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...
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"Jodha... aao beti."
She was too happy to see her father. And especially, considering the roller coaster ride she had had in the last few days, the sight of a dear face was her undoing. Tears streaming down her face, she ran into her father's embrace. If her father was surprised at her reaction, he did not show it. Jodha felt strong arms wrapping around her shoulders, taking her in a bear hug, patting her head as she cried on his chest.
Her veil had come undone, her hair had come out loose, and her jewels were in disarray. Thankfully, no one had seen her; else all hell would have broken loose. Which queen runs the way she did? She knew her father's initial shock was fading now, taking in her appearance and her break down, he was worried. Even without looking up, she could see the frown lines on his face in her mind's eye.
His soft, worried voice confirmed her suspicions.
"Jodha... kya baat hai putri. Itni udwign kyun ho?"
It also gave her the strength to control herself, to look deep within her and find the reservoir of strength which had her going in these last few days. Taking a deep breath she calmed herself down and pushed herself back from the comforting embrace of her father.
Bending down, she touched his feet with deep love and respect. Her controls slipped and a couple of tears fell from her eyes and on her father's feet. She quickly controlled herself and put a tight leash on her emotions. Steeling herself with an effort, she stood up and faced her father.
"Jodha... kya hua hai?" he asked her again.
"Kuch nahi Bapu sa... aapko itne diwas ke paschat dekha hai, hum khud ko sambhl nahi sake."
"Hum to thik hain putri... aur ateev prasann bhi."
"Haan Bapu Sa... humne to aas hi chhod di thi ki Sukanya ka vivaah bhi kabhi ho payega. Parantu aaj ye sunne ke paschat ki Sukanya ka rishta ho gaya hai, hume to jaise navjeewan mila hai."
"ARey, ye tumhe kisne bataya?"
"Begum Ruqaiyya ne. Parantu Sukanya ka vivaah kisse ho raha hai ye nahi bataya." She made a face and her father smiled.
"Achha... to kya kaha unhone?"
"Yahi ki hum aapse puch len ki kisse Sukanya ka vivaah ho raha hai."
"Begum Ruqaiyya ka hriday vastav me ati vishal hai. Koi ashcharya ki baat nahi ki Shehenshaah unse itna adhik prem karte hain."
"Ji.. kya kaha aapne?"
Ruqaiyya - and a large heart? The concept was alien to Jodha. She had no idea how to answer that question and then realized that it wasn't a question. It was simply an observation from her father, one that did not warrant an answer but certainly warranted a response. And she had no idea what to say.
