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Chapter 32 Part 2

With joyous tears and blessing, the Mughal family disperse. Jalal and Rukaiya shared a beautiful, loving time. When night took over, every person went deep dive into slumber; but Jalal could not sleep. His restless mind recalled Jodha's teary face with the desire to be a mother. The way Rukaiya asked for his ten days, he was defenseless. He didn't even inform her that he won't spend the next ten nights with her. He felt helpless; he couldn't spend the night with Jodha and didn't get the chance to inform her that he would spend the next few days with Rukaiya.

He wanted to spend time with Jodha just to fulfill her desire. She never asked for anything; the first time he saw her desperation to be a mother. He knew very well Jodha was hiding her pain; he recalled her conversation with Reva, her tears, and an intense craving for a child. He wanted to assure her that she will be a mother soon too, and she will receive this happiness soon in her life.

Jalal woke up earlier and finished his routine. While scrambling words in his mind on talking to Jodha, he entered her chamber without any announcement. After prayer, as per her routine, Jodha was talking to God Krishna.

"Kanah, I am so grateful to you for giving us such boundless happiness. Today you have made me and Shahenshah so happy that I have no words left for your gratefulness towards us. Kanha, keep giving your blessings and love forever and send a little prince to this palace who looks exactly like Shahenshah."

His unsettled bothered face coated with a smile. Her selfless and celestial prayer touched his soul.

Jalal walked by the temple and sat next to Jodha to do prayer with her. Jodha gave him a welcome smile. They both did aarti together to get divine peace.

After the prayer, Jodha asked cheerfully, "Shahenshah, you are here at this time?"

"Jodha, I was not able to hold myself." After a long pause, he continued in a sincere tone, "Tell you the truth; the entire night I couldn't sleep. Somehow, I feel guilty and feel everything has changed now. Before, we both were craving for a little child in our lives, but now I don't want you to feel alone. I constantly recall your tearful face with extreme crave for a child again and again. Jodha, I want you to know that I am also desperate to give you that happiness, and I want to assure you that soon you will also get the same happiness. Remember, no matter how many kids I will have from other queens. Still, Jalal and Jodha's kid, our kid will be the symbol of our eternal love." He cupped her face and openly shared his concern.

Jodha's eyes filled with tears, seeing his deep concern. She replied in an overwhelming emotional tone, "Shahenshah, I am the most fortunate woman on earth. Even though you have so many queens, you always make me feel special, and your care and concern make me completely speechless. But Shahenshah, I don't want you to feel sad or worried for me; I want you to know that I am delighted for you and Queen Rukaiya. I do have a desire for your child in my womb, but I wanted to have the child for you. You have never said a word, but I can read your eyes, and I always saw a craving for a child in your eyes. My craving for a child increased to satisfy your desire. Now suddenly, I am feeling all content and complete. I am feeling that my child is coming to earth. I don't see your child as Queen Rukaiya's child. Shahenshah, your happiness is my happiness. You have become part of me, and everything that belongs to you is mine too. I am equally happy with this great news."

He felt so relieved and content after hearing her answer. He wiped Jodha's tears and kissed her forehead, and, in a pleasing tone, addressed, "Congratulations Choti Ammi Jaan."

"Congratulations, Abu Jaan."

"Jodha, it's such a great happy occasion, and you just wished me congratulation. Won't you sweeten my mouth?" He whispered.

"Why not Shahenshah? Wait, let me get sweet for you."

She took a step forward to get sweet for him, but before she moved further, he grabbed her wrist and pulled her towards him, said softly, "I don't want that sweet."

Jodha playfully replied while gazing into his eyes, "Then... Which one you want?"

Jalal read a playful smirk on her face; he replied in a low tone, "You know which one... Sometimes it's bitter... sometimes spicy... sometimes sour and sometimes too sweet..."

"I don't know any sweets like that, Shahenshah. If you find it, then it's all yours; you can surely taste it, eat it and relish it." She replied playfully.

He rolled his hands around her waist and pulled her closer to him with a jerk and whispered, "My wild cat." He leaned down, and softly their lips touched, then slowly he nibbled on her lips for a few seconds, "Hmmm sooooo sweet," She shyly blushed and said, "Shahenshah, let me go..."

He began to chuckle, seeing her hesitant shy face "how I can let you go? I have not eaten my sweet yet."

She nervously blushed, thinking he is going to bite on her lips. His dark, inviting eyes created waves of desire for a passionate kiss.

He always knew how to tease her, and when she is going to give up. She couldn't wait longer for him any longer; she snuck her hands inside his hair and strained herself towards him, and kissed on his lips, passionately.

He murmured, "No one can be sweeter and spicier than you, my wild cat. I can't stay away from you any longer." While muttering, he recalled that he had promised Rukaiya to spend ten days and nights with her. He squeezed her firmly in his arms, and in a low tone, he said, "Jodha, I won't be able to come to you for the next ten days..."

Jodha swiftly broke the hug and asked him worriedly, "Why?"

"I have promised Queen Rukaiya for the next ten days."

He didn't mention it in words, but with his tone and the way he possessed her, she could tell he is helpless.

"Shahenshah, We have an entire life to spend, and ten days will pass in a flick... and I want you to enjoy your time with Queen Rukaiya. She also needs you this time, and it is your responsibility to keep her happy, so please take care of her well." Every word was coming from the heart Jalal could read in her eyes.

"Jodha, This is the reason you are the queen of my heart... You are my life. I will be looking forward to seeing you at Diwan E Khas every day. Abdul is waiting for me, Khuda Hafiz" Jalal walked out of her chamber swiftly without turning back.

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In the Diwan, E Khaas Jalal announced in honor of Queen Rukaiya the expectant mother, a grand celebration function a week to welcome the new addition to the Mughal dynasty. The invitation was sent out to many kings, royals, and administrators to attend the function. Happiness was in the aura; the palace was buzzing with wishes, cheers, and enjoyment. The King distributed gifts to each maid, gatemen, guards, and the palace worker himself. He was too happy to control his smile. The King, who always measured his words, expressed his happiness in too many words. His impassive face filled with laughter and smile.

Jodha got busy in her daily routine and political work. Most of the people in the palace were busy in preparation for the upcoming grand celebration. Three days passed Jodha only saw Jalal in DWK. She was missing him every night, but she knew that Jalal loves her a lot, and he was fulfilling his promise and duty.

It was a beautiful evening when Jodha was coming back from Goddess Ambe Mata temple. She was sitting inside the palanquin. Her eyes caught Maham Anga, covering herself with a black shawl and going towards Jungle in a lonely place. The way Maham covered her face and her frightened face created suspicion in Jodha's mind. Right away, she knew Maham was planning something, and since Adham's death, she was behaving weirdly. Jodha immediately instructed the guards to stop the palanquin and informed everyone to wait for her at the same place. Secretly Jodha followed Maham before pointing fingers at Maham; she wanted to collect proper proof against her.

She saw a lady whose face was covered, who walked towards Maham; Jodha hid behind a tree and tried to listen to their conversation.

Maham said in a furious, angry tone, "It took you three days to make this medicine???" She snatched the bottle of medicine from her hand. "Tell me how and when I need to give this to Queen Rukaiya and how long will this medicine take to respond."

The Healer, a young lady, shivered the way Maham busted at her. In a hesitant tone, she queried while looking down, "Hazoor, You do know what will happen after giving this medicine? There will be a big storm in the palace; This is too risky, I will provide you with the mixture and information on one condition that nothing will happen to me and my safety is your responsibility.

How dare this cheap Healer put condition. I don't care what happens to you, brainless. While looking at her, Maham, with a fake smile, responded in a dry voice, "You keep your mouth shut and worry about your money. No one will know anything, and Jalal will pay for his deed. Tell me how to use this medicine."

She pulled a tiny bottle from her pocket and gave it to Maham while looking around fearfully, then said in a low tone, "Hazoor, Mix this medicine in queen Rukaiya's food, and in two to three hours, everything will be finished.".

Hearing the horrendous scheme, a shiver ran down Jodha's spine. She quietly ran back to her palanquin; her whole body trembled, and her face filled up with fearful expressions. She decided not to tell anyone about this plan and repeat the same mistake. For her, protecting Queen Rukaiya's child was more important than finding proof against Maham.

After deep thinking, she decided to keep Jalal out of this matter until she finds proper proof. She recalled how he got upset last time when she openly shared doubt about Maham Anga. This time I will collect concrete evidence and expose her in front of everyone.

She sat on the bench and waited for Maham by the gate of the palace. Maham came back palace late at night.

Jodha sat entire night outside, near Maham's chamber, to keep an eye on her actions. In the morning, she told Reva to sit and watch if Maham comes out of the chamber. She quickly finished her daily routine and came back to her spy work.

Maham came out and went to Queen Rukaiya's chamber. Seeing Maham walking to Queen Rukaiya's chamber, Jodha's feet went jello. Immediately she got up and requested eunuch Hosiyaar to see Queen Rukaiya. With her permission, Jodha entered Rukaiya's chamber. Rukaiya and Maham were sitting next to each other on the couch.

Before welcoming Jodha, Queen Rukaiya inhaled a long gasp of a hookah pipe, the water bubbled in the hookah container, the sound irritated queen Jodha. Seeing irritation on her face, Queen Ruakiya grinned with a wicked smile and in a sarcastic tone asked, "Come in, Queen Jodha; how come you remembered me suddenly or You have accepted slavery and decided to bend down Mariam uz Zamani. You must be knowing that Mariam Uz Zamani's position is much better than Malika E Hindustan."

Jodha ignored her audacity and replied blank tone, "Queen Rukaiya, I know you're going to be Mariam Uz Zamani, but I want to tell you that this position is given to a mother and obviously mother's position should be highest, and I am very happy for you as you are going to be a mother soon. But it seems like you only care about your position; otherwise, you would not harm your child by smoking hookah. What you are doing is not safe for the child.

Rukaiya scowl at Queen Jodha, and with irritation, "Enough of scolding, queen Jodha, don't ruin my mood early in the morning; why you have come here."

In a calm tone, Jodha replied, "I wanted to spend some time with you and also wanted to find out how you are feeling."

"I am feeling very well, and I will call you some other time; right now, I am swamped in some significant work."

Jodha was shocked by Rukaiya's attitude, but she had no choice left to leave her chamber.

A few minutes later, Maham came out of Rukaiya's chamber, she was holding the same bottle in her hand, and she went to the royal kitchen. When Jodha's eyes laid on the same bottle, she freaked out. She secretly stood behind the door and saw Maham mixed that medicine in Rukaiya's food. She finally decided to come out and talk straight with Maham.

Jodha asked in a suspicious tone, " What are you doing here in Royal kitchen? You are preparing this Dal (Lentil soup) for who?

With all questioning, Maham got scared; she replied fearfully in a hesitant tone, "Ahhh... Nnn...nooothing... Queen Jodha, I came here to get soup for Queen Rukaiya, and it's my responsibility." The way she answered Jodha's doubt got confirmed that she has mixed medicine in the soup.

Jodha spoke in a commanding voice; fury was visible on her face, "Maham Anga, call me Maliak E Hindustan. I know for sure you have mixed something in this soup." before she could complete the sentence, Maham tactfully threw soup on the ground and created a scene, with tears in her eyes, she gathered everyone around.

Maham sadly said, "Ohh... You think that I want to harm Queen Rukaiya; I never knew you think so low about me."

Jodha realized how smartly she threw the soup bowl and now pretending, but she had no choice. Jodha responded in an assertive tone, "Don't worry about QueenRukaiya, Badi Ammi; I will make food for her in the future, and This is an order from Malika E Hindustan." Everyone got surprised hearing that Queen Jodha will cook for Rukaiya.

Jodha prepared an afternoon meal for Rukaiya and carried it into her chamber, and served everything herself. Rukaiya mocked at her and said, "Queen Jodha, you are more talented than Hoshiyaar. I am glad at last you understood my importance in this palace."

Hearing her haughty, mocking words and sarcastic tone, Jodha fumed inside, but she curbed her anger and calmly said, "Queen Rukaiya, it's time for your lunch; you should eat now, and from now on, I have taken responsibility for your food."

Rukaiya, with annoyance, replied, "But I have no trust on you, Queen Jodha; who knows, what if you mix poison in my food. Badi Ammi is taking care of my food, and I don't want anyone else to interfere in that."

Jodha calmly replied, "What I am doing is for your safety Queen Rukaiya, and if you don't agree, then I will have to talk with Shahenshah ."

Rukaiya replied frustratingly, "I am very much hungry right now; let me eat first, then we will discuss this matter. Khuda Hafiz Queen Jodha." She bitterly gazed at her.

Jodha left Rukaiya's chamber disappointedly, but she felt much better at least; she could fail Maham's plan and got success in her mission.

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PART 2:

It was late evening, around seven o'clock. Jodha just finished Kanah's Aarti and lighted the candles. Reva came into the chamber running; with a nervous tone, she shouted, "Jodhaaa." When Jodha's eyes met teary, sad fearful eyes, panic laced through her heart. In jumpy sound, she inquired, "What happened, Reva?"

In Reva's stance, Hesitance ratted her; further, she shouted, "Reva, What happened?"

"Queen Rukaiya," Tear dribbled from Reva's eyes.

Jodha's eyes widen in shock. She demanded, "Reva, What happened to Queen Rukaiya begum?"

Reva replied in an uncertain tone, "Maybe, her child."

Jodha ran towards her chamber; her heart sank, seeing many people standing outside the chamber. Jodha pushed them to go inside her chamber, where Healer was standing next to Queen Rukaiya, and she was crying out loudly, her painful tears drowning everyone else in the chamber. Jalal's eyes glossed with tears seeing her vulnerable condition. The pink royal silk bedspread was filled with blood; It didn't take her more than a second to understand that Rukaiya has lost her child. Jodha's tears flood out, seeing everyone's condition. It was clearly visible on Healer's face that nothing was left. Jalal was trying to comfort Queen Rukaiya; he was hugging her to console her from this soreness.

Maham cautiously asked, "Healer Razia, How did this happen? You checked Queen Rukaiya this morning; she was doing fine, then suddenly what happened? What went wrong?"

While looking down, the Healer mumbled, "Shahenshah, can I request you to see me in private." Within five-second the chamber emptied; only a few family members stayed.

Hakim again mumbled in a low tone, "Please forgive me, but..." she paused with hesitation.

Jalal could easily read anxiety on her face; in a comforting tone, Jalal addressed, "Healer Razia, Don't worry, you can speak without hesitation. I want to know the truth."

His calm tone comforted the Healer; she spoke clearly, "Shahenshah, according to my observation, this was not an accident, but someone murdered your unborn child. Queen Rukaiya was given a medicine named Datura stramonium, which is harmful to pregnant women and children. I can smell it in her mouth and the leftover food as well.

Jalal's eyes widen; he roared, "Are you sure about what you just said; If all this is a plot of yours, I will burn you alive."

Jalal's roar and threat shook the Healer; tears dribbled out fear; in a pleading tone, she clarified, "My Shahenshah, please believe me, what would I gain from plotting. I just told you what I suspected." Jalal scanned her from top to bottom. He could tell she is innocent.

Murderous eyes moved towards every person in the chamber and stopped Maham; in a mighty voice, he addressed in a thick tone, " Wazire E Aliya, Maham Anga." He paused to observe her reaction. Then he slowly walked near her and queried in a fiery voice while looking straight in her eyes, You were in charge of Rukaiya's food, right?"

Maham responded, "Yes, Shahenshah, but Queen Jodha made today's food with teary eyes. This morning, she came to the royal kitchen, and in front of everyone, she insulted me and threw away the food I prepared. Not only that, but she ordered me to leave.

Everyone in the chamber got shockwaves; Jalal stood frozen in the same position for long; it was shocking for him. Hamida's eyes widened. Everything happened so quickly Jodha was confused; her brain stopped working. She had no answer to any of this. No one knew how to react to this situation. Maham was pointing out Queen Jodha that was outrageous for everyone to digest.

Rukaiya got up from her bed, ran towards Jodha like a monster, and slapped Jodha three times. To control the situation, Jalal ran towards Rukaiya and held her to curb her fury; he hollered, "Stop it, what are you doing ?" Jodha just stood there like a statue.

While sobbing, Rukaiya pointed her finger and stated in a broken voice, "Shahenshah, I want justice; and I want it now."

Jalal looked at Jodha and Rukaiya vulnerably.

Fifteen minutes later, everyone gathered in Diwan E Khaas. Everything occurred too quickly. On one side, the sultanate lost the hair, and on the other side, Jodha was blamed for it. No one got any time to restrain their emotions; the court was filled with people. Almost every person was shocked and sad about the death of their Heir of Mughal Sultanate.

Jodha was so stunned that she didn't know what to say; she knew she was trapped with the fraud accuse, but she had no argument left to defend herself.