RAABTA

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...

" 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...

Days seem to pass so quickly in Bijolia, I have been here two days and it feels like I came home just now. Ajabde was sitting in front of the mirror, combing her long hair lost in her thoughts. She was making a braid when her hands stopped. Two days ago she was sitting on the chair in front of her dressing table as he stepped into the room. He stared at how she made the braids in utter confusion before adding " I can not ever master skills like this. It's a puzzle." She smiled inwardly before replying " I think managing war formations is more difficult." He had stopped to see if that was a taunt or a compliment in utter confusion. Ajabde smiled. Sometimes he was so childish and... " Ahem!" Ratan made the sound as she saw her Jija smiling and blushing lost in her thoughts. She looked at Ratan smirking through the mirror reflection and straightened her face. " What?" She asked her sister. " Tell me." Ratan sat down on the floor at her...