RAABTA

The Afghans, after Sher Shah Suri's untimely demise, were at loggerheads for power. Their troops near Mewar were now led by Mehmood Shah. They secretly captured territories in the forests and waited to attack Mewari camps when the time was right. Rawat Chundawat and his spies had confirmed the news, and Udai Singh sent a warning to Mehmood Shah to withdraw his troops from Mewar in vain. Now that it was out in the open, it was time they declared war. Mehmood Shah had limited resources in Mewar. His internal rebellion against his commander did not help his cause. 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. It was then that one of his aides suggested a perfect plan. Maharani Jaivanta Bai had decided to go to the Mahakaleshwar Temple near the outskirts of Chittorgarh, in the forestlands of Bhilwara. They had travelled a long way and across the Gambhiri river that meandered during...

" 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 just came home. Ajabdeh 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. Ajabdeh 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 a...