Pratap was dressed in a cream-white waistcoat suit with a maroon shirt, and his royal brooch made him look elegant, along with diamond cufflinks. All the other men were in bow ties and suits. The ladies chose to wear sarees as Ajabde was being helped in her new room by three attendants with a three-piece golden bronze floor-length Anarkali suit.
She wore an orange shade of lipstick, with golden shimmered dark kohl highlighted eyes and her hair was done in a side bun with royal brooches and clips attached to it. Her neckpiece and earrings were the traditional antiques of the Royal household, and her head was adorned with the tiara of the Kunwarani of Surajgarh. She wore the newlywed red bangles of the bride and also some bangles Jaivanta gave. Her Payal made a twinkling soft sound, and her armlets had the royal seal on them, marking her as a royal.
The Palace Hall was decked up for the royal reception in an elegant, classy party look, with soft music, dinner and drinks. People chattered softly, and most of the guests were royals and businessmen from all over the country.
Ajabde was really confused as to how the attendants were putting her suit together; there were lots and lots of crisscrossed strings on her sides and back to fit the suit tightly. She was sure that in no way would she be able to get out of this thing by herself. A knock made her look up as he peeped in. " Ranima is calling downstairs. The guests are here." He declared.
" Five minutes," she nodded as he walked in.
" You look all done to me..." He shrugged.
" I always look all done to you." She was a little embarrassed as the attendants smiled at each other. They were so quiet about their work in the palace, sometimes she forgot they too had ears and brains!
He sat down on the couch and said.
" Ohh, by the way, you will be pleased to meet someone tonight."
She frowned a little. " Who?"
" You will see." He smiled.
" I hate this, I hate this!" She was loud.
" Kya?" He asked, narrowing his eyes.
"Half-said things make me go crazy!"
He chuckled at her frowning face.
" You are crazy enough."
" Stop!" She warned.
" Ho gaya tumhara 5 mins!"
The attendants moved away as she checked herself in the mirror.
" Kuwarani Ajabde Punwar Singh, you look pretty. Ab chale?" He was fed up with waiting.
" Yeh, sarcasm tha?" She frowned.
" Dekho! Taruf karu toh problem na karu toh bhi. Chale?" He shook his head, making her giggle.
She smiled and slid her hand on his arm as he gave a smile, and with her other hand, she held her dress a little up as they walked down the stairs, all eyes on them. He slid his hand into hers as they reached the hall and guided her through the crowd. They met and introduced some acquaintances, and finally reached the throne on the raised platform. He didn't let go of the hand as they stood there meeting people.
Ven, Chaks, Bhago and Rosalina were up on the dais after the crowd dispersed. Ven looked at the hands and then at Pratap, who was sharing a laugh with Rohan, who was already on the stage.
" Ahem! You can let her go now, you know."
He spoke as the others looked at the hand, and Ajabde tried to free herself in vain.
" I can't take the risk!" Pratap replied plainly.
" Risk of what?" Ajabde asked.
" Of another Jalam Singh getting punched."
The group laughed as she stared at him angrily. He smiled and winked at her.
" How dare you?"
She was about to continue when his wide-eyed glare beside her stopped her. It was Rajkumari Phool Kanwar Rathore in a bright yellow saree and loud makeup, and all smiles.
" Congratulations, Pratap!" She smiled at him like Ajabde was invisible.
" Thank you, Phool!" was a reply from Ajab that made her smile disappear. Ajab looked behind her at Jalam Singh, standing a good three feet away, avoiding her stare.
When Phool walked away with the group, Ajabde narrowed her eyes at him,
" Really? You think I will punch another...."
" Isharo ko samjho." He smiled teasingly, rubbing his thumb on her palm, making her heart skip a beat. He whispered back, " Kuch baatein raaz hi rahe to acha hota hai jab baat dil o ki ho toh baaki o ko samajhna nahi chahiye." He loved the way he made her blush red and look away, her hand still in his.
After a few hours, Ajabde was sitting on the throne, tired and trying hard not to yawn.
" Am hungry." She declared.
" I am afraid I can't help you now. Wait till dinner." He was looking away and talking.
" I want Brownie!" She exclaimed.
" Where on earth will I get Brownie?" He frowned.
" I mean my baby, not the food." She said plainly.
"Oh, okay, meet him once the guests disperse." He smiled.
" Everyone is going," she seemed sad.
" I know, they have work, we do too."He was being reasonable like always.
" Work?" She asked like she forgot what that was.
" Yes, the work on the school starts the day after tomorrow, so the hospital site is your responsibility."
" Can you stop talking about work? It's making me more hungry! Bhook lagi hai, Princy!" She was restless.
" Hush!"
" Pratap!" She nodded.
" Kunwarsa." He suggested.
" Hein? Jab Kunwarsa bulai, you said Princy, jab Princy bulai, you said Pratap, now you are back to..."
" You said your highness, and Kunwarsa is what you should call in public gatherings." He explained.
" Uff, this is so confusing, I know what to call you, idea!" Her face lit up.
" What?" He asked, confused.
" O ji sunte hooooo" He looked at her wide-eyed as she giggled a little.
" Itni himmat! Are you pulling my leg? You will get punished." His face was all mock anger.
" Huh, am not scared of punishments." She ignored him with a laugh.
" You will be, tonight!" His emphasis on the last word made her smile fade.
" Am too tired! and Hungry!" She quickly spoke, making him give out a chuckle at her nervous face.
Shakti was in his Maroon suit and bowtie, following Heer's gaze everywhere, hoping she would meet him once and let him clear her misunderstandings. Heer was too hurt to look at him, but she made sure she was never alone. Through the evening, she was always with Mahek and her sisters. Shakti followed her with his eyes everywhere in vain for an opportunity.
Ranima was in an elegant white and fuchsia saree, accompanied by Hansa in a light green saree.
" Mom!" Ajabde hugged her mother, smiling. Pratap got up to touch her feet.
" Ranima, I'm hungry!" A prompt declaration from the bride as both Pratap and Hansa looked a little taken aback.
" Aree, why didn't you tell Pratap?" Ranima asked.
" I did! He said I can't..."
" Ranima." He cut in. " She can't eat with the guests around, our royal..."
" The rules change today, my angel can eat when she likes, take her."
" But Ranima..." He knew it was in vain as Ajabde smiled victoriously.
At the Palace gates, Pratap and Ajabde stood with Ranima, Ranaji, Hansa and RamRakh, bidding everyone farewell. Ven and Rosalina were going back to Udaipur, Heer and family to Bijolia, and Rohan and Mahek to Delhi.
Ajabde hugged Mahek, saying, " Jab bhi I go, am going to call you two!"
" Haan phir mere farmhouse mein party karenge!" Rohan smiled as Ajabde looked at Pratap.
" Hum Udaipur mein aapka intezaar karenge Bhujaisa." Ven folded his hands as Ajabde narrowed her eyes,
" Jab bhi mann ho aa jaiega, apna hi hotel resort samajh ke!"
" Rosalina, it was a pleasure knowing you!" Ajabde hugged her, ignoring Ven completely.
After their cars drove off, Heer, Jaso and Asha came to say goodbye. Pratap and Ajabde touched Mamasa and Mamisa's feet and hugged the girls. Heer came last, her eyes searching as Pratap looked around. There was no sign of Shakti. Heer gulped a lump in her throat as she hugged Ajabde tightly, making her look all worried at Pratap. She was leaving behind a lot more than she had imagined when she came here. Before getting into the car, she looked back once with twinkling eyes at the doorway, now where only Pratap and Ajabde stood waving. The car started off towards the palace gate.
Shakti was in his room when a clueless Sangram came and said
" Thank god everyone left, especially that snobbish girl Asha with her family."
" They... left?" Shakti looked up. " When?"
" Like five minutes ago..." He shrugged as Shakti dashed down the stairs and to where his Dadabhai and Bhabisa stood, and he could see the car move out of the compound gates at a distance.
" Bhai..." Pratap's words made Ajabde stare at Shakti, who now sat down on the stairs.
" Haven't you told her?" Pratap sounded worried.
" I tried, she... she misunderstood me... my intentions... I just wanted one last try."
" Tell what?" A clueless Ajabde made the brothers look up.
" Woh... he was going to tell Heer..." Pratap started explaining.
"Oh, you missed the train!" Ajabde exclaimed.
" Ji?" Shakti looked up.
" Is that genetic or something in you people? Missing the right times?" She frowned.
" Don't worry, Bhai, I believe you will get her back." Pratap meant every word.
Ajabde stood looking at the brothers, then said, " I know! Main karungi na madat!"
" Ji nahi bilkul nahi!" Pratap got up quick.
" Ji haan. Ranima!" She was about to shout when he held her mouth.
" Don't you dare tell Ranima," he warned.
"I'm leaving for London tomorrow. And I am not coming back!" Shakti stood up, determined, angry and hurt and left in a hurry.
" But..." Ajabde decided to follow him, but Pratap stopped her.
" Let him be."
Ranima came to take Ajabde to her room, do her Nazar utraan and add some traditional jewellery, like the maangtika, nose ring and Kamar bandh to her attire, for the wedding night.
" You look pretty, Ajab." She smiled at the blushing bride. " Kal subah 8 baje ready rehna tum dono, Elingji ke aashirvaad lene jaoge, thik hai na?" She nodded.
Pratap was in Brownie's room to check on him when a servant came calling.
" Ranisa ne apko apne kamre mein jaane ka aadesh diya hai."
A smile curved his face as he walked to his door and turned the doorknob.
He smiled a little, seeing her standing in front of the mirror in all her jewellery and a funny, nervous face, in the dimly lit room decorated with scented candles, rose petals and drapes. He shut the door behind him, making her stare at him wide-eyed through the mirror as she gulped noisily to calm her racing heart.
She wore an orange shade of lipstick, with golden shimmered dark kohl highlighted eyes and her hair was done in a side bun with royal brooches and clips attached to it. Her neckpiece and earrings were the traditional antiques of the Royal household, and her head was adorned with the tiara of the Kunwarani of Surajgarh. She wore the newlywed red bangles of the bride and also some bangles Jaivanta gave. Her Payal made a twinkling soft sound, and her armlets had the royal seal on them, marking her as a royal.
The Palace Hall was decked up for the royal reception in an elegant, classy party look, with soft music, dinner and drinks. People chattered softly, and most of the guests were royals and businessmen from all over the country.
Ajabde was really confused as to how the attendants were putting her suit together; there were lots and lots of crisscrossed strings on her sides and back to fit the suit tightly. She was sure that in no way would she be able to get out of this thing by herself. A knock made her look up as he peeped in. " Ranima is calling downstairs. The guests are here." He declared.
" Five minutes," she nodded as he walked in.
" You look all done to me..." He shrugged.
" I always look all done to you." She was a little embarrassed as the attendants smiled at each other. They were so quiet about their work in the palace, sometimes she forgot they too had ears and brains!
He sat down on the couch and said.
" Ohh, by the way, you will be pleased to meet someone tonight."
She frowned a little. " Who?"
" You will see." He smiled.
" I hate this, I hate this!" She was loud.
" Kya?" He asked, narrowing his eyes.
"Half-said things make me go crazy!"
He chuckled at her frowning face.
" You are crazy enough."
" Stop!" She warned.
" Ho gaya tumhara 5 mins!"
The attendants moved away as she checked herself in the mirror.
" Kuwarani Ajabde Punwar Singh, you look pretty. Ab chale?" He was fed up with waiting.
" Yeh, sarcasm tha?" She frowned.
" Dekho! Taruf karu toh problem na karu toh bhi. Chale?" He shook his head, making her giggle.
She smiled and slid her hand on his arm as he gave a smile, and with her other hand, she held her dress a little up as they walked down the stairs, all eyes on them. He slid his hand into hers as they reached the hall and guided her through the crowd. They met and introduced some acquaintances, and finally reached the throne on the raised platform. He didn't let go of the hand as they stood there meeting people.
Ven, Chaks, Bhago and Rosalina were up on the dais after the crowd dispersed. Ven looked at the hands and then at Pratap, who was sharing a laugh with Rohan, who was already on the stage.
" Ahem! You can let her go now, you know."
He spoke as the others looked at the hand, and Ajabde tried to free herself in vain.
" I can't take the risk!" Pratap replied plainly.
" Risk of what?" Ajabde asked.
" Of another Jalam Singh getting punched."
The group laughed as she stared at him angrily. He smiled and winked at her.
" How dare you?"
She was about to continue when his wide-eyed glare beside her stopped her. It was Rajkumari Phool Kanwar Rathore in a bright yellow saree and loud makeup, and all smiles.
" Congratulations, Pratap!" She smiled at him like Ajabde was invisible.
" Thank you, Phool!" was a reply from Ajab that made her smile disappear. Ajab looked behind her at Jalam Singh, standing a good three feet away, avoiding her stare.
When Phool walked away with the group, Ajabde narrowed her eyes at him,
" Really? You think I will punch another...."
" Isharo ko samjho." He smiled teasingly, rubbing his thumb on her palm, making her heart skip a beat. He whispered back, " Kuch baatein raaz hi rahe to acha hota hai jab baat dil o ki ho toh baaki o ko samajhna nahi chahiye." He loved the way he made her blush red and look away, her hand still in his.
After a few hours, Ajabde was sitting on the throne, tired and trying hard not to yawn.
" Am hungry." She declared.
" I am afraid I can't help you now. Wait till dinner." He was looking away and talking.
" I want Brownie!" She exclaimed.
" Where on earth will I get Brownie?" He frowned.
" I mean my baby, not the food." She said plainly.
"Oh, okay, meet him once the guests disperse." He smiled.
" Everyone is going," she seemed sad.
" I know, they have work, we do too."He was being reasonable like always.
" Work?" She asked like she forgot what that was.
" Yes, the work on the school starts the day after tomorrow, so the hospital site is your responsibility."
" Can you stop talking about work? It's making me more hungry! Bhook lagi hai, Princy!" She was restless.
" Hush!"
" Pratap!" She nodded.
" Kunwarsa." He suggested.
" Hein? Jab Kunwarsa bulai, you said Princy, jab Princy bulai, you said Pratap, now you are back to..."
" You said your highness, and Kunwarsa is what you should call in public gatherings." He explained.
" Uff, this is so confusing, I know what to call you, idea!" Her face lit up.
" What?" He asked, confused.
" O ji sunte hooooo" He looked at her wide-eyed as she giggled a little.
" Itni himmat! Are you pulling my leg? You will get punished." His face was all mock anger.
" Huh, am not scared of punishments." She ignored him with a laugh.
" You will be, tonight!" His emphasis on the last word made her smile fade.
" Am too tired! and Hungry!" She quickly spoke, making him give out a chuckle at her nervous face.
Shakti was in his Maroon suit and bowtie, following Heer's gaze everywhere, hoping she would meet him once and let him clear her misunderstandings. Heer was too hurt to look at him, but she made sure she was never alone. Through the evening, she was always with Mahek and her sisters. Shakti followed her with his eyes everywhere in vain for an opportunity.
Ranima was in an elegant white and fuchsia saree, accompanied by Hansa in a light green saree.
" Mom!" Ajabde hugged her mother, smiling. Pratap got up to touch her feet.
" Ranima, I'm hungry!" A prompt declaration from the bride as both Pratap and Hansa looked a little taken aback.
" Aree, why didn't you tell Pratap?" Ranima asked.
" I did! He said I can't..."
" Ranima." He cut in. " She can't eat with the guests around, our royal..."
" The rules change today, my angel can eat when she likes, take her."
" But Ranima..." He knew it was in vain as Ajabde smiled victoriously.
At the Palace gates, Pratap and Ajabde stood with Ranima, Ranaji, Hansa and RamRakh, bidding everyone farewell. Ven and Rosalina were going back to Udaipur, Heer and family to Bijolia, and Rohan and Mahek to Delhi.
Ajabde hugged Mahek, saying, " Jab bhi I go, am going to call you two!"
" Haan phir mere farmhouse mein party karenge!" Rohan smiled as Ajabde looked at Pratap.
" Hum Udaipur mein aapka intezaar karenge Bhujaisa." Ven folded his hands as Ajabde narrowed her eyes,
" Jab bhi mann ho aa jaiega, apna hi hotel resort samajh ke!"
" Rosalina, it was a pleasure knowing you!" Ajabde hugged her, ignoring Ven completely.
After their cars drove off, Heer, Jaso and Asha came to say goodbye. Pratap and Ajabde touched Mamasa and Mamisa's feet and hugged the girls. Heer came last, her eyes searching as Pratap looked around. There was no sign of Shakti. Heer gulped a lump in her throat as she hugged Ajabde tightly, making her look all worried at Pratap. She was leaving behind a lot more than she had imagined when she came here. Before getting into the car, she looked back once with twinkling eyes at the doorway, now where only Pratap and Ajabde stood waving. The car started off towards the palace gate.
Shakti was in his room when a clueless Sangram came and said
" Thank god everyone left, especially that snobbish girl Asha with her family."
" They... left?" Shakti looked up. " When?"
" Like five minutes ago..." He shrugged as Shakti dashed down the stairs and to where his Dadabhai and Bhabisa stood, and he could see the car move out of the compound gates at a distance.
" Bhai..." Pratap's words made Ajabde stare at Shakti, who now sat down on the stairs.
" Haven't you told her?" Pratap sounded worried.
" I tried, she... she misunderstood me... my intentions... I just wanted one last try."
" Tell what?" A clueless Ajabde made the brothers look up.
" Woh... he was going to tell Heer..." Pratap started explaining.
"Oh, you missed the train!" Ajabde exclaimed.
" Ji?" Shakti looked up.
" Is that genetic or something in you people? Missing the right times?" She frowned.
" Don't worry, Bhai, I believe you will get her back." Pratap meant every word.
Ajabde stood looking at the brothers, then said, " I know! Main karungi na madat!"
" Ji nahi bilkul nahi!" Pratap got up quick.
" Ji haan. Ranima!" She was about to shout when he held her mouth.
" Don't you dare tell Ranima," he warned.
"I'm leaving for London tomorrow. And I am not coming back!" Shakti stood up, determined, angry and hurt and left in a hurry.
" But..." Ajabde decided to follow him, but Pratap stopped her.
" Let him be."
Ranima came to take Ajabde to her room, do her Nazar utraan and add some traditional jewellery, like the maangtika, nose ring and Kamar bandh to her attire, for the wedding night.
" You look pretty, Ajab." She smiled at the blushing bride. " Kal subah 8 baje ready rehna tum dono, Elingji ke aashirvaad lene jaoge, thik hai na?" She nodded.
Pratap was in Brownie's room to check on him when a servant came calling.
" Ranisa ne apko apne kamre mein jaane ka aadesh diya hai."
A smile curved his face as he walked to his door and turned the doorknob.
He smiled a little, seeing her standing in front of the mirror in all her jewellery and a funny, nervous face, in the dimly lit room decorated with scented candles, rose petals and drapes. He shut the door behind him, making her stare at him wide-eyed through the mirror as she gulped noisily to calm her racing heart.
