After that horrific night, Jalal-ud-din did not return to her chambers again. Jodha was unsure whether to feel relieved about his absence or anxious about his possible return.

However, Jalal-ud-din hadn't magically vanished from her life after that night (Gods, if only). Unfortunately, she still caught glimpses of him here and there, mostly coming in and out of his Palace, which happened to be right opposite hers.

Sometimes, while roaming around in Angoori Bagh, she would see him engrossed in conversation with one of his "begums" or discussing matters with his trusted Maham Anga or Ruqaiya Begum.

On occasion, she would even notice him looking in her direction, although she was certain he wasn't actually looking at her but rather at something behind her. Nevertheless, Jodha would react by leaving, unwilling to allow his gaze to even graze her presence.

She was subtle enough in her evasion that the people in the Harem didn't notice, but she knew he did, given the irritating smirk that crossed his face whenever he succeeded in making her depart simply by being there.
(The last time she had been forced into his presence was when Maan Singh had been dragged out of the Harem for the crime of entering it and although everything had turned out well in the end she couldn't help but wince- being in that Jallad's company was an unbearable punishment in itself.)

It wasn't her fault that he was impossible to be around. His presence felt stifling, his dark eyes cold, and even his scent lingering in places around the harem made Jodha twitchy, reminding her of that night and how easily Jalal-ud-din had hurt her. How effortlessly his power, of which he had barely scratched the surface, had subdued her own powers. How easily he had cornered her against the wall, and how easily he could have done so much worse. Much worse. 

Jodha shuddered, passing it off as a reaction to the cold, and looked around the Angoori Bagh where Rajah was dozing lightly. She felt as safe as she could with the thousand eyes of the Harem on her. Speaking of the Harem- which she often referred to as the Viper's pit- Jodha had quickly learned many things during her first week there.

The women in the Harem thrived on gossip and whispered criticism. Their hobbies included stealing from one another and spreading lies. The most dreary part was their monotonous daily routine: waiting for the Shahenshah, playing games, more waiting for the Shahenshah, and engaging in petty fights while still waiting for the Shahenshah.

Jodha wished she could erase the memories of witnessing so much longing and sexual frustration directed at a man she despised. It didn't make sense to her how these women could desire someone like Jalal-ud-din. Sure, he may have been pleasant to look at and a skilled soldier, but he was heartless, cold, and ruthless. She dreaded to think how those violent tendencies translated to the bedroom.

Just then, someone clicked their fingers in front of her face, and Jodha snapped back to the present. It was Ruksaar Begum, one of the few tolerable women in the Harem, although she too had fallen for Jalal-ud-din's charm- Ruksaar was utterly enthralled by him, constantly trying to change Jodha's "uneducated" opinion by sharing random facts about the Shahenshah, which only left Jodha more unimpressed than before.

"What are you thinking so deeply about, Jodha Begum?" Ruksaar asked with a smirk. "Is it about our handsome Husband?"

Jodha restrained herself from physically (throwing up) reacting, maintaining her composure as a graceful queen should, but her mind assured her that such a reaction would be justified.
"Yes, actually," Jodha replied honestly and requested, "But please, don't call him that."

"Oh, you mean 'our'?" Ruksaar quipped, smirking further. "Or 'husband'?"

"I cannot deny the 'husband' part," Unfortunately, "but he is not 'ours'. He belongs to you and ten thousand other women, Keep him." Jodha retorted, hearing Ruksaar's laughter echoing in response.

"You, Jodha Begum, are a strange woman. Come now, I promised everyone in the Harem that I will bring you back. They are all waiting for you, along with a game of Chaupar." (Ludo.)

Jodha stood up as Ruksaar tugged at her hand, and they made their way to the Harem- she tried to look for excuses but Rajah, the clever cat, continued pretending to be asleep and Moti only smiled mischievously at her before slinking away. 

As Jodha entered the Harem, she noticed Ruqaiya Begum sitting across from a game of Chaupar and sighed because she knew she would have to throw (intentionally lose) yet another game, thanks to Ruqaiya's relentless insults and attempts to disgrace her- ever since the moment Jodha had refused to bow. 

Jodha had learned that it was easier to let Ruqaiya win, as the consequences of winning against her (a glaring headache) were far more painful than watching the smug smirk on Ruqaiya's face when she claimed victory.
(Atleast, this way Jodha was the one laughing on the inside- and nowadays she latched onto any sort of humour she could get hang on, it was in short supply.)

"Come, Jodha Begum, let's see if you're any better at Chaupar than you were at cards," Ruqaiya taunted, prompting laughter from the women sitting around them who remembered how Jodha had lost all her game money to Ruqaiya at cards.

Jodha smiled at Ruqaiya and played the game with the same lack of enthusiasm she had displayed in all previous games, retreating into her mind once again.
This time, she contemplated Ruqaiya Begum for a change of Subject.

The Harem was Ruqaiya Begum's pride and joy.
Just as the Shahenshah fought wars and ruled over Hindustan, Ruqaiya mirrored him inside the Harem. Their methods of ruling bore similarities: ruling through fear, demanding unquestioned obedience, and annihilating any dissenting voices without hesitation. 

Jalal-ud-din punished people with death, while Ruqaiya punished the women of the Harem by revoking their "Begum" title or taking away the King's favor—essentially, a death sentence in the Harem.

Jalal-ud-din was heartless and cold, but Ruqaiya... Ruqaiya loved only one person, and that was Jalal-ud-din. Toward everyone else, she was cold and mean. She possessed a dangerous combination of immaturity and power.
However, perhaps that wasn't entirely true.

Ruqaiya Begum was unpredictable—sincere when it suited her, sarcastic when it didn't. Mature when the situation called for it, and immature the rest of the time. She was clever when she desired something and naive enough to believe she could obtain it without deserving it.

But above all, her greatest flaw was her reliance on Maham Anga.

Ruqaiya might have become a decent person had she not been groomed by Maham Anga—a woman who chose a seemingly mindless Javeda Begum for her own son, Adham Khan, because Maham wanted to maintain her control over Adham. 
She wanted a guarantee that her son would not be taken away from her due to the siren-call of love.
As for the Shahenshah- her Adopted son- Maham may not have had a choice in accepting Ruqaiya Begum as Jalal-ud-din's wife, but she did play a role in the girl's upbringing and in Jalal-ud-din's upbringing too, making the Shahenshah detest even the mention of Love and Ruqaiya detest the weakness it brought to her. 
Ruqaiya had set Maham as the ideal to follow, hoping to gain the same fervour of adoration Jalal-ud-din held for Maham. 

And oh, what a shame it was for Jodha could envision a successful businesswoman in Ruqaiya Begum if she had been exposed to different circumstances. Her keen mind and sharp powers in negotiation would have made traders and competition sweat. 

"Abb aap ki chaal hai, Jodha Begum."(It is now your turn, Jodha Begum.)
Ruqaiya Begum's voice interrupted Jodha's thoughts. Jodha nodded and rolled the dice, revealing a six—just the number she needed to remove one of Ruqaiya Begum's tokens from the game. However, Jodha chose not to do so, instead moving a different token of hers forward by six spaces.

Ruqaiya Begum smirked. "It seems you are just as hopeless at this game as you are in cards. Is there anything you can win at, Jodha Begum, or are Rajputs getting too accustomed to losing?"

Jodha merely smiled tightly in response and passed the dice to Ruqaiya Begum. 

One day, Jodha knew she would have her own page in History, and Ruqaiya Begum would be forgotten as a mere footnote. Then, they would see who had truly won and who had lost.
.
.
.
Jodha shook herself from such dark thoughts and-- ah, where was she again?
Oh yes. The Harem. 

So, the Harem was Ruqaiya Begum's brainchild, her seat of Power. The place where she came for validation. 
But surely that was not all the Harem was good for, right? 

"You are losing Jodha Begum." Ruksaar's voice echoed and Jodha pursed her lips. She knew. 

"I am aware." She said out loud, her tone unbothered. 

Surely, she thought, there must be a reason that Jalal-ud-din had decided to waste half of his Kingdom's resources in maintaining something like the Harem.
Jalal-ud-din was too practical to have a Harem solely for the sake of tradition; Jodha didn't think he would maintain a harem just to conform to the Timurid practice of having a vast harem.
Then, maybe the Harem exists purely out of nostalgia? It was possible that these women serve as trophies, forever reminding the Mongol-Barbarian (Babur-ian) of his triumphs. 

No... Jalal-ud-din wouldn't allocate such a substantial portion of his gold and resources to something driven by nostalgia. If he desired a reminder of his victories, he could simply gaze at the Map of Hindustan, which would serve as a far more efficient means.

Then, perhaps the reasoning was driven by lust?
The Mughal Emperor, being a young and healthy male-- at least based on Jodha's professional opinion-- might have been influenced by his desires.
However, no, that couldn't be the case either. The longing and sexual frustration (desperation) exhibited by the women in the Harem hinted at neglect. It wasn't a matter of material deprivation since the women in the Harem enjoyed abundant wealth and comfort. Yet, even a blind person would be able to see their hunger for Jalal-ud-din's attention.
(Jodha, unable to empathize or comprehend such a need, could only acknowledge that everyone has their own unique desires and perspectives.)

Based on her knowledge of the Mughal Badshah from before their marriage, it was evident that he had certain quirks.
The Shahenshah was known to be a connoisseur of beauty and had experienced the company of every woman in his Harem at least once.
If her sources were accurate, this information implied that Jalal-ud-din had engaged in a significant amount of sexual activity...infact, if Jodha was mathematically speaking, it meant that he had had more sexual encounters than even a common prostitute—a testament to the extent of his... experiences. 

So, surely...oh dear Kanha, surely there should be a child by now, right?
Right?!

Her attention focused itself on Ruqaiya Begum who radiated self-assured supremacy over every begum in the harem and overconfidence with her smug smirk, and Jodha paused in her breathing a screeching sound in her ears as she felt a sense of dread creeping upon her while her vision flashed red with warning. 
There were three hypotheses she could conclude from this particular revelation, and they were as follows:

➢ Either God had been extremely cruel and made Ruqaiya Begum and every other begum in this harem barren.

➢Or, God had been extremely kind and possessed brilliant dark humour, making Jalal-ud-din sterile.

➢Or... or the last option in which God played no part. Only the human sin of greed... because the last option meant that someone in the harem, someone close to the Shahenshah, had been behind the death of many unborn children.

Jodha's heart trembled as she thought over the possibilities and prayed... prayed for it to be anything but the last option.

*
It took a full month and many brave ventures into the deep end of the harem for Jodha to finally understand why, just why Jalal-ud-din had a Harem that acted more like a bullion sink than anything else (a place where all the gold is swallowed). 
In that month, Jodha spoke more than she had ever spoken before. She worked harder than she had to in a while, not since she became Queen, for sure. And soon, she struck gold.

While the Harem might seem shallow at first glance ( and the second and third glance too), at the fifteenth or so glance, Harem looked different. 
Harem was an investment of the Shahenshah, just bubbling to give returns at any moment. When Jodha saw the skills of the women in the Harem- all acquired to impress the Shahenshah through the competition of Meena Bazaar- she was left with her mouth open.

These women could be working in Robar and Jodha would think them over-skilled. They could surpass third-year students in University because they had practical skills to compensate for what they lacked in theory. 

Tabassum was a great example because she had been a student at Gondwana University and now she was a part of the Harem and she even loved it here because she was paid her weight in Gold here. Her Art and talent weren't just appreciated, they were revered.

Gulzaar Begum was the next woman who entrusted Jodha with her art, and oh... what an art it was: perfumes. Customized perfumes, and scents tailored for individuals based on their looks and countenance. These scents were out of this world and had remarkable longevity, lasting for hours.

Jodha was even more astounded when Gulzaar Begum mentioned that she would "think about" working with Robar and making her perfumes accessible to all of Hindustan.

And she wasn't the only one. There were many, if not the majority (certainly not even 20% of the Harem), who possessed talents worthy of being sold in Hindustan and even exported worldwide- but if all that talent resided in one place then it was not less than a Gold mine.

Jodha realized that Jalal-ud-din had established this vast Harem for the few exceptional individuals it produced. If the Shahenshah were to capitalize on these investments within the Harem, he could sustain his Kingdom without taxes for the next decade or even longer.

Additionally, Jodha recognized the ingenious use of Khwaja-Sheras, the eunuchs, who served as both guards and slaves. She had previously only employed male and female guards but had never considered this avenue. This was something she could suggest to both Amber and Gondwana. It would not only uplift this particular society but also enhance security, which was always beneficial.

Furthermore, there were some women in the Harem who excelled in other areas. Skills that the women in the Harem yearned to learn. These women were willing to teach a multitude of things. Yes, Jodha was referring to courtesans. These women indirectly served the pleasure of the Shahenshah, as they instructed the "Begums" on how to please him properly. 

These women taught the begums of the Harem the art of giving and receiving pleasure. Jodha would have blushed when she heard one of their...lectures (so to say), But she was glad to say that she was a Healer and so could obviously be objective when it came to human anatomy--OH, who was she lying to?!
She had blushed from her nose to toes the moment one of the women- the courtesan- nay teacher, had winked in her direction, saucily moving her hand up and down a phallic-shaped object.

She had managed to blush even more somehow when she had heard that some Women liked to please their men with their mouth and that men too returned the favour by-- by using their mouth on...many things. 

Jodha had cleared her throat loudly and escaped to Angoori Bagh to cool off- when that didn't work she'd then shaken her head so violently that even Rajah had looked at her in concern but it had worked to derail her imagination--

Jodha was not experienced in these subjects of desire and pleasure an- and want but she'd had someplace to base her imagination on- she knows she should stop thinking about this but she couldn't help it. She was at an age where curiosity was endless and add that to Jodha's natural cat-like nature; it was safer to indulge in such thoughts rather than engaging in potentially risky behaviours.

In her defence, Jodha had a foundation upon which her imagination could bounce, thanks to her visit to the renowned Gandhara School of Art during her University research.
The school was renowned for its sculptures inspired by Greek and Roman art, particularly those that celebrated the human body.
She vividly remembers being utterly mesmerized by the sculptures.

Those sculptures had left a lasting impression on young Jodha, who was in the midst of her puberty, and they had tested her ability to uphold royal protocols (the ones that demanded Jodha not stare at anything for too long, and another that demanded Jodha not touch a strange man- for though they were marble, they had been Men and Jodha fingers had...itched, like never before.)


She remembered the ones that had captured her attention the most even now- the ones with corded necks and with muscled backs. Of abs that could only be captured only on stone and curly hair that she could almost imagine running her fingers through.

Jodha's gaze lingered upon a young man, his posture exuding a sense of melancholy.
Her eyes hungrily absorbed the contours of his body, taking note of his beautiful nose and well-defined arms.
As she observed him, a realization dawned upon her as to why the Greeks had favoured creating sculptures in the nude rather than clothed.
In their nakedness, these statues seemed to expose their vulnerability, even in their stone form. The absence of clothing accentuated the rawness and authenticity of the human form, allowing emotions and subtleties to be conveyed with more significant impact.

On that fateful day, when Jodha was a mere thirteen years old, she came to a profound realization that would shape her understanding of true beauty.
It was then that she recognized the allure of the male form, understanding that while a woman may appreciate the physical strength of a man, it was in the vulnerability of his soul that she would truly find herself captivated and irresistibly drawn to love.

In that moment, Jodha discovered that true beauty extended beyond mere physicality, delving into the depths of the human spirit and the tender emotions that lie within-- Which is why it shocked her so much to see the women of the Harem pining over a man who never allowed himself to be Vulnerable. 

The relentless pace at which Jalal-ud-din governed his kingdom and the perpetually burning candles in his palace only reinforced Jodha's belief that he completely lacked a vulnerable side. It seemed highly unlikely that he even allowed himself the vulnerable luxury of sleep, as the candles in his palace burned incessantly from the early hours of the morning until long after she had retired to her own slumber.
In Jodha's eyes, a man devoid of vulnerability was an indication of mercilessness, and such qualities were hardly desirable in a King.

Such was proven when a family of three came into the Diwan-e-Aam.
The family's plea resonated deeply within Jodha. Their questions about the existence of two different laws for the people of Hindustan, despite being under the same Sultanate, highlighted a grave injustice.
The issue of Hindus being coerced into converting to Islam, and the mistreatment of law-abiding citizens who paid their taxes, struck a chord of concern and empathy in Jodha's heart.

As she observed Jalal-ud-din's reaction to the family's grievances, she hoped to witness a compassionate and just response. But to her disappointment (and further proving his unsuitability of being a Badshah), his reaction was the opposite- he prisoned the adults and the child, barely eight years old was now both homeless and an orphan. 

Though, Jodha was later informed that the family had been released, their problem had still not been solved- they had returned to back to their homes, disappointed and scared for their life while still being coerced to change their religion.
Jodha knew they would never return, for now they only have two options, they would either have to leave the Mughal Sultanate or become a Muslim. 

So, Yes. Jodha could hardly understand the women of the harem and their infatuation towards Jalal-ud-din because Jodha's own understanding of love and relationships was rooted in a different context, where equality, mutual respect, and emotional connection formed the foundation of a meaningful bond. The notion of endlessly yearning for someone who appeared unattainable and lacking vulnerability seemed foreign and unfathomable to her.

But she did understand Men and from what she'd witnessed, it seemed that the women in the Harem would be perpetually waiting and pining for the Shahenshah's attention, seemingly in vain.
Forever waiting, forever getting rejected. 

Not because these women were not worthy of attention- on the contrary, many of them deserved so much more- but because they were waiting for a man like Jalal-ud-din. A man so invulnerable, so untouchable and so filled with darkness that he wouldn't be able to Love anyone. The fault was in him, not in women like Ruqaiya who yearned for him. 

She tried to fit Jalal-ud-din in the many categories of men she knew but was unable to conclude much because the truth was that Jalal-ud-din was a Mystery, wrapped in a riddle.
She did not know much of his likes and dislikes and what she did know was limited to his political nature and fighting tactics. 

Still, her grandmother's wisdom had taught her that there were different types of men, akin to various animals. 

Some men were like...Scavengers. 

They had no standards or preferences when it came to their partners. They would take any woman who crossed their path, regardless of age or appearance. Islam Shah, with his despicable actions, exemplified this type of man. He had kidnapped Jodha and subjected countless women to his cruelty, leaving a lasting impact on Jodha's mind.

These men looked at women not as a partner but as someone who fulfilled their base needs...like Hunger- these men were like Hyenas. They preferred dead meat, live meat, any meat is fine...as long as it was Meat. For them women were not even a source of pro-creation...she was just something to be ravaged- Adham Khan too belonged to this Scavenger Family of men. Predictably, he was uncaring of anything and everything except his lust. 

Then some Men were like Lizards.

These men were never monogamous, mostly because they were always wanting something else. Always greedy for what belonged to others. Always blaming others for their misfortune and always mistreating what they already had. 
A prime example of such sort of men was Sharifuddin-- he had a beautiful young and loyal wife and yet...

"Who did this, Bakshi Bano?" Jodha had asked softly, her voice gentle and Bakshi Bano had almost shrivelled unto herself. 

"This?" Bakshi asked, touching her bruised cheek as her voice became a tad high-pitched in her panic, "No one...I fell, Bhabhijaan. I am a little clumsy like that."

Jodha's face had hardened but her eyes softened in understanding,
"Of course," She said slowly before she stood up and brought the bruise healing paste, she had made some extra, and handed it to Bakshi,
"Here, dearest Sister. It works wonders on bruises."
She would know, Jodha thought, for she too had been using bruising paste on the bruises too, those left on her by Bakshi's brother. 

Jodha had seen Bakshi starting to become teary-eyed and so hand changed the topic- knowing that Bakshi did not wish to confess. 

"I have heard so much about you from Ammijaan, Bakshi Bano. Tell me, is it true that you used to bring all sorts of Animals back home as pets and hide them in your chambers??
I only ask because I feel we might be similar-- I once brought a Wolf-cub back home thinking it was a dog. And then later I rescued Garuda...have you met Garuda?"

Bakshi had taken a moment to compose herself before smiling softly- a little tremulously- before replying,
"Not yet Bhabhijaan, though I have met Rajah...

Then there were men who resembled peacocks, flamboyant and attention-seeking. They adorned themselves with fine attire and sought validation through the admiration of others. Their focus was on displaying their own beauty and charm rather than forming genuine connections.
Her friend and competitor, Ramtanu Pandey seemed to fit well in this category- he loved being praised and took offence very easily. 
He was a beautiful man- not handsome- but pretty and the fact was that he knew it. 

Some men were also like Swans. They mated for life and loved their mate loyally till their death. A perfect example of this would be...

"Moti," Bheem's voice echoed in the hallway Jodha had just left- her two loyal friends were left alone.
(Oh, she eavesdropped but what they didn't know won't hurt them.)
"Bheem?" 
"I...I know this is not the right time or even the right...place. I know I could do this so differently but-- Moti, I have waited for years and now that Jodha is-- and that we are heading to Agra-," 

"I won't leave Jodha's service, Bheem. I won't stay back in Gondwana-," 

"That's not even what I am---Moti, I will never separate you from her, I know how it feels for mine and Jodha's separation is inevitable and I would never...that's not even-," 

Jodha had heard Moti's payals tinkling as she'd walked closer to Bheem and maybe touched his arm as Bheem looked like his whole world had stopped. His gaze stuck on Moti's hand which was touching his arm-

"Marry me." He breathed out and Jodha's eyes widened almost as widely as Moti's did--, but before Moti could respond, Bheem steamrolled, "Oh, Shiv. That was bad-- I. Let me try again. Please?" Bheem asked and Moti nodded, as if in a trance. 
Bheem had breathed in deeply and nodded as if preparing himself and said, 

 "You must know, Moti...surely you must know that I love-I love-- I love you." Bheem looked overcome, barely able to string a sentence together, but not more than Moti- who looked like she was barely breathing. 
"Jodha awakened the Heart in this Assassin but it was you who taught it to beat, Moti.
 It was you who taught me how to mend it. It was you that I have dreamt of marrying, you whom I wish to see heavy with my children...You with whom I wish to spend all my life." Bheem paused, his eyes wet as he pleaded, 
"Make me the happiest of men and say yes?" 

Moti kept on standing stock still and Jodha could see Bheem's face losing its colour- just as Jodha was about to do something stupid she heard Moti whisper something.

"What?" Bheem said, echoing Jodha's thoughts. 

"Yes, you stupid assassin. Yes! YES!" Moti almost shouted in the end and Bheem's face lit up as he stood up and hugged Moti to himself, spinning her around in his arms.

Jodha had smiled, her hand on her heart and her face wet with tears of happiness. 

 Another beautiful example of such 'forever and abiding love' was the love of Bairam Khan and Salima Begum- the woman who was quickly becoming a close friend to Jodha. 
Jodha had called upon the woman on an ordinary day and asked for a stroll around the Fort and the woman had graciously agreed. 

"Adab, Jodha Begum." Came the sweet, soothing voice of Salima Begum and Jodha stood up with a welcoming smile on her face. Her hands rose up to offer a Pranaam,

"Pranaam, Salima Begum. I am glad you could make it."

"And I am glad that you invited, Jodha Begum...I had been meaning to talk to you but I usually do not to make the first move in a friendship." Salima Begum confessed candidly with a shy smile and Jodha laughed softly,

"Bairam Khan had told me about this trait of yours," Jodha remarked mischievously before transitioning to a genuine tone. "But he also told me that once you do form a friendship, there is no better friend than you."

Salima Begum smiled sadly, reflecting on the words. "I learned the true essence of friendship from him. The reality is, there was no better friend than him, Jodha Begum."

Jodha wholeheartedly agreed with that sentiment, expressing a soft smile. Together, they embarked on a stroll through the picturesque Angoori Bagh.

"Let us walk, Salima Begum. I've heard that Angoori Bagh used to be a favourite spot for Bairam Khan," Jodha suggested.

"And it seems to be a favourite of yours as well, Jodha Begum. I have often seen you here, sometimes alone and sometimes in the company of others," Salima Begum replied with a smile, prompting Jodha to nod in agreement.

"I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude, Jodha Begum," Salima Begum began, her voice filled with appreciation.
"If it weren't for your men and your ships, I fear that I wouldn't be standing before you today. Neither Rahim nor I would have made it back without their assistance."

Jodha paused for a moment and then smiled. "Bairam Khan told you, didn't he?"

"It was only after we had left Hindustan that he revealed the identity behind his alliance with you, Jodha Begum. He... he loved you like a daughter, until the very end," Salima Begum disclosed, causing Jodha's heart to ache as she looked away.

"I... this is our first meeting, Salima Begum, but would it be forward of me to say that I feel like I know you?" Jodha inquired, her curiosity and connection evident. Salima Begum beamed with a wide smile.

"I feel the same way, Jodha Begum. He used to refer to you as 'Rani Sa' or sometimes simply as 'That girly'--' That girly is pure chaos, Begum,' he would say and I always knew he was talking about you," Salima Begum shared.
She continued, "Every year, he eagerly awaited the Jaziya collection in Mathura just so he could have a chance to meet you. He would return with stories about you, and I had never seen him as animated as he was after those encounters."

"Strangely enough, during those meetings, all he would do was talk about you, Salima Begum."

"About me?" Salima Begum asked, looking surprised, her cheeks tinted with a soft blush. "What... what did he say?"

"Mostly Shayaris... he mentioned that he had written some specifically for you. Would you like to hear them? I think I remember a few," Jodha offered, noticing Salima Begum's breath catch as she took a seat on one of the garden benches and nodded eagerly. 

Jodha smiled and recited, 
"Zingadi bakshi khuda ne chaar din 
       Toh koi gham nahi, 
Agar guzre tumhare saath yeh din,
      Toh sau saal se bhi kamm nahi." 

Salima Begum smiled sadly and nodded, her eyes closing in remembrance. "He did share this one with me... and in return, I wrote something for him. Would you allow me to share it with you, Jodha Begum? Perhaps he is listening."

"Of course, Salima Begum," Jodha replied softly, her voice filled with compassion. She waited attentively, eager to hear the words Salima Begum had composed in honour of Bairam Khan.

"Woh To Khushbu Hai, Hawaon me Bikhar Jayega,
Masla Phool Ka Hai, Phool Kidhar Jayega.

Hum To Samjhe The Ke Ik Zakham Hai... Bhar Jayega,
Kya Khabar Thi Ke Rag-Ae-Jaan Mein Utar Jayega."

At this Salima Begum's closed eyes released a tear and Jodha's eyes too became wet. 

"Woh Hawaon ki Tarah khana-ba-jaan phirta hai, 
  Ek Jhonka hai, Jo aayega aur Guzar jayega. 

Woh toh Khushbu hai, Hawaon me Bikhar jayega, 
Masla toh Phool ka hai, Phool kidhar jaega." 

More tears slipped down Salima Begum's cheeks and Jodha could not stop herself from clutching onto Salima Begum's hand as a wave of emotion swept through her.
Jodha's eyes too welled up with tears, mirroring the sorrow and love she saw in Salima Begum's gaze. The bond of shared grief and admiration for Bairam Khan brought them closer, connecting their hearts in that moment of profound understanding.

"He-," Jodha cleared her throat when she felt it catch with emotion, "He wrote another one for you, would you-," 

"Yes. Please." Salima Begum said, squeezing Jodha's hand and she smiled- as if trying to comfort Jodha--
This woman had lost the love of her life and she was trying to...comfort Jodha? 
Jodha had only ever seen such strength in her Grandmother, who had taken over a Kingdom a day after her husband had died. 
In that moment, Jodha realized that strength comes in many forms, and it is not solely defined by one's circumstances or the roles they play in life. Salima Begum's ability to extend support and understanding to Jodha despite her own grief was a testament to her character and the depth of her love for Bairam Khan.
So, Jodha thanked her with another one of Bairam Khan's shayari,

"Joh maangi jaa saki toh khuda se aisi duaa maangunga, 
Mai apni taa umra bus tujh jaisi wafa maangunga...

Aur Kam padd jayegi  yeh umra teri chahat mein...
Aur Kam... padd jayegi yeh umra teri chahat mein, 

Mai agle janam tuhjhe firr ek aur dafa maangunga." 

Salima Begum chuckled before closing her eyes and raising her hands in prayer, 
"InshAllah, May these words come true, Jodha Begum." 
(If god wills) 

_

Lastly, there were the rarest of men, the ones who could be likened to eagles. They soared high, with a majestic presence and a commanding aura. These men possessed strength, wisdom, and integrity. They were selective in their choices and sought partners who matched their own qualities.

Rana Pratap belonged to this last category, which was easy to determine because Jodha had known him since forever but that was not the case with Jalal-ud-din...
Jodha couldn't help but wonder which category Jalal-ud-din fell into. His complex nature and enigmatic persona made it difficult to decipher his true intentions. 

Comparing Jalal-ud-din to Rana, Jodha saw stark differences in their character (even if there were some similarities too).
 While Rana exhibited kindness, compassion, loyalty, and love, Jalal-ud-din seemed to lack these virtues. He married multiple women without genuine love, viewing them as playthings to dominate and break. Jalal-ud-din sought not a companion but a prey to satisfy his lust for conquest and power. Jodha perceived him as a hunter, always in search of a challenge and victory.

Men like Jalal-ud-din were the alpha males, conquerors, and leaders. They left a lasting mark on history due to their lack of obvious weaknesses. Their minds were driven by logic rather than emotion, and they controlled their desires.
This was the reason why Jodha was so sure that these women in the Harem will be waiting forever...Because they were waiting for Jalal-ud-din and as it stood, they had little chance of gaining his attention or favour, as he would not tolerate incompetence or weakness in his partners. 
(He won't tolerate any sort of partner.)

Perhaps, if Adham Khan had been then Shahenshah then all of these women could have tasted power but alas, for them, this was not the case and never will be. 

*

Mainavati eagerly waited for two months- since her daughter's wedding to the Mughal Badshah- to pass as now her husband would be leaving for Agra to perform the concluding ritual. Mainavati went to her husband and simply informed him, 
"I will be coming as well." 

"Mainavati, my dear, you know only men are required for this Ritual, I know not how the Shahenshah will react to your presence." 

"You need not worry about the Shahenshah, My Love, I have cleared it with him and generous as he is, he also invited Sukanya and Shivani." 
Mainavati replied, passing the reply letter with the seal of the Shahenshah of Hindustan to her Husband and waited with bated breath to hear his response. 

"Well, it would seem the Shahenshah is expecting all of us...have you packed then?" Her Husband asked with a slight smile and Mainavati only smiled for they both knew the question was rhetorical. 
And yet, even as she smiled, the deep worry for Jodha weighed heavily upon her. 

*

Jodha stood just outside the palace, the very same palace she had vowed never to visit willingly. (Yes, that Palace.)

She had attempted to walk away from Jalal-ud-din's personal residence on multiple occasions, determined to leave. However, the thought of her parents' imminent arrival tomorrow compelled her to try. As is this was the last option available to her- she'd tried putting this meeting off for as long as it had been possible to do so.

She had exhausted all the avenues-- she'd tried delaying her parents, tried to convince them that this Gifting Ritual should be skipped, Tried faking bad health- but that had only convinced her father to bring her mother too! 

Now, there was only one last thing left to do- make a deal with the devil.


"Tell my parents to return to Amber, make an excuse, any excuse should work." She spoke as she entered through the door that Dasi had guided her into and saw him surrounded by female servants. 
Had she known he'd be bathing when she came, she would have come later- but it seemed that the Shahenshah was used to people coming and speaking to him during his Bath because he did not look nearly as peeved as she was about this situation. 
(As is, bathing seemed a communal activity for him, what with several female servants required to bathe him.) 

"I am not going to ask your parents, my allies, to return after they have already travelled halfway, Jodha Begum," he replied, his gaze fixed ahead without even bothering to turn and look at her face -- atrocious manners, thy name is Jalal-ud-din. 

"You've done worse with your allies, this shouldn't be any different." She reminded him boldly. The insult caught his attention, causing him to stir, and he responded with a dismissive flick of his two fingers. The bandis, who had been attending to him, immediately stood up in unison, bowing to both Jalal-ud-din and Jodha before leaving the chamber.
Jodha turned her eyes to focus back on Jalal-ud-din and her eyes widened. 

He was very...Wet. 

"I'll return later." She immediately said, starting to turn away-

"I'll be in Diwan-e-Aam for the rest of the day, Jodha Begum. If you wish to have a private word with me, now is the time to talk," Jalal-ud-din stated, his tone cutting through the steam-filled air of the Hamam.

Jodha felt the oppressive heat of the steam, making it difficult for her to breathe and speak. She hesitated for a moment, trying to find her words amidst the discomfort.
"I... I do not wish for my parents to-" she started, but her words trailed off as Jalal-ud-din filled a jug of water and offered it to her she frowned,

"I will not bathe you. You have been blessed with hands, Shahenshah, use them," Jodha asserted firmly, her voice carrying a hint of defiance.

"You interrupted my Bath, Jodha Begum. Now, you can either rub the oils on me thoroughly or simply pour water over me- choose your task because I refuse to be late because of you." He pointed out to the side, "And Pass me one of the pastes, any should do. " 
Jodha gritted her teeth but did try to actively calm herself down- she had interrupted his bath and if she wished any sort of cooperation from Jalal-ud-din when her parents visited, she'd have to cooperate too.
Quid pro quo. 

She reluctantly took the jug from him and observed the various pastes prepared for the Shahenshah.
Without much thought, she picked up the first one she could reach and handed it to him. His wet fingers grasped the bowl without looking, and he sniffed its contents before pausing.
A few moments passed in utter stillness from him, and then he began rubbing the paste onto his shoulders, filling the air with a captivating aroma of Oudh and Fresh Pine.

Jodha furrowed her brow, a sense of familiarity washing over her. She had encountered this scent before, although she couldn't recall exactly where. Nevertheless, it evoked strong memories of the Gondi Forests and the days she spent beneath the waterfall with Rajah. Unable to resist, she inhaled deeply, immersing herself in the captivating fragrance.

Jalal-ud-din's voice brought Jodha back to the present. "Your parents are coming with my full permission, Jodha Begum," he asserted, his focus still on rubbing the paste onto his body. The warmth of the Hamam caused the oils in the paste to melt, leaving his skin with a radiant glow.

As Jodha watched the Shahenshah rub the paste onto his body, she couldn't help but notice the sculpted muscles on his back, which moved with each flex of his arms (reminding her once again of the Greek sculptures).

The sight made her feel highly uncomfortable, and she quickly averted her gaze, trying to distract herself from the images that invaded her mind. 

"You knew they were coming and you didn't think about having me informed?" Jodha hissed out, her frustration evident. Jalal-ud-din simply shrugged in response. His back muscles contracting and releasing. 

"I did, Jodha Begum, but every time I approached to tell you... you just seemed to vanish into thin air," he replied nonchalantly. A smirk evident in his voice. 

Jodha pursed her lips, clearly dissatisfied with his answer. She couldn't shake the feeling that he had planned this situation deliberately.
"You planned this, didn't you?"

"I have no idea what you're talking about, Begum" Came the rebuttal immediately, "... though, what perplexes me is that you don't want them here," Jalal-ud-din remarked, his curiosity piqued.

"My parents, they won't understand... They married for love and have this peculiar notion that every married couple should be as ridiculously in love as they are. They will worry when they see the state of our relationship," Jodha informed him of her reasoning, 

"They would hardly expect us to be in love, Jodha Begum. They are well aware of the circumstances under which our marriage took place," Jalal-ud-din replied, his voice factual with a tinge of mockery. And Jodha tried to express the seriousness of the situation, 

"My mother has a sensitive disposition. If she thinks that our marriage lacks love, I fear... I fear they will be saddened by how we've handled this marriage," Jodha continued, careful not to reveal the extent of her parents' potential disappointment.

"You mean how you've handled it, Jodha Begum?" his voice came assuredly as if stating facts. "I only demanded what a husband is owed."

"That alone speaks of how little you know about marriage, Shahenshah. A husband is owed nothing. He may request which a wife may or may not deny," Jodha retorted firmly.

"Well, your parents know about marriage in general, in your own words. Surely, they'll see then that you're not at fault," he replied, his gaze shifting sideways to look at her, a growing smirk on his face. "Right, Jodha Begum? For I remember asking for better relations, and you denying them." 
Jodha knew just what sort of relations he was talking about and she pursed her lips and said,

"Then your memory is as impaired as your manners, Shahenshah. I can see you will be of no help, so I ask for your leave," Jodha responded, her voice resolute.

As Jodha placed the jug down and began to leave, she heard him sigh loudly and say, "What do you wish for me to do, Begum? Show how much 'in love' we are? That'll require more acting skills than even I have."

Sensing an opening Jodha quickly said,
"I wish for us to be civil in front of my parents, we'll spend not more than an hour together- civilly- just to prove to my parents that all is well in our relationship. If my parents ask about...us, just tell them that 'all is well.'" 

"An hour?!" Jalal-ud-din exclaimed dramatically, a hand on his chest as the old ladies did, "But that'll be too arduous." 

"I sympathize." Jodha retorted straight-faced, "But it shall only be for a day. The ritual they are coming here to do requires them to stay here only for a few hours." 

Silence entered the Hamam and Jodha couldn't help but prob, "Well?" 

"Wash me, Jodha Begum, while I decide." He said, leaning his head back and closing his eyes. Jodha pursed her lips and picked up the jug again and tilting it over the man. 
The glowing paste washed away, revealing the smooth skin beneath and suddenly a hand latched onto her wrist- guiding the jug over to his upturned face, he made her pour all the water over his face. 
The water carved his Grecian nose, his lashes stuck to his cheek and his lips...Jodha breathed in and she shivered, suddenly feeling hot and cold. 

Feeling her magic shiver, Jalal-ud-din's eyes snapped open, and their gaze met for the first time in a month. It was the first time they had truly looked at each other since that fateful night.

His penetrating gaze mapped her face, his grip on her wrist tightening momentarily before releasing it. Jodha straightened herself, averting her eyes. His intense stare felt predatorial before he moved his eyes away and his deep voice resonated in her ears.

"It is strange, isn't it, Jodha Begum, how people deceive those they claim to love and call it kindness? Does love then become nothing more than an excuse for dishonesty?"

"A lie for the sake of a beloved's happiness is not a lie," she defended, not willing to engage in a philosophical debate. She knew she wasn't entirely right, but she refused to admit it in front of him.

"That, too, is a lie the deceivers tell themselves just before they lie," he pointed out, and Jodha huffed in frustration.

"Then punish me for my deception, for my only intention is to spare my parents from pain." 

"Like your parent's intention was to spare you the pain when they lied to you about the identity of your Groom?" He asked as he picked up a sharp object and expertly trimmed his facial hair...Jodha kept on watching, infinitely fascinated. Only a tad bit more pressure and Jalal-ud-din would rupture a major artery-

"It's not going to happen even if you hope so loudly for my bloody death, Jodha Begum." Jalal-ud-din drawled, making another smooth glide on his chin with the razor,
"And anyway, I am not suicidal, unlike you. Isn't that why your parents lied? They feared you'd commit Jauhar." 

Jodha paused, trying to decode the reasoning behind this line of questioning,
"Are you asking if I have forgiven my parents for lying to me OR Am I taking revenge on them for lying to me by lying to them?" She frowned at the question- it might have taken someone other than Jallad to make sense of that question.

She saw him smirk and knew it was both. So she said,  
"I have already forgiven them Shahenshah because with Family there is nothing else you can do but forgive...especially if you still want them in your life.
Regarding revenge, No. This is not revenge. This is just ensuring that my Mother does not ruin her health worrying for a daughter who's well-able to take care of herself." 

"And are you still suicidal?" He asked, looking more curious than concerned, he discarded the razor once he was done shaving. (Without a drop of blood being spilt and the trim irritatingly... symmetrically perfect.)
Jodha ignored the fact that she had never been suicidal and replied, 

"That depends on how much time I have to spend in your presence." she retorted, and his laughter burst forth unexpectedly, startling Jodha. She frowned, realizing that she was being laughed at, considering she had been the one to seek out Jalal, not the other way around. Technically speaking, he was the one tolerating her presence, not the other way around.

How unfair it seemed that a man like Jalal-ud-din possessed a sense of humour, albeit morbid and dark. He seemed to take pleasure in laughing at Jodha, much to her dismay. (And she stubbornly refused to admit, even at swordpoint, that Jalal could be funny on occasion.)

He turned his gaze towards her once again, a hint of amusement dancing in his dark eyes. Without breaking eye contact, he gracefully stood up from his seated position, causing Jodha to hurriedly turn her back to him. 

He chuckled again as she heard the water flowing down his body in rivulets- her imagination striking yet again as she imagined how his body would look all wet--
Jodha closed her eyes tightly enough to cause a headache but it also helped stave off her overactive imagination.

Jodha heard the unfolding of a towel, heard the sound of wet footsteps approaching her until she felt his heat at her back, his scent was subtle but this close she could smell him...and it finally triggered a memory, reminding her just where she'd smelled this scent before.  

The Healing caves, the beautiful subtle scent of Oudh under the smell of blood and ash. A Young and wounded Jalal-ud-din, fighting for his life. 
Jodha's nose brushing his back as she snapped the thread from the stitches with the help of her teeth. Sweat on his brow and Jodha gently wiping it away. 
The scent of Oudh and pine on her hands for an hour and in her lungs for months. 

Why must she always be reminded of that very moment? Why must young Jalal-ud-din haunt her memories? Why must she remember him so clearly that even his scent- hidden under ash and blood- was so clearly remembered by her? Why was it that no matter how hard she tried to suppress those memories, they resurfaced each time, more unyielding and persistent?
Why? 

Her magic sensed her disquiet and rose up looking for danger only to encounter the Shahenshah behind her, suddenly, she sensed his power rising up in response- more curious than threatening and gently it poked at her own magic. 
Jodha gasped and spun around to face him- 
"Stop that!" She demanded,

"What is this?" He asked as he continued poking, it felt like he was poking Jodha in the head, or someone tugging her braid. Jodha's power snapped at his own in response and he breathed in sharply, 

"You hit me!" He exclaimed, flabbergasted, "Why did it feel like you hit me when you didn't? What do you even call this?" He asked poking her with his power again and Jodha held in a growl. Rajah answered her through their link and Jodha assured him everything was fine. 

Jodha focused back on the Shahenshah and met his eyes which were glowing silver, she couldn't believe how cruelly Fate worked.
All her life she'd looked for someone with the same powers as her only to find it in a Man who was so dissimilar to her that even the Magic in him could not persuade Jodha to become excited about finally finding him. 
Jodha turned to leave but his hand shot out to grip her wrist, hearing him wince when her powers made her untouchable. 
Jodha faced him to see if he would do anything rash for the pain she'd caused him, however unintentionally. 

But Jalal-ud-din only closed his eyes before opening them, any sign of pain vanishing as his own power protected him from Jodha's onslaught(It terrified her that he was learning to control his powers).
His hands were cold from the water, a drop of it slid down his arm and onto her wrist, sizzling upon her skin and evaporating- all the while he watched her, fascinated by her golden eyes. 
"You tell me this and I promise to lie to your parents, Jodha Begum." 

Jodha thought about it, information in exchange for a lie...all the while water slid down from his body and onto Jodha's, sizzling and evaporating the moment it touched her. 
She tried to snatch her hand away but his hands acted more like shackles than skin. 

"Do you agree?" He asked and Jodha reluctantly agreed- he released her wrists and Jodha cradled her wrist as she took a step or two away from him. 

"I just call them my Powers or Magic for the lack of better alternatives. I do not know how yours work, you'll have to figure that out on your own." She said, trying to find an escape from his probing eyes which were demanding that she continue if she wanted him to cooperate with her when her parents arrived. 
"When I was young, my first bout of...magic was when I helped Rajah come into this world- or at least that's when I realized that I was different. I can heal a little with my powers, I have dreams that are premonitions sometimes." 

"Like what? Have you dreamt of something that came true?" He asked coming closer and Jodha caught sight of a scar on his chest.
Realizing with a quiet shock that this was the scar of the wound she'd healed. She looked at it as she spoke, her hands itching- like they had itched when faced with Greek statues- to touch. 

"I once dreamt that you would win a battle against Amber," Jodha spoke, now her gaze on the scar on his neck, this too she'd been the one to give him. How strange it was that Jalal-ud-din only had two scars on his upper body and Jodha had a hand in giving them both to him.
"It was what encouraged me to win allies for Amber." 

"I also dreamt of Our marriage. Though at that time I thought it a mere nightmare." 

"That's why during the Moo Dikhai you believed you were stuck in a nightmare." 

"Yes." She said, not wishing to speak about that day again. She looked up at him and saw that his eyes no longer glowed silver but they were deep smoky grey and that this dark colour was somehow way more intrusive...his hand rose to run a finger across the scar on his chest and 
Jodha swallowed at the action before asking,
"Now, you will lie to my Parents?"  

"A deal is a deal, Jodha Begum."
He agreed before leaving the Haman and Jodha breathed in deeply, feeling like a great weight had been removed from her chest before she too departed. 

*

Jalal heard Jodha leave and soon dropped the towel tied at his waist, uncaring of bareness he tried to feel the power inside him again. 
It was wispy and ephemeral, evading Jalal's conscious grasp every time he came anywhere near it - kind of like Jodha Begum- and it made him smirk.
Soon though he got tired of chasing after it and he demanded it comes to the forefront- only to frown when it did not respond.. in fact, it seemed to vanish completely.

Was this power truly his own? If it was then why was it behaving like Jodha Begum of all people? Couldn't it be like Ruqaiya- coming to him when called, understanding what Jalal wanted without a word being spoken? 
Then again, It had been so easy to call on it just a moment ago, in the Hamam...what made it so moody? 
Jalal stood in front of the mirror and willed his eyes silver and yet...nothing. Not even a damned flicker, he huffed out a breath, he was starting to feel foolish. 

But the sensation he had felt before...that hadn't been false either. He knew he had the Power in him, he just needed to learn how to access it and there was only one person in the entirety of Hindustan- perhaps even the world- who could help him.
Only One. 

***

Mainavati entered her daughter's new home and couldn't help but gasp, a hand going up to cover her mouth. 

"It's Beautiful," Sukanya said the words on everyone's minds and Mainavati nodded, easily being able to imagine Jodha finding a home in Badalgarh. 

They were welcomed by Jodha's mother-in-law, the Marium Makani and Maham Anga. The Shahenshah too came a moment later once they had all been guided into the Diwan-e-Khas and Mainavati was pleasantly surprised when her son-in-law personally took her up to meet Jodha after the initial meet and greet. 

Her son-in-law was not very talkative but he did answer a few questions Sukanya and Shivani had about Agra and as he spoke to Jodha's sisters, Mainavati took the time to study him shrewdly...carefully. 
Jalal-ud-din Mohammad was a man of many legends in Hindustan. He was the subject of bedtime stories that haunted Rajputani children, and his name alone could make mighty kings tremble with fear. And now, he was the husband of her daughter. 

Jalal-ud-din was cold and detached, a man who carried the weight of his responsibilities with stoicism. But that was not to say that he was not dutiful and attentive. On the contrary, Mainavati could only marvel at the contrast between the soldier and king and the man she saw before her.

Her son-in-law possessed an undeniable charm, his words flowing effortlessly as he engaged both Shivani and Sukanya. His eyes sparkled with a captivating allure, accentuating his handsome features.
For a fleeting moment, Mainavati's mind wandered into thoughts of grandchildren with Jodha's eyes and the Shahenshah's face.
But beneath his charm, there remained an untouchable and unreachable quality to him. 

"And this one, right here, is Jodha Begum's Palace." The Shahenshah spoke up before guiding the three of them inside the Palace. Mainavati breathed in deeply and the scent of roses made her automatically picture Jodha-- who was too busy making garlands to even notice their entrance. 

"Jodha," Mainavati breathed out and saw the moment her daughter realized just who was here to meet her. 

"Maa Sa!" Her daughter's joyful cry filled the air, causing the garland to fly to the side as she rushed towards her.
Jodha bent down to touch her mother's feet, but Mainavati couldn't wait any longer. She pulled her daughter into a tight embrace, feeling the warmth and love radiating from Jodha.

Closing her eyes, Mainavati savoured the presence of her daughter, inhaling her familiar scent. It brought a sense of peace to her worried heart, knowing that Jodha was safe and by her side.

Mainavati couldn't resist stealing a glance at her son-in-law, curious about his reaction to the overwhelming display of love. A smile formed on her lips as she noticed how Jalal-ud-din's gaze remained fixed on Jodha, filled with awe and admiration.
He seemed captivated by her smiling face and the affection she showered upon her younger sisters.
It gave Mainavati hope for the future, a glimmer of possibility that their marriage could blossom into something more than duty and obligation.

"Shahenshah," Mainavati addressed him, her voice filled with a mixture of concern and motherly pride, "Jodha is still new to the intricacies of marriage. If she unintentionally makes a mistake out of ignorance, I humbly request your forgiveness. I assure you, she is eager to learn your ways and the ways of marriage, and I have no doubt that she will adapt and excel."

A smile (smirk) played on Jalal-ud-din's lips as he listened to Mainavati's words, his eyes shifting towards Jodha, who was attentively listening to their conversation.
"You underestimate your daughter, Rani Sa," he replied, his tone laced with admiration and a tinge of something like mischievousness, 
 "Jodha Begum has proven herself to be remarkably adept at navigating the Mughal Sultanate. In fact, it seems as though Badalgarh has become a part of her. Just yesterday, she expressed a desire to walk with me in Angoori Bagh, although I regretfully couldn't fulfil her request due to prior commitments."

Mainavati's eyes sparkled with delight upon hearing Jalal-ud-din's praise for Jodha.
But still had Jodha, her beloved daughter, truly mustered up the courage to request a romantic stroll with the Shahenshah in the gardens? The idea seemed almost too fantastical to be true, and yet, here they were, discussing it.

Could it be that Jodha was allowing herself to open her heart to love? Was she truly giving herself a chance to experience the joys and intimacy that marriage could bring? It was a profound revelation for Mainavati, who had seen the walls of protection Jodha had built around her heart ever since she'd become Queen of Gondwana. 

"But, how about today, Jodha Begum? I have a few free hours today, perhaps we could find some time for that stroll?" The Shahenshah asked- all guile and charm and Mainavati spun around to face Jodha, frowning when she saw her daughter's face was frozen in its blank form.
It was only when Sukanya subtly elbowed her sister, did Jodha respond. 

"No." Came Jodha's swift reply and Mainavati's eyes widened, seeing which Jodha quickly amended, "Uh, I meant to say--- Shahenshah, perhaps some other day? I had been hoping to spend all my time today with my Parents." Jodha explained and the Shahenshah nodded, looking a tad disappointed,

"Ah, yes, it had slipped my mind that your family is here only for a few hours. Such a shame, I had hoped that all of us would get some more time together." The Shahenshah said before looking at Jodha, "Weren't you just saying something about it last night, Jodha Begum?"
(Mainavati's ears thudded...'Last night'? The Shahenshah had spent a night...with Jodha? And Jodha had spoken to him? Jodha had spent a night with her Husband? Had all her prayers been answered?)
"What did Jodha say, Shahenshah?" Mainavati asked, resting a hand on Jodha's shoulder,

"She was hoping that you all would stay in Agra a little bit longer." 

Mainavati turned to look at Jodha, who replied,
"We didn't speak at all last night, Shahenshah." 
Mainavati's eyes widened and she could hear Sukanya giggling as Shivani tried to make her stop-- 
Mainavati tried to stop the smile that was threatening to spread upon her face, she failed. 

*

Jalal had never had so much fun before. 
Who would've thought pretending to be in love could be so humorous? The princesses of Amber were giggling and his mother-in-law was looking infinitely happy- and naïve Jodha Begum had to take a moment to catch on- not that he blamed her. 
For who could tell his innocent Begum that there was only one thing a couple did at night- except talk- and that was sex. 

Jodha blushed in her anger, though to her family it must have looked like a blush of modesty, as she finally caught onto the subtext of the conversation.

She quickly tried to amend- and Jalal enjoyed seeing her fumble with her words- 

"That is to say--Shahenshah, you are... misremembering. We spoke in the afternoon, remember? I had been praying to Tulsi Maa...and I confessed that 'I missed my mother'." Jodha Begum was barely holding herself back from clawing at Jalal's face, he could feel it. He could feel her temper rising and he felt the need to pat himself on the back for a good job as he saw Rani Sa smiling. 

"Well, in that case, Jodha you should speak to your father." Rani Mainavati spoke, cupping her daughter's cheek in hand- such easy affection, Jalal marvelled, "I am sure your father will delay our departure." 

Before Jodha Begum could say anything Jalal spoke up, 
"What an excellent idea, Rani Sa- I'll just go discuss this with Raja Bharmal. Adab Rani Sa, Princesses..." Jalal looked at Jodha with a smirk and raised his hand for an adab, "Jodha Begum." 

(If eyes could kill, Jalal would have been stabbed with a blunt knife at least 10 times and long-buried six feet under.)

*

Somehow, Jodha marvels, Jalal-ud-din had convinced her parents to stay in Badalgarh instead of returning to Amber.
Somehow, that silver-tongued devil had convinced her parents to...stay. 
And also somehow, Jodha had been roped into cooking a meal for him. 

Everything had happened so quickly- one moment her father had been adamant about leaving and in the next, he was informing Jodha that they'd be staying for the full day in Agra, just as Jodha had wished. 
Just. As. Jodha. Had. Wished. 
(She was going to kill Jalal-ud-din with the same spoon she was cooking.)
The Ritual that was supposed to last only an hour would now happen at the end of the day- and her parents who were supposed to depart that very day will now be leaving the next day-- 

"I still don't know how he convinced Father and Mother to stay for the full day. They were only supposed to stay in Badalgarh for an hour...at most." Jodha muttered to herself as she cooked with precision. 

"And now here I am, cooking for my enemy and I can't even poison it." Jodha hissed under her breath- what bad karma was she paying for in this life? What had she done to deserve
Jalal-ud-din as a husband?

"Why did he have to make them stay for the full day? Why not just let them leave so that both of us can be done with the pretence of Happiness? Yesterday he'd been complaining about lying- and now look how he took to it like a fish to water."
Oh, how Jodha wished she'd never gone to him for help...now that he knew her weakness, he was tormenting her in the most subtle way possible. 

Just then Maham Anga came, demanding that Jodha taste the food she'd cooked and Jodha did without much ado. She blinked before adding a bit more salt to the food. 
Now it was perfect. 

"You may leave now, Jodha Begum, the food will be served to the Shahenshah and all his guests later." 

Jodha didn't need repeating, she left eagerly having much to do anyway. 

*

Maham watched with bated breath as she saw Jalal take his first bite of the Rajputi Meal.

Her breath paused in her lungs as Jalal too, froze with the first bite in his mouth...Jalal's eyes flashed with fury and she allowed a smirk to tug up on her lips.
Now, Maham was sure that Jodha will face Jalal's wrath and how fortuitous that all of Jodha's family would witness their daughter's fall from grace. 

But that smirk soon transformed into a frown when Jalal, his eyes gleaming with fury, proceeded to take minuscule bites of the food, each one slow and seemingly painful, yet resolute. To her astonishment, the food from the Royal plate was being consumed, yet Jalal's expression remained unchanged—how was this even possible?

Had the spice been from a faulty batch? Had she added red colour instead of Red chilli?

She thought and she remembered the Red box of grounded chillies...she remembered Resham tossing all of it into the food Begum Jodha had just cooked.
She turned and exchanged a subtle glance with Resham who only shrugged in confusion and disbelief. 

Maham swallowed as she watched the Guests of the Mughal Sultanate start to sit down, ready to eat the same food that had been served to the Shahenshah--(Maham had hoped that by now Jalal would have stormed out in anger, would have caused a scene and the lunch would be cancelled-now if the guests ate the same food as Jalal had...it would cause The Mughal Sultanate embarrassment.)

Just as the maids were about to start serving the food to the guests- Jalal stopped them and ground out,

"Serve me."

The maids brought the food to Jalal and started serving him- but he stopped them and said,
"Leave the food bowls here." The maids nodded hurriedly and left--
And Maham...could only watch.

"Muafi Chahenge..." (Apologies...) Jalal spoke up, his voice husky, "I do not want that the food cooked by my Begum for me should be had by anyone else." Jalal then turned to face her, "Badi Ammi, have it seen that more food comes from the Kitchens to be served to the guests."

Maham bowed, "Of course, Shahenshah" and quickly left for the Kitchens. On her way, passing Jodha Begum's family from Amber, who had massive beams on their faces because the Shahenshah had seemed to 'love' the food cooked by the Princess- she gritted her teeth and vowed to try harder next time. 

Soon, more food was presented in the Hall and the guests were served- all the while Jalal kept eating slowly- soon though he stood up and left and seeing the fury on his face, Maham thought it wise not to follow him. 

*

Ruqaiya frowned when she heard Jalal's entrance being announced in her chambers- wasn't Jalal supposed to be lunching with his guests? Not that she wasn't glad for the company but only that she was currently watching over Rahim while Salima Begum prayed. 
It was Ruqaiya's responsibility to stop Rahim from going towards that beast he had taken to calling a friend. 
That Tiger was a danger to everyone in the Harem, unfortunately, only she and Salima Begum (and Maham) could see it-- everyone else was quite taken in with the beast, even Jalal. 

Just then Jalal entered, looking like he'd just returned from a battle...his face was sweaty, his eyes wet with fury and....pain? 
"Jalal?!" Ruqaiya gasped at the sight of him, "What's wrong? Why do you look--what's happened?" 

Jalal laughed bitterly, 
"What's happened, you ask?" Jalal picked up a jug filled with water and tipped it all over his mouth and face, gulping water like he was parched, "That demoness has dared to give me-- she's Lilith in disguise, Ruqaiya, I am telling you." Jalal panted as he chugged down some more water, "Ya Allah." His words were punctuated with hiccup. 

Ruqaiya looked towards Hoshiyaar and commanded, 
"Take Rahim out for a minute."
 Hoshiyaar bowed out and took Salima Begum's son with them. 

Ruqaiya rested an arm atop Jalal's arm and turned him to face her, she took in his condition and the hiccups that were forcing their way out of his throat and pursed her lips, 
"Bring me some curd!" She ordered and soon a Bandi was running in with a bowl of curd. She took it and gave it to Jalal who gulped that too down quickly, breathing out of his mouth as if he were trying to breathe out fire. 

"What happened?" She asked and Jalal almost vibrated with fury, 

"The food she cooked, Ruqaiya--It's not even worthy of being called 'food'. Not even the pigs would eat it-- and yet I had to Ruqaiya. I had to eat it because I foolishly promised her that I won't cause a scene--Allah kasam, Ruqaiya, stop me from going to her Palace or I fear what I will do." Jalal promised and Ruqaiya felt a thrill ... God's, Jalal was beautiful in his fury. 

"What did she do?" Ruqaiya asked, even though she had an inkling, seeing as Jalal was hiccupping. 

"She took her revenge, that's all." Jalal hissed out, his sentence punctuated with a hiccup,
 "It was my fault that I asked her to cook but I never thought she'd fall so far-- Ruqaiya that food wasn't just for me *Jalal hiccuped* it was for all the guests staying in Badlgarh. She nearly embarrassed the entire Mughal Sultanate with this act of hers." 

"Why don't you punish her then-," 

"I can't!" He interrupted with frustration, "We made a deal to act civilly with each other as long as her parents are here. I can't even shout at her. Not until they leave." 

She took a moment to think before saying, 
"You can't but I can." Ruqaiya pointed out with a smirk and saw a mirroring one cross Jalal's lips, 

"What are you thinking, Gitti?"Jalal asked fondly but with the fury was still present, bubbling under the surface.

"First, If you wish to make her taste defeat then you need to calm down and think with a clear mind." Ruqaiya said and when Jalal nodded, she explained her plan. 

"Fine...but you have to break her Pride, Ruqaiya. Break her in front of the people she holds in such high esteem- her own family." 

"I will Jalal but in return I too want something." 

"Name it."

"Your word-- that you will, once in your life, give me whatever I demand." 

It was a testament to how furious he was at Jodha that Jalal did not even ponder upon the demand before immediately declaring, 
"Done." And before Ruqaiya could rejoice, Jalal continued, "But, if you lose Ruqaiya," Jalal said, lowering his voice into a threat, "I demand the same." 

Ruqaiya smirked and said assuredly, 
"I won't lose but I too, agree." 

Jalal nodded once and then he left her alone to prepare. He needed to revive his tastebuds by eating something sweet, perhaps cherries-- but then he paused...what could be weeter than Jodha Begum's defeat?

*

Jodha observed with a warm heart as Ammijaan and Maa Sa engaged in conversation. It was evident that the two mothers had found a connection, their similarities bridging the gap between them.
Both women exuded gentleness and kindness, and their love for their family ran deep, stemming from their noble lineage.
They had also shared the pain of personal loss; Ammijaan mourning the loss of her beloved husband, Badshah Humayun, while Maa Sa had endured the tragedy of losing her firstborn child, Balram.

Jodha couldn't help but smile at the serene scene before her, witnessing her two mothers connecting and sharing a moment of camaraderie. It was a convergence of two worlds in Jodha's life, but she couldn't help but imagine how her grandmother, Rani Durgavati, would fit into this picture.
However, Jodha knew deep down that her fierce and independent grandmother was quite distinct from her gentle and empathetic mothers. Rani Durgavati was far from being gentle, and she possessed a resilience that set her apart from the others, making it unlikely for her to easily share the pain they had experienced.

Just then, Moti came in and stood just a step behind Jodha, 
"Raja Bharmal's gifts were accepted and honoured by the Shahenshah." Moti whispered and Jodha nodded in relief only for Moti to continue, "But your father has been given a Mansabdari of 5000 men. He will receive a salary from the Mughal Sultanate and in return he will-," 

"-Fight Jalal-ud-din's wars for him." Jodha finished the sentence and Moti nodded, "He's planning something, Moti." Jodha continued regarding Jalal-ud-din and Moti smiled, 

"You always say that, My Queen." 

"And I have never been wrong about it before." Jodha pointed out, "I can't disregard the fact that this entire Mansabdari system is very recent." 

"The idea to have your allies maintain troops to fight your wars? Yeah, I wonder where he got that idea from." Moti wondered while looking at Jodha pointedly, who glared in return.

"You forget, the Rajputs maintained their troops for their own wars only coming to our aid if they could. In the Mansabdari system, my Father won't have a choice- he'll have to answer Jalal-ud-din's call to arms every single time." 

"I don't see much of a difference Rani Sa. In fact, I'd say that he's managed to get a better deal in my opinion." 

"Of course, there is a difference, Moti, the Rajputs came to our aid out of Loyalty...what the Shahenshah's doing, that's him using the fact that he won a war against my father. Does my father even wish to be a Mansabdar? Can Amber house 5000 Mughal Soldiers? Is the Salary being given sufficient to take care of all of those soldiers' needs? Will this cause Riots in Amber?-- Did Jalal-ud-din consider any of the above questions before forcing this position onto father?" 

"Well, according to me, he actually improved upon your plan, Rani Sa," Moti countered. "He addressed the flaws and eliminated the option for his allies to hesitate during times of emergency. While I acknowledge the loyalty of the Rajputi Kings, their delayed support ultimately resulted in the loss of Amber. If they had been actively assisting Amber from the start, as the Mansabdari system will ensure, Amber would still be standing strong today."

Jodha sighed, acknowledging that Moti was right and that it truly was a masterstroke, worthy of Chanakya himself. However, she couldn't help but feel a slight irritation at Moti's strong defense. "Whose side are you on, Moti?" Jodha whispered in mock anger, prompting Moti to burst into laughter.

"Yours obviously, but I have to say, he's cuter," Moti retorted teasingly, sporting a mischievous smirk. Jodha gasped, feeling a mix of horror and amusement.

"The harem is clearly affecting your sanity, Moti," Jodha replied, trying to suppress a disbelieving laugh.
Moti chuckled softly, making sure not to attract the attention of their mothers, and whispered, "Well, then have your sisters also gone 'mad'?" She tilted her chin towards the balcony, where Shivani and Sukanya stood, their eyes fixed on the Shahenshah as he walked alongside Atgah Saheb, engaged in a deep discussion.

Jodha narrowed her eyes, she needed to talk to Sukanya about her behaviour, which was also starting to influence Shivani. 
"There is something else." Moti spoke up, suddenly serious and Jodha gave her her full attention, "Did you taste the food you cooked for Shahenshah?" 

Jodha nodded, 
"Yes, apparently, according to a rule the cook has to taste it, why? Does he think I did not?"

"The problem lies in the fact that He thinks you did taste the food. Was the food spicy?" Moti asked and Jodha's eyebrows rose up, 

"No. I added only a little bit-- Moti, stop trying to look mysterious, and tell me at once --what is it?" Jodha asked, her patience wearing thin. As is, Sukanya was still looking at the Shahenshah while Shivani, remembering royal protocol, had retreated back into Jodha's palace. 

"The food that was served to the Shahenshah held enough spice to make a grown Rajput sweat and cry, Jodha." Moti declared and Jodha turned towards her friend again, she had left the food in the safety of the Royal Kitchens...did someone meddle with it? And if they did then why just add spice and not poison? 

"What...I-," Jodha paused, before cursing under her breath as realization,
"Maham Anga. But that food was for all the Shahenshah's guests too!" 

"Don't worry about that, the Shahenshah took care of it- he was the first one to eat so he made up an excuse and had more food come in. But Jodha, our sources claim that he was furious." Moti said and Jodha's eyes went to Angoori Bagh once again, 
"He doesn't scare me, Moti, but I will repeat- He's planning something." Jodha declared yet again but this time Moti too nodded, 

"Well, you have never been wrong about it before." 
Jodha snorted, she was ready for whatever he planned to throw at her as long as it happened once her parents left Agra. 

*

Bheem's breath hitched in anticipation as the palanquins came to a halt just outside Rajgarh. His eyes were fixed on the palanquin guarded by Moti and Rajah, waiting for the familiar delicate hand to emerge from behind the curtains.
And there she was, his Queen, his dear charge.
A faint smile tugged at Bheem's lips as he observed her. Marriage had transformed her, there was an added refinement to her presence, her edges were sharper and her gaze colder.
What had transpired in Badalgarh? And was it just Bheem or had Jodha lost some weight too?

Jodha and Bheem locked eyes, their hearts filling with warmth as they closed the distance between them. "I have missed you," they said in unison, their voices intertwining. They exchanged smiles, but Jodha's expression grew more composed as she noticed the people of Agra gathering, eager to catch a glimpse of the new Begum- only holding back because of the intimidating presence of Rajah. 
"Have missed you too, you menace of a Cat." Bheem greeted Rajah before saying, 

"Come, My Queen. I have much to tell you," Bheem offered, his voice filled with anticipation. Jodha's smile remained, nodding in agreement. In that moment, Bheem felt the weight of months-old stress dissipate, replaced by a sense of calm and joy as they entered Rajgarh together.

As Jodha and Bheem began catching up, their conversation quickly shifted to matters of work and responsibilities.
They delved into discussions about the affairs of the kingdom, plans for the future, and the challenges that lay ahead. Moti, standing in the background, couldn't help but roll her eyes playfully at their focused and intense conversation. She knew all too well their dedication to their duties and couldn't help but find amusement in their unwavering commitment to their roles.

"What about the underground tunnel for Bhoomiyaan- how far are we with it?" 

"The tunnel is ready, and the Yaan will be fully installed in a week, offering a direct route to Gondwana," Bheem stated. "It will greatly benefit in facilitating quick trips to your Kingdom, which will be a true blessing."

"The Council of Gondwana is managing the Kingdom adequately in your absence, but your presence is sorely missed, my Queen," Bheem continued. "Impatience is growing among the people, and even Durgavati Devi struggles to handle them for much longer."

"Robar's profits have plummeted in the past three months, and the Gondi hold increasing resentment towards Amber, believing they sold you to the enemy," Bheem added, his forehead creased with concern. "As a result, the council had to cease Robar's product supplies to Amber."

Jodha absorbed the information, her mind processing the implications of the situation in Gondwana. She understood the gravity of the challenges and the growing discontent among the people. It was clear that her presence and involvement were necessary to address these issues and restore stability.

"I will make arrangements to visit Gondwana as soon as possible," Jodha responded, her voice carrying a determined tone. "We need to mend the trust and reassure our people. The tunnel and Yaan will indeed be invaluable for efficient travel. We must also find a way to address the concerns of the Gondi and demonstrate our commitment to their well-being."

Bheem nodded, appreciating Jodha's understanding and proactive approach. Together, they began outlining a plan of action, discussing strategies to address the challenges and restore harmony in Gondwana. Moti, observing their focused conversation, couldn't help but feel a sense of pride for her beloved Queen's unwavering dedication to her kingdom and people.

On a different note, much much later, Bheem said,
"Rana Pratap has made numerous attempts to contact you. However, I deemed it wise not to deliver his letters to your marital home. Here they are." Bheem handed a bundle of letters to Jodha, who took them gently like they were precious. 

"The construction of Agra University is underway, but it is not our top priority at the moment," Bheem explained. "We are also working on a secret route that will allow you to travel from Badalgarh to Rajgarh undetected. Our source in Badalgarh has provided this map, and many of the hidden tunnels lead directly towards Rajgarh. However, this particular tunnel is the most reliable." Bheem pointed out the location on the map and instructed Jodha on where to find the tunnel entrance in Badalgarh.

Jodha rolled up the papers and handed them and Rana's letters to Moti for safekeeping, knowing she could trust her with such crucial information.

"There is another significant update," Bheem said, his expression growing serious. "Kunwar Sujamal has sought refuge in Ajabgarh, and somehow, he has convinced the Prince of Ajabgarh- Rawal Ratan Singh that you are in need of a rescue." As Bheem spoke, Jodha couldn't help but think that the Prince of Ajabgarh's most notable quality was that he shared a name with Jodha's past.

Rawal Ratan Singh had been Rani Padmini's husband which is why she had initially entertained Prince of Ajabgarh's advances, hoping that he would embody more than just a shared name with her previous life's husband. Unfortunately, her hopes had been in vain. 

"This is his letter for you," Bheem said, his tone laced with disdain- he was offended that someone else would even try to protect Jodha with him still alive. Jodha noticed that the seal was broken, and a smirk tugged at her lips as she caught the guilty look on Bheem's face.

"Well, is it worth a read?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. Bheem shook his head in response.

"Not at all. I would have burned it, but I thought you'd want to know about your elder brother's whereabouts," Bheem explained. Jodha nodded, her curiosity piqued. She wanted to know what Sujamal Bhaisa was up to, and now she had a glimpse. However, she had a feeling it wouldn't be anything wise.

*

Sukanya was humming under her breath in her chambers in Rajgarh, looking through the dresses she'd brought with her to choose which one she wanted to wear to the celebration tonight in Badalgarh. 
"No, not that one. Do we have something in yellow?" Sukanya asked, she wanted to wear something that would catch attention. Did Shahenshah have a brother? Hopefully someone just as handsome and gentlemanly as him? 

When she received no answer from her maids, she turned only to see that the silence in the room was because of the entrance of her eldest sister-- 

"Jodha Jiji! I thought we'll be meeting straight for the celebrations-," 

"Ekanth," Jodha interrupted, her voice calm yet firm. Sukanya's brows furrowed as she sensed something was amiss.

"Is everything alright, Jiji?" Sukanya asked, her worry evident. Jodha remained silent for a moment, her gaze shifting to the window as if lost in thought. It was strange to see her sister without Rajah flanking her- he must be with Bheem downstairs. 

Jodha Jiji turned to look at her and Sukanya saw her eyes were serious, Sukanya pursed her lips, she'd done something wrong hadn't she? 

*

Jodha left Sukanya to reflect on her words, exhaling heavily as she pressed her fingers against her temples. Bheem's voice broke the silence, his concern evident in his tone.

"Is everything alright, My Queen?" Bheem inquired, his protective nature shining through. Jodha approached him, offering her hands for him to hold, and he squeezed them affectionately.

"Everything is fine. I just had a conversation with Sukanya about her recent behaviour, which hasn't been very regal," Jodha replied, her smile belying the underlying tension in her expression.

"I hope you handled it gently, Jodha," Bheem remarked, his concern for Sukanya evident. Jodha pursed her lips, her demeanour indicating that gentleness might not have been her approach.

"I have tried to dissuade her 'gently' many times before, so this time I chose a different approach," Jodha confessed, and Bheem let out a sigh, turning towards Sukanya's chamber doors.

"No, Bheem. Give her some time. If I don't scold her now, she'll never learn. And worse, Shivani might follow in her footsteps," Jodha insisted.

"But a child needs a softer hand, Jodha," Bheem reasoned.

"She's hardly a child, Bheem. At her age, I was expected to rule a kingdom," Jodha retorted.

"You are different," Bheem acknowledged. "You matured much quicker due to your circumstances."

"Bheem, she was eyeing up Jalal-ud-din. Of all people!" Jodha exclaimed, her frustration evident.
"I know she may not care about politics, but that man beheaded Suryabhan not four months ago! A man Sukanya once claimed to love! He tortured Rana and deceived Sujamal Bhaisa out of the deal he had been offered. How can she just forget all of that? Only because he is pleasant to look at?" Jodha scoffed, pausing to collect herself. She was aware that Sukanya could hear them discussing this right outside her door, but she didn't care.

At her age, I was abducted by Islam Shah. Do you think he wasn't plenty pleasant to look at?" Jodha asked, her voice directed towards the door of Sukanya's chambers. "Don't you think it's high time she learns the lesson? That not all monsters look monstrous."

Jodha said this before leaving, and Bheem wisely followed her. Once they were out in the open air, Bheem ventured delicately, "So... I guess not all is as well as you've portrayed, is it?" He asked, and Jodha scoffed bitterly. She shook her head sadly, and Bheem's face softened.

"Oh, Jodha," he whispered, and Jodha laughed, her eyes wet as she ferociously wiped them away. Bheem caught her hands, pulling her into a paternal hug when she allowed it and whispered, "Let it go. You're safe with me, My Queen. You're safe."

*

Moti wrapped her arms around her betrothed, Bheem, and breathed in the sense of safety he brought. Months in the Mughal Harem, constantly being vigilant and observing every action, had left Moti drained. But in Bheem's embrace, she felt a surge of energy, as if he was replenishing her soul and heart with his love.

"Perhaps we shouldn't tell Jodha." She said suddenly, "At least not yet." 

Bheem pulled away from her, his eyes were hooded with relief of having her back in her arms but he blinked in confusion and asked,  
"What are you talking about?" He asked and Moti blushed at the husk in his voice, 

"I'm talking about us, Bheem." Moti said and Bheem frowned, "You know the truth of her married life...maybe now is the best time to tell her that father-like figure," She said poking Bheem, "and her best friend are in love and wish to marry." 

Bheem started laughing at Moti's words and it only made Moti frown, 
"Why are you laughing? I am serious. I don't wish to hurt her-," 

"She's not a delicate flower, Moti. Please never forget that Jodha is a Gondi. And second, I am laughing because I am hundred percent sure that she already knows!" 

"No, she doesn't." Moti said, "You know she is a little slow in these things. She never cottoned onto the fact that Suryabhan loved her. And even with Rana, she was oblivious for a long time. She thinks Rawal Ratan Singh wishes to rescue her because Kunwar Sujamal somehow convinced him to--," 

"Moti." Bheem interrupted, his hand cupping her cheek as he smiled, "Darling." He addressed her fondly and Moti felt herself melt to goo- which is what prepared her for what he said next, 
"Jodha knew I loved you before even I knew that I loved you. Trust me. She knows." 

*

Jodha stifled a yawn, desperately trying to keep her eyes open. She was bone tired and the celebrations taking place in Badalgarh were not showing any sign of ending. 
One after the other performers came, all of them almost doing the same stuff.
The Singer sang, the dancer danced and the Shahenshah shahenshahed. 
Oh, Shiv, she was so sleepy. 

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the Diwan-e-Khas began to quiet down, and Jodha's longing for bed intensified. Her father stood up, expressing gratitude for the warm welcome they had received.

"Thank you for your hospitality, Shahenshah," her father, Raja Bharmal, said.

"Of course, Raja Bharmal, but I must inform you that the celebrations are not yet over," replied Jalal-ud-din and Jodha suppressed a tired groan. 

"I present to you the game of Chess and Mughal Sultanate's finest chess player, Ruqaiya Begum," announced Jalal-ud-din and this time Jodha did groan because if her prediction rang true then she would once again be pitted against Ruqaiya, who serious joy in defeating Jodha. 
(It seemed Jodha would have to break her habit of intentionally losing the game.)

Predictably, Ruqaiya Begum chose Jodha to play against and her resolve to win grew even stronger when she heard about the prize for the victor. If Ruqaiya were to win, Jodha knew that she would ask for something demeaning and insulting. Therefore, Jodha understood what she had to do—Win. 

"You're younger to me, Jodha Begum- why don't you start?" Ruqaiya Begum said and Jodha smiled a little,

"Chess cares not for Age, Ruqaiya Begum but if you wish it so..." Jodha trailed off as she made her first move on the White side of the board. 

*
Jalal stood up and when his ministers started following his example - he signalled them to keep sitting with his fingers and made his way towards the board- towards his two begums and weighed their stances in his mind.

On one side of the chessboard sat Ruqaiya Begum, a master of the game, who played chess as professionally as she breathed her Hookah. Cunning, ruthless, and quick, she was like a shark, sensing weakness and striking with precision

On the other side sat Jodha Begum, a formidable opponent who seemed to have no discernible weaknesses. Her intelligence was sharp, and she was unafraid to wield it to her advantage. In her parents, she found unwavering support and strength.

Chess required a combination of these qualities to secure victory, so perhaps the result will depend on experience and in his opinion, Ruqaiya had more experience in Chess. She had dedicated countless hours to the game, honing her skills.

However, Jodha possessed a different kind of experience—a real-world experience where the strategies of chess were applied to people, not just game pieces. She had played and won that game, even against someone as formidable as Jalal.

As the game continued, Jalal observed the battle of wits between the two women, knowing that it was a clash of contrasting strengths and approaches. The outcome remained uncertain, but he couldn't help but feel a flicker of unease at the quiet confidence Jodha Begum exuded. 

"Bhot Badi galti kardi aapne, Jodha Begum.(You've just committed a huge mistake, Jodha Begum.)" Ruqaiya said while pointing at the game with a smirk, "Perhaps you were not paying attention but your Queen has left your King unattended."

Jodha remained silent and Jalal turned even more wary at the silence, he turned to face Jodha's family- Rajah was yawning...Jalal's head whipped around towards the game and saw Jodha offering her hand to Ruqaiya in A Draw.

Jodha wanted to settle and Jalal, already wary, whispered under his breath. 

"Take it, Ruqaiya, just take it. Take the Draw."

However, Ruqaiya scoffed at the proposition and a mocking laugh escaped her lips. Ignoring Jodha's outstretched hand, she leaned forward with a sly grin and made her move, disregarding the opportunity for a draw.

"Check," Ruqaiya said, moving her bishop into position to threaten Jodha's King. Jodha raised an eyebrow and surveyed the board for a second before her eyes flicked up to meet Ruqaiya's- who had already stood up to leave. 

Jalal saw as Jodha Begum's lips parted and out came the words, 

"Wait just a second, Ruqaiya Begum. The game is not over yet."

"Of course it is." Ruqaiya said confidently. Overconfidently. "You have nowhere to go. Your king is trapped."

Jodha smiled,
"Indeed, he is. But in your hurry to surround my King, you forgot to check on your own Shahenshah. Ruqaiya Begum, you... have left your precious Badshah undefended," Jodha proclaimed, her words resonating throughout the Diwan-e-Khas. The room fell into a hushed silence as all eyes turned towards the chessboard. Jalal closed his eyes, already able to predict the result of the game now, his eyes seeing what Jodha Begum had done. 
She'd somehow understood how Ruqaiya played and trapped her in her own moves.

"Now... it is my turn," Jodha Begum stated calmly, her voice filled with confidence, as she made a swift move with her Queen on the chessboard.

"Checkmate," she declared softly, her eyes fixed on Ruqaiya, who could only gaze at the board in disbelief, desperately searching for an escape route that did not exist.

Jalal returned to his throne, while the members of the Diwan-e-Khas erupted in applause, acknowledging Jodha's victory.

After a brief moment of tense silence from the Shahenshah, he began speaking in a measured tone, his words carefully chosen.

"I promised my Begums that whoever won this... game would receive this reward from me." A servant approached with a rolled-up parchment, bearing Jalal's personal seal. "According to this, once in your life, you may demand anything of me, and I will fulfil it. Here, Jodha Begum, take the Farmaan," Jalal offered, expecting her to accept, 

But true to form, Jodha did not make things easy for Jalal, as she politely declined the parchment and the privilege it bestowed upon her- making it clear that there was nothing Jalal could ever offer her that she'd ever want.  

*

Sukanya sniffled, trying to control her tears as her parents bid farewell to Jodha Jiji. She was crying both because of the hurtful words her sister had spoken and because, deep down, she knew that Jodha Jiji had been right about everything.

"Princess Sukanya?" came a voice, and Sukanya quickly composed herself, wiping away her tears before turning to face the intruder. Her eyes widened as she saw who it was.

"Jija Sa?" Sukanya stammered, aware that the Shahenshah had accompanied Jodha Jiji to Rajgarh to say goodbye to her parents. However, she was surprised to see him in this particular part of the grounds, where the tunnels were being dug. "I... I was just..."

Her brother-in-law raised his hand, gesturing for her to remain seated as she attempted to get up and greet him. "Is everything okay, Princess Sukanya?"

Sukanya, who had always been sensitive to such delicate questions, couldn't hold back a tear that escaped her eye. "Everything is fine, Jija Sa."

"Okay," her brother-in-law replied, graciously choosing not to point out the obvious falsehood. He looked slightly out of place as he sat down on a nearby stair, facing her. Sukanya sniffled, breaking the silence after a minute.

"You don't have to stay."

"I know that," her brother-in-law responded, a rare and gentle smile gracing his face. "But... if it were Bakshi in your place, then I would have stayed."

With those few words, the Shahenshah silently declared Sukanya as a cherished member of his family, and Sukanya couldn't help but smile through her tears.

*

Salima panted as Rahim ran ahead, clutching her favourite quill in his hand. "Rahim," she called out, laughter lacing her voice, but Rahim showed no signs of stopping.

"Try and catch me, Ammijaan!" Rahim challenged, and Salima continued to follow her son, a mix of amusement and concern. However, her amusement quickly turned to shock when she saw Rahim dangerously close to the edge of the parapet. Rahim took another step backwards, disregarding his mother's calls, and suddenly he tumbled over the edge.

"Rahim!" Salima shouted, her hand reaching out as she rushed to the edge of the parapet. Her body froze as she peered down and saw the water below. It was as if she was transported back months ago when she and her husband had jumped into the sea. For a moment, hesitation took hold, but it quickly dissipated as she realized Rahim was already drowning.

Just then, an orange blur dashed past her, leaping into the water. It was Rajah, Jodha Begum's Tiger, swimming towards Rahim. The tiger gripped Rahim's jama in his maw with delicate precision and began pulling him towards the shore. Salima ran towards the shore, disregarding the Mughal rules of leaving the Harem, and embraced Rahim as soon as he was within reach.

"Rahim! Rahim, answer me!" she demanded, her heart pounding with fear.

"Ammijaan," Rahim weakly replied, and relief washed over Salima. She looked at the tiger in front of her, meeting his intelligent golden eyes, and dared to rest a hand atop his head. "Thank you," Salima whispered. 
She had purposefully asked Jodha Begum to not allow her Tiger anywhere near her son but now that the same Tiger had saved her son's life, she could see the wisdom in the Shahenshah's decision to allow Rajah in the Harem. 

"Can I play with him from now on?" Rahim asked, already regaining colour in his face. Salima glared at him sternly. "You will be grounded for days, Rahim!" she announced. However, her stern expression softened as she glanced at Rajah once more. "But yes, after that, you may."

*

It was a few days after her parents departed that Jodha changed into her anarkali, picked up her sword and went out to practice. She wasn't out of practice as she'd thought she would be but Bheem's absence was felt in how she was a bit slow, lagging in her movements. 
If Bheem were to see her now, he would reprimand her with hours of practice without respite. 

Just then her sword movement was blocked by another sword clashing with it - it was the Shahenshan, dressed in a simple white linen  tunic and some leather pants. 

It was the simplicity of the outfit that jarred her...somehow he managed to look more naked in a white cotton tunic than he had looked in the Hamam. 

He attacked and she easily blocked the move, before attacking and then dodging his responding hit. 
Jodha saw his eyes shine with interest and she was transported to the day she had saved Rana from Jalal-ud-din's camp and the fight that had erupted between Jalal and her.
She had only ever lost to him in a swordfight...but that was not to say that she had not made it difficult for him to win. 

*

Jalal attacked yet again and smiled when she successfully dodged, 
"I have yet to meet another fighter who is as fast as you Jodha Begum, you fight as if dancing." 

"And you fight as if you will be challenging Death the next moment." Jodha begum commented, grunting when Jalal increased the strength of his hits as he decided not to go easy on her.

"I am just glad to see that you play chess as well as you fight, Jodha Begum," Jalal said, only lying a little bit because he had hoped for her defeat against Ruqaiya. Foolish though it was because Jodha Begum seemed too good at whatever she decided to do except at one thing...

"Alas, I am sad to say this proficiency of yours does not extend to cooking," Jalal commented and her next hit almost managed to hit him. 

"I assure you, I am just as good at cooking as I am at defeating you, Shahenshah," Jodha said, resting her sword tip in the middle of his chest,

"So...not at all then." He said as he too had his weapon aimed at her neck. 

Both of them retreated momentarily, as a tie was declared on the last move. But it didn't take long for Jalal to launch another attack. Jodha swiftly dodged his strike, bringing her sword up to block him and following it with a well-aimed kick to his shin, causing him to wince and retreat.

"You fight dirty, my dear wife," Jalal remarked, a hint of admiration in his voice.

"I fight like a Gondi, my not-so-dear husband," Jodha grunted as Jalal regained his momentum, eventually backing her against a pillar. The edge of his sword rested gently on her neck. He leaned forward, his gaze locked with hers, and reached out to remove the cloth covering her face.

 At that moment, Jalal's breath may have caught in his throat, for without her usual jewellery, Jodha appeared even more resplendent.

Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes bright, her breathing fast...he wondered if this is what she looked like in the throes of pleasure. 
He leaned in closer, the scent of her body made Jalal curl his hands up in fists--only he frowned when he realized something was missing. His hands felt...empty. 
Just then, Jodha twisted from under his arm and Jalal instinctively grabbed the first thing he could- her head cover- and as she twisted away from him, her hair cascaded open all around with her. 

A moment later the tip of his trusty and loyal sword was resting on his own chest. 

Jalal smiled without a hint of amusement, 
"My things seem to love you, Jodha Begum...first my dagger, now my sword-," 

"Soon your life?" She interrupted and asked with a smirk as Jalal huffed out, 

"You'd wish that, wouldn't you- perhaps I can even help you achieve it?" Jalal said, "I have had the Farmaan delivered to your chambers." 

Jodha Begum tilted her head to the side, reminiscent of a bird watching its prey and Jalal raised a brow, crossing his arms as Jodha Begum moved the sword away and off of him. 
"What if I do ask for your life? For your head?" 

"Then I would make you wait 80 years before fulfilling your wish." 

"What if I asked for a pound of your flesh?" Jodha Begum asked and he smiled when he recognized the English work- 'Merchant of Venice' and quoted back from another of the Englishman's works, 'Taming of the Shrew.'

"Then my Shrew wife, I would demand that you spill not a drop of my Royal blood in your quest for it." 

"What if I asked for a trip to the Moon and the Stars?" She asked, a curious smile on her face and Jalal let out a huffing laugh, looking around as if wanting to see if anyone else was listening to Jodha's ridiculous questions, wishing to share his disbelief with them.
Simultaneously, he was also unable to stop his awe, was there no limit to this woman's dreams? No limit to the beauty of her thoughts? 

"Then...Jodha Begum," Jalal-ud-din said, stepping closer to her, his arms behind his back and his eyes shining with bemusement, "I would tell you that you need not travel so far to experience such Celestial beauty- just a look into the mirror would do it." 

She raised a brow at his blatant flirting before she threw his sword back at him- he caught it deftly and saw her starting to leave- only she paused and with her back still turned towards him she asked, 
"What if I asked for my freedom? An out of this marriage." 

Jalal smiled softly because even though she could not see it, he was sure she would be able to hear it in his voice which masked the dead seriousness of his next words,
"Then I will kill you and you will be freer than anyone on Earth." 

*

*
A/N.
Finally guys, it's here!!
I would like to thank the lovely @Godricpride342 for this lovely (ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS) gif that she made for me and Fitoori. 
While you go check out her profile, don't forget to check out her Akdha story too,
Titled: War of Hearts. 

I'd also like to thank all of YOU GUYS! For your patience, for your love of Fitoori, for your support...for everything. 
Now, my fingers are about to fall off so this is where I end this Author's note. 

Much Love, 

LKD