Is It Hate OR Love? Jodha Akbar

Chapter 13 Part 2

Moti repeated, "Jodha, Shahenshah has come to Amer."

Jodha shivered with shock and thought, 'Maybe he is here to humiliate my family.'

When Moti saw, her mouth dropped and opened with a shocking expression. She convincingly said, "Jodha, I know you are angry at him, but he has come from Agra to meet with you and look at yourself, you have not done Srinagar (Makeup) for many days, your hair is clumsy, and look at your dress, from no angle you look like a princess or a Mughal queen."

"Moti, please leave me alone. I don't want to see him." Jodha declared a threatening tone

"But Ranisa (Jodha's Mother) was looking for you, and you should see how everyone is happy. Finally, their trauma has been relieved. I could see King Bharmal's eyes got moist." Moti argued

"Princess Jodha... Princess Jodha..." The sound came from the stairs.

Reva almost ran towards Jodha; while panting heavily, she said excitedly, "Jodha, Shahenshah has reached the palace." Jodha promptly got up and marched another side of the terrace corner where she could see the palace entrance. She saw Jalal was standing at the middle of the gate with Abdul, and many soldiers were behind him. His face looked pale, and his eyes were roaming around. It seemed like he was searching for her. Seeing his mellow and respectful smile towards her family, she realized he probably finds out the truth. The deep line of strain on his forehead and the way his eyes were desperately searching for her; she didn't understand how she should feel. She shivered inwardly at the realization of how excited and happy she was feeling. Her emptiness vanished within a second, but instantly she curbed her flowing uncontrolled emotions.

"Princess, Queen Mainavati wants you to get ready quickly for Shahenshah's welcome," Reva informed in a requesting tone.

"Go and tell Masa I am not going to come in front of him at any cost," Jodha replied in a stern tone.

"But..." before Reva could continue, Jodha shouted dominantly, "Reva, do what I am saying. I will never forgive him for what he has done to me. I will not come in front of him."

Reva informed Queen Mainavati while preparing Aarti for Jalal's welcome that Jodha denied seeing Shahenshah. Without saying a word, she sends Reva back, she knew something happened between Shahenshah and Jodha, and Jodha is upset at Shahenshah.

As per ritual, Queen Mainavati did Aarti and Tilak to Jalal. Hall was filled with many people, but Jalal's eyes were searching for Jodha. King Bharmal and Queen Mainavati both noticed his desperation, "Jamaisa (son in law), if you are searching for Jodha, then you will have to find her in the palace yourself. It is a part of the Pag Fere Rasam (ritual); you have to search for her in the palace." Mainavati made up this ritual instantly, knowing that Jodha won't come in front of him easily

Jalal quickly noticed a surprised expression in everyone's eyes. Also, he had never heard about this ritual. "I am sorry, but I didn't understand." He asked politely.

"Jamaisa, it's a ritual, and the reason behind this is that you will get to see every member of the family and the entire palace; that is how you will become familiar with everyone." Mainavati instantly made up the reason and explained.

Jalal noticed Queen Mainavati's eyes were full of tears; he looked at her, confused. Mainavati, with a smile, said, "Jamaisa, these tears are out of happiness; ever since Jodha came back from Agra, I have not seen her smile; she is missing Agra so much. Thank you for coming here to take Jodha back."

Jalal realized no one knows anything, and Jodha is in deep agony; her smile has vanished, even in Amer, she is not happy.

Jalal apologized to the King and Queen for coming late to pick up Jodha with the excuse of some political work. He took blessings from all elderly.