RAABTA

Kunwar Pratap was in the court with Rana Udai Singh. The Mughals were conquering a huge part of the north courtesy of Bairam Khan and Mewar on their routes to the ports of Surat. " Daajiraj, we need to secure the roads leading to Agra and also towards the west. The attack-prone areas should always be under surveillance." " Yes, Ranaji. Baojiraj is right." Rawatji agreed.   In the Rani Mahal, everyone was preparing for a grand lunch. Ajabdeh was making a drink for the princes and princesses, and in a hurry, she forgot to add the Kesar and Badam on top. As she served the smaller princes, including Kunwar Jagmal, Dheerbai came to inspect her eldest son's food. " What is this? Who made this? Kokoiaji?" She stormed to the kitchen with a bowl of sweet dishes.   " Kunwaranisa did." Came a scary answer, from Veer Bai. " Ajabdeh Baisa." Her words let out a silent gasp from the lesser queens who stood witness. Calm and composed, Ajabdeh walke...

Kunwar Pratap was determined to solve the issue without bloodshed. Bhils were friends, and their grievances were to be met from the heart and solved. The Bhil Sardar entered the Khema as he stood up. " Kunwar Pratap! Gani Khamma. " " Khamma Gani." He indicated the seat. " Tell me your grievances." " The Mughals." He replied, still not taking the seat. " You know how close the forests are to Mughal camps. Every day, the Mughal soldiers come, attack the settlements, and take women and children. If we kill them, more come the next day. The local chiefs do nothing about these encroachments." Kunwar Pratap was visibly shocked and angry. He tightened his fist.   " Rawat Ji, why are there no soldiers guarding the Mewar Forests and the borders near Bhilwara?" " Woh Baojiraj, none are trained for..." " This is ridiculous. Select a team of the most competent soldiers and get them to Chittor by tomorrow morning. I will tra...

Kunwar Pratap woke up when it was still dark. He opened his eyes in the dimly lit room and could see her calm, contented face in the darkness, in deep sleep. Known to be a fighter, he had no idea how or when he developed these weird feelings. His Guruji had always taught him to be emotionless. Fighters don't have emotions. He was reminded again and again, and yet, this time around, unsure of what was in store at Bhilwara, he was... scared? He shook off the feeling. Yes, tonight was about his promise to himself to make her his wife. Tonight, he had explored his feelings and hers like never before. But, in the back of his mind, even as he watched her sleep, he could not shake off the thought. I have to leave her alone here. What if.... last time there were Ratan, Balwant and Padma, but this time she is alone... He touched her cheeks with his fingers with a smile as she leaned toward his touch, even in her sleep.   Ajabdeh woke up with the first light of dawn. She had a lot of work t...

Early at dawn, Ajabdeh was helping Sajja Bai pack Padmavati's belongings. As she put some of the princess's best clothes in a trunk, she heard a soft sob. Ajabdeh looked at the bride's mother, wiping away a tear in silence. She had never seen Rani Sajja Bai in tears. Always full of life, this queen had a heart of gold. " Majhli Maasa," Ajabdeh called softly before holding her cold hands. " She will be fine." She smiled reassuringly. " You know Padmavati, Kuwaranisa. She is always so childish and immature, like me. I had Jija when I came here; I never had any responsibilities. But she will be his first wife." " Majhli Maasa, don't worry, she will learn everything. I know she will." Ajabdeh's words made Sajja smile amidst her tears. " I always thought that when my daughter would be gone, there would be no one to understand me." She cupped Ajabdeh's face, smiling. " I was wrong." " You are giving away...