FF ~A Midsummer Night's Dream~epilogue pg 45 - Page 15

The stormy wind howled through the trees, making the sky unusually dusty due to the whirling sand from the faraway desert. The speed of the wind had put even the clouds to shame so much that the curtains of her dressing room were threatened to tear off from their seams. The weather hinted rain with a soggy aroma in the air, a hiss and a roar, the lightening played with its clawed feet on the dark dreary sky. Something was terribly wrong. It had never been so scary in the spring. The morning sun was engulfed in the dark gloomy clouds and the chirping of birds was replaced by the crows croaking and vultures howling. Her heart was at unrest. She looked at the jeweled mirror held high up in her hands which were thin and slender like lily buds. The dasis gaggled as they oiled her long mahogany curls, decorating them with little juhi flowers .Jodha sat there unmoved in her red sunset lehenga with an unknown gloom masking her tender heart. She couldn't forget how Mahamanga had instructed her to get ready as the Jalaal would be arriving soon.5 long days had passed but to Jodha it seemed like it had been ages. The dilemma in her heart was torturous and the chatter of the dasis made her irritated. Something was not right. Her heart sensed it.Right from the beginning ,she was considered as a blessed child .Born to the Maharaja of Amer after 12 long years after their Marriage, Jodha was the one believed to end the spell of drought that had existed in Amer, both in her mother's womb and the barren stretch of the Rajputaana. Blessed as she was, she could sense that something was not right. Her heart which was pounding with the fear of an impending doom sensed ti ;the dasis giggled and the head of them mocked her, "Aaaj to Rajkumari ji bahut hi sundar lag rahi hai'".Jodha flinched at the meaning of her words as she could see the teasing through her beady eyes.The broad necklace seemed to pull her neck down with her weight. Her wrists were slung with jade bangles, the perfect ruby earrings hung down her small ears which she knew the Jalaal loved and could still feel the paddings of his rough fingers when he had dabbed the perfume near them. A broad waist belt studded with diamonds, rubies and garnets with a thin lining of pearls went around her slender waist, bangles swirled in her wrists and a perfect ruby stud pierced her nose. She glanced at her reflection in the mirror. The guise was perfect. Her every feature was accentuated with the linings of kohl and the color of the roses. Youth had etched out her curves perfectly and the jewels added the much needed enchantment to them.Jodha's eyes were restless with apprehensions. For once she gave a careless glance at her mehendi decorated hands .The intricate pattern was engraved last night reminding that the purpose of her life was only to look beautiful and keep the Jalaal happy. Armlets slipped on her perfectly round arms and the anklets touched the lengths of her feet. She was in gold from tip to toe. Her countenance was grim as the dasis lifted her lehenga, the soft brush made from the finest bristles dipped in the molten red liquid alta placed in a huge copper plate and the dasi decorated her tiny feet with delicate patterns, each drop painting her feet with the color of purity and her signs of matrimony. She clutched to her mangalsutra which hung loosely from her neck and closed her eyes and then sighing deeply took the gold box in her hand. Picking up the fine red coloured vermillion between her thumb and index finger and it sprinkled ,the powder adorned her partition of the hair which finally rested with a mangteeka.A fine mist of redness settled on her nose and a maid giggled saying that it is a good sign manifesting the love of her husband and cleared the her porcelain skin.Jodha's heart sank in an unknown fear. The giggle was abruptly interrupted by a quick rustling of a lehenga as a maid servant ran inside the room and huffed like a horse that had been racing. Her eyes were grim with tears and she coughed and yelled loudly, "Rajkumari'Jodha'Shehzadein sa par kisi ne hamla kiya tha'Wo wo'Ghayal'.", The sindoor box dropped from Jodha's hand and rolled on the marble floor scattering the vermillion everywhere, her feet landed on the thaal as she stood up stiffened, shocked and her heart numbed with an unknown feeling .There was commotion amongst the maids, some started crying, some wailing, some whispered in hushed tones. But Jodha walked like a ghost, her face expressionless, and her feet tracing the red alta marks on the stones. She went senseless as she walked away silently dragging her feet.Slowly she padded on her soft bare feet, her lehenga swished over the smooth marble floors. The dasis kept calling her but she kept on moving lifeless, her heartbeat skeptical. Her eyes dead as if she was under some spell senseless.

FLASHBACK

"Ab Rajkumari ab aap agey ayiye..Ye isilye taki aap vachan de sakein ki agar mrityu aye to aap uska samna karein pehle aur apni pati ki raksha karein..",The pandit ji asked Jodha to step ahead after the 4^th phera and her frozen feet moved forward exhanging places with Jalaal still holding his hands .

"Rajkumari Rajkumari rukiye suniye to Shehzadeinsa ghayal hain unhe apne kaksha mein lekar gaye hai..aap sun rahi hain na'.",A dasi ran behind her shaking her madly. Jodha popped her eyes out and suddenly looked around, she had reached the corridor and without even thinking for a second ,started running madly ,the lehenga swirled behind her ,the hair flowed with the dark stormy wind and tears started running down her cheeks. A fear gripped her, her body was tense ,her feet leaving the marble floor stained with the impressions of her feet. She ran as fast as she could ,ran as fast as her aching heart would beat'.she just ran'.

Her feet stopped as she entered the huge palatial room. There was chaos ,there was confusion. Jalaal had been badly hurt but he was grimacing in pain as the Royal physician applied pastes and gave him concoction to drink. In his partial inebriated condition too ,he smiled looking at everyone. Jalaal raised his hand as he saw Jodha staring at him ,her firm bosom heaving with her eyes closed and the silent tears rolled down her cheeks.

"Dekho to wo to acha hua dusray Rajkumar samay par pahunch gaye warna'',Mahanmanga wiped her tears .

"Fiqr ki koi baat nahi hum theek hai'",Jalaal muttered trying hard not to allow his physical pain touch his face.

"Maine kaha tha na Ye manhus ghadi hi hai Jalaal ko mat bhejiye lekin humari sunta hi kaun hai",Anjuman stomped her feet and rushed towards Jalaal hugging sitting beside him with tears in his eyes. Jodha stood there like a statue completely mute looking at Jalaalwith expressionless eyes filled with tears.

"Hum doodh lekar atey hain'",Anjuman ran towards the kitchen while Jalaalbreathed heavily .The medicines had started working and he was already feeling drowsy'

"Hmmm",Bairam Khan coughed and Jodha suddenly opened her eyes realizing where she was.

She opened her eyes with a jolt and quickly covered her face with the veil.

Bairam Khan placed his hands on Jalaal's forehead, "Par humein yeh pata to hi karna hoga ki yeh kisne kiya hai'."Saying this Bairam Khan walked out in contemplation.

"Inhe aram karne ki zarurat hai'aap sab thoda akela chhod de inhe..",The physician announced and slowly the commotion inside calmed as most of the men ,noblemen and servants walked out.Jodha still was in terrible pain. She knew not what pinched her.Jalaal signaled her to come near him with his eyes which were struggling to remain open. Jodha walked hesitantly and Jalaal mumbled before closing his eyes finally, "Aapki duaon ne humein maut ka muh se bhi bahar nikal hi liya'"His eyelids drooped and his body became relaxed as he slept under the heavy dose of opium which the royal physician gave him to pacify his pain'

Jodha stared at him with pain in her heart and suddenly turned around and ran towards the temple.

She came running and fell down on the floor of the temple. Her hands just folded in prayer. A throbbing headache made her condition worst.

"Yeh sab kya hai, kyun ho raha hai hamaray saath aisa'. Kyun !!! jin se hum ne paanch saal itni nafrat ki, jo hamaray pita ke hatyaaray hen, jinho ne hamaray parivaar k mukhiya ko hum se cheen liya, hamaray ser se hamaray pita ka prem se bhara hath hata diya, aaj un ke ghaao hamen bechain kyun kar rahay hen'. Jinho ne hamaray pita ka khoon bahanay se pehlay aik baar bhi nahi socha, aaj un ke ghao se behta khoon hamen dukh kyun de raha hai'.. kyun hamen aisa lag raha hai k hum samay ki dhaara ko peechay le jayen aur woh kshan jin men unhe yeh ghao lagay, who kshan hi un k jeevan se nikaal den'' kyun !!! jeevan ne hamen yeh kaisa din dikhaya hai ke jis viyakti ki mrityu ke liye hum kab se prateeksha kar rahay thay aaj un pe lagay ghao ne hamare jeevan ko bikher diya hai'' kyun lagta hai k woh uthen aur hamara naam len, kyun sab yaadein parchaiyaan si banti ja rahi hen, kyun lagta hai jaisay hamaray man k ghao theek honay lagay hen, kyun hum chintit hen, hum kyun prateesksha kar rahay thay un ki, kyun unhen tarapta dekh kar hamaray man men koi khushi nahi, kyun aisay vichaar arahay hen hamaray man men, kyun hum khud ko rok nahi paaye, kyun aisay bhaagtay chalay aye'. Kyun !!!"

Suddenly she heared the gushing of winds n the tinkling of the temple's bells. Everything around was so quiet n these were the only sounds she could here but no, there was one more sound, very clear and very near to her. Her own heart, which was beating like it wanted to come out of her chest. She closed her eyes with force and tears flowed down on her cheeks.

"Jodha ,apki duon ne humein maut k muh se nikal hi liya" .

She opened her eyes with shock and quickly turned around. There was no one.The pangs of her dilemma tore her apart.All around she could see the dazzling visions of Jalaal swooping upon her like a whirlwind.His voice echoed in her ears making her wince in an inexplicable pain.

"Jodha'.. hum aap ki har khwahish ko pura karenge"

She turned around again but the temple was empty.Not a living soul was around her.Her heart was fragmented into pieces ,so many were those that she even found it difficult to breathe.The deathly silence seemed to engulf her but she heard his voice loud and clear and sensed the yearning his voice.

"Ajayiye Jodha, Shauhar hen hum aap ke, hamen dekhne k liye aap ko chupne ki zarurat nahi !!"

She closed her ears with the palms of her hand. "Nahi, nahi rok paa rahay hum apnay man ko, kyun man yeh karta hai k hum aap ke paas bhagay chalay ayen , kyun us viyakti k liye hamaray man men krodh araha hai jis ne aap ki yeh halat ki, hamen toh khush hona chahiye k dusron ko dard denay walay ka bhi aaj dard se parichay hua hai lekin yeh parichay hamen bhaa nahi raha,hum se nahi dekha jayega unhe aisay tarapta hua dekh kar, kyun un k ghao se behta lahu hamari ankhon se ansu ban k beh raha hai, kyun !!"

She remembered the letter which Jalaal left for her before leaving for the conference.

She remembered govind and meera, her peacock and peahen, what Jalaal had said while smiling: "Ab yeh ap ke sath hi rahen ge", a very faint smile crept on Jodha's lips.

"Holi tak kaun intezaar karega, hum toh us se pehlay hi aap ko apnay rang men rang denge"

Jodha closed the door of heart which had already started opening up for him "Nahi !!! nahi nahi kabhi nahi !!!" her face grew stern. "Hum aap k rang men kabhi nahi rang saktay kabhi nahi !! Surybhan Kunwarsa, kahan chalay gaye tum hamen chor kar, kyun akela chor diya hamen is sab se joojhnay k liye !! kyun hamara sahara nahi banay aap!! kyun chor diya hamen bas chanda ki chandni k saharay'.. is dharti k log toh surya ki agni jesay hen , aur hamara jeevan usi agni men jal raha hai, surya k krodh k agay chanda ki chandni kaisay reh payegi !! hum kya karen, hum kya karen !!" she covered her face with her hands and fell down and cried loudly. Suddenly she felt a hand on her head. She raised her face and looked at her trsusted dasi Moti Bai.

Moti Bai: "Rajkumaari ji, Shehzadeinsa ki halat pehlay se achi hai ab, ap chinta mat kijiye, sab theek hojayega" and she brought the thaali of auspicious sindoor towards her, "aap ka sindoor bikhar gaya hai rajkumaari, yeh lijiye, yeh pavitra kumkum apni maang men saja lijiye, aap k suhaag ko kuch nahi hoga"

Jodha looked at the sindoor and got a flshing memories of her marriage with Jalaal. Her blood smeared hands due to her father's blood, her hands decorated with henna, the way she had become helpless that she had to marry him, the vows which she had taken, the promises which she had made to herself, the promises which she made to her mother, blood flowing from her father's chest and neck, sindoor being applied on her head. She looked at the sindoor and extended her hand forward, took a pinch of it n filled her forehead with it. Moti Bai smiled and then left the temple.

"Hum bhool nahi saktay , hum bhool nahi saktay !! hum aap ko maaf nahi kar saktay !! hum kabhi aap ko apne man men koi isthaan nahi de saktay, kabhi nahi !! hum kaksh men nahi jayenge !! nahi jayenge hum !!",Jodha cried her heart out and her chin touched the cold sandstone floor .Her head slopped and she kept on crying for a long time.

The door of the room was knocked. It was very late in the night. Adhma opened the door and a veiled man entered in the room, his face not very visible. He told him something and Adhm balled his fists in anger slapping that man's face very hardly. The man fell on the floor n blood seeped from the corner of his mouth, "Maaf kar dijiye , , agay se aisa nahi hoga, hum aap ka kaam pura karne hi waalay thay par achanak'.."

Adham Khan: "Bas !!! hum kisi ko dusra mauka nahi detay !! Sipahiyon !!!"

Man: "Nahi maaf kar dijiye hamen, agli baar hum kaam pura kar k hi lautenge, Malik nahi'."

The guards entered Adham Khan 's room and got hold of that man.

Adham Khan: "Le jao isay yahan se, aur tum log jantay ho k is k sath kya karna hai, jao !!"

The guards took the man away while he kept shouting for help n mercy from the evil Adham

Adham Khan came forward towards the window and looked at the stars in the sky while being angry.
"Waqt aap k sath hai Jalaal, ji lijiye apni zindagi kuch din aur, akhri jeet toh hum hi honge !! Sirf him !! sitaron ko apni chaal badalni hi hogi, waqt ko hamaray hisab se chalna hi hoga kyun ke din toh aap ka ho sakta hai Jalaal, lekin raat hamari hai, raat k Shehenshah toh hum hi hen" ,he said with an evil smile creeping on his lips.

The temple bells tinkled ceaselessly swaying with the strong wind and Jodha woke up to the sound of thunders.It had started raining now and the huge splashes of water soaked the earth with its abundant glory.The moisture in the air was now nipping her cheeks which had lines of dried tears.Her swollen eyes itched as she looked around .It was dark and dreary. She looked at the marble floor strewn with sindoor scatttred due to the whiff of breeze that swept through the filigreed jharonkhas of the temple. A fear gripped Jodha as she looked around and folded her hands again, "Kanha ji..Ye kaisi duvidha hai'Kehtey hain pati ki lambi umra ki prarthana karna humara dharm hai'To kya humne paap kiya hai'Humne unki marne ki har pal kamna ki 'To kya humne apne vachan ka apmaan kiya hai'.Ma ne kaha tha ki yehi humara bhagya hai aur dharm bhi'Humein humare dharm ka palan karna hi hoga Kanhaji'Humarey apno k liye humne jo vachan apni Rani ma ko diya tha uske liye..humare praja k liye humara jo kartavya hai uske liye'aur'",she drew in a deep breath,"jo vachan agni ko sakshi maan kar liye the unke liye'bhale hi jhoothey man se parantu humein apne kartavya ka palan karna hi hoga ma'.",Jodha nodded her head forcing herself to accept the reality of her life.Her face grew dim suddenly recalling Jalaal's face and wounds.Though his wounds were on his body but their pain scraped her heart which was already scarred since 5 years.Trapped in the deep quagmire of her conflicting emotions,Jodha got up and slowly dragged her feet towards her destiny.

When Mahamanga entered the huge palatial room Bairam Khan was lounging in his usual pose on his mattress strewn with pearl sequined cushions,puffing a hukkah.The water pipe gurgled as he drew in and smoke swirled around the room.She lit a lamp and the room bathed in its flame dispelling the dark gloom in the smoky room.

"Aaap bas yahan baith kar hukkah gugudate rahiye wahan'.Isse to acha hota wo mar hi jatey'.Har baar bach jatey hain'.",Mahamanga scrunched her nose and her eyes were bloodshot with rage.

"HAAAHA Bairam Khan chuckled , "Mahamanga humein to lagta tha ki aap Jalaal ko apne bte ki tarah hi..par '"

"Saanp ko kitna bhi doodh pila lo'rehta to wo sanp hi hai na'Hum yeh kaise bhul jayein ki unki wajah se Humarey bete Adham ko rajgaddi nahi milegi' 'Par Adham Khan bhi na..koi kaam theek se nahi karwa patey..kaha tha humne ki rehne dijiye Humarey dimag mein bina khoon bahaye hi Jalaal ko rastey se alag karne ka tareeka tha '"

"Paheliyan mat bujhayiye'theek se batayiye'.",Bairam Khan creased his brows in surprise.

"Kaha tha Jalaal Rajkumari k prem mein buri tarah se pagal hai'kaha tha ki unhe apni nayi shaadi k uljhano mein hi doobein rehne dete aur idhar ye Adham Khan apne aap ko kabil banate ..par nahi na jane kya Jadoo hai us Rajkumari mein Adham Khan ka bhi dimag kharab kar diya hai ..unhone'.",Mahamanga gritted her teeth'

"Adham Khan ne jo kiya theek kiya..aap bhul gayi ki Bhari sabha mein Rajkumari ne Adham Khan ki beizzati kar Jalaalk galein mein varmala dali thi..us apmaan ka badla to lena hi tha'.",Bairam Khan fumed like a mad bull.

"Huh ..beizzati aur badi badi batein' jo karna tha Kar liya Adham Khan ne ab hum apnidil ki karenge'Jalaal ko Jodha k prem mein ulajhne dijiye baki ki rajneeti hum khelenge'..",Mahamanga's wicked eyes started growing dark and sinister with her evil plans.

"Parantu Anjuman ka kuch kijiye..jis tarah Jalaalk agey piche bhatakti rehti hai aise mein Rajkumari aur Jalaal kaise samay bitayenge ek saath'",Bairam Khan frowned.

"Shhh",Mahamanga placed her fingers on her lips ,"aap na bolte bahut jyada hai'.Anjuman kis khet ki muli hain..unhe bhi dekh lenge hum'waise bhi itne salon mein humarey betey ko ek chirag tak nahi de payi...",She snatched the water pipe from him and smoked it gurgling and puffing circles in the air.Both of them laughed in hushed tones.

Jodha opened the door of her room skeptically and saw Jalaal sleeping peacefully ,while Anjuman patted him while he slept.The clickling sound of the door broke Anjuman's attention and she looked at Jodha . She covered him with a muslin sheet and gently ruffled his hair and walked towards Jodha.

Jodha asked her a bit confused, "Jijisa aap? Yahan?"

Anjuman threw glared hexes at her "Wah rajkumaari Jodha wah, kesi begum hen ap? Aap ko apni shauhar ki zaruraton ki koi fiqr hi nahi? Aap ko parwah na ho lekin hamen Jalaal ki bohot fiqr hai, unhe aisi halat men chor ke aap kesay ja sakti hen?"

Jodha dug her toe on the ground and a wave of guilt overpowered her, "Jijisa hum '. Hum.."

Anjuman nodded her head smiling sarcastically,"Han han keh dijiye Jodha k aap apne shauhar k liye ibadat karne gayi then, apni puja men itni masroof hogayeen k apni maang ke sindoor ko hi bhula betheen aap !!"

Jodha tried hard not to break down,when the truth was that her accusations were true,"Aisi koi baat nahi hai, hum inhe dekhte hen" Jodha moved forward to enter the room but Anjuman held her hand and stopped her from moving further. Jodha looked at her with confusion.

Anjuman rolled her eyes,"Kyun ab kyun Jodha? Ab inhe dekh kar kya karen geen aap? Aisi halat men jab unhen apni begum ki zaroorat thi tab aap mandir men ja betheen, han sahi hi toh hai, aap ne Jalaal ko apne vash men jo kar liya hai, aap jaanti jo hen k chahe jo hojaye Jalaal aap ke paas hi wapas ayen ge.Janti hain h sote hue bhi Jalaal aap hi ka naam apne neend mein le rahe they..wah apne unka ek pal bhi khayal nahi rakha par wo phir bhi aap hi ka naam jap rahein hain'Jodha aapne kya kar diya hai humarey Jalaal ko'"

Jodha gulped a huge lump in her throat and her eyes burnt with rage at her humiliating words, "Jijisa!! yeh kesi baten kar rahi hen aap, hamen toh bohot achambha ho raha hai"

Anjuman laughed,a rich deep laugh from the insides of her throat."Kyun? Is men chaunkne wali kya baat hai rajkumaari? Apni khoobsurti, apne makhmali badan, ke jaal men aisay phansaya hai aap ne hamare Jalaal ko, unhe toh aap ki siwa kuch dikhayi hi nahi deta, kya yeh baat aap se chupi hui hai? Jaantay hen hum bohot khush hen na aap k Jalaal ko hum se, sab se door kar diya aap ne, apne vash men kar liya'. Lekin yaad rakhye Jodha, yeh sab sirf tab tak jab tak aap ki khoobsurtihai, aik din aap ke chehre ki yeh khoobsurti mit jayegi, aap ka yeh shareer jo Jalaal ko komal sa, phool ki daali jaisa lagta hoga, aik din isi jism se door bhagen ge woh, aap k yeh makhmali haath jin ki chuvan ne Jalaal ko deewana bana rakha hai, yehi haath unhe phool men lagay kaanton ki tarah chuben ge, aap ki yeh aankhen jin men bharay nashay ne Jalaal ko madhosh bana rakha hai, yehi ankhen aik din khaali paimaanay jaisi hongeen Jodha jin men koi nasha baqi na hoga, aap k yeh gulaab ki pankhuri jaisay hont jinhe chu kar'.."

Jodha was shocked with kind of bitterness Anjuman had for her.Her insults made her crinje and she raised her hand stopping her, "Bas kijiye !!! bohot hua !!! yeh kaisi baat kar rahi hen aap !! kya aap bhool gayeen hen k Shehzadeinsa aap k devar hen aur hum ap ki devrani !! is tarah ki baten kartay aap ko laaj na ayi"

Anjuman gasped and hid a lone tear that was ready to escape her eyes,and gave a piercing look at her, "Nahi Jodha, laaj nahi aati hamen' hahaha'. Jab khushyon ki jagah akela pan le le aur pyaar ki jagah intezaar le le tab laaj nahi aati !! per aap yeh sab kaisay jaanen geen Jodha, aap ne toh jo chaha woh paaya hai, aap kya jaanen k jab aikaurat ko woh sab nahi mil paata jo us ka haq hai toh woh kya mehsoos karti hai, aap ko toh jeevan ka har sukh mila hai na, phir aap ko kya pata ke gum kya hoti hai, lekin zyada khush mat hon rajkumaari, aik aadmi ki kamzori hoti hai khoobsurti, aur jab yeh khoobsurti aap se door ho jayegi tab Jalaal bhi aap se door hojayen ge, Admi ki umar koi nahi dekhta rajkumaari lekin aik aurat' aik aurat ki umar bohot jaldi dhal jaati hai, aur aap yeh kyun bhool rahi hen ke aakhir hen toh aap umar men Jalaal se thodi badi hain"

Jodha looked at Anjuman with shock in her eyes while she kept smiling and then she gave way to Jodha to come forward in the room. Anjuman then turned to leave but then stopped and turned around, "mana lijiye khushiyaan Jodha kyun ke yeh sab bas us samay tab jab tak yeh khobbsurat jism aap ka saath nahi chor deta, akhir jalti hui jot aik na aik din bujh hi jaati hai, yaad rakhiye ga !!!" and while smiling she quickly left the room leaving Jodha in shock and confusion.

contd in next post

The clouds thundered and her thoughts cluttered. It rained heavily ,the huge drops pattering and breaking into music on the outside huge iron gates and canisters. The moon was masked by the dread gloom of the lofty clouds blanketing it ; her heart too sank in cavernous gloom and despair. She found her conflicting thoughts seesawing between her loyalty and her duty as a wife. Feelings is construed ,thoughts incoherent, she kept on standing like a statue for a long time looking at the prince lulled in blissful oblivion. An occasional turn would make her stand stiff, but then the peaceful snoring re-assured his comfort. She clutched on to her pallu hard trying to understand what life wanted from her. She was torn apart with the loads of guilt of presuming that choices were easy .No they were certainly not when it came to a woman. His pale face was dimly illuminated by the light from the gold glass chandelier that hung overhead right above the canopy of his bed. The translucent veils flew around him with the gusts of the wild wind and the lamp beside him flickered. The window crashed open and flew in a stormy wind in a fistful wave and the wick of the lamp flickered threatening to die its own death. Her feet unknowingly moved ,she ran and those tiny hands of hers encapsulated the glow making it leap again with abundant joy. Inches apart from him she thus stood for minutes,Jodha's eyes betrayed her, the saline tears dumped her ,rolling down her cheeks, her heart stabbed to million pieces watching him groan a bit as he shivered .A hesitant extension of her hand ,to touch his forehead was stopped midway on the commandment of her mind. Her soft palms ached to crease the fine lines and wipe off the tiny sweat beads but she withdrew them hesitantly. How can she allow herself to feel for him, she wondered and cursed herself some more. One thing she knew, or better Princess Jodha knew, to coat her heart with plaster stiffening it and locking it beneath layers of iron bars ,but his pain threatened to melt those,uncage her little heart.

Loathing herself ,she turned around, the words of Anjuman comparing her to a mere object of sexual gratification made her cringe but a grip on her wrists stopped her.

"Humein chhod k mat jayiye Jodha'",His delirious fragile and frail voice coerced her. His eyes still groggy, the overdose of opium and marijuana making him speak incoherently ,but his feelings communicated without any inhibition.Jalaal's hands were warm with fever and almost burned Jodha's icy cold skin. She turned around in haste and could not understand when she sat beside him, straight like a rod and stiff as a rock ,unmoved trying to stand brave against the violent waves of his undying love from etching her and making her weak.Jalaal tried hard to open his eyes, his vision blurred with the image of the one woman he had loved his entire life sitting just beside him. His voice choked as he mumbled, "Humein chhod k mat jayiye'Ummm hum ..hum'."

She found her voice, " aap aram kijiye",she said trying to pacify him trying to remain untouched by his feelings but suddenly he lifted his head and placed it on her lap ,his hands encircling her slender waist in his grip and mumbled burying his teary face, "Humein chhod k mat jayiye Jodha, hum bahut dar gaye the..Us pal'Humein apni maut se bhay lag raha tha 'isliye nahi ki hum maut se darte hain par hum marna nahi chate hain Jodha,kyunki abhi humein aap k saath ek bahut lambi zindagi jini hai'Jab humari aknhein band hui to aap hi ka chehra humare ankhon k agey tha..usi samay humne Allah se sauda kiya ki hum kabhi unse kuch nahi mangege par humein bas ek baar phir aapka chehra dekhne ko miley'Hum marna nahi chatey Jodha hum sach mein apko zindagi ki har khushi dena chahate hain'Humein chhod k kabhi mat jayiyega"He clung on to her hard and wept harder, her lap drenched with his tears. She sat stiff for seconds as he bawled like baby ,wanting her to love him back, wanting that one touch from her that would re-assure him .In his delirious state he thus mumbled for a few minutes ,groping in the darkness. Jodha's eyes moistened, the touch shattered her so much tormenting her to her limits. The shock was unimaginable, who was he ?She wondered because the one who cried in her lap-the vulnerable one was certainly so unlike the one who had placed that sword near her throat with his blazing eyes years ago. Where was the royal fearless prince, whose pompous ego had ruined her entire life ?And who was this man who cried trapped in his insecurities, yearned to be loved by her. A choking feeling sunk deep inside her and in this vortex of unknown emotions that threatened to usurp her defences,she never knew when she unknowingly slipped her hands around him ,gently rubbing his back ,the touch of his skin penetrating the pads of her soft finger , "Hum yehi hain aap k pass Shhh ",her quivering voice barely managed to utter those words, while her hands stroked him gently embracing him .There was silence everywhere as he clung on to her. The comfort and her assurance made his anxiety ease. Eyes wearied due to emotions and delirium, his snores grew louder ,his grip still the same ,the tears had dried, but the salty stains not only sogged his cheeks but a huge patch on her lehenga too. The wind grew a little tamed as the clouds drifted asunder and the moon appeared as a crescent fine line as a silver lining amongst the dark grey clouds. Her trembling hands still firm stroking his hair gently and her tumultuous conflicting emotions ceased momentarily as all that she could focus was now the warmth of his body which lay in her lap. The night moved on ,so did her trail of thoughts ,moving as swift as a whirlwind ,churning her mind ,heart and soul till the point she gave up, the hands slipped from his sleeping body, the eyelids drooped. Two figures-Two incomplete souls now lied there together ,in each other's arms witnessed by the benign gaze of the stars peeping through the window of the night sky which had now cleared.

When she opened her eyes, she saw the canopy overhead ,the ceiling studded with the diamonds. The candle flames rippled with the steady wind finally spoofing dying its own death The faint chirping of the birds announced the advent of the soon to be dawn. It was still a little dark outside and the whole atmosphere was covered with a mild blanket of fog. The irritating whistling of the cicadas was slowly being replaced by the chirping of the birds filling up the whole ambience with unalloyed pleasure. Jodha lazily rubbed and opened her eyes yawning. She found everything unusual, she was sleeping in a different place --a place which was different from her lonely couch in the corner of the wholesome palatial room. The last thing she remembered was rubbing Jalaal's back, while he cried. She was caged 'caged in two sturdy arms.Strong,masculine and rugged caging her waist in his tight grip. . The same yet a much cooler wind bathed her body mixed with a tiny warmth .Jalaal slept by her side, his chin resting on her bosom, Lips touching it at her patulous curves, his breath warm on her skin was steady. She touched his face lightly, her fingers resting against his angular cheek bones, then swirling down on his stubbled face. She rested her face on his head, the dull essence of sandalwood filling her nostrils. The slight movement bothered him and Jalaal buried his face some more touching her skin with his deep breath. The soft sensation of the dewy lips induced a smug and Jodha turned around and hugged him tightly ,reclining against his bosom 'she lazily slept again. A moment of reality hit her and her eyes popped out and a cold shiver gave her inexplicable chills. She could still feel his breath all over her body .His breath had touched her sleep .What a cursed sleep it was! Jodha froze with horror and tried to free herself from him but in vain, instead in his sleep he twirled her over and now she lied on his bosom. Her hair fell on his bosom and for a second her breath stopped. She carefully looked at his face shining equally brightly as the fresh golden sun ,whose fresh rays filtered through the filigreed screens and the marble latticework of the jharonkha.The same pristine face which had induced a tug in her heart years ago, but as she explored him further her eyes wandering down his well sculpted body, she noticed he was not the same boy who had left her, instead a man lied before her caging her fiercely in his rough arms. He had grown older ! She sighed some more admiring his majestic form.Somethings had changed for sure. His lean yet muscular frame, had now changed into a muscular chiseled form, his cheeks a little more angular and his serene face had uncouth stubble adorning his face. Jodha was looking at him leeringly, her heart forgetting where she was , thrilled to see the grown up man he had become. .She stared unblinking at him.

Jalaal yawned and opened his eyes to the delightful sight in front of her. Both the eyelids fluttered and awkwardness spread its wings. She got up in haste biting her lips caught gaping at him like a fish. Jalaal was amused moreover thrilled; the crossover of his delectable wife from that couch to his bed was thrilling. He stared at her deep and hard, her hair opened, her chunar wrapped in his body and her skin glistening visible from everywhere. She had never been this close to him. When she realized his eyes all over her, she crumpled the sheets and pulled her tiny Alta decorated feet closer to her body and lowered her eyes baffled how to react. She tried to pull her chunar from him trying hard to cover herself .An amusement spread over Jalaal's face ,the turmeric from his wounds adorned her cheeks .Jodha fluttered her eyelids. Hands extended, his meaty fingers touched her cheeks and she shuddered with fear . Jalaal wiped them and was about to say something when suddenly there was a commotion and Adham Khan entered the room furiously. His eyes rolled at the sight in front of him. Cushions studded with rubies and gold threads were strewn on the bed,Jodha's porcelain skin visible and almost brushing his brother's bare torso. A shot of anger and jealousy swept him. Jalaal and Jodhawere flabbergasted at his audacity and Jodhaquickly pulled the veil over her and stood up stiffened looking away covering herself.

Adham Khan's eyes squeezed and his tongue lashed out in mockery, " Suna tha Jalaal ghayal hai lekin apko dekh k to nahi lagta apko zara bhi takleef hai'yun mazein kar rahe hain'kya jadoo kar diya hai isne aap pe.."

Jodha's patience gave up. It had been ages she had been bearing everything and Adham Khan's insults were still fresh in her mind.

FLASHBACK

5 YEARS AGO

Adham pulled her hands harshly and Jodha grimaced in his grip, "Apki phooti taqdeer hai Rajkumari'Humari itni beizzati ",he wiped off the drops of fine blood which oozed from the scratches on his face,"sari zindagi apko apni dasi bana k rakhnge",He pulled Jodha's hairs mercilessly and dragged her to the corridor.

"humne bhi suna tha kisi bhi parayi stri k kaksha mein'..",Jodha shot with stinging reproach from behind her veil but her words were cut short. Jalaal roared loudly, " Rajkumariii"", Jodha froze with fear and fumbled clutching on to her veil more tightly. Jalaal tried to get up but trembled and was about to fall when suddenly Jodha ran towards him and supported him. He shoved her hand aside and refused to take her help. Jodha muttered, "Parantu aap ka swasthya'.",her words froze as he raised his hand signaling her to stop speaking. Jodha lowered her head and walked back a few steps.

Jalaal limped and walked towardsAdham Khan,eyes narrowed and jaws were tightened , "pehli baat to yeh hai' ki aap Rajkumari ka naam bahut hi adab se lein.. apki bhabhi hain ye' aur humari begum k beizzati hum bikul bardasasth nahi karenge'Hum jante hain apko Rajkumari se pareshaani hai parantu itni tameez to honi chahiye ki apne bhai aur bhabhi k khwabgah mein ane se pehle ijazat leni chahiye'.

His words echoed the room shocking Adham and Jodha completely. Jodha was stunned ,numb. First a a tremendous shock and then a wave of sheer pride swamped her as she stared at Adham condescendingly from behind her veil.

Adham was taken aback ,the shock was too much for him to bear, "Jalaal aap bhul gaye hain ki aap apne bade bhai se baat kar rahe hain'

Jalaal rolled his eyes and folded his hands across his bosom,Aur aap bhul rahe hain ki aap is Hindustan k hone wala Shenshah se baat kar rahe hain'."

His words stabbed him, his cheeks burnt in humiliation as he saw Jodha's stiff body as if she was mocking him. He gritted his teeth and clapped his hands.. "Wah wah..to is Jadugarni ne aapko bhi diwana bana diya'Bikul andhe ho gaye hain aap iske mohabbat mein'.

"Adham Khan'."His voice roared and his hands snatched at his sword and he placed it near Adham's throat. Jodha shrieked and placed her hand on her mouth and Adham nodded his head in humiliation and disbelief as Jalaal continued, "Khabardaar'.",His body shook in spasms with rage. Jodha stood horrified and scared looking at Jalaal's fury. "agey ek lafz bhi na kahiyega'.agar Badi Ammi, Anjuman Bhabhi aur humarey Abba k ek milq ek parivar ka sapna nahi hota to humari begum ki beizzati karne ke zurrat k liye aap ko saza detein'.Us din jab apne inhe ghasita tha tab hum chup rahe par ab aur nahi'.Rajkumari Jodha ab humari Begum hain'unki taraf badhne waley haath ko hum kaat k phenk denge samjhe aap 'Ab yahan se chale jayiye warnaaa hum kuch aisa kar baithenge ki'.

The duel could have been horrific had not a servant entered and announced, "Shehenshah Humayun tashreef la rahein hain'.

"Apke ye Lafza yaad rahenge Jalaal 'huh'",Stomping his foot Adham Khan walked away leaving Jodha shocked and Jalaal fuming as he threw away the sword in anger.The metal rolled in echoing in a smothered bass on the floor and Jalaal fumed and sat on the bed gritting his teeth.His body racked in physical pain but the mental harassment that his brother gave his life his Jodha was way beyond his capacity to redeem himself. His muscles tightened and his body became stiff and his eyes burned with rage. Jodha stood there as a statue of stupor unsure what had to be done. Footsteps were hesitant, but still her trembling hands touched the heated body of a simmering volcano after his explosion. Her cold touch startled him and he turned around looking at her. THOSE EYES PIERCED Jodha as from behind the veil she could see his shivering frame. He grabbed her hand clasping it hard and was about to speak in his choking voice when suddenly he heard the clearing of throat of his father. Her hands slipped from his and she ran to touch the king's feet.

"Khush Rahiye"the king's palms touched her head and he rushed towards Jalaal hugging him teary eyed

"Kaisi Tabiyat hai aapki ab '? Hum to dar hi gaye the..",He touched Jalaal's wounds. King Humayun had rushed back from his tour hearing about the attack on Jalaal.

"hum ekdum theek hain'", Jalaal smiled trying to console his worried father.

" Rajkumari dekhiye to aapse kaun milne aya hai'..",The king parted from Jalaal and looked at Jodha.

"Maa Kartikeyaa'.",An extreme wave of joy swept Jodha as she ran towards Rani Mainwati and Kartikeya

"Jija sa'.",Instead of jumping into Jodha's arms Kartikeya rushed leaving aside Jodha and jumped into Jalaal's arms.

"Ahhh ",Jalaal squealed in pain as Kartikeya unknowingly hurt his wounds.

"Apko zara bhi abhas hai Kartikeya agar inhe lag jati to..",Jodha ran in anger and pulled Kartikeya leaving him scared.

"Aaap aap Theek to hai'",Jodha frantically checked Jalaal leaving him blushing furiously as King Humayun chuckled.

"Aaap theek to hai na Jamai sa ",Rani Mainwati smiled and touched his forehead .

"Ji bilkul'par Rajkumaari humarey hotey hue humarey saley sahib ko aap yun nahi daant sakti hai na'." Jalaal rasped a chuckle looking sheepishly at Jodha and hi-fived with Karikeya.

"Haan haanKunwarisa",Kartikeya pouted his lips and teased Jodha, "Dekha Ab apko Jijasadand avashya denge hahh",Kartikeya burst laughing and so did the others who were amused at his antics.

"Acha baba'Humein Kshama kar dijiye'",Jodha nodded her head and held her ears .

"Yeh hui na baat jayiye kshama kar diya'",Kartikeya beamed in his excesses and Jodha burst laughing.

Rani Mainawati wiped some silent tears from her eyes , "Hum to sab ghabra hi gaye the'par ishwar ka vardaan hi hai devi mata ne humari beti k suhag ki raksha ki Warana humari Jodha.'"She was on the verge of tears but Jalaal aasured her, "RaniMa dekhiye hum bilkul theek hain Rajkumari k hotey hue humein kuch ho sakta hai kya'ap to bas yun hi bewajah pareshaan ho rahi hain..hum humesha Rajkumari ka dhyan rakhenge aap bas itminaan rakhiye'"

Rani Mainawati kissed his forehead.Jodha watched both of them and thousands of questions pinched her. Her heart seemed to melt but what about the mind which hated him.

"Rajkumari Rani Mainwati aur Kartikeya ke aram ka intezaamkijiye ",Jodha's trail of thoughts came to an abrupt end with the words of The king.

"Ji",Jodha nodded her head and was about to summon a dasi when Mainwati interrupted her, "Nahi bas hum aaj hi chaelenge kal mangal ahuti hai'isisliye humara Amer wapas pahunchna avashyak hai'.",Rani Mainawati folded her hands .Jodha tried to intervene but Mainawati reassured her that she would come later to meet her .

"Nahi par hum yehi rahenge Jija sa k paas",Kartikeya stomped his foot and sat beside Jalaal who kissed his cheeks in delight.

"Nahi Kartikeya Amer chaliye..",Rani Mainawati rolled her eyes.

"Nahi nahi humein yehin rehna hai'" , Kartikeya hugged Jalaal not willing to leave him at all.

"Ufff Rajkumar ab chaliye warna hum'",Rani Mainawati was about to scold him again when Jalaal stopped her putting his hand on Kartikeya's head gently ruffling his hair.

"Arey Rehne dijiye inhe..Rajkumari ka bhi dil yahan aap logon k bina udas rehta hai..Isi bahane unke honthon ki hansi to ayegi wapas'.", Jalaal smiled looking at Jodha who nodded her head in agreement trying hard to mask her excitement.Rani Mainawati looked with suspicion at both of them trying to comprehend Jalaal's words.

Rani Mainawati: ap yeh sab kya kar rahi hen Jodha?

Rani Mainawati interrupted an excited Jodha in the corridor who was busy giving instructions to the servants.
Gulaal: maa ... Bas kartikeya ka samaan hamare kaksh men...

She smiled and beamed in happiness.
Rani Mainawati: nahi !! is ki avashakta nai hai rajkumari... Dasi !! Rajkumar kartikeya ka samaan atiti kaksh men rakhwayiye, jayiye !! Aur ekant !!

Rani Mainawati clapped her hands and ordered the maids to leave then alone who in return complied and walked away pulling their veils and whispering in hushed tones.

Jodha: maa kartikeya hamare sath hi...
Rani Mainawati: rajkumaari !! Hum ne kaha na is ki avashakta nahi ! Rajkumar kartikeya ap k sath nahi, atiti kaksh men rahenge !
Jodha: per maasa...

Jodha looked at her confused.
Rani Mainawati: akhir ap chahti kya hen Jodha!! Kya kar rahi hen ap !!
Jodha: maasa hum samajh nahi paa rahay, ap...
Rani Mainawati: itni na samajh na banye rajkumari, hum ap k jeevan ki bat kar rahay hen !! Kya ap ko lagta hai hum daikh nahi paye hen k ap apnay pati ke prati apna kartavya pura karne men asafal rahi hen !!

Jodha: nahi maa, aisa nahi hai, hum... Hum apna patni dharm nibha rahe hen, hum...

She tried her best to reason.
Rani Mainawati: Jodha !! Hamare ankhen dhoka nai kha sakteen, mat bholiye k hum ap ki maa hen, daikhye hamari aor aur kahiye ke ap ne apna patni dharm har tarah se nibhaya hai, kahiye !!
Jodha: maa bas kijye, kar rahay hen na hum koshish !! Jitna hum kar pa rahay hen hum kar toh rahay hen !! Ab aur kya karen...
Rani Mainawati: Jodha hamen aashcharya hai, aj bhi ap keval koshish keh rahi hen? Koshish? Ap janti bhi hen keval ap ki koshish ka kya parinam ho sakta hai? Kya ap chahti hen k ap k pita ka balidan viyarth jaye? Un ki mrityu vyarth jaye? Kartikeya, ap ki praja, swayam ap khud Jodha, kitne jeevan dao pe lage hen Jodha, kya ap chahti hen ap sab ke jeevan ke vinash ka karan banen? Apne jeevan ko nasht karna chahti hen?

Jodha: nasht? Vinash? Hamara jeevan toh nasht ho chuka maa, ab is se zyada bura kya ho sakta hai? Hamare pita ke khoon se rangay hathon ko hum ne apni mang men sindoor bharne diya, apne pairon men ye anchahe vivah ki bediyan pehen toh chukay hen hum ! Apne galay men mangalsutra k naam per ye gehna daal toh chukay hen ! Ye gehna hamare badan pe jalti hui lakdi ki mala jaisa hai maa jis ki jalan pal pal hamen jeenay nai deti aur hamare pairon men vivah ki bediyan hamen marne nai daiteen ! Ye nam ka jeevan ji toh rahe hen hum maasa lekin prem, prem nahi kar sakte un se, apne ap ko samarpit nahi kar saktey maasa !! Samarpan prem ki abhivyakti hota hai aur hum apne pita ke hathyare se prem nai kar sakte !!

Rani Mainawati: Jodha ap phir wahi zid le ke bethi hen !! Samajhti kyun nahen ap !! Kya ap bhool rahi hen k ap aik istri hen aur Jamaisa aik purush, un ki ichaon ka khayal keval ap hi ko rakhna chahye, Jalaal kal k Shehenshah hen Jodha aur ap bhavishya ki rani, kya aik rani ko ye shobha daita hai k un k hotay raja kisi dusri istri ki aor jaye? Jodha, ap hamari beti hen, hamen ap ki chinta hai, hum jante hen ap ko hamare muh se ye baten sun ke bohot ashcharya horaha hoga kintu yehi aik rani ka bhagya hai beti, aik rani ka yehi dharam hai, hamara isthan praja ke hriday ke sath apnay raja ke hriday men bhi hona chahye, yehi isthan per hamara bhavishya nirbhar karta hai

Jodha: maasa hum patni ka har dharam nibha rahay hen, har kartavya ka palan kar rahay hen parantu un ko apne ap ko sonpna, ye hum se nahi hoga !! Ap hum se yeh karne ko na kahen, hum kuch nahi sunna chahte is vishay per !!

rani Mainawati: Jodha !! Bas bohot hua !! Hum ne bohot sun li ap ki baten !! Kya ap ko chinta nahi k agar Jalaal ap ko chor kisi dasi k pas chale jayen toh kya hoga ! Kya isthan reh jayega ap ka? Aur ye chorye, agar wo kisi dusri rajkumari ko vivah hi kar k le aye toh? Kya hoga ap ka Jodha? Ap aik istri hen aur wo aik purush, aik istri kabhi bhi aik purush se apni tulna nahi kar sakti ! Aur kya ap wo sari shiksha bhool chuki hen jo aik rajkumari ko di jati hai? Ap ko zara bhi khayal nahi k yadi Jalaal ka vansh dusri rajkumari ki wajah se agay badha toh ap ka kya hoga? Yahan istri ka molya keval us samay tak hota hai jab tak us ka yovan hai aur jab tak us ki wajah se raj parivar ka vansh agay badhta rehta hai aur yadi ap ka yeh molya bhi na raha toh kuch nahi bachega Jodha ! Ap ko Jalaal ke hriday men apna isthan banane ke lye apna man maarna hi hoga, ap ko yeh karna hoga !!

Jodha: hamen nahi padta farq maa ! Nahi padta ! Le ayen wo dusri patni, badh jaye un ki wajah se un ka vansh agay, hamen is se koi matlb nahi

Rani Mainawati : ap ko farq na padta ho Jodha lekin hamen padta hai ! Kartikye ke jeevan ko farq padta hai ! Ap ki praja ke jevan ko farq padta hai ! Jo samarpan ap ke bhai ka isthaan, un ki zindagi bacha sakta hai ap keval apni zid ki wajah se usay janay daina chahti hen, is unka utaradhikari agar kisi dusi stri ki kokh se janma toh ap ka molya kuch nahi rahega, aur na ap ke bhai ka ! Mat bhooliye ke hamaray rajya ka bhavishya bhi ab un ki icha per nirbhar karta hai ! Ap ko Jalaal ko rijhanay ka prayatna karna hi hoga !
Jodha: maasa ap hum se kaisi baten kar rahi hen
Rani Mainawati: han hum ap ki maa hen rajkumari kintu hum aik rani bhi hen, daikhye Jodha, agar ap nahi chahten ke ap ke bhai kisi daas ki tarah sab ki sewa men leen rahen aur ap bhi Anjuman ki tarah kisi samaan ke jesay mehel ke kisi konay men na padi hon toh ap ko Jalaal ko rijhana hoga, apni shiksha ko yad karye Jodha aur us ka prayog kijye, aur g Jodha ap ko unhe jald hi santan ka sukh bhi daina hoga, ap ki bhi umar ho chali hai Jodha aur jald hi ap ka yovan ap ka sath chor jayega, aisa ho us se pehle hi ap ko Jalaal ko apni aor akarshit karna hoga

, is rajya ko un ka vanshaj daina hoga, is rajya ka utaradhikari daina hoga, yehi ap ka sthan banaye rakh sakta hai aur hum sab ka bhavishya bhi, hum ne ap ko samjha diya hai Jodha, yehi ap ka dharam hai aur yehi kartavye, agay ap samajhdar hen

So many languorous days passed, time flew in a swift circle around them. Time changed everything slowly and steadily. While Adham Khan unable to bear his humiliation left for a tour on the pretext of some work while his real intentions were to plan something drastic this time. Anjuman left for her mayka as the news of her father's ill health struck upon her. Shehenshah Humayun too was unavailable as he went out on a tour again. What was left in the palace was a scheming Bairam Khan who completely usurped most of the official work and filled his treasure chest in lieu of the royal fund of Agra, a diplomatic conniving Mahamanga who showered all her love towards Jalaal and made sure he remained elusive and devotes his maximum time to his wife and her charms, a uber enthusiastic Kartikeya who was the only source of fun for Jalaal as he was recuperating and was mostly confined to his bed. Days were heaven, though the physical pain stabbed him but what he got in return was attention and time-UNDIVIDED. The dutiful wife was always at his beck and call. Her fingers would trace his wounds everyday balming it with the herbs paste with the softness of her fingers. While the wounds healed, the marks lightened, the impressions of her fingers not only etched on his wounds but also in his heart. Her frown would melt him when she would come near to dress his wounds. Though silent as the lake yet her heart was like an ocean ebbing and rising like the tides.Somethings cracked inside her. She would make sure everything was fine with him during the day .

CONTD IN NEXT POST

What remained certainly unchanged were Jodha and her silence. Though an occasional look from her did provoke inflamed passions in his heart and Jalaal 's laugh while Kartikeya babbled, still drew Jodha as a magnet towards him yet she chose to be adamant-in fact nickel plated. What had changed was her increased comfort with his presence. She could now comfortably sit together near him and feed him with her own hands . Jalaal's lips would gently brush her fingers and sometimes knowingly he would press a little harder making her shiver but the silence between them as so thick that it could be cut with a knife. She ordered fresh flowers every day, the jasmines which she always loved. Afternoons were bliss, she would sit by his side and spread out the game of dice along with Kartikeya and there was mirth and frolic everywhere. Occasionally she would forget everything and giggle happily while winning which would bring a twinkle in Jalaal's crystalline eyes and fill his heart with abounding happiness .Though her face used to harden realizing the look on his face yet these tiny accessible pleasures increasing day by day did bring a smile to his face.He would dose off quite soon tired ,he slept under the intermittent breeze of fan which Jodha would waft near his forehead and refreshing drinks of khus ,lemon and limes by his sides to relinquish his parched throat while his afternoon nap broke .Evenings she would support him and take him out towards the corridor and make him sit on the swing . Jalaal sometimes would not listen and would want to walk about but certain things had changed now. Squeezing her eyes she would stop him with authority and she was never denied. Jalaal would chuckle at her arguments and used to be equally amused by the cat and dog fights between the brother sisters duo. Sometimes she would debate with him, proving her prowess as an intellectual . Jalaal's chest swelled with pride and his eyes remained unblinked in awe. His wife was no ordinary woman and he knew it from day one. Nature had endowed her with a piercing wit, versatile temper and a quick understanding... Sometimes he would grumble with restlessness and boredom only to be calmed by her holding his hands and taking him for a leisurely stroll in the garden. FINGERS LOCKED, WORDS UNSAID, yet hearts connected, she would hold him firmly as the scent of the fresh air would fill his lungs they walked hand in hand not looking at each other but his strong hold would give Jodha an unknown sense of security and gratification. Sometimes she would sit with her sitar, to kill his boredom. Music would float as her slick fingers would slip on the strings of sitar. Jalaal's hands would unconsciously reach for his flute and play in harmony with her rolling in an ineffable ocean of joy. Evenings she would light the lamps and sing bhajans sitting near him. Life was never such bliss for Jalaal. She would spread out the betel leaf, sprinkle gulkand, fennel, cardamom, apricot finely chopped with her own hands and dash it with a pinch of tobacco and cloves and finally wrapping it in the sheets of silver foil would stuff the juicy feast in his mouth and stuffed one in hers after meals.

His nights were a bit lonely which would sting him and make him restless. He would occasionally look at her curled up in the corner of the room sitting near the window only to find her embroidering ,working with the fine silks of gold and silver on the finest transparent tissues. She would be so engrossed in her task which sometimes irritated him. How could she just embroider after robbing his peace of mind? But then Jodha always knew he was watching. Whenever he was near, she could easily feel him around. Her heart sensed his presence. He would pull her every night calling her. She would silently comply but before lying beside him fed him with opium balls mixed with jaggery, cashews and with a dash of marijuana sprinkled with coconut in a filigreed bowl 'This was a part of his medicine every night. He would scrunch his nose eat it half-heartedly and would pull her closer to him. Jodha would stiffen at his touch as he would try to fondle her with shivering hands, but a few minutes and he would doze off to sleep leaving her relieved .No matter how much she tried, even in his sleep he would hold on tightly to her. His sweet breath always laced her neck and Jodha would be baffled by the butterflies fluttering their wings in her stomach. Such was the extent of her madness that she occasionally tried to feel his face in the darkness, but the moment her steps led her towards him, all the hazy recollections of his past bristling temper, his harsh words and her father's face ripped her apart making her sink back to cavernous gloom from where her future appeared nothing but a huge black hole-BLEAK AND LONELY. But then why did she dress up like his wife when she did not consider him her own. No matter how much she detested him, she never forgot to smear her forehead with a dazzling bright red sindoor and the beautiful glass shining adorned her wrists. Sometimes she wondered how someone can lose count of days and nights. What she certainly wondered is why on earth she had to come across his path. And above all she still wondered that even with the silence existing during the nights, still she could still feel him talking to her through his eyes which yearned for her love. One look from her they twinkled, one frown on her face, they brimmed with tears, one giggle from her and they darkened with mischief and one touch of her hands they burned with passion. She us sighed heavily as she now felt that this place which had been no less than a cage was closer to her now. Something's had changed for sure. She would lie next to him each day and he would play with her fingers, ruffle her hair, and try to touch her but finally would doze off due to the effects of narcotics and sleep with his face buried near her bosom cuddled up like baby wanting to be loved by her. Sometimes he would wake up every night groaning in pain as his legs and body ached, Jodha was always by his side, her tiny hands comforting him and pressing his hands and feet lulling him to sleep in comfort and relaxation. When he used to pull her closer ,The words of her mother stabbed her. She recalled her sermons. But how was she to surrender herself to a man who killed her father. She used to recall how as a teen ,her education did incorporate some skills on how to make a man happy with her seductive skills. In her teens she would giggle when the finest Amer courtesan used to teach her the art of seduction. Little did she knew that when it was actually the time to put all her skills in practice, she would feel nothing at all. Her greatest fear was to be blown away like a dry leaf with the gusts of his passion. She did all her duties with a fierce loyalty catering to all his needs except one. What she could not give to him was her whole being. Despite how much she tried to ,but still her unconscious resistance always caged her heart. She was surely being a dutiful wife ,nothing more, then why in her heart brewed an unknown emotion, as tiny as the spring breeze leavening the hard fibres of her heart. She would open the pages and scribble with the feather dipped in ink..Something's had terribly changed for sure'.

The afternoon was terribly suffocating. Jalaal gave a shrill cry waking up from his afternoon nap .His eyes searched for Jodha but she was nowhere. Gulping the refreshing khus sharbat from an etched silver chalice kept beside him, he wiped off the pool of sweat which had dampened his whole body. The bandages had gone, only fine lines reminding the attack of him were visible on his body now. It will be Holi in 2 days from now.He had slept after a game of dice and as the day had crawled by, it had become brazenly hot, and even every breath was an effort. Throwing away his silver sheet he walked outside to get some fresh air .The huge courtyard right outside his room was an absolute delectable sight for him. He screamed with joy, Kartikeya clapping his hands and shooting an arrow, aiming for an apple kept away and splitting it into two halves, "Dekha Kunwarisa hum jeet jayenge'Jija sa ne humein kitni achi teerandazi sikhayi hai hai Na'"

Jodha tied her chunar around her waist tightly and biting her lips ,rolled her eyes, Abhi humari bari baki hai'",Teasing Kartikeya her body became tense . Jalaal walked towards her mesmerized as he saw her body arching up with the huge golden bow .Her eyes narrowed her dextral fingers aimed for her shot ,another apple and tried hard to concentrate but suddenly she was stopped dead in her track ,the known pair of muscular arms and the strong fragrance of musk filled her lungs, his breaths tickled near her ear. Jalaal slipped his hands from behind and whispered in her ears, the cardamom laced breath giving her an oily feeling near her ears,"Aise nahi rajkumari'Thoda aur jhukke aur nazar ekdum nishane par'",his rough fingers touched her shoulders slipping them all along her back and straightening her up a bit sending a chill down her spine.Jodha gulped a huge lump in her throat and tilted her head to look at him. He grinned, his eyes darkening with mischief. It was a knowing grin, slow insistent and compelling. Jodha looked at him as he chuckled, "Humein nahi apne nishane ko dekhiye,"he cupped her face making her pulse leap and turning it towards her aim. Kartikeya frowned nodding his head.

Holding her hands making every cell of her body tense, he released her arrow slowly and it hit the apple splitting right into two halves. Jodha smiled triumphantly as Kartikeya stomped his foot and sulked,"Nahi Jija sa apne Kunwarisa ko kyun jitaya'jayiye hum apse baat nahi karenge", He just ran away sulking. Jalaal smiled sheepishly and whispered near her ears,"Ise kehte hain teer sahi nishane pe lagana...lag gaya na Jodha..aap samajh rahi hai na hum kya keh rahe hain'"He looked at her nervous and trembling lips playfully and grinned ,his hands slipped touching her arms and brushing her waist making her tingle in the best possible way.He winked at her and walked away picking up the apple and munching it .He stopped for a second and turned around. His beautiful set of perfect white ivory teeth half opened through his mouth into the most bewitching smile she had ever seen in her life. He winked at her ,"Aur waise bhi holi ane wali hai aur ab hum theek bhi ho gaye hain,haqeem ne ab dawa lene se bhi mana kar diya hai'Holi Mubarak ho Jodha'"Smiling slyly he walked away leaving Jodha frozen with fear.

The canvas of the sky was painted the sprays of orange and purple,the sun had begun setting in.Jodha walked towards the temple carrying her basket of jasmine flowers for her evening prayer. Her soft feet padded on the marble pavement from the garden towards the temple where the bells had already started ringing and brandished torches were lightened whose flames leapt up .Her feet stopped suddenly, her heart throbbed as the sight in front of her made her spell bound. She smirked for a while as she saw Kartikeya and Jalaal playing with Meera and Govind.No matter how much Kartikeya cribbed but the fact was he could not even live without his jija sa even for a moment.Kartikeya ran wild behind the peacocks and Jalaal sprinkled wheat grains around scattering the air with dust and particles. His strong frame hurled in air and numerous pigeons fluttered around him. Jodha forgot to breathe as he saw one of the pigeons perching on his shoulder and his hands caressed it stroking it gently with his fingers, his lips pecking and hurling it in the air as it fluttered its wings in the dusky sky The tonic air wafted his hair on his shoulders .Jodha's breath got almost trapped in her lungs. . Being captivated by the charms of someone set to ruin you is a far more dangerous path ,one that could lead to limitless horizons. It is the way of love. She wanted to move away but the vision had chained her feet. She stood there admiring him rooted to her spot. He was a handsome boy ,Jodha nodded her head to remind herself, a handsome man now.

Suddenly something terrible happened Jalaal turned around and Jodha was caught like a deer caught in headlights. She was startled so much that in her quest to run away ,she slipped the basket flew in air and within seconds she splashed in a pool of water in the nearby fountain. Jalaal was terrified and he ran towards her only to be amused seeing her. The swans in the pool gaggled fluttering their wings and she was drenched in water from tip to toe ,her mouth gaping like a fish terrified.

"Isiliye humne kaha tha apse yun luka chupi theek nahi ..",He giggled making her embarrassed as she hesitantly placed her hands on his and he pulled her outside. The water slided from her body spreading on the marble pavement and she misbalanced again clutching on to him hard. Jalaal viewed her shivering frame as she blabbered, "WWO wwo hum humeinhm'",Jodha could not exactly find any words or lame excuse to justify her furtive glances . Jalaal looked at her arms were as white as marble and he suddenly felt shy touching them. Jodha looked in his eyes 'eyes which were clear brown like the glistening honey shining under the rays of the orange sun. They were his mother's eyes. The same, like the portrait which hung in her room. It was the same portrait which she had seen Jalaal talking to several times in loneliness. She was lost in those eyes. Jalaal almost drooled at her wet frame almost ignoring her blabber. Jodha felt nervous sensing his eyes all over her .He felt hungry parched wanting to devour her like a voracious wolf. Jodha quickly parted from him and ran away leaving Jalaal in a spell. That night Jalaal almost fell over his bed rolling in laughter and amusement watching her antics. Feeling almost better after his post dinner stroll , Jalaal had entered his room only to be startled, the transition was turned back. Jodha almost buried herself in silken sheets curled up like ball and shut her eyes tightly pretending to sleep. Jalaal was amused and thrilled ,his medicines were over and he felt fresh. Clearing his throat he called out her name to come to him but she ignored. He chuckled and walked towards her and placed his hands on her forehead trying to wake her up. But she mumbled, "Humein bahut neend aa rahi hai'.",she turned around and curled herself more. Jalaal nodded his head in amusement sighed a bit and gulping a huge glass of water and walked back to his bed frowning. Later that night he cursed himself for getting well so soon. At least when he was ill, she was there by his side.

She laid down his mojris in front of him. The firm feet rose and slipped into the royal embellished one. She stood up and with the ruby studded amulet in her hands glanced at his face, her fingers tying it around his muscular arm.Fixing his turban and adorning it with the rarest emerald green plume and studded with a ruby pin, Jodha's temperament was a bit high strung this morning. She could not take off her eyes from him as Jalaal stood in front of the mirror after day's .After all he was going to resume his duties after being hale and hearty. He smiled and nodded at his lovely wife, who had off late been around him. He was dressed immaculately as a royal prince, his face grave with responsibility. And his manner was impeccable. Jodha almost flipped bawled over by his charms. Her heart had started to warmify to him every now and then 'waxing and waning 'This moment was certainly one of them. Jalaal was ready about to walk away ,when she suddenly held his hand with authority and made him sit .Taking the long silver stem from the surma bottle she applied a fine line in his eyes and placed a small dot behind his delicate ears. Jalaal chuckled, "Aap bhi bahut anadhavishwasi hain'"

To which she only replied shyly ,"Aaap abhi to theek hue hain..hum nahi chate hain ki humari hi nazar'"Jodha stopped and chewed her words realizing what was she about to utter and took a few steps backward. Jalaal tilted his head in amusement and taking the remaining step forward and leaning near her ears whispered gently, "So to hai aap yun hi humein har samay niharti rahengi to nazar to lag hi jayegi na'.",He smiled one of his evil smiles and walked away leaving Jodha's cheeks flushing with embarrassment and shock .

The firm feet ,the resolute steps walked through the marble pavement.His head held high, chest firm with the usual royal mannerism ,his zardozi embroidered kaftan swirling with his pompous gait. Prince Jalaal walked towards his royal court after days of seclusion and rest. The morning sun rays bathed him making all the jewels studded in his robe dazzle resplendently. The pearly linings around his neck were bouncing with his swagger. The marble corridor gave way to the garden. Jalaal was feeling excited again. Accompanied by his guards straightened, alert and walking behind him, Jalaal looked at the tall branches of various trees swaying with the gusts of fresh air. Suddenly his feet stopped. They were ripe .There were hanging jauntily from the branches. The pulpy sour mangoes .The blossoms had gone and now the fruits hung loosely.His heart beamed with utmost joy ' a sheer ecstasy gripped him. His lovely wife would bubble with excitement seeing those mangoes. The faint memories of an enthusiastic Jodha years ago climbing on the branches of the mango tree and relishing them swam before his eyes and his eyes glimmered with hope and happiness. As if caught in a spell , Jalaal ran towards the tree and was about to climb it when one of his guards interrupted, "aap kyun taqleef kar rahe hain hum'"

"Nahi..",He commanded while struggling to climb the tree .How could he give away. The unabated pleasure of hand-picking mangoes for his Jodha to anyone else. Happily he stepped on the trunk leaving everyone baffled and moreover amused.

She stepped inside the marble carved hexagonal pool, attached to her room, her royal bath was ready. The petals of jasmine and roses swam on the scented rose water slightly lukewarm. Her silken red robe bunched near her feet as she submerged herself soaking herself in the warm delightful water. She delicately detangled her wet soft curls opening them and swirling them in water while the maids applied sandalwood and jasmine root ubtan on her already shining skin polishing it with gentle hands. Jodha closed her eyes resting and relaxing. .She had faint visions of her night's blabbering to Jalaal where she had feigned sleep. During her bath ,As the warm water from the shower drizzled ,washing off ubtan from her body. She could fell everything right in front of her eyes. His warmth, his coy smile, his desires ,his pun intended words. Everything elated her .Jodha was drugged for a few seconds but the realization of her heart set her mind racing at a high alert speed. She mumbled shaking off her head, "Yeh hum kya soch rahe hain'Hum aisa kaise soch sakte hain'",A fine tear drop misted her eyes as she fought with those conflicting passions brewing in her heart.

He ran as fast as his could.His being was possessed by Jodha. The magoes bunched up between his palms and the wave of excitement sweeping him off his feet. She will be delighted to see them. He was supposed to go to the royal court, but then who cares, the propelling force of watching Jodha's smiling face tempted him madly and he opened the door of his room. The commotion occurred ,the maids on guard pulled their veils and murmured trying to stop him as the prince looked around. One of them summoned up courage, "Wo rajkumari snana..",Her words were left almost unheard ,uncared for as Jalaal ran towards the bath ,the maids giggled some chirped and whispering in hushed tones quickly ran outside lowering the curtains.

"Yeh dekhiye hum aapke liye kya laye hain..",The childlike yearning and glee bubbled itself from Jalaal's over enthusiastic voice as he extended those mangoes in front of a petrified Jodha who pulled the robe burying herself neck down in the pool . Jalaal sat on the marble railing and as if not noticing where he was his only focus was on Jodha's face which certainly did light up for a fraction of a second seeing those raw mangoes as an ecstatic squeal escaped her mouth, "Aap ko kaise pata..",But her words died a slow death and she turned away from him trying to cover herself with the robe which was not wet hide beneath the water and murmured, "Aap ..apko abhas nahi hum snana kar rahe hain. Jayiye yahan se'."

Jalaal jolted back from his stupor and looked around carefully and then at her. A sudden awkwardness gripped him , the flamboyant prince's cheeks turned red and he quickly lowered his gaze and stood there frozen for a second soaking in the delightful sight which he just witnessed.

Jodha cleared her throat trying hard not to look at him, "Jayiye ab..aise kya baithein hain'.",Her heart almost threating to jump out in fear.

Jalaal stuttered, "Hain'hmm'hum hum'.",Nodding his head confused he walked out hurriedly and Jodha breathed out the breath trapped in her lungs still clutching on to the robe.

Jalaal placed the mangoes on the dressing table studded with conch and cowrie shells and was about to walk out when suddenly he glanced at his reflection and realized that his robe had been torn off at places and soiled with nettles and dust while he was plucking the mangoes. He dusted it off and removed it cleaning his bosom with a silken cloth .Suddenly his eyes froze at the reflection and tinkling of anklets as he saw Jodha wrapped in a silk red wet robe walking hurriedly towards a wooden facade unaware ofJalaal's presence. His throat went dry as he glanced at the reflection clear in the mirror. The robe of Jodha fell at her feet and Jalaal almost forgot to breathe. . .He was so startled that he quickly lowered his eyes, confusing himself, but within seconds like he could not resist his temptation to look at her, he hesitantly lifted his eyes and finally stared at her petite frame and smooth skin in wonder. As he admired her in the mirror, Jodha gently slipped into a lehenga quickly Jalaal felt doomed. She was again dressed in red'The color which made made his heart swell with happiness. The color which finely matched the crimson hue of her cheeks. As if by impulse beyond his control, his feet were unstoppable now.He could not resist himself anymore now. The object of his fascination was right in front of him vulnerable and unarmed. He had neither the will nor the ability to resist himself anymore. With a throbbing heart and untamed breath he walked towards her .Jodha veiled her dupatta around herself , was about to walk towards the dressing table when she collided with Jalaal and was shocked. "Aap ..aap abhi tak'",Her voice quivered looking at his eyes-wolfish and burning with passion. Staring at her wonderful eyes which had widened in shock and nervousness. Eyes like the diamonds of fire, hair the deep shade of a dusky auburn ,eyes long and disquieting with their troubled directness of gaze. Face haughty and bold .They exchanged a silent conversation and suddenly Jodha lowered her eyes trying to act indifferent walking away when she almost was stopped dead in her tracks. The corner of her chunar was in the hands of the prince who smiled sheepishly. Jodha was horrified and even before she knew the world went rolling around her, the pull of the chunar twirled her and Jalaal caged her in his arms. She struggled trying to part from , "Yeh kya kar rahe hain aap chodiye humein'Jane dijiye .",the desperation in her voice grew as her face became pale. But her pleas fell on deaf ears , he pressed her to his bosom and kissed her between the eyes making her dumb with shock

"aap '",within seconds to her horror, Jalaal leaned forward and placed his soft warm lips on her shoulder. A sudden current passed through her as she shuddered while his lips traveled upwards towards the curve of her neck.

Jodha gasped and whimpered, "Jane dijiye humein apse vinti karte hain chor dijiye"

"Theek hai jane dete hain'",His husky voice reached her ears and he suddenly pushed her back .Jodha opened her eyes to sigh in relief but his smirk made her freeze.Her chunar was now bunched in his hands which he threw away and winked at her naughtily. Jodha felt as if she had been struck by lightning and she quickly covered her bosom with her hands but he did not budge. His passionate gaze shuddered her as she nervously trembled every passing second, his feet moving towards her direction.

" app'",She turned her face away from his gaze but he dived into her pushing her against the wall her back towards him .He slowly removed her long hairs away and his trembling hands touched her back making her fingers claw against the wall. She muttered, "Humein jane dijiye'". She froze with fear, nervousness but Why her tiny heart was fluttering, she was unable to comprehend. Why her heart melted when he touched her with his fingers untying the threads of her bodice, she was really unsure. The touch thrilled her so much ,that she became completely oblivious to any sort of logic. Touching her with his lips on her back he grew impatient. His hands gently moved through her hair. She was thrilled to the touch. Gasping for breath ,she turned around placing her hand on his bosom and tried to stop him, "Humein ..hum'Jane'",but his intense gaze pierced her as he touched her curves with his eyes. Horrified she again covered herself with her hands and looked away . Moving closer Jalaal whispered sweet nothings while his eyes lingered on each and every detail of her face. This set Jodha's desires on fire. But she was not ready to give up. Jalaal was lost ,stunned ,dazed and he moved his face a little towards left brushing her cheeks with his unkempt stubble . Jalaal smirked and clasped her wrists and harshly removed them pining her against the wall and ducked his head trying to kiss her but she turned her face away in desperation and mumbled, "Humein jane dijiye'."

Suddenly his grip became lose and Jalaal stepped back gritting his teeth and harshly grabbed her tying the strings back and covered her with the chunar , "Jayiye jane diya Ab to ap khush hain'"fuming, he walked towards the dressing table .Jodha was petrified as he said nothing but threw away everything on the floor in anger trying hard to control the frustration .The silver chalice on fell on the floor echoing the room in its smothered bass and Jodha saw him fuming and his eyes bloodshot. A sudden fear gripped her as her mother's words struck her.

Horror paralyzed her limbs as she saw Jalaal angry and sulking as he opened a chest and threw away clothes in anger searching for a new kurta. Jodha stared at him frozen like a statue. Her mind raced furiously trying to understand what her life wanted from her. He was the one whom she had accepted in marriage and the fate of her family and her people were in his hands. Life meant moving on. It cannot continue with a sense of fear submerging it ,she reflected .Her mother's words, Jalaal's anger ,Kartikeya's future all emerged like a storm threatening to tear her apart. She had to decide and NOW WAS THE TIME. The burden was on her shoulders .The choices women make were never easy and this one certainly was not. She made up her mind. Wiping off the tear ,which rolled down her cheeks ,she breathed heavily as she saw Jalaal wearing a kurta and he was about to button it and walk away when suddenly Jodha ran and pulled the kurta back making it fall on the floor . She then came to him slowly and embraced him from behind tying him in her passionate arms and brushed her lips on his back, "Humein yun adhura chor k mat jayie..humein kshama kar dijiye..yun humein chor k mat jayiye..". Jalaal's heartbeat stopped as her touch made him dizzy .The shock of her surrender was too much for him to bear 'so unbelievable that it took him seconds to sink in the feeling. He turned around fluttering his eyelids and muttered, "Iski koi zarurat nahi hai aapp par koi dabav nahi'",but his words were hushed by her soft palms. When she heard him speak, she rose to him and embraced him and began to kiss him between his eyes and pressed him against her bosom. Jalaal was delighted and shocked .A new wave of thrill swept him and her embrace choked him with joy. He rejoiced exceedingly and taking her by her hand ,he WANTED TO TELL HER THAT HE LOVED HER MADLY but she freed her hand and walked away towards the door, her pert bottom swaying with each step, leaving him baffled-craving for more .Jodha took a few steps and closed the door and locking it sighing heavily. Recalling everything she had learnt ,with her back still towards Jalaal.She held her long tresses and coiled the around her hand and tied them in a bun. Within a few seconds ,she threw away her chunar on the floor exposing her back . Jalaal's breath stopped at her gesture. His eyes wide apart and his heart hammering beneath his bosom. She stood there with her face turned in half profile, and glanced at him with a seductive smile .She wore a small choli covering her bosom and the lehenga studded with rubies and pearls., her waist bare between the two. His breath wedged in his chest as her hand touched the bodice, her fingers undoing the strings one after the other at a time sliding on the mekhla silk.

Jalaal's head reeled in sweeping passion dumbstruck looking at her.

She giggled and seductively and said in a flirtatious tone, "Kya hua bas yun hi niharenge humein ya'.",stopping she walked towards the side table where dressed pans were kept ,she took one and stuffed it in her mouth and smiled seductively . She was just like the rose ,to be crushed against his bosom, a rose to wither .The thorns pricked at her heart but never touched her face. She will make him happy and let him own her. She had taken the decision. Jalaal refused to believe what he saw and was in the orgy of his mental intoxication .He ran towards her and crushed her in his arms. Jodha embraced him back, her clawed fingers stroked his bare back and dug her nails sending him into throes of ecstasy .Jalaal was amazed thrilled to be precise. The temptress drew him to the verge of insanity .The shy hesitant, docile wife transformed herself seamlessly into an enigmatic seductress. Jalaal laced his fingers in her bun and let them loose whispering near her ears, "Ap khule balon mein jyada achi lagti hai'". Her bare back was swathed with the cascading darkness of the lengths of her hair. As Jalaal twirled her back and rained kissed all over her back untying the final strings letting the garment slip as he stripped it off her shoulders, his rough hands trying to touch her curves. A moaning cry escaped her lips as he caught her in a wild embrace throwing it away on the floor. Jodha parted from him ,her hair across her shoulder covered her bosom and she covered it further with her hands. Her cheeks grew hot with a wildly beating heart she turned and ran towards the bed. Grabbing a bountiful of juhi flowers from the vase she spread them on the bed .Coolness flitted over her skin as the breeze swept her hair and she turned around and nodded her head inviting the prince, "Kyun ab yun hi khade rahenge kya..". Surprise and amusement lit in quick succession over Jalaal's face as he saw her fall on the bed bunching the sheets in her hands her face buried in the pillow trembling ,her feet curled up near her bosom .Jodha was now nervous. She had put all her skills to use but fear gripped her as she heard his swaggering footsteps towards her .Pulling her feet closer to him ,he leaned over her and caressed her cheeks .He was close to her close enough to smell her, close enough to touch her, to smell the freshness of juhis which she had bathed in. She did not look at him, her lower lips trembled and she tightly shut her eyes her hands and hair still covering her bosom. Her skin laced in sweat. All her bravado ,all her skills seemed to have fled as she timidly trembled. The languorous glances grew petrified and the seductive twist of her waist gave way to a diminutive quiver. Her body shook convulsively as she silently waited for her fate. She lay there with a docility of a tamed fawn in his arms. Suddenly she felt as if she was in air swinging in his arms. She opened her eyes in shock realizing that he was taking her somewhere away from the bed. Jodha tried to construe the look in his eyes and within seconds he gently laid her on her couch surprising her. He sat beside her and whispered gently kissing her cheeks, "Yeh jagah apko bahut pasand hai na'.",Saying this his hands moved towards the string of the curtain and it fell barring the sunlight from falling on her face. Sweat began to pool damply beneath her hair. Her head was brushing against the velvet pillow. Jalaal kissed her forehead and whispered gently , "Is khoobsurat pal k liye aap ka Shukriya Jodha.."

His words shook Jodha as she recalled her mother's words, "Aaap ko Jalaal ko apne vash mein karna hi hoga..".Jodha breathed deeply and hardened herself .Her honour was her priciest possession 'a symbol of her self-respect ,but now she had to crush it ripping her soul ,laying herself bare in the hands of the same man who stabbed her father and stole everything from her. Only this thing was left with her which she finally decided to surrender him too.

Jalaal stared at her ,his dream of many years lied bare almost unclothed in his arms, skin still raw ,eyes still pure and lips still untouched. She was just the same when he had seen her first years ago, but her face was fresher ,devoid of any artificiality. Clean ,pure ,unalloyed, not a piece of jeweler was on her body except her nose pin and mangalsutra and her anklets which tinkled as she writhed in his grip. She was as beautiful as the moon and as graceful as the myriad of stars. Their eyes met and though no one spoke a word, love thrilled along a single glance. Jalaal was unsure ,unsure of what need to be said or done but in his desperation he brushed his lips against hers. Sweat dotted his forehead as he was clueless how to hold her. But shock paralyzed him as Jodha kissed him back ,her skill unmatched ,her lips tying him to her. Jalaal was taken aback when ,her nails dug deep in his shoulders making him almost flip with her seduction. He instantly fell more in love with her ,a completely changed Jodha was she now. There was no innocence ,but the shy demure bride was now a wild vixen making Jalaal nervous. He was pleasantly amused .the more he thought he knew her, every moment she surprised him and today the shock was just SURREAL!! Their lips met in an entanglement of passion .The sweet breath of Jodha with cardamom and betel leaf mixed with his. Jalaal almost forgot to breathe and his mind went dizzy. He looked at her, her hands and hair still barring her from him. He brushed aside her curls and kissed her palms. Her hands slipped and now he could see her in full splendor. He caught her in the wildest embrace and she wobbled in ecstasy. His musk attar intoxicated her and his brushing stubble made her loose her senses. Jodha closed her eyes as a sudden current passed through her making her shudder giving her Goosebumps all over her body. Her surrender made Jalaal 's ego bloat with pride and triumph. Jalaal parted from Jodha and caressed her whole BEING brushing each and every curve with the back of his palms making her shudder with tingling sensation. She breathed heavily and her bosom heaved up and down with torpid passion. Jalaal had held his feelings long enough. How much he had yearned for her in the last 5 years only his heart aching with desire knew. His impatient cravings took form of his gestures and he was intoxicated and possessed by the crushing force of love. Jodha held him back as the kiss deepened increasing in intensity and fervor. Unlike before, somehow she did not want to hate him. She was breathing heavily as he marked his presence everywhere raining kisses. Her defenses gave up .Though she was in the notion of doing all this as a part of her sacrifice but only she herself knew that she was floating in ecstasy enjoying the overtly passionate love of an otherwise gentle prince. He clutched her hair and kissed her .His trembling hands brushed her waist and loosened the tie of her lehenga when Jodha suddenly opened her eyes in shock. What was she doing ,she was enjoying feeling and soaking herself in his love. Her thoughts made her cringe. She was floating away in her surrender .It was meant to be only her body but she somehow had surrendered her heart. She wanted to slap herself. Her hands slipped and became cold, her body froze and coldness made her shiver. Jalaal opened his eyes realizing her coldness. He parted from her and looked confused. Jodha pushed him aside and sat lifeless. Silence ensued for a few seconds as both sat confused. Jalaal pulled her again in his arms and kissed her cheeks, "Kya baat hai'" His eyes were fixed upon her as he saw in them an expression which were neither horror nor disapproval nor terrified, nor love , no sentiments at all. She stared at him blankly.

Jalaal was flabber gasted fearing he had scared her. He quickly covered her with a sheet and gently ruffled her hair trying to calm her. Jodha stood there like a statue and wrapping the sheets around her walked a few steps away and turned her face away. Jalaal sat there for a few minutes trying hard to control his rapid heartbeat. He rose up and crushed her in his arms from behind, "ab humse intezaar nahi hota aap kab tak yun hi'humein aur mat tadpayiye'..",Saying this he turned her around and to his horror ,he saw her eyes brimmed with tears rolling all over her face and a look that she loathed his touch.He was perturbed and he questioned, "Apko koi kashta hai? kya baat hai rajkumari..aap humein ab bhi pasand nahi karti ya phir kuch aur baat hai' humein batayiye hum Shauhar hain apke.. aap ke dil ko hum nahi samjhenge to aur kaun samjhega batayiye ..apke man mein kya chal raha hai'."

Silence ensued for a few moments as Jodha said nothing but fell on the floor and wept bitterly. Jalaal was horrified and her silence killed him .He kneeled down and held her chin firmly, "Apki pareshani kya hai Jodha'.."

Silence and more silence as Jodha said nothing but kept on weeping. Jalaal was annoyed and irritated .His helplessness to stop her tears made him mad with anger and he yelled grabbing her shoulders making her stand up as he shook her violently, "Aaap batati kyun nahi ki aap k man mein kya chal raha hai han'.Boliye chup mat rahiye'."

Jodha did not say anything but kept on sobbing.A sharp stinging pain made Jalaal's heart wince. He tightened his jaws and threw away a flower vase on the floor pacing up and down the room in anger. He moved back to her and grabbed her arms,"Aaaj aap chup nahi rahengi Jodha aaj aapko batana hi padega ki akhir aisi kaun si wajah hai jo aapko wo karne par majboor karti hain jo humein chubhta hai'akhir aisi kaun baat hai jo aapko humse dur rakhti hai batayiye Jodha ..aaj aap bolengi ..yeh humara Huqm hai boliye Jodha warna'.",He choked upon his own words trying hard not to cry.

"Warna Kya ? aapki agaya ki avhelna karne ka dand kya hoga..kya aap humein bhi maar denge jaise ki humare pita ko apne inhi hathon se mara tha'.",Jodha shot back with blazing and scornful eyes and Jalaal's hands slipped .HE WAS SHOCKED AND THE BLOOD IN HIS VEINS FROZE.