Thread 3: Destined Love... (Chapter 61 updated) - Page 73

As per your plot and thought.

Originally posted by: amitaprasad

As per your plot and thought.

I want your ideas to make further plots

Originally posted by: Shinning_Stuti

Hi everyone...

Trying to post the next chapter ASAP. However, I wanted to know in what direction you want the story to go from now on. Please share because I am kinda at lost here.🤔

lots of akdha.......😆

A little Maham& Ruq conspiracy and akdha fighting it with together with solidarity no matter what comes.

Hi,

You have a new fan.

I recently read this (not so recently actually it's been a month or so)

I really love your writing style.

My comments on 1-55 are pending for now, as I'll have to re read, sorry was too eager to know what next first time around.

Originally posted by: Shinning_Stuti

Hi everyone...

Trying to post the next chapter ASAP. However, I wanted to know in what direction you want the story to go from now on. Please share because I am kinda at lost here.🤔

I don't know if everybody want or not but I want everyone in agra to know of jj love before marriage

Originally posted by: Shinning_Stuti

Hi everyone...

Trying to post the next chapter ASAP. However, I wanted to know in what direction you want the story to go from now on. Please share because I am kinda at lost here.🤔

Akdha spending their time together.

Chapter 56

The blazing ray of sunshine fall sparkling on Jodha’s face, bright enough to make her blind for a moment. Slowly she opened her eyes squinting, and it took another moment to realise how late in the morning it was. As she assessed he surrounding, she instantly understood it was not her tent. Her tent is not this big, not covered in red velvet and white curtains, and does not flood in the fragrance of medicative herbs. Then she felt the warm touch of a rigid palm over her shoulder, felt that she is lying under a protective embrace of a strong arm which has circled her in a warm, tender grip. As she looked up, a soothing sense of peace passed though her veins. Jalal was sleeping peacefully, his chin resting over her head, his uninjured arm shielding her body in a protective brace; the injured hand is tied in a sling and resting on his chest; his chest is rising and falling in an even pace as his face is full of comfort, peace and gratification.

Jodha took a deep breath and gazed at him. A calm and soothing smile touched her lips as she slowly put her palm on his chest. Jalal did not move, the gentle touch did not hamper his blissful sleep which he has evidently acquired after a long time. Jodha picked her head up, gazed at his closed eyes from near, then softly touched his forehead, ran her fingers through his scalp. Every moment of the previous night uncovered in her mind as she smiled shyly.

Everything is alright now.

Jodha closed her eyes and wiggled towards his neck while spreading her arms over his chest with utter tenderness. She took a content breath to inhale his aroma; a drop of tear rolled through her cheek involuntarily as she mingled herself completely with his entity…

“God, tears again?” Suddenly a hoarse, manly whisper made her to open her eyes. Jalal had turned his face towards her, and gazing at her eyes steadily with his sleepy glare. His tired sleepy smile shined as brightly as the blazing sun outside as he sluggishly wiped down the rolling tear with his finger. “I agree that your tears make your eyes more beautiful- just like a beautiful deep lake, full of water rippling in gentle breeze in a cloudy rainy day… but that does not mean I would tolerate any drop of tear in your eyes from now on. Do you know your smiling eyes are even more beautiful? They are as beautiful as the first ray of sun in the dawn, waiting to brighten up the whole world with own shine… Enough of the cloudy haze, Jodha… let the sun shine on us, smile now!”

Jodha smiled and lied on her side, eyes on his eyes- “Every drop of tear is not born from cloudy gloom, My Lord… some of them are created in the dewdrops from the first ray of sun in dawn.”

“Oh God!” Jalal laughed this time. “I will never win in the game of words with you. Let me put a stop on my poetic mood here and request you to stop showering water from your eyes like that. With the amount you have already poured out yesterday night, any more of it will dehydrate you. Actually I am surprised you have still any left inside you! I suggest you intake lot of fluid today.”

“Very funny.” Jodha twisted her lips. Then a shade of concern shadowed her face. “How are you feeling now? Is your shoulder wound still paining? How is your arm now? Does the chest feel tight?”

“Calm down calm down!” Jalal laughed out. “I am totally fine, Mohatarma. As I told you before, this simple scratched can do nothing to the mountain named Jalaluddin…”

“Yeah yeah I know you… once upon a time a simple wound on feet left you unconscious in a temple. I would like to know where was this level of confidence that time.” Jodha rolled her eyes.

“Don’t dig in the past, Your Highness… The wound was much more than you think it was. It was rooted deep inside this poor heart, trying hard to vent a way out. Ever felt the pain from the wound of love?” Jalal raised a brow mischievously.

“Alright, don’t be smart.” Jodha yawned and tried to get up, but Jalal held her hand.

“Where are you going?”

“Well, it’s already been late, we have to get up and get ready…”

“For what? Come here.” Jalal gestured meaningfully with his eyes.

“Are you crazy?” Jodha chuckled. “It is way past the sunrise, everyone is up, and here I am in your tent and…”

“So what, Purnima Bai?” Jalal raised his brow. “Not yet over from that sneaking-out-at-night phase, are you? Old habit dies hard, I guess?”

“Well…” Jodha bit her lips.

“How did you sneak in yesterday anyway?” Jalal asked. “If it’s so easy to cheat the guards and come right inside my tent, my life is really in threat!”

“I did not sneak in. I just entered.” Jodha answered with hesitation. “The guards clearly had issues, but they could not say anything to me I guess…”

“Great! Sneaking out has another romantic flavour no doubt, but I like my blazing Rajputani queen more.” Jalal laughed.

“I know what I did was not right… after everything… you know, there was clear orders to leave you alone…” Jodha said in a perplexed tone. “But I was so anxious that I could not stay alone… I had to come here, I needed a place to lean on, to vent out and I…”

“Are you apologizing for what you did yesterday night? Or are you making excuses to come to me?” Jalal said in a deep voice. “Listen to this Dear, you never ever should need an excuse for coming to me. And about this apologizing tone for breaking orders… you know, sometimes the call of heart is much more stronger than the words of law, and when that happens, you know you are making the right call. We never should apologize for making the right call, Jodha… You not only saved my life yesterday, you rescued me from a pile of disdain and desolation that I have been carrying from so long. I would be grateful forever for the call you made last night. So should be you!”

Jodha smiled grimly and nodded. Jalal’s smile lightened up. “And the Rajputani Lioness of the Mughal Harem should always blaze like the sharpest sword of the armoury, she should not bend in front of anything that her heart does not follow. Let’s keep it this way. Sometimes the Emperor has to pamper the rule-breakers to keep everything in order.”

“Just so you know, I am not that much of a rule-breaker as you imagine me to be.” Jodha murmured. “I respect rules and regulations, and I most certainly carry out every instruction of a physician. So if you think you can ignore your injuries and go back to your daily routine this time, that’s not going to happen on my watch. So I am going to send him in, and you will be right here like a good boy.”

“Jo Hukum Mahotarma…” Jalal yawned again and pulled the cover on himself lazily. Jodha knotted her hairs in a bun and proceeded to the exit. Before she could remove the curtains, the low yet sharp discussions of various voices reached her ear. The sharp and most prompt voice among them is very known to her. Hosiyaar Khan, the head eunuch was describing the level of audacity of the Hindu queen to someone in a very colourful way. Jodha’s ears turned hot as some of the allegations directly hit her.

“Excuse me…” She pulled out the curtains and came outside. Looking straight into Hosiyaar’s eyes she said “Whatever allegation you are putting on me, please do that in my presence.”

A small crowd already gathered nearer to the tent of the Emperor. Ruqaiya Begam was present along with some maids, the guards were standing in front of her, probably answering to her. There was Hosiyaar Khan and two of his assistant eunuch; also one maid from Jodha’s tent was seen near. Jodha’s sudden appearance surprised all of them as the gathering scattered a little. Hosiyaar Khan did not speak, but his insulting glare was enough to burn Jodha in rage. She controlled herself from bursting out and looked at Ruqaiya Begam directly.

“Ruqaiya Begam, I would rather appreciate if you directly call me and demand answers instead of letting the eunuchs create a scene in public to malign my name.” She said.

Ruqaiya’s expressions were pretty passive as she spoke, but the words had enough sarcasm hidden to fuel up Jodha’s temper. “I would rather appreciate if you don’t tell me what I should do and what I should not, Jodha Begam. I know how to keep the respect and dignity of the queens, the sense you seem to lack. If you had, you would not start quarrelling about a matter; you would rather stop yourself from doing such activities which is the reason of these talks at the first place.”

“Ruqaiya Begam… I know I should not have come here to…” Jodha controlled herself and tried to have a conversation with Ruqaiya, but she raised her hand to put a stop on that. “You don’t need to answer, Jodha Begam. Just know one thing, people will talk if you do something unapproving, and don’t expect me to stand by you in those times. You broke laws in your responsibility, you will face the consequences yourself. Don’t drag me in this expecting that I will hold the flag of your honour and dignity, I don’t work that way. However…” She looked at the gathering. “Everyone go to own works, I will meet the emperor now.”

Most of the crowd left, except Hosiyaar. Jodha still could sense the filthy hatred in his eyes as he spoke. “So no punishment to a random Begam for disobeying the direct order of the Padshah Begam, Your Highness? For sneaking out at night against the norms, for directly charging inside the injured Emperor’s tent like some common street-who**…” Hosiyaar stopped in between deliberately, throwing meaningful glare at fuming Jodha. “From now on Mughal Harem will abide by no law then? That’s how the honour of great Mughal dynasty will be protected?”

“You don’t need to worry about the protection of the honour of great Mughal dynasty, Hosiyaar Khan. It will be good for you if you keep your worries limited to the duties those are assigned to you!” The calm and cold male voice from behind was so unexpected that Hosiyaar Khan spontaneously shivered in an unknown fear. The emperor himself has come out of the tent. He is still in his night robe, his hairs still messy and he did not have his sword of honour with him. But his presence itself changed the air all of a sudden as there was a pin-drop silence even in the woods as he spoke.

“What’s the matter Ruqaiya Begam?” The Emperor looked directly at his chief consort. There was a clear touch of annoyance hidden under his very calm voice. “Is there any issue regarding the norms of Harem? Something so important that it has to be discussed right in front of my tent right now? Something that needs a public opinion so badly that your servant is openly sharing his disapproval without any fear for his own life? What is the matter, Ruqaiya?”

“Nothing, Your Majesty.” Ruqaiya bowed her head. “I just wanted to visit you. If you allow, may we go inside?”

“We may. But what began in public should end in public, isn’t it?” Jalal looked at Hosiyaar Khan. “Whatever you were saying, say that again.”

Hosiyaar Khan murmured incoherently lowering his head. “Say it loud!!” Jalal suddenly raised his voice enough to increase everyone’s heartbeat.

“Pardon, Majesty! I would not cross my limits from now on.” Hosiyaar Khan managed to utter while shivering in fright.

“Before that learn your limits.” Jalal told in a grave voice. “Then learn the rules of the Harem first before lecturing on them. The first rule directly instructs the servants to remain loyal and respectful to the queens till their death, get that?”

“Yes, Your Majesty!” Hosiyaar Khan’s voice quivered.

“Another thing. The laws of Harem are not bigger than the orders and wishes of the Emperor. From now on keep that in mind before finding holes in the rules of Harem.” Jalal exhaled as he controlled his temper. “Go get lost!”

Hosiyaar Khan excused himself immediately without a second word. Jalal took a breath to calm himself. “It is already late, let’s all get ready. I will have a talk to my associates about yesterday’s unfortunate accident before we leave for capital. Ruqaiya, could you please look into this?”

“May I have a talk with you before?” Ruqaiya’s voice did not break the barrier of her usual regal dignity, but something was telling that her barrier of patience is somehow broken.

“Well, you might. Come with me and help me to get dressed.” Jalal looked at Jodha for a moment. He saw two beautiful eyes full of gratitude and pride was staring at him all along- the gratitude for maintaining her honour, the pride of him speaking for her to keep her dignity. She bid a small goodbye and left slowly.

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“Come in Ruqaiya…” Jalal got inside the tent and sat on the couch. After the heated exchange he was feeling a little drained. The dull throb of the shoulder returned, the ribs started giving trouble. Maybe the effect of the herbs have started to wear off. Or maybe pain is the indication of him being back to the day-to-day reality. The last night was a dream… a beautiful dream which will always be stored in his heart.

Ruqaiya sat beside him, her lips parted but she did not speak. Instead, she got busy in helping Jalal to come out of his night robe.

“Thank you.” Jalal said. The air of the room was unnecessarily silent. It was too much uncomfortable.

“What were you saying, Ruqaiya?” Jalal asked. Ruqaiya did not answer. She helped Jalal tying the last knot of his royal coat, then handed him a glass of water.

“You should keep on drinking water.” She said. “The physician will be coming soon and check you up.” There was something in her collected tone which clearly told something was not right.

“What’s the matter, Ruqaiya?” Jalal touched her cheek affectionately.

“Nothing.” Ruqaiya smiled. “I am relieved that you are alright. We can talk about the events of last night after getting back to Agra.”

“That’s not what you wanted to discuss here, was it?” Jalal said. “Tell me what is bothering you.”

Ruqaiya looked at Jalal’s eyes. “There are a lot of things bothering me, Majesty, but maybe I should not say out that loud. Just I want to say sorry. It was my responsibility to hold Hosiyaar back when he crossed his limit, you did not need to interfere.”

Jalal smiled a little. “I know that. That’s why you surprised me Ruqaiya. For once I had to think you were indulging in that distasteful gossip. I also heard some of your conversation with Jodha, which was not exactly very friendly.”

Ruqaiya chuckled this time. The pinch of sarcasm was hard in her face. “Your Majesty, Jodha Begam is not a cotton doll. When she lives in Harem and breaks rules, she will have to face the taunts and insults and only she will be responsible for that. You can jump in to protect her, but that is not my responsibility. I was just merely telling the truth.”

Jalal sighed. “Ruqaiya, I don’t expect you to protect anyone. I merely hope you will not be a part of it, you will make sure that it does not look like you are indulging all of the talks.”

Ruqaiya smiled. “Majesty, you are much more of a shrewd politician than I ever can imagine to be. I wonder what is clouding your judgement that you are suggesting me this. Those Harem gossips and the gossipers you are complaining about are supposed to be my ear. That Hosiyaar Khan, whom you literally bashed outside, is the most loyal person serving me from beginning, whose eyes and ears are the most powerful tool for me to run the whole system. You are suggesting me to ignore them and not to listen to them because this time their talk includes the nocturnal movement of a new queen? Do you ever suggest this to yourself? To stay away from the dirt instead of going deep into it to know what’s going on? Because I know otherwise. Yes, in your word I was actively indulging in a distasteful gossip, because that’s my responsibility you have given to me. Hosiyaar is my eye, my ear; I have to listen to him without being judgmental. Jodha Begam’s respect is Jodha Begam’s responsibility. Not mine.”

“Understood.” Jalal nodded with a little smile. Then he tenderly touched both of Ruqaiya’s shoulders and leaned towards her. “Just tell me one thing, you are personally not affected by any of these incidents? These all are just a part of maintaining the system?”

Ruqaiya stared at Jalal’s eyes with cold glare. “I have stopped being personally involved with any of it from a long time ago, Your Majesty.”

“Why can I see the otherwise? Ruqaiya…” Jalal started, but Ruqaiya stopped him right then.

“From when are you concerned about my personal feelings, Majesty?” She snapped.

“That is a harsh allegation Ruqaiya.” Jalal said in a hurt voice.

“That is merely an allegation My Lord. That is a factual truth.” Ruqaiya said in the same cold voice. “Apparently the image of the new Begam is much more important than my prestige.”

“Where this is coming from?” Jalal sounded slightly annoyed.

Ruqaiya stared at Jalal. “Can’t you see, when the common workers of Harem starts questioning about a new Begam’s hold on the Emperor openly and complains to me about it, it is my respect which gets hurt the most? You can jump right in front of Jodha Begam to save her face, but you forgot there was someone else present whose esteem was being questioned as well. When the workers start talking, they don’t only talk about the activity of the new queen. They involve you and me as well, they involve our mutual relationship and our marriage at question. You are in such a position that you can ignore those, but have you ever even tried to understand if I am being affected or not? Have you even realized where my image is going in all of these? Do you see while guarding Jodha Begam, how you have insulted me?”

“People talk Ruqaiya. What do you want me to do about it?” Jalal said.

Ruqaiya’s voice broke. “If you are willing to spend night with someone, you are free to do it. You can sleep with anyone you want, you don’t have to hide anything about it. There was no need of this sneaking game, no need of making a laughing stalk of mine by breaking the rules. Your words are the rule, Majesty, everyone knows that. What was the need of dragging me inside to prove how useless and negligible I am in front of your will and Jodha Begam’s wishes?”

“You are thinking too much, Ruqaiya…” Jalal tried to be reasonable. “If people involve you in another person’s activity, that’s merely a fruit of their big idle mind. Why are you bothered so much?”

“Because sometimes I feel their complains are true. That our mutual understanding, and our marriage is not out of question, Majesty.” Ruqaiya came closer, her voice was trembling. “You are my Emperor, I am your chief consort. It is my duty to regard you, to obey you. I have honoured that relationship more than all other relationships we have. But that does not mean I disregard our marriage, I disregard the fact that I am your wife and you are my husband. But nowadays it feels like that truth has been buried under the dust of unconcern and negligence. Tell me a truth Jalal…” She suddenly held Jalal’s hand. “Who is Jodha Begam to you?”

Jalal got startled with the sudden question. Ruqaiya pressed his hand a little more.

“First I thought she is an attractive distraction. She is beautiful, fiery, stubborn. She is thoughtful. She sings great. Her appearance is so gorgeous that any man will be attracted. She has everything you like, she is everything you desire to see in a woman. I predicted she is going to become a favourite one, and she will keep on maintaining her place unlike some others who has constantly acquired and lost your attention over the year. But everyday slowly I am seeing something else. It is not a mere attraction to an attractive woman. This is something deep, something I cannot understand; and something I have not seen in my life. Something that does not grow overnight. Tell me Jalal, who is Jodha Begam?”

Jalal sighed a little and closed his eyes. Who is Jodha Begam to him… what should be the answer of this very simple question? How is this possible to translate a dream in simple words and to present that in front of an aggressive demand?

Ruqaiya was staring steadily at Jalal’s face. She chuckled suddenly. “Never mind, Majesty… You owe me no answer for your liking to your another legally married wife. Now allow me to leave…” She turned around after a haphazard bow and was about to leave, but Jalal stopped her.

“Ruqaiya…”

Ruqaiya stopped and looked at him again. There was an eager concern in Jalal’s eyes, probably mixed with a little tint of guilt. Guilt- probably that is the only thing that has been left in Jalal’s heart for her?

“I owe you to tell you this, Ruqaiya…” He came and held her hands. “I met Jodha Begam before our wedding. I did not know this when we married, I got to know this later. I did not have the chance to tell you this.”

Ruqaiya smiled gently and nodded. “Now allow me, majesty…”

“Sure…” Jalal loosed her hand. “Please arrange things fast so we can leave as soon as possible.”

Ruqaiya bowed sincerely this time and went away. Jalal gazed at her path in silence.

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The return journey from the hunt was not even half gorgeous. The procession was moving forward in standard pace, but the glory was somehow absent. The whole troop was still not over with the shock of the hunting accident. The security circle of the Emperor was most concern than ever, the guards were in their most vigilant form. The mood of the whole caravan felt nothing less than a war barrack; all the joy and colour that was very much alive a few days back, has swirled down evidently.

While pulling a string of her chunri unmindfully, Jodha tried to see the sky from the back of the curtain. The same beautiful roads, the green nature, the beautiful melody of river Yamuna flowing beside, those who have opened a new horizon of freedom in front of her just some days back, started looking so dull now. Is it because of the strangulated environment that has enveloped them from inside out? Or maybe like the others of the group, her mind has not been able to clear out the gloom of yesterday’s accident as well?

She could still feel her heartbeat increasing when she remembered the incident in her mind. She remembered how chilling it got all of a sudden, and how her hands could not move. As the beast kept on tormenting the Emperor, the others kept on watching that without trying anything, Jodha was unable to lift up the heavy musket in that sudden slash of shock. Then suddenly some inhumane power got into her, and she shot the tiger dead at one chance. What would have happened if she took a moment more to get back the control? Would she ever be able to survive?

But His Majesty is okay now. There is nothing to worry. Nothing to fear for.

And apparently all the longing, all the cravings ended as well… The days of those silent tears of the alone heart is over. Magic happened the last night, and Jodha won’t let that magic go away from her ever. As she reminisced the events of the last night, suddenly the nature started to seem bright and glowing again; the river started singing the happiest song ever, the shadow of the leaves shaded the blazing sun like the veil of a shy lover. And Jodha smiled shyly in her mind.

Journey of Purnima and Chandrajeet ends here. Now the story of Jalaluddin Mohammad and Jodha Bai will start…

“What are you thinking Jodha Begam?” The sudden question of the co-passenger startled Jodha. She looked at Ruqaiya Begam in lost mind. “Pardon?”

Ruqaiya smiled gently, which made her look a lot different. “You were smiling, Jodha Begam. Seemed like you are in a happy thought.”

“Yes… I mean, I am relieved that His Majesty is doing well now; that’s all.” Jodha did not know what more to say.

“Yes. We all are.” Ruqaiya said. She took a small pause before she spoke again. “You were really worried yesterday night, Jodha Begam.”

“Yes, it was a violent attack and I witnessed all in my own eyes. It was sheer luck that nothing bad happened else…” Jodha was cut before she could finish. Ruqaiya smiled in a strange way. “It was not luck, it was you Jodha Begam. You won yesterday.”

Jodha frowned a little. “His life was on stake. I did not even remember that stupid challenge or anything…”

“I know.” Ruqaiya smiled again. “I was not talking about that.”

“I don’t know what you are talking about.” Jodha resigned. “The peril is gone for now, Shahenshah is safe and sound, that’s all matters.”

Ruqaiya did not spoke for a long time. But her long gaze did not give Jodha any solace. After a long while, when they just about to enter in the capital, she talked again, and the question shook Jodha.

“Do you love Jalal, Jodha Begam?”

Jodha kept on staring at Ruqaiya’s eyes for a while, unable to find any word. Ruqaiya repeated the question again, this time emphasising it more.

“Are in you love with Jalal, Jodha Begam?”

“I…” Jodha tried to smile and have control over the situation. “It is my duty to love him, Ruqaiya Begam. He is my husband.”

“So what you feel for him is just for fulfilling your marital duties?” Ruqaiya chuckled. “He has other wives too, I have not seen them to be so truthful to their duties?”

“I don’t know about others, Ruqaiya Begam. I only speak for myself.” Jodha smiled. “Why, you are his wife too… the chief consort, to be exact. Don’t you feel the same way?”

Ruqaiya chuckled again. “Yes, it is my responsibility to love him, and I do love him. Really, who would not love the Emperor?”

Jodha nodded as she lost in thoughts again. Who would not love the Emperor? Who would not love the great masculinity that he holds; who would not love the glorious charisma, the blazing personality, the ideal man of every woman’s dream? And who would not love Jalal? His mischievous smile, his smart banters, his beautiful eyes which keeps on gazing at her; his kindness, his loyalty, his great heart?

“Everyone has to love him. It is not possible to not love him!” She murmured in lost voice, pride shined in both of her eyes as she spoke.

“Yes, you are right. It is not possible not to love him.” Ruqaiya smiled softly. “But being so consumed in his love that you cease to exist without him, that is a bit complicated. I think you somehow have the capability to reach out to that complicated part. I don’t usually praise anyone, but I have to give you that. Jodha Begam…” She looked at her. “I would have taken you as any other Begam of this Harem, maybe a stubborn one, desperate to seek attention, to find a footing… if I wouldn’t see you last night. You might want to hide, you might want to convince me otherwise; but I am not blind and I see what I see.”

“Is there anything you want me to say, Ruqaiya Begam?” Jodha uttered in a mild tone, still confused with the whole scenario.

Ruqaiya chuckled again. “Just… Thank You. For saving the Emperor. And for loving him like giving away own existence to him, which others do not dare to. I appreciate you, Jodha Begam. Because you have something we usually don’t have.”

“You are… you are…” Jodha could not help stammering.

Ruqaiya laughed this time. “Are you wondering why I am appreciating you when I should get mad? Jodha Begam, you are yet to know me.” She said in a commanding voice. “Just like how I am choosy about my friends, I certainly know how to pick my enemies. I did not get the title of Padshah Begam just like that. Don’t forget this ever.”

Jodha kept on gazing at her in a thoughtful glare.

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“I am afraid we have a bad news, Your Majesty. But nonetheless, we might have a clue about who is there behind the attempt in the jungle.”

Jalal looked up at the sleuth’s face tiredly. He did not get to rest a lot after getting back to Agra. Against the advice of the physician he had to call the meeting with security circle and the investigators to find out the root of the hunting accident. It is tedious, and telling upon his health. But he has nothing to do. This is the second attempt happening in a month, which is not acceptable at all. After a heated conversation with his security officers in the forest, Jalal had given them ultimatum of catching the convicted before the Sun goes down. The news came, and apparently not a good news.

“What is the bad news? You were unable to catch that boy alive?” He asked in a resigned voice.

“We are very sorry, Your Majesty. His body was found at the edge of the forest. Looked like some beast dragged him in the denser part and had a good meal. His neck was broken, so maybe another tiger...”

“This type of coincident does not occur usually.” Jalal snapped. “He was clearly a medium, who was killed afterwards. Now question is who is behind all of this? What clue did you get?”

“We retrieved a pouch of gold coin from the boy, Majesty.” The investigator replied. “Interestingly, those are not the Mughal currency.”

Jalal frowned. He was kind of sure that the root of this was right inside Agra fort under some friendly mask.

“These coins are generally used in Rajputana, Majesty. We think there is a connection of rebellious Rajputs with this assassination attempt.”

“Are you sure this is not a part of a master plan to mislead us?” Jalal said.

“Shahenshah...” Abdul got up. “Allow me to say something.”

“Go ahead Abdul.”

“Remember the attack on you after your return from Malwa. We caught the assassin and was unable to squeeze a word from him. We had assumed it was an attack from inner cycle. But two days ago we found out something else after further investigation. Majesty, the attacker was being instructed from a tribal village of Rajputana. We have enough proof to validate this information.”

“Tribal village?” Jalal raised his brows. “How the tribes would get enough resource to attempt on a Mughal Emperor?”

“This Bhil tribes are nothing less than the vicious wild dogs, Majesty. They fight in their own war policy, and when they do, they have the ability to burn down a whole state within a day. They are peaceful, but when agitated, they are dangerous. As per the stories, they have revolted against quite a lot states of Rajputana, and burnt the glory into ashes.” Abdul informed. “This is not entirely impossible.”

“Still... Attack on me? Directly? Something is not adding up.”

“Why not if someone with higher intellect and more resource instructs them to?” Abdul paused a little before speaking again. “Your Majesty, the name of the leader of that particular village is Ujal Sardar.”

“So?”

“We have found out that Ujal is committed in the bond of life-long friendship with Amer’s rebellious prince, Sujamal.”

Jalal stood up in excitement. “Do you mean...”

“Every Rajput associated with the siege of Amer has been either arrested, or surrendered or dead. Except for this Sujamal, Your Majesty. He absconded, and there was no sign of him till now. It is very possible that he is in that Bhil village, and seeking every opportunity to rise again.”

“Sounds reasonable Abdul.” Jalal said in a concerned voice. “But what can we do? I don’t think this would be a good idea just to invade that tribal village in this position. Let’s wait for some more time. Keep on your investigation, Abdul. ” He looked at the doorman. “Kindly ask for Jashn Khan, the second-in-command of Harem’s security.”

Jashn Khan came and bowed religiously. “You were the one who discovered it was that boy among the huntsmen who did all of this.” Jalal said. “Have you shared all your findings with the investigation team?”

“Yes My Lord. After I suspected Tinka was the one, I launched the forces already to find him by hook or crook. But sadly some holes were there and that boy escaped. It is sad because if he was caught earlier, probably he would not be dead now.” Jashn Khan replied.

“Did you ever see that boy before?”

“Maybe for a glance, Majesty. But I did not know his name.”

“Do you have any idea how any outsider, possibly from Rajputana would be able to access him and bribe him?”

“Pardon me, Majesty. It is probably not my place to say this, but what I gathered from the huntsmen, that boy Tinka used to roam around in the forest a lot. It was not very tough to approach him. I do think this is a fault of our security circle on which we have to work upon. I would like to inform you we have already started discussion about strengthening the security of harem. Not even a fly should go out of watch without proper documentation from now on. We should learn from mistakes.”

“That’s great, Jashn Khan.” Jalal said in a content tone. “The Mughal Empire owes you for your hard work, loyalty, presence of mind and overall efficiency as a security officer. Keep up working like this and your prosperity will be the responsibility of the empire.”

“Thank you Meajesty. I am grateful that you have asked for me by my name and I want nothing more.” Jashn Khan said in a modest courtesy. “Now allow me, Majesty...”

After Jashn Khan, Jalal dismissed the meeting. He kept on sitting on the throne alone, lost in thoughts. He found no hole in the theory of Abdul, and Sujamal has every motive to kill him in the darkness of night. Still his instinct was going against all of the logics. Something was not adding up in his mind.

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Adham Khan was a little bit bored while waiting in the dark. Generally he does not prefer to come out of his bed in this middle of night, but apparently it was the safest time according to his visitor. However, Adham could not disagree, because he is the needy person now.

Jalal survived. He did not even suffer much injury. Adham could not believe his eyes when he saw Jalal walking straight into the palace, nothing looked wrong about him except for the huge bandage and sling in his hand. Adham was angry, disappointed. After the immense insult in Malwa he wanted nothing else than to kill that obnoxious teenager. He did not care about the politics, or his dreams of becoming the emperor himself, or his mother’s favorite proverb- don’t kill the goose who lays golden egg. So he was so angry that he wanted to jump on him and tear him apart right then. But eventually that anger part subsided, and all he felt was fear. Jalal is safe and sound, and extremely irritated. He would not sleep peacefully till he gets to the root of this. The plan was full-proofed, just a planned accident; still somehow they found out. What is they finds out his name as well?

“Salam, Jahapanah!” The stone-cold voice of his visitor snatched him out from the thought. The shadow of the full covered man came towards him.

“What happened there?” Adham hissed impatiently.

“Everything was going better than it should be. But we did not count the faint possibility of Jodha Begam becoming the savior of the emperor.” The man said.

“Jodha Begam? That Hindu Begam?” Adham raised his brow. “What was she doing in the forest. Should not the sensual ladies like her sleep tight at night in order to keep the beauty intact till old age?” he chuckled harshly. “However, please tell me you covered the tracks up.”

“I did it perfectly. They are suspecting Jodha begam’s cousin now.”

“Really! Then why people are telling that Jashn Khan is the new face of investigation of this emperor? I heard you were the one who revealed the conspiracy?”

The faint moonlight fell on his face as Jashn Khan laughed. “To gain confidence of the emperor sometimes it is needed to reveal a little bit. Don’t worry, the boy who was the main key of operation is dead. My name in all this will never come.”

“I don’t care. Just make sure that I am not involved.” Adham scoffed.

“You are safe as long as the Asrafis keep coming.” Jashn Khan sniggered. “Don’t worry. If this is revealed, I am as much as in danger as you are. So I would keep it secret. Just don’t stop sending the Asrafis.”

“Great. Keep on robbing me!” Adham handed a fat pouch. “Now tell me the interesting thing. When the new supply will come?”

“Don’t worry, My Lord. The best one will be securely dispatched in your outhouse when the next slot of slave-girls come in the Harem. I would have tried to supply some current maids too, they look delicious, but Hosiyaar keeps tab on them and I am not allowed to go that deep. But, if you want I can send some sensual eunuchs.” Jashn Khan laughed dirty. “Don’t underestimate us, Janab... We happen to have much more energy than those girls...”

“Shut up!” Adham scoffed. “Get lost. Yes, thank you for your service.”

“Just remember that Jashn Khan can be a lot of use other than supplying girls for you from the tight security of Harem.” Jashn giggled. “Good Night, My Lord. Don’t worry. I have got everything covered.”

Adham smiled in relief. Sometimes it feels safe to remind again that the security in-charge of Emperor’s harem is his man. Apparently the safest place of the whole empire is not safe from his grab.

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Originally posted by: sanasonu1

Akdha spending their time together.

That will come by default. I want side plots🤣

Originally posted by: abha22

I don't know if everybody want or not but I want everyone in agra to know of jj love before marriage

Okk