"So, what happened next?" Kaakisaa asked. Her curiosity had now reached its peak.

Jodha smiled and blushed and nodded.

"What?" Kaakisaa asked.

"That's it."

"You did not let him accompany you?"

"I was tired. Besides it was enough for today."

"No, you fool. It just wasn't. His Majesty does not ask any woman like this. You may think the other way, but His Majesty is quite reserved that way. It is women who play around him."

"But, kaakisaa..."

"Stop calling me that. And try to respect your husband. You are good for nothing. This playing hard will get you nowhere."

"That is not what I mean.."

"Shut up. This is what happens when Ranis enter the Mughal Harem!" Kaakisaa exclaimed.

Jodha called for her but she just left. The following afternoon Jodha was called by Queen Mother for preparation of Rajput meals, and what she liked and her preferences for a Rajput dawat was scheduled for her parents who were to arrive the next week for a special custom. In the evening however, when Jodha's head maid had gone to fetch some flowers for the pooja, she was alone in her chambers, as she was feeling down and had asked the servants to let her be for some time.

She was sitting near the window from where she could have a glance of the garden. Her hair was pleated and her veil was down. Her head, she kept on her knees and her eyes were closed. She was thinking of her past, her childhood. About how one day she ran away from the mahal back in Amber. Her father had men searching for her but no one could find her. Ultimately, she returned two days later, to face the wrath of her parents and her elder brothers: Sujamal, and Bhagwant Das. So many days had indeed passed since she arrived here and she now recalled why she was married off to Jalal. It was a mere political alliance but kept two states friendly and one of the reasons for her marriage was also Sujamal.

"I therefore declare that Kunwar Bhagwant Das, my dear son will inherit the throne of Amber and Kunwar Sujamal will be the prime minister of the court."

When this announcement had been made, she saw the expression on Sujamal's face, and horror spread all through her.

"Bhaisaa!" She cried but he left the mahal and next they got news after fifteen days that he had joined hands with Sharrifuddin, the Subedar of Mughal Sultanate. Raja Bharmal had got notice from Mughal Emperor Jalal Uddin Muhammad to join his forces some months ago. The Raja had no choice left but to comply. At this decision made by Bharmal, all young Rajput princes disagreed to marry Jodha. Also, since it was custom that the gift of a territory was attached with the gift of a daughter in marriage. So, Bharmal proposed Jodha's hand in marriage to Jalal. The latter agreed as his main aim was to consolidate and expand his empire. And so Jodha was married off to the Emperor of Hindustan.

"Jodha!" Neelwanti, the head maid said aloud.

"Yes?"

"It's time for the pooja."

"Yeah."

"And, also His Majesty has sent word for you. He wants to meet you in his chambers after you are done with the pooja."

"What does he want now?"

"I am not sure. Why will he tell me what he wants? Are you not feeling okay?"

"No, I am fine."

"Seriously?"

"Prepare the sweets and the thali. I will perform the pooja in some time."

"Your bath is prepared."

"Yeah. I'll skip it today. I'll take a bath at midnight so prepare accordingly. Okay?"

"Sure."

Jodha performed the pooja but not with the enthusiasm she was used to. After the pooja, she put on her veil properly and exited for the king's chambers.

"May I come in?"

"Sure. What took you so long?"

"Well, the pooja was a bit elaborate today."

"Have a seat."

"Thank You!"

"Have you heard of the Meena Bazaar?"

"What is that?"

"A special custom of the Mughal household."

"I see."

"You'll have to participate."

"What will I have to do there?"

"You have to set up a shop of your own and well sell items. The one who sells the greatest number of items, wins."

"I see."

"Well, there are other winners too."

"Oh?"

"You seem quite disinterested in the topic. Is everything okay?"

"Hmm, Shehenshah if that is all, may I leave then?"

Jalal thought to himself for a second. No one ever had the courage to speak to him that way. Why was she so tensed today? As per him, the last time they had met, things went quite well. Jodha got up to leave but he held her wrist stopping her to move. She turned around, but he did not look at her.

"Majesty?"

"Don't be formal with me, Jodha!"

"Huh?"

"You have decided otherwise. You can't leave without my permission then."

"It's not like that. I need some time to adjust. I am sorry."

"You shouldn't be. Sit down."

She sat down and he looked at her directly this time.

"I think I've seen you somewhere before."

"Of course, I am your wif.."

"That's not what I mean. Let it be. Now listen carefully to what I have to say."

After reaching back to her chambers, Jodha changed into her bathrobe and went for taking a bath. The daasis had prepared her bath but were not present as it was already midnight. The water was still lukewarm. Jodha dipped her leg into it and slowly her body. Sinking inside the tub, she soothed down. All through the day she had been thinking about kaakisaa and her remark on her being a proud and egoist Rajput. She was submerged in her deep thoughts when one daasi came in and stood behind her.

"Highness!" Exclaimed the daasi.

Jodha turned around to see a young daasi, probably fifteen years old. She nodded and the daasi spoke that kaakisaa had come and wanted to meet her. Jodha cheered up and changed into her night clothes and went out cheerfully, gleaming.

"Kaakisaa, I am glad you are back."

Jodha hugged her from behind, startling her. Kaakisaa turned around and with a plain face and cold gesture nodded.

"Thanks for forgiving me, kaakis.."

"Don't have delusions Rani. I have not forgiven you because I was never angry from you. I don't get angry from Rajputs!"

"Why are you bringing my religion in between this? And are you not a Hindu yourself?"

"I am a Brahmin. Not of your caste."

"Alright, panditji, I am sorry."

"Sit down."

Jodha nodded and did as ordered.

"Now, have you eaten?"

"No." Jodha answered back gleefully.

"Oh! stupid girl!" Kaakisaa replied with her hand on her hand.

"Wha.."

"Sit down and don't make a fuss. I'll bring you food."

Jodha smiled happily. She felt as though her life had returned.

In the morning after, Jodha got up early, took a bath and then changed into one of her nice clothes. The next week, Meena Bazaar would be conducted as told by Jalal. She talked about it to Neelwanti and prepared for what to sell.

The following afternoon, she got news from Queen Mother about her parents arriving the next week. They were to reach sometime around Meena Bazaar.

"Neela, prepare a meeting with Shehenshah."

"Sure, Your Highness."

"And make sure to bring primroses when...

"Sure, Your Highness."

"Would you let me complete? Or are you assuming yourself queen now?!"

"No. Apologies, Highness."

"And why would you say that?"

"Because, I am your maid and you are a queen."

"So?"

"Nothing. I should get going."

"What is it? What is that discontent on your face?"

"Nothing. Malikas shouldn't care for a mere dasi's discontent."

"What is wrong Neela? Answer me."

"I should leave."

"Head maid Neelawanti it's my order... answer me right now."

"You should have talked like this to that whorish kaakisaa of yours!"

"Watch your tongue. What did she do?

"She insulted my queen, and my stupid queen just stood there trying to pacify things with a nobody."

"That's enough. You may leave."

"Tell His Majesty about everything. I am sure he will throw her out."

"Ever since kaakisaa left she has taken her place and has helped me in ways you can not even comprehend, so don't you dare speak bullshit about her ever again with that filthy mouth of yours."

Neela stood their speechless while Jodha left the room.

Later that evening, a guard asked Jodha to present herself in the Emperor's chambers as per her demand for the meeting.

"You called for me?"

"Wasn't it you who wanted to schedule a meeting?"

"Neela informed you about it?"

"I am not aware of your maids' personal details but yes a dasi came in earlier today, and she is always around you so maybe..

"It was her. Shehenshah, I have to leave."

"You know I am not your personal servant, right? I am very busy these days and you can't just waste my time like this."

She pouted but no use. So, she applied a little intelligence of hers. She stepped closer and placed a kiss on his cheeks.

"Until next time." She smiled and turned around to leave but he was fast enough to catch her dupatta just in time making it fall off. Taken aback she turned around, and he pulled her closer, his hands wrapped around her shoulder as she lost balance and literally landed on him but he was strong enough not to fall down.

Her hair was in a disarray and her veil had fallen some distance apart on the floor. Her hands were on his chest and he kept looking at her. Embarrassed, she dared not make eye contact. He moved one of his hands down to her waist pulling her closer, startling her yet again. She looked up this time and made eye contact as his other hand reached her collarbone and then her neck, sending chills down her body. She barely used any of her energy to stand and was all over him. As his hand touched her neck, she felt too shy and withdrew her eyes from him however his hand shifted to her chin lifting it up to face him.

"Jodha!" He whispered as he leaned his head towards her. She could feel his breath on her face and before she could react or protest or run away from embarrassment, he pecked her lips very softly. It sent shivers down her body as she clutched tighter on his arm. Her dream, that she had seen some nights earlier, finally came true. It was her first kiss.

"Your Majesty!" A guard called from outside asking for permission as someone wanted to see His Majesty. Jodha let herself free from his embrace as she hurriedly took her veil and covered her face with it adjusting her hair at the same time. Annoyed because of the timing, Jalal grew furious and shouted back at the guard asking him to leave.

"Apologies, Majesty, but Ramabai wants to meet you."

"Let her in!" Jodha pulled her veil even deeper as Jalal gave permission for kaakisaa to enter.

"Your Majesty, apologies for disturbing you but I have come here to deliver the message of my Rani." Kaakisaa spoke from the entrance. She was not allowed entrance in his bedroom.

"What message?" A confused Jalal asked.

"She wanted to meet you today. And also, I want to report something to you."

Sighing Jalal said yes. Jodha looked utterly confused.

"I have humiliated her Highness a few days back and I want punishment for my sins."

"What?!" Now Jalal was shocked. "What did you just say?"

"Its not true." Jodha defended. "Why are you lying, Kaakisaa..."

"Don't defend me Ranisaa. It's true Shehenshah."

"Don't you dare talk back to my wife!" Now Jalal was actually furious.

"Apologi..."

"GUARDS!" Jalal shouted. "IMPRISON HER!"

"No, Shehenshah, listen to me—" but Jalal raised his hand to prevent her from speaking.

"NOW!" He shouted.

"Your Highness!" The guards complied.

Jodha was shocked at Jalal's rising anger. She couldn't believe that he was the same man who had kissed her moments ago and with so much passion. He seemed cruel and somehow very, very different. Anger surged in his dark black eyes. She nonetheless was not scared of him.

She bowed and left and he didn't seem to notice. At least she thought so. As she reached the exit, the guards stopped her from leaving.

"Make way." She spoke firmly.

"Apologies, Your Majesty, it is upon orders of His Majesty that we cannot let you leave."

"What are you—"

"Jodha!"

She turned back and despite being angry at him for not explaining to her and asking to remain silent, nodded. She wanted to scream and shout at him but not in front of everyone.

After following him back into his chambers, he asked her to speak while he prepared a drink.

"I am sorry, Jodha. I lose my temper easily. But I cannot forego anyone who has caused any disrespect to the Royal family in whatever capacity."

"I get it. You are king and no one can question you but back then you were my husband and I expect my husband to make things clear with me regarding his decision if it involves me."

"I don't know how it works back in Amber, but here a husband is not obliged to his wife wh—"

"Not in Amber. We cannot even question back. But before getting married to you I heard rumors that you are a very liberal person, so I guess I just expected too much. After all, you are too a man."

"Jodha, manners."

"Aren't I supposed to be informal with you when we are alone, Majesty?" Her tone made him angry but he composed himself.

"Depends. I took the decision as an emperor. And I am an emperor even now, so mind what you say, Ranisaa. Now that I call you Malika, have you forgotten that its been only a few days since you've arrived and we had a political alliance."

She stood up and looked at him making eye contact and left without seeking permission.

"She is one complicated woman." He whispered but loud enough for her to hear.