The camps were set. Jodha walked slowly towards Jalal's camp. She was wearing her nightgown and a pashmina shawl. She took little steps. It was somewhere in between the rainy and winter season, so the nights were comparatively colder.

It was a cold night in Amber too. It was raining heavily. Champavati sat near the window as she watched the rain. Candles and lamps were lit to light the room properly. She was knitting small and cute sweaters for her Jodha's child. She didn't know if she would be able to meet Jodha again. But Bhagwan would surely deliver these to her. When Jodha and Jawaisaa would come again, she would do her best to welcome them. How could she be so blinded as to not care? Unwanted tears started building up in the edge of her eyes. She washed them away, but they appeared again as soon as they left. She felt a hand on her shoulder and turned around to see Bhagwan Das standing there.

"Bhagwan, what is it?" she asked slowly. He brushed away her tears.

"Ranimaasaa, you don't have to pretend in front of me."

The tears that she had been controlling all this time, poured out.

"I am...the mos...most terrible mother Bhagwan. I could not see it in her eyes....her happiness. My ego was so bi...big...that I ignored my Jodha before it. I have no right...to call myself.. a mother. I am a selfish woman who only cares about herself. That child...she did so much for Amber at such a tender age, and look at my foolishness; I was angry at her for no fault of her own! How could I? How could I be such a terrible mo...mother.....No, I am not even a mother....I am not..."

Bhagwan Das hugged her to stop her from sobbing.

"Don't cry Ranimaasaa. It happens. You know our Jodha has a big heart, right? She will surely forgive you. Shhhsshh.... don't cry now."

She leaned in his embrace as her sobs controlled a little.

"Shehenshah, we have prepared the best jaam for you!"

"I am not in the mood right now."

"But Shehenshah, it is the best of best, specially imported from Arab..."

"Leave!"

All the ministers and courtiers got up at once and left. There was something that had been bothering His Royal Highness since afternoon. Jodha stopped just before the entrance. On seeing no guard outside, she cleared her throat and stepped inside. His clothes were thrown on the bed but he was nowhere in sight. She looked around and called for him, but no answer came. She sat down and sighed. Then she raked her hands through his clothes. One of his rings lay on the bed. She picked it up. It was dark red in the middle and gold otherwise. It was beautiful. She looked at it and kept looking. Then she slid it through one of her fingers. It smelled like him. She smiled as she recollected the moments they had spent together.

"Jodha?" she fumbled as she took out the ring from her finger and placed it on the bed.

"I was looking for you." She said slowly, facing him. Her mouth felt open. She couldn't have recognised him had it not been for his voice. "Shehenshah, it is you?"

He laughed. "You reminded me of the days I used to disguise myself and walk through the streets. I might as well do it today."

She got up and walked towards him with a smile. Surprised, yet happy she asked him to let him accompany her.

"No!"

"Why not?"

"It's dangerous."

"I am strong."

"You are pregnant!"

"I have you."

He smiled but still nodded no.

"Please. I will do anything you say."

"As tempting as it sounds,"

"Please!" she kissed him.

"Okayyhh...but don't forget your promise!"

The bazaars were lit brightly. People were seen everywhere. Jalal and Jodha had been walking for some four hours now. They visited different places before coming here. It was early in the morning. People were busy. A lady in her forties was selling freshly baked loaves of bread and green pea-chilly chutney. There were different types of pickles and parathas also available. Jodha walked towards the stall, but Jalal stopped her.

"Begum, let me complete the task of my visit."

"Ji, Shehenshah." She half-smiled.

Jalal was talking to a couple of traders. He had introduced themself as a migrant couple. Jodha was bored, but she wanted to accompany him and although she had enjoyed it initially, now she was tired and hungry. Would it have been better had she stayed back? No! it wouldn't. Everything comes with a price, and so did this.

"Mango pickle and aloo paratha at half price. Have the meal of a lifetime. Come before everything gets over." Jodha heard the lady announcing and she couldn't control herself. She sneaked from there and walked towards the stall.

"One paratha and pickle please."

"Sure madam. Please sit."

Jodha sat and munched on the food as soon as it was served.

"Do you have something sourer?"

"I might have some pineapples."

"Yes, please bring me pineap..."

"What are you doing?" Jodha looked up at an angry Jalal standing before her.

"Sh..."

"Get up! We have to leave." She got up with hesitation. The lady called after them for her money but Jalal wouldn't stop. After they had reached a particular distance, he slowed down and then came to a halt.

"What is your problem?" she cried.

He turned around and would have scolded her for behaving so recklessly but she was already in tears so he tried to calm down.

"Jodha...no one knows us.... you have to be careful. I did not bring you with me so that you could just walk away recklessly and do as you wish. Do you realise that you have the responsibility of a child too?"

"Does that mean I should start neglecting myself? It feels as if you don't care for me, just this child, just an heir to the throne."

"Don't start again."

"I don't want to. I don't like fighting with you either, but you should care for me too, not just because I am pregnant, just in general!"

"Okay, I am sorry. Now come and sit."

She sat down and leaned on his shoulders and was asleep before she knew it.

The sun was shining brightly when she opened her eyes. She looked around and then found Jalal's arm wrapped around hers. She tried to stretch herself but couldn't and then realised that they were seated on an elephant and were moving. She looked around and saw Jalal looking at the front.

"Shehenshah..." she cleared her throat. He looked at her and smiled.

"We've reached. Just a little more distance."

"Where?"

"Agra. Where else?"

"But....when did we...?"

"A few hours ago. You were asleep."

"Oh God, why didn't you wake me up?"

"It's okay. We have reached now."

"Shehenshah....."

"Begum Sahiba, calm down. I will come to your apartments later tonight." She stopped at this. The Agra Fort was now visible. As they reached the gate, it opened and flowers were bestowed on them. She smiled, as she was happy to be back home. Jalal got down and helped her get down as well. After a proper welcome, he left for his chambers while she was escorted to hers.

She walked slowly, with Neela on her side, supporting her. Kaakisaa was at the entrance of her room, holding an aarti thaal to welcome her. Jodha was reminded of Amber as she shed a tear and let the old woman complete the aarti. She touched her feet afterwards.

"Don't Malika. Queens don't do this."

"How have you been Kaakisaa?"

"Missed you. Come sit with me, we will discuss everything. Meanwhile, Neela prepare her a bath."

"Ji!"