"From this day on Your Majesty, I am yours." vowed Jodha.

"And from this day on Your Royal Highness, I promise to protect you, your honour and keep you happy." vowed Jalal.

"And now, apply the vermillion on her forehead." said the priest.

"Your Majesty, as the ceremony draws to a close I now declare the Princess as your lawfully wedded wife."

Jalal smiled in triumph and happiness spread all over his face. At last he was able to bring one of the very few Rajput kingdoms under his empire. He was very happy indeed. But the price Princess Jodha paid for it, made her mood more sour. Like any other young maiden she too had dreamt of falling in love. Of someone loving her back both emotionally and physically, but dare she present her feelings in front of her parents. Her father would kill her saying these were not for girls to feel. All she had to do was fulfill her duty as a wife and now perhaps, Malika-e-Hindustan.

As Jalal stepped down on the stairs and the caravan followed him, Jodha took little steps. She didn't know what she did to deserve all this. She was lost when she came across this huge pole and it was barely on the ground so when she collided with it, the pole started to fallback on her and by the time she realised it was too late, only the fact that she was safe now. She looked up to the firm hand which held it preventing it to fall on her. It was Jalal. She hadn't expected him to rescue her. But then the words cane running back to her.

"And from this day on Your Royal Highness, I promise to protect you, your honour and keep you happy."

Yes indeed, it was protection and respect that were the key holders of any marriage. She was thankful but he didn't address her. He place the pole back and signalled Raja Bharmal for a one to one talk. She stayed there silent. Then, a maid care from beside and called for her.

"Princess, Her Royal Highness, Queen Champavati has presented you with this. She shall not meet you."

"Thank her. From my side." It was Jodha's kanha's murti (Lord Krishn Statue). She took it and got inside the palanquin.

"Your Majesty, the weather is quite cold and the army restless. We seek your permission to rest here sometime before heading back to Agra!" One of the chief guards said to Akbar.

"Alright then! Set the tents. And allow all the army men to eat and drink for it is the night of their Padshah's wedding. It must be celebrated." Jalal replied.

"Your Majesty!"

As ordered the tents were set up and the caravan was in full mood of celebration. Meanwhile the Padshah called for a group of singers to entertain him. Almost till midnight the celebrations continued.

Princess Jodha was tired from the wedding. She had travelled two days earlier to Sambhar where the wedding took place. Then she had been prepared for the wedding which was followed by the wedding and then the move till here. Now these celebrations were nothing but annoyance to her. She tried to keep herself calm.

There were reasons for her restlessness.

1. She was married against her will when she had been engaged to another.

2. Her mother had stopped speaking to her for she did not give consent on the marriage.

3. She was tired and the people around were shouting and screaming like hooligans.

So she ordered that her tent be made separate. She then quickly moved away from the Padshah's tent to hers and settled down there. The moment her head hit the bed, she drowsed off.

"His Majesty has been married today. For the first time to a Rajput Princess. This calls for double celebration."

Said one of the chief general.

"We are extending our control towards Rajputana! Of course we shall celebrate."

Said another.

"Let's leave His Majesty alone for tonight. It's his first night with the Rajput Begum. Let him enjoy. I've heard Rajput Queens are very good in bed."

"Then let us rest and leave him alone."

They all this one by one retired to their tents. After the celebration had been over it was almost past midnight, so the Padshah now too retired to this tent.

As he entered the tent, it was quite and well empty.

"Where is Her Royal Highness?" He asked.

"Her Royal Highness, demanded for a separate tent Your Majesty!"

That was it. Anger rose inside him. How could she? How dare she? Has she no sense of how to deal with a Padshah?!

He got out and walked straight to Jodha's tent. As he entered the tent, the maids left. It was peaceful and rather serene here. But his gaze was busy searching for someone until it lasted on her. There she was like a cocoon. Wrapped up in the thin blanket, she was fast asleep. He came closer to her and then on the bed. She shifted and then turned to his side. For the first time he saw her unveiled. And she looked majestic. He was at a loss of words to express how he felt. She was magical, her beauty natural yet so peaceful. He felt his heart beat relaxing next to her. He would protect her from everyone and everything. He cannot lose her. Then he moved his hand closer to her and touched her face. As his rough hands met her soft cheeks he felt light. His hands brushed against hers and she leaned on them. He felt joyful but that didn't last much. Slowly she opened her eyes, and although much in sleep when she saw him, she jumped in fright.

"Are you okay?" A rather calm Jalal asked still laying down on the bed.

"Y..You..Your Majesty!! I apologise. I didn't mean to hurt you. Just that I saw you all of a sudden and I wasn't expecting you and..."

"Who were you expecting on your wedding night if not your husband?"

"Your Majesty, we have not known each other for long and...

Before she could speak a rather persuasive Jalal held her shoulder and made her lie back on the bed with him on top of her. It all happened in such a haste she didn't have much to do.

"Your Royal Highness, Princess Jodha, you are my wife now. It doesn't matter how long we've known each other. Do you not know the law? I am your husband and I shall not receive your command."

"Apologies, Your Majesty but it is rather soon for me to have any kind of relationship with you now. I was...I can't tell you why but I can't...I cannot bring myself to bed you."

"Well in that case, if you've made up your mind, I shall not touch you. Not now, not ever, until you seem to allow me to. I shall not cross my boundaries. I know my limitations. If you want, I can div..."

Jodha put her hand on his mouth preventing him to speak.

"This is forever, Majesty. You are my husband now and I shall do everything to fulfill my duty towards you except for the literal husband wife relation. Forgive me, if you can."

He removed her hands and laid them down respectfully.

"You shall not be sorry."

He got up but slept next to her.

"Don't worry. You have my word. I will not touch you. No physical contact but I..have to sleep here. I don't want people to gossip about my Queen. You shall sleep!"