Jodha took each step as slowly as possible. It was not as if she could fool Kaakisaa, for all she knew, Kaakisaa had brains far sharper than hers. Sluggishly she kept dragging herself. After about what seemed an eternity, she finally reached the king's chambers. She drew out a sigh. She took one step forward and realized that she had dropped her anklet somewhere for it was not on her ankle. Panic stricken she turned back and bend downwards to look for it. Jalal came out at the same time and seeing her from behind, he was surprised for a moment but then he realized she must have come after what happened yesterday possibly for an explanation. He moved forward but before he could explain himself, she turned back and it all happened so abruptly she almost fell on him but he caught her just in time. Her veil, which she had put back smartly, dropped down and her hair blew against his face. Caught in his arms in the palace before all the guards and maidservants, she felt a little uneasy but blushed uncontrollably. He looked at her straight in the eye, but she couldn't make eye contact for more than a few seconds, turning away shyly.

"Are you okay?"

"I am fine, Shehenshah."

"Did you need something."

"Uh..yeah actually I came for..umm..I..I.." she kept stuttering until he finally laughed.

"Really Jodha, you don't need to be so tense. Its okay, you are my wife. You can come to meet me or get caught in my arms." She realized that she was still entrapped between his arms and made a little movement to free herself but he wouldn't budge.

She did everything but avoided contact with his eyes. He brought her face closer to his by lifting her chin with his fingers, making it unavoidable for her and left with no option she looked in those domineering, hauntingly beautiful, intimidating eyes. She gulped and he whispered in her ears..

"My Malika can come to me any time."

Her face turned crimson when he called her Malika. His Malika. Her heart fluttered and her lips drew into a faint smile.

"I came to apol..."

"I think Shehenshah is having quite a fun time!"

Jodha turned around following the source of the voice, and Jalal freed her from his grip. Before them stood a woman dressed elegantly in her mid-twenties. She was drained in jewels and her eyes were filled with glittered kohl. She looked majestic and anyone could say that she was someone important. Yet, there was a hint of pride in the way she carried herself and spoke.

"Ruqqayah!" Jalal said.

She looked at him in such a way it felt that Jodha wasn't there. She herself felt that she was the odd one out and so she pulled her veil back and turned left to leave the couple. But she couldn't move any further as he held her wrist stopping her from moving any further. She didn't turn back. She was hurt by the way whoever the despicable woman was, treated her.

"I am hoping you are not accustomed to our rules, but you can't leave without my permission, Jodha!"

She didn't turn back and said swiftly in one go, "I'd come here to meet my husband, not the Emperor!"

"Then why did you refer me as Shehenshah?"

"Perhaps she is too dim witted and forgot your name." Ruqqayah commented.

"Ruqqayah!" The king said again but in a rather harsh tone, making her shut up.

"I must leave." Jodha left without turning back. Jalal saw her before she became far too invisible to the naked eye.

"So, you've got a new toy to play I see."

"Not now Ruqqayah."

"Is she the new begum who strolls alone around the palace at night and spends most of her time in either her chambers or in the garden?"

"You have a lot to say."

"Indeed. So, I have heard that these Rajvanshi princesses have the ability to conceive in a month. When is she giving you good news, then?"

"Am I supposed to answer you now."

"Apologies Your Majesty, but haven't you touched her yet?"

"Ruqqayah!"

"Your eyes say so!"

"Shut up before I kill you."

"C'mon we both know you will never kill me Jalal."

"Whether I have touched her not, is our personal matter and you are not needed to interfere. And next time you refer to her, call her Queen. She is a Mughal Queen now!"

"I'll try hard to remember that Shehenshah; Isn't that what she calls you?" She laughed mockingly.

"You are despicable."

"Never been more honoured."

"hat took you so much time to apologise?"

"Ruqqayah! Yeah, who is she?"

"You met her?"

"No, I mean we were in bit of a situation and she cam..."

"What situation?"

"Kaakisaa, c'mon you know better than that."

"What? And who we?"

"Shehenshah and I..I stumbled upon him and he caught me so we were kind of really close.."

"You were?" Kaakisaa laughed.

"Why are you laughing, Kaakisaa?"

"Why do you think? You were in an intimate moment with your king and his first wife shows up."

"Wh..hat? First...wife?"

"Yes. He has other wives. And he'll marry again. You are not the last. Don't you know that?"

"I..know that kings marry a lot of women but...but isn't he too young to have more than one wife."

"Oh, what do you know. Its not like every parent is as generous as yours and gets their child married at the perfect age. Besides, that little boy has seen a lot."

"Your son?"

"He is like my son. Now let's go, it's time for dinner."

"Kaakisaa wait."

It was around midnight and Jodha was cutting some flowers to make a garland to use for her pooja tomorrow. A maid came in and stood beside her.

Jodha took a long deep sigh.

"Yes?"

"Malika, Empress Ruqqayah wants to meet you. She is waitin.."

"No."

"Pardon?"

"Don't question me again."

"Apologies, Malika."

"What's your name?"

"Rubina."

"Now Rubina, ask your queen to not wait. Its cold outside. Won't an earthquake erupt if she gets sick and falls?"

"Your Grace."

"Leave."

"Majesty."

Jodha knew the repercussions of her behaviour but she had no fear whatsoever. She had nothing to lose anymore. Plus, she was bored too and a little entertainment won't be of any harm.