RAABTA

Pratap woke alarmed frowning, at the knock on his door. 8AM he checked the clock. “Come in” made Shakti peep in with urgency. “Dadabhai” he looked scared “Where is… Ajabdeh?” “What do you mean?” he looked at his brother rather clueless as sudden flashes of last night came to his mind, and scared him. What did he mean where was she… “She is not in her room, or anywhere around, her luggage is here, but Brownie is missing… “ He reached for his phone in an impulse making Shakti add “Heer has already tried that.” “What the…” Pratap looked a little pale “Shit.” Shakti promptly closed the door behind him and sat down beside his brother with a scared “What happened yesterday?” “So?” Jalal offered Ajabdeh a cup of tea, but she refused.  “Why did you tell me to send a car and tell no one? That too at dawn!” Ruqaiya stared at the duo, Brownie curled up in her lap. “I…. I can’t stay there, I Can't do this project!” she frowned at Jalal. Then looked away at the paperweig

Dear… Guy to whom I am writing my last letter, It’s been a long time since I wrote to you. I was busy. But I am sure; you have no complaints since you don’t reply back to any of my letters anyway. No, I am not disappointed. I am stopping here. There will be no more letters. Not to you or anyone, anymore. The day you left, I feared you leaving me more emotionally than physically. You made me believe that was impossible. I trusted you. I am glad I did. At least now I don’t regret anything. I will never need to look back and think “What if I gave myself that chance?” I am glad we shared a wonderful journey. From being complete strangers to a beautiful bond of friendship and understanding that ultimately bloomed into the feeling I feared the most… Love. I still remember the day you left. It was pouring heavily. The sky did what I couldn’t as I smiled strongly holding back my tears. You were chasing your dreams; I couldn’t be your weakness.  You had promised me nothing

Kumbhalgarh Ke Aanchal Mein, Ek Balak Jab Raat Ko Ro Utha, Subah Suraj Muskaayi Thi, Mewar ne Khushiyaan Manayi Thi. Jab Jab Uske Teer Chale, Talwar Kisise Takraye, Shatru Ke Wrid Kaape, Uske Naam Se Aise Daare. Bheel O Ke Woh Mitra Kika, Mewar Ka Dharti Putra Tha, Veer Pratap Janam Se Hi, Mewar Ka Rakhwala Tha. Bhai Shakti Jab Gaye Chodh Sinhasan Ka Mol Jana. Bhai Bhai Se Laree Aise Moh Hai Takt Ka Maana. Ajab Amar Hai Unki Kahani, Baccho Baccho Ko Hai Sunani, Jaivanta Ke Guroor Se Paale, Kshatriya Woh Jo Kabhi Na Taale. Chittor Ke Jauhar Ke Ashko Se, Jiska Rajya Baitha Tha, Uss Pratap ne Kabhi Bhi, Dusra Jauhar Na Hone Di. Haldighati Ke Mitti Ko Range Rakt Talai Tha. Man Singh Pe Vaar Kiye Woh, Chetak Se Toh Sher Bhi Darta Tha. Dukh Bhare Jeevan Mein Woh, Na Jaane Kitne Apne Khoye, Ajab Chetak Ke Jaane Se, Rajya Se Bhi Vimukh Huye. Par Jhuka Nahi Sarr Rajput Ka. Larte Rahe Woh Mughalo Se. Anth Mein

“Check this. Wanted. Fair Bride, Well educated, from affluent family for 30 year old…” he stopped reading the advertisement to his wife aloud as their daughter came and stood before them in her pink pyjamas and purple printed top looking nothing less than a zombie. It looked like she was sleepless. “Mom, Dad” she sounded a little unsure. “Good morning Ajabdeh, coffee?” Her mother swept her messy locks aside lovingly. She shook her head in a small no. “Umm… You asked me yesterday if… I have someone in mind…” “Yes? Do you?” Hansa smiled at her daughter. “Actually mom I…” Before she could utter another word the bell rang prompting Ajabdeh to say “I will open the door.” “Good Morning Beta.” Ajabdeh smiled surprised at the guest. “Ranima? So early in the morning? You should have called me if there was something you need help with...” Ajabdeh made way for the next-door neighbour to enter the house. Business Partners, Udai and Ramrakh had built their houses, side by side,