor judged the cause of illness and prescribed the medicine. Gafur Kadir was one of best physician in royal Harem household but sudden death of him made Her bit disheartened he was one of the most old noble physician).
"If the loss of him isn't enough then"! Finding another one as capable and skilled physician as him is another hard job"!
"Don't worry Queen Rukaiya I will see about it"!
"Good and Maham I checked the record"! Of wealth received it's not enough to spend on the basic need of women dwelling here"! Soon we have to make budge for necessary need of Harem and pay the staff here as well"! We would need more wealth hereafter"!
(Spoke Rukaiya in firm tone forwarding bundle of papers to Maham who sat opposite to her on couch. Maham stay silent she was still worried about what Jalal spoke to her thus her mind wasn't paying attention to what Rukaiya was really saying. Whereas Rukaiya was pretty much busy in checking further financial records of Harem to noticed her absent mind thus she continue speaking while checking the records , after all handling Harem full of women from defeated land rulers or Nobelers daughter with their handmaiden, with each Conquest of Emperor it's grew bigger his generals who will win other state would sent wealth and women to Agra always as they're answerable to Emperor it was going on from the time of previous Emperor as well while Jalal didn't find it stoppable either. Women ranks were swollen by a constant flow of concubines (kaniz), dancing girls (kanchni) and female slaves (bandis), or “silver bodied damsels with musky tresses” as one chronicler described them, purchased from markets across Asia. Screened from public view by ornately pierced stone jali windows were women from the four corners of the Mughal Empire. Even if Rukaiya wish to be out than to its can be only a wish infact , she found herself lucky to be special enough for Jalal to get chance to go out with him for various reason. Even though people living in Harem were confined in in castle walls they weren't unknown to the happening outside either).
"I find it hard to take how my long distance cousin become fond of new queen"! The royal ladies in Harem feel threatened by new queen as well"! Even though it's not even been month of her being arrived here"! What you have say in this Maham"?
"I don't think it's really a issue to wary of"! She doesn't seem threat to us"!
"Than why you seem so what to eliminate the new queen", it's cause of your anti non-believers sentiment"! Or something else"!
(Taken aback by Rukaiya words Maham cannot help but look up at her with wide eyes. What's up with these royals keeping tab on her moves as if she is their enemy well in a way she is but again how can they be so blunt first the emperor warned her or practically threatened her would be right words to use. Now the empress seem to questioning her about her intention behind her action she didn't clarify about what action but by the word use eliminate make it clear she seem to know about Assassination attempt on Jalal. Or she knew about her meeting and spread romour oh whatever is it it's not good for her not good at all).
"I am loyal to Mughal Empire queen Rukaiya"! Thus whoever going to be threat for empire"! Deserve to be eliminated before they become threat to it"!
"Intresting but just second back you clarify she isn't threat to us we shouldn't bother"! Than what's change now"?
"Queen Rukaiya I said she doesn't seem threat to us you didn't even let me finished"! I still am form on my words she isn't but her action are definitely bothersome"!
"What's the difference Maham"! Both are same thing isn't it"?
(Taking little water sip from glass Rukaiya close the record book and glance up at Maham. Who was looking down at papers while she awaited her answer giving her time to speak Rukaiya glance at the maid stepping forward to fill her glass. She raised her hand than dismissed all of them from the room even her own attender which eventually make her and Maham the only person present in room).
"There is difference queen Rukaiya same as"! "The difference between a tied lion and a hunting lion"!.
"You have point anyway I heard the empress of Amer going to arrive with Dowgar Queen of Amer"! I don't mind her arrival here ", "but she seem to make postpone my plan for hunting with his majesty"! But the arrangements for her welcome should be grand"!
" Is that all your Queen Rukaiya"? If yes"! than I would like to take your leave"!
"I to think so um but no there is one more thing"! You might got to know about rise of new whisper"? About One of concubine dweller here name Zuleikha"!
(A small smirk started playing on Rukaiya face she got up and walked towards Maham with slow firm confident steps. Took the record book from her and closed it keeping it on table watch the color changing from Maham face no matter she like her or not she cannot ignore the fact the lady is cunning as fox. Which is one the main reason she is Vazir'e Alia even though she have same favour on Emperor as the wife of Shan's Ud-Din Adhgha Khan. Having her on back can be really helpful for her position in Jalal life but Maham is to sharp to know the cost of being controlled by other thus she leave no trace for others to get hold on her still it didn't help others to try their luck Rukaiya to was no different. The Dowgar Queen Hamida isn't fond of Rukaiya like she is fond of Queen Salima. Which always make her feel bad in some part but she cannot complain on this).
"I don't know how Jalal will find this "? if he heard about the little whisper rising in Harem"!
"Queen Rukaiya I"!..
"Pardon me your highness greeting Your grace Greeting's Vazir'e Alia, I have a massage from the Dowgar Queen for Vazir'e um"! her highness Hamida Banu she Is expecting to meet Vazir'e Alia right now"!
(Rukaiya look at maid than at Maham who stood up already egear to make her way out from Rukaiya chamber. Definitely it wasn't her day today don't know what Bomb Hamida have to explode on her head. But definitely she isn't as powerful as Rukaiya even being Dowgar Queen. With this thought she was bit relived look at Rukaiya than bringing her hand upto her face a bit greet her and walked out after getting nod by Rukaiya).
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"Bangles, pins, chains and anklets From all around the world Come and get them they're studded by Precious gems"!
"Let them adorn your hands, legs, necks and waist. Come and get some gems garnet, ruby and emerald"
Or come for the Pearl, the queen of gems or gem of queens Rich and rare are these gems to be worn
Allure yourselves and others Come and get them lovely ladies"
(After stopping at least five placed for refreshments and little break while getting well fsmilsr with places they reach market which was filled with seller impressive voices to attract buyer's near their stall, it was not special day thus it was less crowdy but crowdy nonetheless. Jodha was bit hesitant to even drink or eat anything yet that didn't stop her agreeing to take a break the man was really being gentle throughout the venture so far thus she trusted him a bit for sure now not for once he try to do anything inappropriate with her or acted out of bad intention. Ironically both didn't knew each other name but profession that to false one still went ahead together. She was amused by everything set up in Agra as well but right now the market empress her the most, cause the caller of stall were kid but seller were elder man and women, no wonder more than things in stall the kids attractive innocent filled sweet voice lure the people to visit each stall. Time to at few stall Entrance the Guard will be present Petrolling, but one thing put her off was everyone instead of enjoying looked so dull even if they were enjoying it's seem to be in certain limit. The man with her was walking side by side along with her glancing at all the stalls but with more observations he was annoyed by hiked up prices of food).
"The prices again hiked up"! Darn the officers here"!
"As much this place is impressive and so are the arrangments"! I find the odd in prices"!
"That's how markets are"! Something are expensive to buy some cheap"! Depend on need"! Requirements"! After all here everyone invest for their benefits"!
"You're speaking in the language of loyal officer"! Thinking I just mean to criticize the arrangments here"! Even I know all this just cause it's first time I am in the market here doesn't mean I never been at one"!
(Spoke Jodha with annoyed tone keeling check on the voice which shouldn't come as her real one. She still doesn't the man with her identity at least not at open place as such it's one of the main reason she didn't seem to check up on Jewellery or cloth shop. Soon she found him moving grain shop he took a look at all the spice and grain presented on table of stall before in open sack).
"Do you intend to buy anything or get yourself satisfied by eying the grains"!
"How much is the grain cost"?
"Three coins for a pound"!.
"The barley?
" Two coins for a pound. Shall I pack it?
"No I think We'll buy wheat instead"! How much it's cost "?
"Wheat? Alright it's goes by Two coins for a pound.
"Two coins for a pound?! Even the Jewellery here seems less expensive to buy than your Grains"!
"What can we do? The landowners decide the price"! His prices are sky high"! Looks like you too have dropped from the sky! You're pockets are empty and you want to buy Agra bazaar? Take it or leave it! Don't waste my time"!
(Jodha felt tighten up muscle of man with her, she somehow guessed it if he hear more he may end up using his sword thus she pulled him away from the shop. Before his hand could unseathed sword and spoke firmly).
"He isn't responsible for hiked up prices here"! Even you know that"! So keep your temper in check"! I don't want us to get caught"!
"For second I thought you got concern about the seller and me but noe I know better"!
"So what I come with you if you got I will be caught "! if I got caught than emperor will have my head"! Which I cannot take it at least not yet"!
(The words caught him of guard but he said nothing and walked further with her. When his gaze fell on one women adoring her wrist by bangles. All the way when Jodha was getting relaxed by his being in limit she didn't get to notice he was Stealing glance at her and trying to be more observant on her The way she walk with firm confident step instead of her footsteps voice only her anklet made sound, he had so many doubts from the start he met her but now his doubts getting very clear or already clear about the identity by her each moves).
"Won't you like to try any jewels to adorn yourself"! If yes than come ", if no than come and help me to buy some for my wife"!
(Speaking thus heove towards jewellery stall followed by her ,She wanted to deny but than thought it's not good for her to deny after what he is doing for her already more over the information of his being married relived her to some extent. Looking over the Jewellery she glance at him but found him looking at bangle portion.she to walled and stand besides him).
"we have some special bangles"! In various Colors with fantastic Kundan work"!. "You will not find them anywhere else"!.what would you like to try"!
(Jodha didn't said anything just glance around on stall table than find a red color plain metal bangles studded with pink stones. She really found them exquisite thus she forward her hand to pick them up but it was picked by another lady standing before disappointed gripped her heart. But to her luck the lady tried on hand but it didn't fit).
"They are beautiful"!. "But it's a shame they don't fit"!
"Worry not there are more hopefully they may fit in your hand"!
(Jodha didn't wasted minute as soon the lady put the bangles down she picked it, than made a move to try her luck with them alas it didn't fit on her hand other. She try to squeeze her hand in it twist them but no luck. She decided to let it be but before she could make a move to put them down heard him speaking in low tone taking the bangles from her).
"Beautiful things are alluring and seducing"!. "But they need to be handled with care"! Let me help you"!
(She wanted to deny but the offer was to tempting to resist she really liked those bangles and really wish to buy them. Thus she decided to let him help her but other part of her wanted to deny she is married letting her hand touch by other man who isn't her husband isn't right. But than she shrugged those thoughts aside whereas the Man, undid a small lever on the side of the bangle and slipped it through her wrist. The bangle slid through smoothly like butter. Still holding her hand, he locked the lever. Just for another second he held her hand unwilling to let go cause He recognised those hands very well his all doubts got clear. he always wanted to be with her this way showing her around caring for her so far he enjoyed her company as well. But the thought she is married to someone else made him restrict on his action but now knowing her real identity he smirk inwardly. "Knew it"! it's you", huh playing game of disguise with me"! To bad now you will see the consequence oh it's going to be fun"! I got you but you didn't With this thought he spoke again).
"There all set I think you should try on other hand"! To get full feeling of them"!
"I don't think it's necessary"! And it's not right to do this I"!
(Not Right to do this"! Yes it's not cause in your eye I am someone else. A part of him which was annoyed before with her resisting actions were now making him happy how diffrent from other they won't ley ho the chance of getting admire and care by other in way only should do and here she. He knew her loyalty lies with him it's one of main reason he didn't doubted on her for second either. But now when he know he is torn in two part one which is angry that she defy him risk her security good it's him but what if someone else was on his place did she even realise what mess she could gotten herself into. Just cause you're being good doesn't mean other will be good to you as well the girl really doesn't seem to gave thought to outcome of her action. But than he decided let the harsh treatment reserve for her as Emperor for now he should enjoy the time with her).
"It's not about what's necessary it's about what you should do as your wish"! Let me help you"!
(Taking her other hand in his own than he undid the lever and passed the bangle through her wrists, all the while feeling the delicate yet strong wrists of her. He felt the warmth and the tenderness of her hands. His heart beat raced ahead as if running a race and he felt breathless. He wanted to hold on to her just for a few more minutes. But he had to be tactical and not be stupid. Wondering all the while " that delicate, yet strong wrists. Long lanky fingers adorned with henna. And she is a fierce warrior. How her soft hands turn like iron fists with a sword he glance down at her hands murmured in low tone which was only audiable to her).
"My, my, these bangles look exquisite and beautiful on you"!
(Pretending to still sliding them on her wrist he took his own sweet time but than come out of his lost World when she took her hand of from his being so uncomfortable by his gesture. He didn't said anything but thought inwardly Delicate and soft, yet so strong not small nor big such a beautiful hands sculptor 's dream To feel the warmth & tenderness wish I could hold them bit longer. Ironically when with right he get hold on them his grip turn out to be Brutual now when he knew he cannot do that with revealing his identity he is being tender and careful. She paid for the bangles and move ahead while he followed her this time extra cautious for her saftey and hiding his identity from).
Dil-e-naadaan tujhe huaa kya hai ?
Aakhir is dard kee dawa kya hai
O innocent heart, what happened to you
What is the cure for this pain, after all?
Hamko unse wafa ki hai ummeed
Jo naheen jaante wafa kya hai
I hope for faith from one
Who doesn’t know what it means to be faithful"!
(Hearing the voice of Song both Of them got Impress for Jodha the lyrics weren't to easy to understand. But she liked it and started walking towards the way they assume the song is being sang by someone while he was behind her reaching at the end of Market they found few Saint sitting under tree over floor mat laid on ground playing harp. A good number of people surrounded them hearing their song which in poetically and metaphorically asking the eternal, fundamental questions of life, for the wonderful things existing in this world).
Ham hain mushtaaq aur woh bezaar
Ya ilaahee ! Yeh maajra kya hai ?
I am anxious and eager, he is cold and displeased
Oh God, what is this mystery?
Main bhi muh me zabaan rakhataa hun
Kaash puchho ki mudda kyaa hai
I too have a tongue in my mouth (I too have an opinion)
If only I was I asked my intention (mudda’ is a distorted form of the actual Urdu word ‘mudua’ which means ‘ intention’, ‘will’ or ‘objective’)
Jab ki tujh bin naheen koyi maujood
Fir ye hangaama, ‘ei khuda ! Kya hai
If there is no one except you in my world
Then why this ruckus, what is this world, O God?
Ye pari chehra log kaise hain
Gamaza-o-ishwa-o-ada kya hai
What are these beautiful angelic-faced women like?
What are all the airs and graces about? (their amorous glances, their coquettishness and their enticing style)
Ghamza : an amorous glance or wink; Ishwa: Coquetry (naaz/ nakhray); Ada: an enticing style or a tempting gesture (generally by women)
Shikan-e-zulf-e-ambari kyon hai
Nigah-e-chashm-e-surma sa kya hai
Why do these fragrant curls exist? (referring to a woman’s tresses)
What is the meaning of the glance of your eyes lined with kohl?
Sabz-o-gul kahaan se aaye hai
Abr kyaa chiz hai, havaa kyaa hai
Where has this beautiful greenery and nature come from?
What is this cloud and the wind?
Jaan tum par nisaar karta hoon
Main naheen jaanata duaa kya hai
I am willing to sacrifice my life for you
I do not know what else is prayer?
Haan bhalaa kar, teraa bhalaa hogaa
Aur daravesh ki sadaa kyaa hai
Yes, do good, and good will come to you
What, but this does the dervish say?
Maine maanaa ki kuchh nahi"!
Muft haath aaye, to buraa kyaa hai
I agree that is ‘nothing’,
But what harm does it do, if you get it for ‘nothing’?
(He wasn't sure but with each phrase of line sang by them, he would glance up at her finding her lost in the voice to understand depth of lyrics. But having no knowledge about Urdu it's got hard for her to come in terms with the lyrics but that didn't stop her from enjoying the song. For him he she is no less than unsolved mystery itself , with her he feel like both of them are playing game but with there own rule. Even he find the song appreciable but then something else caught his attention. Something which alerted him and worried him at same time he immidately walked further to her and held her hand).
to comment Kavya 
to let them enjoy so twist on way 
I don't want her to know yet either it's better she figure out later 
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