Thread 3: Destined Love... (Chapter 61 updated) - Page 70

Pls update asap..waiting

Hey! 

A new reader of yours.....I just don't know how but after reading just 4-5 chapters I fell in LOVE with it, I mean you are an amazing writer...I am speechless!!!

Looking forward for more updates....

(There is a request) can you pls share the link or name of your other stories(if any) bcuz I want to  read more of your writings....it feels so alive...

Pls continue❤❤❤

Chapter: 55

“The emperor has suffered massive blood-loss and extensive injury on right shoulder. He has some moderate to big scratches from shoulder to chest which needed cauterization. Apart from that it seems he has some cracked ribs and sprained elbow.” The field physician assessed. “I have done whatever I could in this forest. Further treatments can only be done after going to the palace under the supervision of royal physician.” 

“Will he be okay?” Ruqaiya Begam asked in worry. The trembling in her voice did not hide under the royal aura.   

“He will be fine, Your Highness. The injuries are mainly superficial and our emperor is strong enough to overcome that. He is under sedative now and resting at this moment.” 

“Thank you Hakim Sahab…” Ruqaiya bid with courtesy and gratitude. 

After the physician left, Begam Sahiba came out of the curtain and sat beside the bed of the ailing emperor. Jalal was comfortably tucked in the bed, despite the pallor and he dark shade of exhaustion shadowing in his sleeping face, he looked peaceful in his medicine-induced sleep. The tent the full in aroma of various herbs and ointments, indicating the peaceful end of the horrifying incident. Unmindfully, she touched her husband’s palm; a single drop of tear caressed through her cheek after holding it for so long. She abruptly wiped it off and stood up. The royal tent is still not vacant; the maids are still tending the emperor, the associates are waiting worriedly... this is not a place to display private moments... this is not a place to let the emotional guard down... 

“The Emperor is alright.” Ruqaiya approached to the courtiers after putting on her veil and the mask of the Empress. “We can expect he will be able to set off for Agra tomorrow noon; act accordingly. It will be better to take him to the capital as soon as possible. You may leave now.” 

Everyone bowed to show consent and left. Except for Jashn Khan and Fardeen Khan. Both looked worried. 

“Pardon Begam Sahiba...” In-charge of Harem’s security force Jashn Khan spoke up. “Maybe it is not the best time to talk, but Fardeen Khan has something to inform you.” 

“Please go ahead...” Ruqaiya allowed. 

“Begam Sahiba, I suspect this mishap tonight was not a mere accident. There is a big conspiracy behind it.” Fardeen Khan proceeded. “There was an intel...”

“There was an intel??” Ruqaiya Begam could not check her rage this time. “There was an intel that there will be an attempt on the emperor’s life and still his special security force sat idle and let it happen? You kidding me?? This is why the emperor is spending this large sum of treasury behind all of you people??” 

“We are very ashamed, Begam Sahiba... We were prepared for any attack but this...” Fardeen Khan tried, but Ruqaiya stopped him instantly. 

“Don’t try to make excuses if you know you are guilty and ashamed of it.” She uttered in her usual authoritative tone. “I want to know when you people had guessed an attack, how could you possibly plan a dangerous tiger hunting expedition amidst all and leave him unguarded for such a long time?” 

“I tried to stop the hunt, Begam Sahiba... But His Majesty insisted to prepare. He also told me that any failed attempt on him will lead us to another clue to unmask the person behind it, so let it come... We tried to be vigilant as much as we could, but the mishap... we could hardly imagine the machan will break and right in front of the tiger...” 

Ruqaiya Begam sighed in frustration, recalling how much reckless Jalal can be sometimes. “Where is the group of huntsmen associated with this hunt?” 

“They are in there tent, Your Highness...” Jashn Khan answered. “There are instructed not to go out of sight before receiving further orders. They are almost under house-arrest.” 

“Do we know the name of the people who made the machan?” 

“Yes of course, Your Highness... They insist it was an accident.” 

“What does the investigation say?” 

“It is too dark to investigate right now, Begam Sahiba... Maybe we can start tomorrow; after His Majesty gives us instruction...” Fardeen Khan said mildly. 

“You still think we have the luxury to delay it?” Ruqaiya snapped. “For Gods’ sake, His Majesty almost died today. And all his guards kept on watching like numb dolls! Can you imagine what could have happened if Jodha Begam wasn’t...” She stopped abruptly and took a long breath, controlling herself. “Start investigation and don’t stop until anything comes out. Consider my order on behalf of the emperor. You have problem in doing that?” 

Both of them bowed. “Begam Sahiba, what do you want to do with the huntsmen?” 

Cut their fingers and throw them in a tiger’s cage. Ruqaiya wanted to say. But she controlled somehow, and looked at Jashn Khan. “Keep on pressing until they spill out any name.” She instructed. 

“Jo Hukum, Begam Sahiba...” The officers nodded and left after showing their respect. Ruqaiya sighed a little and looked at Hosiyaar Khan. 

“Tell the other maids to give His Majesty a little space. Only two caregivers can stay nearer in case he needs someone when he wakes up. Others might leave right now.” 

Even Hosiyaar’s emotionless face was laced with a shadow of worry today. His voice sounded tender when he spoke. “You should rest now as well, Begam Sahiba. Shahenshah is okay now. Tomorrow is a long day.” 

Ruqaiya nodded. “Let us all go to our respective tents and let His Majesty rest.” She declared. Then, after staring at Jalal’s sleeping face for a few moments again, she sighed and turned to leave. 

“Your Highness...” She was interrupted though. Hosiyaar came into path. The worry in his face is now mixed with annoyance. “I apologize, Begam Sahiba... I tried to convey your order but apparently everyone in this room is not entitled to listen to me.” 

Ruqaiya frowned a little. Hosiyaar sighed annoyedly.

“It is Jodha Begam, My Lady. Her maid said she won’t leave His Majesty’s side.” 

Ruqaiya stared at Hosiyaar’s face for a while. “What do you mean?”

“Just what I told, My Lady. Apparently Jodha Begam wants to go against your order even in this very serious time.” Hosiyaar did not try to hide the irritation in his voice. 

Ruqaiya sighed. “Let me try...” 

“Now Padshah Begam will beg to a random Begam for leaving the Emperor alone to rest? That doomed day of Harem has come already?” Hosiyaar commented sarcastically, but was immediately shut down by the cold glare of the queen. “It’s not the time Hosiyaar.” Ruqaiya uttered calmly and proceeded inside. 

The caregivers were already leaving Jalal’s bedside. The small gathering around the bed has already scattered. Two three maids are still there doing their works. Jalal’s attendants were still standing cautiously. But where is Jodha Begam amidst of all this?

Where was Jodha Begam in this whole time?

Ruqaiya exhaled slowly. The shouts, wailing, the pandemonium of the huntsmen piercing the darkness of the woods... all are still ringing in her ears. She is reliving the moment over and over when she had to get up from her rest with nightmarish panic as the group came back, when Hosiyaar Khan rushed in with the horrific news of tiger attack... But among all those panicked moments, all the nightmares, another sound keeps on ringing highly in her brain, which has prevailed all other sounds... the sound of the chanting in unison among the distressed hunters- in name of Jodha Begam... Jodha Begam, who saved the emperor. Jodha Begam, the savior of the Mughal throne and the future of the clan... But did she see Jodha Begam’s face among all these? Maybe once, for a glance. The graceful face contorted in horror, Jodha Begam was looking like the living image of her own nightmare. But that does not negate the fact that Jodha Begam won today. Maybe the victory did not come in an expected way, but she own Ruqaiya Begam the moment she raised her weapon to save the person who matters the most. Ruqaiya threw a challenge in front of a naïve shooter, a soft-hearted girl who fears to see innocent animals blood. And she saved the day. She saved the emperor. She saved all of them. 

What should Ruqaiya feel about it? Angry? Lost? Grateful? Frustrated? Happy? Distressed? What should she feel? 

 Hosiyaar guided Ruqaiya to Jodha Begam. She was there, right in front of everyone’s eyes, yet almost vanished. She was sitting right in the corner of the tent, very near to the bed of the emperor. Her eyes still filled with nightmare, her face pale in traumatic fright as she was sitting still clasping her hands together, staring at the bed distantly. Moti Bai was there beside her, trying to comfort her with occasional touches on shoulder, but Jodha seemed to become numb of every outer feelings. 

“Moti Bai, did you deny to follow my order of escorting Jodha Begam to her tent?” Ruqaiya did not hesitate to charge Moti directly. The facial expression of Moti Bai did not match Hosiyaar’s description though, as she looked extremely nervous and ashamed when she started talking to Ruqaiya...

“Pardon me, My Lady... I... I wanted to but Begam Jodha...” 

Ruqaiya held her sigh and looked at Jodha again. She looked lost, completely unaware of the world, but her tight and firm jawline still radiates the same desperation and stubbornness. 

“Jodha Begam, ” Ruqaiya stated in unusual kind voice. “His Majesty is fine now. You can go to your tent.” 

“No.” Came a very calm reply. So direct, so blatant that it startled all of them. 

Ruqaiya should have been furious. But she could not. Instead she felt a strange rush of emotion in her heart. “Jodha Begam...” She knelt down, touching Jodha’s shoulder. “It is late. You are exhausted as hell. You should rest as well. His Majesty is alright, he will be fine before tomorrow sunrise. Don’t worry...” 

Jodha trembled a bit, but her jaws remained firm. 

“Moti Bai... Take her to her tent.” Ruqaiya instructed. Moti was about to come close, but she had to stop. As Jodha looked up, stared right into Ruqaiya’s eyes. In a very cold glare. 

“Ruqaiya Begam, I don’t want to leave. I won’t go until he is conscious.” She uttered in a calm voice. Enough calm to run a chilling sensation in veins. 

“You have to leave, Jodha Begam.” Ruqaiya pushed in a more controlling voice. “His Majesty is resting. That should not be hampered at any cost. Go to your tent.”  

“I won’t hamper his sleep.” Jodha said adamantly. “Let me stay.” 

“I know you won’t, Jodha Begam. But there are certain rules.” Ruqaiya tried to put some sense to her agitated brain. “He is not a random person, he is the Emperor. And you are a queen. See, it is against Mughal etiquette for a Mughal queen to stay awake at the Emperor’s bedside when he is getting treated by medical team. Especially in public. It just does not look good in our royal culture. Look, I could have stayed, but I am leaving as well. Jodha Begam, Jalal is in good hands. There are people to take care of him. They can do a lot more than you even can by staying awake by his bedside.” 

Jodha looked at her in lost glare, as if she is unable to gasp any of her logic. “So...” She uttered in a shocked tone then, “Just because it does not look good in royal customs, His Majesty has to wake up alone from unconsciousness, from the darkness of pain and nightmare and fear, without any familiar face of his loved ones near to him or to assure him that he is not alone in this painful plight?” 

Ruqaiya could have smiled in this childish question of Jodha, because yes, it is normal for the emperor... Emperor Jalaluddin Mohammad, who has fought hundreds of war, fought with death multiple times in battlefield and came out with flying colours, who is very much habituated with the pang of pain from severe wounds just after gaining consciousness, who is comfortable in dealing with own pains all alone from childhood, really does not expect or want any familiar face to stay awake beside him after getting some scratches and cracked ribs from a hunting accident. But she could not smile either. Again a pang of emotion stroke in her chest. 

Because she has no answer to Jodha’s childlike question now. Because she is right. Because no matter what the royal customs suggests, no matter how much habituated Jalal has become to endure his physical pains, it is true that he will be alone... It is true that despite Jalal has so many loved ones around him, and despite Jalal knows how much they care, Jalal will still wake up from his unconsciousness alone... forever... 

The royal norms and etiquette has established this fact pretty conveniently. 

Ruqaiya sighed again, this time a burden of an unknown heavy guilt released with that sigh. “Get up, Jodha Begam. No matter how much you despise the royal norms, you are not allowed to stand against them and disobey them every now and then.” She said in a rather ruder voice, but her voice strangely mixed with emotion. “We all are bound to follow the rules of Mughal Harem, and you have to follow as well. You can go now, get freshened up, eat something, try to get some rest. Jalal will be up and around tomorrow, you can visit him then as much as you want.” 

Jodha pressed her lips together, perhaps to stop herself from arguing anymore. She looked at the sleeping man on the bed once again, then got up. Without showing any courtesy to anyone anymore, she paced out from the tent. It looked like if she does not force herself to pace out like that, she will break down right on the ground right then. Moti Bai stood startled for a moment, then she almost ran behind her after bidding to Ruqaiya. 

A drop of foolish tear suddenly blurred Ruqaiya’s vision while she stared at Jodha’s exit. Perhaps she could understand her emotional state now. No, she is not angry or distressed... not happy or grateful... She is jealous of Jodha Begam. She is actually jealous of that random Begam coming from a nameless kingdom of a defeated king who has just come into the vast world of Mughal Empire- the world where she is the Empress. She is not jealous because Jodha defeated her today. Or Jodha has proved herself to be the savior of the day. She is not jealous because of all the heil and chants in her name. She is jealous because of that numb, terrified stare in her eyes, for those dried trail of tears in her cheek, for that stubborn mindless desperation of not leaving the bedside of the Emperor till he is alright. She is jealous of that pure worry, that concern, that fear of losing... Everyone present in the camp was worried as hell for the Emperor today. But did any of their worry, including Ruqaiya’s, reach the same height?

There was a time when Ruqaiya would have felt the same desperation and anxiety for Jalal. Where it got lost in time? Why cannot Ruqaiya get worried for her Jalal the same way as Jodha did today?

----------------------------------------

“Are you sure we are going to find anything here, Fardeen Khan?” Jashn Khan threw a question in lethargy while trying to suppress the yawn. It is already past midnight, after a few hours the new day will knock at the East sky, and still the whole team was at the same spot where the machan was broken, trying to find the needle from the haystack. 

“Something must turn up.” Fardeen Khan commented while scrutinizing in the light of the torch. “I just wished we could start freshly from the morning. It’s too dark to find anything. But Begam Sahiba ordered, so...” 

Jashn Khan sighed. “Begam Sahiba is worried naturally, but perhaps it was not the best decision. Maybe this was a simple accident. Maybe we are seeing too much.”

“Maybe... but still, something is not going right.” Fardeen Khan stated. “The machan should not have broken in the first place.”

“We have the group of huntsmen to blame for it. It is because of their callousness. Either way, I think first we should interrogate them rather than groping in the dark here without knowing for what we were looking for...” Jashn Khan was cut in middle, as Fardeen waved the torch to call him nearer. He was standing under the tree, eyes at the broken construction of the hunting blind. His eyes shined in victory. 

“See here, Jashn... See what I was talking about.” 

Jashn Khan rushed curiously. Fardeen Khan pointed the finger the broken ropes. “See the marks carefully. It is clear that they were half-cut by some sharp blade. Jashn Khan, someone must have cut those ropes loose after the machan was made. When the emperor leaned forward supporting most of the weight here, it fell down.” He looked excitedly. “See, clear conspiracy.”

Jashn smiled sarcastically. “Though it looks like a far-fetched theory to me, still I admire your detection skills, Fardeen Khan. But don’t you think it is a little late for these detections? What is the meaning of these when you could not notice it beforehand?”

“Well... We can still find the culprit from this clue.” Fardeen stated uncomfortably. 

“How? By matching everyone’s knife with this almost invisible marks on this broken construction?” Jashn Khan laughed. “Good luck with that. If you ask me I would suggest you to pay attention on increasing your security vigilance more rather than wasting time in these fantasy investigations, you know?” 

“What do you mean?” Fardeen Khan barked in rage. “Now I have to take the lessons of security vigilance from a eunuch of Harem? You know you are talking to Fardeen Khan, the right-hand man of Adga Sahab himself?” 

“Sure... But don’t forget this eunuch is one of the top-most security officers in Harem’s security. I know how to do my job. I know how to keep my queens safe. You don’t. That’s why this mishap took place today at the first place.” Jashn Khan gritted his teeth. “Do your job Fardeen Khan, else not even Adga Sahab can save your hide.” 

Fardeen Khan controlled himself from bursting out, instead looked at one of his man. “We have to investigate this thoroughly. Who made this machan?” 

“You know I got it covered, Janab.” Jashn Khan said amusedly. “The huntsmen who made this machan is already under interrogation. But that is not everything. Like you said, anyone can cut the rope loose after the machan was built. So stay tight and look for that possibility.” He snorted and went away. 

Fardeen Khan gritted his teeth and asked his men for the list of the people associated with hunt. Maybe everyone should be under the radar this time. 

Jashn Khan came back to the hunter’s arena where the machan builders are getting interrogated. The wrath of the muscular interrogator of Jalal’s personal security force is going hard on the skinny workers. In the middle of the wails and cries of them Jashn Khan called- “Any good luck, Mirbaksh?” 

“No Janab. Everyone is ranting the same, they don’t know anything.” 

“Well, keep on trying. Fardeen Khan makes mistake and everyone suffers.” Jashn Khan murmured. Then he looked at the face of the hunters. “Everyone is present here? I bet there were more trappers in our group.” 

“Almost all the huntsmen are here.” One of the muscular guards answered. “As per the instruction, all the machan builders are under observation.” 

“And the others?” Jashn Khan frowned. 

“The people associated with the tiger hunt is right here. All the trappers, the torch-bearers...” 

“What about the others who were not officially associated with the tiger hunt?” 

The guards confusedly looked at each other. “There was no instructions to keep an eye on the others so...”

“Son of a...” Jashn Khan almost yelped. “Go, get everyone here, right now!” 

In a few minutes each and every huntsman of the group stood in front of Jashn Khan. Not only the huntsmen, also the guards, soldiers and servants. Jashn Khan counted heads with extra attention. Turns out one person is missing. 

“Boy’s name Tinka... Orphan homeless one, works as extra servant in the troop of huntsmen. Works like carrying the things, serving foods, passing things here and there... He was not officially in tiger hunt, but he might be there for helping out.” One of the guards informed. “I bet I did not see him after the emperor was brought back in the camp.” 

Jashn Khan exhaled deeply before yelling. “Go get him. Find him from anywhere and bring him here before sunrise!” 

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The first sensation was a deep excruciating pain waving through the body. As the pain subsided and the nerves relaxed, he flattered opened his eyes. The horrific memories of the evening flashed in front of his eyes for a moment. The vicious golden stare of the deadly beast froze him for a second. Then he took a long breath, forced himself to get out of the memory loop; and tried to assess the present surroundings. He was definitely in a safe shelter, in his royal tent, comfortably lying on his own bed. He is saved from the real clutch of death today and is brought back safely in his bed. 

Another two eyes flashed in front of his eyes. Two beautiful eyes, shaded in fear, glassed in tears, staring at him from the branch of the tree... The two shining eyes as fiery as a tigress, still so innocent, so beautiful... 

She saved him. If it was not her, he would be dead by now. All his dreams, his ambitions, the future of Mughal dynasty would be dead by now. 

Jalal sighed contently. A little smile came in his lips as he pulled the blanket more on him. The caregiver was drooling in the nearby seat, he woke him up, asked for water and then ordered him to leave. He is safe now, he don’t want to stay the rest of the night under a stranger’s careful scrutiny. 

Closing his eyes again, he tried to drift out in sleep. 

Time passed, maybe some minutes, or maybe an hour... The darkness still prevailed outside, the wild crickets was chirping tirelessly... Jalal roamed around in a state of half-sleep. The exhaustion forced him to lie down with closed eyes, the suppressed pain and stress did not let his physic to relax completely and sleep... That was the time he felt a mild touch near his feet. A touch- cold yet warm, unknown yet familiar... a touch that is  melded with gentle care and warmth, the touch of two soft hands that nullifies the pain, gives heart-full comfort, and the feel of eternal peace…

He knows the touch… Once he felt this similar touch, the same warmth and comfort when he was lying wounded in a broken hut, in the land of nowhere… 

He opened his eyes. It was only a shadow, a silhouette of a tall and rigid frame with right proportion of softness in it, a woman. 

The woman. 

He was about to gasp in excitement, but controlling himself, he ignited the lamp at his bedside to see her clearly... Those hazel eyes sparked in the swirl of the dim flame of the lamp, her face shined like moon. He looked at her pupils through the flame of light... the same eyes that had mesmerized him with the spark of valour, has come to him with the offering of care and affection tonight! He was lost...lost again... 

It seemed like the lost night of that broken hut has been alive again in this royal tent. 

“Jodha Begam…” He uttered in a soft voice while trying to get up. The cracked ribs stopped him anyway, and at the same time he could hear a mild sniffle mingling in the calm air. This time the pain did not look like a restriction, as he sat up and touched her hands slowly. “Jodha Begam? What are you doing here?” 

Those eyes stared into his eyes. Jalal gazed in wonder. The natural aura of dignity and regal pride is somehow disappeared from those eyes. Only the shadow of fear prevails, along with the unshed tears clouding the hazel orbs. 

“I… I…” The voice broke. “I am sorry… I just wanted to make sure… make sure that you are okay!” Along with this, a drop of tear fell on Jalal’s hand. 

“I am fine now. You should go back to your tent.” Jalal said in a tender voice. “Jodha Begam, today you saved my life. I am grateful forever!” 

Jodha suddenly covered her face, desperately trying to check the tears. Her whole body was trembling. “I did not… I could not!” 

“Jodha Begam… Jodha Begam…” Jalal touched her shoulder in hurry. “Why are you… Jodha? Look at me…” 

Jodha looked into his eyes. In the dim light of the tent her tears shined like dewdrops in sunrise. “I should have acted faster. I could have acted faster. But I could not! I froze. I had a firearm in my hand, I had a clear shot, the beast was tearing you apart, and I froze!” 

“You acted fast enough, Jodha… Faster than anyone else could have.” Automatically Jalal’s palm touched the tears of Jodha’s cheek, wiping them away. “Look, all ended well. I am fit and fine. Don’t burden yourself with guilt, there should be none! You saved me, and that matters the most.” 

Jodha’s voice came in a rasp now… “I thought I lost you! I thought I would lose you! The tiger was on you, it was like the death gripping us tight… and all I could see that I am going to lose you! I… I can’t lose you! I can’t lose you again!” She lost the little control she had over her body, her tears and herself, and suddenly broke down in tears… “I can’t lose you again! I already lost you once! I can’t do it again! I will die! I will die if I lose you again!” She clutched his body like a lifeline and put her head on his chest with fierce. “Don’t leave me Chandrajit! Don’t leave me again! I cannot lose you! I cannot lose you!” 

Jalal vacantly gazed, too stunned to process anything while Jodha’s embrace tightened around him, her touch, her fragrance mingling in him… “All those months in Amer, you were gone… I thought you were gone forever, and my life stopped right there. I stopped my life right there when you rode on your horse and left forever.” She sobbed in his chest. “They told me you are a traitor. They believed I was a traitor. They locked me in a room, snatched everything from me. I had nothing except my tears, my longing for you! I had to find your trace only I those long days and longer nights of yearnings. I waited for you, Chandrajeet… I was waiting for you till the end of the time, till the last breath of mine, despite knowing you won’t be coming back ever… Then even that was snatched from me, when I was forced to marry! I felt I was numb to all the feelings, I felt my breath is taken away from me, my soul is imprisoned in a shell. I was ready to live a dead life; I prepared myself to live a dead life! And then suddenly, like a thunder in a calm night, like a magical miracle I got you back! When I lost every hope to live I got you back! It was so sudden, so unexpected that I could not recognise the blessing of the destiny, I could not understand how fortunate I am- until tonight when you were lying here listlessly and I could do nothing! Chandrajeet, I got back my life as I got back you, I could remember to live again, to breathe again because I got you back! Do not leave me! Do not leave me ever again! I… I would not survive this void, this longing again! I would die! I cannot lose you!”  

Jodha’s wet and cracked voice slowly calmed down and her sobs diluted into small sniffles as a strong arm slowly embraced her back. Forgetting all physical discomfort Jalal had sat straight and pulled her closer to himself. He caressed her back affectionately and stoked her hair; slowly he put his chin over her head, planted a delicate kiss on her forehead. Pulling her face closer to his lips he cupped her cheeks with all the love. The haziness of her sight converted into one single lone tear and dropped from his eyes as he whispered in content- “How can I leave you ever, Purnima! This whole universe wanted us to be together; the destiny herself played her games to bring both of us closer, to write our story together… now we cannot go apart, no matter any situation, no matter even if we want to… I won’t lose you ever, you won’t lose me ever! Our destiny together has ensured that!”

A faint smile flashed in the teary eyes of Jodha as she took a deep breath, and then with all her love, passion and care she touched his injured hand delicately, tenderly caressed over his bandaged injuries; two drops of tears fell again as she spoke with trembling lips. “You are hurt… so bad…” 

Jalal smiled while pulling her head back to his chest. “That hurt is a blessing… Long ago a bad wound like this compelled me to meet my Purnima… and today the same wound let me to get her back.” He sighed in relief. “Your absence gives me the greatest hurt, and when you come back to me, when you touch those wounds, all the scars, all the pain heals immediately.” He stroked her hairs gently and smiled. “This world may stop rotating, the sun might stop rising in the East… but it will take lot more effort than a small wound like this to snatch Chandrajeet back from her Purnima again! I promise you that!” 

Jodha took another breathe, this time inhaling the aroma of love, and then closed her eyes. Jalal slowly leaned back comfortably while embracing the love of his life closer to his heart. Together they breathed again, together they closed their eyes… The moon outside smiled a little seeing them together. And the destiny smiled the smile of victory and content. 

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It was almost dawn, the dark gray East sky was slowly taking the shade of pink as the crows were about to get up. Seventeen years old Tinka was sitting under a big tree at the edge of the forest with a single dagger in his hand, his eyes wide, his hands trembling in fear of both wild animals and Mughal soldiers. His heart was jumping in his throat every time his ears caught any slightest sound. He was looking at the East sky every now and then, desperately praying for the night staying a little longer. And time to time he was eyeing at the direction of the royal camp, longing for a particular horse’s hoot, and cursing himself over and over for getting into such a messed up conspiracy. 

The dagger in his hand is the biggest evidence of what he did. It was a really small work, as he said. Go with the huntsmen, wait for the chance, and just cut down the rope of the machan only a little when no one is looking. When Emperor falls down, possibly in front of the wild beast, it will look like a mere accident. Even if anyone suspects this as conspiracy, everyone will suspect the machan builder or the huntsmen. None ever will think that a mere servant of huntsmen group who is used to carry equipment can possibly do this. Tinka did just as he was told, he did it pretty well. The thread of the rope is still in his dagger. The result was more than expected; the emperor was right in front of the tiger and could be eaten alive… he was saved by the Begam though. Whatever, Tinka was still expecting a reward- at least the rest of the promised remuneration for his clear work. The amount was enough to live a wealthy life far away from this filthy servant life. But everything went south as a sudden investigation began, scared the hell out of him. He ordered to escape immediately, wait for his at the edge of the forest and not to get caught. He will meet and pay him before sending him off. 

The hope of the rest of the reward is keeping him from escaping though. Else he won’t be nearer to this whole place by now. 

Tinka was just forcing down a yawn while the much anticipated house neighed and stood in front of him. “Everything okay?” Asked the rider. 

“Yes My Lord!” Tinka bowed. “I made sure I am not being followed.” 

“Very good. You are a good soldier Tinka. I was afraid you will get caught and sell me out.” The rider said. 

“No way Janab! How can I sell you out? I have committed to your trust, I cannot break it ever!” Tinka smiled wide. “My Lord… Now the rest of my reward?”

“Really?” The rider smiled. “You know the Emperor is still alive, and instead of fulfilling our aim you have endangered all of us? I trusted on you so much, now what I will say to my Lord back in Agra when he sees I have failed to fulfil the agenda?” 

“Your Lord? You are one of the biggest officers of the Empire, and you too have Lord?” Tinka murmured. “However… My Lord, I have given my hundred percent to obey your order. I always…” 

“I never go back from my promises, Tinka. That’s why I came here to pay you.” The rider announced. “I could have done the thing myself, I was there, but still I trusted on you because I saw you have certain skills of machan building. You did not disappoint me, just the luck did not favour. I will give you the payment, and further ensure that this secret of you and me will remain secret forever.” He jumped down from the horse and called him. “Come closer to me.” 

As Tinka got closer, the man handed him a pouch of coins. An obliged Tinka bowed down. He smiled and squeezed his neck affectionately. Then he took his lips uncomfortably closer to Tinka’s ears, brushing air and whispering… “Sorry my boy!” 

Before Tinka could get anything, a sudden snap stopped the air for a moment. And the next moment Tinka was on the ground with the neck broken. 

“Sorry kid.” The man murmured while picking up the pouch and then dragging Tinka’s lifeless body behind the woods. “I kind of know you won’t sell me out; but I have to clear my hands. Cannot take any chance!” 

Sorry for this real small update after this real big gap guys. 😒 Maybe from now on I have to update short and take more than one month gap before each...

I will finish the story though, Not abandoning Jalal and Jodha at the middle of everything😛

Originally posted by: Mango_1

Hey! 

A new reader of yours.....I just don't know how but after reading just 4-5 chapters I fell in LOVE with it, I mean you are an amazing writer...I am speechless!!!

Looking forward for more updates....

(There is a request) can you pls share the link or name of your other stories(if any) bcuz I want to  read more of your writings....it feels so alive...

Pls continue❤❤❤

Oh Thank you so so much dear!🤗🤗 It feels so great to see new faces coming here and reading the stories... Thank you for all your kind works... Hope u continue to like it and I am able to make you happy like this with my writings. 

I have written a of of stories in this forum once upon a time. Had an index too, which I have to find. I will get back to you.

Thank you for showing this much interest dear❤️

Originally posted by: chetnamanore

Plzzz Update soon...

U have awesome writing style. I have no words to explain how addicted I have became to your story. I started reading this story like 3 days back and I could not stop myself till I read the last updated chapter and I cannot wait to read more. Plz update soon...it hard to wait🙈 when the feeling of curiousity is higher than the patience of a reader..

OMG! Thank you so so much!🤗 

Amazing chappy Di 

Just loved it 

The way u described jo's condition is fab

Finally they got them back

Loved the confession part 

Ruks is a dilemma though

Is she good or bad?

Who is behind this?

Update soon Di

Thanks for Pm Di 

Finally chandrajeet found his purnima again forever😊☺️  he might be an emperor to everyone, but for purnima, he is just her chandrajeet her love, her life, beyond all protocol and norms of the sociiety

why it has to end........😭

Originally posted by: Shinning_Stuti

Sorry for this real small update after this real big gap guys. 😒 Maybe from now on I have to update short and take more than one month gap before each...

I will finish the story though, Not abandoning Jalal and Jodha at the middle of everything😛

Why do I feel like you are rushing to finish the story?
your writing style and story lines are awesome. Please don’t finish it soon