The morning sun shone brightly. It was a beautiful day. Birds chirped and the wind blew at a perfect rate. All the people who were crouched inside their houses, got out today, to enjoy the sun which was rarely making an appearance these days.

Jodha sat on her bed, knitting some sweaters. It was her last day in Amber today. They would leave for Agra tomorrow and she would miss her home, but she missed Agra too and Ruqqayah and Hamida also wanted to meet her impatiently. Ruqqayah's aunt, Gulbadan had now recovered and so she wanted to meet Jodha as soon as possible.

Jalal was not in the room. He had gone hunting with Bhagwan Das. Jodha looked at the sweaters and then around the room. If all had been okay, she would be some months away from becoming a mother. The loss and pain of losing a child had never touched her because she was hurt by the way her husband behaved with her at the time, but now when all was okay, the pain suddenly hit her and made her think if she had really been a little more careful, perhaps she could have saved her child. All this time she was mad at her own mother, but she herself couldn't save her child. When her mother birthed her, since then she was forever indebting to her, and no matter what happened in the future, she could not ever repay this.

"May I come inside, Malika e Hind?"

Jodha looked up to see Champavati standing there, a little brass pot in her hand, smiling at her daughter. "Maasaa!"

"May I?"

"Of course. Come in, why are you standing there?"

"Your attendees told me to always take your permission before entering your room, or you get mad."

"What? No, it's just for them. Come inside."

"How are you today? Is everything well?"

"Yeah, I am okay."

Jodha looked at her mother smilingly as she asked her to sit. They were on talking terms now. She missed her mother and she couldn't be more thankful to Jalal for reconciling their relationship. As her mother sat down and patted her head, she looked at her lovingly and kept her head on her lap.

~

She was silent now. He thought he did something wrong again. He loosened his grip on her waist as he got up, letting her go. No matter how much he wanted her, he would never do something if she didn't allow him to. He turned around to leave but she placed a strong grip on his hand stopping him from moving further. He didn't turn around and she didn't move either. They stood there, like that.

"Do you actually mean what you said?"

Women, he thought. How can she be so weird? Right now, she was demanding him to be honest with her and when he did confess how he felt, she stopped talking to him and is now doubting him!

"No, I was just joking." He said turning around. She looked at him, her strong gaze boring into his. "What do you want, Jodha?" he finally said, exhausted and tired from her antics. "You say you want to fence with me, and when I agree, you leave me for some scumbag. You say you love me and when I say the same, you stop responding. Like, really, what do you expect me to do? I am only human; I cannot read minds." She broke into a laugh and he looked at her in astonishment. "And now you are laughing. Really what is going on?" she stopped laughing but kept smiling as she looked at him, confused and tired by her antics.

"Say it again." She spoke softly and he looked at her beautiful face as his lips parted, declaring his love for her. A crimson shade spread over her face as she slowly closed the distance between them by throwing her hands around his neck, and embracing him. He was taken aback by this sudden show of love but he had missed her so badly, he didn't care for anything anymore.

"I forgive you." She said slowly, and he grew stiff in her embrace. She broke the embrace to look at him and smiled as she planted a kiss on his cheek. Holding his face in her hands, she whispered, "And I love you too." He smiled as a tear escaped from his eye, and embraced her back, his arms wrapping around her bareback.

Breaking the embrace, he kissed her softly on her lips, but she kissed him back roughly, igniting the fire in him. As he let go of her, when they were out of breath, he cupped her face in his hands and touching their foreheads, slowly whispered against her neck, "If you won't say no now, I don't think I will be able to stop myself tonight." She smiled as she replied, "I don't want you to stop, not now, not ever!" It was as if her affirmation was all he needed as he carried her up and then threw her on the bed in a quick motion. Her breathing was high, her breasts kept going up and down, as she waited for him to get inside her.

"God, I have waited for you for so long. All I want to do now is get inside of you, to make you scream my name all night."

"Then what are you waiting for?" she asked and he looked at her from the edge of the bed, a smirk playing on his lips. "So, you want me to make you scream?"

She got up and got closer to him, and whispered against his neck, "More than that. Do whatever you want to with me."

He took her on his lap as he kissed her roughly. Breaking the kiss, he let his hands travel inside her lehenga, his knuckles brushing against her thighs as she squirmed. "This room will have a lot more memories for you after today." He said slowly and then flipped her in a quick motion as he hovered on her, adjusting his weight on his hand. He kissed on her nape and then her back as he quickly loosened the strings of her blouse and in another swift motion it is was thrown on the ground. But as his gaze fell on her now completely bareback, he froze. She wanted more from him and so when he stopped, she turned around to look at him for what was wrong but he didn't let her.

"What is on your back?"

"I....I..." she tried to explain

"What is it?"

And at that moment, Jodha realised what she had known for a while now. Even before getting married to him, she had known this fact about him. The brilliant, young and talented emperor of Hindustan, was illiterate. He could not write or read. As a child, he was crowned emperor so he never got much time for himself, yet whoever learnt this fact about him would make fun of him, at least behind his back.

"Jodha?" He asked again. She knew he was getting impatient.

"It is a name."

"You got someone's name on your back?"

"Yeah!"

"Whose?" She tried to turn and answer but he held her in place. She gulped as he traced his fingers on her skin. "Who's name is it on your back...?"

"Someone's."

He laughed in a fake way, as he pressed onto her, and she could feel his hardened self.

Tugging her hair all in one hand, he leaned closer and whispered in her ear, making her clench her thighs.

"Jodha...."

"Jalal...."

He smiled, hearing her call his name.

"You are really smart....but this is not going to work.... tell me who's name you got?"

"Jalal...."

"Jodha...."

He pressed himself harder, earning a moan from her. She raked her face in a way it was only half visible to him, and smiled. "Its your name there....that's Jalal...in Hindi."

He was shocked would be an understatement. He kept looking at her and then back to his name on her back.

She bit her lip, and he licked his lips,turning her over as he placed a kiss on her skin and then bit hard where his name was inscribed.

"Get ready for the best night of your life, Begum."

~

"Jodha?"

"Yes, Maasaa?"

"Where are you lost?"

"Nothing...nowhere." She gulped hard as her mother smiled and continued with her story while her mind was still occupied by him, and the night which she truly couldn't forget.

~

"You truly have a good hand at this Shehenshah."

"Well, you see, hunting is my passion and I can't spend one week without hunting."

"So, you must truly love my sister." Jalal looked at him in surprise. "Is it that obvious?"

"Well, you didn't hunt for a month when you were on your surge of finding her, so I am guessing she matters more to you than your passion."

"Well, you are right about that, Bhagwan Das. I do love her. She is...well I don't want this to sound too cheesy, but you see, she is my world."

Bhagwan Das laughed and Jalal smiled. "Truly Shehenshah. I am very happy for you guys."

Jalal nodded and they continued hunting.

~

"Ammijaan, Ammijaan..." Ruqqayah almost fell when she spotted Hamida sitting by the balcony, sipping tea.

"Ruqqayah, is this how you walk? Why are you so careless?"

"Ammijaan, Jalal and Jodha are on their way and will reach Agra by tomorrow."

"Oh my god, is this true?"

"Hundred per cent true, Ammijaan. We need to decorate the fort. There are many things we have to take care of. I am so excited."

"Calm down, Ruqqayah. Even I will help you. And let's call Salima, she will also be of help. Although she and Jodha aren't that close, who doesn't like participating in festivities?"

"Sure Ammijaan."

The fort was in full swing. Preparations were being made for Jalal and Jodha's return. Everyone was very happy, especially Neela. She had received a letter a few days ago from Rehman informing her about how Jalal and Jodha had reconciled and how the emperor had left no stone unturned to make her happy, and deemed for her forgiveness.

~

"Put it right there, yeah!" Ruqqayah was pacing here and there since the morning. She had not eaten anything. She woke up early and started working after taking a bath. She wanted everything to be the best for her best friend. She was so happy Jodha was safe and back. But once she would return, she would surely rebuke her for leaving her without even telling her about it even once. She sighed as she stood near the vase which was kept by the attendee just next to her. Memories flooded her vision when she had first seen Jodha. What a day it had been.

"Malika e Khaas, Jodha Begum and Shehenshah have arrived!" one of the attendees came running as she delivered the news to Ruqqayah. A smile spread on her face, making her perfectly carved features even more beautiful as her eyes twinkled. She took out a ring from her finger and bestowed it to the young girl.

"You have made my day with this news. May Allah bless you." The girl performed the konish and smiled and she thanked her.

Ruqqayah looked over at the royal entourage as she smiled and walked towards the entrance.

~

Flowers were showered on the royal couple as they made their entrance towards the fort. This was followed by trumpets and songs sung by Rajasthani women, specially hired by Ruqqayah for the event. As Jodha stepped inside her home, tears flooded her eyes.

She recalled the first time she step foot here. She recalled Ammijaan and Ruqqayah. Her face lit up at the idea of meeting the two. Then, as if, God heard her prayers, she saw Ruqqayah standing in front of them with an aarti thaal in her hand. Jodha was surprised would be an understatement. She looked over at Jalal who was clearly as astonished as her. Her heartbeat rose as they neared her. Ruqqayah stepped forward, a smile plastered on her face as she did their aarti and then applied tika.

"Welcome home, Shehenshah and Malika e Hindustan!" Jalal smiled as he never expected Ruqqayah to go to this extent. She surely held a special place for Jodha in her heart. She smiled at him and then at Jodha as she led them inside. The entire flooring was carpeted with red roses.

As they reached inside, Jalal excused himself. He had important matters to attend to. And Jodha, tried to talk to Ruqqayah but Hamida sent for her and she couldn't say no. Ruqqayah busied herself in other matters as Jodha went to meet Hamida.

"I am so glad you are back, Jodha. It was so difficult, these last few days. I thought we had lost you! I am so thankful to you for forgiving Jalal. He needs to understand that a wife's only duty is not to bear children and that as women we need respect too."

"He understands that Ammijaan. And I have forgiven him. He is not bad; I think he is just misunderstood."

"I am happy to see that you two are actually bonding. For any relationship to last, one fundamental thing is friendship. And now that you two are on that path, I don't think anything or anyone can come in between your love!" Jodha blushed. What Ammijaan said was true, but to accept her feelings in front of her, she was a little too shy for that. As they were talking, Salima Sultan came in.

"Ammijaan, you asked for me?"

"Come, sit Salima." Jodha smiled as Salima sat beside her and the two exchanged pleasantries.

"How are you, Jodha Begum?" Jodha looked at her and then at Hamida who simply smiled and nodded.

"I am okay now."

"You must be wondering how I know about you. Let me first start with my introduction. I am Salima Sultan, Shehenshah's second wife and Rahim's Ammi."

"Rahim?"

"Oh, Jodha! Did you pay attention to anyone here other than Jalal?"

Jodha bit her lip, as a crimson colour spread over her face. "Ammijaan, I.."

"Ammi, why are you teasing her? It is totally fine. You two are newly married; these things are very common." Salima commented and Jodha bowed her face so as to not face them.

"Oh Jodha, I am just teasing you. Now, Salima here is not only Jalal's wife but also Ruqqayah and Jalal's cousin. She is a very learned woman, just like her mother. She is really a kind soul..."

"Ammi, I will get flustered. Enough about me. The base is, how do I know about you, right Jodha Begum?" Jodha nodded and Salima explained to her everything how Ruqqayah shares all her pain with her and how they sit together and talk for hours and how many times Ruqqayah has mentioned her.

Jodha listened to everything Salima and Hamida said intently. Ruqqayah did so much...so much for her, and she didn't even tell her before leaving Agra. Jodha sighed and looked around at the sunset. She would not meet her today. She was tired from the journey and she had clearly received very little sleep because of Jalal. She smiled as she recalled the moments and decided to meet Ruqqayah tomorrow.

~

As Jodha walked slowly around the balcony, her long hair flowing through her face, she tried to calm down, but she couldn't. Finally, she stopped walking as she leaned on the railing and what caught her sight made her smile inwardly. She looked at them, the two lovebirds too into each other, Neela and Rehman. He brushed her hair away as he placed a small peck on her cheeks and she blushed. Jodha watched her intently and thought of confronting her before she heard the familiar sound of feet, and stilled. It was Ruqqayah. Finally, that moment arrived. She knew Ruqqayah would eat her alive but she had to face her anyway. Sighing and maintaining an innocent face she turned around.

"Come in Jodha Begum." Begum? Why was she Begum suddenly? Did she hurt her so much? Were they no longer friends?

"Ruqqayah, wait!" she managed somehow but Ruqqayah turned around and although she was smiling inwardly, she maintained a tough look on her face as she spoke. "Address me as Begum. Where are your etiquettes, Malika e Hindustan?" Jodha's heartbeat rose, as she thought of the worst, of losing her only best friend here in Agra and she was close to tears when Ruqqayah asked her to come inside again and she followed her like a puppy.

Jodha had delayed meeting her for two days now. She had some or the other excuse, but today she couldn't deny it. Furthermore, everyone, including Neela and Kaakisaa pushed her to face her fears, so here she was. She had met Neela and Kaakisaa the very next day after arriving. Neela threw herself on her and kept crying. She was so overwhelmed with emotions that she couldn't even breathe properly.

"I am here and everything is fine, Neela. Calm down."

"How...could you do...do this...to..to me? Why...why Jodha?"

"I am sorry. I promise never to leave you alone, okay?" For this, she earned a little playful punch and then the two hugged again. Neela was like a sister and friend to Jodha.

And Kaakisaa, she had simply smiled. Although the wrinkles on her face had suggested otherwise. Jodha smiled as she felt she was home.

"Jodha Begum?" Jodha looked at Ruqqayah, as she suddenly came back to reality.

"Huh?"

"Are you even listening? I am talking here!!" Ruqqayah snapped and Jodha gulped lightly. What did she do? Another mistake? Couldn't she have paid more attention?

"Yeah, I am listening. Go ahead."

"So, you agree?"

"Yeah sure."

"Okay then. From today onwards, we are just Jalal's wives, no longer friends. You can leave now."

"WHAT....?"

"Yes, that is what I asked. Either agree to my punishment or let's break things off!!"

"I am sorry, I didn't hear. I will do anything you say, don't take yourself away from me!"

"But why, why do you even care?" Ruqqayah said as she moved away and turned around. She was close to tears as well.

"Because you are my best friend and I love you....and I know I have wronged you in many ways but at least give me a chance to prove how much you mean to me!"

"What did you.... say?" Ruqqayah asked as she turned around, her eyes watering up now.

"That I will do anything..."

"No, before that!"

"That you are my best..."

"After that..."

"That...I love you...!"

"Ya Allah! Do you really feel that way?"

"What can I say? I never had a friend of my age but thanks to Jalal I have one now. You are one of the reasons I don't regret marrying him."

Ruqqayah hugged Jodha as the two burst into tears. "And Jalal, huh? You call him Jalal now?" Ruqqayah asked and Jodha laughed. "I guess we are of the same age and he has no problem in..."

"Then to hell with traditions." They laughed and after a long time, the harem walls had stories of friendship and laughter other than bitterness and jealousy.

.