FF: Is It Hate OR Love Chapter 1 to Chapter 32

Hello Friends,

I am reposting Is it hate or Love story because the story thread is closed and also I have added many dialogues and removed Hindi dialogues. 

It's been a long I have not written anything so I have started editing the story to get some practice of writing. Lol.  

A lot of readers have asked me to continue RKG and finish this story. I will definitely continue my both story.  I am falling in love with Jodha Akbar all over again. I started to watch the serial and again I am in love with Jalal and Jodha, my Rajat and Parithi. 

Is It hate OR Love

Chapter 1

Riding through the entire night the never-ending desert, at last, they boarded at the state boundary of the Amer kingdom. As they reach their destination, the new rising sun's first beam comes down to welcome the Mughal Emperor, King of the Kings, Shahenshah E Hindustan Jalal'uddin Muhammad (Jalal). The sight was breathtaking; the faded orange glow was perfectly melting with the dark sapphire and lavender sky. The endless desert sand sparkled in the radiance of the rays. Gradually sun began to plaster over the darkness with vivid golden shades. An impious grin curved Jalal's lips, and his eyes flashed while observing the massive artistic wall of the fort and the tall, strong iron gate of the Amer entrance.

The Fifteenth Century was prepared to endorse the most significant event of the era. The moment Jalal's feet touched the Amer land, his lonely, isolated heart known to be cruel fluttered strangely and began to beat unevenly. It was like time still for the split of a second; A sudden change of feelings made King's heart restless.

While looking at Abdul, the Mughal King dusted the sand from his Royal Rajvashi clothes. "Finally, with the first shaft of the sunshine, we have touched our final destination; let's find out what fate has written for us in the Amer." In a casual tone, Jalal stated. Destiny grinned at his casual mystifying statement.

Seeing a predator grin on Jalal's face, Abdul jested in an optimistic tone, "Maybe, Amer Princess, 'A Rose of the desert' princess Jodha."

Masking his keenness, the arrogant king spoke in a blank tone, "Abdul, what we heard was surely overstated. I am not here for Amer Princess; once I conquest Amer, the princess will willingly surrender to the Mughal king. We will find out how beautiful she is?"

While his sharp-razer orbs scrutinized the Amer entrance security process, Jalal inquired in a composed voice, resting on a bench outside the border, "Abdul, did you find any noteworthy particulars about Amer King Bharmal?"

"Shahenshah, King Bharmal was crowned because of his brother's untimely death. His brother King Purnamal's Son Sujamal was too young to be crowned. Recently King Bharmal announced his son Bhagwan das as a crown prince, and Sujamal will be subordinate to Bhagwan Das, which upset prince Sujamal." Abdul informed.

"Is Sujamal competent enough to be a king?" Jalal queried further.

"Yes, very well, Shahenshah. He is a fearless and skilled warrior." Abdul confidently responded.

Earshot of King Bharamal betrayed, the horrifying the dark memories of his uncle's betrayal after his father's death oozed out; his face stiffened; Jalal asked in a thick tone, "Hmmm... King Bharmal does appear to be unfair to his nephew. When are we going to send emissaries with proclamations?"

Before any war or attack, typically, Jalal's spy troop visits that kingdom and sends a decree to surrender their kingdom to the Mughal Empire. A dependable subordinate kingdom pays all taxes to the Mughal empire. Under Jalal's commend, the Mughal dynasty successfully conquered over eighty percent of Hindustan, but the Rajput clan was not an easy target. He heard a lot about the brave Rajput reign, none of the Rajput Rajvanshi accepted his decree to surrender. Ever since he heard how Amer princess, Jodha fought and defeated Mughal's well-trained five warriors all by herself. Since then, he desired to kneel her down at his feet.

Consequently, Out of many Rajput kingdoms, his first target was the Amer kingdom. Every time Jalal heard Amer and Jodha, he felt an indefinite connection. He was confused and surprised why every time, her name makes his heart restless. This mysterious feeling brought this heartless King to Amer.

"In two days, they will receive decree from the Mughal Empire," Abdul confirmed after a pause he hesitantly stated in an anxious voice, "Shahenshah, it is too dangerous to visit the kingdom just two of us.

His sharp-razer eyes lingered over Abdul, seeing his shadow's top most trusted warrior's petrified trepidation, a stern scowl creased his brow with disappointment. Jalal soon controlled his fury and responded in a poised manner, "Abdul, I can handle the entire Army single-handed; you have seen me on Warfield for years. If you are petrified, then leave; I don't want weaklings to accompany me."

Jalal's calm demeanor & words frozen Abdul for a moment; he replied with confidence, "Jalal, I have known you from my childhood, and you relish dangerous challenges, and your security is my prime concern. I am well aware of your unbeatable warrior skill. At Warfield, you are indestructible. I am not weakling or petrified; I would proudly die fighting for your protection. I questioned because logically, it doesn't make sense; our Army is way more prominent and enormous than Amer. We can defeat Amer with only one-tenth of our Army within a day, then why you want to take such a grave risk. If, by chance, if they captured you, then we lose without any fight."

Jalal grinned, seeing his childhood pal's fiery retort at his word petrified. In a content tone, he responded, "Abdul, you do valid reason to question; I do love to take the risk, but I am not foolish. I am here personally because I want to rule on the entire Hindustan, and only this Rajput clan is an obstacle. Today almost every Rajput King is coming to Amer to attend the Ghangor festival fair. I want to measure their strength, their culture, and their skill before I pounce on them. When I heard Princess Jodha defeated my five-strong warriors single-handed, I decided to see this clan's bravery with my own eyes. I don't want to underestimate their strength, and if all of this Rajvanshi gathered, they could defeat me."

"Jalal, your bravery and long vision have taken the Mughal Dynasty to this height. I bow down to my Shahenshah." Abdul praised while beholding his gaze.

To hide his identity, Jalal disguised himself as a Hindu prince and Abdul as his worker. Due to the festival, they were able to enter the kingdom without any hitch.

It was the Ghangor festival's time; Ghangor was one of the biggest festivals in the Amer. Many Rajput Rajvanshi Kings and Princes come to take part in this grand celebration from different states and villages at this festival. The entire surrounding looked colorful and lively; happiness was visible in the aura. Everyone seemed excited and was enjoying this celebration. The most exciting part of the fair was the many types of races and contests. There were big markets, games, camps, food stalls, music, drama, dance, fun activities for kids, and many more things.

As per the plan, Jalal sends Abdul on a mission to collect confidential financial information and a detailed Amer Palace map. Jalal was supposed to meet Abdul behind the palace courtyard.

Meanwhile, he decided to attend the fair to see the state's culture, market, and warriors' strength.

At first sight, Jalal got impressed seeing well-organized arrangements and preparations. He strolled around to see the maturation of the market & the richness of Amer. Then he walked by competition camps to consider how potent are the soldiers of Amer. He was stunned to see how disciplined and systematic these competitions were taking place. The attendee expressed love and esteem for their land before they entered; they crouched down to their ground. While fighting, all participants were following rules and respecting other fighters. There were forty arcades of different competitions. People were expressing their various talents, artistry, and expertise in different areas.

Jalal halted at the sword fight area; he wanted to see Rajput sword techniques. There were eight grounds assigned for the sword contest. Jalal devoted more than one hour to his preferred sword skill; he observed more than thirty warriors competing boldly with discipline. The sword was not a weapon to him, but it was part of his body. It was difficult for him to watch and not participate. While strolling one by one ground, he reached the last cornered ground.

Two sword fighters were competing. One of the challengers wearing a white outfit looked very different from others; his face was covered up, petite, delicate frame, and rounded bosom. He looked oddly a warrior, but his skill fascinated him. This challenger's flexibility, moves, and quickness impressed him, which is the most significant in a sword fight, and his petite figure was helping him move faster than all of them. The way he ducked and crouched was remarkable, as if his body made out of rubber and spring. He was in the top rank, winning; he defeated three soldiers one by one in no time. In the end, the announcer declared him as a winner and asked the group, "If anyone wants to challenge this brave fighter or he will move into the final round."

Jalal didn't want to take part since there was a probability for his identity to become discovered. He kept quiet for a while, but then again, the announcer quizzically asked the viewer, "So no one can defeat this brave soldier here?" Jalal couldn't hold himself longer, and Winning is everything to him, so he decided to take the risk.

In that century, Jalal was one of the best sword fighters in entire Hindustan. He was not only skilled but well trained and well-practiced. Half of his life spent on Warfield, and his relentless sword killed thousands without a single hitch. He needed only one minute to defeat the warrior.

Jalal haughtily declared, "I am ready to challenge this fighter, and I would enjoy displaying a real sword fight." He gazed at the opponent's doe-like big girly eyes and grimaced sarcastically.

Jalal climbed the pole with boldness and entered the contest area; the opponent fighter slightly grinned, but as soon his eyes met with Jalal, he got stuck in his place like he's been hypnotized.

Jalal felt weird how his opponent stared at him. Jalal warned the warrior, "Ready," His opponent realized right away with the first attempt that Jalal is not an ordinary fighter; he put all of his effort to win this competition. They fought for about ten minutes with different moves and tactics. Jalal was impressed with the fighter's attacks and defense moves. Jalal fell twice, but he balanced too quickly. Jalal was only playing defense; he wanted to test the opponent's skills. He didn't want to defeat him too swiftly to hide his identity.

At last, he decided to attack and finish the fight. Swiftly he charged at the fighter with full power and strength. In one single stroke, his opponent lost complete balance and fell on the ground facing down. His covered face veil and turban came off and fell on the ground.

Jalal was about to attack again, but his sword was still in shock. What he saw couldn't believe his own eyes. A long silky beautiful hair rested on the ground, a woman in a soldier's outfit. He had never seen any women in sword fighting; this was a staggering surprise to him.

Chapter 2

Everyone in the crowd, including him, was astonished to see a woman in a sword contest. Jalal was taken back seeing women in a sword fight; women could not be in this contest. His sharp eye viewed the audience's reaction; like him, the crowd was in awe expression.

She was terrified, but fortunately, when she fell, she faced the other side of the viewers, so none of them could see her face. Her long, shiny, beautiful hair covered her back and side of her face. Before anyone could act in response, she took her cover-up in a blink of an eye, she hopped out from the contest ground. While walking at a face pace, she covered her face again.

Without wasting a second, Jalal also jumped out of the fence and quietly tracked her. The realization hit her, fear increased, grasping what could have happened if her identity was unveiled to the public. While panting noisily, she walked with haste for about ten minutes; Jalal covertly followed her, keeping enough distance. She entered in a quiet area surrounded by trees, then walked further for a few minutes, and came out towards the temple's backside, near a small pond and lonely quiet place.

It was a bright and sunny afternoon; sluggish calm winds made the atmosphere pleasant, a beautiful waterfall and a quiet river making this surrounding attractive. In deep stillness, the melodious sound of birds chirping was audible.

She paced towards the big stone near the river shore and looked around for Moti, her childhood friend and maid helper, but she reached earlier than the decided time.

Still, her doe-like innocent beautiful eyes were fluttering with fright. Her bright forehead had a deep line of stress. She never liked to stay in constraining lines drawn by her royal parents. She loved to break boundaries and go on adventurous rides, but she feared out of respect to get caught. She mumbled while looking at the sky, "You saved my day, God Krishna (Hindu God); otherwise, Masa would have killed me."

While waiting for Moti, she sat on the rock, took off her cover-up and turban, began to untie her long silky tresses. Her mind off to reminiscence the entire event. Once again, her heart skipped a bit, thinking about the brave warrior. '. Finally, after three years of winning, someone could stand against a fiery princess of Amer Jodha in a sword fight. He was not only skilled but so built; any woman would die for his one look. When he lost balance, and then the way he smirked was enchanting. Who was he? When I saw his eyes the first time, I shivered for a second as if lightning passed through me. The way he fought felt like he was not attacking me purposely but was only analyzing my skills. His quick approach and fencing method were astounding; I have not seen this type of tactic in any warrior yet. Seeing his glow on his face and magnificent personality, maybe he is a prince or a king, but I would like to see him again. His mesmerizing dark eyes, magnetic aura enchanted her.'

Jalal was still trying to see her face, but her face was on another side. He was dazed and impressed by her sword skill. He said to himself, 'whoever this girl is, I have to meet her once, who could stand against Jalal for ten minutes. No doubt, I tested her skills and didn't attack her, but her speed, moves, quickness, and sharp turns fascinated me. The average soldier cannot stand against me for more than two minutes, and she lasted for ten minutes. It was remarkable how promptly she sneaked out of the ground before anyone could think further. Whoever you are, you have impressed the Mughal King, Jalalludin Mohammad.'

Jalal awestricken with her sword fighting skills, and Jodha was captivated by his sword fighting skill and impressive royal look.

His curiosity was increasing by every second; within a minute, he ran out of his patience. With a silent step, he paced towards her.

Standing behind her, Jalal alleged sarcastically in a thick tone, "So you have accepted your defeat and ran away from the arcade." After a short pause, he added proudly, "No one can stand against me in a sword fight."

His powerful voice roused her from daydreams, arousing her anxiety of being watched; She promptly twisted towards him masking her fear with her sword on Jalal's neckline. For a moment, she was motionless. Seeing his impressive kingly look, young heart lost senses, but soon she restrained herself and snapped in a thick rowdy tone, "Do not forget true Rajvanshi don't give up easily, I rather accept to die than defeat. I do not put my sword down." Her hazel eyes sparkled with pride.

When she turned back toward him, Jalal became speechless seeing her seductive beauty; desire flared up in a flash. Her one meek gaze charmed him and utterly smitten him, he dimly murmured, ignoring her arrogant speech, "You are truly 'Registan ka Gulab, an enchanting desert rose." Without taking his eyes off her, he mumbled to himself, 'Yaa Allah, what a beauty. Her doe-like deep fiery eyes are mesmerizing and so delicate but yet powerful sharp features. Her fair spotless skin looks creamy soft. She has an innocent face, but with royal grace. Her curvy sensual figure can make any sensible man crazy for her. Out of my five thousand begums and concubine, none of them can stand against her beauty and bravery.' He utterly bemused and lost in her charm, ignoring the sword on his neck; without a blink, he stared at her lustrous face, which looked more radiant in the sun.

His constant penetrating stare made her uncomfortable and irritated. She got annoyed seeing his fearless smirk; she pushed her swords closer to his neck and furiously yelled, "Stop staring at me."

Without breaking his gaze, he asked her, "Who are you?"

Jodha cross-questioned him in a solid voice, "Who are you? And why you followed me?"

The touch of the sword on his neckline broke the beauty spell. Her arrogant voice brought a grin on his lips; he whispered in a sensual tone, "Looks like you are going to kill me without a fight."

His soft tone relaxed her; she took off the sword from his neck and asked him in a demanding tone while looking straight in his eyes, "Who are you?"

For a quick moment, he glanced at her with a mysterious gaze then responded with a peculiar tone, "I am the king of the Hindustan, and I am following you because you have amazed me with your beauty and bravery; I cannot take my eyes off you."

She chuckled bitterly for few seconds, then with an awe expression, she stated, "Ohhh...The King of the Hindustan? So, you are claiming that you are the Jalaluddin Mohammad?" substantial resentment was audible in her tone. She paused for a moment and continued in a harsher tone, "The Ruthless, cruel, womanizer, a Casanova Jalaluddin Mohammad. You didn't find anyone else to boaster. Have you ever seen yourself in the mirror? You do not look like Mughal from any angle. Suppose I had even one-ounce of doubt that you are a bloody Mughal. My sword would not have stopped at your neck." Again, she chuckled but mockingly, "Jalal will not dare to put his feet in Amer." She ended her speech with pride.

Even after hearing her thoughts about himself and Mughals, he again got charmed by her arrogant laugh. Her divine beauty utterly enchanted him.

Soon his self-condemnation echoed in his ear; he came to his real senses. His deep sharp eyes were soft, but his expression hardened. He was boiling with rage inside but kept his emotions in his control. While looking in piercing eyes, he asked in a direct tone, "Oh! Why do you think that Jalal will not dare to step in Amer?"

Naively she responded but with full of pride, "He will not even dare to think about coming to Amer; I have killed Jalal's five warriors all by myself alone. When Amer princess Jodha can kill his five soldiers alone, what will happen to him when the entire Amer's force attacks on them?" She was too gratified at herself and flaming hot while answering overconfidently to Jalal.

Seeing the pride on her face and overconfidence, he meanly grinned. "OH!!! So, you are the Amer Princess Jodha!!!" Hmmm." He smirked darkly again.

Naïve, innocent young princess Jodha realized that she has been talking to a stranger and unwittingly revealed that she is a princess. Her prideful face turned pale.

Seeing her worried face, Jalal instantly asked quizzically in a threatening tone, "So Princess Jodha, what if King Bharmal will come to know that you took part in sword practice and broke the rule?"

She squinted her eyes and responded in a bold tone, "Oh! So indirectly, you are threatening me." She paused and continued with a warning in a louder tone, "Listen, whoever you are, open your ears and your brainless mind; Jodha is a fearless princess; no one can put her in any boundaries. By the way, I have one piece of advice for you, if you certainly love your life, then never use your stupid witticism about those cruel, monster Mughals in Amer; your over insolent mouth can take your life."

Jalal was observing this arrogant but innocent, beautiful princess. Her sharp, fiery attitude, ruthless words for Mughals directly hit on his pride. The first time he tasted bitterness and sweetness together. His Mughal blood boiled up with her harsh words. He felt like to show her at that second what Mughals can do; he knuckled his fist in a fury to control his anger. But his sharp manipulative political mind scrambled, and instead of taking his anger out, he spitefully grinned and thought, 'Princess Jodha, you have entered the lion den. You have no clue that your words will give you unbearable pain for your entire life; I will crush your pride and ego every day till you forget Amer from your memories. You will regret painfully for your arrogance. One day you will bend down to massage my feet. Jalal will never let you forget this day.'

Again, his razer-sharp eyes lingered with an unyielding secretive stare that made her alarmed. Jodha shouted, "Stop staring at me as you had never seen any women before" After a long pause, she asked in a thick tone, "WHO ARE YOU?"

Jalal suddenly realized that he had sent Abdul on a dangerous mission to discover more secrets about Amer. He needs to be with him soon; otherwise, he will be captured by the Amer army. He didn't want to leave this arrogant, beautiful princess, but he had no choice.

He came very close to her and whispered darkly, "Princess Jodha, I have seen thousands of women closely, but none of them is like you. It seems like you have put some enchanted spell on me that I cannot take my eyes off you."

Even though his sound was gentle, but dominance in his tone was intimidating. Jodha futilely tried to mask her blush with anger; she asked in a grouchier sound, "Stop flirting with me and answer me; who are you?"

Jalal ardently smirked, seeing her irritated face, and said in a mysterious tone, "Princess Jodha... I will come back to get you at any cost, and you will find out very soon, WHO AM I!"

Before Jodha could reply, Jalal walked off with an alarming foxy grin on his face. After taking a few steps, he slightly turned; when her eyes met again with the piercing gaze of a shrewd man, a shiver ran down her spine. The way his eyes dissected her seemed as if he was warning her. 

Completely lost in her mesmerizing beauty, while walking, he said in an undertone, "Princess Jodha." he turned back to see her one more gaze, seeing her confused expression, his lips curved with a deep smirk, then rapidly he disappeared in the trees. He said to himself, 'I cannot wait to take you in my control in a dreamy state.' At that time, he decided that he will acquire her no matter what happens. She belongs to HIM only.

Jodha startlingly saw him walking out from there while thinking who he was? His robust dominating attitude utterly struck her; his bravery, bright look, and charm, especially his captivating sharp devil eyes, fascinated her the most. She murmured, 'he is surely a Royal king of Rajvansh.'

Chapter 3

First meeting impact on Jalal

Riding on the Arabian, one of the finest breed black stallion as Jalal soared, his mind seized and captured by Jodha's fiery aura and seductive beauty, which brought an evil smirk on lips. His tender orbs with full of desire turned emotionless, ice-cold, severe, and unforgiving. He viciously stated to himself, 'You have dared to set your foot in the lion's den, Princess Jodha; you addressed me a Casanova and a heartless monster. I swear to Allah, you will repent for every word you have spoken. I proclaim, shortly, you will be part of my harem. You will serve and obey me for your audacity. I will lust your beauty from top to bottom and breakdown your arrogance and strength apart.

Let us see who will rescue you from me now. Your swollen pride will melt in a second like a piece of ice on fire. Soon, you will worship at my feet and be my slave. Oh, I am eager indeed to see you begging for my mercy. You are a challenge, which Jalal proudly accepts, my dear Princess JODHA.

Princess Jodha, you have underestimated Jalal's strength. You have pride in your values, beauty, bravery, and your sweet Amer, but soon you will see the real monster Jalal and the shady side of me. Now, no one can save you from my cruelty; soon, you will see the cruel side of Mughals. I will explore every inch of your spellbinding stunning body with my greedy desire till I lose interest in you. Then like a showpiece, you will stay in my harem forever.

I cannot wait to see a look on your face when Amer will lose against the Mughals sultanate. I will be at peace when I see bloody tears in your beautiful eyes. You called us cruel now you, and your Amer will know what cruelty means is.'

----

On the other side, Jalal left a lasting impression on Jodha; with his dominant aura, magnetic personality, and breathtaking look, he successfully stole the juvenile young Princess's heart. While awaiting Moti, Jodha got deeply lost in the spellbinding encounter with an unknown mysterious person.

Their first meeting left an unspeakable imprint on Jodha. A deep blush smeared on her face; her beautiful rosy lips twirl with a broad smile. She was engrossed in thoughts, so she didn't realize when Moti arrived.

"Princess Jodha, why are you smiling? What happened?" Moti asked with a bemused expression.

Jodha stirred up from the magic spell and grasped that she was lost in his thoughts for too long. With a nervous look, she smiled at Moti, then quietly began to walk towards the palace.

"Princess Jodha, why are you blushing? What happened? Did you win the competition?" Moti questioned again edgily.

"Moti, some unknown, mysterious warrior has dazed me today. You know, I defeated almost everyone in the competition. The announcer made the last call if anyone would like to fight with me, and I don't know where, but one Rajvanshi warrior suddenly appeared in the contest ground. As soon as my eyes caught his glimpse, I felt some weird sparks inside my body. I almost trembled with a heavy jolt. I am sure I have not met him in the past, but he looked so familiar." Jodha openly shared with her Moti.

"What happened, did you win the competition?" Moti curiously asked

While walking hastily towards the palace, Jodha responded disappointedly, "Moti, I lost the competition, but my regret is, he was only defending himself and testing my skills. He didn't even attack me throughout the competition, and at the end, with his first attack, I fumbled in a second." She paused and, with a deep sigh out continued, "You know his sharp eyes had a mysterious look in it, somewhat devil but very mesmerizing. He didn't even reveal his identity to me, but seeing his Royal personality, I am sure he is a Rajvanshi king."

Moti teasingly said, "Looks like, that Rajvanshi king has wounded your heart in a first attack. It seems like love at first sight," she jested while observing Jodha's expression.

Jodha squinted eyes at Moti and angrily replied, " Moti, seriously, you need to see hakim (doctor), you have gone crazy mad. Do you think that I would fall in love with that arrogant King who didn't even tell me his name and the way he was staring at me as if he has never seen any women in his life before? I felt his talk was somewhat crazy, shadowy, and complex. You know what he told me before leaving, 'soon you will know who I am?' He acted as he rules on the entire Hindustan. I have a feeling he has some mental issues."

Moti worriedly said, "Princess, walk fast, hope everything is fine at the palace. Before entering the palace, you need to change your clothes as well. Hope no one has found out that you are not in the palace; otherwise, we will be in trouble."

Jodha proudly smirked and responded with confidence, "Moti, when are you going to change? You worry too much. I have not been caught and never will. Trust me; I have explained to Reva if anyone asks for me, then tell them that I went out to do Ghangor pooja (Prayer)."

In the palace, everyone was thrilled, including King Bharmal, Queen Mainavati, and Dadisa (Grandma). Just a few days ago, they decided to search for an appropriate groom for Jodha. And already so many royal kings have sent the proposal for her hand; it was an overwhelming joy for them, and at the same time, they were in a dilemma about whom to pick for their beautiful and very skilled daughter Jodha.

Jodha had grown up in a vast family, four brothers and bhabhi's (Brother's wife), and two sisters. She was pampered and loved by her family very much. Jodha is a very respectful, royal, sober, and at the same time, playful and mischievous girl. She never gets scared of telling the truth in any situation; so far in her life, she has never seen any big trouble; in other words, she has not seen life yet, with no ups and downs. She is very loyal and proud of her land Amer. She has pure Rajvanshi royal ethics to die for her land, which was blended in her blood. She hated Mughals since her childhood for their cruelty. Still, after the temple robbery by Mughals and Moti's abduction incident, she started loathing Mughals and the Mughal King Jalalludin Mohammad even more.

Jodha reached the palace; she felt relieved to know that no one had any suspicion of her.

In the evening, King Bharmal called Jodha to his royal chamber and gave her the good news that they have found an appropriate groom for her, from a Royal family, very brave and a decent looking king expert sword fighter like her. He is the King of three states; his name is King Ratan Suryabhan.

"Father, I am sure whatever you have decided is the best in my life." Jodha shyly replied and ran away from there.

While fixing her long tresses, her mind began to think about the mysterious man. Who was he? Maybe he was King Ratan Suryabhan. Suddenly she got annoyed at her imprudent notions and scolded herself, 'Stop thinking about him, Jodha.' But her mind was not ready to listen, and she ended up asking herself 'why he said that he would come to get me.'

Sukanya, Jodha's younger sister, saw Jodha blushing; she asked in a playful voice, "My dear Jiji (Sister), where are you lost? You have already begun to dream for King Ratan Suryabhan."

"Sukanya, don't bother me; I have not even seen him. Why would I be lost in him?" While masking her inner excitement, Jodha replied with irritation.

"Jodha Jiji, you know I saw King Suryabhan today at the sword contest ground, he is tall, fair, good looking and courageous. You know he was the winner in a sword fight." Sukanya informed in an optimistic tone while picking bangles for herself.

"I do not want to marry anyone, and don't touch my bangles Sukanya" Jodha replied in a bashful tone while putting her bangles away from Sukanya.

"Jiji, if you don't want to marry him, then I will marry him." Sukanya instantaneously responded

"You have gone insane, Suku." Jodha irritably said, but before she could finish, Mainavati entered Jodha's chamber with a smile on her face told

"Suku, my child, Stop bothering your sister; soon, she is going to leave us and this palace."

The realization made all three very emotional. Queen Mainavati changed the discussion right away and said, "Jodha, do you know the significance of the Ghangor festival? This festival is especially for unmarried girls who fast and pray to Goddess Parvati to get a good life partner and Also, Goddess Parvati gives her blessings and hints of the future. It's an old tale that after final prayer, if you wish to goddess Parvati wholeheartedly, she will give you a hint of your future husband. So, go to the temple in the evening for final prayer before the engagement function, same time King Suryabhan is also going to visit the temple." Mother Queen advised Jodha.

Jodha got dressed in her best outfit and Jewelry for the Function since her engagement was going to be announced.

On the other side, Jalal realized that because he got distracted by Jodha and didn't reach on time, Abdul, his shadow, his best childhood friend, and very faithful protector, got captured by Amer soldiers. Even though it was precarious to release Abdul single-handed, he decided to take on that dangerous mission. Jalal roamed around to find a clue from Amer people where they keep Mughal prisoners. While searching for Abdul, a lot of information revealed to Jalal from commoners why they hate Mughals. He enjoyed seeing the fear of Mughals in their eyes. It also revealed to him that Rajvanshi Kings has many disputes internally. Though he talked to every possible source, he could not find out the dungeon's location where they keep Mughal prisoners. But he finds out that a prominent public function was organized in the late evening, and many Rajvanshi Kings and their family will attend this Function.

As per her mother's instruction, Jodha went to the temple to pray to Goddess Parvati for her better future and a good husband; she also wished for guidance from Goddess Parvati to recognize her future husband. Due to safety and her protection, she was alone in the temple while praying. After the prayer, she came out of the temple and hoped to see King Ratan Suryabhan first. Jalal talked to a man right in front of the temple about Amer prison, and just behind him, King Ratan Suryabhan was walking towards the temple. First, Jodha's eyes laid on Jalal, talking to someone. Seeing him, suddenly she felt happy and very cheerful, she thought this might be an indication for her future from Goddess Parvati.

Jodha stared at him without a blink, her happiness was beyond words, and even she couldn't understand why she was so joyful to see him. About a minute later, Jodha saw King Ratan Suryabhan walking towards the temple with a few guards. As soon as he reached near the temple, his guard announced for King Ratan Suryabhan's arrival. Jodha realized that Jalal is not Suryabhan. As soon as she realized her face turned pale, she got all confused; why did Goddess Parvati make me see him first? What kind of sign is this from god?? Depressingly Jodha walked out of the temple without looking at King Ratan Suryabhan.

At the Function

The Function was organized in a vast open ground; There were seating arrangements for about five hundred Royal Rajput kings and their families, administrator, royal workers, and the rest of the commoners were assigned to sit on the runner ground. There was a small stage in the center where Amer King Bharmal and all prince's seats were allotted.

It was around five in the evening, with the loud announcement, King Bharmal entered in the Function while walking on center rug toward his throne, all of the Rajvanshi and common people got up to respect and welcome him. After he took his seat, everyone else sat on their chairs. There was a big red runner in the middle and on both the sides' big chairs for Royal Rajvanshi kings and their families. On one side, all married women were sitting with transparent veils (Ghoonghat); this was a traditional custom. All other unmarried girls were sitting behind them.

Jodha was sitting behind her mother with her closest mate Lilavati and other princesses.

Jalal smiled, seeing a well-organized arrangement for the Function, but everything seemed very different than Mughal culture. Women without a veil were odd to him. He also wanted to see how many Rajvanshi kings were supporting King Bharmal. He scanned the entire audience to see how many Rajvanshi kings attended this Function; he tried to judge how many will defend Amer against Mughals. After studying the whole area, his eyes searched for Jodha between all those women.

Finally, he spotted her in a beautiful orange long skirt (Ghaghara) and heavy work blouse (Choli) with green transparent dupatta with gorgeous royal Jewelry.

When his eyes laid on enthralling beauty, his heart stopped breathing, and lips parted. He had never seen such a magnificent perfection before. Desire flared to see her from near; he walked towards the front row without putting a thought. It was dangerous, too dangerous for him to come in the front this close.

Her mates were teasing her; they all were chit-chatting and giggling, and she was blushing with a faint smile.

He got entirely hypnotized by her divine beauty. He heard many times that Princess Jodha has unspeakable beauty beyond any description, but now he got smitten by it, and without knowing consciously, she became his obsession. Jalal always claimed that he doesn't have a heart, but somehow this unpredictable and multi-layered and cunning personality started to feel a flutter in his dead heart for the first time.

King Bharmal stood up and thanked everyone for attending the Function, and then he continued cheerfully and announced Jodha's engagement with King Ratan Suryabhan. The entire crowd got excited to hear this news, but some kings and princes got disturbed since their proposals were rejected.

King Bharmal had looked at all aspects before selecting King Ratan Suryabhan for Jodha, King Suryabhan was not yet married to anyone, and he was King of three big states. He directly approached King Bharmal with the proposal and said if Jodha agrees to marry him, he promises that he will never marry again, and she will be his only wife.

King Bharmal invited King Ratan Suryabhan courteously on the stage and requested him to sit next to his chair.

Jalal bitterly looked at King Ratan Suryabhan, who was looking at Jodha without a blink. Jalal turned to see Jodha's reaction.

Jodha's eyes were lowered; she was flushed shyly under King Suryabhan's powerful gaze. His brown eyes filled with murderous glare and nostrils flared with anger, so close on the brick on rage. He felt like grabbing her in front of the crowd and run away with her that instant.

Suddenly few soldiers came to function ground with captured Abdul and informed King Bharmal that he is a Mughal secret agent and he was trying to steal a map of the palace. Abdul was too injured and in poor condition; he could hardly breathe. He was beaten so harshly that he couldn't walk; guards were dragging him towards the throne.

Jalal's eyes turned red, seeing Abdul's condition; his warrior blood boiled up.

King Bharmal, with an angry face, got up from his chair and took his sword out to kill Abdul; he swung his sword upward to kill him. Before he could kill Abdul, Jodha yelled with a request, "BapuSa... Father, please stop it, we cannot kill him as per our ethics, we don't kill weak, weaponless, or handicap." it's against our reputation, dignity, and grace. Our enemy is Jalaluddin Mohammad, not his spy. Our primal enemy is Mughal King Jalalludin Mohammad, not his spy. Instead of killing him, we need to get information for Mughals and put him in the dungeon. Also, today is an auspicious day, the last day of Ghangor; I am requesting you please don't kill him."

King Bharmal realized his mistake; he proudly stated, "Princess Jodha, you are right. He is our enemies' spy, and we can use him to get information, and also he is badly injured, to kill injured enemy is a coward act."

Jalal was shocked and, at the same time, impressed with her royal ethics and kindness. The way she got up in front of a thousand without fear and convinced a King to change his verdict was commendable.

Jalal wanted to save Abdul, and he got the best opportunity to protect him while he was in public. Immediately he strategically planned in his mind, and he ran back to his horse, got ready with all the weapons he had, and decided to free Abdul in front of all Rajput Rajvanshi Kings and show them the strength and power of the Mughal King. He galloped on his horse with the speed of a tornado and trotted through the main gate and passed by the crowd in a flick of seconds; before anyone could think further, he killed two of the guards in a moment and swiftly grabbed Abdul and fled back in front of the enormous crowd. Within seconds, he grabbed Abdul; no one had time to think about what was happening; before people could realize what was happening, he was far from the guard's reach.

Everyone was traumatized seeing this, many warriors, guards, and King Ratan Suryabhan ran after his horse, but it was too late. Jalal ran into the deep desert; the gloomy night favored him to disappear.

After reaching back in his tent, Jalal immediately called his general minister Agtah Saheb to prepare for the war.

Jalal decided not to send any information about this war to King Bharmal and suddenly attack Amer.

Three days later, the Mughals suddenly attacked Amer with ten time's bigger army. King Bharmal tried and fought till he lost all his hope.

Unfortunately, most of the kings were upset at King Bharmal for rejecting their proposal for Jodha's hand. So only King Ratan Suryabhan stood by to support King Bharmal. His Military general captured all four princes, the sons of King Bharmal, while fighting King Suryabhan died in this war. The majority of the Amer army died fighting bravely against the Mughals; the rest were injured badly. When King Bharmal heard Mughal military general has ordered to kill all of the wounded soldiers against the rule of the war, King Bharmal requested to see Shahenshah, Jalaluddin Mohammad.

Jalal was eagerly waiting for this moment.

It was the saddest day for Amer. Entire Amer was filled with fire everywhere. Sharrifuddin's soldiers were all over Amer. In the palace, all women were ready to do Jauhar to save their dignity and honor. They didn't have any message about King Bharmal and all of his sons being captured. Grandma instructed every woman in the palace to get ready for Jauhar and urged young women to be prepared with weapons in case of alternative. Everyone was in deep sorrow, pain, and horrified fear. It was an awful day for Jodha. This war happened so suddenly and without any information, which gave her more bitterness towards Mughals for this betrayal. It is against the rule of war to attack anyone without any notification.

Note: Jauhar: Royal Rajput queens and princesses burned themselves to death when facing defeat at an enemy's hands to protect their dignity and honor.

Jalal was sitting on his throne when King Bharmal was brought to the court.

Jalal stated proudly with a victorious smirk, "Welcome King Bharmal to Mughal's court. Tell me what I can help you with."

King Bharmal lowered his eyes for a second, then after a long pause with a deep sigh out, he replied, looking straight with dignity, "Shahenshah, as per the rule of the war, defeated King should not be captured after surrendering. I want you to release all my sons and me with respect and do not kill any of the wounded warriors."

Jalal asked in an impassive voice while keeping his calm poise, "What do I get in return, King Bharmal."

Bharmal got surprised and shocked by his question; he already won Amer, and what else does he want? "Shahenshah E Hindustan, you have taken everything from me, including my kingdom; what else do I have to give you? What do you want from me?" King Bharmal replied confusingly.

Jalal paused and smirked viciously at King Bharmal and, in a loud tone, replied in one word, "JODHA."

Chapter 4

King Bharmal heatedly shouted at the top of his voice, "JALAL!!! How dare you?" His eyes filled up with fire; His roar echoed back in the chamber a few times. Most of them in the court got up from their chairs and pulled their swords out to kill King Bharmal for disrespecting King of the kings, Shahenshah E Hindustan.

Shortly, King Bharmal realized that he is at his mercy and shouting at Shahenshah will worsen his chances of freedom. After looking around, he, bitterly, but in a warm sound, said, "Shahenshah, forgive me for my elevated tone, but do you have any clue what you are asking? Undoubtedly, you don't know much about Rajput people and their self-respect and dignity. We rather prefer to kill ourselves than trading our daughters for our lives. And the same way our females would rather slaughter themselves than surrender to the enemies."

His fearless argument annoyed most of the administrators; Jalal slowly observed them. He raised his right hand and indicated to everyone to calm down; then, with his creepy gaze at King Bharmal, he slyly smirked. "King Bharmal, 'I want Jodha,' It was not a request, but it was a statement. If you agree willingly, there is a possibility of a more beneficial outcome of your position, but as far as I can see, I don't need your approval anymore. I have already won Amer, and everything in Amer belongs to me. If you give your consent or not, I will get Jodha, and you cannot do anything about it." Jalal evenly replied

Jalal's deadly calm tone sends fearful shivers in King Bharmal's body; his face turns pale. While masking his anxiety, King Bharaml responded ironically, "Shahenshah, Do you know before Mughal soldiers could touch any women in the palace, they would jump into the fire pool and kill (Johar) themselves? At this time, they all are possibly around the fire pool, and once they receive messages that I have been captured and as soon as they see Mughal soldiers in the palace, within a second, they will jump in (fire pool) to protect their honor and dignity. No doubt you will get a palace, but empty without Jodha." He sneered proudly

Jalal realized that if he doesn't find a better way to persuade King Bharmal, he will lose Jodha, and he wanted her at any cost. Jalal promptly plotted in his mind. With his political tactic, Jalal continued humbly, "King Bharmal, why do you think that I want to disrespect you and your family? I am not asking you to gift me your daughter. I would like to get married to her legitimately with all of our customs & rituals. Jodha will receive admiration as a Begum E Hindustan, and that is my promise, and everyone knows that Jalal never breaks his promise." He took a brief pause and scanned King Bharmal's expression; seeing his easy stance, he grinned silently and then continued convincingly, "If you agree, there are three things you can get with this alliance." He paused for a moment

"First, You will rule on Amer'," as soon as he voiced, 'you will rule on Amer,' Adham and Shariffudin both looked at each other with an annoying expression. Jalal's sharp eyes were on the entire court to consider their reaction." Jalal continued further

"Second, your sons will be discharged with all due respect. Third, your land will be more secure and more substantial with our support." Jalal showed his big heart towards King Bharmal and gave him an appealing proposition.

King Bharmal beheld his gaze at Jalal with baffling expression; it took him a while to comprehend.

The entire court had the same reaction. It seemed like everyone froze, hearing all the reasoning; no one could understand what Jalal was trying to accomplish out of this.

Slowly King Bharmal came out of the dilemma, and his face began to show an effect, he looked convinced, but at the same time, he looked chaotic and mystified.

"King Bharmal, what dilemma are you in?"Jalal calmly asked

Bharmal nervously wiped his sweat from his forehead then replied dejectedly, "Shahenshah, you have made me speechless. I am obliged to your generosity, but I know my daughter very well. Pardon me, but since her childhood, she has hated Mughals, and she will not agree at any cost for this marriage; she is too strong to persuade, even I won't be able to convince her against her desire. She will kill herself, but not marry you. I don't know how she will agree to this proposal." Jalal could sense his genuine concern in his voice.

Jalal viciously smirked while thinking; only I can control your untamable daughter, princess Jodha. "King Bharmal, I understand why you are worried, but as per my information, your daughter is a true patriot; she loves Amer more than herself. I do not think she will be able to see Amer's people in trouble. If you tell her that her sacrifice will save Amer, then without any argument, she will agree to this marriage." He tried to convince him tactfully

Seeing Jalal's desperation to marry Jodha, King Bharmal felt relieved. Unhappily convinced himself, thinking Jalal would take Jodha's good care after marriage.

It was another blow for everyone in the court to know that Amer Princess Jodha dislikes Mughals and even after knowing that Jalal is still persistent to marry her at any cost.

Finally, King Bharmal agreed to his proposal with a heavy heart and immediately sent a message to Amer palace that the situation is under control.

At The Palace:

King Bharmal went straight to the palace and informed everyone other than Jodha about the proposal from Jalal. Everyone got traumatized after hearing. Dadisa (Grandma) and Mainavati both froze, their words stuck in their throats. All of the brothers and their wives, Jodha's sisters Sukanya and Shivani, every single person in the chamber had tears in their eyes. They all knew it was the most significant sacrifice anyone can give. They had no other choice left, so everyone gave their consent and decided to inform Jodha about this proposal with a heavy heart.

They called Jodha to the big divan hall. Jodha walked in a pin-drop silence chamber; she nervously glanced at all of them; she could sense that something significant had happened. When she saw her brothers and father safe back at the palace, she felt relieved, but deep dark silence in the chamber and tears in everyone's eyes threatened her and made her panicky.

At last, King Bharmal gathered his courage and said, "Jodha, very few people obtain this opportunity to sacrifice their dreams for their land, and DESTINY HAS CHOSEN YOU." He paused and, with deep sighed out and continued sadly, "Mughal Shahenshah, Jalaluddin Mohammad has sent a marriage proposal for your hand, and your 'YES' can save the entire Amer, your family and Ameri people."

Hearing the name Jalaluddin Mohammad, Jodha walked two steps back in extreme shock. His name echoed in her ears many times in a few seconds. All of a sudden, she felt quack, as if the earth was shaking underneath her feet. Her entire body shivered with a jolt, her eyes widened for a few seconds, and her vision faded; in a flick, her dreams were shattered. Suddenly she felt as if someone had sucked out all of her energy; Word got stuck in her throat. Without any sound, tears began to pierce out her eyes.

She could not believe that her possessive brothers, who did not even let her go out of the palace, freely traded her to the Mughals. She looked at all of her brothers vulnerably; her eyes were screaming out loud, how could you let this happen to your sister? You are my protector, not a trader?

All four of them shamefully looked down at their defeat.

Then she pointedly stared at her mother with millions of questions in her eyes; how could you let this happen to your daughter? you were the one who always worried for me, my one little sneeze makes you restless, and you agreed to send me to our biggest enemy, Mughals? Mainavati folded her hands and showed her feebleness.

She could not gather the courage to see her grandma, her painful cry deafening her ears and pouring acid into her consciousness. She always supported and saved her from many punishments, but today her tears tore her up. Her vulnerable face killed her last hope.

At last, she gazed with penetrating fury at her own father, questioning him in her silence, Are you the same father who worried day and night for my safety and today you are ready to trade me to those butchers, who don't respect women?

Silence prevailed in the chamber for long. No one dared to say two sympathetic words to Jodha. Her stare pricked in everyone's heart.

When King Bharmal noticed horrifying fear and pool of tears, he gulped his sorrow and continue in a begging tone, "Jodha, Amer's destiny is in your hands today; your sacrifice will save thousands of people and their families. If you do not accept this proposal, then your brother's life will be in danger, and Amer's people will also pay a high price for it. Lastly, King Bharmal and Queen Mainavati bowed down in front of Jodha with intense guilt.

Jodha was stunned to see his father so weak and fumbled, her brain suddenly stopped processing, her mind went frozen and unable to think further, her eyes were filled in a pool of tears, everyone was looking at her devastatingly. There was complete silence in the hall. Everyone was waiting for Jodha's answer.

After a stretched silence, to end, she broke down in sobs loudly and said vulnerably, "Father, if my sacrifice will save my country and my family then, I agree to this marriage." She walked away from there without looking at anyone, but suddenly she stopped and turned back and requested her father that she would like to see Shahenshah once before marriage.

"Why do you want to see him?" Warily King Bharmal asked

"Father, my apologies, but I will talk to Shahenshah only." Jodha respectfully replied

She briskly walked away with tears in her eyes and anger for her family. At that time, she didn't desire to speak to anyone. It was the saddest day in the palace, not only for Jodha, but everyone's dreams were shattered for Jodha's wedding.

************

On the other hand, almost everyone in Jalal's administration was upset and surprised at his awkward decision. Chief administrator Maham Anga, Military general Adham Khan, Maham's son, and Sharifuddin, Jalal's brother in law, all three asked for an explanation. Why did he decide, and why does he need to get married to a Rajvanshi Hindu princess???

Jalal yelled, "ENOUGH."

After a long pause, he continued with an assertive tone, "I am the Shahenshah E Hindustan, and I am not answerable to your questions. But when you all have raised your voice, then listen and keep in mind forever, Jalaluddin Mohammad does not make any decision without thinking. I want to rule the entire Hindustan, and all of you know, the biggest obstacle in our path is Rajput Rajvanshi states. They are brave and extremely loyal to their land; they will agree to die but not surrender to me easily. To win the spirit of Rajput and Rajvanshi people, this is my first footstep. Fundamentally, this is a crucial political decision. With this alliance, I will put my first foot in Rajvansh, and soon this Rajvanshi will be under my influence, soon their brave soldiers will fight for my protection, and their supporting states will become approachable with the Mughals." He glanced at everyone crossly and walked out of the court with his royal grace while shutting everyone's big mouth at once.

Raja Bharmal sent the message to Shahenshah that princess Jodha wants to see him before the wedding.

It surprised Jalaal and created a little anger inside him, but he agreed to meet her unwillingly.

A meeting was arranged in Jodha's chamber alone. Jalal walked into Jodha's royal chamber, which was simple but graceful and large. Every piece of art was fascinating; many beautiful paintings were hanging on the wall. Even though it was eye-catching art in her chamber, his eyes searched for Jodha sitting on the divan, and her face was covered with a transparent veil (ghoonghat). An uncanny smile kissed on his lips; while gazing at her pale, lifeless face, he sat the opposite divan, across from Jodha. Her eyes were still lower down, looking at her shivering hand, which was resting on her knees. Jalal could see the massive pain on her face, but her pain gave him irritation instead of satisfaction.

He edgily asked, "Princess Jodha, why have you requested to see me?"

Jodha soberly started, "Shahenshah, I am grateful to you for coming here and releasing my brothers." Then, slowly, she lifted her beautiful eyes; as soon as her eyes laid on Jalal, she got up from the divan and yelled, "YOU" in shock.

Seeing her angry face, he smirked wickedly and responded in a deadly calm voice, "Yes, as I promised princess Jodha, I told you that I would come back to get you, and you will soon know who I am! Mughals also keep their promises," and again he grinned uncanny at Jodha.

Jodha's eyes turned red with fury. Millions of thoughts ran through her brain in a fraction of seconds; she disgusted herself at first for liking him. It occurred to her all of this blood poured just for her; because of me, everything has happened? she questioned herself. Seeing his constant lustful gaze on her, she said dryly, but in a husky tone while glaring straight in his eyes through her veil, "Shahenshah, there are two conditions for my to this marriage" after a short pause... she continued.

"I will not be forced to change my religion. I will continue my customs, rituals, and religion." She beheld his gaze deliberately to see his reaction.

After hearing the 1st condition, Jalal's anger boiled up. As per Mughal custom and religion, after marriage, a woman needs to follow a man's religion; it was a huge demand not to change her religion. He furiously asked, "What else???"

Seeing his hindrance, she felt more confident and fearless; she put out her second condition.

"I will come to Agra with my God Krishna, and you will build a small temple in my palace. I will marry you only if you agree to these two conditions."

How dare you, Jodha? You want a temple in the Mughal palace. Is she out of her mind??? He thought; he got up with scorching anger on his face and looked at Jodha while running his hand through his soft dark hair.

Jalal's rage and nervousness brought a captivating smile to Jodha's face. This was the last option for her to come out of this marriage. She knew very well that this condition is almost impossible for him to accept. As a Shahenshah, if he denies her conditions, he will be humiliated that the kings couldn't fulfill two small conditions. If he agrees, then he will be questioned by his religious maulvies. She could read defeat on his face.

For Jalal, everything in his life was about winning or losing. For him winning was a passion; he could go to any extent to win against anyone. It was the first time he got challenged by a woman. Jodha's desire was gradually increased by every meeting, even though she put him in a precarious condition, but her cunningness touched his heart. He knew from the first time they met that she is different from others; he will have to work hard to achieve her.

Jodha was very sure that he would never accept her terms and he would deny the wedding, but how could he let her win and lose her in turn. He looked at her with his sharp eyes and announced, "Princess Jodha, I accept both of your conditions. Your wishes will be fulfilled, my fiery princess." He waited there to see in her eyes his victory.

Jodha could not gulp her tears any longer since this was her last way out. She pulled her veil up and saw directly pierced in his eyes.

Jalal saw her red, teary eyes and her swollen face; her condition shuddered him for a second. Her pitiful state slightly bothered him. Her innocent charm was gone.

Jodha bitterly stated, "Shenshah, you have proved every word I have told about Mughals; I was right, you are a cruel, ruthless and Casanova. Just to mollify your hunger for my body, you have killed thousands of innocent warriors. Yes, indeed, you have won today; I can see you standing on thousands of corpses of innocent soldiers and claiming your victory over my lifeless body. So go and celebrate you have won nothing but a living corpse and remember that Jodha hates you and she will hate you forever."

Hearing her sharp, bitter, but painful words, he got furious. Her piercing gaze began to torture his heart with the guilt of wrongdoing. He clutched his hand to control his fury and thought, Jodha; soon you will be underneath my possession then you will need my consent even to breathe, you won't be able to say a word against Mughals and me. Without saying a single word, he kept staring at her. When he didn't respond to her harsh accusations, she got more annoyed.

She sarcastically added, "Shahenshah, do you know that according to Hindu beliefs, you pay for your past life sins in your current life. I can confidently tell that in my past life, I was a cruel monster or a devil, so in this life, God has decided to give me a devil husband like you."

Jalal was staggered to see her daring even after knowing that she will be under his mercy after marriage, she was still talking fearlessly with her sharp tongue and pride. He decided to ignore her ruthless words; he was content with her frustration.

Before leaving, he deviously whispered in a threatening tone, "Be ready for the wedding princess, soon you will get to know real Jalal.

He walked out gracefully from her chamber and informed everyone about Jodha's conditions and his acceptance of the conditions.

*************

All the pre-wedding rituals like the Mehndi ceremony and Pithi ceremony finished dejectedly. None of the Rajvanshi Kings accepted the wedding invitation; the entire community cursed King Bharmal for his harsh decision. Many of them instantly broke all ties with him and accused him of swapping his daughter to Mughals for his life.

Three days passed in a flick, every family member tried to speak to Jodha, but Jodha was silent. Her antagonism towards her family and God Krishna for choosing him as her life partner. Since her childhood, she always shared any problem with God Krishna; her faith in God was unbreakable.

Wedding day

Jalal was feeling excited about his conquest, and Jodha's heart was crying on the day of the wedding. Her vulnerable heart was cursing her parents and god Krishna for this injustice. Jodha's sisters, Shivani and Sukanya, dressed her with all wedding outfits and jewelry, but Jodha had no interest in getting dressed; she was still silent and didn't utter a word. Sukanya and Shivani tried to cheer her, but she dimly smiled at them and worried about their future.

Jalal arrived at the Amer palace entrance on a horse, accompanied by a few family and friends.

Seeing his Shahenshai majestic royal aura and powerful glow, many of the Jodha's side family got awestruck; Shivani mumbled in Sukanya's ears, he was so fair and good looking. Everyone's eyes glued at his sharp captivating eyes and his spell bounding strong magnetic persona. He dressed in a specially made gorgeous long orange kurta; on top of that, he wore a jacket which was studded with precious gems, and he wore a small rounded turban on his head embossed with a precious stone. All of his clothes possessed sophisticated Kundan work that suited his Shahi royal personality. He was wearing big pearls around his neck and also as a waistband, with large pieces of emeralds adorning them. He also wore big rings on his fingers, which were extraordinarily lavish and spectacular to look at, besides being heavy. His face looked innocent, but his eyes speak about his cunningness.

Jodha's mother, queen Mainavati greeted everyone with Arti and Tilak's welcoming ritual on Jalal's forehead. Jalal noticed while following ritual unstoppable tears were flooding out from Queen Mainavati's eyes. She was futilely attempting to mask her anger and pain with a smile. Jalal was unable to see in her eyes straight; her eyes were making him feel guilty. Then Jodha's brothers escorted Jalal to the Mandap, a canopied stand where the ceremony was performed.

These rituals were new to Jalal; he was interested in every tradition and asked the priest questions about its purpose.

The observance begins with a worship of Lord Ganesh, the destroyer of all obstacles. The priest guided Jalal and Jodha's parents in offering flowers, sweets, and prayer to Lord Ganesh.

The priest requested to bring Jodha to the Mandap; Jalal's lips curved with a smile, and his eyes got curious to see Jodha in wedding attire.

Seeing Jalal's attentiveness in the wedding rituals, Maham Anga and other administrators were getting annoyed and irritated.

Sukanya, Shivani, and Lilavati brought Jodha to the Mandap. Jodha's face was covered with a long transparent veil. The priest announced that it was time for (Kanyadaan and Hasta Milap) giving Jodha's hand in Jalal. To perform this first ritual priest requested Jalal to forward his hand towards Jodha; Jalal immediately followed, then the priest calmly told Jodha to put her hand in Jalal's hand. Her uncontrollable tears began to pour out, which Jalal could see through her veil. Even after hearing, she ignored and didn't forward her hand.

The priest again requested in a little louder tone, "Princess Jodha, give your hand to your would-be husband." She hesitantly forwarded her hand towards him but unexpectedly pulled back. Immediately Queen Mainavati walked behind her and forcefully forward her hand towards him. Jalal instantly grabbed her hand, gave her a little squeeze, and gazed at her with the look, 'you are mine.' Jodha closed her eyes to bear the pain.

The priest then lighted the holy fire. He informed Jalal that sacred fire symbolizes the divine aura, which presents as a witness of the ceremony. It is considered that commitments made in the presence of holy fire are made in God's presence.

It was the time for the most important ritual of the wedding, seven steps together, circling the divine holy fire. (Mangal Phere) The priest explained each circle around the sacred fire; the bride and groom gave each other vows. Jalal listened to each vow they took and was content to know the meaning and thought Jodha would follow this and treat him like a god as per Hindu culture. Jodha also took vows, but with a heavy heart while cursing her destiny.

After the seven steps together around the holy fire, the couple returned to their seats. The priest informed the couple that the next ritual is the most significant in a wedding. Shahenshah will put the necklace around the princess's neck and apply sindoor (red vermillion powder) on the parting of her forehead. During this process, Princess Jodha will pray for Shahenshah's long life, and in return, Shahenshah will offer her lifelong protection.

Queen Mainavati pulled a Jodha's veil to follow the process so Jalal can put sindoor and put on a necklace. For the first time, Jodha lifted her eyes; while Jalal was holding the necklace in his hand, their eyes met. Seeing the pain in her eyes, Jalal felt agitated. He was waiting for this moment. He wanted to see bloody tears and pain in her eyes, but instead of contentment, he felt uneasy and stressed. Somewhere deep down, he desired to comfort her, but instead, he whispered in her ears, wickedly while putting on a necklace, "Now you are mine, princess." Words slipped out from his mouth in a harsher tone.

Jodha tossed at him in burning rage at his interference, but soon her doe-like eyes dazzled with a few drops of tears. She closed her eyes and knuckled on her palms and bent down her forehead so he could fill her parting with Sindoor. Jalal could sense that she was marrying him against her desire.

Finally, the priest announced them husband and wife and guided the couple to take blessings from elders.

It was time for Bidaai (Leaving her palace forever) - All of her close relatives came one by one and said a final goodbye. All of them had tears in their eyes, but Jodha gulped her tears and kept her silence to show her anger. Her father, mother, grandma, brothers, sisters, all of them were folding their hands in a gesture for apologizing, but Jodha didn't shed one single tear. At last, she broke her silence and requested her father to give Lord Krishna's statue and dryly took farewell from everyone.

Every time Jalal met Jodha, she surprised him with her talent, bravery, or divine purity. Her sacrifice wobbled his cruel heart.

It was a four days Journey from Amer to Agra. Maham Anga and Adham could not believe that Jalal had accepted Jodha's conditions. Maham always hated Hinduism, and now there will be a Hindu queen in the palace. She couldn't accept this. she was burning from inside and decided to take revenge on Jodha.

Everything happened within a week; Jodha could not believe her destiny that she had to get married to a cruel, ruthless Mughal king. She was angry and annoyed; she cursed her fate. For the first time, she was furious at Lord Krishna for this biggest injustice. Since her childhood, she used to talk with Krishna for hours. She always shared everything with him. She always believed everything was happening in her life, which is planned by God Krishna. Her faith was shaken a bit.

She was so angry at Krishna, on the first day of the Journey in her tent Jodha talked to him while praying in an upsetting tone "Krishna, I thought you always did what is best for me, but today you just watched what was happening to me. I don't know why you have punished me, but now I will punish you. I will fast for three days without food and water. I will punish myself for the next three days to punish you."

Moti was standing outside the tent and heard Jodha showing anger towards Krishna by fasting. She had cried for hours in the last few days; even her tears dried up seeing Jodha's condition. She immediately got worried for her since it was a very long and tiring Journey from Amer to Agra, and on top of it, Jodha decided to fast to torment herself. No one knew about her fasting other than Moti.

After dinner and safety planning, Jalal walked toward his Royal tent while imagining his first night with Jodha. For the first time, he felt nervous and excited; he never felt like this for any other woman. His dead heart began to emerge restlessly; deep down, he knew Jodha would not readily accept him, but he was still dreaming of sucking her rosy lips... His sudden urge to take her in his arms made him walk rapidly towards his tent. He hoped to see Jodha in a long veil sitting in the center of the bed waiting for him in his tent.

Jalal stopped at the gate of his tent, instructed all Guards not to disturb him, and swiftly walked into his tent. Shortly, he yelled, "Guards."

Two Guards ran inside his tent. "Yes... your highness."

Jalal furiously asked, "Where is queen Jodha?"

"Queen Jodha is in her tent." One of the guards replied while shivering

"Call Badi Ammi (Maham Anga) immediately." He ordered

"Jalal, what happened? Why do you look so upset?" Maham asked concernedly

"Why was I not being informed that queen Jodha is staying in a separate tent tonight?" He irritably questioned

"She is a Mughal queen Shahenshah, your official begum (queen)... How could I question her why she was staying in a separate tent, and I thought she must have taken permission from you beforehand, so I didn't inform you?" She lied cunningly and didn't give Jodha's message to Jalal to create a rift between them.

Jalal immediately calmed down and realized he almost shouted at Maham Anga for no reason. "Excuse me, Badi Ammi, for my loud tone." He calmly replied

"Jalal, I understand your frustration; this Hindu queen is very arrogant, it's your first night, and she decided to keep you away from her, but why do you care, and you have more than five thousand women in your harem. Don't give her any importance soon; she will be on your knees. I will arrange for your entertainment." She poured more poison in a vicious mind.

"Badi Ammi, I am too tired today, and I would like to take a rest." Jalal curbed his anger in front of Maham

"Khuda Hafiz Jalal!!! Shabba Kher (good night)" Maham grinned while walking out of Jalal's tent.

Jalal's pov

I know Badi Ammi that queen Jodha is an arrogant queen, but I am drawn towards her just because of her bravery and fearless attitude. Even though I have five thousand women in my harem, I only desire her. In my harem, women succumbed to spend the night with me, they are ever ready to please me, and Jodha is so different from all of them; she doesn't even care that I am the Shahenshah. Possibly, to control her, first, I will have to shatter her royal pride slowly and steadily. If she desires amenities and prominence, she will have no alternative other than putting her ego aside. I am sure she won't last without royal lavishness since her family pampered her throughout her life.

After changing to his nightwear, he laid on the bed frustratingly since his desire was unsatisfied, he closed his eyes to control his fury. Momentarily her vulnerable face and teary eyes came in front of his eyes. His anger immediately softens, and he decides to give her a day to accept reality.

The next day followed; similarly, two days' journey passed, but she did not come in front of him. At the time of Dinner, Jalal decided to talk to Jodha. He sent his maid with an invitation to Jodha to join him for dinner.

In five minutes, his maid returned and informed him that queen Jodha was already asleep and asked nervously, "Shahenshah, do you want me to wake her up?

"No... You may go." He replied dryly to a maid impassively

Slowly Jalal was dropping his patience; mainly, her negligence was killing his tolerance. He was hopeful that her resentment would be mellowed down soon after their marriage.

The next day before Journey began, Moti informed Jodha that Shahenshah sent you an invitation to have dinner with him last night. Jodha sadly gazed at Moti and kept her silence. Long, tiring Journey, stress, and fasting (without food and water) began to impact Jodha. Moti's heart shattered after seeing Jodha's condition, Jodha who talked nonstop all the time, now only speaks a word or two in an entire day. Her glow on the face was paled. Luminousness, in her eyes, was gone.

Three nights and two days' journey finished, but Jodha didn't come in front of him.

Finally, they reached nearby Agra. As per the plan, they took the last halt in a safe place. It was the third day of Jodha's fasting. She was feeling weak due to fasting, but as per her routine, no matter how she feels, she always cooked Prasad (food) herself for Lord Krishna.

Three days later, Jalal's eyes finally glowed seeing Jodha; it was early in the morning when Jalal saw her from far, she was cooking in the open area where the kitchen was set up. He was staggered to see her cooking. He called Moti Bai and questioned her, "What is Jodha doing in the Royal kitchen?"

Moti informed him that she always makes Prasad (food) for God Krishna by herself.

Instantly his devil mind made a scheme to humiliate Jodha in front of many people. He sent a guard to bring Jodha, where many administrators, Maham, discussed some political issues.

Jodha, with her long veil, came in grace and a soft tone greeted everyone "Pranam (hello)"

Jalal viciously gazed back at her and greeted her in the same tone, "Adab queen Jodha." After a pause, he continued loudly, "Queen Jodha, I would like to celebrate our marriage with all the people from Agra who have come so far to attend our marriage. I want you to please us by cooking special Ameri style food for all of us since I love Ameri spices." He wickedly smirked at Jodha.

Oh, my dear queen Jodha, I know you are a princess, and probably you do not even know how to cook. Once you deny it, I will insult you and your parents that they have not taught you anything. You are just a showpiece. He was scrambling words in his mind about how he will insult her when she denies cooking.

The way Jalal asked in front of so many people to please them by cooking, she realized his torture began; it was his first step toward shattering her self-respect; she knew beforehand if she denies, then he will publicly insolence her.

She pointedly stared at Jalal for few seconds then replied sarcastically, "As per your wish Shahenshah E Hindustan, Begum E Hindustan (Queen of Hindustan) will serve you as a royal chef today. I am sure that will increase the Mughals' honor that queen of Hindustan work like a maid and cook for everyone."

Her piercing dialect and attitude made him feel low, he fumed inside, but he gulped his anger and smiled bitterly at her. Everyone got shocked to hear that the queen of Hindustan will cook for that many people.

Some of them knew this was how Jalal is taking revenge for her audacity, but others were just confused about what Jalal was up to!!

A whole day with help from some Hindu maids and cooks, Jodha cooked Ameri food for everyone. Jalal was shocked and surprised that she agreed to cook and didn't argue about it and quietly accepted the challenge. None of his begum or concubine would have accepted this type of challenge.

The entire banquet area was smelling with the delicious aromas of Ameri food... Dinner was arranged, and food was served to everyone. Still, before anyone began to eat, Maham got up and in a suspicious tone instructed, "Queen Jodha, as per the Mughal law, whoever cooks the food needed to eat the food first in front of Shahenshah and verify if that food is safe to eat before he eats."

Jodha politely replied, "I cannot eat food until I do the prayer of Kanah."

Maham got annoyed when she denied, "Queen Jodha, this is a decree that whoever cooks has to eat. First, you cannot deny it."

"I will not eat anything, no matter what happens." Jodha stubbornly responded

Jalal looked at Jodha and noticed she looked weak, pale, and nervous. Seeing her in strain, his heart immediately melted for her; he thought it was too much work to cook for that many people and also it was stressful past few weeks for her... he could sense weakness on face due to tiring long Journey. Suddenly his heart mellowed for her, the way she was sitting in the middle of the dining hall under Maham's suspicious penetrating gaze. It was pitiful to see her in that state for him, so he stopped Maham in between and told Moti to eat food to verify if it's safe to eat. Maham was surprised to see Jalal softening against Jodha.

When Jalal's eyes met with Maham, he realized he suddenly lost track and missed the perfect opportunity to humiliate her.

At last, Jalal tasted food. It was a very delicious meal, even without any meat. Even though he enjoyed it, he sarcastically said, "Queen Jodha, the food is delicious, I think I should designate you as a Royal cook in the palace, and you deserve a reward for cooking this meal. He took out his necklace to give her."

Jodha angrily stood up and stared at him deliberately, and without saying a word, while rejecting his reward, she walked out briskly from the banqueting range.

Everyone got shocked to see her courage and impolite behavior towards the Shahenshah.

Seeing her audacity and publically disregard ignited the fire inside him. Jodha smashed the boundaries of his patience. The way she walked out in front of so many people without accepting rewards offended his male ego. He kept eating silently as if nothing happened; he decided to show her proper place by punishing her.

After dinner, he went straight to his tent; he felt devastated, shattered... broken... angry... and frustrated. Instead of breaking her apart, she snapped at him publicly... He quickly gulped a few packs of hard liquor.

While marrying Jodha, he thought she would be another trophy wife to add to his collection, but what he didn't know was that she would be his biggest challenge. He did not realize that Jodha was not a land or a war that he could win easily. Jalal has always gotten women on their knees and has never been eliminated by anyone so far, her rejection he was not capable of managing it merely.

While walking towards Jodha's tent in his drunk condition, he called back to penalize her for her impertinence.

When Moti saw Jalal walking towards Jodha's tent in a drunken condition, her heart sank, thinking of the outcome.

He angrily entered her tent to take his frustration out, he found Jodha asleep on her bed peacefully, and her wavy but shiny hairs were spread on the red velvet cover-up. She was not wearing any Jewelry; her pink transparent dupatta revealed every curve of her sensual body. Her eyes dazzled, seeing vibrant beauty and magical curves. She looked so beautiful, gracious, divine, and full of lust; his heart stopped beating for a while. Her bosom was slowly moving up and down with a breathing rhythm; his eyes widened with lust, seeing her fully formed curvy breast and bare waist. Within a second, he forgot his anger towards her and was mesmerized by her captivating spell. He could not take his eyes away from her flashy body; his desire for her touch fired up with passion; he was utterly lost under her beauty spell. He wanted to hold her in his arms and wanted to kiss every part of her body; he craved to possess her. His suppressed desire flared up after seeing her near. He slowly walked towards her bed; he smirked, seeing her in a deep sleep. Her spotless creamy smooth skin was glowing in dim candlelight. The aroma of sandalwood in the entire tent was making him obsessive. He completely lost all his senses due to heavy drinking. Millions of sensations ran through his spine. His heart, mind, and soul only wanted her at that time.

At first, he felt nervous to touch this exquisite, delicate beauty. He leaned down and kissed softly on her forehead, her simple touch sending shivers inside his entire body. Jodha did not react; she was still sleeping peacefully, not knowing how her life would curve in the next few minutes. He kissed her again on her cheek so softly, Jodha moved a little bit but didn't grasp that it was Jalal, and he inhaled her aroma deeply with a deep sigh out; his lips felt the soft touch of her skin; there was no way Jalal could control himself any longer. With passion, he began to kiss her on her neck, then the ear, and with a shock, Jodha screamed out loud. There was dim glowing light in the tent. Jalal covered her mouth with his hand harshly, and while putting half of his body on top of her. their eyes ran across in dim radiance. She realized Jalal was touching her without her consent. She smelled alcohol from his mouth, and when her eyes noticed the dark, deep lust, desire in his gaze, her entire body shuddered.

She gathered all of her force and drove him away from her, then yelled out loud, "What are you doing here? How dare you touch me?" She looked frightened and weak.

He was shocked when she rejected him again. He shouted back angrily, "What have I done wrong? You are my official wife; I have absolute right over your body. You are supposed to fulfill my every wish... You can't say no anymore."

He angrily pulled her towards him and took off her dupatta (chunni), and began to kiss her roughly. Jodha again pushed him harshly to defend herself and made him fall on the floor with all her strength. This rejection brought extreme anger and fierceness in him. He took hold of her long hair harshly and pinned her to the pillar along the wooden wall. He was extremely angry for pushing him on the floor; he lost all of his wits. He pinned both of her hands along the wall cruelly then; he shifted his entire body towards her; his grip was so firm, she couldn't move even one bit. Her glass bangles broke and pricked in her vein, and her hand started bleeding.

His fury was roasting; his eyes were blood red, and he shouted while clutching her wrist, "I will fulfill my desire, and you will have to obey me. You are my winning trophy." He began to kiss along her cleavage with painful bites. Jodha realized she couldn't do anything against his strong force as she could not even breathe or move. Her eyes were full of tears; her hands were full of blood; she was standing there like a dead body.

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

Concubine: a woman residing in a harem and kept, as by a sultan, for sexual and entertainment purposes.

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Chapter 5

While kissing on her lips spitefully, Jalal's eyes wedged the sight of blood on her hand, which was flooding out. Suddenly, after seeing blood, his senses returned, and he realized he was about to force her. His heart sank, seeing her condition. The way she was standing exposed without her dupatta (stole), her hair looked clumsy, and all messed up lips swollen, and there were many bite marks on her cleavage and collarbone. He couldn't believe himself; he did all this to her. Instantly, he released her hand from his grip; when he felt blood on his hand, he stepped back in shock. She was standing there like a lifeless corpse; There was no reaction from her.

In a faint, guilty tone, Jalal apologized, "Queen Jodha, please forgive me," there was no reaction from her. His words didn't reach her ears. She stared at him, impassively. He decided to leave the tent since he was disgusted with himself. He started walking out, and suddenly he heard a loud noise like something fall. He hurriedly turned and saw Jodha on the floor unconscious, "Jodhaaa." he roared.

He scooped her in his arms and carefully put her on the bed; then, He grabbed dupatta (stole) from the floor and covered her to hide assaulting marks on her cleavage. Then swiftly, he came out of the tent and instructed his guard to call the doctor (Hakim) immediately and told Moti to go inside with him.

Moti ran inside the tent with Jalal; she was shocked to see Jodha in this condition. Seeing her swollen lips, she immediately understood what must have happened. Tears began to delude out from her eyes silently.

She knew Jodha was fasting for the last three days, and today the whole day, she was cooking.

Within a minute, the doctor (Hakim) rushed into the tent; seeing her condition, she shuddered for a second. She wiped her wound and put medicated ointment to stop bleeding. After checking Jodha's pulse and eyes, "Why is she so pale, her skin also too dry. Seems like she is dehydrated? Her pulse is so slow. Is she eating and drinking properly?" she asked questionably while looking at Jalal and Moti.

Jalal looked towards Moti for the answer.

Moti began to cry loudly out of panic. "Jodha is fasting for the last three days; she has not eaten or drank anything."

Jalal's eyes widened in shock; he angrily stared at Moti. When she continued crying, he shouted, "Keep your mouth shut and tell me why she was fasting?"

Moti feared seeing dreadful anger in Jalal's eyes; in a low voice, she explained, "Queen Jodha has not eaten anything after her wedding. She was very depressed while leaving Amer; I overheard her grieving with the god Krishna for tarnishing her dream and life; she was so upset at God; she chose to punish god by punishing herself. Since her childhood, she has had immense faith in Lord Krishna, and she always speaks to him like his acquaintance and well-wisher. She has done many fasts before, but since it was a long journey and on top of it, today she cooked in front of a hot grill. She directed me not to notify anyone about her fasting, and no one even asked why she didn't eat for three days and night, but she will eat tomorrow morning after prayer since today is the last day of her fasting."

Jalal got extremely surprised and disturbed to find that Jodha has not eaten anything for the last three days. He scolded Moti in a tender tone for not telling him about her fasting. He was already disgusted at himself for forcing himself on her; both of her hands were still bleeding. He felt guilty knowing that she has been fasting for three days, and he made her cook for so many people just to break her apart. Seeing her pale and weak face, he was feeling even more remorseful. He said to himself. Oh, God, I have not seen anyone so headstrong and divine like her, who could even fight and punish god by punishing herself.

Jalal anxiously asked, "(Doctor) Hakim Sahiba, How is queen Jodha's condition?"

Cautiously, she replied, "Shahenshah, she is fragile, and her pulses are sinking. If you permit me, I would like to give her some remedy with water; since she is fasting, I am not sure what to do; otherwise, without medicine, it's going to be very difficult."

Without thinking much, Jalal responded, "(Doctor) Hakim Sahiba, give her medication and water immediately and do everything you can to cure her."

Jodha was still unconscious, and Jalal was standing near the window thinking about what he had done to Jodha. He recalled her innocent chirpy smile and proud face when they met first; he turned then and saw her feeble and sad face.

Seeing her state, he felt suffocated. His mind often questioned, why is he so obsessive about her? Why is he losing his self-control against her? Why is he so concerned about her condition? He has so many women in his harem, then why is she affecting him so much after her rejection? To convince himself, he thought, maybe I am feeling guilty because I am responsible for her condition today; otherwise, she is nothing in my life.

His mind haunted the same thoughts. It was more than an hour now, but he was still lost. Suddenly Hakim Sahiba's fearful sound snapped him out of his thoughts. She said in a timid voice, "Shahenshah, queen Jodha's condition is getting worse. She has a high fever and seems like she is scared or afraid of killing her from inside. Even in her unconscious condition, she is shivering, and her facial expression changes like she has seen a ghost. If her fever doesn't go down soon, I will not be able to help her. I have given her all the medicines I could; now, the only god can save her."

Jalal knew what fear was killing her from inside. He ordered everyone to go out of the room for a few minutes and leave them alone.

Jalal sat on the bed next to where she was sleeping; he said in a sorrowful guilty tone, "Queen Jodha" he held her hand softly and continued, "Please forgive me for my grave mistake. I am giving you a promise; I will not touch you without your consent; I will never demand my husband's rights." Then he caressed her face with care and continued, "Please, believe me, I will never force myself on you ever again, and my rage took over my all wits. I am your husband, and I promise I will protect you from everyone, even myself." Jalal could see her terrified expressions changed to calm ones after his apology. He could sense she heard his words. Seeing calmness on her face, he felt relieved, and for a while, he forgot that he is a King of Hindustan and his self-centered ego. He was only a husband then; he started to take care of her. As per Hakim's instruction, he began to put cold water cloth on her head, and gradually, in a few hours, her condition started to improve.

(Doctor) Hakim Sahiba and Moti were surprised to see Shahenshah treating and sitting next to her warily.

Three hours passed, but Jalal was without a blink taking care of Jodha.

At last, her fever reduced. She opened her eyes and saw Jalal sitting next to her. As soon as her eyes laid on him, her face again got filled with extreme fear. Jalal could read the terror in her eyes. He loudly said to everyone, "Takhliya" (depart the tent)

He gently held her hand and remorsefully said, "Don't be scared of me, Queen Jodha, please forgive me for my slip. Your rejection, beauty, anger, and drunk condition created a monster inside me. I didn't realize when I lost control over myself and was about to do Gunah E Azim (unforgivable sin). I am extremely guilty for what I have done to you. I promise you one thing today; I will not touch you without your permission. I strongly believe that touching any woman without her consent is the biggest offense, and even God doesn't forgive for that sin.."

She stared at him with mystified expressions. She couldn't believe what she heard.

After a long deep sigh, he said in a slight grumpy tone, "But I want you to know that the amount of hatred you hold against me, I hold double that against you. You have dared to challenge Mughals and me, and that is the only reason I have married you, to take revenge on you."

He paused briefly to see her expression; his ego was hurting for apologizing for his mistake. To hide his care and defeat, he continued firmly, "Queen Jodha, understand one thing very clearly, I have more than five thousand women in my harem, you are not special at all, and I am not obsessed about you or your beauty, and I do not want to give you more importance by touching you. You will stay in a Mughal palace as my winning trophy, just like a decorative showpiece. You are not at all mattering to me. But unfortunately, you are my official wedded queen; hence you will have to follow all the rules with respect; otherwise, no one can protect you from me. You have already seen my anger once; just pray you don't have to see that again." He looked at her frustratingly for a few seconds; then he walked out of the tent. His expressions were mixed with pain and anger. It was clearly visible on his face that her rejection and his actions hurt him.

Jodha was confused; on one side, he apologized and promised, and on the other side, he threatened her. But she felt relieved to hear that he will not touch her without her permission. 'You are nothing in my life. You are nothing more than a decoration piece in my palace.' The sentences seized her heart and echoed a few times.

After Jalal left, Moti came running inside the tent and started to cry warily and happily. She hugged Jodha and asked her impatiently, "How did you get injured on your wrist... what happened last night?"

Jodha's tears pricked out, recalling that horrifying flash. She told everything to Moti about what had happened, how Jalal tried to force on her, how violently he kissed her and brutally injured her while holding her wrist harshly, and then suddenly his consciousness awakened. He stopped it; then he apologized; after that, I don't remember anything.

Moti's eyes also feared with terror and tears; she hugged Jodha to give her comfort.

"Jodha, I am so shocked to hear this because the entire night Shahenshah took care of you without a blink; every five minutes, he was changing cold water cloth to reduce your fever; he sat next to you all night and didn't let anyone else take care of you. He seemed extremely worried and concerned for you, Jodha, but what you are telling me is so different, his ruthless words and actions, I am so confused." Moti said

Jodha wiped Moti's tears and said, "I am also very puzzled and confused by his behavior. In my unconscious state, I was able to hear every word but could not move. He apologized and assured me that he would not touch me without my consent and caressed my face tenderly. he held my hand for so long to give me comfort and assure that he is with me, and then again he apologized and promised me when I came back to my consciousness, but then he also threatened me and told me ruthless words."

Jodha, I think he cares about you; why else would he take care of you for the entire night and apologize for his behavior and he also swore that he would not touch you unless you wish." Moti softly replied"

Jodha stopped Moti and irritably said, "Moti, he doesn't care about me. He was guilty about his behavior, and otherwise, he is a Jallad (devil). I will never forgive him. I hate him so much that I do not wish to see his face.

A few hours later, early in the morning, Jalal sent Jodha food and ordered the maids to make sure she finishes the food.

Jalal is in his tent thinking of his own action and questioned himself, why he is so much concerned for Jodha??? Why does he want to make sure she has eaten or not??? I am a king, and I do not care about anyone. He was confused by his behavior. His thoughts were wounding his ego again; he came back to reality and started thinking; I cannot bow down to Jodha like this. I have to win, I have to teach her a lesson, and I have to break her ego. She needs to know who I am.

The maid brought food to Jodha and requested her to eat; otherwise, Shahenshah will get upset with her.

Jodha was surprised to hear this; why is this Jallad (devil) trying to be nice to me? There must be something in his mind?

Jodha arrogantly sent the food back and instructed the maid to let Jalal know that she will eat after finishing her prayer and tell Shahenshah that I don't need any special treatment from him; I can order food for myself.

Jalal received Jodha's message and got angry; her rejection hurt his ego once again. How dare she disobey my orders, she will have to learn a lesson. He walked towards her tent furiously and gazed at her with angry red eyes and then shouted, "Jodha begum, what do you think of yourself? You are too arrogant; now it's time to teach a lesson of manners; I will punish you for not obeying my order. Today you will not be allowed to do the god Krishna's prayer. This is your punishment for disrespecting me. You worry more about god Krishna than my command; now you will know what Shahenshah's order means." He called and gave the guards orders to watch Jodha begum and make sure she does not perform her prayer; before Jodha could say even a word, he crossly walked out of her tent. This was a tremendous punishment for her. First time in her life, she will not do God Krishna's prayer. So she decided not to eat or drink until she performs her prayer the next morning.

There was an essential function and welcome celebration planned at Agra Place for Jodha. It was a part of the customs of marriage. His first wife, Queen Rukaiya, was happy because Jalal was returning to Agra after many days. Jalal gets married or bringing women with him was not new to her. The only difference this time has been that he officially married a Rajput Hindu princess. As per his religion, he could marry four times in his life. Rukaiya and Jalal were best friends from their childhood. Rukaiya always loved Jalal, but Jalal saw her as his best friend, adviser, and chief wife. He did not love her, but she was very much important in his life. Rukaiya controlled all his queens and concubines. She was very good at politics and commending power. She influenced Jalal on his political decision. It was a shock when she heard Jalal married officially to the Rajput princess without any discussion.

Eventually, after three days of the tiring journey, they all arrived at Agra, the palace in the afternoon.

A loud announcement was made at the gate of the Agra Palace arrival of the Shahenshah E Hindustan and new queen Jodha bai.

Jodha looked outside of the palanquin; her eyes oozed, seeing the palace's grandeur and opulence richness. They went through the detailed artistically carved entrance. Even the colorful door had gemstones studded. Her eyes widen, seeing the majestic architecture of the huge palace. The complete inner layer of the palace was made with marbles. Every single wall was engraved with beautiful artistry. She was speechless seeing this affluent royal palace. She came out of the palanquin; her face was covered with a long veil. She looked through her veil, a lot of people came to welcome them, all the women covered with a veil. They were standing on the other side behind the transparent curtain. All the guards and maids were in the same type of uniform. She felt disgusted seeing other women who were trying to get Jalal's attention.

She felt surprised to see this grand welcome for her. The palace was beautifully decorated with flowers, and welcome music was going on. Jalal rides off from the horse next to her.

Jalal's mother, Hamida Banoo, came in front excitedly to welcome them. Happiness was clearly visible on her face; she happily said, "Welcome queen Jodha to your new home." She introduced herself to Jodha that she is a mother of Jalal. Jodha immediately bends down to take her blessing.

Before they reached Agra, everyone in the palace came to know about her condition for the marriage. Hamida planned her welcome as per her condition; she was very aware of Hindu customs since she spent many Hindu house years. She called Hindu maids to sing Rajvanshi welcome songs for Jodha. Then as per ritual, she followed Griha Pravesh (first-time bride entry to the home) custom, which annoyed Jalal and Maham Anga. But as Jalal had agreed on her conditions, he did not utter a word. Jodha was feeling too tired; she wanted to rest since she hadn't eaten anything for four days. She was deeply depressed and miserable because she could not perform god Krishna's prayer for the day.

Jalal kept Jodha's health condition hidden from everyone since he was at fault. When Hamida took off Jodha's Ghoonghat, she got shocked seeing her face. She also noticed the bandages on her hands. Immediately, she put her veil (ghoonghat) back and told everyone that queen Jodha needs to rest; she will see everyone at tonight's function.

Seeing Jodha's contour, Hamida knew something was not right. Something must have happened on the way. She looked at Jalal angrily with a questioning gaze. Jalal was not able to see in her eyes... Seeing guilt on his face and eyes, Hamida decided to take Jodha to her palace.

Hamida took Jodha to her chamber while talking to her politely; her words were comforting and soothing on her wound. After the marriage, the first time, she felt serene in her warmth.

She made her sit on a divan and pulled her veil from her face, then softly caressed her head and asked with much care & concern, "Queen Jodha, my dear child, are you all right? Is everything fine?"

Jodha couldn't hold any more; she began to cry like a small child. Hamida hugged her with love and said, "I am like your mother, don't worry, Jodha, I will always stay by your side. Don't feel that you are alone here. Anytime you feel sad or need something, just come to me, my child."

Hamida let her cry on her shoulder for a minute; when she noticed Jodha calmed down a little, she continued.

"I don't know what Jalal has done, but let me tell you something, my son is not a terrible person, he lost his father at a very tender age, and then he had to take care of the entire Sultanate at a young age, so day by day he became like a stone. He has seen a very rough time, and many betrayals have turned him into a heartless person. I am aware of what circumstance you agreed to marry him against your desire and sacrifice your life for your land and family. You are a pure-hearted selfless person; everyone and around him wants something from him; I am sure one day he will recognize your value and purity. I have hope that one day you will bring my Jalal back." She hugged her again, kissed her forehead, and said, "God bless you, my child!" Then she gave Jewelry and an outfit for the function to wear, which Jalal picked, especially for Jodha. Before leaving, she told her that many important people are coming today to attend this function of your welcome, so relax now and get ready in three hours.

Jodha gratefully thanked her; Her comforting word and warmth reassured her that she was not alone in this big palace.

As per routine, Jalal went to see Queen Rukaiya first. Rukaiya was so happy to see Jalal that her tears came out. She hugged him with passion, but somehow Jalal was still lost and couldn't respond in the same way. His response was too dry; Something was bothering him. But abruptly, he snapped out to reality and hugged Rukaiya with the same passion and asked her warmly, "How are you, my dear Queen? You are looking lovely as usual."

Rukaiya instantly knew something was different about Jalal today. "You look like a different man Jalal. You look lost somewhere." She teasingly said

"Rukaiya, please don't bother me; it's nothing like that, just that I am too tired." Jalal dryly responded

"Jalal, what happened? You do not look happy to see me, are you okay? Is everything good?" She asked in a grim tone while caressing his cheeks.

While masking his inner turmoil, he responded, "It's just that I was yearning for my best friend, nothing else." Jalal discussed everything, War, Abdul, Amer, King Bharmal, but not about Jodha. He did not utter a single word about Jodha; he didn't know why he acted this way and hid about her. He always shared everything with Rukaiya.

After Jalal left, Rukaiya observed that Jalal did not disclose anything about his new queen Jodha. Her heart flipped, seeing a sudden change in Jalal.

Jalal was now getting ready for the function, but he felt restless for punishing Jodha; he knew how religious Jodha is and stopped her from doing her daily prayer. He knew he had punished Jodha harshly, but he was so angry at that time when she disobeyed him arrogantly, so whatever came into his mind, he punished her.

While Jodha was getting dressed for the function, Jalal walked into her chamber without an announcement. As soon as Moti saw Shahenshah, she walked out of the chamber. Jalal's eyes rested on her open backless blouse and her small curvy waist. Her spotless fair luminous skin mesmerized him.

"Moti, where are you? Help me with my blouse??? Jodha exasperatingly howled

"Moti just went out of the chamber." Jalal softly replied while smirking mischievously

Jodha realized Jalal's presence in her chamber, she quickly turned towards him, and at the same time, she realized she was not wearing her dupatta yet. She immediately grabbed her dupatta and covered herself.

Seeing her facial expression, Jalal grinned at her and asked, "Can I help you with the lace queen Jodha?"

She squinted her eyes and spoke annoyingly. "How dare you come into my chamber."

In a deadly calm tone, he responded, "Queen Jodha, first of all, Remember... I don't like the word dare; you and your Amer have already seen my dare, and second, what did you just say? 'How dare I come into your chamber' then listen; I can come to your chamber anytime I want. Maybe you forget that you are not in Amer and I am your husband. Though I had promised not to touch you, I can come here whenever I want, and you cannot stop me."

"Shameless." She mumbled, then frowned at him and went into the other chamber to finish her dress up.

Jalal's lips slightly curved with a grin; seeing her frustrating but cute face, he waited for her in the divan.

In a few minutes, Jodha got ready and came out.

He silently whispered, 'Ya Allah, she is so beautiful! God has created her with lots of patience.'

While keeping his steady gaze at her, he dryly said, "Let's go."

She annoyingly murmured in a faint tone, "Who told you to wait for me?"

"I don't care about you, but this function is in your honor, probably for the first and last time. So, unfortunately, I will have to walk with you, so you better keep your mouth shut and tiptoe with me." He annoyingly replied

While walking, he thought confusingly, 'What is wrong with me? Why I waited for her, when I never allowed any of my begum, not even Queen Rukaiya, to accompany me to entered together in the court, or function hall.'

Everyone came to the function area and was now waiting for the couple to arrive. With the loud announcement, Jalal and Jodha entered the big hall where the function was organized. Everyone got up from their chair to respect the Shahenshah.

Jodha covered herself with a long veil (ghoonghat). They both sat next to each other. It was a small seat for two... Jodha felt uncomfortable and hesitant, sitting that close to Jalal.

Unexpectedly, Jalal got up from his throne and took off her veil (Ghooghat) and told her that we do not have the custom for queens to put on a long veil, and today everyone is here to see you, so there is no need to cover your face.

Jodha felt a little shy, the way he took off her veil in front of everyone. From the corner, Rukaiya watched at Jalal and his actions; she got upset to see changes in his behavior. He never entered the function hall or court with any of his queens. He took off her veil in front of everyone, which staggered Rukaiya and everyone in the Diwan Hall.

The function started with musical performances for entertainment. Then Maulvi's prayed for King's happiness. After that, one by one, close family members, few kings, administrator. Everyone came to see them personally and gave gifts and blessings to the couple. Rukaiya also arrived to wish Jodha and Jalal. Seeing Rukaiya, Jalal got up from his throne to introduced Rukaiya to Jodha and told Jodha that Queen Rukaiya is his chief queen, Begum-e-Khaas; you need to learn from her all the rules, queen manners, and the restrictions for the queen. Rukaiya manages Harem related issues or needs.

Jodha sarcastically replied while looking at him crossly, "Sure, I would try my best to fulfill my wife's duty Shahenshah."

His Jaw clenched at her sarcasm; he silently glared at her menacingly.

Rukaiya had so many questions in her mind about Jodha; she questionably gazed at him.

Jalal looked at Rukaiya and, with his eyes, manifestation to ease her.

It was time for the final ritual of sweet exchange, then an announcement made by Maulvi (Mughal priest) that queen Jodha will feed sweet to Mughal Badshah, Jalaluddin Mohammad.

Jodha took sweet from the plate and slowly forwarded her hand near his mouth.

Jalal held her hand and ate the entire piece while looking at her impishly. Everyone applauded and blessed the couple; then another announcement was made, now Shahenshah will feed his new queen Jodha.

This announcement joltedJodha, she got alarmed with a horrified expression, and she did not understand what to do. After facing his anger, she very well knew if she refuses now, Jalal will undoubtedly get mad and take it as an insult in front of so many people. She began to shiver nervously; even though she knew he would punish her, she decided to refuse to eat; it was a matter of her religion and her belief.

"Shahenshah, I cannot eat sweets," Jodha said in a faint tone.

Jalal gawked at her with anger and whispered in a thick tone, "Don't you dare to insult me, and you better don't create drama in front of people; otherwise, you will be very sorry for your action."

"Shahenshah, you can kill me, but I will not eat no matter what happens; you have punished me, not to do my daily God Krishna's prayer today, and I don't eat anything without prayer, so I cannot eat anything today. Do whatever you want to do. I am ready for all consequences," she said in a faint but firm tone.

His jaw clenched again, and anger simmered up; he clutched his hands to control his rage. He very well knew she would not eat at any cost; he had already experienced her stubbornness.

Everyone was waiting for Jalal to feed Jodha. Jalal got up from his throne and called up Rukaiya begum and fed her sweet instead of Jodha. Everyone was so shocked to see this.

While scanning everyone's expression, Jalal said in a dominant tone, "No matter how many times I marry, my first wife deserves this sweetness." Then he announced the function is over and looked back at Jodha furiously, then pointedly said in a thick tone, "Queen Jodha, let's go, the function is finished."

Seeing his fuming angry face, Jodha shuddered. Without any argument, she started to walk with him. They both were quietly going towards Jodha's chamber. Jalal walked rapidly, and Jodha tried to catch up with his pace, but she felt like she would faint any moment due to fasting. In a low tone, she mumbled "Shahenshah" and lost her consciousness, she was about to fall, but Jalal caught her in time.

"Jodhaaa!!!" He carried her in his arms, took her to his chamber, and ordered the maids to send (Doctor) Hakim. Jalal sprinkled some water on her face. Promptly, she came back to her senses. Slowly, she opened her eyes and saw Jalal sitting there with an anxious look, holding her hand tightly. Jodha pulled her hand from his hand.

"Queen Jodha, how are you feeling now? You need to drink water and eat something; why are you punishing yourself? You have not eaten anything for four days." Jalal stated gently.

Jodha got surprised to hear concern about her from him. She laughed cynically and snapped back at him, "Oh... Heartless Shahenshah is worried about his queen, don't worry, I will not die that easily; you will get enough chances to take your revenge."

Jalal realized that he was showing his concern towards her. So to cover-up his anxiety, he replied, "Queen Jodha, I was just following my duties, I very well know about my responsibilities, if such thing had happened to any of the servants, then also I would have done the same thing which I am doing fo you. I know you are a Rajput and will not die that easily; unfortunately, I will have to bear your burden for long.

Then, Hakim came, and Jalal got up from the bed and waited for Hakim to check Jodha.

"How is she doing?" He asked Hakim blankly

"Shahenshah, nothing to worry about; she is fine but fragile. She needs to drink enough water; otherwise, her dehydration will take her life."

"Don't worry, Hakim Sahiba, my new queen, will not die easily, anyway; she is too childish, stubborn, and slightly senseless. She will not drink anything until tomorrow, but next time if she fell or get unconscious, I won't disturb you." He sarcastically responded to Hakim while gazing at her tediously

He knew she was not going to eat until she does her prayer in the morning. It was very late, and he did not want to send her back to her chamber in this condition. Jalal replied, "Hakim Sahiba, you can leave."

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Chapter 6

After seeing her health condition, Jalal decided not to send her back to her chamber even though he was feeling defeated against his heart and his mind was clearly warning him not to give standing to this arrogant princess.

"I will take care of Queen Jodha for tonight; you may leave," Jalal stated to Hakima in a dark tone as if words were forced to come out of his mouth.

"As you wish, your majesty, Shabba Kher (Good Night)" she walked out of the chamber.

"I am going back to my chamber; I don't want any favor from you." Jodha retorted while squinting her eyes at him

Without responding to her, he just gazed at her blankly with a deadly stare.

After seeing his intimidating gaze at her at first, she got terrified, but soon she recovered herself and masked her fear. She swiftly got up from the bed with a courageous attitude, as if his scary gaze had no impact on her. She began to walk out of the chamber without uttering a single word. Still, due to the feebleness from fasting, she instantly felt dizzy again. Her vision began to fade, and she thought she was losing her stability and was about to fall on the floor, but at the last second, Jalal again caught her in time and carried her to bed in his arms like his precious possession. A deep line of stress smeared through his forehead, but he soon felt relieved when she opened her eyes. His eyes began to dance with humor seeing her embarrassing expression. He smirked at her playfully while putting her on the bed gently.

"Queen Jodha, I think you deliberately fall in front of me, so I take you in my arms. Do you crave my touch? He asked her mockingly with a grin on his face.

She gazed at him embarrassed, little blush smeared through her face. While looking at his captivating chuckle, she deeply exhaled and thought, 'Why is he so alluring and attractive? His intoxicating aroma can make anyone crazy for him; why can't I take my eyes off of him? I have never felt like this for any other man before. When he held me near his chest, my heart stopped beating. His personality is so magnetic that anyone can get charmed by enthralling piercing brown eyes. He is so sharp, a quick thinker, and a manipulative player, how quickly he played in the function and fed the sweet to Queen Rukaiya without anyone knowing the real reason behind it. With his one-act, he showed everyone how he doesn't value me. At the same time, he pleased his favorite queen as well. He is a true player. When people surround him, his eyes only speak, and he hardly utters an unnecessary word, but when he speaks, everyone follows him blindly. He is brilliant in conversation; when we met first, he even made me a fool and found out my true identity, even I got charmed by him in our first meeting. Suddenly she realized what she was thinking; she quickly closed her eyes in frustration. 'Oh, Krishna!!! What is happening to me??? Why do I think about this heartless beast? And I have no other option left than spending the night with him in his chamber; I don't want to fall again in his arms.'

Jalal saw her helplessness on her face while she was deeply lost in thoughts.

"Today, my new queen will sleep in my chamber for the first time." Jalal teasingly said

"My unfortunate destiny Shahenshah... POOR ME, I will have to bear the torture of staying with you for the night." Jodha narrows her eyes at him.

Jalal gazed at her blankly, but his lips had a hint of a smirk, seeing her frustrated and irritated. He was enjoying bantering her.

Jalal slowly walked towards her and sat next to her on the bed, then sarcastically he asked, "My poor unfortunate, brainless, arrogant and stupid queen, I am asking you for the last time, do you want to eat something?"

Jodha's jaw clenched while gritting her teeth; she replied, "First of all, I am not brainless, and second you are the one who is asking me brainless and stupid questions. You know very well that I am fasting, but you are still asking me to eat food. Your majesty, just for your knowledge, people don't eat when they fast, so I will not eat anything till I do prayer tomorrow morning, so don't ask me again a stupid question."

The way she snapped back at him with pulping anger, Jalal smirked instead of getting annoyed at her. He scornfully looked at her and replied, "Thank you for the information, your demand is granted my poor queen" then he called his maid and ordered her to bring a shahi meal.

Jodha got more aggravated after seeing his dominating attitude and thought even after denying he is still ordering food for me. Fumingly, she said in a thick tone, "I-said-I-don't-want-to-eat-food, did you understand when I said it the first time, or are you..."

Jalal scornfully replied, "Queen Jodha, you are self-centered; you think about yourself only all the time. It seems like your parents have not taught you how to be respectful and caring towards your husband. You took vows in front of holy fire that you will obey me and fulfill my need. Don't you know your husband has not eaten dinner yet? I have ordered food for myself, and I am not brainless that I will keep hitting my head on a rock?

A few minutes of silence followed.

Jodha was so irritated, and Jalal kept sneering while staring at her without a blink; his constant penetrating stare made her more annoyed.

Even he didn't know why, but he enjoyed teasing her. No one dared to speak to him this way ever, not even Rukaiya. He was enjoying this new relation of hatred. Every queen of his was contradictory to Jodha; they could die to see his one smile, all of them always tried to please him in different ways, but Jodha didn't care; she didn't even care of his status of Shahenshah and his power. It was clear she didn't want to be a special queen of his. Without any fear of the consequences, she defied and uttered what she felt.

Jodha was thinking, how shameless he is, he will eat in front of me, he doesn't even care I have not eaten anything for four days, and the smell of food will create a desire for food. This heartless is telling me that I am selfish.

Jodha irritably asked in a crabby tone, "Are you going to eat in front of me?"

Jalal playfully replied, "No...My poor queen... I will not eat in front of you, but I will sit next to you and eat."

Hearing this, Jodha got frustrated and said, "Don't you even dare to call me poor once again; otherwise, you will see what I can do to you. I have not seen anyone more shameless than you."

He inhaled sharply, raised his eyebrow, and in a sarcastic tone replied, "My poor queen, Oh... I am so scared; I called you poor, what will happen to me now?? And shameless... I very well know that no one can be shameless like me."

Jodha shuddered to see his scary fuming look. Even though he promised her he will not touch her without her permission, his dark gaze shook her, but still, his dark and angry stare gave a shiver in her entire body. She decided not to argue with him, so she kept quiet.

After a few minutes of deep stillness, Jalal asked in a deadly silent tone, "Jodha, aren't you scared of me? Do you know how many states I own? How many kings have surrendered under me? People wait for months to meet with me. Do you know who I am?"

Jodha trembled to see his deadly calmness in his eyes; it was too frightening. Her hands were shivering, which was noticed by him immediately; she drew her legs closer to her and hugged her knees tightly. Immediately her brain shouted silently, 'Oh hell... Yes, you are too scary and creepy, just being around you is so threatening; your sharp, angry eyes give me tremors to my core. I know how you control and command people. I am very well aware that you too powerful, probably the most powerful person in entire Hindustan, but I am also a fearless princess, and I will not bend down out fear and show my fear or weakness to you.'

She inhaled deeply and composed herself, then replied while mirroring his deadly sound, "Shahenshah, am I scared of you? NO!!! I only get scared of people who I respect. I am scared of my father, brother, mother, and Amer because they all love me, but I am not scared of you because I have no desire to live. I want you to punish me and kill me. I cannot kill myself; otherwise, you will punish my Amer, and you left me no choice but to live. You have gotten a puppet from Amer to play. If you punish me to death, I will be rather relieved than scared."

Her words were too strong on his newborn heart, which was affecting him reversely. Her stubborn and bold attitude was making her more desirable. He grinned, seeing a little petite figure shaking out of fear, but how she composed herself and masked her fear in her tone was amusing to him.

"Let's see Queen Jodha how long you can stay without fear in this palace." He warned her while staring at her darkly.

Her rosy lips were shivering, which was still slightly swollen due to his assault. The desire began to pull inside to crush her shivering mouth and take the life out of her trembling lips. He was continually drooling over her beauty; soon, his eyes turned dark with full of lust. While looking at her, he said to himself; I knew Jodha, you do not fear me and do not care about my status or power and do not desire to be a special queen.

His unbreakable, piercing, lustful gaze made her very uncomfortable. She annoyingly stated, "Stop staring at me like an owl; otherwise, your monstrous filthy eyes will come out, you will go blind forever."

Her innocent comparison and annoyed gaze were too amusing for him; he began to laugh out loudly, innocently like a little child. Suddenly her anger and fear disappeared, and she got mesmerized by his glorious smile while how naive he looks when he smiles. Jalal noticed her losing in his gaze; he felt the first time longing in her innocent eyes for him.

"Stop staring at me like an owl; otherwise, your monstrous filthy eyes will come out, you will go blind forever." He snapped back at her

She realized he had caught her gazing at her. She could not hold herself either and began to laugh with him. Both of them were laughing together for the first time.

Jalal sat on the couch, relaxing while waiting for his food to arrive.

All of a sudden, he asked with genuine care, "Queen Jodha, why are you fighting with Lord Krishna and punishing yourself to punish him?"

Jodha replied as if she complaining to him, "So you tell me Shahenshah, what else should I do?? I have prayed and worshipped Krishna since I was a kid. I talked to him for hours and hours, shared everything with him, my dreams about my future husband, my life, my wishes, and saw what he did, what he let happen to me?? Now I am punishing Kanah for giving me a husband who is a womanizer, who has more than 5000 women in his harem. I am punishing him for giving me a cruel husband who doesn't even respect other religions, who doesn't even know the meaning of love or marriage, who tried to force on his wedded wife, who feels proud to be called a heartless man. Who killed thousands of innocent solider to attain my soulless body" She paused and gazed at him bitterly. "Anyway, this is between Krishna and me, and you have nothing to do with this. I have always believed that everything happens for good and to wish of Krishna, but for the first time in my life, I don't feel everything happens to me for good." She was bitter, but her tone was not to hurt Jalal, but she cursed her destiny more.

Jalal looked at her innocent, sad face and thought, how simply she said what she felt about him, it was hurtful to hear it, but it's the truth, how purely and easily she showed me the mirror.

It was true that he treated women poorly; every time he won states, he demanded to gift women for his harem. He never respected other religions, and he indeed felt proud to be called a cruel, heartless warrior. He knew everything, but hearing from her was still painful for him. His dead heart winced in pain for the first time. Her bluntness was pounding on his heart, his anger was slowly starting to boil up to take revenge from her, but her innocent purity was repeatedly defeating his rage, and her pain started to wound his stony heart. He couldn't face her for long, so he closed his eyes and rested his head on the couch.

Soon the guard came inside to inform food has arrived, which snapped both of them from their thoughts. Jalal is permitted to serve food.

Maids entered with lots of different dishes. The entire room got filled with the aroma of delicious food. Maids served Jalal's plate, and then they left. Jalal was very hungry as he didn't have the opportunity to eat the entire day properly. He began to eat quietly but then realized that Jodha did not eat anything for four days. He suddenly stopped eating in the middle and called the maid and told her to take the food back.

Jodha perceived that Jalal suddenly stopped eating food and sent it back, so she confusingly asked, "Shahenshah, you did not like the food??)

Jalal quickly replied, "No food was delicious, but I don't want anyone to keep a bad eye on my food and make me sick; you know how badly black cats' eyes affect humans??" he smirked oddly at her.

"Do I look like a black cat to you??"

Jalal mysteriously chuckled

"I don't want to talk to you anymore, and I am going to sleep now." She pouted annoyingly, petulantly. She started taking off her jewelry, and then she untied her long hair.

Jalal was staring at her the entire time and relishing a glimpse of her beauty.

"I am exhausted due to the long journey; I am going to sleep too." he got up and took his pillow, and lie down on the corner of the same bed.

Jodha suddenly realized he was sleeping next to her; she quickly got up from the bed and said, "You can't sleep on the same bed with me."

"Why not?" Jalal dryly asked

"Because I am saying so, we can't sleep on the same bed," Jodha replied nervously.

Jalal crossly questioned her with his luminous angry eyes. "So you don't have trust in me, you still think that I will take advantage of you and force on you even after promising you??"

Seeing his angry, hurtful eyes, she got frightened a little and replied calmly, "It's not like that; I know you will keep your promise, but how can we sleep in the same bed, that close?? What if you lose your control??"

Jalal's eyes gleamed with humor, then playfully he asked, "Ohhh!!! It seems like you don't trust yourself, Queen Jodha??"

"I don't have any problem, sleep on the same bed, but don't you dare to come anywhere near my side." Jodha petulantly replied

Jalal smiled at his little victory.

Jodha went to sleep within a flick. Jalal watched her impeccable beauty. Few strands of her hair fell on her face; Jalal quietly moved those strands of hair from her face and gazed at her beautiful face till he fell asleep.

Both of them were very tired from their long journey and all the sleepless nights. Jodha turned a few times in sleep and moved towards Jalal's side, and unknowingly her head was resting on his shoulder, and her hand landed on his chest in sleep. Her dupatta got stuck under his back. In the middle of the night, Jalal woke up feeling warmness on his chest, and soon he realized her hand was resting on his chest. He smiled, looking at her firm grip on his top in sleep. He loved this closeness. Soon he fell asleep while enjoying this closeness.

Jodha slept the entire night peacefully after so many days and woke up early in the morning feeling fully fresh. Soon she noticed she was entirely on his side of the bed. Her hand was resting on top of his chest, and her head on his shoulder, and his hand was cuddling her waist. She looked at him, how innocent he looked while sleeping; when she heard his rhythmic heartbeat, she blushed heavily and quietly decided to move away from him to save herself from embarrassment. She slowly tried to put his hand on the side, but in sleep, Jalal leaned closer towards her and put his hand back on her waist. Jalal was still sleeping peacefully, but her stole (dupatta) was stuck under him awkwardly. She tried pulling her dupatta, but she accidentally fell on him, which woke him up while removing it. He instantly understood what exactly happened. Jodha was now sleeping on top of him, and for a few seconds, both got lost in each other. Their erratic heartbeats were audible to each other. Their faces were inches apart, warm breath was creating a passion in Jalal, and he was completely mesmerized by her beautiful doe-like shy eyes. Her trembling lips were creating a craving inside him to touch them. He tightened his grip and pulled her closer by her bare waist and slowly rubbed his cheek with her cheek. Her soft skin and the sweet smell made him fanatical. His first sensual touch sent quakes inside her body; touching a man was a new experience for her. It was too tempting for this young queen who was acutely attracted towards him. It took her a few seconds to gain her lost control, she came back to her senses and tried to push him away coyly, and Jalal also snapped out of her beauty spell and came back to his senses. He tried to let Jodha free from the situation, but her dupatta was poorly stuck under him. To release her, he grabbed her and rolled over her. Now Jalal was resting on top of her, and again they got lost in each other for a few seconds. Jalal sensually whispered in her ears while inhaling the aroma of her beautiful hair, "Good Morning Queen Jodha."

She unsuccessfully tried to conceal her blush with fake anger on her face.

Both of them swiftly got up from the bed. "Didn't I tell you that we should not sleep on the same bed?" Jodha angrily said then began to murmur, "He never listens to anyone, don't know how he became Shahenshah!"

Jalal was taking pleasure in her anger. Her irritating cute face was creating humor and making her look more adorable.

"Oouchhh Aaah, my whole body is aching!!!! Queen Jodha, what have you done?? It seems like the entire night you slept on top of me." He winced teasingly

Jodha felt so flustered and embarrassed that she walked out of the room without looking at him without saying a word.

Jalal smirked, watching her going out.

Jalal called his maid and instructed her to inform him as soon as Queen Jodha finishes her prayer.

Jalal finished his routine namaz, then sword practice, and was ready for the day. It was almost time for Diwan E Khas. The maid came and informed him that Queen Jodha had finished her morning prayer.

Jalal immediately went to Jodha's chamber and instructed the maid to leave the food platter and go.

Jodha irritably asked, seeing him in her chamber early in the morning, "What happened??? Shahenshah, Have I done any crime?? I haven't eaten yet. I can go for another day without food. I am a Rajvanshi Princess; I will not die that easily."

Jalal teasingly replied, "No way, Queen Jodha, I shall not punish you anymore because my shoulders can't bear your heavy burden. My body is still aching."

Jodha squinted her eyes and replied tetchily, "Oh...I didn't know King of kings, Shahenshah E Hindustan's shoulders are so weak."

Jalal snapped back at her. "Oh... Queen Jodha, the day you want to test my shoulders, my hands, my legs, and you know what else, let me know; I will show you how strong they are!" His sharp eyes turned dark with humor and his lips curved with a hint of a smirk.

Her face immediately turned pink; she saw the wicked gleam playing in his eyes, and then she said to herself. Oh god!!! He is so intimidating.

Jodha irritably asked, "Will you please announce the purpose of your visit, why Shahenshah E Hindustan came to see his poor queen?"

"I do not leave any work incomplete. Yesterday you fed me sweet, and I could not, so I thought we finish that ritual today. And who knows, maybe this way I can make your salty and sour tongue sweet." Jalal calmly replied he indirectly forward the first step toward her.

Jodha got shocked hearing that Jalal came to feed her sweet. His sudden change of behavior shook her; he was coming too close to her too soon, she got threatened by her attraction towards him, and his sweetness scared her again, so reversely she replied in a sarcastic tone, "Oh! That is big mercy for this poor begum. Why are you faking and pretending you care, Shahenshah??? What are your intentions behind this care? Are you scheming by your fake care to get me in your bed?" She suspiciously gazed at him, then continue, "Or maybe behind this care, are you planning to kill me with poison? Is it?"

He gazed at her sternly; he cursed himself for bending down and coming to reconcile with this arrogant queen. He smiled dryly at her, which did not touch his eyes; his eyes looked elusively disappointed.

His jaw clenched, he raised his eyebrow, and with a nasty glare, he replied: "You are my biggest enemy Queen Jodha; how can I give you such easy death."

He sounded bitterly hurt, but then quickly, he took a piece of sweet from the platter and forwarded his hand to feed her sweet. Soon, she realized she was too harsh; she opened her mouth and ate the sweet without any dispute. Her eyes gleamed with tears after seeing numbness in his eyes; she knew she has crushed his pride and dragged him away from her, probably forever. It was horrifying to let her uninvited tears prick out in front of him.

Seeing tears in her eyes, Jalal's anger vanished in a flick of a second. He calmly said, "Queen Jodha, Hope this sweet diminishes your bitterness." He looked at her sad, teary face and walked out from there swiftly.

Jalal went straight to Diwan E Khaas.

Diwan e Khaas was filled with many intelligent and talented administrators and maulvies. This was the first time Jalal was attending the court after his marriage to Jodha. All the maulvis were truly upset with Jalal because he got married to a Hindu princess and accepted her conditions. They were complaining, why this marriage was not discussed with them in advance? How can he permit Queen Jodha to continue her religion and have a temple in her chamber? Every Mughal in the court was against Jalal. Jalal scanned the entire court with his sharp eyes, looking at every person in the court. Even after so many complaints, his face had an impassive expression, and his eyes had dangerous stillness in them.

Maham Anga loudly yelled, "Khamosh!" (Quiet!)

Everyone in the court got shocked and fell quiet hearing Maham Anga's roaring yell.

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Hello Readers,

First, I would like to thank all the readers who have voted for the story and commented. UR support motivates me to continue further. 

Chapter 7

Mahamanga roared, "Quite!"

Her loud rumble echoed back a few times in the Diwan (courtroom), everyone got stunned with her sudden outburst, her shout zipped every single administrator and maulvi mouth.

After a pause, she yelled again at the top of her voice, "No one has any right to interfere in Shahenshah's personal life. Getting married to a Hindu Rajvanshi Princess was not a religious decision but a political one. Shahenshah has not violated any practices of our religion. Before pointing out your finger on Shahenshah, think twice; you can be punished for disrespecting the King of the kings."

Everyone stayed quiet, watching at Maham with wide eyes.

Adam Khan, Maham's only son, got up and evenly said, "There is one question I would like to ask to Shahenshah."

Maham glared at Adham and frustratingly thought, 'when will he learn to stay quiet and use his brain!!! Ya Khuda (Oh God)! ' She prayed silently.

Jalal's ferocious glared at Adham ignited him more anger and resentment. His jealousy and desire to be in Jalal's position dulled his brain. To gain respect in others' eyes, he decided to speak on behalf of others to prove Jalal was wrong to marry a Hindu princess. He continued arrogantly in a loud tone, "Every decision that is taken by the Shahenshah has an impact on everyone, including people in this court and common people who live under Mughal sultanate. Today, people are questioning his Shahenshah," he pointed towards Jodha, who was standing behind the curtain. "Why this filthy, impure, and low-class Hindu Rajvanshi is allowed to stay in Agra that too following her religion? How could you agree to this inferior women."

Hearing Adham's disrespectful words for Jodha, Jalal's temper went out of the roof, and he got up from his throne like a volcano erupt with fire; he pulled his sword out and shouted, "Adham!!!  how dare you???" His roar echoed many times in everyone's ears, which startled the entire court into silence.

His sharp brown eyes turned dark and fuming bloody haze. Everyone got up from their chairs out of respect. Jalal furiously stared at Adham, then continued, "Adham, if you say one more word against queen Jodha then I will not spare you alive. Respect Queen Jodha; she is a Mughal queen now; disrespectful words against my queen will be considered a contempt of the Mughal saltant. I am expecting not only from you, but everyone in this court has to give respect to queen Jodha, otherwise be ready for the consequences." The entire court got terrified and froze seeing Jalal's anger towards Adham; this was the first time Jalal warned Adham with a commanding attitude in front of the whole court.

Adam responded curtly while looking down, "Your majesty, your order will be obeyed." and bowed down to Jalal and walked out of the court, clutching his fist heatedly.

Jalal looked at Jodha crossly as if all this happened because of her; seeing his petrifying anger, she shivered. While keeping his vehement stare, he yelled, "Court dismissed."

Jalal's angry gaze towards Jodha confused Rukaiya; she could not understand all these changes in Jalal. She could tell that something was brewing in Jalal's mind. On one side, he could not hear a word against her, and on another side, he was glancing at her meanly.

Rukaiya knew it was not advisable to talk to him immediately, so she gave him some time to cool him down, then she went to Jalal's chamber and saw his strained face and intensely lost in his thoughts.

Jalal's inner thoughts

Everything was happening so fast and unexpectedly that Jalal did not want to reveal Jodha's care to anyone. His ego was bruised, and his heart was still sore at her rejection, her bitter words and piercing, disrespectful gaze was scorching his conscious.

Jalal regretfully said to himself silently, 'Today, the first time she came into the court and began to put a rift between my people and me. What Adham said loudly, everyone is questioning secretly behind my back. She is just a Hindu princess with an arrogant attitude. I spared Amer just for her sake, and she still rejected me even after my bending down towards her. I need to keep her away from court and royal places; otherwise, she will taint my image. She doesn't deserve to be respected as my special queen. I don't want her to think that I care for her. in fact, I don't want anyone to think that she is important. It is better to stay away from her. yes, that's what I will do; if she does not want to be mine and wants to stay away from me, then that's what I'll also do, I will keep her away from me.'

Rukaiya kept watching Jalal confusingly; finally, after a couple of minutes, she sat next to him on the elevated couch and asked straight, "Jalal, where are you lost?"

Jalal lifts his strained eyes.

"You didn't even realize when I came inside your chamber!!! I have never seen you that lost, your ears are too sharp, and the brain is too conscious to notice someone's presence. What are you thinking about so deeply? What is going on? I have perceived that you have changed not a little but noticeable since you got married to queen Jodha. I am unable to understand your behavior. Is Queen Jodha the reason behind all these changes? You have not fallen for Queen Jodha, have you?? I mean in lov..."

Before she completes the sentence, Jalal kept his finger on Rukaiya's mouth and replied furiously, "Stop right there, Rukaiya, you know me very well that I don't like easy women, and I never forgive my enemies. I want her to bend down on my feet. She is the major challenge I have ever faced. Even after her defeat, she talks with her Rajvanshi pride; I want to crush her self-esteem under my feet, and you know me very well, no one can stand against Jalal's conceit." Then he narrated in detail what happened between him and Jodha from the very beginning, their first meeting, the war, their wedding, her rejection, her conditions, him forcing on her, her fasting, and cooking everything.

After telling everything, he asked quizzically, "Rukaiya, do you still think that I am falling in love with her? I want her to kneel at my feet. I want to conquest her heart to me with my sharp manipulative brain. "

Rukaiya replied unconvinced, "Jalal, only you can answer your question if you are using your heart or mind. But I can see the desperation in your eyes for queen Jodha; every time you talked about her, your face glowed, and your eyes sparkled, but your talks have immense hatred in them for her. Today, your words are not reaching your eye. No doubt, your words have enormous hatred, but your eyes and action speak contradictory. Anyone can tell, the way you look at her, you have fallen in love with her. Your anger in the court today was not only anger; it was visible you were hurt; you were in pain. Your eyes were bloody red, but behind that, I saw a deep sorrow, which was not at least hidden from me. Jalal, I am your best friend, but still, it's difficult for me to tell if you are playing with your heart or mind."

Jalal heatedly replied, "Rukaiya, you are my best friend and my dearest queen who rules on my brain, then you should know that Jalal doesn't have a heart, then there is no question to fall in love with someone. Jalal does not love women with heart but worships their bodies in the bed. Rukaiya believes me, I want Jodha to lose her heart over me, and then only my mind will win over her. I am a soldier; I am a commander; I only believe in conquered over things. And I will win conquered her heart very soon." he smirked and walked out of the chamber.

Rukaiya sadly murmured to herself with tears in her eyes, 'I wish what you are saying is true, but today I feel like you are losing against yourself. If I am not mistaken, you have already lost your heart to your new queen Jalal and soon defeat of yours will take away everything from me.'

Jalal realized after talking to Rukaiya, he is losing his mind over Jodha, and he is failing to hide his newly growing feelings towards her. He again determinedly decided to ignore Jodha as much as possible and don't give her any attention to mask his emotions in front of others. His manly pride got hurt hearing the truth from Rukaiya.

A few weeks passed, and slowly Jodha was getting settled in Agra, but nothing changed between Jalal and Jodha.

As soon as Jodha came to the palace, she requested the small temple in her chamber and the Tulsi plant in the palace courtyard. Her condition fulfilled as promised. The palace courtyard was across the sword practice area. As per Hindu ritual after god Krishana's prayer, every morning, Jodha comes out to the courtyard and water the Tulsi plant while walking around and chanting the holy mantra. It became a routine for Jalal to see Jodha doing prayer during his morning sword practice, which was the only time they both saw each other in a day.

Days pass and gradually, his wounds began to pain intensely. Instead of calming it down, her rejection was crushing his ego more and more. He thought she would give up and surrender herself to him in a few days, but instead, she even stopped looking towards him. Jalal noticed that she was losing her charm; even her dressing changed towards simplicity, her face turned pale, but still, it had a glaze on her pride. It was very frustrating for him to accept that she was happy with what she had and didn't miss or need him. Even though she was a princess, she didn't request for more maids or any extra luxuries. She was given a small chamber and no maids. Moti and Reva were the only ones taking care of her every need. She just looked satisfied with everything she had and never complained while Jalal was becoming more and more restless with each passing day. To crush her pride, he humiliated her at every possible opportunity he got, especially in front of others.

In the beginning, Hamida banoo has been invited Jodha to Diwan and other places where other queens were invited. Still, after many times of humiliation and ignorance by Jalal, Jodha decided to stop attending any functions. Lately, she did not even receive any invitations to Diwan E Khaas or on any special occasions.

Even though Jodha was an officially wedded wife of Jalal, his special queen, still only two specific chairs allotted in Diwan E Khaas, Harem function hall, and the Grand dinner hall Jalaal's special Queens Rukaiya and Salima only. Gradually, every harem woman realized that Jalal hates queen Jodha and doesn't want to respect her as his official special queen.

Most of the people in the palace started treating Jodha like Jalal's maid or concubine instead of his officially wedded wife. Little by little, Jodha accepted this kind of behavior; she got used to hearing loud mocking laughs behind her back, her self-esteem was breaking day by day. When she got married, she expected this is how her life would be. The only people who were good to her and had become her support were Ammi Jaan and QueenSalima, and her only fun was spending time with Rahim. She created her little world with Ammijaan, Salima, little five-year-old Prince Rahim, and her daily routine, in which she found peace in it.

It was about more than a month now, and Jalal's frustration was increasing.

On one side, Jalal was burning with desperation for her, and on the other side, Jodha's heart was slowly beginning to desire for him. Jalal gained respect in Jodha's eyes immediately when he stands up for her against Adham in the court. Gradually her hatred converted into respect for him. Even though she was very young to understand this, she knew that once men desire women, then they can't control themselves easily. He kept his promise not to touch her without consent, which created more respect towards him. Her heart commenced to crave for her husband's attention, but she knew her bitterness had battered his ego, and it was too late for him to turn back towards her. His constant disregard, public insults, and hatred were not hidden from her.

Different types of activities and functions were organized to entertain harem's women, and once in a while, Jalal would also come to attend the gathering.

Jalal ordered his newly hired maid to inform his special Queens to attend tonight's function. He was planning to participate in the gathering, too, without realizing he forgot to specify not to invite Jodha.

As per Jalal's instruction, the new maid requested Queen Jodha to attend the gathering, which surprised Jodha since this message came directly from Jalal. At the same time, she felt excited. For some reason, every time she heard his name or saw him. Some unknown feeling gave her happiness. But she still decided not to attend the gathering and save herself from any more humiliation that might happen there. Yet, Moti convinced her to participate in the function, saying that this invitation has directly come from Shahenshah, so she should attend, saving her from unnecessary problems or conflict.

Jodha was very pleased inside that Jalal had kept his word and never tried forcing her for anything and also let her follow her religion and rituals. Even after many degradations, she developed an admiration for him and decided to attend the function.

Everyone gathered in the big harem function hall. Two chairs were arranged next to Jalal's chair for his special queens Salima and Rukaiya. About thirty-five chairs were arranged for his other royal queens. Each chair was allotted individually, and for the rest of the concubines, a carpet was placed in the back for them to sit.

Everyone came before Jalal and took their places. All of the queens and concubines dressed up with expensive jewelry and dressed to please Jalal. Jalal also arrived and sat on his throne. Queen Rukaiya and queen Salima greeted him warmly. About a minute later, Jodha entered through the main entrance dressed very simply and with minimum jewelry. Jalal got surprised to see her at the function without invitation. She looked around in the hall, and their eyes met, Jodha quickly stole glances from him and looked for an empty chair, but soon she realized that she was not allotted a chair to humiliate her. Every person in the hall grasped that she had not been assigned a chair. Jalal noticed many Queens triggering at her seeing her in a dilemma. Jodha gazed back at him with a fiery annoyed stare, then walked gracefully with a stiff neck and sat on the carpet next to the concubines. This extreme humiliation brought tremendous pain to her face. After sitting, she couldn't lift her eyes to see anyone; this was the severe degradation and humiliation she had ever faced. It was getting tough for her to gulp her tears. Her eyes got moist, and tears began to threaten to pour out, but she inhaled deeply to curb her tears. Her face turned entirely red due to intense rage and disgrace.

Jalal couldn't take his eyes off her; his eyes turned soft, seeing her in this vulnerable condition. His chair was big enough for two people to sit, so he asked Rukaiya to come to sit next to him and called his maid and instructed her to tell Queen Jodha to go and take Queen Rukaiya's seat.

Queen Salima got pleased to hear that, but it was a shock for Rukaiya since he gave her chair to Jodha. For Rukaiya, her position and power were everything; her eyes got filled with extreme resentment towards Jodha.

"Jalal, what happened? Your heart winced, seeing her in this condition?" Out of jealousy, Rukaiya taunted him

Rukaiya's statement suddenly made Jalal realize that he showed he cares for Queen Jodha in front of the entire harem.

As per his order, Jodha came and sat on Rukaiya's chair. Her facial expression was blank. She was still looking down; she suppressed her boiling anger and knuckled her fist.

Jalal, dryly in a bitter tone, asked, "My poor queen Jodha, why did you come here without an invitation? What happened to your self-esteem and Rajvanshi ego?"

With a shock, Jodha looked at him dreadfully and replied, "Shahenshah, I didn't know lying is also one of your qualities. Your maid came and requested me for the function; otherwise, I have no interest in seeing you or your gathering." Without thinking twice, she took out her bitterness in front of Salima and Rukaiya and insulted him. She paused and fumingly stared at him and then continued, "By the way, thank you for this humiliation." Then she got up gracefully and walked out of the hall, which staggered many of his queens.

Jalal recalled his instruction to his new maid and realized that he made a mistake and told all of his special Queens instead of giving individual names., He closed his eyes in guilt, and after a few minutes, he also got up and walked out of the function hall, but even though it was his fault, the way she behaved and insulted him publicly created a more rift between them.

A few days later, Jalal passed through the harem to see Rukaiya and heard a very melodious song. He stopped to listen more and wanted to find out who was singing.

Jalal realized that the sound was coming from Jodha's chamber. He quietly went inside her chamber and got shocked, seeing her chamber; she was given the smallest chamber compared to the other Queens. Even the decoration of the room was not like special queens. His eyes caught her singing while doing praying to Lord Krishna. Her eyes were closed, and her hands were folded, and immense peace was on her face. Her simplicity was making her look heavenly. Jalal was surprised by her mellow singing; he did not know that Jodha's voice was melodic. Jodha's purity always touched his heart, and he always knew she had a transparent personality. Jalal got utterly lost in her peaceful bhajan (religious song). Her beautiful, mesmerizing spiritual prayer was making the atmosphere divine. He had been standing behind her for more than ten minutes, but she was so engrossed in her prayer that she didn't realize he was standing behind her. After the prayer, she turned back with Aarti thal, and suddenly she saw him standing and beholding at her, all mesmerized and lost, but seeing him in her chamber in the evening gave her a shiver out of fear.

Jodha forwarded her hand to give him aarti, but he misunderstood. He saw sindoor in the aarti plate and remembered how he had put sindoor in her hair parting at the time of their wedding, so he thought she was asking him to put sindoor in her parting. He took the pinch of sindoor and quickly filled her parting with it.

Jodha got shocked at this gesture from him; she walked back two steps. Tears pricked out of her eyes; then she ran out of her chamber with weeping eyes. This gesture made her realize that Jalal is her destiny once again, and this realization made her feel very gloomy.

Jalal got confused with her reaction and thought maybe she wanted him to do something else when she forwarded the Aarti plate, so to find out, he called one of his Hindu administrators and asked him about the importance of Sindoor and aarti.

The administrator explained, "Sindoor is a symbol of marriage; every married Hindu woman fills her center hair parting with it proudly and for the long life of her husband. Sindoor is their life; Hindu women want to die before their husbands or with their husbands, so hence they put sindoor." He also explained how to take aarti.

Jalal understood she was trying to give him aarti and not sindoor. He understood how significant is sindoor for Hindu married women. When he filled her parting with sindoor, she reacted panicky with sudden tears because sindoor reminded her that she belongs to him now, and that realization shuddered her. He realized that she hates him so much that she didn't even want to give the right to fill her parting, which is supposed to be symbolic for Hindu married women. It was too frustrating for him; every effort that he made to win against Jodha with his wicked brain was becoming futile. Her cold and dry behavior gave him scorching pain; his annoyance was she accepted whatever was given to her; she never demands anything even though she has a luxurious life. Whenever he went in front of Jodha, he forgot everything, including his hatred. His obstruction was his feeling and restless emotion that he never felt before for anyone; he was angry at himself for feeling weak, uncontrollable, and helpless. Deep down, he wanted to possess her, he wanted to make her happy, he wanted her to love him like she loved her family selflessly, but instead of accepting, he was fighting with himself and facing a flavor of defeat against his own heart. This failure was new to him, which was very tough for him to abstract. Soon it created a fire inside him; his desperation craved for revenge from her.

Now winning Jodha's, it became his obsession. Soon Jodha took over his mind and heart; nothing was giving him a pleasure to his restless heart. The person who was addicted to women's physical, sensual intimacy was more than a month. He didn't visit any of his queens; dreaming about her was more pleasurable than going to any other woman. Soon he became so desperate; he couldn't hold himself without seeing her. Still, unfortunately, every time he tried to pursue her, she left him with the bitter taste of her sharp, painful words, and her sad face gave him immense pain, and this pain little by little got converted into anger. He wanted to defeat her any way he could.

In fact, his real desire was to win her heart, but he was unable to understand his own desire. He realized that he was losing against his mind. His own heart was defeating his mind. Jalal knew this, but he didn't want to admit it.

A few days later, Jalal received a message from King Bharmal and Queen Mainavati that they are coming to Agra for the "Pag Phere ritual" in three days. Jalal had no idea what this ritual was? He called the same Hindu administrator to ask.

The Hindu administrator explained to Jalal that after marriage, the girl's father takes her back to her house and after a few days husband has to go and bring her back.

Jalal was confused and asked what the reason behind this custom was?

He explained that "parents want to make sure that their daughter is in good hands and if she has adjusted to her new family or not. Also, in the beginning, girls feel very lonely and miss their family a lot. So this way, they get to see them too."

After finding out about the ritual, Jalal immediately went personally to see Jodha.

More than two months passed to their marriage, but this was only the second time Jalal came to her chamber; she gazed at him with a confusing expression and welcomed Jalal to her chamber.

As soon as Jalal saw Jodha's confused stare at him, Jalal felt annoyed, and quickly he said in a direct impassive tone, "Queen Jodha, your parents are coming in a few days for Pag Fera' ritual."

Suddenly she felt music in her ears; she got so excited and happy to hear this news, she shouted and called Moti in exhilaration like a little child and almost jumped, then hugged Moti and told her that father and masa are coming for pag fera.

Jalal felt too content seeing her happy; his one sentence made her pale face glow in a fraction of a second.

Seeing Moti's cold response and hesitation, all of a sudden, she realized Jalal's presence.

She immediately sends Moti out, and then in a calm and collected voice, she said, "Shahenshah, Please forgive me, I couldn't control myself and got too excited."

Jalal smiled at her genuinely, then walked towards the door.

Jodha suddenly called "Shahenshah!" in a faint tone.

Her sweet voice felt like honey in his ears; Jalal swiftly turned back and noticed that the happiness she had on her face has completely disappeared, and now she has fear on her face; he quickly replied, "Yes."

"Can I request you for something?"

Jalal got surprised hearing her mellow tone; to date, she never asked for anything. Jalal curiously asked, "Yes! What do you want?"

Jodha replied in a pleading tone, "Shenshah, I do not want anything, but I want you to pretend in front of my parents that we both are happily married and living like a happy couple."

"Why do you want me to pretend? You have everything you need here, you have a big palace, you can get anything you dream of, and you have to just ask for it. So tell me, why do you think that your parents will be upset seeing you? What else can a person wish for?" Jalal confusingly asked

Jodha smirked sarcastically and replied, "Shenshah, I had everything in my palace also; I am very much satisfied with what I have in terms of substance. But parents like to see happiness in their child's eyes; I do not want to give my pain to them. If they come to know what happened to me here, how everyone treats me, and that my value in this palace is not more than a maid or a concubine, they will be shattered into pieces. They will be worried about me forever, and I don't want that. Also, I want you to give them respect as well. If you treat them the way I am treated, I will never forgive you for that. I can do anything for my parent's respect."

She paused and gazed into his eyes, which was blank, emotionless, and somewhat confused. She continued to convince him further, "Shenshah, you will not understand this easily. The day you will start understanding common people's life, you will win everyone's heart. People can stay happy with the very minimum stuff, but no one can survive without love, affection, and care. If my parents find out I am just a lifeless decorative piece in this palace, an addition to your winning trophies, and am not receiving any love or care, they will be devastated. I can understand why you questioned me. You can't understand all this since you don't have the heart to feel the pain of parents."

Jalal was utterly shaken, and now angry to hear all this from Jodha, he felt as if she slapped him with her calm long lecture. No one ever dared to tell him this truth of life. Jalal was very annoyed, he knew what she said was right about him, but he didn't want to admit it. Jalal felt like someone had stabbed him; he was feeling suffocated.

Jalal curbed his anger and used his manipulative brain, "I can fulfill your wish on one condition."

She pointedly gazed at him.

"You will have to spend one entire day and a night with me and obey all my orders."

"I knew you would ask for something... you believe in giving and take. The Royal king should always believe in giving and never expect anything in return, but anyway, I have no expectation for you, either as a husband or as a king." Her tone was deadly and discreet; his proposal hurt her.

Her every word poked straight into his heart. Jalal shouted out loud, "Enough, not a single word, stop lecturing me and giving me your advice. Don't teach me my duties. If you accept my terms, then tomorrow before sunrise, come to my chamber." He walked out of there with fuming anger.

The entire night Jalal felt like killing someone. Her words echoed in his ears repeatedly. Jodha dared to show him the mirror. Jalal's devil mind was occupied in planning evil plans to humiliate Jodha; he was very sure she will accept his condition to save her parents' dignity.

On the other side, Jodha wasn't sure what to do? If she accepts Jalal's terms, he will make her life hell, and if she doesn't, her parents will be humiliated and hurt seeing her condition in Agra. So she decided to bow down and accept Jalal's terms as her parent's dignity was more important for her than her self-respect.

The entire night Jalal and Jodha both couldn't sleep. Early morning Jodha took a shower and went to Jalal's chamber.

Jalal was sleeping on the bed; he heard the familiar sound of her anklet. While sleeping, he smirked wickedly and said rudely, "Welcome to hell, Queen Jodha. Come here and sit next to me."

Jodha followed his order quietly; she saw his closed eyes with a devil smirk on his face.

Jalal opened his piercing eyes, Jodha got scared seeing the dark devil in his eyes. He slowly came closer to her and pretended as if he would kiss her, he came very near her lips and blew air on her face. She got threatened with fear and recalled his abusive forceful attempt, her tears rolled out of her eyes, but she didn't move even an inch.

Seeing her so vulnerable and sad, he felt happy at first, but this happiness diminished in a few seconds when he saw her deep gloomy, sad eyes; his heart winced at her pain. His own pain made him more devil; his vulnerable feelings created anger inside him. He decided to humiliate her until she begged for mercy.

He went very close to her ear and whispered sensually, "Queen Jodha, massage my head."

Jodha hadn't said a single word since she came to his chamber. She quietly followed his order and began massaging his head. She was acting like a puppet; her face was utterly impassive...no expressions at all. Her silence and defenseless act started to kill his consciousness. Her pain was unbearable for him to see. But his ego was way more prominent than the pain that he felt for her.

After a while, he ordered her to massage his legs. She followed his instruction without a single word.

Then Jalal took off his top (kurta) and told her to massage his back. Jodha looked at him with teary and angry eyes.

Jalal wickedly smirked and said, "Queen Jodha, I am not touching you; you are touching me. I will not break my promise." He was lying down on his bed; Jodha went close to him and started massaging his back with her soft hands. Her gentle touch on his iron body ignites a sensual fire inside him. He suddenly turned towards her, and Jodha felt embarrassed seeing him, without his top and so close to her. She turned her face towards the other side. Jalal ordered her to massage his shoulders and hands. She quietly followed his orders; her unstoppable tears were flooding out constantly. Jalal wanted to see her pain, but now her pain was bothering him. He always wanted her to bend down at his feet, but his victory gave him intense sting. He couldn't bear to see her vulnerable face anymore, so he ordered her to make preparations for his shower, his clothes, and his Jewelry. She walked towards the shower room without any reaction. There was absolutely no expression on her face. He was confused with his own feelings and emotions. His mind wanted to crush Jodha, and his heart was crying, seeing her in this state. Jalal called out to a few maids and told them to help Jodha. They were surprised to see Jodha was preparing a bath for Jalal. Jodha's silence was dreadful for

him. He was missing her lively...mischievous Jodha when he met first.

After the bathing, he was back to his mission again. Jodha was testing his patience with her silence. He wanted to break her silence anyhow. He ordered Jodha to cook breakfast for him and her. Jodha did not pray, yet so as per her daily routine, she cannot eat. She made food for Kanah and breakfast for Jalal.

Jalal knew that she would not eat without doing prayer. He wanted her to say something, refuse to eat. He knew Jodha would not eat without Krishna's blessing, he said in a commanding tone to serve food for both, and she did as he ordered.

Wickedly he ordered, "Queen Jodha, Eat your food." he knew now she would say something, but Jodha was still quiet, she was in a big dilemma, on one side her parents and another side god Krishna, she didn't know what to do and who to choose. She was shivering; her heart bleeds from inside. Tears were drowning out constantly with her silence. It was suffocating for her; she felt like he was cutting her heart with a sharp knife into little pieces.

She finally gave him a vulnerable and helpless look with her silence. She took a little piece from the plate to eat. Jalal could see enormous pain and tears on her face. She felt like she was about to drink poison. Suddenly she felt fragile; she couldn't move her hand, finally with all her strength she took her hand near her mouth and was almost about to put the bite in her mouth when suddenly Jalal held her hand and requested her to stop; his eyes were filled with her pain.

He said in a defeating tone, "Queen Jodha, go finish prayer first and then come back."

She looked at him for a few seconds without any expression. It took her a few seconds to come out of the shock. She swiftly got up and ran out of his big dazzling chamber and cried out loud bitterly in a corner. She was utterly shattered and broken; she felt like she died a thousand times in the minute.

Jalal was able to see her from his window, which she did not know about. At last, finally, his heart melted, and the first time, tears pricked out from his cruel eyes for her. Jalal knew that if she would have eaten without prayer... she would have died right in front of him. This was an extreme punishment for Jodha. He was feeling her pain. Her purity and love for Lord Krishna and her parents were so divine. He murmured, "I wish you would have loved me like this."

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Aarti is a religious ritual of worship, which from wicks soaked in (purified butter) or is offered to God. Aarti also refers to the songs sung in praise of the deity when the lamps are being offered.

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Chapter 8

Thinking about the way he had treated Jodha engulfed him with guilt and an unexplained feeling of anger. Jalal himself was puzzled with his own emotions. Why is he feeling her grief? He should be feeling content with his conquest, but instead, why is my heart feeling stung? Why does her defenseless condition make me vulnerable? I don't have a heart, then why am I feeling the unbearable suffocating pain? Every time I have hurt her, I have felt miserable. She is fetching out the emotion which I have never sensed. No matter what, she is pulling, even though she hates me, I desire her. Her truth, her innocence, and her purity always upset me. Her bitter words ignite a bright light inside my dark heart.

Even though she defied me at every step, she pulled me even further closer to her instead of hatred. I admire her purity; she is the only person who is not frightened of me. Today, she didn't even argue or said a single word, but her silence was so powerful and threatening. Instead of her, I kneeled at her divine purity today.

She gave her dignity to save her parent's respect. Her faith in God is so divine. She is so untainted and celestially pure, and I am so contrary to her. I am so devious, and she is so divine. Why do I hate her, and for what? Just because she told me that she has killed Mughal soldiers and wanted to kill me, I punished her so brutally that I ruined her entire life. Poor her, when she told me all this, she didn't even know that she was talking to me, Jalaluddin, The Mughal King himself, what is so wrong about loving your own land? Even today, I hate Rajvanshi. I captured her and gave immense pain; she has no one in this palace.

When I met her for the first time, she was fierce, happy, proud, full of life, and blameless. What have I done to her? I have taken away her smile; I have not seen even a small smile on her face since our marriage, her beautiful, innocent smile has vanished, she looks so pale, today she followed everything like a puppet, without a single fight, little by little I am killing her from inside.

Oh god, why am I thinking about her so much? Why is she so important to me? Why did her rejection hurt me so much? I feel like she has captured me in her divine spell. When she is near me, I sense my heart exists, I feel peace, but at the same time, her disregard blisters me inside out.

His thinking was now slowly slaughtering him. He had never experienced these emotions before, unknowingly; his dead heart was melting for Jodha.

Finally, he concluded and decided that he will not hurt her anymore and give her the respect she deserves. He will accept her as a Special Queen, and if she wants to go back to Amer, he will release her from his capture.

In Maham Anga's Chamber

Adham screamed at Maham loudly, "You do not love your own son. How could you support Jalal instead of me all the time?"

Maham retorted back exasperatedly, "When you will learn politics? Stop behaving like a brainless child? Conquering a sultanate is not a child's game; when will you understand me and my intentions? I hate Queen Jodha to the extreme; she doesn't deserve to be a Mughal Queen; she should be less than a concubine. I will teach her a big lesson and soon send her back to Amer forever. But till then, you need to have patience."

Adham nodded at her annoyingly and walked out of her chamber briskly.

In Jodha's Chamber

Early in the morning, Hamida banoo, Mariam Makhani, decided to visit Queen Jodha since she was out of the palace for about three weeks on some political work. After coming back, she heard how poorly Jalal treated Jodha. She knew Jalal and Jodha had not consumed their relationship yet, they didn't accept each other as a husband, wife, but deep down, she had hopes that one day Queen Jodha will change his cruel son and will teach him humanity.

Jodha was preparing for Pooja (prayer) when she saw Hamida Banu walking into her chamber. She gave her a pleasant smile and softly greeted, "Pranam Ammi Jaan. How are you feeling?"

Hamida noticed her pale face, slightly pink eyes; she didn't need any more confirmation. In a gentle voice, she responded, "I am doing well, my dear. How about you? Are you adjusting well in Agra? It seems like you are not happy in Agra. Are you missing your family and Amer?"

Jodha could read her pain and feel sadness in her tone; she controlled her emotions and replied impassively, "No, Ammi Jaan, it's nothing like that; I am adjusting here, I have no complaints."

Hamida caressed her cheeks. "If you have any problem, come to me anytime; I am like your mother," then she kissed Jodha on her forehead and walked out elegantly with a heavy heart.

While arranging for Aarti, Jodha narrated to Moti about the whole thing that happened in Shahenshah's chamber. "Moti, I don't know why, but at the last second, Shahenshah held my hand and stopped me from eating and ordered me to go do prayer first. I am surprised; he still remembers that I don't eat without prayer. You know Moti, if I had eaten that bite, I would have died in guilt. He is very complicated. Sometimes I felt his own actions hurting him. Something was bothering him today; his words were not reaching his eyes. His words were filled with pride and cruelty, but his eyes had intense sadness in them. Maybe I am wrong in judging; I don't want to think about him anymore. "

"I think Shahenshah is good-hearted; he is very nice to people whom he loves." Replied Moti

Cutting Moti in between, Jodha quickly snapped, "And he is very hurtful to those he hates, and don't miss any opportunity to take his revenge, the one who he hates."

Moti argued, "But Jodha, Shahenshah has kept all of his promises. He has not touched you after that night; also, he allowed you to continue your religion, that too against many people's wish; even in the court, he took a stand for you against Adham. Jodha, how he took care of you that night, I can't forget, he indeed looked in pain and worried for you. In harem hall, when he realized there was no chair for you, immediately he arranged it and made you sit on Rukaiya begum's chair, and it is possible that the maid made a mistake and invited you. You have also insulted him many times; you walked out of harem hall and called him a liar in front of Rukaiya begum and Salima begum."

Jodha snapped, "Moti, why are you talking so much in support of Shahenshah? Are you on my side or his?? Let me finish my prayer; otherwise, that devil will punish me for taking a long time for prayer."

Jodha felt better after talking to Moti and Hamida. Her emotions were on a roller coaster ride, one day, she thought high about him, but the next day he would do something which brought him down again. Her days in Agra passed full of surprises, trauma, and shocks.

Jodha sat in front of Krishna and apologized for not keeping her promise and thanked him for saving her from committing sin.

She began praying with a devotional song in her melodious voice. Jalal came inside her chamber quietly and stood behind her while she performed the prayer. He engrossed in every word of her divine prayer and adored her singing.

After the prayer, she turned with the Aarti plate in her hand and saw Jalal standing behind her.

Jalal waited for Jodha to offer him Aarti, but Jodha decided not to offer him.

Jalal broke the silence and asked, "Jodha, won't you give me aarti today?"

Jodha got stunned and stared at him with mystified expressions. She couldn't believe what she heard, 'He wants Aarti?' she thought.

Seeing her standing like a statue, Jalal asked her again with a louder tone, "Won't you give me Aarti Queen Jodha?"

Jodha glanced down at his shoes with a dark expression and replied in a firm tone, "Shahenshah, first of all, go out of the chamber and take off your shoes and remember, not to enter into my chamber with your shoes. Walking in the temple with shoes means disrespecting God."

Her firm and impolite tone annoyed Jalal, but he gulped his fury and looked at her pointedly and walk out of her chamber to take off his shoes then he came inside with bare feet.

Jodha, with a confused look, forwarded the Aarti plate towards him. Jalal hovered his hands over the flame and touched his hand to his eyes three times. It shocked her when Jalal took Aarti correctly, then he took a pinch of Sindoor from the plate and swiftly filled her parting.

She closed her eyes sadly.

Jalal knew very well that she wouldn't like this, but he wanted to remind her once more that she is not only married to him but belongs to him as well.

Jalal sat on the couch, then politely requested her, "Queen Jodha, can you please come and sit next to me? I would like to converse something significant to you."

Jodha got shocked, seeing him so calm even after her disrespectful attitude. She finally broke her silence and said softly, "Shahenshah, I am fine here. Tell me what you would like to converse with your poor queen."

Jalal ignored her bitterness and continued thoughtfully, "Queen Jodha, you don't have to continue with me for the whole day; you are free from my condition. I will behave the way you want me to with your parents. I want to..." He hesitated and fumbled for a second, but then he began again. "Forgive me for my behavior earlier today. I should not have taken advantage of the situation."

Jodha looked at him stunned, but then she thought, 'He probably felt pity for her,' She arrogantly responded, "Shahenshah, I don't want your mercy; I will fulfill your condition and stay with you all day and follow your orders like a lower-class maid. I did expect this type of behavior when I accepted your condition, but for me, my parents and my family's respect are more important than my own self-respect."

Jalal responded in a directive tone, "As you wish, Queen Jodha, get ready to spend a day with me then. I am going for horse riding in ten minutes; get ready for the ride." He looked straight into her eyes and stated clearly in a commanding tone, "I want an acquaintance, not a maid or a puppet. If you want to join, then come with your dignity and grace, for god sake. You are a Special Queen of the Mughal Empire; never forget that, and if you are still going to act like a puppet, then please do not show up." Jalal turned and walked out without looking back at her.

Jodha felt slightly relieved with his changed behavior, but at the same time, she had doubted him; why was he showing these changes suddenly? Maybe he has another game planned in his mind? But he sounded very genuine. Why do I always feel he likes me? I see a deep longing in his eyes for me. Every time I look into his eyes, I feel utterly captivated by him and forget everything else. Why do I always feel like he pretends to hate me, and I know he does not hate me? She suddenly came out of her thoughts. Her thinking gave her a shiver. Oh, Kanah, Why am I so attracted to him?? Why am I so stupid? She scolded herself.

She reached by the horse stables, where Jalal was waiting for her.

Jalal asked her tenderly, "Queen Jodha, would you like to ride with me, or you know horse riding?"

Jodha smirked and walked through the entire stable, and picked the finest white horse for herself.

Jalal walked near her, mocked chirpily, "Jodha Begum; this horse is hard to handle; he is speedy, stubborn and moody" he paused with a grin, while rubbing his chin thoughtfully he taunted her, "I think this horse will match to your taste, you both have similar personalities."

Her sensual rosy pink lips curved with a grin, she sarcastically snapped while looking straight in his sharp eyes, "Shenshah, I am very well experienced in controlling difficult, wild, crazy horses and people. I will be able to manage him proficiently. I do not require any advice." Then within a flick, she jumped and sat on the horse and was ready for the ride.

Jalal humbly said, "Impressive Queen Jodha; looks like you are skilled in horse riding."

Jodha proudly replied, "Shahenshah, Never forget that I am a Rajput Rajvanshi Princess; if needed, I can save your life too."

He was happy to see her back to her fiercely attitude. Jalal sternly replied, "Queen Jodha, you are overly arrogant sometimes, and you are underestimating your husband's capability. Why don't you demonstrate to me that you are advance in horse riding than me?"

Jodha's Rajvanshi blood began to simmer, "Oh, so you are challenging your queen, Shahenshah!"

Jalal gazed at her, a hint of smirk kissed on his lips. "Yes! My Rajvanshi stubborn princess, It is a challenge."

"I gladly accept it; be prepared to your first defeat Shehenshah E Hindustan." She snorted confidently in an ironic tone.

Jalal pointed his finger and said. "Look at the end of this open land, far away, there is a big tree near the lake, and on that tree, there is a red cloth hanging; whoever gets it wins the race."

Both looked at each other and stole a glance with a smirk on their face, then the race began. Obliviously, Jalal was better at horse riding than Jodha, so he was a little ahead of her initially. But when he looked back to see Jodha, he got unfocused by her celestial beauty. Her shiny wavy long hair was kissing the air, her green chunni was flying with the wind, and her face was sparkling with bright glow once again, and her doe-like innocent eyes got filled with a passion, passion for winning, passion for proving to him that she is equivalent to him. Like Arjun, her eyes were glued to the target. Jalal was awestruck by her horse riding proficiency. While riding, he got lost in her captivating beauty; the slight grin on her face gave him an indescribable soothing feeling. A proficient warrior first time got diverted from his aim.

This distraction made him slower, and Jodha passed him easily, was now ahead of him. She twisted back and smirked at him proudly and again focused back.

Her winning prideful smirk wakes him up. He grinned at himself when he recognized that he was left behind. He put all his effort into winning the race. Soon he caught up to her; at one point, they were riding next to each other.

Jodha noticed while riding effortlessly; his eyes were constantly gazing at her than the target; she blushed a little, but then focused and put all her strength since the target too close. They were almost reaching the destination.

Finally, Jalal began to focus on the race to win and got ahead; Jodha also perceived his powerful attempt, so she put equal force to win. In the end, both jumped from a horse at the same time to grab the red cloth which was hanging on the tree; both of them grabbed the cloth together, but Jodha lost her balance while jumping from a horse and was about to fall, and Jalal realized that she was falling, Just to save her, he gave up the grip of the cloth, but successfully protected her from falling on the ground.

She fell on Jalal's arm with the cloth; her eyes were closed in fear of the fall. Both of them were intensely breathing, which was audible. While panting acutely, he saw her innocent fearful face with closed eyes. She gripped his top possessively and hid in his chest like he is the last source of her life. It was like an unexpected dream comes true. Her possessive grip sends a million sparks in his body; he never thought she will ever be close to him like this. He didn't want to let her go from his arms ever. Her sweet smell of sandalwood was divine; her soft, cozy cuddle created waves of desire. Her petite body perfectly fit in his arms. He felt like crushing her inside him and kiss the life out of her trembling soft rosy pink lips.

After a few seconds, Jodha slowly opened her eyes and saw passionate, obsessive, sensual gawk in Jalal's eyes. His possessive and secured grip with an intense stare gave her a quiver.

Suddenly it occurred to her that she was cuddling him; she failed to hide her embarrassed blush from his vigilant, sharp eyes; she felt shy the way he was sensually gazing at her. She was also mesmerized by his captivating stare; even after feeling so mortified she couldn't take her eyes off him, his bright, sharp features with a sensual appearance on his face were making her nervous, her heartbeats were so loud, it was distinct, he slightly smirked seeing her mortified expression.

Afterward, she snapped out a few seconds and realized he held her for so long, making her more uncomfortable.

In a low tone, she nervously requested, "Shahenshah, please put me down."

He came out of her magic charm; he grinned mischievously with a deep moan then put her down.

With a bashful expression, she said, "Thank you for saving me from falling Shahenshah, but you have lost the game." She sounded more excited and playful than she showed him the cloth with winning pride on her face.

Without a word, he silently watched at her innocent excitement on her victory; he smiled with a mystifying expression and said, "Queen Jodha, you know who won and who lost. and the winner already got the reward."

Jodha knew what he was trying to say; without thinking much, she replied hurriedly, "Everything is fair in love and w...." before finishing the sentence, she realized what she just said in excitement. She paused again with blush and bit her lips.

Both of them, again, got lost in each other's gaze. Her innocent biting on her lips impacted cruelly on him. His suppressed desire to kiss her evoked with simmering fire.

While gazing at him, she silently murmured to herself, 'Oh god, he is so eye-catching and charming. He can lure any woman with his one gaze.' Suddenly it occurred to her that she was staring at him, so to hide her emotions towards him, she quickly asked him, "Why are you so nice suddenly?" Her voice came out sounding a little grouchier than she'd intended.

Jalal replied in a relaxed tone while walking towards the tree, "Queen Jodha, can't you forget the past and start fresh? Instead of fighting, why don't we get to know each other?"

"So you are saying that it's me who always like to fight?" she asked while pouting tetchily.

Jalal looked back at her and began to chuckle at her innocence.

It was a bright sunny, beautiful, and breezy morning! Thither was a small lake near this tree. The entire area was so peaceful and calm; birds were chirping around, the cool draft was blowing, colorful roses and jasmine plants surrounded the lake. It was a very peaceful, quiet, and calming place.

Jalal went under the big tree and sat on the grass to relax. He called up loudly, "Queen Jodha, come sit here; it's very relaxing."

At first, Jodha felt a little hesitant, but then she went and sat next to him.

She was blindly attracted to Jalal; that's why she was a bit hesitant and afraid of sitting so close to him.

His eyes were closed, but he could feel her presence next to him. Jodha was ogling at his gorgeous personality with the athlete's broad shoulder.

"Queen Jodha, stop staring at me," Jalal said without opening his eyes.

"Why would I look at you?" Jodha replied with irritation

"Don't lie, Jodha, I have noticed many times that you like to look at me."

"So what if I looked at you. I have also seen you gazing at me; in fact, you just lost today because you were too busy gazing at me."

Jalal mysteriously smirked and asked, "Do you know why I love gazing at you?"

"I don't know, and I don't want to know Shahenshah." Jodha nervously replied

Of course, she annoyingly thought, I want to know why you were gazing at me, anyway, he does not listen to me for anything, but now when I have interest knowing, he will keep quiet.

After a long awkward moment of silence.

Jalal, with closed eyes, grinned, as if he could hear her thoughts, and said, "Queen Jodha, do you know this is one of my favorite places!!! Whenever I feel alone or too stressed, I come here to relax. This place is my own private kingdom. No one is allowed to come here, not even Rukaiya begum; I always come here alone."

With an astonishing sound, Jodha asked, "Then why did you bring me over here?"

Jalal opened his eyes and looked at her with deep, intense love; he closed his eyes again to relax without saying a word.

Jodha blushed heavily in silence and thought. Why can't he say something? How do I tell him that I am so desperate to hear what he just said in his deep silent look?

Both of them were very tired and hadn't slept at all last night. It was a very cool and calm morning breeze; the light wind made them sleepy; in a few minutes, both were lost in soothing sound sleep.

This sleep was like magic; it was washing their hatred and anger away. Both felt so composed and passive with the closeness; they felt like they were resting after a big war.

Jodha turned to get support in deep sleep and unintentionally rested her head on Jalal's shoulder; her soft, shiny long hairs were blowing on his face. Her hands were resting on his chest.

Her hair finally woke up Jalal. After opening his eyes, he couldn't believe his own eyes; Jodha was resting on his shoulder like a sleeping beauty; her hairs were all around her face, which was making her more adorable. Jalal wanted to hold her tightly in his embrace, but he curbed his desire and just held her hand in his hand and went back to sleep.

A few minutes later, It was like a fairy put on a spell with her magic wand. Jodha leaned more towards him, and soon they were hugging each other in sleep; both of them knew in their slumber they were cuddling but didn't want to break their most beautiful dream ever. This was their first touch of love, and for Jodha, this was her first time touching someone sensually. Her brain stopped working for a while; all she wanted to do was hide in Jalal's broad shoulders.

Both of them were lying on the grass, Jalal could not believe what was happening, and slowly their innocent hug turned into a passionate and most romantic hug. Jalal possessed her in his arms strongly, they were so close to each other, and they could even hear each other's heartbeat.

Jodha was entirely lost in her senses and control; she was melting in his muscular arms as the ice melts in a fire; this was her weakest moment ever. They were lost in their hug for more than five minutes; both of them were feeling deeply content in each other's warmth. As the moments passed, Jalal made his grip on her stronger and stronger, slowly leaned over her, and captured her entire body under his.

Finally, Jalal opened his eyes and picked up her beautiful, lustful smile on her face; he softly kissed her closed eyes, then rubbed his cheeks with her, and then softly nibbled on it.

Jodha was feeling extremely shy. She didn't want to open her eyes. Jalal's one hand was under her head, and half of his body was on top of hers. He tenderly moved his thumb on her bottom lip and then smirked; seeing sudden shiver on her lips and her changing expressions, she stiffened herself when his finger touched lips. He leaned down and gripped her entire body and kissed on her trembling rosy lips delicately. He just touched her lips with his, to feel the wetness. He kissed for a few seconds softly. He could feel her eager and inexperienced lips under his and her young body straining to be closer to him.

The small part of her brain that was still functioning kept telling her that she was unwise; only her body found it impossible to stop.

He slowly took off her jewelry from her face, pulled himself back a little, and waited for her response.

Jodha opened her eyes shyly and gazed at his face and expression in her eyes, wanting more.

With passion, Jalal whispered sensually, "Jodha, you are so beautiful, you are making me crazy for you." His lips traveled down her neck with soft smooches and trails of kisses. His kisses made her moan... "mhhh." He broke off and gazed at her but then started kissing her on her lips with a little more passion.

This time she responded a little, and both of them softly nibbled and kissed on each other's lips.

Jodha was blushing heavily and feeling shy; she couldn't face him any longer. She bent her back towards him to conceal herself from him.

He gently went close to her with a grin, and he kissed her back and bite on her earlobe. This bite made her crazy; she whined loudly, "ahhh, Ja..."

Jalal noticed that she was about to say his name but stopped... he smirked passionately... his desire for her was on fire. He desired to possess her, hold her in his arms tightly, and wanted to make her his completely.

Jalal was skillful and well proficient in this game. He slept with thousands of women before; he kissed her on her neck, leaving a trail of kisses, and then he whispered sensually, "Jodha, You are mine, the only mine, and I will never let you go away from me."

His whisper made Jodha fanatical; she turned back and looked in his eyes to see assurance. Her eyes got moist in happiness. She kissed him with a wild passion on his lips; then she hugged him passionately.

Jalal went wild, seeing her response and so much passion from her in return.

He had so many women in his life, but he never desired anyone the way he desired for Jodha; his longing for her was his obsession. Her touch was making him feel complete. The feeling of being with her was overwhelming. He wanted to devote himself to her. he wanted to love her and give her confidence and assurance that she belongs to him, and she will always be secure and loved by him. They were kissing each other and were passionately lost in each other.

It had taken every ounce of sanity for Jalal to leave her with just a kiss and hug. He craved to go advance; he kissed her again, but this time slowly and thoroughly. He tried opening her backless blouse lace, but Jodha realized that she went too far before he could get success. She snapped out of her sweetest dream ever.

She pushed herself from him and clumsily stood up and stumbled back a few steps saying, "We shouldn't be doing this, Shahenshah." she said this almost in a whisper.

"We would be mad not to," Jalal said impatiently and came closer to her again but not touching her. He looked into her eyes with a deep desire for her.

It was getting impossible for her to resist, as well.

Jalal pulled her towards him and asked her, "Why not? I am your husband; we are not doing anything wrong, Jodha. It's been more than two months. I want you... I desire you... Don't say no" He sounded impatient and desperate.

His craving was at the mountain, he couldn't control himself anymore, and he was not ready to hear a NO. He was at the point where there was no turning back for him.

He again pulled her closer with passion and a little anger.

Thank U all for reading, voting, and commenting :)

Chapter 9

The sudden realization of being lost in the moment totally shook Jodha. Seeing Jalal's dark, passionate eyes, her face filled with fear, she pulled herself backward, two steps away from him, and prayed to the god Krishna to help to come out of the situation; she regretfully thought about what she had done?

Jalal got confused seeing Jodha stepping backward with an offensive face.

Before she could say anything, he pinned her to the tree, while holding both her hands tightly, stared at her with little resentment and an intense craving for more. Jodha could not look at him directly; her eyes were down; she was feeling too guilty for her denial. She knew it was her fault; she failed to control herself and led him to this intense desperation.

After a few moments when she was standing in the same position while looking down, he released her hands and held her face by lifting her chin roughly; he wanted to look into her eyes to read once again her denial. She slowly lifted her eyes. Uninvited tears pricked out of her eyes with a little fear and intense guilt in them. Seeing her in the denial stage, Jalal merely asked her, "Why are you testing my patience Jodha?"

Jodha stayed quiet while looking at him regretfully with remorse; she had no answer to his desperation. He felt hurt; his ego bruised awfully. With each passing second, he was losing his patience, which was slowly converting into anger. His head began to spin with refusal. He looked dreadfully ragged and extremely frustrated. His expression turns little by little dark and bleak; gradually, his tolerance diluted and converted into the horrendous fire.

At last, he groaned with his curbed anger with his final attempt, "Queen Jodha, It is so difficult to understand you; you are the one who allowed me to come so close to you, so why this rejection now?" He sounded desperate, but at the same time, his tone was threatening and deadly.

She stayed quiet as she had no answer to his question; her silence broke all of his restrained and controlled patience and created wild rage inside him. With a dangerous glare, he held her shoulders harshly with a painful grip and pushed her away from himself, and walked off.

She lost her balance and almost fall, but soon she controlled herself.

His fury was at the mountain. She was traumatized entirely to see his extreme reaction and resentment. He walked off and went near the pond, then he took some stones in anger and began to throw them in the pond. Her rejection wounded his lonely and empty soul. Soon aura of darkness surrounded him with the feeling of emptiness inside him.

Seeing him hurt and distressed, she decided to talk to him. She fearfully and cautiously went near the pond, and in a low tone, she said, "Shahenshah" she paused briefly for a response from him. Still, Jalal didn't respond, and without looking at her, he started walking away from her.

Jodha called him again in a pleading tone, "Shahenshah, please listen to me."

But he ignored her again. Jodha ran behind him and held his hand to stop him. He looked back with immense resentment and screamed, "I don't want to see your face; I have no interest in you."

Jodha was still standing while holding his hand. Finally, Jalal pushed her hand away with a jerk, and before she could say anything, he jumped on his horse and rode off towards the palace.

His fury was at the pick, she, again and again, wounding him with her denials, rejection, and bitterness. He knew he was losing control over himself; the feeling of killing everyone was capturing him. He had never felt offended like this; somewhat, he was angry at himself for controlling his desire. He always got easily and willingly, whom he desired for, many princesses left their kingdoms to stay with Jalal. All of his women were crazy for his one gaze, but there was something in Jodha, which was completely different from others. Every sentence, every word, every tear of her, was affecting him intensely. Her vicious rejection was the first time in his life that he was feeling defeated. He wanted to hurt her so much, but he couldn't do that. He ran away from there to save her from his dark anger.

Jodha also came back to the palace. She straight away went to see Jalal in his chamber. Still, his guard stopped her at the entrance; she waited for Jalal's permission to enter inside his chamber; Jalal saw her standing helpless, waiting for his approval while looking in her eyes, he denied her request to meet him. She saw a deep sting, pain, and antagonism in his eyes. Seeing his state, she decided to pursue him and make him understand why she denied it.

Jalal was utterly flapped by what was happening between him and Jodha. He had realized and knew very well now that he was losing his control over his heart; his restless mind and spirit both were broken and shattered. He canceled all of his meetings and requested Atgah Saheb to take care of his political duties for the day. He wanted to stay alone for the day.

To compensate for the damage and please him, she decided to cook his favorite dish for lunch. She made the entire meal for both of them. Maham Anga noticed that for the first time willingly, Jodha was cooking for the king, with the help of a Royal cook of the palace. It was quite surprising for her to see a sudden change in Jodha.

After preparing a delicious meal, she went to his chamber and instructed his maid to go inside and ask if Shahenshah is ready for his lunch and directed her not to mention her name.

While deeply lost in his thoughts, he remembered their first sensual kiss, a first warm hug, how he carried her in his arms, how she possessed him in her grip. Their peaceful sleep, cuddling each other, all those beautiful moments they shared were recapping in his mind over and over again, just like a beautiful dream. His anger cooled down slightly, recalling the beautiful moments.

The maid came inside and asked, "Shahenshah, Are you ready to eat lunch?" and without looking at her, he absent-mindedly replied, "Bring it in."

Jodha came inside his chamber silently with all the food and started serving the food.

Jalal was still lost in his thoughts; he was standing near the window, watching the birds flying in the sky blankly. He didn't notice Jodha's presence; suddenly, he heard her anklet's familiar sound and realized her presence; he swiftly turned back towards her. She cheerfully smiled at him while serving food.

With a gloomy tone, he shouted, "Why did you come to my chamber without my permission?"

"I don't need anyone's permission to come to my husband's chamber." She replied playfully.

Jalal got shocked with her answer and audacity; he snapped in a sarcastic tone, "Oh Really... queen Jodha, so now you realized that I am your husband?"

She grinned at him and said teasingly, "When did I deny that you are my husband?" She paused and smirked at him mischievously and then continued, "Don't you see I am fulfilling my duty; I have cooked all this food for you."

Jalal's anger was slowly melting away, seeing her cheerful impish face, "Do you know the wife's duty?" he snapped.

"Shahenshah, this is my first experience; how would I know all my duties?? But you have more than Five Hundred begums; you seem very knowledgeable in that area. Why don't you teach me all my duties?" she sounded sarcastic but mischievous.

Jalal's anger almost vanished, but he was still feeling bitter.

"I have told my chosen, closest, and preferred queen Rukaiya to explain to you, wife's duties. You are not that important; why would I waste my time on you?" He replied arrogantly.

His words preferred, the closest queen gave deep prickle in her heart. Jodha gazed at him, exasperated, and she replied immediately in an offended tone, "You know what Shahenshah, let me call your beloved queen to feed you this food; oh, I forget that I am a worthless queen. It would be best if you spent your quality time with your special chief and favorite begum. Sorry I have wasted your precious time."

She glanced at him dryly, then with anger she got up from the chair to walk towards the door before she could walk out of his chamber, he grabbed her hand and pulled her closer by wrapping his hands on her waist and teasingly said, "Oh! My new queen is feeling jealous of my favorite queen Rukaiya!"

While looking in another direction, she replied in an irritable tone, "I am not jealous of anyone, leave me alone, and let me go. Don't waste your precious time Shahenshah." She tried to come out of his grip, but the more she tried, the more strongly he gripped onto her wrist. With frustration, Jodha looked at him and said bitterly, "Shahenshah, you can do anything with anyone; it doesn't affect me at all. You are not important in my life as well; I am happy with my Kanah."

His lips curved with an amusing smirk; seeing her jealous and frustrated, he pulled her a little closer towards him and whispered in her ear, "So why did you cook food for me, queen Jodha? I think you do care about me, and you like me as well. Your word doesn't reach your eyes. I can see the deep longing for me in your eyes. I noticed as soon as you see me, your pale face sparkle with the glow. "

Jodha repeatedly tried to release her wrist from him and getting more and more frustrated, thinking of how he could read her eyes. With fake masking anger, Jodha loudly pouted and irritably said, "Shahenshah, leave my hand." He grinned savagely and gripped on her more powerful. Finally, Jodha shouted crossly, "Let me go, Shahenshah, you are hurting me," and unwanted tears pierced out of her eyes; she even didn't know what was bothering her, his sharp words or his harsh behavior.

Seeing her in tears, Jalal immediately released her hand, and Jodha started to walk out of the chamber without saying anything.

Jalal softly requested, "Queen Jodha, Please come back."

His polite pleading tone stopped her; she turned toward him; Jalal asked in a sincere voice, "Queen Jodha, I thought, you wanted to discuss something and what about food, won't you like to have lunch with me?"

With moist eyes, she responded sadly, "I don't want to eat and not in the mood to discuss anything anymore."

Jalal grinned, seeing her cute cranky face. "That's fine with me, but if you don't serve me, then I will have to call my special..." He teased her playfully before he finishes; she came back and replied frustratingly, "I know my duty Shanhenshah." Jalal was getting pleasure seeing her jealousy.

He grabbed her hand and brought her to the lunch table. His eyes caught her bruised wrist. "Guards." He yelled.

Guard came running inside, "Bring Malam (medicine) for bruise." He pulled her bangles a little up and began to caress her wrist. Jodha stunned, seeing his sudden worry for her minor bruise. "Queen Jodha, I don't know why, but you always successfully awake monster in me. Remember, I cannot control my temper." He nagged.

Jodha smirked, seeing his worried expression. Her eyes danced with humor. She replied impishly, "Shahenshah, Don't forget that I am a Rajvanshi queen. Not delicate like your other queens, who screams for a small wound; and also remember that I know how to fight with you and your monster."

"You know, Queen Jodha, one day your sharp tongue will put you in big trouble." He crossly replied in a stern tone.

"Oh... Are you threatening Rajvanshi queen?" Jodha cynically asked.

"No, I am warning my Mughal queen," he calmly replied.

The guard gave the medicine bowl and left. Jodha took away her wrist from him and said, "Don't worry, Shahenshah, I will put medicine later, and food will get cold."

Jalal swiftly pulled her hand and said, "Queen Jodha, I have given you this bruise so that I will put medicine on it too.

Jodha pulled her hand again and replied, "It's a minor bruise, and this medicine gives sting. I don't want to put this medicine."

"Oh, So my Rajvanshi queen is scared of medicine." he humorously asked.

Jodha pouted and, with a cranky face, "I am not scared of anything, but I don't want to put this medicine."

"Queen Jodha, trust me, it will sting for a second only." To distract her mind from medicine, he questioned, "You don't feel lonely in Agra?"

"In that case, we both are in the same boat, Shahenshah," Jodha replied instantly.

Jalal, with alarm, stopped and looked into her eyes to understand what she said. He dryly asked, "What you mean? I have thousands of people for me in the palace and my harem. Why do you think that we are in the same situation?."

"Shahenshah, you are right about our different situations. You have thousands, but I can see in your eyes loneliness from the first time we met, and I left my life, my heart, my soul, my loved one in Amer. I have no one in Agra, so preciously, we both are lonely." Jodha replied candidly.

Jalal gazed at her with dark sorrow and responded gloomily, "You know King always has to walk alone." then he grabbed her hand tenderly and rubbed medicine on her wrist, then gently blows on it.

Jodha gazed at his charismatic dominating eyes without a blink. She couldn't defy his controlling but caring act.

"Stop staring at me, queen Jodha." He teasingly looked up; his mischievous gaze wakes her from his mesmerizing spell. She pulled her wrist from him and started to blow on it.

He got up from the couch and said, "Let's see what my new queen has cooked for me."

He noticed two plates served, one with vegetarian food and the other one with non-veg. He purposely took a sit by the vegetarian dish.

Jodha stopped him and said, "Shahenshah, this plate is not for you; it is for me."

"But you just said you don't want to eat anything." He jested.

Jodha felt awkward.

"QueenJodha, you have cooked for me with your wish for the first time, so I would like both of us to eat from the same plate." With a smile, he invited her to sit next to him.

Jodha blushed and nodded her face in agreement. Jalal took the first bite of Roti and vegetable gravy, and as soon as he ate, he said, "Subhan Allah, food is delicious and tasty just like you."

It took her a few moments to comprehend his comment; suddenly realizing what he was talking about, her entire face turned pink. She couldn't lift her eyes to see him and thought. How can he comment like this so smoothly impassively and make me blush deeply?

Jalal took another piece of Roti and vegetable curry and lovingly forwarded his hand to feed her. She shyly ate. Both of them ate lunch in deep silence while stealing their gaze at each other.

She was still feeling awkwardly shy, eating with him under his penetrating gaze; she couldn't lift her eyes. He lifted her chin with his fingers and sensually said, breaking their romantic silence, "Queen Jodha, your eyes are so beautiful and innocent; please don't hide them from me."

Jodha lifted her eyes slowly and saw his mild grin on his face. His constant gaze made her very uncomfortable.

"Shahenshah, why are you staring at me and smiling?" she asked timidly in a faint tone.

He continued staring at her; his mouth set in an amusing smirk again, and his eyes had secretive humor.

"Shahenshah, don't look at me like this; you are making me uncomfortable." She grumpily said

Jalal was still smiling mysteriously and staring at her, which annoyed her.

"Why are you staring at me?" She asked him in a little louder tone, irritably

With a deep sensual grin, Jalal replied, "Queen Jodha, I can't take my eyes off of you, your cheeks turn all pink and your lips..." he stopped purposely...

"What happened to my lips?" Jodha warily asked

Jalal silently mocked at her and said, "Jodha begum, I advise you better stay in your chamber for the next few hours after lunch."

Jodha looked at him with annoyance and innocently asked, "Shahenshah, you are too confusing; why should I stay in my chamber?"

"Do you really want to know?" Jalal laughed out loud

Jodha, with irritation, "Seriously, Shahenshah, I think you have some problem, I have asked ten times, and you are still asking me, do I want to know? Yes, of course, I want to know."

Jalal laughed at her innocence and asked her, "Are you done with lunch?"

She nodded her head in Yes.

Jalal got up from his chair, wiped his hands, took hold of her hand, and took her to the mirror. He made Jodha stand in the front, and he stood behind her; both were looking in the mirror before she could realize he whispered in her ear, "Jodha, our first kiss has made your lips more rosy and desirable."

Jodha's eyes caught at her little swollen lips and his passionate gaze through the mirror. She covered her face with both her hands. Jalal encircled his hands on her belly, hugging her from the back.

Instantly his cuddle and sensual whisper send shivers; she craved to turn back and hug him, "Shahenshah, please let me go."

Jalal muttered in her ears, "Jodha, I will never forget our beautiful morning together. You are deliciously sweet and charming. You have no idea how I am repressing not to kiss your rosy lips." he turned her towards him and softly took her hands off of her face and said, "Jodha, don't hide your face from me."

She again felt the same magnetic attraction towards him. She realized his spell again began to work on her before it's too late. She decided to back off; she moved a few steps backward from him and said, "Shahenshah, let me go, please."

Jalal, disappointedly, asked, "Why Jodha? We are a married couple, then why are you running away from me and making me crazily mad??"

Jodha realized she needed to give him an explanation; otherwise, again, he will feel his ego crushed. In a very controlled and calm voice, she replied, "Shahenshah, first of all, I would like to apologize to you for this morning; it was my fault, I don't know how I went so far today, but I need some more time. I had never seen any trouble in my life before I met you. I had no idea that life can be cruel and interesting. There are so many ups and downs I have seen and experienced in the last few months. Some days you have terrified me, some days you have threatened me, some days you have wounded me, some days you have insulted me in front of many people. You have punished, my Amer, so that you can take revenge on me; you forced me to marry you, and your purpose of marriage was to take revenge on me. You have tried to smear me in front of the court. You have touched me without my wish. In the small number of days, you have done so much to break my ego, my dignity, and my self-esteem, and at some level, you got successes." Jalal was too shocked. It took him a while to comprehend.

After a short pause, she continued, "Even after all this, you have surprised me many times. You promised that you would not touch me again without my consent; you genuinely took care of me when I was sick, and you understood my needs and respected my ritual by sending me to do my prayer. You allowed me to follow my religion and rituals. Even though you wanted to crush my ego and bend me down on my knees, you didn't let Adham insulted me in the court. When there was none chair for me in the Harem Hall, and all begums were laughing at me, immediately you arranged a chair for me. You have apologized for your mistakes; you have tried to compensate for your mistakes. You have given me lots of wounds and surprises. After all this, you have gained my respect but not love. I do not hate you anymore, but I don't love you either. I will accept you completely when both of our hearts love each other." Jodha calmly said everything in one go.

Jalal got shocked again with her transparency, her resistance, her admission of guilt; he understood everything but, her last sentence bothered Jalal the most... LOVE.

Jalal replied softly, "Jodha begum, I am very much thrilled with this openness and truth, but one thing you are forgetting is that Jalal doesn't have a heart; all weaknesses come from the heart. I can give you everything you want, but not my heart because I don't have one."

Jodha replied, "Shahenshah, do you know the meaning of the marriage with a gratifying smile? It's a bridge between faith, respect, trust, and, most importantly, love for each other. It is a connection between two souls... two hearts. According to Hindu beliefs, once you are married to someone with your heart, your souls are connected for seven lives. MARRIAGE IS NOTHING BUT A CONNECTION BETWEEN TWO HEARTS."

Jalal couldn't say a word. he was utterly shaken; he tried to change the topic to mask his emotions and said in a serious tone, "I have to go to the court Jodha begum, Kudha Hafiz," and left. He couldn't stand her purity anymore.

........

Next: On the other side, Maham was getting more and more annoyed, seeing Jalal and Jodha's increasing closeness. A maid came and gave her a bunch of messages to Maham. She was responsible manage all the mails and forward them to the appropriate people. There was a message for Jodha, and she wickedly smiled seeing the message.

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Chapter 10

Jalal's POV

Love!!! A sarcastic dim smile curled on his lips with disappointment.

How imprudent is she? She won't accept me until we both in love. Love and me not possible. Her sweet, sour, and bitter words were drumming in his ears again and again; her utterance touched his spirit. Jalal was in the court chamber surrounded by many talented administrators. Even though they were discussing crucial and sensitive matters, he was unable to concentrate. His mind was too distracted, and his ears were ringing repetitively.

Subterranean thoughts took control over his mind; he questioned himself, 'Why am I so concerned about what she said??? Why every word of her impact me to this intense? Do I have a heart??? Is it possible, can I ever love her with my heart? My hands never shiver while killing enemies. I know that I am cruel and harsh; I do not feel any emotion while punishing offenders. No, I do not have a heart. I cannot love anyone. Does that mean my people do not love me, just because I do not love them with my heart? I have given them my childhood, my day, and night. I keep them well-secured and worry about their need. Don't I deserve respect from them? Why does Jodha think that they don't respect me or pretend to love me out of fear? She is wrong; she does not know my people; they worship me, does not matter; I love them or not; they all love me as their king. He was utterly upset by her views and conclusion; one side court was running, and on the other side, his mind was occupied with analyzing her words.

But I have always seen the fear in their eyes, even most ministers, administrators' shivers while talking to me; I guess they have my fear out of respect. Queen Jodha does not know anything, and she is so innocent and divine even to understand real politics and power; in this game, no one is your friend or relative. If I start taking my decisions with my heart, people will have no fear of their king, no one will follow orders, pay taxes, and everything will be ruined.

Finally, he concluded that her thoughts are making him confuse and weaker, and She is not a good influence on him, so he better stay away from her.

But his heart was not ready to give up so easily and diverted his mind.

I have already surrendered my ego to her and accepted her as my queen, but what she wants is my heart, which has already been dead long back. She clearly stated that she would not accept me unless we both are in love with each other. But love makes people weak; as soon as the heart starts beating, the brain stops working. I cannot let my heart take over my brain.

Disappointedly, he said to himself in silence, 'Queen Jodha, we can never be together. You believe in love, and I believe in rule, fear, and power. I am the king of the kings. I want to see the fear in the common people's eyes, fear of The Jalaluddin Muhammad. I want them to be scared of punishment for not following rules. Jalal is famous for his cruelty, and there is no space for love in his life. Our destiny can never be together.'

Leaving her thoughts behind, Jalal was back to his cruel and merciless judgment. That is how he had grown up under the shadow of Behram Khan and Maham Anga.

At a very young age, he saw the cruelty on himself. When he was merely 13, his own uncle tried to kill him for power after his father's death. He was exposed to a callous life at a very tender age, which made him ruthless. Maham and The Military general Behram khan trained and molded the young kid and made him the king. He spent his entire youth in wars, betrayal, and blood and battlefields. These battlefields created a hunger in him to win power, Supreme power over the entire Hindustan. When this young kid needed his mother to nourish him, he was brutally killing people, and she was busy saving the kingdom for him. Her negligence generated deep silent bitterness and anger towards his mother and life. Gradually he got detached from her. Hungry for motherly love, the poor kid found comfort in the arms of his Badi Ammi Maha Manga; unfortunately, her motive was to use him to gain power. Little by little, he gained a lot of power with his hungry killer merciless sword and made himself a successful king of the kings at this young age. His long vision, commanding power, and multi-layered personality made him an expert in manipulation. He became a shrewd politician. Soon he got surrounded by selfish people. He shut his own emotions, closed his heart, and made up his mind that everyone loves him for his power or their own selfish needs, making him extremely egoistic, rude, and short-tempered.

His foundation was based on the mantra.

Power Is Everything, Go To Any Extent To Gain It,

People Only Respect Others Out Of Fear.

Do Not Trust Anyone, Not Even Your Own Shadow.

Everyone Around You Wants Something From You.

Love Makes A Man Weak.

After Behram Khan's death, Maham Anga tactfully controlled his judgments and his thinking some level; Maham Anga hated Hindus; Hindu people were treated very poorly at that time; they had to pay extra taxes, they were not allowed in many places, and many of them were forced to change their religion. Overall, it was not a fair kingdom; after many years of blindly following this, Jalal also started to think that Hindu people are not that trustworthy.

Jalal's original foundation by his father Humanyu and Hamida banoo was still strong; he often took decisions unknowingly with his heart. For example- He never agreed with Adham or Behram khan to kill or arrest all the soldiers and the king after winning the war. He thought that if the defeated king wants to surrender and then give them proper respect. He knew what he was doing was not fair in his heart, but he didn't want to admit it.

Ever since Jodha came into his life, he was going through many emotions like love, hate, aggravation, mystification, delusion, rejection, which he had never experienced in his life.

Jodha had unknowingly dropped a stone in still water and took away his peace. After their marriage, he was not able to sleep peacefully, even for one night. He wanted to make her life miserable, but she made his life puzzling and more confusing without doing anything. Her words were crushing his pride gradually. Jodha was altering him; she was showing him the real truth. It was surprising and disturbing for him to know how simply she read him clearly and said, you are alone among thousands; she bluntly said the stuff he feared to even think in his thoughts. His every act gave him guilt, and she told him without fear. He always knew that no one truly loves him, but hearing from her was hard for him to accept.

Jalal wanted to satisfy his bruised ego. Unknowingly deep down, he began to desire for her pure and selfless love. He wanted to feel loved by someone, so he decided to see Rukaiya. She was the only one he could open his feelings, and he knew since he got married to Jodha, he overlooked Rukaiya.

Jalal's disregard was hurtful for Rukaiya, but she knew he would come back to her after a while. Their relationship was based on friendship and trust in each other.

Jalal went to Queen Rukaiya's chamber without any announcement. He saw Rukaiya was standing in front of the mirror, fixing her makeup; he slowly walked by and grabbed her from her back. Suddenly warmth of her touch evoked his desire to be loved and ignited his suppressed longing; before she could say anything, he began kissing her on her neck with passion.

At first, she got surprised by his sudden kiss and unexpected passion. She quickly freed herself from him and moved away to show her anger for his negligence, without saying a word. Jalal turned her towards him and kissed her again; before she could say anything, he possessed her lips with his and whispered, "Rukaiya, I want to hear that you want me... you desire me. I am you're, everything."

Before Rukaiya could come out of this sudden passion, he moved further and carried her in his arms and softly put her on the bed; he demanded firmly once again, "Say it, Rukaiya,"

Seeing lust and desperation in his eyes, without wasting a second, she responded, "Jalal, I want you, and you are my life; please take me, kiss me, hug me." The desperation in her tone darkens his eyes and soon turned into action.

He hungrily claimed her mouth, then roughly opened her blouse, while passionately began to kiss on her lips, collar born, neck. Soon gentleness converted with excitement; he bit on her small curvy breast. He cupped one of her breasts harshly so he can suck on her aroused nipple. She moaned loudly with his sweet torture. "Jalal"

He was impatient and hungry for love. In a few seconds, all of the clothes and Jewelry were on the floor. Since Jodha came into his life, this was the first time he desired women.

The first time Rukaiya felt he was demanding and craving for her touch, he was angry but desperate, he was wild and rough, but the first time she felt loved by him. His kisses were shouting desire for her; after many years, she felt he wanted to worship her, even though he was coarse and harsh, yet she felt the gentleness in his touch. He demanded her to beg for him not once, again and again. She moaned loudly and pleaded with him to sink inside her and take her to the edge of passion. He was aroused to his extreme fullness, he was pounding deep inside passionately, his eyes were close, but his grip was loving and caring. She reached climax not once but many times; it was the longest sensual encounter between them in her entire life. At some point, she felt his unsatisfied need. He was not ready to release him inside her; he was throbbing inside her with relentless speed, to feel the completeness he was longing for. Finally, his body gave up, his sensual touch took her to heavenly pleasure, but he didn't felt content. At last, all of his energy drained after an hour of riding on her. He released inside her with a loud yell and crashed on top of her.

Both of them were panting loudly even after five minutes of rest.

Rukaiya noticed the change in his touch; she had never felt this much desire and possessiveness in his lovemaking before.

His eyes were still closed, but he looked restless! He realized while making love with Rukaiya, he was thinking about Jodha in the bed. He was aroused to his extreme just by the thought of her in the bed. He was consciously making out with Rukaiya, but unconsciously he was with Jodha only. His mind and body were slowly losing control over himself. Even after this long session, his body was unsatisfied.

The realization of being unfair to Queen Rukaiya gave him a deep ache in his heart; immediately, guilt spread on his face; he did not see in Rukaiya's eyes.

Rukaiya also felt a big alteration in Jalal, his sudden hunger. His touch was incredibly unusual. He never made a move this zealously and aggressively; both of them were silently lost in their thoughts.

After dressing up, Rukaiya hugged him with love and asked him straight, "Why do I feel that you have changed? Your touch and love were not the same; it felt like you have renewed. I can't tell what, but something was different about you today?"

Jalal did not want to hurt her, hide his guilt, he replied, masking his emotion. "Why? Didn't you enjoy it?"

She blushed shyly and said, "Oh Jalal, I have never experienced this much passionate love from you before. I felt like your touch was pouring so much love for me. First time ever, I felt you desire me and worship me... I feel complete today with your touch and love. I feel like you loved me for the first time. "

Hearing the word LOVE' repeatedly from Rukaiya, Jalal lost all of his wits with his temper and got extremely mad. He shouted, "Stop it, QUEEN JODHA, how many times I have told you, I don't have a heart, and I don't love anyone."

He immediately realized what he has said! Jalal got dumbfounded and shocked at himself. COMPLETE SILENCE... He didn't know what to say?? Instantly, he knew he had hurt Rukaiya to the extreme. She never admitted it, but he knew that Rukaiya loves him.

Silence has its own language, his face filled with extreme guilt; he had no strength left to perceive in Rukaiya's eyes. Jalal also loved her, but as a close friend and companion only. He decided to leave her chamber, but before he could leave, Rukaiya held his hand; she wanted to verify once again in his eyes. He looked back with immense remorse in his eyes; at last, tears pricked out of her eyes. She realized Jalal came to see Jodha, not her. He was pouring all his love on Jodha, not her. She released his hand and ran out of his sight. Jalal was still standing there, frozen in his place with a repentant face, saw her running away from him with tears and pain.

Jalal realized his mind and heart were both entirely captured by Jodha.

Other Side!

Jodha was feeling much relieved after talking to him about her feelings; suddenly, her face was shimmering with an unpredictable smile; she wanted to tell everything to Reva and Moti about what happened. How she got lost in his arms under the tree, their first kiss, his passionate desire for her, his strong grip, all those moments were giving her goosebumps and butterflies in her stomach; her face glowed with a pink blush. She talked to herself, oh, I was so wrong about him, he is so loving and caring, and little by little, her heart was opening for him.

It was almost evening; Moti came back and saw Jodha lost in deep thoughts and smiling mischievously. She could tell she was charmed by Jalal. "Where are you lost, Jodha, In Jalal's arms?" She asked playfully

A sudden giggle snapped Jodha. "Moti, stop teasing me and listen. I have to tell you a lot of things." She briefly told about what happened and with so much contentment.

The two friends were chatting and lost in their talk and never realized Maham Anga was standing outside, listening to their whole conversation.

Hearing about Jalal and Jodha, Maham got witlessly mad; she never thought Jalal would come this close to her. Lastly, Maham came inside Jodha's chamber and gave her the velvety green roll of the message. Her sudden arrival shocked Jodha and Moti both. Instantly Jodha got up and respectfully thanked Vajire Aliya Maham Anga and took the message from her.

Before leaving, Maham gave her evil guise and left.

Jodha got surprised and excited to see a letter from Sujamal bhaisa (brother). This was the first time she heard from him after her he left Amer forever. She was also worried for him; she knew he was feeling betrayed by Amer. She knew her father was not fair to him, Sujamal deserved to be the next king, and greedily his father, King Bharmal, chose his real brother even though he was braver and well deserving. Even though Sujamal was a cousin's brother, she loved him more than his real brother; their bond was unspeakable; he was not only his brother but also trained in archery and sword. She respected him as his Guru (teacher) as well. But this disputer did not impact their brother-sister relation, even though King Bharmal kicked him out of his kingdom when he opposed his unfair decision. As soon as she read the letter, all of the memory came back in a swift of the moment. She got surprised to read that Sujamal wanted to see her twenty miles away from the Jungle cottage's palace, and he had also mentioned not to inform anyone.

She knew that he was alone and very much in pain, so she decided to see him in the morning. It was a challenging task for her to leave the palace without anyone's permission, but she decided to take the risk to see Sujamal.

Maham was watching Jodha's reaction, and her wicked smile came on her face!!!

"Moti, I will have to go see Sujamal bhaisa; there must be something essential that he wants to meet me." Jodha anxiously said while reading the letter.

"Jodha, you need to tell Shahenshah before you go, don't hide anything from him; he is your husband," Moti replied with guiding tones.

"Moti, Sujamal is my brother; how can I betray him? When he specifically mentioned not to inform anyone, there must be some reason behind, and I don't know much about Shahenshah yet; what if he arrest him or something, now Amer is under Mughal's protection and Sujamal bhaisa is enemy of Amer."

"But Jodha, how will you go out of the palace without his consent? As per Shahenshah's condition, don't you have to spend the night with him tonight, then how will you manage?" Moti replied confused

Jodha playfully gazed at her and said, "Moti, have you forgotten how many times I have run out of the palace in Amer? Just inform Raman to prepared my horse for tonight bring it backside of the palace. Don't worry; I will manage."

Jodha's worries disappeared as soon as she realized that she would spend the night with Jalal. In a swift, her tone got louder in excitement. "Oh my god, Moti... I have to get ready and do a lot of things."

Moti just smirked back at her, seeing Jodha picking out her favorite dress, Jewelry, and ordering Moti to fix her hair. Then quickly, she finished the daily evening prayer and Aarti. Same as Jalal, she was not able to concentrate on her prayer.

After prayer, there was some time left for sunset, so she went out for a walk in Jalal's garden. It was a pleasant and calm climate; there were lots of clouds dancing in the sky and making surrounding soothing; her mind and heart were feeling so peaceful that she felt like dancing and singing with them. Her eyes caught a very little white rabbit running around in the garden; she began to run behind to catch the Rabbit like a little child; her innocent face had a genuine smile.

Jalal watched her running behind the Rabbit from his chamber; he got lost in her giggle and was happy to see Jodha's mischievous smile. He had waited so long for this smile. The race between Jodha and the little Rabbit was still going on. The Rabbit was also playing with Jodha. The Rabbit ran and hid behind trees and waited for Jodha to come and again run away from her. After a while, she started to giggle out loud when she realized Rabbit was really waiting for her to catch him.

When he saw her giggling, Jalal again forgets what he decided, and couldn't hold himself longer, swiftly he came out from his chamber to the garden. Jodha didn't realize Jalal was walking towards her, and suddenly when Rabbit saw Jalal, the little one got scared and turn to hide. Jodha also turned behind the Rabbit but crashed into Jalal. She lost her balance and was about to fall, but Jalal pulled her by her wrist and glided his hand around her waist to hold her and save her from falling. They were hugging each other in no time.

Jalal became conscious and pushed her away softly. Jodha was utterly lost in his arms, breathing profoundly. She also realized and pushed herself away from him with a little blush.

Jalal observed her tinted pink cheeks; her eyes were down. He just smirked.

While glancing at her beauty, he asked, "Jodha, do you want to walk with me?"

Jodha nodded her head shyly in a yes.

They both walked in complete silence, and both of them didn't know what to say.

While walking slowly, Jalal held Jodha's hand to assure that you are mine and looked at her. Jodha squeezes a little on his hand. For the first time, she accepted him. Their hearts were dancing and singing melodious music. Even the air was feeling their love, both of them couldn't deny the magnetic attraction towards each other. They felt like they were in a different world and wished for this moment to freeze forever. They were feeling absolute; there was no necessity to say even a word.

After a long deep, silent walk, Jodha broke their stillness and said, "Shahenshah, You know from my childhood, I love watching the sunset. Watching sunset creates a sad feeling, but I always felt so happy and cheerful after sunset.

"Why you feel happy after seeing Sunset?" Jalal amusingly asked

"It's because I always waited for sunset, so my father and brothers come back from political work, because then after our entire family sits together and eats then, we use to play games till late night. When I didn't understand time since my childhood, Masa always said that everyone would come home after sunset."

"Do you still enjoy the sunset?" Jalal asked curiously

"Yes, I do like to watch the sunset only difference is before, it was making me happy, and now it gives pain, but I still like it because that pain reminds me of those beautiful days." She sounded sad.

"Queen Jodha, let's go back... I don't want you to see the sunset..." Jalal stated.

Jodha smirked. "Shahenshah, I wanted to see the sunset today, and that is the reason I came to the garden. Today's sunset will give me that happy and cheerful feeling. I have been waiting for the sunset since afternoon."

"What is so different in sunset today?" Jalal confusingly asked

Jodha quietly watched him and decided not to answer his question. After a few minutes, she said, "Shahenshah, as per your condition, I will spend the night with you tonight. Will you be coming to my chamber, or do you want me to come to your chamber?"

They were still holding each other's hands. Jalal suddenly recalled what happened the entire day and how he had decided to stay away from Jodha, and now again, he was holding her hand. Instantly he released his hand from Jodha and said in a fainted tone, "You do not need to stay with me tonight; I promise your parents will receive great respect from Agra, and also, I have some other plans tonight."

Jodha disappointedly gazed at him for a few seconds. Jalal couldn't see in her eyes for long. After a few seconds later, she said in a sarcastic tone, "Oh! I thought we would talk the entire night, but anyway, enjoy your night Shahenshah. I hope you have the best time with your best plans."

She stopped while walking; her heart shattered inside; she felt suffocated while controlling her tears. She said grimly, "Good night Shahenshah, I will leave now."

Jalal didn't want her to leave. He could see her face turned pale in a few seconds. He wanted her to cheer up before she leaves.

Jalal, in a loud tone, said, "Jodha begum, wait... It is time for the sunset. Please comes back, let's watch the sunset together. I want to see your happy face seeing the sunset."

Jodha pointedly gazes at him. It took him a few seconds to realize why Jodha doesn't want to see sunset anymore. Her deep desire to spend time with him, his heart cheered, but when his mind scolded again, his heart sink thinking their destiny is not together.

"No, Shahenshah, I don't want to watch it anymore, and anyway, I don't want you to be late for your big plans for tonight. I hope you have a better time." She murmured again sadly

Jalal could sense her words were filled with full of jealousy. He held her hand to stop her and said calmly, "Queen Jodha, I understand your frustration, but I have to take care of my other wives too. It's my duty; if you are going to feel insecure every time I visit someone else, you will slaughter yourself."

Jodha swallowed her tears and said painfully, "Shahenshah, I am not jealous of anyone, but as it was preplanned that we will spend the night together and now we are not so, I am a little upset. It was my time that you gave it to someone else. I know very well you have so many wives." she paused and murmured silently, "which I hate..." then she continued, "I know your duties towards them. Still, I guess you are right; I don't think ever in my life I will be able to accept the fact that you have so many begums and I am just one out of thousands."

Jalal realized that Jodha was really yearning to spend time with him; this brought his smile back. He couldn't see her sad eyes and couldn't control his desire to be with her.

"Do you know Jodha, you are very stubborn?" he said mysteriously but with a stern tone... Jodha stared at him disappointedly... he slightly smirked at her innocence and continued, "I will come to your chamber tonight, and we will chat the entire night as per your order, my highness."

Jodha suddenly cheered with a thrilling tone and loudly said, "Wow!! Really!" She jumped and hugged him by mistake in excitement, but quickly realized it and felt so shy that she ran away from there without looking at him.

Jalal got shocked with a sudden hug; he smiled and felt pleased to see her content face. Then he said to himself with a deep sigh out: 'Hmmm! Oh, Jodha, sometimes you behave like a courteous grown-up female. Sometimes you are an innocent little child, sometimes you become Jealous, sometimes you are stubborn, sometimes you are brave, and sometimes you are so divine, you are so unpredictable. Your charms completely smite me. Every time we meet, you amazed me and petrified me with something new. Your possessive attitude surprises me and also scares me at the same time.'

Next: They spend the entire night together.

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