Ajabde was making a garland out of the marigold flowers in the Rani Baithak. The Princesses and Queens were all there making Preparations for the wedding. Maharani Jaivanta Bai had made sure she assigned everyone one responsibility or the other for Padmavati's wedding. To her, these occasions brought a family together as a unit no matter how many differences they had. Kunwar Pratap and Kunwar Shakti were sent to the market to a vigil on the list of things Sajja had ordered for the wedding. As they entered the Rani Baithak with the sevaks carrying the things, Kunwar Shakti was checking them with the list again while Kunwar Pratap's eyes travelled around the room full of people. His relatives were there too, and so were all those from Sajja's side helping in the wedding, he smiled at them cordially as his search didn't end. Where are you?
His Ranima saw his eyes hover as she smiled, calling " Ajabde."
She came out of the adjacent room, three garlands in hand. " Ranima is this..." She stopped as he smiled at her, making her heart skip a beat. She looked away as some of the elders smiled at each other.
" Check the things Ajabde, have they got everything?" Ajabde walked past him, trying hard to ignore his glances as Shakti moved aside. She checked the things and frowned.
" Where are the Tulsi leaves... and the Dhaaga?" She was about to stare right at him but she checked herself and turned to ask. " Ranima?"
" Tulsi! Dhaaga??" Shakti was shocked." Yes, we forgot that! I told Dadabhai we are forgetting something, Bhabisa but he..."
" I will get it." He cut in.
" I will send someone Pratap, it's all right." Ranima stopped him.
" Aree, Kunwaranisa is newly married, still she knows so much about the rasm."One of the older ladies complimented a blushing Ajabde who walked away with a shy smile. He moved back a few steps to make sure no one was noticing him before he walked off behind her.
" Ajabde..." She stopped in her tracks at his call but didn't turn to face him.
" Ji?" Ajabde was rubbing her hands together.
" Woh.... umm... don't send Shakti tonight..." He was not sure if it came out right. Her eyes widened as her heart skipped a beat.
" w...Why?"
" He kicks all night." He looked worried as Ajabde turned to him, a little shocked and then an amused smile appeared on her face.
" He what?"
" Kicks." Kunwar Pratap shrugged at her smile. " Will you..."
" Tonight Padmavati wants both me and Maan with her, she will be tensed so...." She cut him before he asked something that made them awkward.
" Meet me on the roof once they are asleep, I will be there." He said determined as she looked away.
" I...I can't..."
" Why?" He frowned.
" Somebody might...." She was not sure.
" Kunwarani Ajabde Baisa." She looked up at his face. " You are telling me you learnt everything about warfare and not how to move stealthily?" He seemed amused.
" Ji?" Her eyes widened again.
" Yes! Use your warfare skills. Move like no one can spot you and be there." He was walking off as she called in vain.
" But... I... Can't... Kunw...."
The Groom's family had arrived from Bikaner and Ranaji along with Kunwar Pratap and Kunwar Shakti were at the Senthi Mahal looking after the guests. The Rani mahal was busy hosting the sangeet as everyone smiled and danced carefreely. Ajabde was dragged to dance by his sisters but she stood there looking at them dancing away. She was smiling as they did the Ghoomer and that's when her eyes travelled to the curtains of the main entrance to the hall. Ajabde thought she was dreaming as he waved and called. She shook her head to a small no and looked away. Kunwar Pratap was determined to know whether she was coming or not. He stood there without fear as she feared he would be spotted.
" Ranima," Ajabde called softly amidst the music. " Woh hum... I remember something, Ranima, can I come back from the Puja Ghar?"
" Yes." Jaivanta Bai smiled.
She walked really quick out of the hall and into the far end of the corridor as he followed in silence making sure no one saw them. A fair distance away from the crowd she spoke up.
" Ji?"
" Ji?" He repeated.
" I mean.... why are you..."
" To confirm that you are coming to the roof or not." He smiled.
" Kunwar Pratap! I told you Padma...."
" I will wait till they sleep, you are coming."
" But..." She looked away, rolling her eyes confused.
" No Buts."
" Can I go back now?" She asked, still unsure, He nodded with a smile and watched her go.
The brothers were called to the hall after the dancing to do a special ceremony.
" It is our rasm that the elder brothers of the bride bless her with Shagun before the wedding." Sajja Bai declared. " The bride can ask for anything that the brothers will give." She explained.
" What?" Kunwar Shakti was not pleased. " What do you mean by anything, Ranima?"
" Anything." Padmavati smiled pleased.
" Kunwar Pratap you come first." He walked up to his sister and blessed her as she smiled.
" What do you want?" He asked, smiling.
" Umm... I want a payal, Dadabhai." He nodded saying " You will get it first thing in the morning."
" Now you!" She smiled at a reluctant Shakti as everyone laughed.
Ranima had gathered everyone at the temple for the aarti and puja before the wedding. The Princesses who had arrived just after the Sangeet had no idea who Ajabde Punwar was. Dressed simply, she stood behind Padmavati with her sisters, appearing nothing extraordinary. The Princesses who were Padmavati's friends were in awe of Kunwar Pratap Singh of Mewar. Ajabde heard them discuss his valour and bravery in front of her, clueless about who she was. Kunwarani Ajabde Punwar was proud of the fact that they praised her husband. He walked in and smiled at Ranima then his eyes searched the crowd of covered faces and stopped at her with a faint smile. The princesses were in awe of the perfect prince.
" Kunwar Pratap, come do your aarti." Ranima called after the queens and Padmavati had done theirs. He walked up to the priest and took the thaal. Then Ranima was about to say something but before she could, he stopped to turn and look at Ajabde. Jaivanta Bai smiled.
" Aaiye Kunwaraniji." She was a little taken aback as Jaivanta Bai nodded in agreement and the princesses gasped embarrassed that she was the one, standing right beside them and they had no idea. Eyes met as he gave her the aarti thali and she took it smiling. Holding an end of the thaal each, they did the aarti as Ranima urged " Ajabde, Bhajan."
Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram
Patita pavan Sitaram
Her voice filled the air, as he stood behind her, hands folded, in peace.
Kunwar Pratap was on the roof, looking at the stars in the clear night sky. He kept looking at the door to the roof but there was still no sign of her. She won't come. He frowned, displeased. But his thoughts stopped at the sound of a familiar Payal and Kamar bandh. He smiled, turning his back to the door as she entered and kept her lamp at the doorway.
" Kunwar..." She whispered.
" You are late." A stern reply came.
" I.... woh... sh shama... " She fumbled, scared as he hid a smile. " I... was waiting... for Padmavati to sleep."
" What if she wakes again?" He asked, turning towards her scared face.
" I... put some.... pillows in my...." His laughter stopped her as she looked confused.
" So much trouble to come here... " He smiled amused. She looked away blushing. He held her left hand with his right as our eyes met.
" Padmavati is very nervous," Ajabde spoke up. Your eyes scare me...
" Why?" I really don't want to spend our time talking about this...
" For the wedding...." What do you want to talk about...
" Were you nervous too?" Come on Ajabde, tell me.
" I...." She looked up at him before looking away. " I.... was scared." Of course, I was, you are Kunwar Pratap Singh.
" I was scared too." She looked confused at his confession as he smiled. " Scared if you will understand me and my priorities, nobody except Ranima did."
" Did I...." she smiled.
" You had the same ideals when Ranima said that I didn't believe her. " He smiled back. " I.... " he stopped taking both her hands and looked at them then back at her.
" I am glad we got married." He admitted. She nodded blushing.
They were sitting in a corner looking at the stars.
" That is the Archer, that's the Eagle, that's the Virgo, the Leo.... that is the Saptarshi..." She was pointing at the stars with her free left hand as he held her right one and listened amazed.
" How do you know all these?"
" The astrology lessons made me a little interested in Astronomy." She smiled.
" I can not ever remember all these, ever!" He admitted.
" You remember many more important administrative things we can never do." She stopped him.
" Was that a compliment?"
" Maybe ." She smiled teasingly. He watched her look so simple and beautiful under the lights of the stars.
The rays of the dawn disturbed Ajabde's sleep. She opened her eyes to see she was still on the roof, her head on his shoulder as he slept, holding her hand, half sitting on the couch there. She jumped up scared. It's morning! How did I... the whole palace will be awake... As she got up she startled him.
" Kya? What happened here? How am I...." He looked around still sleepy as he remembered the last thing that she was asleep listening to his war talks and he thought he would wake her before dawn. How did I fall asleep? They looked at each other with wide eyes before she ran, nodding and he picked up his Pagri to follow suit.
Ajabde was in the Rani Baithak a little late as Padmavati, Ranima and Majhli Maa smiled weirdly at her, making her heart skip a beat. They know! Dheer Bai looked confused before saying
" You are late on the Haldi Rasm Ajabde."
" I... I...."
" I'll send her somewhere." Sajja Bai smiled, saving her.
" Ajabde, go get the Haldi ready," Ranima spoke up as she nodded and left. He was entering the hall as eyes met and he went in to ask
" Do you have some work for me Ranima?"
" The smile on his mother's and sister's faces were so evident that he looked away embarrassed.
" No Kunwar Pratap, just go check on the guests once," Ranima ordered.
He was about to leave when Kunwar Shakti entered and frowned at him.
" Dadabhai, where were you all Night? I was in your room and...." Kunwar Pratap looked at him wide-eyed as the hall full of eyes stared at them. Dheer Bai now knew the secret smiles. Shakti was still confused.
"Haldi...." Ajabde's voice made them turn to the door, " I brought the Haldi Ranima." She walked past him, nervous.
" Kunwar Shakti," Sajja called. " Bring your brother to me now."
" But Ranima Vikram... Dadabhai I was..."
" Now. Go." His mother commanded he was still confused as Kunwar Pratap followed in a hurry shaking his head.
After the Haldi Rasm, Ajabde was in her room with the youngest princess, just three years old. She was chatting as Ajabde did her braids. Kunwar Pratap entered and frowned at the scene.
" Woh... Ranima is calling you." He addressed his sister.
" Ranima? Which Ranima?" She frowned.
" Rani Veer Baisa is looking all over for you."
The child ran out after thanking her Bhabisa as Ajabde looked displeased.
" How can you lie to a child like that?" He looked at her face with a teasing smile as she added " Why are you here Kunwarsa? Wasn't the smiles embarrassing enough?"
"I am here so that..." He stepped an inch closer as her heart beat faster.
" I can do this!" He smeared her left cheek with the Haldi he hid in his hand.
" Wha... why did you..." She was a little taken aback.
" Because you were all red and I thought you needed some balm, and the Haldi is a good lep you know!" He smiled at her stare as she walked away to clean her cheeks, blushing a little.
" I will be gone tomorrow." Padmavati was sad.
"Ohh don't worry." Shakti patted her head. " You will not be missed."
" Dadabhai Pratap! Look!!" She complained.
" Bhai Shakti..." He sternly stopped the laughing Shakti.
Ajabde walked in with the jewellery for the evening as the brothers left.
" Here... Look..." She smiled as Padmavati smiled back.
" Where were you two... last night?" Padma's question made her blush.
" I..." Padma held her hand excitedly. " Dadabhai wanted to see you?"
" Yes... I... the roof..." Ajabde blushed and fumbled. Padmavati laughed and hugged her.
" Baojiraj tell me." Chakrapani was following Pratap through the corridors of the guest Mahals.
" Tell you what?"
" Shakti said you were not in your room ...." Kunwar Pratap stopped and frowned. Is he telling everyone?
" What is it, Chakrapani? What do you want to know?" He turned around scaring his friend.
" I... wish.... you... err... like Bhabisa?" He managed to ask as a smile appeared on Kunwar Pratap's face seeing him fumble.
" Go home and tell your wife I do." He walked away as Chakrapani stood there with a How did he know Face!
His Ranima saw his eyes hover as she smiled, calling " Ajabde."
She came out of the adjacent room, three garlands in hand. " Ranima is this..." She stopped as he smiled at her, making her heart skip a beat. She looked away as some of the elders smiled at each other.
" Check the things Ajabde, have they got everything?" Ajabde walked past him, trying hard to ignore his glances as Shakti moved aside. She checked the things and frowned.
" Where are the Tulsi leaves... and the Dhaaga?" She was about to stare right at him but she checked herself and turned to ask. " Ranima?"
" Tulsi! Dhaaga??" Shakti was shocked." Yes, we forgot that! I told Dadabhai we are forgetting something, Bhabisa but he..."
" I will get it." He cut in.
" I will send someone Pratap, it's all right." Ranima stopped him.
" Aree, Kunwaranisa is newly married, still she knows so much about the rasm."One of the older ladies complimented a blushing Ajabde who walked away with a shy smile. He moved back a few steps to make sure no one was noticing him before he walked off behind her.
" Ajabde..." She stopped in her tracks at his call but didn't turn to face him.
" Ji?" Ajabde was rubbing her hands together.
" Woh.... umm... don't send Shakti tonight..." He was not sure if it came out right. Her eyes widened as her heart skipped a beat.
" w...Why?"
" He kicks all night." He looked worried as Ajabde turned to him, a little shocked and then an amused smile appeared on her face.
" He what?"
" Kicks." Kunwar Pratap shrugged at her smile. " Will you..."
" Tonight Padmavati wants both me and Maan with her, she will be tensed so...." She cut him before he asked something that made them awkward.
" Meet me on the roof once they are asleep, I will be there." He said determined as she looked away.
" I...I can't..."
" Why?" He frowned.
" Somebody might...." She was not sure.
" Kunwarani Ajabde Baisa." She looked up at his face. " You are telling me you learnt everything about warfare and not how to move stealthily?" He seemed amused.
" Ji?" Her eyes widened again.
" Yes! Use your warfare skills. Move like no one can spot you and be there." He was walking off as she called in vain.
" But... I... Can't... Kunw...."
The Groom's family had arrived from Bikaner and Ranaji along with Kunwar Pratap and Kunwar Shakti were at the Senthi Mahal looking after the guests. The Rani mahal was busy hosting the sangeet as everyone smiled and danced carefreely. Ajabde was dragged to dance by his sisters but she stood there looking at them dancing away. She was smiling as they did the Ghoomer and that's when her eyes travelled to the curtains of the main entrance to the hall. Ajabde thought she was dreaming as he waved and called. She shook her head to a small no and looked away. Kunwar Pratap was determined to know whether she was coming or not. He stood there without fear as she feared he would be spotted.
" Ranima," Ajabde called softly amidst the music. " Woh hum... I remember something, Ranima, can I come back from the Puja Ghar?"
" Yes." Jaivanta Bai smiled.
She walked really quick out of the hall and into the far end of the corridor as he followed in silence making sure no one saw them. A fair distance away from the crowd she spoke up.
" Ji?"
" Ji?" He repeated.
" I mean.... why are you..."
" To confirm that you are coming to the roof or not." He smiled.
" Kunwar Pratap! I told you Padma...."
" I will wait till they sleep, you are coming."
" But..." She looked away, rolling her eyes confused.
" No Buts."
" Can I go back now?" She asked, still unsure, He nodded with a smile and watched her go.
The brothers were called to the hall after the dancing to do a special ceremony.
" It is our rasm that the elder brothers of the bride bless her with Shagun before the wedding." Sajja Bai declared. " The bride can ask for anything that the brothers will give." She explained.
" What?" Kunwar Shakti was not pleased. " What do you mean by anything, Ranima?"
" Anything." Padmavati smiled pleased.
" Kunwar Pratap you come first." He walked up to his sister and blessed her as she smiled.
" What do you want?" He asked, smiling.
" Umm... I want a payal, Dadabhai." He nodded saying " You will get it first thing in the morning."
" Now you!" She smiled at a reluctant Shakti as everyone laughed.
Ranima had gathered everyone at the temple for the aarti and puja before the wedding. The Princesses who had arrived just after the Sangeet had no idea who Ajabde Punwar was. Dressed simply, she stood behind Padmavati with her sisters, appearing nothing extraordinary. The Princesses who were Padmavati's friends were in awe of Kunwar Pratap Singh of Mewar. Ajabde heard them discuss his valour and bravery in front of her, clueless about who she was. Kunwarani Ajabde Punwar was proud of the fact that they praised her husband. He walked in and smiled at Ranima then his eyes searched the crowd of covered faces and stopped at her with a faint smile. The princesses were in awe of the perfect prince.
" Kunwar Pratap, come do your aarti." Ranima called after the queens and Padmavati had done theirs. He walked up to the priest and took the thaal. Then Ranima was about to say something but before she could, he stopped to turn and look at Ajabde. Jaivanta Bai smiled.
" Aaiye Kunwaraniji." She was a little taken aback as Jaivanta Bai nodded in agreement and the princesses gasped embarrassed that she was the one, standing right beside them and they had no idea. Eyes met as he gave her the aarti thali and she took it smiling. Holding an end of the thaal each, they did the aarti as Ranima urged " Ajabde, Bhajan."
Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram
Patita pavan Sitaram
Her voice filled the air, as he stood behind her, hands folded, in peace.
Kunwar Pratap was on the roof, looking at the stars in the clear night sky. He kept looking at the door to the roof but there was still no sign of her. She won't come. He frowned, displeased. But his thoughts stopped at the sound of a familiar Payal and Kamar bandh. He smiled, turning his back to the door as she entered and kept her lamp at the doorway.
" Kunwar..." She whispered.
" You are late." A stern reply came.
" I.... woh... sh shama... " She fumbled, scared as he hid a smile. " I... was waiting... for Padmavati to sleep."
" What if she wakes again?" He asked, turning towards her scared face.
" I... put some.... pillows in my...." His laughter stopped her as she looked confused.
" So much trouble to come here... " He smiled amused. She looked away blushing. He held her left hand with his right as our eyes met.
" Padmavati is very nervous," Ajabde spoke up. Your eyes scare me...
" Why?" I really don't want to spend our time talking about this...
" For the wedding...." What do you want to talk about...
" Were you nervous too?" Come on Ajabde, tell me.
" I...." She looked up at him before looking away. " I.... was scared." Of course, I was, you are Kunwar Pratap Singh.
" I was scared too." She looked confused at his confession as he smiled. " Scared if you will understand me and my priorities, nobody except Ranima did."
" Did I...." she smiled.
" You had the same ideals when Ranima said that I didn't believe her. " He smiled back. " I.... " he stopped taking both her hands and looked at them then back at her.
" I am glad we got married." He admitted. She nodded blushing.
They were sitting in a corner looking at the stars.
" That is the Archer, that's the Eagle, that's the Virgo, the Leo.... that is the Saptarshi..." She was pointing at the stars with her free left hand as he held her right one and listened amazed.
" How do you know all these?"
" The astrology lessons made me a little interested in Astronomy." She smiled.
" I can not ever remember all these, ever!" He admitted.
" You remember many more important administrative things we can never do." She stopped him.
" Was that a compliment?"
" Maybe ." She smiled teasingly. He watched her look so simple and beautiful under the lights of the stars.
The rays of the dawn disturbed Ajabde's sleep. She opened her eyes to see she was still on the roof, her head on his shoulder as he slept, holding her hand, half sitting on the couch there. She jumped up scared. It's morning! How did I... the whole palace will be awake... As she got up she startled him.
" Kya? What happened here? How am I...." He looked around still sleepy as he remembered the last thing that she was asleep listening to his war talks and he thought he would wake her before dawn. How did I fall asleep? They looked at each other with wide eyes before she ran, nodding and he picked up his Pagri to follow suit.
Ajabde was in the Rani Baithak a little late as Padmavati, Ranima and Majhli Maa smiled weirdly at her, making her heart skip a beat. They know! Dheer Bai looked confused before saying
" You are late on the Haldi Rasm Ajabde."
" I... I...."
" I'll send her somewhere." Sajja Bai smiled, saving her.
" Ajabde, go get the Haldi ready," Ranima spoke up as she nodded and left. He was entering the hall as eyes met and he went in to ask
" Do you have some work for me Ranima?"
" The smile on his mother's and sister's faces were so evident that he looked away embarrassed.
" No Kunwar Pratap, just go check on the guests once," Ranima ordered.
He was about to leave when Kunwar Shakti entered and frowned at him.
" Dadabhai, where were you all Night? I was in your room and...." Kunwar Pratap looked at him wide-eyed as the hall full of eyes stared at them. Dheer Bai now knew the secret smiles. Shakti was still confused.
"Haldi...." Ajabde's voice made them turn to the door, " I brought the Haldi Ranima." She walked past him, nervous.
" Kunwar Shakti," Sajja called. " Bring your brother to me now."
" But Ranima Vikram... Dadabhai I was..."
" Now. Go." His mother commanded he was still confused as Kunwar Pratap followed in a hurry shaking his head.
After the Haldi Rasm, Ajabde was in her room with the youngest princess, just three years old. She was chatting as Ajabde did her braids. Kunwar Pratap entered and frowned at the scene.
" Woh... Ranima is calling you." He addressed his sister.
" Ranima? Which Ranima?" She frowned.
" Rani Veer Baisa is looking all over for you."
The child ran out after thanking her Bhabisa as Ajabde looked displeased.
" How can you lie to a child like that?" He looked at her face with a teasing smile as she added " Why are you here Kunwarsa? Wasn't the smiles embarrassing enough?"
"I am here so that..." He stepped an inch closer as her heart beat faster.
" I can do this!" He smeared her left cheek with the Haldi he hid in his hand.
" Wha... why did you..." She was a little taken aback.
" Because you were all red and I thought you needed some balm, and the Haldi is a good lep you know!" He smiled at her stare as she walked away to clean her cheeks, blushing a little.
" I will be gone tomorrow." Padmavati was sad.
"Ohh don't worry." Shakti patted her head. " You will not be missed."
" Dadabhai Pratap! Look!!" She complained.
" Bhai Shakti..." He sternly stopped the laughing Shakti.
Ajabde walked in with the jewellery for the evening as the brothers left.
" Here... Look..." She smiled as Padmavati smiled back.
" Where were you two... last night?" Padma's question made her blush.
" I..." Padma held her hand excitedly. " Dadabhai wanted to see you?"
" Yes... I... the roof..." Ajabde blushed and fumbled. Padmavati laughed and hugged her.
" Baojiraj tell me." Chakrapani was following Pratap through the corridors of the guest Mahals.
" Tell you what?"
" Shakti said you were not in your room ...." Kunwar Pratap stopped and frowned. Is he telling everyone?
" What is it, Chakrapani? What do you want to know?" He turned around scaring his friend.
" I... wish.... you... err... like Bhabisa?" He managed to ask as a smile appeared on Kunwar Pratap's face seeing him fumble.
" Go home and tell your wife I do." He walked away as Chakrapani stood there with a How did he know Face!
Suranya U MORE THAN MADE UP FOR THE WAIT...
ReplyDeleteThe update was very very eventful ;)
So Ajab is bringing out the fun n naughty side of Pratap... just loved the way he talks abt moving stealthily as a warfare practice!!! Equally loved the efforts Ajab is making to please him in turn pleasing herself...
It is impressive how you put up their conversation forward without any complications, heart to heart (specially the ones in Italic symbolizing their conversations without words..) and through these open them to each other layer by layer!!! Him saying that he was glad that they got married will stay with her forever :D
N Shakti my Dear u just made a lamb duck out of ur Dadabhai... N Chakri Baojiraj does knows a lot!!!
Hhahaahah haan Shakti, aakal na hai usme :P
ReplyDelete