Princess of the dawn

Chapter 56

Agra

Jalal left the hall with big hurried steps. Abdul looked concerned around. They exchanged questioning glances and looked after him in surprise. A dirty grin slowly spread on Adham Khan's face. His plan to draw out had been successful! There was more to the Rajputs' invitation to Bakshi's wedding than diplomatic negotiations! Interesting! He really needed to talk to his mother! Abdul saw the expression on Adham's face and froze. So it is! They had to be careful!

In his chamber, Jalal paced bitterly back and forth. At some point he sat down on the edge of his bed and poured himself more wine. "Ya Khuda, why? Why? I need to get my mind off things. First thing tomorrow I will have research done on this Rupmati! She will take my mind off things." "Jodhaaa, you will pay for your treachery!" he vowed to himself. Drunk on wine, he collapsed and fell asleep.

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Amer

"Moti, what did the messenger want?" asked Jodha after Moti came back to the garden.

"Umm, I...!"

"What's wrong? You seem troubled! Did the messenger bring the herbs?"

"Umm no. The messenger was from Agra!" She lowered her eyes.

"From Agra? Umm, did he bring something for me?" she asked hopefully, sitting up.

"No Jodha, I'm sorry!" She saw Jodha wince and slump.

"He brought me something from Fadhil!" Moti blushed.

"From Fadhil?"

"Yes, the messenger who brought His Majesty's letters."

Jodha looked at her questioningly. "And he sent a messenger to you?" she asked astonished.

"Mhh, he sent me a gift." How on earth was she going to find out what had happened in Agra without revealing anything to Jodha.

"A gift?"

"Ji. I think he took a liking to me. He invited me for a walk in Agra, but I declined!" again she blushed.

"Ah, that's where the wind is blowing from! Is the liking mutual then?"

"Huh... I think he's handsome, has a handsome appearance. Maybe I should have taken him for a walk after all." She slapped her hand over her mouth.

"Ah Moti, so we each have our memories of Agra!" she whispered melancholy.

"Jodha, what happened in Agra? Don't you want to talk to me about it? I can see that something is bothering you! You had a wonderful encounter with his Majesty and I believed...!"

"Bas Moti!" cut her off sharply by Jodha.

"Jodha, please! I am your friend after all. I can't see you so sad. Something is bothering you! Does it have something to do with His Majesty?"

"Oh Moti!" Jodha began to sob bitterly and hid her face in her hands. Her shoulders shook from her uncontrolled sobs. Affected, Moti looked at her.

"Jodha!" She pulled her hands from her face and took them in hers. "What happened?"

After regaining her composure, she looked at Moti from teary eyes and decided to tell her everything. She told about the conversation with Maham Anga in the emperor's garden, how Jalal's foster mother's words had humiliated and frightened her, and how disappointed and hurt she felt.

"Moti, I really thought... I mean...! The rings..." She began to sob again.

Moti looked at her, stunned. "Hey Kanha! what did Jodha get into here!" she thougt. Comforting her, she took Jodha in her arms and let her cry until she calmed down a bit.