Reflection of the Past

" Ajabdeh!"

"Maharanisa!"

"Maaaaa"

"Daadisa?"

The palace echoed with the cries as she lay breathless in his arms. His world had frozen. His Ajabdeh was gone. He had grown into the man he was with her. She was the part of his life he was always thankful for. She made him believe Love and Family existed for good. She was his strength. Rana Pratap sat like a stone, watching her calm face as Mewar cried for its queen. He had failed to give her any happiness, he felt.

500 Years Later...

The Fort of Chittor was a special attraction for tourists. The story of its bravery and sacrifice was famous. As a student of history, she had the dream of seeing the place, and today her dream was coming true. She walked into the fort with her friends and classmates. They got busy clicking pictures as she looked for a tour guide. She finally found one and called out to them." Mahek, Purvi, and Disha! Come! He's gonna show us around." She straightened her backpack." This is the Vijay Stambh... the Kumbha Shyaam temple... Meera Maa Temple."Mahek was opening her shoes as she stared at her friend, looking around." Survi? You're not going inside the temple?"

" No, you carry on, I will look around..." She stared around the place and looked at the blazing sun with a frown. Then she took out her bottle and a cap. They were back soon, and the last place to visit was the Kumbha Palace. As they walked up the steps, she wondered why the place looked familiar. Ever since her father's untimely demise, all she has done is follow her dreams to be an archaeologist. Maybe reading too much about a place made it look familiar. They stepped into the ruins.

"Yeh tha ek zamane mein yaha ka shaan ab toh pata bhi na chalta ke kitne manzil thee, sab nasth ho chuka." The guide spoke up as they looked around." I think four, see three are visible," Disha spoke up." How come? There can be three and a roof too." Purvi spoke, irritated at Disha's know-it-all attitude." What do you think, Survi?" Mahek asked. She was unusually quiet." There were five, yes five, with half a roof of the Ranimahal, making it five and a half." She spoke unmindfully."

"Where on earth did you read that?" Mahek's eyes widened. " As far as I know, no one knows this."

" I dunno, Mahek." She looked worried. " I must have read it somewhere."

" Or she imagined it." Purvi laughed." Yaha se ayiye." The guide stepped into the corridors. They crossed the corridor and she felt as if someone was calling her, but it was not her name...

" Ajabdeh..."

She had no idea why this name came back time and again like voices in her mind ever since she read about Maharana Pratap. She shook off the voices. They walked onto the ground with a large open area and some broken walls. The guide was about to speak up when she heard a sound of metal, like someone clinking them together. She turned around at the sound and saw no one. The sun is driving me crazy, and I'm not feeling well. She heard it again, this time it was more like ... swords clashing? But how on earth will she know how swords clashed?

"Yeh tha akhara aur Dangalsthal." The guide spoke up as her eyes widened.

"Dangal? Yaha... pass mein koi astabal bhi hai kya?"

" Nahi Babyji, asthabal toh... ab toh sab nasht ho chuka..."

" Survi! Now, where did you read about that?" Mahek was frowning." Mahek... I... am not feeling well... you people continue, I will take an auto and leave."

" Aree Survi...." Mahek called in vain after her.

"How far is Chawand from here?" She asked the receptionist at the hotel Pratap Palace when she was feeling a little better.

"Chawand?" The receptionist looked sceptical at her. "Nobody visits there, Ma'am."

"I want to, so I want you to hire a cab for me." She said firmly, eyeing the clock. It was around noon. The receptionist reached for the phone and dialled someone.

"It will take around three hours, Madam. Maybe you can go tomorrow?" The gentle suggestion did not go down well with Survi. "I am going now if a cab can take me."

"Surely, Ma'am." The receptionist confirmed with a driver. "Tell my friends once they come back that I am just visiting for a few hours. I will be back soon."

She took out a diary from her backpack, where she scribbled down her findings. She read out the marked page.

"Maharani Ajabde Punwar died in Chavand, the capital of Maharana Pratap, in a moderate hideout. No date of her birth or death has been found, although it's estimated to be around seven to nine years before Maharana Pratap passed away."She sighed. She never told anyone about these voices and flashes. She was scared they would end up taking her to seek medical help. Or worse, do not let her pursue her quest for the past. She had seen strange dreams ever since she was a kid, dreaming that she was lost in the jungles, trapped in a hut, and many other strange things that always made her feel unsafe. But the voices appeared only after she came to Udaipur and bought a book on the Maharana's personal life. Her thoughts were broken by the car horn.

"Hum aa Gaye."

She got down at the sight of the simple house in ruins. The tiles of a marble floor, a broken-down wall and an archway were visible. This was his capital; he and Ajabdeh Punwar died here. She walked up to the ASI chains, restricting entry into the area. Not only was the building collapsing, but the forest around it was thick with thorny vegetation and potential reptiles. Not many tourists were there, but she could hear a few birds. The driver informed her about a lake and a cenotaph they could visit at a distance. She looked for an office of ASI and found nothing but a makeshift tent where a few people seemed busy with pre-excavation work. As she reached the archways, her vision blurred. She thought it was because of the scorching sun above her head, but the flashes were back, this time more prominent than her dreams. She could see curtains on the jharokhas, red and yellow carpets, a seat, and a bed. She could hear her voice giggle. And a kid's.

"Ranaji... Ranaji... Pratap!" She was calling someone. Survi had goosebumps at the vision as she felt like she would faint. She caught the nearest pillar to balance herself.

" Are you alright?" Came a voice behind her. She was startled as the light reflected on his face that appeared before her. Dark brown eyes. " You okay?" He asked again. "You should not be here. This is not an area for tourists." He looked concerned at her sweaty, red face.

" I'm... dizzy... But fine... I need some shadow." She managed as he held her shoulders, giving her support, then took her to the tent. " Are you here alone?" She nodded a yes." Then let's sit you down in my office and I will get you some glucose to hydrate you... Miss??"

" Survi Joshi."

" Pratap Singh." Her eyes widened as she heard her voice again in her head. "It's a more common name than you imagine." He smiled as though he could read her mind. She shut her eyes as she felt dizzy again. "Are you feeling unwell, Ms Joshi? Can you call anyone?"

" You... You are... " She stammered unsurely as he let her sit on a plastic chair in the tent, and one of his assistants turned the standing fan towards her. He offered her some glucose water he carried with him.

" I'm an ASI officer." He smiled. As she sat sipping her glucose, she asked, " Umm... what are the places to visit relating to Maharana Pratap? I am a student of history, too."

" You are?" He smiled, pleased. " Wait, I will write down the places for you, and advise taking the glucose everywhere. You won't find people in most places. Especially the non-touristy ones."

" Thank You, Mr Singh." She managed. " You are from here?"

"From Mewar, yes. From another place." He smiled.

" He is kind of a royal, too..." One of the other men teased him as he smiled humbly. " Royal?"

" Yes, my maternal side is from the Punwar Family of Bijolia. My full name is Pratap Singh Hada. We are family to..."

" Ajabdeh Punwar?" Her heart skipped a beat." Yes, Maharani Ajabdeh Punwar. My home is in Bijolia, and we have business in Udaipur, but History attracted me, so I am here!"

" Bijolia... It's..." She tried to recollect the name.

" Maharani's birthplace, there are palace ruins. Kunds, Mandirs... You can see them too... In fact, a few royal descendants still live there." He added that to the list.

"Thank You." She got up to leave. " Visit again,, He replied as he watched her walk up to her car.

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...

Purnota: Chapter Twenty Seven

A week had passed since Binoy left, and Bondita found herself trying to get used to Aniruddha’s bouts of aloofness. On one hand, she was glad that Binoy and Aniruddha had talked things out and seemed to be on talking terms, but on the other, since Binoy left, she could not help but notice Aniruddha pushing her further away. He barely talked to her except for work, and she did not know what she had done wrong to deserve this coldness. She wished he would talk to her, and she could tell him that he was hurting her, but she kept a brave face and decided not to. At work, she was informed by her Senior Lawyer, Mitra, about the promotion Aniruddha had suggested for her. “A promotion?” She was surprised as he nodded. “Yes, from assisting him to having a cubicle downstairs.” Mitra thought it was good news for her, given how the Boss’s temper ran. Bondita smiled faintly. He also informed her that he would let her know for sure that week. Her desk would be moved soon. Aniruddha was away for a ca...

Purnota: Chapter Twenty Five

I t took Trilochon half a day to figure out something was wrong at home. Since he was back, Somnath did not talk to him at all, and Aniruddha looked visibly upset. They avoided each other at the dining table and the living room. Trilochon was not comfortable with asking Ashalata anything. In the evening, as Kalindi poured tea from the pot, Trilochon groaned inwardly. “It’s not even six months since he got married, and she has started a war between brothers.” Kalindi stopped pouring the tea as she turned to him. “What?” She asked, a little cluelessly. “If I had chosen a bride…” Trilochon stopped at Kalindi’s disapproving stare. “What makes you say that?” She asked rather calmly. “Well, I never saw Som and Aniruddha fight until she came here.” Kalindi looked amused at his words. “You are the type for whom people hate in-laws.” “Pardon?” Trilochon narrowed his brows. “What do you mean?” “Bondita. Ask Bondita.” Kalindi shook her head. “I told her it was a bad idea to work with him.” “You h...

Purnota: Chapter Twenty Six

Bondita was surprised to find Binoy in the living room of the Roy Chowdhury house as she entered the premises early in the morning. Trilochon sat with his brother, looking serious as they discussed some paperwork, as Bihari walked out with tea. Noticing Bondita so early in the morning, Trilochon looked up questioningly. “I have some errands to run before the office.” Bondita smiled as Trilochon nodded. She had to pay some bills and deliver some of the orders Kalindi had finished because her ankle hurt in the morning. Trilochon enquired about her need for medicines as Bondita reassured him that she had made sure of it. Bondita briefly eyed Binoy, who showed no interest in her or the conversation, as he remained focused on the papers. Bondita cleared her throat, informing Trilochon that she should be on her way. “I think you should show her the papers, Binoy.” Trilochon stopped her as he suggested to Binoy, who eyed Bondita briefly. He looked unsure as Bondita opened her mouth, shaking h...

Purnota: Chapter Twenty Eight

“I… made tomorrow’s schedule.” Bondita cleared her throat. She was about to leave the study room after she had made the next day’s schedule for Aniruddha to check when he entered the house. He seemed preoccupied, as he did not notice her presence and walked towards the study room, only to stop at the threshold and spot her pretending to arrange the files. Aniruddha moved away from the threshold towards his desk, making space for her to leave as he removed his glasses and placed them down. “You should take that job in Kolkata.” Bondita stopped but did not turn as he continued. “It's a good opportunity to make contacts in the High Court and get paid well.” Bondita’s throat dried as she did not respond. “Thamma can stay here, you can visit on weekends.” He wanted her to leave; what more could she say? She walked away without exchanging any words. Aniruddha sat in the high chair, watching her leave as he sighed. He clasped his hands together, realising they were sweaty. He sudde...

My Everything

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...

Purnota: Chapter Thirty One

“Please, Sir, we were going to show the evacuation notice to the lawyer.” The older man with a salt and pepper beard and a bald head pleaded with the Judiciary official, who handed him a paper of illegal occupancy. The NGO stood on the ground of the property that belonged to the Bhowmicks. Their lawyer, Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury, had sent a notice of warning and evacuation that the NGO did not pay heed to. The man in charge looked least concerned at the plea of the older man. His hands were folded, eyes teary, as the men who came with the Bull Dozer to knock down the one-storey house with thatched roof broke down the board of the NGO. “Why did you not show the notice then?” The man rebuked in a gruff voice. “Because we thought it was some mistake.” Another man, relatively younger and calmer, came forward from the crowd that stood there watching as he spoke. “We got the land as a gift from Mr. Bhowmick some eleven years back to make the school for the orphans.” “Then where is the dee...

Purnota: Chapter Twenty Nine

“Boro Malik is waiting for you.” Bihari’s words made Aniruddha look confused. “He has something to talk about.” Aniruddha eyed the watch on his left hand; it was past dinner time. He stepped into the house to find voices in the living room. He walked in curiously and found Trilochon speaking to a guest. “There he is!” Before Aniruddha could answer Trilochon’s queries, his eyes fell on the guest. Saudamini stood up, turning to him with a formal smile. She looked different with the Sindoor and Shakha Pola, a Tant saree and a gold chain around her neck. Aniruddha was a little surprised to see her, and it showed on his face, perhaps as Trilochon briefed him that Mini was here to sell off the property belonging to her father and wanted some legal advice. Aniruddha nodded, smiling back at her as he directed her to the study. “Oh, Mini is here to sell off the house.” Bondita looked wide-eyed at Kalindi and shook her head. “Why did you not tell me that before? I will go see her now.” She was a...

Purnota: Chapter Thirty Two

Bondita got down from the local train with a duffle bag and her hoodie tied around the waist of her dark green Kurti, which she teamed with white leggings and a white dupatta. The weather at Canning seemed hotter and humid than Chandannagar, and at first glance, Bondita spotted the spring blooms of Krishnachura painting the tree at the station red. She picked up her bag and looked around the crowded station. Someone was supposed to come and get her. She dragged her bag through the crowd and finally reached the gates. The rickshaws, vans and small autos were shouting out names of different places, names that appeared like images in her memories. “Bondita Malkin?” She turned to see a woman in a checked printed saree worn above the ankle with a Ghomta over her head and the Anchol tied to her waist. Bondita nodded as the woman in her forties surprised her by touching her feet. Bondita jolted away in shock. “What are you doing?” She asked with raised brows as the woman took her duffel bag. ...

Purnota: Chapter Twenty Four

Aniruddha let the shower run as his skin erupted into goosebumps under the cold water. He breathed out and removed the locks of wet hair from his face. He turned off the shower, wrapped the towel lowly around his waist and walked back to the room, not caring about the wet floor from the water dripping down his torso. He lay on the bed as his body soaked the blanket. He stared at the ceiling, stretching his arms over his head. Bondita’s promise played on his mind in a loop. “I will not leave… I will never leave.” He wanted to believe her. He wanted one person he could fall back on, trusting them to catch him when he stumbled. But his experiences proved him otherwise. He remembered that day as vividly as if it were yesterday. He had bought a scarf for Bondita from Palika Bazaar as a truce because he felt bad leaving home after fighting with her. He had tried to be patient with her and sat her down numerous times to make her understand why boarding school would benefit her. Aniruddha...

RAABTA

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