Skip to main content

Happy Ending

Dheer had a sleepless night. Yes, she had killed the Maharani, but to seek revenge for her son. Jagmal was all she had for a dream, and Rana Pratap's first decision was to banish him. He had never been that tough with his other brothers who went with Akbar, then why him? Just because he wanted to be a king? Just because they brought a false letter and bought a few witnesses? Her son died in Ajmer, so young. And she had always blamed Ajabdeh Punwar for Rana's hard decision. After all, ever since she came as a support for Jaivanta Bai, she had been like his shield, even though creating misunderstandings didn't help Dheer Bai Bhatiyani. Ajabdeh had done the impossible, showing him the real face of his Chotima.

What bothered Dheer now was if he remembered anything, and most importantly, if she did. Dheer had turned pale at the song and smile Pratap gave, but if he knew she had killed Ajabdeh, it meant Survi remembered her walking to a dying Ajabdeh and confessing that she had won. It meant... Dheer was now worried about the phrase History repeats itself. She didn't care about the past anymore, frankly. Even if they knew, they couldn't prove anything! No one would believe it if Pratap claimed to be the Maharana. What she was really worried about now was that Pratap knew her deeds in the present. She had been in his good books forever until this girl came, and all of a sudden, Pratap seemed a little cold towards her.

Her escape plan was foolproof. She had called an associate in Delhi who would take her from here to Udaipur, and she would take a flight away from the country. She had planned to leave a letter and not tell Hansa beforehand, as then, if at all anyone knew, they couldn't catch her. Now, only the wedding to attend, and she would never see her past again. However, out of her curiosity and fear, she wanted to know what Survi knew.

Survi was being dressed in bridal attire by her friends when she walked in. Survi saw her reflection in the mirror and she remembered another wedding era ago when this woman had welcomed her with the sweetest smile. She smiled the same smile, turning, " Aree Mausi? Can I call you that now?" There was a slight hint of sarcasm.
" Of course, now that you are his...."
" I will be in a few hours." She blushed. Dheer smiled and took the mantika.
" May I?"
" Sure, Mausi."
" Survi, I have no children, so Pratap is like my own."
" I know Mausi. He says he is closer to you than Maasa also." Saying this, Survi did the unusual. She hugged Dheer. Dheer was a little taken aback and smiled. No way does Ajabdeh remember!

 The wedding day seemed like the one she remembered as he looked royal in his golden sherwani and red pagri. Her red Jora, he designed it like it was. He remembered the smallest details. As she walked into the Mandap, helped by her friends and Dheer, who was now keeping an eye on Pratap to see his reactions, his heart skipped a beat, alarmed by Dheer's look while he managed a smile. They sat for the wedding in front of a small gathering as the sun shone bright. She stared at him as she remembered that last time, the heavy dupatta was blocking her view... This time, he had kept it simple, the way she desired. It was time for Gath Bandhan and Pratap to stare at Dheer.
" Mausi, do the gaand bandhan please." He smiled. Survi nodded.

His request reassured Dheer that they didn't remember what she did. She did the bandhan as Pratap stared at Survi, who blushed happily. They were having the most important day of their lives. For they were reuniting and renewing age-old vows, and because it was time to make evil pay.

As he took her hand for the Pheras and flowers rained upon them, Survi had tears in her eyes. She could hear the happy souls of Chittor bless them. She could see the faces of all the people she had loved and lost in time. Raoji, Rawatji, Patta, Balwant, Ratan, and all the people she called family in Chittor. She was glad that Jaivanta and Hansa smiled at them happily. They might not have known or remembered anything, but their mere presence made her feel safe. He understood her thought as he stared at her twinkling eyes during Jaimala and smiled reassuringly. Pratap also felt as if the souls of everyone who was killed by the Mughals wanted Dheer Bai to suffer. He filled her hairline with the sindoor as Dheer watched her worst dream come true with a helpless smile. Pratap smiled at his Ajabdeh and made a promise to himself. I won't let you go, I will make you happy, this time.

Survi and Pratap stared right at her, smiling as she felt even more awkward. Dheer was clearly not enjoying the party or the food as Pratap kept an eye on her activities. Soon after the party, the cars were leaving one by one, and Pratap insisted he would go in the last car with Dheer Mausi and Survi. " My two favourite people." He smiled at Dheer. Dheer agreed. Reaching home, I will take my bags and escape through the back door while you do your rasms! I can't take the risk anymore.

As the place emptied out, Pratap got up and took Survi's hand.
“ One moment, Mausi, I forgot something important.” He smiled.
“ Sure, take your time.” She smiled back.

Pratap lit the Mandap kund with a diya and smiled at Survi, taking her hand.
“ We will take our own vows now. Ready?” He was loud enough.
“ Yes, sure.” She nodded. We have done this before.
Dheer walked up to the mandap to watch them. They were so childish, not at all like the Pratap and Ajabdeh she knew.

“ Pehla… Hum kabhi kisi teesre ke baaton mein nahi ayenge.” He regretted leaving her.
“ Dusra, kabhi agar koi hume dukh de, unko maaf nahi karenge.” She added.
“ Teesra, I will protect you with my life.” He smiled at her.
“ I will protect our dreams and give you a happy life.” She smiled back.
“ Hum kabhi bhi koi bhi problem mein akele nahi honge.” He added, firmly holding her hand.
“ Hum kabhi ek dusre pe trust karna nahi chodenge.” She added.

They stop and stare at Dheer, who had turned a little pale as they added in unison, “ Jo pehle hua dobara nahi hoga,” hand in hand. 
Dheer took a step back, visibly scared.
Survi smiled.
“ Kya hua, Mausiji? Oops…. Chotima?” She asked. Dheer saw a police jeep appear behind her.
“ P…Pratap! Yeh… Yeh Ladki galat samajh rahi… maine kuch nahi kia… kaun Chotima?”
“ Aap. Aap Chotima.” He was angry. “ Wohi Chotima jinhone humara zindagi narkh bana dala. Cheen li humse humare Ajabdeh ko.” He stared at Survi.
“ Officers take her. Iss baar aap haar gayi.” Pratap smiled. Dheer gasped as she found herself surrounded by armed police women. " You are a fraud who escaped from Delhi, hume pata hai."

Dheer was screaming “ Pratap! Pratap! Apne ma ka socho, humare parivaar ka …” as the police took her away.
A sudden gust of cold wind blew as Pratap held her hand and looked into her eyes, and whispered.
“ Ajabdeh.”
“ Ji?”
“ Hum aapse bohot prem karte hai.” He smiled at her blushing.
“ I love you, too.” She hid her face in his chest.


 Dheer was given Life Imprisonment for two frauds, planning another that involved a murder, and also, as Pratap mentioned in his complaint, planning an attack on his bride, a day before the wedding. Survi was not ready to accept that she came to her room to attack, but Pratap concluded she was just being the nice self she is. Dheer had no sympathy from her sister or anyone, as Hansa was shocked at her truth. Her sister was a fraud, an escapist and someone who tried to hurt her son. Dheer had no way out as everyone refused to believe her lies.

5 years later.

“ Mamma is working na? Stay with me.” Pratap urged an impatient Amar.
“ What is she doing?” He asked with a frown. Amar Singh was a reflection of his father.
“ She is helping the ASI reconstruct the Chittor Kumbha Palace like it was.” He pointed at the ruined Palace from where they stood. He smiled unknowingly, proudly.
" Like it was before..." He stopped closing his eyes and added, " Chittor siege." The boy looked confused. Whenever they came here, Papa and Mamma always behaved like they knew this place so well, and all he could see were rocks and temples.

Survi had changed her name to Ajabdeh Pratap Singh, much to her mother’s annoyance. Jaivanta had concluded that her history obsession had made her mad. Pratap had just smiled at her decision. She was now the chief Archaeologist in the project. She walked out to see her family waiting, and she smiled at them. Amar ran to hug her.
“ Mamma!”
“ Kya sikhayi thi?” She asked sternly.
“ Ranima!” The child giggled. She picked up the boy and hugged him before placing him down as he ran to play.

Pratap smiled as he walked towards his wife.
“ The project will be done in the next three years, Pratap. The Kumbha Palace will stand again.” She smiled at him. " Chittor will be back to its former glory." She stared at the Royal flag flying.
“ We have done it, Ajab, we have come back to Chittor.” He smiled as she nodded. " We have done it." She repeated.
" And once it stands, we will bring Amar here each year." He looked excited.
" And the government has also proposed an annual remembrance meet for the Bravehearts of the... siege. They will make idols of Rawatji, Patta, Jaimal Ji and... the Viranganas." She said with a shake of the voice as he held her hand and pressed it, reassuring her he was proud, and the fact that he knew how much she wanted to be part of it like he did, but that was a past they couldn't change.

Amar was playing with a rock as they stared at him proudly. The day he came, they had chosen his name the moment they heard " It's a boy." It's like they knew him already. It's like they knew it was a boy.
" Will he remember?" She wondered.
" Time will tell."
“ I wish he remembers.” She added.
“ Me too.” He answered as she put her tired head on his shoulders and he kissed her forehead, holding her hand, as they looked at Amar Pratap Singh play.
THE END



Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Towards You

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...
6 comments
Read More

Purnota: Prologue

2008. Kolkata. The autumnal rain swept across the gravelled streets of Kolkata. In the darkest hour of the night, the occasional thunder rumbled across the sky, now covered in thick grey clouds. The street lights reflected on them as though a shower of golden light was flooding the streets of South Kolkata. It was widely believed that such torrential rain with thunderstorms just before the Durga Puja was a sign of Maa Durga having a marital spat with Baba Mahadev, whose possessiveness and love for his wife made him want to stop her from coming home with the four children for the five-day extravaganza. The rain was her tears, and the thunder rolls were the arguments between husband and wife. Such was the tale told by grandmothers across Bengal when the children flocked around her, scared of the thunder god’s wrath.  As the raindrops suddenly changed course and rushed into the room of the boarding house near Southern Avenue with a sudden gust of wind, she was jolted from this romanti...
Post a Comment
Read More

Dreams and Wishes

At dawn, the Bhil women took the girls to the Kalika Mata Temple and the Jal Kund. Dressed in white a nervous Heer followed everything Ajabde knew and did, trying to explain the significance of the rituals to her. They prayed to Lord Ganesh. Kunwar Shakti and Kunwar Pratap were staying at Punja Ji's place as they were not supposed to see the brides before the wedding. Ajabde was dressed in her mother's lehenga, a mang tika Jaivanta Bai gave her as a family heirloom and the simple nosering Pratap had gifted. They made their hair into a simple bun with wildflowers before putting on her dupatta. Heer was dressed in traditional Bhil jewellery of silver and beads that the women had gifted her. They made her wear a red and white saree draped as a lehenga and a red chunri with it. She looked like a pretty colourful Bhil bride. Kunwar Shakti was a nervous groom dressed in a traditional bhil dhoti, kurta and cap. The bhil shawl hung from a side, making the white attire colourful. K...
5 comments
Read More

Purnota: Chapter One

“The cyclone that hit Bangladesh on May 2nd, 1994, has left parts of Bangladesh and Myanmar devastated. Landslides have been seen in and around Northeast India, and Dumdum Airport has resumed its function after two days. Fishermen are still prohibited from going into the sea. The winds reached up to 215 km/h…” The men grunted at the radio news while sitting on the bench of the tea stall in Kobi Bharat Chandra Road in Chandannagar. One of the older men put away the Ananda Bazar Patrika, picking up his glass of tea while some of the others looked through a notebook. One of them had thick spectacles on and a pen tucked behind his ear while the younger ones smoked cigarettes and debated about the India-Pakistan match at Sharjah, which Pakistan once again won by thirty-nine runs. “I am telling you, Poritosh Da, they cheated.” A young man said, letting out smoke. “No way they could have won the final had it not been at Sharjah.” “Oh, stop your theories. Nobody except Kambli stood up to them ...
Post a Comment
Read More

Purnota: Chapter Two

“The car will not go beyond this point, Choto Malik .” The driver’s words forced Aniruddha to step out, and his feet landed in mud. “The wheels will get stuck. It seems like it rained a lot yesterday.” The driver added as he inspected the road in the dim light of the setting dusk.    “How far is the house?” Aniruddha frowned, contemplating. “I can walk.” “This is just the beginning of the area; we have to look for it.” The driver shrugged. “Should I bring out your luggage?” Aniruddha sighed. He had a trolley and a bag. How could he walk with them in the mud? Leaving the car there was not safe either. “Who are you looking for?” The childish voice came through the silence around them, though nobody could be seen. Aniruddha looked around, and so did the alarmed driver. “Whose house are you searching for?” The voice was heard again. The driver jumped back a few steps, saying, “ Bh… Bh… Bhoot… ” “What?” Aniruddha shook his head as the man looked scared “There is no such thing as…” ...
Post a Comment
Read More

Destiny

The war was almost won. A few of Marwar’s soldiers were left on the field along with Rao Maldeo Singh Rathore, their king and leader. He was thinking of retreating at the end of this day. As his sword clashed with one of the opponent generals as he eyed the opponent King now open and prone to attack. A little hope flickered in his mind as his eyes instructed his closest aide. The opponent was in a winning situation thanks to their new Senapati. He was just sixteen, yet his bravery and valour reflected his blood and upbringing. He mesmerised the opponents and even Rao Maldeo with his clever war strategies and sword skills. As Maldeo’s aide swung his sword at a taken aback Udai Singh, someone’s sword defended it as his body acted like a shield for the king. He killed the man in one go. “ Ranaji, are you okay?” “ Haan Raoji.” He nodded gratefully.  By half the day, the Marwar army had retreated as the air filled with “ Jai Mewar! Jai Eklingji!” From the triumphant soldiers. Rana Udai ...
1 comment
Read More

Purnota: Chapter Three

“Did you ask for me, Dadu?” Bondita asked as the old man smiled at her. She looked fresh, with her hair neatly braided and a cotton pleated skirt, Thamma sewn with a faded top of one of her cousins, as she stood before the old man sitting on the porch. “Yes indeed, Didibhai, you didn’t come for chess yesterday.” The man smiled. “Oh, Pradhan Jyatha wanted me to look out for the …” She stopped as she saw Aniruddha walking towards them down the corridor. She eyed him as the old man followed her gaze. “Oh Aniruddha Babu, come here. This is Bondita Das.” Aniruddha smiled at the child as she looked away. “She is the only girl in the village who has appeared for her final examinations this year. She is very intelligent and…” Aniruddha nodded “She helped me a lot yesterday.” He made her look up, with a cold stare at him as he smiled politely. “Yes, I have called her here to show you around the village. He wants to see the affected areas of the Adivasis, Bondita.” The old man made her nod. “But...
Post a Comment
Read More

Secrets of the Hearts

Kunwar Pratap opened his eyes to catch a glimpse of Ajabde. She was sitting on the chair in front of the dressing table, filling her hairline with the sindoor. She looked freshly bathed and so serene in the light of the dawn, he stared with a smile meandering on his lips. He didn't get up or make her aware of his watchful eyes, but Ajabde seemed to feel it as she blushed slightly before putting on her dupatta and walking into the Puja Room without looking at him, although fully aware that his eyes followed her.   He dressed up as she finished her puja and he was heading out as she frowned. Usually, he waited to take her prasad and tell her the agenda for the day. He stopped at the door, aware of her confusion.   " I am going to Ranima, I will be back to take Prasad and my Dagger. " He smiled back as she nodded, keeping her Thaal as she went to place his dagger, sword and brooch right where he needed them to be. He stepped into Ranima's puja Ghar to find Hansa Bai and ...
9 comments
Read More

His Wife

" Where is the Kesar, Rama? And the Kalash?" Ajabde looked visibly displeased at the daasi who ran. " They are at the fort gates and nothing is ready yet!" She exclaimed. She was clad in a red Jora and the jewellery she had inherited as the first Kunwarani of the crown prince. Little Amar ran down the hallway towards his mother. " Maa sa Maa sa... who is coming with Daajiraj?" His innocent question made her heart sink. " Bhanwar Ji." Sajja Bai called out to him. " Come here I will tell you." Amar rushed to his Majhli Dadisa. " Ajabde." She turned at Jaivanta Bai's call. "They are here." " M... My Aarti thali..." Ajabde looked lost like never before. Jaivanta Bai held her stone-cold hands, making her stop. She patted her head and gave her a hug. The hug gave her the comfort she was looking for as her racing heart calmed down. Jaivanta Bai left her alone with her thaal. " Maa sa!" Amar exclaimed...
Post a Comment
Read More

You Deserve More

Ajabde woke up with the song of birds as she felt something warm clinging to her hand. Her eyes went wide. Her hand was on the pillow in between, between his hands, clasped as he slept. She thought of removing it slowly but he was holding it so tight. Ajabde's heart beat faster and faster. What do I do now? How do I not wake him? What if... why is my hand in his? She was utterly confused.   " Am I..." In love? Pratap was staring at the sleeping figure on his bed as he again looked back at the rain. Then he looked back frowning as she shivered. He closed the windows of the room, to make it cosy then sat on his side of the bed. A lamp flickered on her side like always and he stared at her sleeping figure as he put his blanket over her as well. She shifted a little in her sleep to make herself cosy again. Her payals and bangles made a rhythmic sound breaking the silence of the room. Her hand was out of her blanket and on the pillow in between. He tried to slowly put it in th...
8 comments
Read More