Skip to main content

I Know You

By
The car zoomed through the Haldighati Pass. They stared out in silence. Pratap was beside the driver, and Survi sat with her mother in the back seat. The driver pointed towards the cliff, saying.
“ Udhar, Pahari ke beech woh gaon hai, jaha haldighati k waqt Ranaji rehte thee, ab khandar hai. Loha Karan naam tha.”
“ We will visit on our way back.” They spoke in unison as they stared at each other. Jaivanta stared at them both and spoke up.
“ We need a guide at Haldighati.” She said to the driver.
“ Aunty, who needs a guide when you have two history buffs with you?” Pratap smiled. “ Especially Survi knows a lot.” He smiled at her. Survi felt her cheeks go warm and red at his compliment as she smiled.
" No, No, I..."
" Yes, my daughter is indeed  ..."
" Mom..." She stopped her embarrassed.

As they walked to the banks of the Banas near Rakht Talai, Pratap felt a sudden heaviness in his head. He looked around, and he could hear… cries… Har har Mahadev! Har har Mahadev! Even closing his eyes couldn't make them go.
“ Survi, tell me about the war,” Jaivanta asked. She was about to tell her mother what she had read when he started.

“The Mughal soldiers were coming from there, thousands of them. The Bhils were up on that hill, Rana Punja’s Bhils. Hakim Khan and his troops aligned up front. Amar was…. He was with Chundawat.” He stared at Survi, making her feel a shiver down her spine. His stare was like he was in a trance.

He said he never came here, then how can he describe it so accurately? Survi’s eyes narrowed as he continued. He pointed at the other end.
“ The troop remaining attacked Maan Singh and his men, and Chetak was badly injured.” He continued as she saw his eyes twinkle.

“ ….Then I rode away on Chetak one last time from the ground. Chetak fell on the way; his memorial is up there.” He pointed at the structure uphill.
“ You go and see the memorial, I will wait in the car, Survi.” Jaivanta was tired after the 30-minute lecture from the ASI guy. She frankly didn't hear half the details.
Survi seemed to stare right at Pratap, making him uncomfortable.
“Let's go.” He managed a smile. She nodded and walked ahead.

They climbed up to where Chetak's cenotaph stood. He touched the plaque  “Chetak.” His voice was…. Guilty?
“ You said I rode away…” Survi spoke up, eyeing the car at a distance where her mother sat chatting with the driver, fanning herself with the end of her saree.
“ Pardon?” He asked, surprised.
“ You said I rode away on Chetak. Why?” Her question stunned him, as he wondered. Will she believe the vision I got down there that I am… No….
“ It slipped. I was in character.” She saw him look away. Survi frowned as they made their way to the Mahadev caves, where they believed Maharana Pratap rested when he was injured.
"He was waiting for her to take him home," Pratap murmured under his breath. "He knew she could come for him. Even when she was far away." He did not remember where she was.
"Avadgarh," Survi spoke matter-of-factly. "She was at Avadgarh." Eyes met as he realised he was speaking his thoughts out loud. Survi looked away. "I read it somewhere."

The car stopped at the village ruins a few minutes later. The driver said that the site was not a tourist spot and there was nothing there. Jaivanta refused to get down from the car as Pratap and Survi walked through the ruins. She stopped at a place. She was right here and …“ Tilak.”
She closed her eyes to remember. She breathed deeply. She saw a crowd. Right in front of her.
“ Rana Pratap Ki Jai.” It echoed. The crowd parted, and it was….

Pratap? She opened her eyes to see him standing exactly where he stood in her vision and looking at her as though he was thinking the same.
“ Pratap.” Her mouth dried up as she looked away. “ Is there something you should tell me?” All of a sudden, she was sure all the male voices she heard were his. He was unusually quiet. Looking away like he was guilty. Speak up, let me hear you.

“ Pratap.” She stepped forward and looked him in the eyes.
“ Aja….” He stopped and closed his eyes to check himself. A shiver ran down her spine.
“ Pratap, look at me. And tell me what you think. I am leaving tomorrow, and I will never come back.” The last words made him look up at her teary eyes.
“ Are you who I think you are? Tell me.” She added calmly. Her eyes spoke of fear.

“ What do you want me to say, Survi? Kya bole hum? You were right, I am mad, I … have these flashes and … I see these dreams and… You are in this wedding attire and your mother is my mother….” He seemed restless.
“ And yours is mine… and there are Mahals… and …” She was calm.
“ And you are dying… I am saying don’t leave me… don’t go…. Ajabdeh.” He stared at her as she looked shocked.
“ Ajabdeh?” She repeated. “ You call me Ajabdeh in your dreams?” He nodded helplessly.

“ I saw a dream yesterday. “ She looked away. “ You were filling my hairline and the crowd…”
“ Was shouting Kunwar Pratap and Ajabdeh Baisa ki Jai?” He completed her sentence as tears appeared in her eyes.
“ You are… I am….” She fumbled. "What do we do?" Her question had an urgency. The need to do something that would fix everything that was not broken. The need to hold on to someone she had no right to in this life.

Everything was clear, like it was yesterday.  The first sight, the wedding, the struggles, the enemies, Dheer Bai Ji! She remembered the face as she stared at him. Scared. Dheerbai had always wanted her dead, and she was alive to see it then. He read her thoughts.

“ I won’t let anyone harm you this time, Ajabdeh, I promise.” He held her hand.
“ But… But....No one will believe us…” She was puzzled.
“They will believe we can be in love, and the rest is our secret.” He added. Wiping away her tears. Survi looked at him unsurely. Did she love this man or a shadow of who he was in the past? But could she go away, knowing what she knew? Pratap knew what she was thinking. He felt the same way, yet he could not deny the fact that he had a strong urge to hold on to her. An urge not to let her go now that he had found his way back to her.

Then, in an impulse of the moment, like they had waited for each other forever, they embraced each other. She closed her eyes, feeling his heartbeat as the voices in her head stopped. He felt like he had had this feeling before, like she was in his arms before, a million times, when he needed to be reassured. Tears flew. He kissed her forehead, holding her like he never wanted to let go.

“ Survi!” Jaivanta’s cry made them jolt apart as she looked at the duo, angry and humiliated.
“ You wanted to stay here for him?" She was angry. " This guy who lives in this... village and...Survi! I gave you freedom doesn't mean you will end up humiliating me. We are leaving right now.” She dragged a helpless Survi to the car as both pleaded, “ No. You don’t understand.” Pratap followed them as Jaivanta shouted at the driver, " Take us back, then Luggage leke jaenge Udaipur."

Hansa saw a visibly angry Jaivanta walk in, dragging a crying Survi by the hand. Pratap walked in restless and pleading.
“ Aunty, please listen to me once.”
“ What happened?” Hansa asked worriedly as Jaivanta lost her cool.
“ What happened? What happened is that your son was hugging my daughter in broad daylight.”
“ What?” She looked surprised. “ That can’t be... Pratap??” He looked away.
Dheer spoke up. “ I told you, Jija, this girl is trouble. She is here with some purpose. Kar di na badnami.”
“ Stop it!” A shout came from Pratap, stunning everyone as Survi looked wide-eyed.
“ You have done this before; I won’t let it happen again.”  His words made her heart skip a beat. Scared at what he might say, Survi whispered a warning. “ Umm… Pratap?”
“ Done what before?” Hansa asked, confused.
“ She…” Pratap looked away. “ Mausi is jealous of you. Because Nanaji gave you his property.”
“ How dare you say that, Pratap?” Dheer looked stunned. Then she stormed back to her room.

“Look, I have no interest in your family matters. Survi, let's go.” Jaivanta spoke up again.
“ Listen to me, Mom.” She said in vain.
“ Jaivanta Ji, aap bina samjhe gussa ho rahe thee,” Hansa spoke up. “ Hume batayiye kya hua hai.”
“ Bin samjhe? “ Jaivanta looked stunned. “Maine apne aakhon se…”
“ Listen to me, Mom, please,” Survi begged.
“ Stop it, Ranima.” Pratap's words made them look shocked.

“Did you just… call me Ranima?” Jaivanta asked, stunned.
Suddenly, the voices were back in Survi’s head with that call.
Ranima. Ranima. Hum e pakriye. Ranima! It was a boy’s giggle in her head. She felt dizzy.
Ajabdeh, aapko hum jeetne nahi denge. Haan Ajabdeh, aap ke putra aap ke pati sab apse dur kar denge hum. Sab!

It was another voice, as the face became clearer in the dark.

“ Survi?” Her mother asked, scared seeing her hold her head. Pratap turned around, scared. Survi's vision blurred as everything looked dark. The only thing she saw was Pratap's face, then another in the vision. Dheer Bai Bhatiyani. She held the chair near her to balance herself. She was about to fall when Pratap caught her.
“ Ajabdeh?” His voice echoed in her head. " What's wrong? What's wrong?"
He looked pale. Jaivanta rushed to her daughter's side. " Survi? Beta?"
" I am calling a doctor." Hansa ran in a hurry.
Dheer walked out towards the commotion as Pratap raised his hand, saying, " Don't you dare come near her." Dheer looked at her nephew with wide eyes, and Hansa looked surprised as Jaivanta cried, " Why is she not moving?"




Labels:

Popular posts from this blog

My Everything

By
Kunwar Pratap stormed into the Mahal at Gogunda amidst uncertainty and chaos. Happy faces of the chieftains and soldiers welcomed him as Rawat Chundawat, and some other chieftains stopped the ongoing Raj Tilak. A visibly scared Kunwar Jagmal looked clueless at a visibly angry Kunwar Pratap. Rani Dheerbai Bhatiyani hadn't expected Kunwar Pratap to show up, that too, despite her conveying to him his father's last wish of crowning Kunwar Jagmal. Twenty-one days after Udai Singh's death, she was finally close to a dream she had dared to dream since Jagmal was born. He was not informed about the Raj Tilak as per Dheerbai's instructions. She eyed Rawat Ji. He must have assembled the chiefs to this revolt against her son, against the dead king. No one except them knew where Kunwar Pratap was staying. It was for the safety of his family. " What are you doing, Chotima?" A disappointed voice was directed at her. She could stoop down so low? For the first time, an anger...
Read More

His Wife

By
" Where is the Kesar, Rama? And the Kalash?" Ajabdeh looked visibly displeased at the ladies who ran around. " They are at the fort gates, and nothing is ready yet!" She exclaimed. She was clad in a red lehenga and the jewellery she had inherited as the first Kunwarani of the crown prince. Little Amar ran down the hallway towards his mother. " Maasa Maasa... 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., " Ajabdeh." 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!" ...
Read More

Destiny

By
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 ...
Read More

Purnota: Chapter Forty One

By
Kalindi stood looking at the Ganga in the distance as Trilochon watched her. It was later in the night, and the stars were veiling the clear summer sky. A cool breeze blew from the Ganga, relaxing Kalindi’s restless heart as she took a stroll. Trilochon had spotted her in the garden from his balcony and walked up to her. She did not turn as he came up behind her and cleared his throat. “I apologise for storming off like that.” He was the first to speak. Kalindi inhaled. “Have you heard that she went to borrow a saree from Bouma to wear to some party?” Kalindi spoke rather monotonously.  “Yes, Bouma said so.” Trilochon cleared his throat. He left out the part where Asha enthusiastically told him about Bondita blushing and her idea of telling Bondita to confess her feelings. Instead, Trilochon added, “The senior is very influential. He can have some good contacts for Bondita. Perhaps enough for her to get a job in Kolkata, like you wanted.” Kalindi could hear through his unconvincing...
Read More

To Protect You

By
Kunwar Pratap was in the court with Rana Udai Singh. The Mughals were conquering a huge part of the north courtesy of Bairam Khan and Mewar on their routes to the ports of Surat. " Daajiraj, we need to secure the roads leading to Agra and also towards the west. The attack-prone areas should always be under surveillance." " Yes, Ranaji. Baojiraj is right." Rawatji agreed.   In the Rani Mahal, everyone was preparing for a grand lunch. Ajabdeh was making a drink for the princes and princesses, and in a hurry, she forgot to add the Kesar and Badam on top. As she served the smaller princes, including Kunwar Jagmal, Dheerbai came to inspect her eldest son's food. " What is this? Who made this? Kokoiaji?" She stormed to the kitchen with a bowl of sweet dishes.   " Kunwaranisa did." Came a scary answer, from Veer Bai. " Ajabdeh Baisa." Her words let out a silent gasp from the lesser queens who stood witness. Calm and composed, Ajabdeh walke...
Read More

Purnota: Chapter Forty Three

By
Trilochon and Kalindi were having tea in the morning in their living room when Binoy walked downstairs in his Pajama Panjabi, pipe in hand and found them. Watching him unusually in his home attire, Trilochon frowned. “Are you sick? I thought you had already left.” Binoy sat down on the single chaise chair beside the couch as Kalindi poured some tea for him.  “ I told you, Dada, I am here to retire.” He said, putting his pipe in his pocket. “Today, Som is going alone. We will see how that goes.” Their conversation was interrupted by Asha coming into the house in a white and red saree, with a red sindoor Teep on her forehead. She had a basket with her, and Koeli was accompanying her as she offered them the sweets she had taken as Prasad. “Since it’s his first day at the new position, we went to the temple together.” Asha narrated to Kalindi. “He left for work from there.” “Do you not have school today?” Kalindi enquired as Asha shook her head. She smiled, eyeing Trilochon, who narra...
Read More

Purnota: Chapter Forty

By
“ Ei Bondita,” Asha called her from the stairs as Bondita placed down some papers Aniruddha wanted from the office and was leaving the house. “Come up to my room.” She waved.  “ Aschi, Boudi.” Bondita walked up to her room, removing the waistcoat from over her Kurti. She sat down on the edge of Asha’s bed and closed the door. Bondita looked perplexed. “What… is wrong?” “Where is Dadabhai? Is he here?” Bondita shook her head. He was probably still working. “Sir.” The newly recruited junior knocked on the chamber door of Aniruddha’s office as he looked up from the screen. “Your father is here.” Aniruddha frowned a little at his words. Binoy never visited the office. He asked the man to bring him in. Binoy walked in, in a polo-necked navy blue t-shirt over a pair of beige pants, as Aniruddha observed him remove his glasses and look around. “What brought you here?” He enquired after waiting a little in vain for him to speak. “Just came by… for a chat.” Binoy sat down on the seat acros...
Read More

Eternally Yours

By
Ajabdeh woke up to find neither the pillow nor the husband beside her. That was really unusual. Has she overslept? No, it was dark, and the first birds were singing. She sat up to find that he had neatly arranged the pillows and made his side of the bed, and put his blanket over her. She checked the changing room. No, he was not there, but unlike other days, his clothes were not in a mess. She freshened up and reached the dressing table. His brooch was not there. Where is he? Has the war... Her heart skipped a beat. What if he had left and not even woken her up? " Daasi? Daasi?" She called out as one of them walked in. " Ji Kuwaranisa?" " Where is Kunwarsa?" " He left early in the morning for Dangal and then a visit to the village. Do you need anything?" " No, you may go now." She put on the sindoor in worry. Maybe something urgent has come up. She walked to the Puja room and was shocked. Her garlands were made, the Chandan was in plac...
Read More

Towards You

By
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...
Read More

Purnota: Chapter Forty Four

By
Aniruddha tapped his black loafers on the Italian marble floor of the entrance as he eyed his watch.  It was almost half past five. He checked himself in the full-size mirror beside the coat hanger, looking fresh as he shaved and bathed, set his hair, chose a white summer blazer over his black shirt and trousers and abandoned the idea of a tie. He cleaned his glasses with the handkerchief, contemplating whether he should knock at Asha’s door, telling Bondita to hurry. He wondered what the women were doing there for such a long time. He could hear them giggling and gossiping as he walked past the room. He wondered what huge deal a party was that a woman needed another to help her dress up. He took out his phone and wondered if he should call her downstairs instead to avoid the awkwardness of knocking on the door. It was then that Aniruddha heard footsteps on the stairs and looked up in a reflex. He would give her a piece of his mind for wasting precious moments, especially when they...
Read More