Wedding Bells

Udai Singh was adjusting his turban when a smiling Sajja Bai entered to take something from the room. He smiled back at her, asking,“ So Solankini Ji, are you happy now?”

“ Ji Ranaji. This all still seems like a dream."

“Yes, seems like yesterday Kunwar Pratap and Kunwar Shakti used to run about the palace.”

“ And fight!” She added. 

“ They used to fight all day but could never stay away from each other.”

“ Remember that time Shakti got hurt?”

“ Kunwar Pratap cried more than him!”

Jaivanta Bai smiled as she heard the conversation.

“ These two are like each other’s shadows. Remember when five-year-old Pratap asked me what marriage was?” They all laughed at the memories.

“ Yes, and Jija told him that some girl will come and be his friend forever and in exchange, you have to share everything with her.”

“ And Kunwar Pratap!” Udai Singh Laughed.

“ Pratap was wailing that he never shares anything with anyone except Bhai  Shakti.”

“ And Kunwar Shakti was telling me he won’t share his Dadabhai Jija!”

“ When I used to visit here, Pratap was ten, and Heer just five. One day, Bhabisa told Heer that you have to leave when you got married and could not see Dadabhai again. She clung to him, crying .”

“ I wish I had seen Kuwarani Ajabde’s childhood.” Sajja smiled.

“ Well, once Hansa wrote to me how she used to tell Ajabde about princes, on horses, Bravehearts, and how someday, if she was lucky, she might marry one. Just nine then, Ajab ha said she wanted  someone with a gentle heart.”

“Remember, Jija, the first time Kunwar Pratap heard Ajabde’s name?”

“ Yes, Behena, he asked what kind of strange name is that!”

They were all laughing when Ajabde came to the door, surprised to see them laugh so informally.

“ Come in, Ajab!” Jaivanta Bai called her in.

“ Woh… Ranima… the couple is at the mandap.”

Flowers rained as Shakti and Heer exchanged garlands.  They remembered their much carefree and fun Bhil marriage as the Royal wedding wore a particular unsaid code of discipline. Pratap’s eyes searched Ajabde in the crowd and caught her familiar figure, trying to help Saubhagyabati to a place somewhere a little less crowded. With all the people there and the yajna, she was feeling unwell.

“ Baojiraj.” Chakrapani interrupted as he was about to go after them.

“ What is it?”

“ Can I talk to you?”

“ Sure…”

“ Am… well… nervous Baojiraj…”

“ Nervous? Did you offend your wife again?”

“ No, no, so many responsibilities. So much to do. A huge change is coming our way.”

“ Pandit Chakrapani Mishra!” Kunwar Pratap stood scrutinising his friend. “ What help can I offer?”

“ You can tell me what to do and what not to do.”

Kunwar Pratap laughed at his friend.

“ You realise you are actually older than me, even if we are friends? And you realise you are asking me about being a father to your child? In what angle do I look like an expert to you?”

“ Well, you handle the responsibilities of Mewar and its people like a father protects his son. That too, since you were 15 Baojiraj!”

Chakrapani’s innocent words had deeper meanings than he realised.  A stunned Pratap smiled at his friend as his heart filled up. He patted his friend.

“ You will do well, Chakrapani. I know you will.”

Ajabde walked up to interrupt the friends in conversation.

“ Kunwarsa, everyone is looking for you. I have taken Saubhagyabati back to her room; she is asleep now.” Chakrapani left for the room, nodding.

“ Is she ill?” Kunwar Pratap asked.

“ No, just in her vulnerable stage, she needs care.” Ajabde smiled.

“ How do you know all these?”

“ I took care of Maa sa before Bhai Balwant was born.” He smiled at his wife. Such maturity at her age was rare, and that’s where she stood out.

The Phere had started by the time they arrived, and Kunwar Pratap looked around at the happy faces and nodded at Ajabde standing at a distance. Her smile said she could read his mind. After the Phera, they were taken to rest as they would leave for Chittor the next day. 

The newlyweds took everyone’s blessings, and Sajja Bai added, “ Now, after this, I hope the Rajmahal will celebrate Good news soon from Badi Kuwarani.” Ajabde blushed and left with the excuse of checking on Bhago as Pratap smiled, embarrassed.

A nervous Heer waited for her husband while Shakti was pacing on the roof when Pratap went to get him.

“ What is it?” Pratap was amused by his brother.

“ You know what it is.”

“ You got her a gift?”

“ A gift?”

“ Yes, for the night.”

“ Ohh no!”

“ Your Bhabisa knows you well; she already arranged for it.” He gave his brother a box.

“ Perfumes?”

“ Heer’s favourite ones from Jalore.”

Kunwar Shakti smiled before asking, “ What did you get, Bhabisa?”

“ The one she wears on her nose every day.” He replied proudly.

“ And…”

“ No more questions. Go. Heer is waiting.” 

Pratap smiled at his brother's retreating figure. He went into his chamber to find Ajabde struggling with her hairpins and jewellery. He closed the door behind him, waiting for her to give in and ask for his help. She was struggling with a pin as it got stuck by the hook of her bracelet, and her hand was tied to her hair. 

He smiled, saying, “ See how stubborn you are, Ajab. Let me help.”

He walked up behind his wife and started undoing her braids and their accessories. She smiled at his task.

“ What are you smiling at?”

“ Mewar’s pride, Rajputana’s honour, Kunwar Pratap Singh is helping his wife undo her braids.” She giggled with a taunt.

“ Kuwarani Ajabde Baisa! You know, however big or brave a man may be, he is always nothing in front of his wife and mother.”

“ Really? Who gave you this advice?”

“ Speaking of Advice… Majhli ma sa gave one in the Hall.”

“ Really? I don’t remember.” Her hair was undone, and she was removing her earrings now.

“ You want me to remind you?” Her eyes met his teasing ones in the mirror. She was pink and blushing; he loved to make her feel that way.

“ Kunwar Pratap, Rawatji was telling about some administrative work that you will leave for?” She changed the topic.

“ Yes to Kelwara and adjoining areas.”

“ I want to come with you.”

“ No, Ajabde, you can’t”

“ Why not?”

“ It’s a dangerous forest area, and the Afghans and Mughals are always in the loop, and I don’t want a kidnapped wife as an additional problem.” He was smiling.

“ Problem?” She beamed proudly. “ Kuwarani Ajabde Singh Punwar can handle her enemies with her sword. After all, she is a student of the great Pratap Singh!”

“ Really? Like how well you protected yourself when the Afghans caught you?”

“ I was a beginner then! Please, Kunwarsa, I want to go.”

“ No, Ajabde, I told you no!”

“ You have to take me!”

 “ Enough is enough! I said no! Now go to sleep. We will leave at dawn.” He strode off angrily, leaving an equally fuming Ajabde behind.