A Travel Through Past- Jodha Akbar FF

Chapter 22

"Bold = Speaking in Turkish"

"Italics = Normal speaking"

"What are you doing here?" Anu asked who went and stood beside Jalal.

"Sultana, greetings. I have come here as Sultan wants to have trade relation with Mughal Empire." Bali Bey said. 

He then went towards Anu. He kneeled and taking a small edge of Anu's skirt and kissed it. Then he took Anu's hand and kissed. Anu smiled at the greeting.

Others were shocked to say the least. Anu and the messenger of Ottoman Empire knows each other. They all were thinking about the relation between the two.

"Sorry Shahenshah. I will introduce him once the court hours finish." Anu said understanding the thoughts of Jalal who was looking at her. 

Jalal nodded. Bali bey said that his Sultan has requested spice trade between Ottoman and Mughal Empire and that he has also send some documents relating to religious freedom of non-Muslims.

Anu translated for Jalal who said he would think about the trade proposal. He then asked Bali bey to stay in the palace till his departure. Though reluctant, he agreed after Anu coaxed him.

In Jalal's chamber

Jalal, Anu, Jodha, Salima begum, Ammi Jaan, Ruqaiya and Maham Anga were sitting.

"I know all of you wondering how I know Bali Bey. Well, Shahenshah you know my truth and how I like to know about various cultures, right?" Anu asked.

Jalal nodded.

"So, I travelled to the Ottoman Empire. There I met Sultan Suleiman. We both became close like a family. We had a bond of siblings. I even tied Rakhi on him. While I was staying there, Bali bey was asked to become my guard. But rather than guard, he became my teacher and a great friend. He taught me about their culture and many other things." Anu explained.

"Wait, what do you mean by truth? What truth is she talking about Jalal?" Ruqaiya asked.

"The truth about her identity." Jalal said.

"Identity?" Ammi Jann asked.

"Yes Ammi Jaan. My identity as the Empress of Hindustan." Anu said.

This gave a great shock to everyone. Especially Ruqaiya and Maham Anga. They can't believe that Anu was really powerful person. Both of them thought that she is just a princess like Jodha. But never in their imagination have they thought that Anu being an Empress. That too of entire Hindustan. Ruqaiya was jealous now. Maham Anga was feeling scared.

"But Anu beta, why didn't you tell this to us? Did you know trust me or any of us?" Ammi Jaan asked feeling upset.

"Sorry Ammi Jaan. But I have many enemies and those who came to know my identity has tried to kill me many times. I didn't want to take risk. What if in order to get me, they try to harm you or anyone else. Only some days before I told Shahenshah. He understood it. Ammi Jaan, you should know that it's not easy being in a powerful position." Anu said.

"I understand beta. But from now on, no more secrets. Okay?" Ammi Jaan said caressing Anu's hair.

Anu nodded and hugged her.

All were smiling except two. (You know who)

The next day