Jodha Akbar

When Hearts Bloom

Jodha sat behind Shivani, gently massaging fragrant jasmine oil into her sister's long hair.

"Sit still, Shivani," Jodha scolded lovingly. "You move more now than you did as a child."
Shivani laughed.

"And you sound more like Mother every day, Jijisa."

Before Jodha could respond, a familiar voice echoed through the chamber.

"So you are the one who took my place."

Both sisters looked up.

Akbar stood at the entrance, amusement dancing in his eyes.

Shivani immediately stood and bowed.

"Shahenshah."

Akbar walked inside dramatically and sighed.

"Ever since Rajkumari Shivani arrived, our Begum has forgotten all about us."

Jodha frowned.

"What are you saying, Shahenshah?"

"It is true. Earlier, Begum Sahiba would spend her evenings arguing with us. Now all her attention belongs to her sister."

Shivani struggled to hide her laughter.

"Then I should leave before Shahenshah declares war on Amer."

"An excellent suggestion," Akbar replied gravely.

Jodha shot him a look.

Shivani laughed and quickly excused herself.

As soon as she left, silence settled between them.

Akbar rested his head on Jodha's lap to apply oil on his head by Jodha.

For a moment, neither spoke.

Then Akbar picked up the oil bottle.

"We did not know our Begum possessed such talents."

Jodha raised an eyebrow.

"And what talents would those be?"

"Caring for others so patiently."

A softness entered his voice.

"We are fortunate."

Jodha lowered her gaze, suddenly conscious of how close he was sitting.

Akbar smiled.

"But perhaps not as fortunate as Benazir."

Jodha immediately looked up.

"What does Benazir have to do with this?"

"Nothing."

"Then why mention her?"

Akbar leaned back, enjoying her reaction.

"We merely remembered that she also praised our generosity."

Jodha's expression hardened.

"Then perhaps Shahenshah should spend his time with those who praise him."

Akbar laughed.

"There it is."

"What?"

"The jealousy."

"I am not jealous."

"Of course not."

"I am not."

Akbar moved slightly closer.

"Then why are you angry?"

Jodha opened her mouth to reply but found no answer.

The smile on Akbar's face widened.

Seeing her flustered had become one of his favorite things.

---

Later that evening, Shivani wandered through the palace gardens.

As she admired the moonlit flowers, she noticed Mirza  approaching.

"Rajkumari."

"Mirza ji."

The formal greeting soon turned into easy conversation.

Mirza showed her a rare rose bush recently brought from Kabul.

Shivani listened with genuine interest.

Unlike many princes, Mirza spoke without arrogance.

And unlike most royal ladies, Shivani spoke her mind fearlessly.

The conversation lasted far longer than either intended.

As they parted, both carried reluctant smiles.

---

The next morning...

Jodha happened to see Mirza standing alone in the garden.

A knowing smile appeared on her face.

"Mirza ji."

Mirza bowed respectfully.

"Begum Sahiba."

Jodha studied him carefully.

"You seem unusually interested in our sister's visits to the garden."

Mirza looked away.

"We do not know what you mean."

"Really?"

Jodha's smile grew wider.

"Then perhaps it is merely a coincidence that you appear wherever Shivani happens to be."

Mirza sighed in defeat.

"You leave no room for escape, Begum Sahiba."

"Then tell us the truth."

For several moments he remained silent.

Finally he spoke softly.

"We like her."

Jodha's expression softened.

"Only like her?"

Mirza smiled.

"For now."

"And does Shivani know?"

"No."

"Would you wish her to?"

Mirza looked toward the palace where Shivani's chamber was located.

"One day, perhaps."

Jodha nodded thoughtfully.

For the first time, she saw not a Mughal prince before her, but a young man hopelessly captivated by her sister.

And somewhere in her heart, she wondered whether destiny had already begun weaving another unexpected story.

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