Knock on the door.

Jalal and Jodha both got alert.

"Shahenshah," Deafening and worried, Abdul's yell reassured the duo. Jodha got up from the bed and went in the side corner and fixed her dupatta.

As soon as Jalal opened the door, Abdul ran inside and, with a tight grip, hugged Jalal with a relieved sigh; he uttered, "Ya Allah Tera Shukriya, I am so relieved you are safe." But the moment later he thought about Queen Jodha, he released Jalal from his embrace and worriedly asked, "Where is queen Jodha?"

"Calm down, Abdul; we both are safe. Thank God I reached on time; otherwise, I would have never been able to forgive myself." Jalal responded in a serious tone while observing Jodha's state; She was hiding in a corner; her ragged clothes were shouting out loud what had gone through. Jalal immediately walked out of the chamber with Abdul and closed the cottage door.

He instructed in a polite tone, "Abdul, made arrangements to take Adham's body to the palace. Jodha and I will come back to the palace alone via secret way." Abdul simply nodded his head without asking further questions and left.

Jalal and Jodha continued on the same horse toward the palace.

Palace was far from the jungle cottage; it was quite long none of them uttered a word; In a faint voice, she called him, "Shahenshah," he was deeply lost in thoughts; her words didn't reach his ears. His silence made her worried. Once again, she called him but no response. she swiftly turned and saw he was deeply lost; nervousness visible on his face. She understood he was anxious, how he will face Badi Ammi.

She gently caressed his cheek uttered, Jalal instead, Shahenshah.

Instantly she got Jalal's attention.

In a comforting tone, she consoled, "Please don't worry; Badi Ammi will understand Adham was a betrayer and what you did was necessary."

Without any word, he just nodded his head.

Her soothing words didn't give him comfort. He was not worried about what Badi Ammi will think of himself, but he was concerned for her pain. His heart was pounding, thinking how devastated she will be when she sees his dead body. Jalal was still very serious. His worry was increasing gradually.

Jalal and Jodha reached his palace chamber via secret. He instructed Jodha to change her clothes.

Jalal immediately called Queen Rukaiya, Queen Salima, Mariam Makani Hamida Bano, Abdul, and Atgah Sahib in his chamber to inform about Adham's death.

Seeing Jalal's excessive fretted face, Hamida asked in a concerned tone, "What happened, Jalal? Why have you gathered us urgently?"

Jalal's eyes were stuck at Jodha's embarrassed face.

Jalal informed everyone with a heavy heart about how Adham tried to kill him and how Jodha came and saved him. Then he told everyone he killed Adham. He didn't mention a word about how he kidnapped Jodha and tried to force on her.

Jodha felt so relieved. She looked at him with gratitude.

Everyone's face filled with shock and distress. Tears dribbled from Mariam Makani's eyes. The way Adham was behaving and his cruelty, all of them knew this would happen one day, but reality smeared with sadness on each heart.

After a minute of mourn, Mariam Makani directed in an imposing tone, "Jalal, I can understand what you are going through, but it is your responsibility to inform Maham manga personally. At this time, she needs your support and cares more than anyone else.

He realized the moment he feared for has arrived. His stomach curled up; his feet felt numb. He lifted his vulnerable eyes towards his Ammi Jaan miserably; with a heavy heart, he responded in a hoarse tone, "Yea, Mariam Makani." it took him a while to release two words.

With Jalal, everyone else walked towards Maham Anga's chamber. Jalal's heart was beating at a too high pace, and his legs were giving up. Finally, all of them reached together to the destination. Seeing everyone in her chamber with teary eyes and a saddened face, panic seeped through her core. Immediately she understood that something was wrong. Something terrible has happened. Her face got filled with frightening expression. While masking her fear, she asked in a thick tone, "What happened? Why all of you here? Is everyone fine?" Her eyes widen when she saw Jalal's eyes dropped with a pang of guilt.

So many people were there in her chamber, but yet there was pin-drop silence all around. No one dared to give this news. The silence threatened her; further, she scanned everyone's face. Most of them were looking down. No one was ready to meet their eyes with her.

At last, she looked at Jalal once again; seeing his visible fear on his face, she backed out two steps. She had never seen Jalal this vulnerable. She asked him impatiently in a worried tone, "Jalal, don't frighten me; tell me what has happened?"

Jalal lifted teary eyes and replied in a hesitant but faltering tone, "Badi Ammi..." After hearing his vulnerable sad sound, Maham immediately understood that something had happened to Adham. Her heart shivered to her core. Her eyes little by little got filled with extreme fear, and gradually she lost her control over herself. At last, she shouted, "Jalal... Tell me what has happened?"

Jalal's words got stuck in his throat. He had no courage left to tell her Badi Ammi about the truth. Maham knew that something horrible had happened to Adham. She screamed aloud and held Jalal's jacket with both her hands. Then looking at him with tears, she said- "Adham..."

Jalal looked at her with intense pain and nodded his head in a yes. He broke down into a loud cry and said- "Yes, Badi Ammi... Adham..." and everyone moved from the door so Maham can see his dead body.

Maham saw Adham's body lying on the ground covered with a white cloth. She walked two steps and froze. Her heart stopped beating for the moment. She came near Adham's dead body and took off the cover from his face. As soon as she saw Adham's head separate from his dead body, she screamed at the top of her voice, loudest she could- "Adhammm..." Her eyes got widened in tremor. Her throbbing scream roared back in the palace many times. Tears started flooding out of her eyes, reluctantly. Her vulnerable condition was aching to witness for everyone, seeing her in such a terrible and heart-thumping state; every person had tears in their eyes. She cried in grief. She hugged Adham's dead body and screamed with tears- "Yaa Allah... Why didn't I die before seeing this day?" Her pain was extreme. Jalal had no strength left to stand there. He was feeling completely helpless. After about a minute, Maham looked at Jalal with her red, painful eyes with anger and asked him, "Who did this to my son??? Who dared?"

Jalal choked up with suffocation; tears got sucked in his eyes. Her one question trembled him. Seeing Jalal's vulnerable condition, Hamida stepped up and told in a calm but clear tone, "Maham... Adham had betrayed Mughal Sultanate, for which he got punished. He conspired to kill Jalal, but with God's grace, Jalal defeated him and punished him for his misdeeds."

Hearing this, Maham felt like someone poured acid on her. She was burning inside and out simultaneously. She had a fire in her heart and devil in her eyes. At that moment, she felt like running and killing Jalal brutally. She looked at Jalal with monstrous scary eyes full of anger. Then quickly, she controlled herself and engulfed her rage within. Jodha saw her dangerous look in her eyes, which made her frightened for a second. Jalal's heart shattered into a million pieces. He was feeling guilty for giving her this immense hurtful sorrow. He couldn't lift his eyes to see in Maham's eyes. Maham wiped her tears and got up, then came inside. She looked at Jalal with a rugged look; his eyes were still lowered with remorse and pain. She again grabbed his jacket, and with a solemn voice, she said- "Jalal, whatever you did was right. I myself, have taught you never forgive betrayer; I am proud of you, Shahenshah. I won't shed my tears for a betrayer." then she ran inside her inner chamber. Everyone watched her running.

She went inside and cried out loud. Her each tear was filled with extreme fury and anger. Little by little, her tears turned into hatred towards Jalal. She never hated Jalal until now; she always loved him like her own child; of course, she had selfish reasons behind it but her love for him was pure like a mother. But today, her tears washed away all her love for Jalal; if anything that was left now was just revenge and hatred for him.

With immense hatred, she promised to herself, "Jalal, I will not spare you... You will have to pay for this; I will punish you but not like this; you will cry every day and night. I will take away your peace, your sleep, and everything else you have. I will finish you in a way people will pity you. You will beg for your death, but I will take away everything from you one by one." Her eyes turned completely red with anger.

Another side, Jalal, was utterly broken and shattered, seeing Maham's condition and her devotion towards Mughal Sultanate.

Jalal spends the entire day and night alone in his chamber, recalling the beautiful time he spent with Ammi Jaan and Adham. He genuinely mourned for Adham's death.

The next day, Hamida and Jodha both walked into Jalal's chamber. Deep pain was still visible on his face. He was resting on the couch with his eyes closed. Hearing the soothing sound of Jodha's anklet, he opened his eyes and saw both of them.

Hamida sat next to Jalal and caressed his hair; in a consoling manner, she spoke, "Jalal... My son, I am well aware of the pain you are feeling; we all are proud of you, including Maham Anga. You have fought against Adham with such bravery. I understand your sorrow for Maham Anga. I want to remind you that Maham is a powerful lady. She understands why you have done this; you should not feel guilty for her pain. Many times, you made her aware of Adham's mistakes. You gave him many chances to improve, but it was his destiny that he could not make the right decisions." She paused a little and continued further, "Now, instead of feeling guilty, I want you to follow your schedule as planned. You are supposed to visit the flood-affected villages today. My advice is that you should continue your trip, which will keep you busy at work and will help you to come out of this horrifying event."

Jalal understood what Hamida was trying to say. He responded in a serious tone, "I agree; I will continue as per plans."

Hamida looked at Jalal with satisfaction, instructed Jodha to prepare for Jalal's trip, and left the chamber.

Jodha knew his terrible state and was extremely worried for him. She didn't want to leave him alone. So, to lessen his inner turmoil and accompany him, she requested, " Shahenshah, Can I accompany you on this journey? I cannot let you go alone in this state."

Jalal replied in a sober tone, "Jodha, don't worry, I am fine. At this time, you need to stay in the palace and take care of Badi Ammi. It is just a matter of three days. I will come back soon."

Jodha agreed to his decision and sadly responded, "I'll take care of Badi Ammi... But you, please come back soon and take care of yourself. I will be eagerly waiting for you."

With a slight smile, Jalal responded, "I'll be back soon, Jodha; take care of yourself."

The next morning Jodha got ready, finished her prayer and Tulsi pooja, and went to see Maham. It was surprising for her to see Maham completely normal. She was prepared for Diwan E Khaas's court. No one could tell looking at her that her son died two days ago. Jodha entered her chamber where Rukaiya was sitting and talking to Maham. Maham saw Jodha. Just seeing her face, Maham's blood boiled inside. She loudly greeted, "Welcome, Malika-e-Hindustan... Welcome."

With little hesitation, Jodha greeted back. Jodha saw the same evil look in her eyes and a fake smile. With a very respectful tone, Jodha asked Maham, "How are you doing, Badi Ammi?"

Maham replied in an irreverent tone, "With your grace and wish, I am feeling well; come and have a seat, Malika-e-Hindustan." She emphasized on Malika e Hindustan. Jodha felt quite weird and uneasy with her sarcastic tone.

With little hesitation, she replied, "Thank you, Badi Ammi, but I am going to Ambe Mata temple. If I sit here right now, I would surely get late for the Diwan E Khass session Shahenshah is not in the palace today, so my presence is necessary. I'll take your leave now. Pranam." Jodha greeted them and left her chamber. Seeing Maham's eyes and tone, once again, Jodha again began to doubt her intentions. This time her heart and mind both knew she is planning something evil.

Jodha took her pooja thal and sent Reva to instruct in the front gate to arrange for a palanquin. Within a few minutes, Jodha walked to the front entrance, but she was surprised to see Abdul over there. She came to know he was also accompanying them.

Jodha respectfully asked Abdul- "Are you coming with us to the temple?"

Abdul replied soberly- "Yes, Begum Sahiba, Shahenshah has ordered me to accompany you out of the palace wherever you want to go."

A thought brought a smile to her face, 'Even in his dreadful condition; he instructed Abdul to protect me.' His care touched her soul.

Jodha replied with gratitude, "Abdul, since Shahenshah has ordered, then how can I deny."

Abdul smiled a little and accompanied her to the temple with two other soldiers.

Abdul was waiting outside the temple for Queen Jodha and Reva. They both came out of the temple, and Abdul followed them, looking around to ensure their security.

Jodha & Reva walked down on the steps holding pooja thal. With a questioning look, Reva asked Jodha- "Princess Jodha, I've known you since my childhood. Whenever you keep any votive (Mannat), you offer coconut to God, but I don't get one thing when you already have everything you want; what did you ask for."

With a mysterious smirk, Jodha responded, "Hmmm... Reva, you know me so well then you also know that I never tell my votive to anyone? The day it gets fulfilled, I will let you know about it."

They were almost at the last step. Suddenly, Abdul's eyes caught someone behind the tree suspiciously looking at them. Before he could do anything, he saw the dagger rolling towards Jodha begum. To save her, he swiftly pushed Queen Jodha to the other side. And screamed- "Bend down." Instead of Jodha, the dagger went into Abdul's shoulder. Abdul swiftly attacked him and injured that soldier Jodha's eyes widened in fear and shock after seeing Abdul's condition. Other soldiers ran towards the injured attacker. But before they could reach him, he died on the spot. The dagger went right in between his forehead.

Abdul swiftly took the dagger out from his shoulder; he howled in pain. Jodha got worried, seeing his bloody shoulder. Immediately Abdul instructed his guards, "Let's go, Will take a secret way to palace." They all reached the palace safely.

The news of the attack on Queen Jodha spread in Harem like a fire; her chamber filled with many people. Mariam Makani Hamida banoo also came to Jodha's chamber; she hugged Jodha with tears in her eyes. With tears, she said, "Jodha, my child. If anything would have happened to you, then, Yaa Allah, I am so grateful to you for saving my daughter's life." She prayed.

Hamida and Jodha both went personally to thank Abdul for his bravery.

Maham got the news that her plan has completely failed. She was fuming in the fire. She stamped her foot so hard. With a heavy jerk, she smacked her wrist on the wall. Her eyes got filled with anger and extreme rage. At last, she completely lost her patience and almost screamed aloud- "I will not spare you... Every time... Every time my plan gets failed. I know why Jalal killed my son; because of you, Jodha, my only son Adham is dead. You will have to pay for your deed. You will have to face Maham. I want to see Jalal in bloody tears, and If something happens to Jodha, Jalal will break down completely. I know very well how to hurt you and Jalal both. How long can you save yourself, Jodha." she laughed evilly and broke into tears.

The next day Maham walked into Rukaiya's chamber to poison her mind. She spoke with an evil smirk, "Today, you must be delighted, Queen Rukaiya; As Jalal is returning, he would be surely be spending his night with you only."

Rukaiya stared at Maham with a fiery gaze and responded, "Badi Ammi, don't rub salt on my wounded heart. I didn't expect this from you."

Maham snapped back at her while mirroring her tone- "And I didn't expect this from you, just crying on your destiny without making any effort."

Maham's words bruised Rukaiya's ego; she responded in a sharp tone, "Control your bitter tongue Badi Ammi. Don't you forget that I am the Begum-e-Khaas of this Sultanate and your value in this palace is not more than that of any ordinary worker? Even today, I have complete control over Mughal Harem; so, you better talk to me with respect."

Maham burnt inside hearing her insult but managed to engulf her anger and replied in a polite tone, "Forgive me for my audacity Begum-e-Khaas; I didn't mean to hurt you. I have seen you growing up in front of my eyes, and I have always treated you as my daughter. My heart flames seeing Jodha snatching Jalal away from you. I just wanted to make you realize the truth and help you remove the biggest obstacle from your path, but I guess you misunderstood me. Anyway, I think I have no work leftover here now; I shall take your leave then. God bless you."

Rukaiya realized the need of the situation. By hook or crook, she wanted Jodha out of Jalal's life. She stated with a reassuring tone, "Wait, Badi Ammi, forgive me for my rudeness; I misunderstood. Please guide me on how I can get my Jalal back."

Maham smirked at her wittiness. She knew without involving Rukaiya in her plan; she couldn't get succeeded. She looked back at her, and with a little smirk on her face, she whispered cunningly, "Come close and listen." She came close to her ears and murmured her whole plan.

After hearing her plan, Rukaiya's face was shocked and full of fear. She looked at Maham and asked, "Are you sure this plan will be successful?"

Maham gave her witty malevolent smirk and replied- "This plan will be successful only if you have full faith in me."

Rukaiya and Maham both smiled wickedly.

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

As always, Queen Rukaiya got notification of Jalal's arrival first, and as per her instruction, no one else received the message.

Jalal warmly hugged Rukaiya, and the first question he asked, "How is Badi Ammi?"

Rukaiya responded, "Jalal, I stayed with Badi Ammi while you were out. She is doing well, and the way accepted the truth of Adham betrayal and death it's commanding."

While walking towards the palace with Rukaiya, Jalal saw Abdul. Jalal informed Rukaiya in a loving tone, "Queen Rukaiya, I am so pleased to hear that you have taken care of Badi Ammi. I will take your leave because I need to see Atgah Sahib and Abdul." Rukaiya nodded her face with a disappointed gaze.

As she began walking, Jalal called her with his calm tone, "Queen Rukaiya," Rukaiya paused and looked back. "As per our ritual, I will spend the night with you tonight." He cheered her with assurance. She smirked at him with dreamy desire. Rukaiya walked towards her chamber with her Royal Queen gaze with excitement.