RAABTA

Ajabde looked around the unfamiliar surroundings nervously. The last two days have passed like a dream. The Marriage, the Vidaai and the arrival at Chittorgarh. She was now sitting in the room she called her own, yet seemed so unfamiliar. She got up to see whether anyone was there keeping an eye on her. A little relieved, she took the lota from the centre table and placed it on the bedside table.  As soon as she placed it three daasis appeared at the door asking “You need something Kunwaranisa?” Eyes wide and nervous she replied “N…No… I was just…” “Maharanisa has told us to be at your service for every need.” “I… don’t… need….” She was scared at the thought that three daasis will be at their toes for her needs. “Disperse now.” Sajja Bai’s voice made her feel relieved. “I will get Kunwaranisa dressed for Kunwarsa’s arrival.” She smiled at a nervous happy bride. Kunwar Pratap’s eyes were not easy to be outsmarted. He caught Rawatji in the corridor running out of Rana

The ladies were all sited around the bride in the evening planning about the big day the next day as the bride sat unmindfully. "Bindni must be thinking of Kunwarsa " someone giggled. "Or the wedding " another added. Jaivanta Bai looked at an absent-minded Ajabde. She took her hand and led her out of the hall to her chambers. "What happened?" She asked closing the door behind her. "Ji?" She asked surprised. "Why are you tensed?" "Ranima woh...." A knock made her stop as he appeared at the door with Patta. "Ranima you called..." his eyes stopped on her worried face then back at his mother. "Yes, I think Baijilal needs some talking here." She left with a smile closing the door behind her. "Patta." They spoke in unison as the boy looked wide-eyed. "Do not tell anyone who we suspect, is that clear?" Ajabde spoke up. "I know Jija she has a stronghold..." &

"Suno! Suno! Suno! Rana Udai Singh has Surtan Singh captured. Kunwar Pratap Singh, our crown prince is marrying Rajkumari Ajabde Baisa of Bijolia this week. And in this happy event, Sakhaveer and Baijilal being our saviours have been declared heroes of the state by Ranaji for helping capture Jalam Singh. Suno! Suno! Suno!" The messengers went around Mewar, rolling the drums as people rejoiced the good news. That night, when a group of goons attacked a village, Sakhaveer appeared alone and scared them away. As the news reached the palace a proud sister smiled. Sajja Bai looked confused. "But Kunwarsa was here." She said aloud as Jaivanta Bai and Ajabde stared at her. "Who is this Sakhaveer?" Everyone present in the dining hall had the same question.  "Majhli Maasa." Kunwar Pratap interrupted as Ajabde looked away. "Sakhaveer and Baijilal are no two persons, they are the thoughts and ideals of a true Rajput, anyone can be Sakha

Ajabde had never realized her family was so close-knit in a unit until today. She thanked god as she watched her parents and siblings in her room with a faint smile. “ Ranaji is calling everyone to the Durbar.”  Broke the family moment as faces turned grim again. She remembered his words as she veiled her face and held Ratan’s hand firmly. Rana Udai Singh was at the Durbar with a letter in hand. “Kunwar Pratap. Step forward and read this.” He looked serious. “Rawatji send this.” Kunwar Pratap did what he was told and read aloud. “ Ranaji, while patrolling the Western borders, I have come across something. There were two incidents of a sudden attack on our Sena Camps and a few soldiers were killed. We fear they are Marwar soldiers who also looted a few villages. I think they are trying to take parts of our territory this way. However, we can not charge Rao Maldeo Rathore because there is no evidence.”  Kunwar Pratap frowned at the letter. “ We need to answer them D

I am not going to lose so easily. I still have my last hope left. Baijilal, I am coming,  Dheerbai smiled to herself as the Palki continued its journey. She had done everything, cried, fallen at Ranaji’s feet and sought forgiveness from Jaivanta Bai to make them believe her. She had won over Ranaji again, enough to accompany them on the journey. Kunwar Pratap smiled at the letter that arrived for him at Telhati. He read it thrice before telling Chakrapani “Ranima wants me to meet them at… Bijolia!” “Laxmi. Eat now, what is wrong with you?” Ajabde was in a bad mood as she scolded Laxmi who refused to eat. “Laxmi. Actually, people don’t know how to talk with love.” The voice behind her made her jump. "Please eat Laxmi.” He walked past her to Laxmi patting her towards the bucket gently. “You…You…” She looked scared. “I…I…” He smiled. “Here?” She frowned. “Here.” He nodded. “Why?” She dreaded the answer. “Because “ He stepped forward as she stepped back. “