Home Calling!

The Maharana Pratap International Airport, Udaipur airport was bustling with activities. Foreign tourists, Indian Tourists, Local people, Cars, trolleys, Hotel Buses were everywhere. A statue of the National Hero Maharana Pratap Singh of Mewar stood mounted on his favourite horse Chetak at the terminal. She stepped out, in her casual baggy jeans, Blue teeshirt and pink sneekers, a bagpack ( pink and black cheetah print) on her shoulders and a pink trolley in had. Her long hair was let lose as her shades acted like a hairband. She looked around to find a cab.
" Bhaiya Suniye... Cab?!" She asked a man.
" Sorry Madam today we have cab strike!" The man shook his head.
" Shit!" Chewing the gum, she looked around, then dialed " Papa". Noone picked up.
" Shit Shit Shit!"

Ajabde Punwar, 21, was just like any other normal college student from Delhi. Only she was not from Delhi. She was daughter to a manager of a small princely state of Surajgarh, a mere three hour drive from the Udaipur airport. She had left the place when she was ten, with her mother and lived at her Nanaji's place so that she had a better education. Surajgarh had nothing to offer except the huge palace, some villages and archeologcal sites and two good primary schools. Last heard the Princehad taken up resposibilities for the state's betterment. However bad it might be, for her it was home.

Her thoughts were broken by a sudden commotion at the terminal gate as a few local media reporters rushed towards it. Getting hold of one such man she asked, "What's the fuzz? Who on earth has arrived?"
" He is the next big sensation of Udaipur. A Big Business Tycoon in the making! He has just bought a hotel here and had come here to see off the previous owner."
" Aree Who is it Bhaiya?" She frowned slightly "Naam toh hoga na!"
" Kunwar Pratap Singh of Surajgarh!" The man rushed towards the gate to catch a glimpse of the celebrity. Her eyes widened.

A party was in full swing. A little girl sat looking out of the window. She was barely five, in a pretty pink dress and her eyes yearned the lush green lawns outside. Most of the children here were rich and spoilt. She had heard her mother say. She looked around watching the kids dance to something loud and silly. Seemed like a rhyme song. A seven year old boy came up behind her asking, " What are you doing here?"
" Nothing." She didn't spare him a glance.
" Then come lets dance." He offered.
" Who are you?" She asked annoyed. A smile appeared.
" You are asking me, at my place?" Her eyes widened in fear as she got up and ran away leaving him all confused.
" Aree, wait, tell me your name!"

" Mom... Mom.... " She tugged at her mother's saree restless.
" What happened Ajab?" The lady asked, cluelessly.
" I.... I... met ...." She stammered.
" Who did you meet Ajab?" The woman frowned.
" Kunwarsa." She whispered as though in fear.
" Why are you scared silly girl? Stay with me." Hansa held her hand tight as she looked around spotting him with his best friend.

Ajabde came out of this memory.
" There's no cabs here, Papa is not taking my call too... I am already late..." She looked at her watch. " He should have a car..." she looked at the crowd. " But why on earth will he believe who I am! Am sure he doesn't remember me!" She thought aloud again.
" Ahh well, I have no option, so Ajab let's try this!" She pulled her trolley and pushed through the crowd of onlookers.

A man comes out of the terminal as the media starts clicking pictures. Shutters and light was everywhere. Two security men guide him out. Black shirt, black suite, aviator shades. Just twenty three he looked like a man who meant business. The media started throwing their questions at him.
" Are you planning on building a hotel empire?"
" Will your Surajgarh Palace soon be a hotel?"
" Will you buy Hotels abroad?"
" No questions! No questions!" The security men waved.
He opens the sedan door to get in when she shouts from a feet away, " Can I get a lift?"
Stunned, he removed his glasses and looked at the crowd to see who said that. The media people were looking at each other and at Ajabde as though she was crazy. Some were staring at her with sympathy even. She looked a little uncomfortable.
" Damn! This was utter stupid of me!" She murmured.
" Pardon?" His voice made her look up. Her eyes looked troubled. He looked at her luggage and then back at her. She gulped.
" Am... am... RamRakh Punwar's Daughter." She managed.
" Ajabde?!" He exclaimed as she nodded. He waved at the securities to let her through.
" I am sorry... I couldn't get a cab so...." She stammered an excuse.
" Come with me!" He told his driver to take her luggage. She smiled gleefully before getting into the car. Then as he sat beside her, backpack in between, she opened the window on her side and threw out her chewing gum making him stare.
" Oops! Sorry. Your Highness, Amazing car." She said looking around.
" Your Highness?" He asked a slight amusement in his voice.
" Then what should I call you?" She asked surprised.
" Bachpan mein kya bolti thi... hmm... I remember... Spoilt Princy...Isn't it?"
She turned red thinking to herself, " Hey Bhagwan, how on earth does he know?"
" You are thinking how I know! Naa?" He smiled slightly.
" Kunwarsa, Bachpan k liye bhi sorry!"She interrupted in a hurry. " Really sorry!"
" Wow you can use Kunwarsa? wow!!" He smiled. Ajabde didn't respond. She ignored the taunt and amusement in his voice.
" You rememer Bhagwati?" He asked again, killing the silence of the car.
" Ofcourse she was my Bff!" Ajabde sounded excited at the mention of the familiar name. Bhagwati's father too worked in the estate and she was a neighbour.
" Bff??" He frowned cluelessly.
" Best friend. Till I left. I know her now only through Facebook!" Ajabde shrugged.
" You are here at the right time! She is getting married!" Her eyes went wide at his words.
" Married? OMG. To whom?" She seemed stunned.
" You remember my best friend?" He smiled again as she looked shocked.
" That Stupid Guy who used to take chocolates from your room and give Bhago?!" She bit her lips. He was the son of an associate of the Royals, who also grew up in the premises of Surajgarh.
" Ajab control!" She thought to herself. " Speak less!"
He nodded happy, " The same stupid guy!" She sat like a statue for a moment and let the information sink in. They were not kids anymore, and now with college being over, she had to act like an adult, especially around her father's work place.
" Thank you." Her tone turned formal and aware suddenly.
" For What?" Kunwar Pratap eyed her.
" Giving me the lift home!" He nodded in silence before they stared out at the Aravallis. But Ajabde was restless. She couldn't stay quiet for long.
" By the way, how is Ranima?" She started again, as Pratap smiled.
" She keeps talking about you. And keeps gushing, courtesy all her phone calls with Hansa Mausi."
" Mom?" Ajabde was a little taken aback.
" You didn't know? They have like two hours of convo twice each week." He shrugged.
" No Idea! I used to be hostels all the time!" Ajabde shook her head.
" Me too, hostels, dorms, in London." He added.
" Rich brat!" She murmured to herself.

"Kuch kaha tumne?" He asked as she shook her head.
" By the way congrats for that thing you bought!" She smiled.
" It's a seven star Hotel and Resort, not a thing!" He frowned at her words.
" Yes. That!" She smiled again. He gave a courtesy smile back.

The Surajgarh Palace was a huge estate, the Palace stood surrounded by gardens, orchards, shooting arena, sword arenas, Horse stables, Car sheds, Two Mandirs, The office, the servant quarters and a chain of houses for the in house employees as well as open spaces and lawns. One of the houses in the Employees enclave was Ajabde's childhood home. The car zoomed past the entrance as the guards saluted the prince. She was delighted to see the place after so long. The car zoomed past her house as the smile disappeared.
" Areee Roko Kaka Stop Stop!" She shouted.
" Kaka take the car to the palace entrance." He ordered calmly.
" But.. But my house is right there!"
" Ranima is waiting ever since she heard you are coming! Meet her."
She thinks aloud unconsciously. " Shit Man! Ranima in these clothes, am not even properly dressed for a meeting after a decade!" She looked at her tshirt and frowned.
He heard that and acted like he hadn't.

As he stepped out Jaivanta Bai came out. She had a royal aura about her, dressed in a cream saree and a blue velvet blouse with some royal jewelry she looked like a queen right out of some museum portrait.
" Pratap! Pratap!" She called worried. " Ajab's flight had landed in time but she..."
" Ranima, look who I found stranded in the airport."

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My Everything

Kunwar Pratap stormed into the Mahal at Gogunda. Happy faces of the chieftains and soldiers welcomed him as Rao Ramrakh and Rawatji stopped the ongoing Raj tilak. A visibly scared Kunwar Jagmal looked clueless at a visibly angry Kunwar Pratap. Rani Dheerbai Bhattiyani hadn't expected this son of Mewar to show up that too twenty-one days after his father's death. He was not informed as per Dheerbai's instructions. She looked at Rawat Ji. He must have gone to Raoji at Bijolia. No one except them knew where Kunwar Pratap was staying. It was for the safety of his family. " What are you doing Chotima?" A disappointed voice came. She could stoop down so low? " We were about to inform you..." She spoke up in her defence. " When Dheerbai ji?" Maharani Jaivanta Bai, clad in white entered the hall as people bowed before her. " After your son's coronation?" " I did nothing Badima I swear!" A low voice came from Jagmal. " Maha

His Wife

" Where is the Kesar, Rama? And the Kalash?" Ajabde looked visibly displeased at the daasi who ran. " They are at the fort gates and nothing is ready yet!" She exclaimed. She was clad in a red Jora and the jewellery she had inherited as the first Kunwarani of the crown prince. Little Amar ran down the hallway towards his mother. " Maa sa Maa sa... who is coming with Daajiraj?" His innocent question made her heart sink. " Bhanwar Ji." Sajja Bai called out to him. " Come here I will tell you." Amar rushed to his Majhli Dadisa. " Ajabde." She turned at Jaivanta Bai's call. "They are here." " M... My Aarti thali..." Ajabde looked lost like never before. Jaivanta Bai held her stone-cold hands, making her stop. She patted her head and gave her a hug. The hug gave her the comfort she was looking for as her racing heart calmed down. Jaivanta Bai left her alone with her thaal. " Maa sa!" Amar exclaimed

To Protect You

Kunwar Pratap was in 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 Gujarat. " Dajiraj 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. Ajabde was making a sweet dish 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. " Ajabde Baisa." Her words let out a silent gasp from the lesser queens who stood witness. Calm and composed, Ajabde walked up

Understandings

After counting days, Ajabde was happy that she was going to Bijolia. She knew how eager her mother and Ratan would be to know about her new life. She couldn't wait to hug her mother and feel like... Home. She was selecting gifts for her parents and her siblings as per Ranima's instructions. Then suddenly an idea struck her mind. Her new family welcomed her with so much love and support. Especially Ranima and Majhli Maa Sa. She wanted to give them something. Suddenly she remembered that Ranima had loved her embroidery work on dupattas back in Bijolia so she called a Dasi and ordered some plain Chunris and embroidery threads. She had a lot of work to finish in a day before leaving. Kunwar Pratap came back into the room to see her on the floor, right in the middle of the room with red, green, yellow, and pink all sorts of dupattas scattered. " What's all this?" He asked not sure if he should be asking. " I am making gifts. For Ranima, Majhli ma, Rani Dheer Bai

Destiny

The war was almost won. A few of Marwar’s soldiers were left on the field along with Rao Maldeo Singh Rathore, their king and leader. He was thinking of retreating at the end of this day. As his sword clashed with one of the opponent generals as he eyed the opponent King now open and prone to attack. A little hope flickered in his mind as his eyes instructed his closest aide. The opponent was quite in a winning situation thanks to their new Senapati. He was just 16 yet his bravery and valour reflected his blood and upbringing. He mesmerised the opponents and even Rao Maldeo with his clever war strategies and sword skills. As Maldeo’s aide swung his sword at a taken aback Udai Singh, someone’s sword defended it as his body acted like a shield for the king. He killed the man in one go. “ Ranaji are you okay?” “ Haan Raoji.” He nodded gratefully. By half the day, the Marwar army had retreated as the air filled with “ Jai Mewar! Jai Eklingji!” From the triumphant soldiers. Rana Udai Si

Towards You

Kunwar Pratap and Ajabde were friends. He didn't feel awkward sharing his plans and thoughts with her anymore. She was more than happy to advise him on everything. She was happy he listened to her advice before taking or discarding them, be it on what to wear to Padmavati's Sagai or how to befriend the revolting Bhils. He loved the way Ajabde always used metaphors from Puranas and Ramayanas to explain the toughest things so easily. She expressed herself so well, so easily that it amazed him. The Afghans were now led by Mehmood Shah. They have made secret territories in the forests and waited to attack. Rawatji and his spies had confirmed the news and Udai Singh had warned Mehmood Shah to withdraw his troops from Mewar in vain. Now, it was time they declared war. Mehmood Shah had limited resources in Mewar. And his spies clearly suggested that in no way could he win, especially with Kunwar Pratap leading his troops. He was having second thoughts about the war. One of his aides

Friends?

Early morning, Ajabde walked into Saubhagyawati’s house as the Panditji looked relieved. “Baisa you are here now I don’t need to look after anything.” She walked into Saubhagyawati’s room and found her braiding her hair nervously. Her lehenga looked beautiful and only the maangtika was about to be put so Ajabde did the honours. Saubhagyawati held her hand and took a deep breath. “Ajabde have a confession.” “What is it Bhago?” She looked worried. “Are you scared?” “No no Ajabde it’s not that. I… met him… before…” “Whom?” “The one who is coming to see me.” She looked away scared. “What? How…” Ajabde looked at her with wide eyes. “woh… Both nights when I waited for you in the…” “Hai Bhagwan Bhago! What if he says that seeing you in front of your father?” Ajabde spoke up as Bhago looked shocked. Why didn’t she think that before? “What will we do now?” Bhago asked worriedly. Ajabde was lost in thoughts. No way could people know. The groom had arrived with

Chapter Three: Pedigree

The Imperial Police work was a tough job. The family had no idea what Superintendent Animesh Kumar Mukhopadhyay went through to provide for his family and their luxurious lives. Abhaya’s father never failed to let his family know that. Every time he drank down his sins. Every time he came home drunk. Every time he beat his wife. Abhaya would often sit awake all night, her pillow pressed against her ears as she sobbed silently, hoping that her mother’s begging sobs and father’s lewd language would stop. One day she had opened the door of her room slightly and was about to step out when her sister-in-law intervened. Her face was dark as she coldly told Abhaya to return to her room. She would be punished if her elder brothers found out about her trying to get out of her chambers at night. Abhaya at twelve knew one truth greater than others. Men were like this, women had to tiptoe around them to serve them as they demanded. She was intimidated by the regular chores the women of the hous

Love Struck

A new dawn was about to break in Mewar. Kunwar Pratap shifted in his bed, as the lamp shone in the darkness. He was now facing her sleeping figure. Her hand rested on the pillow between them, the pillow he chose to keep there in the first place but now it seemed like the symbol of the distance he wanted to bridge between their hearts. He stared at it lost in thoughts. I promised myself to make you mine, But how? What if you... He stared at the sleeping figure admitting in silence that no one, even the bravest enemy scared him like her calm composed self did. I am thinking like a typical husband. He smiled. What to do now Ajabde? I am terrible with my words unlike you. Pratap Singh! You need to learn a few things! He looked back at the ceiling in his thoughts. What if I drop hints? She knows me so well, maybe she will understand without me actually speaking for myself. The thoughts made his face light up. Yes, Yes that will be perfect. Let's try this. But... First thing first... so

Changing Thoughts

" Ajabde." Jaivanta Bai hugged her as Kunwar Pratap unknowingly smiled at the duo. He didn't realise he was not feeling jealous of Ranima's affection for her anymore. " It's so good that you are back." Sajja smiled. " Now you will help us with the Teej preparations." Ajabde smiled nodding as Kunwar Pratap said " I will go to the arena, I will be there after... I mean....at Lunch." He left in haste as Jaivanta Bai stared at Ajabde who had a little pink blush on her cheeks. Jaivanta Bai smiled as she was not sure if Pratap said that to her or his wife. All through the day, Ajabde helped by going through the smallest details of the Teej Preparations until lunchtime. All the Ranis were impressed by how she knew everything so easily. She walked into her room post lunch and gasped at the scene. The maps, the books, and his things were all scattered where they were not meant to be. The Daasis were apparently too scared to touch his import

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