This is basically a Conti fic and the story follows from the attack on Jalaal in the forest where Jodha had removed the bullets from his gun.
This fiction was originally posted on India Forums by Princess Flavia/ Chhalki Syaahi. Yes, I am still ali...
"Haan Maham. Aao." The august Empresses gestured for the other lady to sit down.
"Kahiya Malika -e- Aazam. Kya hukm hai humare liye."
"Tum to jaanti ho Maham ki Hakim sahab ne Jalaal ki timaardari ka zimma Begum Jodha ko saunpa hai. Aur Jodha wahan se hil bhi nahi paa rahi hai. Hum chahte hain ki Begum Jodha ko kisi kism ki taklif na ho. Unhe jis bhi cheez ki zarurat ho, unhe wahin wo sab muhaiyya karayi jayen. Ye zimmedari hum tumhe dete hain Maham."
Maham Anga was irritated, but this was neither the time nor the place to give vent to the anger that she was feeling for that Rajputani Begum. Jodha Begum, in the very short time that she had been here , had carved out a place for herself in Hamida Begum's heart. And, at this juncture, when the Princess of Amer had dropped everything to take care of her injured husband, Hamida Bano would never tolerate a word against her favourite daughter in law. So keeping the situation in mind, the shrewd woman that she was, Maham Anga swallowed her anger and fixing the usual 'your wish is my command' expression on her face, simply bowed her head in compliance. If there was one thing she knew, it was how to play the sentiments and moods of the people. And that is what she did. After a few more words about the state of affairs in the kingdom, the Empress let her depart.
Maham made her way through the long corridor of the palace. Though she was unwilling, her feet carried her in the direction if Begum Jodha's Khwaabga. She knew Jodha's special maid Moti Bai would be present there. As luck would have it, she encountered Moti Bai just in the doorway. After giving the poor girl the instructions of the Empress, she went away from there.
Her feet carried her to the Royal Bedchamber. She wanted to see how Jalal was doing but her main intention was to spy on Jodha. After all, it had been strenuous two days and Jodha had hardly moved from her position. No doubt she would be tired and any mis step on her part would be Maham's gain. She would gladly take the oppurtunity to discredit this newest addition to the Harem.
