RAABTA

Pratap was in the arena at dawn and he was surprised as the sun was high in the sky yet there was no sign of Kunwar Shakti in the arena. He was religiously there following his elder brother. Today was different. Kunwar Pratap was swinging his sword and thinking about what Ajabde had told him about Shakti the last night. He glanced across the garden to the Palace corridor and still no sign of his brother. He kept his sword and decided to go look for him. Through the corridor, he took a turn and stopped. Ajabde was at the cow shed feeding Laxmi. A smile appeared as he stopped to look if someone was spotting him from the roof or Jharokhas. Then he moved towards the cow shed. " You know Laxmi, Ratan has become so responsible nowadays. It's like she is all grown up. Yesterday she told me to stop worrying about Maa sa and Balwant because she will take care...." Ajabde stopped at his footsteps. " Kunwarsaa? You need something?" "No ... I... Came to see Sarang...

At dawn, Ajab de was singing her favourite Bhajan to the Lord when Hansa Bai came and sat with her. The palace was decorated well for the Sagaai and Hansa Bai's eyes teared up at the thought of losing her favourite daughter. " What's wrong Maa Saa?" " Nothing Ajabde. I was thinking it's only a matter of time before you go to Chittor and I will never hear you sing again." She sobbed as Ajabde hugged her. " I will come back to visit you Maa sa...." " Only in Pak Fera and occasions and when you will have children. That's the rule of the Royal Family, you cannot come here when you want. " " She is my daughter Hansa and if she wants to meet you I can assure you that no rule will stop her. " Jaivanta Bai interrupted the mother-daughter moment with a smile. " I know, Jaivanta, I will not worry about her because I know you will be there." " Hansa, Yu should not worry as long as Kunwar Pratap is there for...

Ajabde was up at dawn to do her daily puja. She was making a garland and humming a tune to herself. After many days of emotional turmoil, she was happy. Kunwar Pratap stepped into the mandir silently making sure he didn't startle or interrupt her. He sat down beside her, the thaal of flowers between them. She stopped singing and got up. " Kunwarsa?" She was acting displeased. "I told you I won't meet till the sagaai..." " Ohho Ajabde, am not here to meet you. For your information this is puja ghar I can come here anytime I want ... To pray." He had this victorious smile on his face teasing her. " Kunwarsa I know very well that is not the only reason you are here..." " Accha?" He stared at her forcing her to stare back at him before she looked away. " Then tell me Ajabde why am I here?" He moved towards her scaring her a little. She moved away a few steps back. " Kunwarsa this is a temple. And we are not en...

Kunwar Pratap and Ajabde were at the main entrance of the Mahal. Hansa Bai came out with Jaivanta Bai eager to see Ajabde. Hansa Bai hugged her daughter in happiness. "How could you leave without telling me, Ajab?" " Am sorry Maa sa... It won't happen again. I promise." "Where is Chotima?" Pratap asked Jaivanta as Ajabde looked at him scared. He was angry. God knows what he would say. " She left for Chittor after a tiff with Ranaji. Kunwar Shakti is here with Chakrapani and Bhagwati." " Bhai Shakti?" " Ji Dadabhai... I was missing you all too much, especially Maa Sa." Sajja gave a weird smile and stopped at Shakti's glare. Her son had warned her against smiling like that. Ajabde went to her room with her mother and hugged Ratan tight. " Maa so did you tell her?" Ratan's face was serious. She turned to her mother who was fondling baby Balwant. " No... I...." " Tell me what?" ...

Pratap was at the gateway to the Gurukul. The same Gurukul where he had learnt the harsh truths of life. Something told him he was yet to learn a few chapters on relationships here. He went in with Sarang. Raghavendra Rathore was sitting in his hut, meditating. No one was allowed there at that time. Well, no one but Pratap. Guru Raghavendra was expecting his favourite student there ever since the Samanth putri of Bijolia voluntarily arrived to help at the Ashram. He knew her as Raoji's daughter but his students Veni, Bheem and Chakrapani who had arrived there a month back along with Saubhagyabati to seek his blessings had told him about Kunwar Pratap's choice of a bride. He knew something was terribly wrong, Ajabde's cold calm eyes spoke enough. He had taken a liking to this girl. She cooked, cleaned and even taught children. She was a lot mature for her age and in many of her qualities he a reflection of Kunwar Pratap. The first day he saw her practice sword fight...

He rode into the place he called home. The people flocked around to welcome their favourite son. He was back after many months. The Palace was decked up to welcome back their Royal family. The other queens were all dressed up, hoping their king would catch a glimpse of them. Sajja Bai, the second queen, was putting on her maang tika. " You look beautiful Ranisa!" Her maid complimented. " But he will never look at me, because Dheerbai will be there." There was a hint of sadness as well as jealousy. In a bigger chamber somewhere in the same corridor another queen was doing shringaar. But she was disturbed. After a long try, she had managed to send the crown prince away, and now he was coming back again. " Ranisa, Ranaji has arrived at the door." A daasi came in. " Then why are you standing there? Go get me an aarthi that quick!" She snapped. Unlike the Maharani, she was vain and manipulative. She wore a plastic smile before stepping out o...

The Bhil village was badly damaged. Homes were destroyed, people robbed, all in one night. Kelwara was scared. Pratap's fist tightened in anger. Must be the Afghans seeking revenge. He ordered his men to search the forest. He ordered the servants to help the villagers. Sword in hand he walked into the dense forest. Something moved behind him. He could feel it, it was no animal. He turned around. He had moved a little away from the others but he could hear Raoji's voice still somewhere. Another twist of twigs, he looked up to see two birds fly away. Nothing could be heard, there was death silence. He could sense someone watching him. The assassin was trained for these situations. He was taught to be invisible, to serve his master. He had done this before. But this time he had to be careful. This was Pratap Singh. The same prince who scared the Emperor enough to send him instead of going for a direct war. He smiled. He was capable of doing what Akbar couldn't. Kill off, Pr...