Chapter 22 :

His anger melted seeing her in tears, "Jodha, I am sorry... I agree, I should never let Kanika come that close to me, but I was very upset and I wanted to make you jealous so I went a little far but I was not keeping my eye on both of you... If I had a doubt on Surya and you, then I would have to kill Surya in a sword fight... I knew you were trying to make me jealous but I can't tolerate that anyone else loves you... His love for you gave me a big sting and yes, I was very much jealous of Surya." Then he cupped her face and continued in a gentle tone "Do you know why I love you so much? Because of your purity and honesty" After wiping her tears he continued "Jodha I love you so much and you are the only mine..." He kissed her on her forehead, then both of her eyes which followed by her cheeks and finally touched her soft lips... Eventually, her anger diluted and she kissed him back with equal passion, once again the couple hugged each other possessively.

"Shahenshah please forgive me... I don't know why I got so much aggravated. It was my mistake too, I should never let Surya come that close to me and please, believe me, I had no clue that he is in love with me otherwise I would never meet him alone... I never thought of anything else other than our friendship... He is always a friend for me nothing more." Guilt was clearly visible in her eyes and tone was filled with regret.

To divert the mood, in a teasing tone he stated "So, other than biting my wild cat knows how to shout and be angry at Shahenshah" Her lips curved with a smirked... Once again the couple lost in each other.

-----------------------------------------------

Her hands trundled around his chest, she rambled in a grouchy tone while kissing on his cheeks "I am so terrified of you and your anger Shahenshah."

Jalal grinned hearing her whiny complaint, he slowly released her from his cuddle while beholding in her beautiful hazel eyes he responded in a solemn tone but mischief danced in his sharp eyes "Hmmm So my chosen most beautiful queen is terrified of me... Can you please enlighten me, my dear, why you are so terrified of me???"

Her face turned pale and she countered in a serious tone "Shahenshah, I am not jesting, I genuinely am scared of your sudden wrath, when you are angry you forget everything....Today for a moment, I thought you will kill me.....eerie in your red spooky angry eyes frightened me to my core. Anger completely took over your senses."

Hearing her dissension, Jalal defended calmly "Jodha, tell me something, if you are scared of my anger then why didn't you leave when I insisted??? Why you waited for me to burst? First, you make me angry then you complain about it and so you know, you are my queen and all of my queens should be scared of me." By the end of the sentence, his tone altered from calm to demanding.

"I knew you were very mad but I also knew that you were deeply hurt. I felt your pain and misery in your eyes. So you know... even though I was scared I decided to face your wrath because it was unbearable for me to see you in this desolation, it ripped my heart, I even don't know how I amassed so much strength to face your anger but inwardly I was shivering and trembling. Shahenshah I do not agree with you that wife should be scared of their husbands... I believe queens should respect their kings out of love, not fear." Jodha debated evenly while crossing her hands.

"All right, I agree with you Jodha!!! You have won this argument..." Seeing her stubborn posture he quickly put his hands down because somewhere deep down he didn't want to argue or dispute further to ruin the perfect moment. So he depicted in composed tone. "I don't know about other queens, but I want you to respect me out of love keeping not out of fear but I prefer you to stay in constraints of regal ethics. And for your complaint, I admit when I get angry I become ruthless and scary, but do you know you also threaten me with your calm demeanor, I am equally scared of your silence? You are the one who introduced fear to me... I never knew what fear was before you came in my life"

Oh lord!!! He is so devious and shrewd whenever I protest he makes me feel guilty. Jodha played innocently and asked in muddled tone "What??? I don't understand ... what do you mean?"

While dipping hands in his hairs, he sighed loudly, frustration was clearly visible in his eyes. He countered in a grim tone "The first time you pressurized me with your silence was the night you consented my stipulation to spend one day and night with me so I respect your parents when they visit Agra for the pag fere ritual. I would never forget that night, you comply with my every cruel command without uttering a word, I was waiting to hear one word but you kept quiet and your silence tore my heart apart, inwardly you broke my self-respect... You successfully turned me upside down. I hated myself for my deed first time in my life. Second time in the Amer, in my resentment, insecurity, and jealousy I gave you an ultimatum to choose me or Amer. Without a single dispute you chose Agra, you didn't even disagree or fight once, your dreadful silence tremendously scared me, and I couldn't sleep the entire night reminiscing the eerie in your calm demeanor. And the worst, you slurped poison with an absolute poise. At that time you can't even imagine how angry I was, I really wanted to slap so hard that you... Jodha, YOUR SILENCE IS DANGEROUS... worse than my anger. So you know, I am also terrified of you." He deeply sighed and rolled his hand in hair few times.

The way he blamed her for his anger, it annoyed her "If you don't want to confront my silence then don't you ever get angry with me..." She whined in grouchy tone

Seeing her strained brows he smirked and drew her closer, while beholding her gaze he jested "How can I get angry on my sweet beautiful loving begum???" and took her in his embrace.

"Shahenshah, Can I request you for something??" She stammered slightly, once again her face turned pale and worries in her eyes was shouting her nervousness.

Deepness and sincerity in her tone blow Jalal momentarily, his complete attention diverted towards to scan what's coming, he simply nodded his head and waited eagerly.

In a hesitant tone she slurred "Shahenshah, Can you please keep our relation a secret??

"What??? Why??" Before she could continue Jalal asked in a mystified tone.

"I don't want anyone to know that we have accepted each other..." Her eyes dropped down, in a cautious tone she responded.

"But why?" He asked again, annoyance in his expression was clearing flashing.

"Because... No one likes me in the palace. Especially don't tell anyone in harem that you have accepted me. I don't want anyone to play dirty politics to keep us apart, also I am drained of all humiliations. They all hate me because I am a Hindu and Rajvanshi queen... Everyone in the harem laughs at me all the time. If they come to know that you have accepted me as a queen then they will make my lifespan more miserable. You have no indication when you stated that you will spend a night with me the entire harem was discussing about us. Accidentally, Reva revealed to queen Rukaiya about our plan for spending the night together, she blasted at me and got so upset. I think it would be best that we hide the reality of our relation from everyone... I am tired of all the troubles and difficulties... Shahenshah I don't desire anything other than you. Please promise me you will keep our acceptance conceal from others." She stated in an imploring tone.

Jalal clearly understood her mental state and the reason why she wanted to hide their relation from others... he had seen Harem women bantering and mocking her, not once but many times. He recalled the recent incident, outside his chamber bunch of harem queens, demeaned her with sarcastic, bitter accuses... her vulnerable teary eyes came in front his eyes. Soon guilt and rage took over him, he cursed himself and regretted for not taking action at that moment. He very well knew that most of the women in harem were not respecting her, even though she is one of the three officially wedded queen, instead they treated her like an insignificant ordinary concubine. But not only them, he had also treated her the same way. He never gave her respect and importance in anything. She was never invited to any discussion or in any major political decision like Salima begum and Rukaiya begum. To mask his ego and attraction towards her, he acted rudely front of others and acted as if she is worthless and to break her apart, he offended and disrespected her many times publicly. He accused on her character and ruthlessly criticized with brutal accuse, not only that He slapped her in anger in front of royals. He concluded he was guilty of ruining her reputation. Entire Agra knew why she was sent back to Amer... She was demeaned numerous time by him, apart from being his wedded queen her value was not more than an ordinary concubine. She was entirely depended on Rukaiya for her every single need. Rukaiya and Salima each had ten personal helpers and she didn't receive any helper from sultanat, only Moti and Reva were nourishing her basic needs, even though she never complained. She always seemed content and never demanded material thing. What she requested was his time. Jalal realized Jodha needs to be recognized as his beloved queen.

When he didn't respond for long, Jodha almost yelled... "Shahenshah ..."

Jalal revived back from his elongated thoughts "Yes Jodha..."

"Where are you lost? Well, I am talking and you are not even paying attention. I requested for something... did you hear me??" She asked in chaotic tone

He took a deep sighed out and responded somberly "I can't give you that promise."

His blunt denial shuddered her, "Shahenshah, I have never asked for anything, first time I am requesting for something you because I am not strong enough to face queen Rukaiya and other queens. There are many people in the palace who hates me, once they have played on character... I won't be able to bear your hatred again." She pleaded in a sad tone.

The disappointment was clearly visible in his eyes, he responded in a commanding, forceful tone, "Jodha, you are my formally wedded wife, I can't."

"Shahenshah, if you really want to see me happy then please accept my request." Tears were stinging in her eyes was about to spill but she stated in an obstinate tone.

Her pleading tone shudder him, he comprehended she is extremely unsecured and fear of losing him making her feeble.

He lifted her chin gently so she could behold his gaze, he continued in a composed tone "Jodha... I want you to trust me, I promise, everything will be fine. Remember one thing forever, I need you more than you need me... I love you more than you love me and no one in the world can separate us."

Tears filled in hazel eyes and her fingers were shivering, she almost begged while sobbing... to put weight on her request she called him by his name "Jalal, please accept my one and only request, I don't have more strength, please!!"

Her vulnerable condition annoyed Jalal, He replied in firm tone "Jodha, do not forget that I am the king of the kings... Shehenshah E Hindustan and for god sake, you are my wife. Don't act weak... YOU ARE MY LOVE, MY LIFE, MY DESTINY... I want you to be proud of our love... Don't be scared of any consequences. Of course, I comprehend you are very young and have not seen any dirty politics, or betrayals in your life yet... but you have to learn and you have observed... you have to understand the foxiness... the cunningness and sharpness of other people, don't let them walk over you and remember going forward, I will always be with you to protect you from everyone." He stopped and waited to see her reaction...

She decisively countered quickly but in unruffled voice "Shahenshah, I am demanding because I have seen the dirtiest politics maneuvered on my own life... on my own people and on my own state. If you recall... you...Yourself schemed to marry me... Not only that in this palace someone played in front of your eyes to keep us apart and my reputation got ruined... and how could I forget yesterday night... someone schemed again to keep us apart. I know very well what outcomes will be and I don't want to suffer... I have no strength left, I don't want any power... I don't want a tag of being a beloved queen of Shahenshah... I just want you... only you and I don't want to lose you... without you, my life has no meaning..."

He gasped she has completely lost her self-confidence and her foremost concern is the fear of losing him... and unfortunately she does have a point but she need to learn to stand straight in front of others and become my strength, I can't hide my love in a cocoon.

Once again, he cupped her face and forced her to view in his eyes. "Jodha, you are naive, pure and acquitted. Do you know, why I love you so much??" He paused so she contemplate, "Because, you have never been afraid to face the truth. You have never bent down, even after many of my cruel tortures, you still stood firm with your head held high and always fought back. None of my queens are loyal like you, the way you love Amer and your family, you have proven yourself as a savior of your state Amer. Today, Ameri people and their families are happy only because of your bravery, sacrifice, and loyalty... I am truly gratified by your self-respect. Jodha, I want you to be my support, my strength and stand next to me with full of pride and confidence. I know because of all the filthy politics and games, you have lost all the courage, but I want you to know you have won my heart and my heart is beating only because of you. Don't underestimate your power. You have the power to change a Ruthless Cruel Shahenshah into a generous, caring person. You have taught me the meaning of humanity. You have taught me how to love people. I want you to be my asset. And don't make our pure love weak, please have faith in me and trust me no one can come in between us, not even queen Rukaiya. Jodha, I am longing for the fire I saw in your eyes while sword fight. I want my fiercely Jodha back who can defeat ten soldiers by herself to save her friend... I know you have suffered a lot... but now it's time to show everyone the real JODHA." He continued his inspiring, motivating speech with many pauses...

He gently wiped her tears and looked in her eyes before finishing "MY RAJPUT RAJVANSHI QUEEN... I love you so much that I can't wait to shout out loud and announce to the world JODHA IS MY LOVE and SHE IS ONLY MINE."

Tears again rolled out hearing so many encouraging words... Words filled energy in her entire body. For a moment she felt she is the queen of Hindustan. Suddenly she felt enormous power implanted in her. In seconds her face began to glow positive optimism... Hope for the better life blinked in her eyes.

Soon her sad face smeared with happiness and smile, she responded assuredly "YES I ALSO CAN'T WAIT TO ANNOUNCE THAT I LOVE SHAHENSHAH... AND HE IS ONLY MINE."

An enigmatic smile crawled on his lips. He observed her innocent eyes and how gradually the confidence in them increased with excitement. He replied in a cynical tone with a dreamy smirk "Can you keep JALAL IS ONLY MINE inside our chamber only, otherwise all of my begums will kill me." He jested.

Jodha giggled out loud "Hmm!! After this long speech of power and confidence... The King of Kings Shahenshah E Hindustan got petrified." She almost yelled "How can I miss this opportunity to put you in trouble... I can't wait to scream out loud in the entire harem that Shahenshah IS ONLY MINE and HE ONLY LOVES ME." She bullied him mockingly.

Hearing her innocent confession and mischievous smirk, ignited a sudden urge to crush her in an embrace, the combination of tears and the giggle turned him on. He was so thrilled, he swiftly carried her in his arms and replied in sensual but husky tone "Oh... So you are giggling at me... hmm... now you are in deep trouble... you want to trouble me, Junglee Billi... You better worry about yourself... I won't spare you today and before announcing in harem you have to now prove it to me first that I am only yours."

With his sudden turned on reaction... Jodha's face turned crimson pink... she hid in Jalal's arm and murmured "Your wild cat is willing to demonstrate my dear king." His eyes turned dark with a mysterious smirk. He leaned down and crushed her soft lips... then carried her towards the cottage.

Jodha squealed with excitement and said "Ouch... Jalal I will kill you."

Jalal laughed out loud while entering the cottage.

After their boundless love, the lovebirds got ready to go back to the palace. The horizon was tainted with orange glow... Slowly the glow was fainting, and the sun was ready to depart... Jalal changed saddle from single rider to double, and tightly strap to ensure it's secured. He helped Jodha first to settle on a huge black wild stallion. The nostalgic change in their feeling both sensed it, taking promising steps together towards the palace both felt new chapter of their life originate. With an enthralling sensation, Jalal was embracing and canoodling her from behind while adoring their closeness... he was enjoying since she was unable to prevent him from touching her while galloping he was taking full advantage of this passionate ride... he was relishing the feeling of teasing and savoring her annoyance.

She was equally enjoying his tease but at the same time, she was feeling awkward and shy. She whispered "Shahenshah, stop teasing me... I am too tired and done... don't dare to touch me now besides we are almost near the palace and people are staring at us."

He jested "Why are you so shy, you are my official wedded wife, I can touch you anywhere, anytime." His hand stirred on her bosom to play.

While pulling out the magnetic force of his hand from her bosom, she scolded in an annoyed tone "I know very well you are my husband and I also know that you don't miss any opportunity to get close to me. In other words, you are barefaced and too bold, don't you see people are looking and sniggering at us and you don't have to be this close to me all the time. You really don't have any shame, do you?"

Jalal enjoyed absolutely how she behaved shy and angry at the same time. Finally, by the time they reached to the palace, it was dusky and her temper was at a peak. She quickly jumped off the horse and walked away before Jalal even got off the horse. Jalal smirked seeing her anger and arrogant attitude. He murmured 'You are so different... None of my queens can dare to even think what you just did? Your unpredictable attitude driving me crazy.'

While walking towards her chamber, Jodha noticed Queen Pinaz, who was walking toward her side with few other queens. It was shadowy to see who else was with her, she cursed her destiny for a moment, she knew, as usual, all of them will make fun of her to annoy. As always she decided to ignore and quietly walked past them. While taking advantage of the darkness, she looked at other direction. Jalal was also walking in the same direction towards Jodha but was little far from her.

Pinaz Begum yelled sarcastically "Queen Jodha, why are you running away from us? Seems like you have forgotten all your manners."

Jodha nervously rotated her face towards her and with a faint smile on her face, she courteously greeted, "Pranam" (kind of salutation) to all and excused herself stating that she was in a little rush.