RAABTA

"Jija, your fear has blinded you." Dheer Bai's words to Jaivanta Bai made everyone gasp. The entire Rani Mahal of Chittorgarh had gathered in the hall. Jaivanta Bai had accused Dheer Bai of poisoning her son's milk. "I know you did it." Jaivanta's lips trembled. Her eyes were teary with fear. A copper glass of milk lay spilt across the floor. Kunwar Pratap stared at his mother in shock. "Your wet nurse was seen around the milk." Dheer Bai let out a soft chuckle. "Just because Jagmal's nurse was around, it does not mean..." "You hate Pratap. I know you do." Jaivanta Bai spoke firmly. "Why will I hate him? He is like my son." Dheer Bai defended. "Like..." Jaivanta shook her head. "It is not the same." "Ranima." Kunwar Pratap held his mother's hand. "I am fine." "If your servant did not notice the slight change of colour, the milk would have killed you." His mo...

Kunwar Pratap was eleven. He was a slender boy, fair but tanned in the sun. His curly hair was like his father's. He had brown eyes like his mother. He would go around the fort all day with Shakti and interact with commoners. Everyone in Chittorgarh loved the prince. He helped the needy. He assisted the handicapped. He never behaved differently with the rich and the poor. He was kind, gentle and chivalrous. Jaivanta decided it was time for him to attend Gurukul. As a Rajput prince, Pratap was going to train in warfare. Sajja Bai insisted that Kunwar Shakti join him for his training as well. It was time that the boys stayed away from the palace luxuries and learnt the hardships of life. The Rani Mahal had gathered at the Badi Pol to see the princes off to their Gurukul. Sajja Bai wiped away tears. Jaivanta Bai blessed them. They touched her feet. "May you become warriors and protect Mewar." The Gurukul was at the foothills of Chittorgarh, not far from home. Yet it was far ...

The scorching summer heat gave some relief to Jaivanta Bai once the sun came down on the western horizon between the cliffs of the Aravallis. From the window of the Rani Mahal of Kumbha Palace, she could see the wide walls of Kumbhalgarh, the decorated roofs of the temples, and guards with torches. She prayed from her window as the Vaid had advised her not to move around much. The last few days have been difficult. Her feet were swollen, and no amount of painkillers helped. Daima inspected her once again. "The prince is due any time soon." She had whispered to Sajja Bai. She placed her hand on her swollen belly gently, singing lullabies to her child. Daima said he could now hear and recognise her voice. Her mother used to sing her these songs once. It seemed like a distant past now, almost like a dream.  She could not wait to be a mother. Teach her son everything she wanted in a man. A man who would be chivalrous and could stand up for himself. He should be brave enough to ta...

The day in Kumbhalgarh started with grey clouds and the pitter-patter of the rain. The Kumbha palace entrance saw a movement of horses and soldiers. Palanquins, decorated with royal Rajput motifs, made their way through the Pol Gates. To an onlooker, the fort was going about its usual business in Kumbhalgarh. People were praying at the Mahakal Temple. Cowherds took their buffaloes out of the fort. Peacocks roamed the courtyards. The marketplace buzzed with people buying and selling things. The movement of the entourage towards the Kumbha Palace, horses, palanquins and soldiers, was unusual. The curious eyes of a fifteen-year-old princess peeped from behind the curtain of the palanquin. Her eager eyes spotted the domes and jharokhas of the Kumbha Palace with a smile. Jaivanta Bai was accompanying her father, Akshay Raj Songara, to a significant meeting she knew very little about. All she knew was that her father said it could change their political alliance with Mewar. Ever since Banbir...

Itihas ke Har Panne Ki  Ek Bohot Bada Uddesh Hota Hai Jo Aap Aur Main Kabhi Samajh Nahi Paate. Shayad, Meera Bai Ki Bhakti Ki Panna Dhai Ke Sahas Ki Chittor ki Jauhar ke askon ki Ek Bohot Bada Uddesh Tha. Ek Pratap Ka Charo Or Phelne Ki Mewar Ke Suraj ki Roshni Ki. Mewar, a land in Rajputana, is nestled between the serene Aravallis. With its beautiful lakes and forestland, the yellow soil that witnessed warfare, and the mighty temples that stood as a testament to the Bhajans of Meera Bai, its history and folktales reflect stories of bravery, rebellion, and loyalty. Rana Sanga, the most famous of rulers who sat on the throne of Mewar, died unexpectedly, leaving Mewar in a state of uncertainty. Here is where this story begins. The year was 1535 CE, and Mewar's capital, Chittorgarh, stood invincible on the plateau surrounded by the Aravallis. The danger that loomed large after the king's demise was to the throne. Ratan Singh, the king's secondborn, was coronated rather quickly...

There are some things you must do when you are spending an extended weekend in the mountains in India. Take a long coat along for good pictures, have some Wai Wai Noodles and Momos, and wait for the fog to clear for a view of the mighty Himalayas. After a hearty meal of pork momos and Darjeeling First Flush tea, I walked out of Gompu’s Bar and Restaurant near the clock tower in Kalimpong’s main market area. The weather was slightly rainy, so my parents decided to return to the hotel while I walked down the busy road on the other side through the market. Tourists like me were flocking around the souvenir shops and departmental stores selling shawls and caps. I lazily checked out a few Jap Jantra and magnets, deciding to come back later. One could easily distinguish between tourists and locals simply by how they dress anywhere in the world. The locals treated this as summer weather in Kalimpong and walked around in half-sleeved shirts and loose pants, while the tourists found it hard not...