Caught

The evening aarti was held at the Mahanal Temple, where the Royal family decided to thank Lord Shiva for his blessings. Jaivanta Bai was looking for an opportunity to tell Rana Udai Singh about Kunwar Pratap's choice of a bride. But Rani Bhattiyani was making sure Ranaji was not alone ever. She was following him like a shadow. So Jaivanta Bai decided to wait till they reached Chittorgarh instead. 

Ajabdeh knew he would leave in a day or two. And ever since she came to know Dheerbai's intentions, she was scared. Ajabdeh was always a believer in the fact that families are units that stay together always. His Chotima was not someone she would call family. She was a potential competitor. Or even an enemy.

What annoyed Ajabdeh in just this one day was how both Ranaji and Kunwar Pratap respected her words like Ved Gyaan. Could they not see what she could, or was it a strategy to outplay her? It was hard to tell. His silence in her battle in the courtroom made her worry more. Would he at all fight for their love? Or let her go if Dheerbai insisted? Questions shrouded her mind. But her chores around the home were too many to think of that now. 

At the temple, she arrived with the thaal and diya, behind the Maharani with Ratan in tow. Eyes met as she looked away angrily. His smile faded into a frown as she avoided his glance. Kunwar Pratap strategically stood beside her as Maharanisa took the aarti thaal and started the Aarti with Ranaji. 

All the elders were up front, and Kunwar Pratap noticed everyone, including her, praying, eyes closed, and he smiled as he stared at her. Opening her eyes, she looked back at him angrily. She was folding her hands again when he caught her right hand with his left beside her, almost making her gasp in fear as she looked around nervously. No one spotted them. 

Everyone was staring at the puja proceedings, even Ratan, right beside her. She moved her hand automatically to his side, hiding it in her dupatta. Her right hand was in his left one as he stared ahead like nothing had happened. She tried in vain to free it when he held it more firmly. Her bangles made a tinkling sound as she struggled to scare her and make her stop. He gave half a smile at her helpless face, making her fume even more. Does he not realise I am angry? 

As soon as the puja ended, he let go of her hand and walked ahead towards his parents with a smile as her heart continued to beat faster. Ajabdeh gulped noisily before realising there was a small note he had put in her hand. 

Tonight. S. 

She threw it away in a corner before Ratan caught her, and she smiled faintly. While walking out, Kunwar Pratap gave a small cordial nod to both her and Ratan as she noticed Dheerbai stare and looked away again, making him frown.

Dheerbai was making her way out of the temple when she spotted a paper in the corner.

"Daasi, give me that." She ordered after everyone left, and she was taking blessings. Apparently.

"That Ranisa?" The Daasi asked, surprised.

"Yes, that. It was not there when we..."

The paper made her smile. The prey had themselves set up the trap.

That night, Dheerbai was sleepless, checking the corridors again and again. She, at last, heard a horse neigh in the forest. She smiled and called Dhaman Singh.

“Hush, Sarang! It’s good to see you, too.” Kunwar Pratap smiled as he patted an excited Sarang.

“Baojiraj, we are leaving for Telhati tomorrow. If you need him…”

“I won’t, Chakrapani. Have a safe trip.” He smiled. “Thanks for tonight.”

Sakhaveer was sitting with his back towards the temple, waiting for her, when a cold sword touched his neck.

“How dare you?” Her voice made him frown.

“Baijilal!” He smiled, teasing the eyes with his as he turned.

“Don’t! You just look brave, but you are not.” She was clearly angry.

“I know you are upset with what Chotima said and…”

“You knew she was the one after us?” It made him frown some more.

“Who told you?”

“Baijilal is intelligent enough.” She shook her head.

“I don’t want a blame game in the family, no matter what I know or don’t. Know that.” He appeared miffed by her accusations.

“Really? That includes her insulting me, and you not protesting?” She sounded disappointed.

“Ajab, I was here to…” He tried to explain.

“No! No, Kunwar Pratap. I was right about you. You are not Sakhaveer. Sakhaveer would protest for his Baijilal. Kunwar Pratap can never stand up for me.” She stepped back and shook her head.

“That is not true, Ajabdeh, you can’t judge…” He grew restless.

“Yes, I can, at such a simple incident. If you can’t protest, you think I can trust you to fight them for us? Leave.” Her eyes teared up. "Just leave."

“Pardon?” He asked, surprised, unsure of what he heard.

“Leave.” She looked away. He inhaled. She was angry, and no matter what he reasoned, she would not understand until she cooled down.

“Fine!” 

He walked past her and dragged Sarang along. Baijilal sat down, looking at the water shine. She heard him gallop away. Tears rolled down as she said to herself, "He didn't even say he would fight for us." She was determined to get to him and talk it out before he left, and end things amicably so that her family would not be in any trouble. While lost in thought, Baijilal did not hear her horse neigh and alert her. Suddenly, someone caught her from behind.

“Sakhaveer! Sakhaveer!” Her call made his heart skip a beat as he turned his horse around.

Her hands were tied with ropes, and she was tied to a tree. In front of her eyes were Rana Udai Singh, Rao Ramrakh Panwar, Rawat Chundawat, Balwant, Shakti, Sajjabai, Dheerbai and a visibly disturbed Jaivanta Bai. She struggled at the ropes and hoped he was not coming for her here. She was stupid enough to think the soldiers were Bundi goons and call after him.

Dhaman Singh smiled a victorious smile, saying, “ All the credit goes to Ranisa. She thought she heard something and alerted me.” Dheerbai smiled at Udai Singh.

“Tell us where he is…” Balwant questioned Baijilal.

“I don’t know!” She shook her head.

“Of course, you know.” Balwant frowned.

“I won’t tell you!” She was fiery.

Deep down, Ajabdeh was scared. Very scared. What if they unveiled her? The blame will go to her family, who were clueless here.

Sakhaveer reached the water banks to see visible signs of struggle. He sat down, inspecting, then followed the horse's hooves and froze at the sight ahead.

“Unveil her.” Udai Singh ordered. She closed her eyes as the soldier approached.

“Stop!” His voice made everyone turn.

“Sakhaveer!” Everyone gasped as he looked at Baijilal, who shook her head in a soft no, then at Jaivanta Bai approving his move.

“ Let her go, and I will reveal myself to you." He offered.

“No, Sakhaveer.” Baijilal protested. “Don’t.”

“I have to do this, to save you.” He addressed her.

“Don’t.” She begged.

“It’s something I need to do." He spoke with determination. “Let her go. And promise me no one will ask her identity. I will reveal myself.”

“Oh, we can catch you both.” Dhaman Singh spoke up.

“Can you?” He taunted. “Ask Raoji, he knows that if I want, I can save her and run from here. But I won’t. Instead, I am asking for her security, and I will surrender.”

Dheerbai was waiting for this golden opportunity. She always wanted Kunwar Pratap to be exposed. She did not care for the Samant girl… Udai Singh would be furious with him, maybe disown him forever?

“Let that be, it’s a deal.” She spoke up, surprising everyone. 

“Sakhaveer can rebel alone. We saw that. Baijilal is the weaker link; let her go. Am I not right, Ranaji?” To everyone’s shock, he agreed as a soldier to untie Baijilal. She froze in her position, refusing to move.

“Go,” Sakhaveer spoke up. “Go! And no matter what happens, don’t come back here.”

“I am not leaving you.” Her answer was firm.

“I made a promise. A Rajput lives and dies for his promise.” He reminded her. "You wanted me to show up for you. I am here."

“But…” Her eyes teared up.

“Go. Please. Leave.” He spoke up as she started walking towards the forest. “Promise me you won’t ever reveal who Baijilal is.” He stopped her as she glanced over her shoulder.

“I….” She choked.

“Promise me.”

“I promise.” She nodded.

“Go.” He pushed her towards the jungle as she walked away.

He watched her disappear when he turned to Udai Singh.

“My mother always taught me to fight for rights and help the needy. I did just that. Whatever you decide, I will accept my punishment.” He started unveiling his face as Jaivanta Bai closed her eyes and inhaled. Dheerbai's smile.

“Kunwar Pratap!” was the gasp all around as people stared at him like they saw a ghost. Udai Singh couldn’t believe his eyes.

“Jaivanta Bai! Did you know this?” He asked as the Maharani spoke firmly, “I could guess.”

“When did you plan on telling me?” He was angry.

“Never. Because they are not wrong.” Her words silenced Udai Singh as he looked back at his son, who was staring up at him, not bowing his head at his mistake.

“Enough! We are all leaving for Chittorgarh right now! Go and pack!” He ordered as Jaivanta Bai and Pratap looked shocked. “We will decide his punishment once we are in the capital. And who Sakhaveer is won’t leave this place! I don’t want people to think Udai Singh used his son to spread turmoil with Bundi, not with the Mughals seeking opportunities against us. Is that clear?”

“Ji Hokum.” Everyone agreed in unison as he walked away, followed by Dheerbai.

Sajjabai silently walked up to Kunwar Pratap and smiled, “I am proud of you.” Shakti approved by hugging his brother. But Kunwar Pratap stared at his mother as both looked worried.

Ajabdeh was in her room in tears. She sat hugging her sword as she remembered her harsh words to him and what he did back there.

“Jija! Jija!” Ratan knocked fiercely. “Come out now.”

“Leave me alone, Ratan.” She tried not to sob. I can’t face him after this. I can’t see people blame him and punish him while I stand there bound by my promise.

“They are leaving, Jija.” Made her get up, worried. 

She opened the door as Ratan saw her crying face and turned pale. She had never seen her Jija cry; she was the strongest soul she knew.

“Jija?” Ratan hugged her, worried. “What happened?”

“They are….” Her eyes widened as Ratan pointed at the main entrance. Ajabdeh lost no time running down the corridor, wiping her tears.

Kunwar Pratap looked around as he was about to get on the horse. He looked up at the Jharokha, at the roof…

“Kunwar Pratap!” His father’s disappointed voice shook him. “Let's go.”

He nodded, getting on the horse as the procession started. Jaivanta Bai removed the curtains and looked back at the empty palace entrance. Udai Singh was so ashamed of his son that he sought forgiveness from Raoji for his insults. He was fuming still. But Jaivanta Bai hoped someone would tell Ajabdeh.

Kunwar Pratap looked back more than once as the palace became smaller. He sighed, controlling his tears. Something told him he was losing her.

Ajabdeh ran out as soon as Raoji had left the entrance. Hansa Bai, who still stood there, was a little surprised to see her daughter run out. Her eyes were red, tears on her cheeks, her maantika misplaced, and her hair flowing, and her dupatta trailed behind her. She sat down on the last step and stared at the dark, empty road. Hansa Bai rushed to hold her.

“Ajabdeh! Ajabdeh?” She seemed so broken, shattered. Hansa Bai was scared.

“Ajab…” She wiped away the tears as Ajabdeh hugged her tight.

“It’s all my fault, I said those words, I misunderstood, and I didn’t trust him at all. He… He….” She sobbed.

“Ajab.” Hansa was still clueless and worried. “Do you… like Kunwar Pratap?” Her words made Ajabdeh regain her composure. She stood up, wiping away her tears.

“I don’t know what you mean, Maasa.” She walked away, as Hansa stood worried.

Kunwar Pratap was looking back again and again at the forest trail. It didn’t escape his brother, who wished he would talk and his father, who now looked worried.

“She is not coming for you; she promised you.” Udai Singh spoke up, not sure if that was enough. Kunwar Pratap stopped looking back and didn’t answer.

“ Who is..”

“You promised not to ask.” Came to a determined answer as he fell back a little, letting the king ride ahead as he shook his head.

Chittorgarh welcomed its favourite son at dawn, surprised and pleased. Once at the Mahal, Veer Bai stepped out to welcome them when Jagmal ran out to hug his mother. Kunwar Pratap stood for the tilak and ran to his room. Sajja Bai looked worried as Shakti wanted to follow him, but Jaivanta Bai stopped him.

In his room, Kunwar Pratap sat down on the floor, letting his tears flow. A month back, if someone told him they had cried in love, he would have laughed, saying he had better things to deal with. But today, she was the only thing occupying his mind. He knew his father’s love would eventually save him from any punishment, not that he feared any. But Ajabdeh? She might be feeling he didn’t want to fight for them like she accused. How could he go back? How could he wish and pray it was not too late?

A knock made him stand up and wipe his tears.

“Come in.”

“Baojiraj.” Chakrapani looked worried. “How did this happen?” He narrated the night’s events to his friend.

A sevak came into the room. “Hukum has called you to his chambers, Baojiraj.” He nodded and left, leaving Chakrapani worried.

“ For what you did, I am going to give you the terms of punishment now.” Udai Singh spoke as the queen, and Shakti stood witness. Kunwar Pratap was silent.

“ You will not leave your room, send letters or talk to anyone without my permission. You will have a meal a day for the next week and no time at the Dangal. You will have no say in the administration, and I relieve you of your duties of Senapati as of now.”

“But Ranaji…” Sajja Bai dared to speak as Udai Singh spoke up, “That’s my final decision. Leave.”

As everyone left, Udai Singh looked worried. Dheerbai put her hand on his shoulder reassuringly.

“ I don’t understand Dheerbaiji, what will stop this boy? He decides from the heart and is so stubborn. This is not the first time he could land in serious trouble.”

“Ranaji, I think he just lacks maturity. We should make him more mature.” Dheer Bai suggested.

“How?” He asked.

“By getting him married.” She smiled, adding, “When I was in Jaisalmer, I met my sister’s…”

“Dheerbai ji, he is just turning seventeen. Marriage…” He looked reluctant.

“You also married Jija and had him that early, and see, your marriage helped you prosper; it will help him too.” She spoke. Now come and tell him about the Samant Putri Kunwar Pratap. Am sure you will be disowned then!

“ All right, look for brides.” Udai Singh walked away.

“Kunwar Pratap’s bride?” Ratan’s words made her heart sink. How could he…

“Yes, news is he will be getting married and… Rani Bhattyani is looking for a …” Hansa looked at her firstborn, unsurely, as her face looked devoid of emotions.

“Who is...?” Ajabdeh asked. “Rani Bhattyani?”

Ratan nodded, continuing, “I wonder if he would invite us….”

Ajabdeh heard nothing more. He would come for her. She knew it. Her heart said it. No matter what she had said, she believed he would fight for their love. No matter how hard, he will convince his father and not let her family be hurt as well. Baijilal believed in her Sakhaveer. Ajabdeh in her Kunwar Pratap. She would wait. Even if it meant forever. She sat praying. For his safety and their Love. She was restless, knowing he would be too. Now, Time was her only Hope.