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Ajabdeh looked around the unfamiliar surroundings nervously. The last two days have passed like a dream. The Marriage, the Vidai and the arrival at Chittorgarh. She was now sitting in the room she called her own, yet seemed so unfamiliar. She got up to see whether anyone was there keeping an eye on her. A little relieved, she took the lota from the centre table and placed it on the bedside table.

As soon as she placed it, three Dasis appeared at the door asking, “You need something, Kunwaranisa?”

Eyes wide and nervous, she replied, “N…No… I was just…”

“Maharanisa has told us to be at your service for every need.”

“I… don’t… need….” She was scared at the thought that three Dasis will be at their toes for her needs.

“Disperse now.” Sajja Bai’s voice made her feel relieved.

“I will get Kunwaranisa dressed for Kunwarsa’s arrival.” She smiled at a nervous, happy bride.

Kunwar Pratap’s eyes were not easy to outsmart. He caught Rawatji in the corridor, running out of Rana Udai Singh’s room, worried.

“Rawatji.” His voice stopped the man. “What happened?”

“Baojiraj. Nothing. You…”

“Rawatji, tell me.” He insisted.

“News is that Maldeo has joined hands with Bairam Khan, and your Daajiraj is worried. Also, Badshah Khan is active with the Afghans; we are afraid they will also ally with the Mughals.”

“Badshah Khan? “ He frowned. “Shams Khan’s son.” Rawatji nodded.

“The Afghans have attacked at Kelwara in the evening,” Rawatji said absentminded.

“What? You are telling me now?” Kunwar Pratap looked disappointed. “I will be getting ready to…”

“No, Kunwarsa.” Veer Baiji stopped him. “Your new bride…”

“Veer Baiji. “ Dheer Bai appeared behind her “I am sure Ajabdeh knows her duties as …”

“Don’t worry Chotima. Ajabdeh will be happy to let me go.”

The new bride was sitting with nervous expectations as he entered the room, worried about how to put the situation in front of her. Kunwar Pratap had forgotten that his new bride was Baijilal. One look at his face and she frowned, “What happened?” Her question made him smile faintly.

“Ajabdeh.”

She walked up to him and asked again. “What happened?”

“Badshah Khan attacked …” He sounded a little unsure.

"Who?" She frowned.

"Shams Khan's son. He attacked ..." Pratap looked angry.

“What are you still doing here?” She looked displeased as he looked up at her face. She walked away towards the adjacent room and came back with his sword as he stood admiring her.

“You get ready, I will do the puja.” She reassured with a smile.

As she turned to leave, he held her back by her wrist, making her stop.

“Ajabdeh.”

She turned with a smile as his eyes twinkled proudly.

“Kunwarsa…”

He hugged her tight, as she found peace in his arms, then moved away from his embrace shyly.

“Go. You are getting late.” He smiled with a nod.

As Kunwar Pratap got ready for the mission, she put down her aarti thal from her puja placed on the table in the room beside his sword. As she opened the door, she saw a Dasi standing.

“Maharanisa has called upon you both, Kunwaranisa.”

“Ji.”

She nodded as he heard the orders, and their eyes met with a nod.

Jaivanta Bai smiled at the newlyweds as Ajabdeh handed him his sword. Rana Udai Singh walked in and stopped as Jaivanta Bai smiled at him proudly. He nodded with a faint smile as she did his aarti. Pratap and Ajabdeh smiled at each other as he walked behind his father. Maharani Jaivanta Bai urged her to accompany her to the Rani Mahal gates.

As Kunwar Pratap glanced over his shoulder at the gates, she smiled reassuringly at him. He smiled back faintly before looking at his mother, who gave a reassuring nod before he left. As his horse went out of sight, suddenly Ajabdeh felt a cloud of loneliness around this unfamiliar place. She needed to shake off the feeling. It was home now.

Ajabdeh turned around as Jaivanta Bai said, “Come stay with me tonight, Ajabdeh.” She smiled faintly with a nod.

" You know, when Pratap was just three, we used to live in Kumbhalgarh, he..." Jaivanta Bai knew her mind and soul needed to ease. They spend the night, telling and hearing childhood tales, mostly of Kunwar Pratap's adventures. Jaivanta Bai smiled at the sleeping figure as she caressed her head with a sigh and whispered a small prayer. For her, mostly for him.

At dawn, Dheer Bai ji walked into the decorated room of the newlyweds and frowned to find it empty.

“You need something, Chotima?” Ajabdeh’s voice startled her as she turned to see her, in a red and yellow lehenga, ready after a bath, with a puja thali in hand.

“No… I…. Kunwar…” She sounded unsure.

“Kunwarsa and Rawatji have gone to stop Badshah Khan, remember?” Ajabdeh smiled.

“He…went?” Dheer Bai managed a sly smile. “Leaving his bride on the wedding night, already?”

“He went.” She nodded. “For his mother needs him to save her.”

“I feel so bad for you.” Dheer Bai faked a concern.

“I feel so proud that I am his wife.” She smiled as she meant every word.

Kunwar Pratap and Rawatji arrived in time to scare away the small troops of the Afghans, but something in Kunwar Pratap said it was not over so soon. Shams Khan’s son wouldn’t stop. He made sure the borders were secured as of now; every bordering state needs alert.

Shams Khan's son was hiding in a khema in the Mewar forest after his escape. Pointing at a fort on the map, he looked at his generals.

"Kunwar Pratap will pay for killing my father. And this is how. Prepare to attack the eighth day from now."

"But Huzoor, why here?" A man asked. Badshah Khan smiled faintly.

"Because, according to their Rajput rasm, this is where we will find his strength, alone, in seven days. You rip his heart out, you devastate him, and revenge is taken. This is personal." He smiled, pleased and confident. He had all the information he needed to gather on the Samant family, Bijolia and the new Bride.

Kunwar Pratap looked at the Mewar map in his khema with a frown. He circled out three places. Shook his head. He was missing something. What was he missing? The doorman announced Rao Ram Rakh's arrival. He folded up the map with a smile.

"Kunwarsa... you are going back to Chittorgarh, I am leaving for Bijolia at the earliest."

"Ji Raoji, I will give Ajabdeh your regards." He smiled.

"Actually, I'm here to invite you for the Pakfera there on the seventh day, and like the rule, Ajabdeh would... stay back till the tenth... Hansa Bai will write to Maharanisa." Raoji's words made him smile like he had found something. Raoji stopped, confused.

"Don't worry, we will be there." He nodded as Raoji turned to go.

"Raoji...." He stopped the man. " Keep your troops ready. In case." He nodded. Kunwar Pratap opened the map and circled the fourth spot with a frown on his face. However, he was happy that in just two days, they would be back in Chittorgarh.

In these two days, Ajabdeh learned many things with Sajjabai’s help. At first, she thought she needed a map of the palace of Rana Kumbha. She knew the road leading to the mandir and garden; others she dared not use out of fear. The princesses were in awe of their new Bhabisa as they showed her around the garden and the mandirs. Meera Ma’s mandir filled her imagination with the lady’s tales.

In the evening, she read out to the eager audience of princesses, as she missed Balwant and Ratan. She missed home. She prayed twice daily for his safety. He who made her call this unfamiliar place home.

The news of his arrival filled her heart with happiness and her mind with nervousness as Jaivanta Bai ordered the Dasis to get her ready in her wedding attire and jewellery before he arrived. He needed to see her just the way he left her.

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...

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 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 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...

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 Three

“So the question is, do the slum dwellers get their dues to relocate, or do they protest on the road, grabbing media attention? If one of them mentions the sewage project where all this started, we can’t guarantee not dragging certain names then. It will be beyond our control.” Bondita breathed in as she eyed everyone at the table. The conference hall of ARC & Associates had an oval table with a whiteboard, projector and podium and sitting around the table were a stenographer, Bondita’s secondary attorney, Debashish Ghosal, the contractor and his attorney Biswas, the representative of the NGO with the Union leader of the slum, Trilochon, Somnath and Aniruddha. The people of the NGO appreciated her strategy with a nod. Ghoshal looked perplexed as his lawyer whispered something in his ear. Somnath did not look up from the table as Aniruddha passed a note to Trilochon in writing. “Now the decision is yours.” Bondita continued. “We are keen on out-of-court settlement if our basic ...

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...

His Wife

" 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!" ...

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...

RAABTA

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