Skip to main content

Oaths

By
Ajabdeh had never realised her family was so close-knit in a unit until today. She thanked god as she watched her parents and siblings in her room with a faint smile.
“Ranaji is calling everyone to the Durbar,” broke the family moment as faces turned grim again. She remembered his words as she veiled her face and held Ratan’s hand firmly.

Rana Udai Singh was at the Durbar with a letter in hand.
“Kunwar Pratap. Step forward and read this.” He looked serious. “Rawatji, send this.” Kunwar Pratap did what he was told and read aloud.

“ Ranaji, while patrolling the Western borders, I have come across something. There were two incidents of a sudden attack on our Sena Camps, and a few soldiers were killed. We fear they are Marwar soldiers who also looted a few villages. I think they are trying to take parts of our territory this way. However, we can not charge Rao Maldeo Rathore because there is no evidence.” 

Kunwar Pratap frowned at the letter. “ We need to answer them, Daajiraj.”
“ But how? We have no evidence.” He spoke up. 
Then stared at Jaivanta Bai, who smiled. “Unless…”
“Unless?” Kunwar Pratap looked up at his father’s face.
“Ajabdeh Baisa.” Udai Singh’s call made her heart beat louder.
“Ji Hukum.” She stepped forward, beside Kunwar Pratap as he carefully moved away.
“ What do you suggest?”  His question made Dheer Bai stare like a ghost while the others exchanged looks, and Kunwar Pratap smiled at his mother, who nodded.

“Me? I…” She looked scared, rubbing her hands together.
“All right, not you… But Baijilal?” Udai Singh smiled as she looked a little taken aback. "What would she suggest?"
“Baijilal would say, we catch them and take a confession out of them.” She said softly yet confidently.

“Then so be it.” Udai Singh smiled. “ Tomorrow night, Sakhaveer and Baijilal have a mission. And the day after, there is a Tilak.” Everyone smiled except the two and Dheerbai.
“Shama Kijiye Ranaji. I feel their strength is too much for two, especially when we need them alive for a confession.” Her thought amazed everyone as he agreed, “ I think we need Rana Kheta and his Bhils on this.”

Sajja Bai whispered to Jaivanta Bai, “ Look at these two, have they heard they have a tilak? They are stuck on the mission, Jija.”
“That’s our children, Mewar’s future.” Jaivanta Bai smiled proudly.
“Bhils? Why will they help?” Raoji asked.
“They owe Sakhaveer something.” He smiled. “We need a plan.”
“And men, to set up traps, dig ditches and evacuate a village overnight.” She added.
“Plan what you have to and let me know.” Udai Singh added.
“ I think the …” Kunwar Pratap started. Sajja Bai now interrupted the plans.
“Aree aree! Someone, please, talk about the wedding! I want new jewellery now. Jija!”
Everyone laughed as Kunwar Pratap and Ajabdeh blushed red. Everyone was happily planning the Tilak, but their mind were elsewhere. However, now there were new problems.

The next day, the palace was active and running. With the Tilak and everyone’s teasing, Kunwar Pratap and Ajabdeh decided to save some embarrassment and avoid each other throughout the day. Both wanted to talk about the mission, and both wanted the other to speak first. Their avoiding nature made Sajja Bai frown as she called Ratan to ask, “If they don’t talk, how will they make a plan?”
“I have an idea.” Ratan giggled.

“Ratan?” 
Ajabdeh looked around the stable and the backyard. Ratan was nowhere to be seen. She shrugged, confused, knowing her sister was mischievous and always up to something. But not today! 

Rawatji and his wife had arrived at the palace for the Tilak Rasm as her Mama. The Royals of Jalore, Maan Singh Songara and his wife were also here. With the news reaching Chittorgarh, most of the Royal family would be here by the time of the wedding. There were too many people in the palace to take care of and too much to do, and a mission to think about. But her sister dragged her out of the group of teasing ladies and urged her to wait there while she brought something. 
Ratan, this is no time for games!

A piece of paper flew to Kunwar Pratap’s feet. He picked it up and frowned. While the men discussed politics, he moved away and read it. 
Stable. 
He looked around with a frown and decided he had to go. It was not Ajabdeh’s writing for sure, but who was it?

Ajabdeh decided to utilise her waiting time. She patted her brown horse, who had now found a place proudly in Raoji’s stable and did not have to hide in Bhago’s backyard anymore. She removed some haystacks from the stable and started pouring water on her horse’s pale, humming a tune she had heard from a passing musicians' group.
“What are you doing here?” His voice made her frown as she turned to see him look up at the Jharokhas and to the other side of the backyard, alarmed.
“Sit down, Ratan, he will see you.” Sajja Bai pulled Ratan’s hand and hid in one of the Jharokhas.
“Ji? I am feeding my horse.” She looked confused.
“ No… I… someone told me to come here.” He frowned.
“Who?” She asked, raising her eyebrows. 
He shrugged as suddenly she remembered Ratan.
“It’s one of her pranks again.” Ajabdeh sighed worriedly. “When will she grow up?”
Kunwar Pratap smiled at her worry and said, “Waise… Ajabdeh Baisa, how can you be so partial?”
“Ji?” She frowned at his allegation.
“You are feeding him, what about my Sarang. Poor boy, he is standing there in the sun!”
“I…I…will…” She hurried across the stable, making him laugh. 
His laughter made her stop and turn.
“What?”
“How easily you believe in everything I say!”
“No, I don’t.” She rubbed her hands, annoyed. 
“I don’t!” He smiled as eyes met, and she said, “I should go.”
“What about the mission?” He was serious now.
“Meet me at the cowshed when everyone rests after lunch. Have you told the Bhils?” He nodded positively before leaving.

At lunch, the ladies urged Ajabdeh to make a dish. Instead of the Kheer, she chose to make the Ghevar for everyone. As the men sat to eat, the women waited behind the semi-transparent veils for the reaction. 
Sajja Bai was really scared about her achar. Udai Singh smiled as he tasted the dishes made by Jaivanta Bai and Sajja Bai.
“Majhli Maa’s achar… is always the best.” Kunwar Pratap smiled at his father.
“Jija didn’t make this kheer.” 
Balwant spoke up as Kunwar Pratap added, “No, my Ranima did.”
Ajabdeh was waiting eagerly to see his face when he tasted the Ghevar, but he showed no reaction, making her frown. He didn’t know I made them?

She was at the shed feeding Laxmi when he arrived in a hurry.
“ Ajabdeh…” He called with a smile.
“Laxmi, tell Kunwarsa to make the plans. I am listening. He will lead, so I have no word in this.” She didn’t look back at him.
“Laxmi, ask Ajabdeh why she wouldn’t participate in the planning?” He asked with a frown.
“Laxmi, tell him to first know me to get answers.” She replied plainly.
“I don’t know you?” He frowned.
“Laxmi, you know who made the Ghevar?”
“You?” Kunwar Pratap looked surprised. “Oh.”
“Oh?” She turned to point her finger at him as he stepped back, and she stepped forward.
“ Umm… Ajabdeh… it was…”
“Leave it, Kunwarsa, it's fine!” She turned around as he frowned.

“ She started the wife like Nakhre!!” He murmured.
“What did you say?” She narrowed her eyes and looked back at him. 
“Nothing… I… was thinking we need…” They resumed the planning.
“ You will wait and I will…” he spoke, pointing to the position.
“No, I will…” She protested. 
The plan was a satisfying one, and he smiled happily, and she smiled back.
“I will see you tonight, Baijilal.” He smiled, walking away.

Jalam Singh was a small Sena Nayak in the Marwar Army, but he wanted to be bigger. Too bad his brain was not as big a thinker. He and a bunch of 20 men dressed as goons arrived at the Mewari Village late at night. A frown appeared, seeing it empty. The deserted village had no people or riches. He had no idea where they had disappeared.
“Looking for something?” He turned his horse to see a warrior, on a brown horse, white-attired, face covered.
“ Now, who are you, Sarr Utha ke?” He asked, confused.
“Aree Hukum, this is Baijilal! The one who has a ransom on her if we catch her alive, and that other one too…” One of his soldiers informed.
“ Really? Prize money?” Jalam was delighted. “That means if we take her away too, Udai Singh will go and ask for her?”
“ You are so intelligent, Hukum!” The soldier praised.

“You want to catch us?” A taunting voice from his left made him look at the Saviour on a dark horse.
“Sakhaveer!” The soldiers gasped.
“Get me more soldiers, let's catch them!” Jalam Singh was pleased. Today, he was going to please Rao Maldeo.
“ Let’s play a game, Jalam Singh.” Sakhaveer got down from his horse. Baijilal’s horse rose on two feet and neighed.
“Catch us if you can!” They spoke in unison before running off into the Jungle.
“Aree, they are escaping, let's catch them!” Jalam Singh ordered.
In the forest, Sakhaveer ran parallel to Baijilal’s horse.
“Faster," She ordered with a smile.
“You can’t beat me.” Sakhaveer smiled back.

Jalam Singh and his soldiers followed them to reach a clearing. They seemed to have disappeared into thin air. Suddenly, a rain of arrows surprised them. Their horses threw them off as the arrows made a railing around them. A fire arrow struck in the end and set the circle on fire.
“Help! Help! Somebody save me!” Jalam Singh was in tears, “I don’t want to die.”
The Bhils surrounded them from all sides. Rana Kheta came out with a smile.

The remaining group of soldiers was searching the forest for Jalam Singh in vain. Suddenly, out of nowhere, three men and horses fell into a newly dug ditch camouflaged with leaves and grasses. 
The rest started retreating as some got stuck in thorns, others in rope pits of trees, and the ones who ran were unlucky enough to face Baijilal and Sakhaveer. The swords swung with Jai Mewar as the soldiers fell at their feet.

They then made their way to where Kheta stood with the captured Jalam Singh. Dragging him by the collar, Sakhaveer pushed him to Rana Udai Singh’s feet at the secret Khema they had set up. Rawatji, Raoji and Balwant were there too.

“ Who sent you?” Baijilal asked angrily.
“I won’t say!” Jalam Singh cried.
“Who sent you? Tell us!” Sakhaveer appeared calm. Silence followed.
“Then prepare to die.” She spoke as she raised her sword, and he started weeping, “Rao Maldeo did, Rao Maldeo!” 
A smile appeared in her eyes as she put down the sword.
“Soldiers take him away!” Udai Singh ordered.
Rana Kheta and the Bhils were preparing to leave when Sakhaveer came to them.
“Thank you for coming.” He said, hands folded.
“ We are always here when you call.” He replied, smiling.

“Baijilal,” Sakhaveer called her. “Meet Rana Kheta.” Baijilal bent down to touch his feet, taking the man and the Bhils by surprise.
“No, no, Baisa, what are you doing?”
“ A warrior taking the blessing to be as brave as another.” She replied as Sakhaveer stood proud.
“I am happy Mewar’s future is safe.” He smiled. “I wish I had a daughter like you.”
“ I have heard all Bhil women are braver. I hope to meet them someday.” 

She smiled as he took their leave. Rana Udai Singh had left with the prisoners, and the forest appeared peaceful.
“Let’s go home.” He gave her his hand. She took it, saying, “But first, we will go to Bijolia Lake. I want you to meet someone.”
“Who?” He asked, surprised. She smiled silently.

At the Bijolia Jheel, an 11-year-old boy stood clueless. 
His Jija had called upon him all the way from Kelwa. He remembered that after his father died in the Afghan battle, his mother had come to Bijolia hoping for a new start when Raoji and Hansa Kaki helped them like their own. His father was Raoji’s friend. 

He remembered the first time Jija met him and hugged him. He remembered saying his full name, “Fateh Pratap Singh.” Proudly and Jija lovingly said, “Fatta?”

With all these years, Fatta had now become Patta for everyone, and by God’s grace, when Udai Singh heard of them, he was appointed the next Rawat of Kelwa after his father. After all, Udai Singh was a distant uncle of his; he was family to the royals he never saw. 

To him, Jija was everything. She taught him life lessons, horse riding and weaponry. She taught him to love his motherland unconditionally. Right from when he was five and she was eight years old.
The sound of hooves made him turn, as he looked a little scared and wide-eyed at the approaching figure.

“ Jija?” He stared wide-eyed, fixed on Sakhaveer, who felt awkward.
“Patta.” She ran to hug him and then showed her face with a smile. “I am seeing you after such a long time!”
“ Is he really… Him?” Patta was starstruck, clearly as Sakhaveer approached.
“Yes, Sakhaveer meet Patta.” She smiled. He frowned a little.
“ My father was Fateh Singh, your distant uncle.” Patta tried hard not to fumble.
“ You are Fateh Kaka’s son?” His eyes widened. “And you know who I am…”
“Jija..” He pointed.
“I told him for a purpose. “ She smiled at Patta and then back at Sakhaveer.
“ What purpose?” Both asked in unison.
“Well, when I leave, and Sakhaveer too, someone needs to protect the borders and the people. He is who I chose.”
“Me?” Patta’s eyes widened. “Jija, how can I…”
“Patta.” She held his shoulders firmly. “ Bhai, I taught you everything, and you have your skills too. After all, you are a Sisodia Rajput.” She smiled at Sakhaveer.
“ If she trusts you, you are the one.” He nodded in approval.

“Can I… Hug You Sakhaveer?” The boy’s request made them laugh as Sakhaveer hugged the star-struck boy.
“You remember your oath?” Baijilal asked.
“Yes. To serve my motherland. My People. To Respect and Honour.” 
He said proudly as Sakhaveer stepped forward and gave him his sword. 
“Here, this is from me. To protect our mothers.” Patta looked at the sword like he didn’t believe his luck.

“One more thing….” Sakhaveer spoke up.
“I know. No one will know I am taking this responsibility. I will disguise myself as you.” He nodded.
“ I will see you soon.” Baijilal hugged him.
“Yes, at the wedding.” Patta smiled at the duo. 
“I promise you, Jija. When the time comes, I will always serve Mewar with my life and protect you and everyone you care for.”
Baijilal gave a smiling nod. They rode off into the night, while Patta stood looking at the sword in awe.





Labels:

Popular posts from this blog

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

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

Purnota: Chapter Twenty Five

By
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...
Read More

Purnota: Chapter Twenty Four

By
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...
Read More

Purnota: Chapter Twenty Seven

By
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...
Read More

Purnota: Chapter Twenty Two

By
The winter morning was pleasant, especially when the sunshine hit the dewy grass on the lawn, and Bihari set down the porcelain cups for Trilochon and Kalindi to start their day. Kalindi had just taken up some orders to knit sweaters and mittens for some of the neighbourhood kids as she wrapped the thick brown shawl tightly around herself, on the chilly morning, as she sat down on the lawn chair with her needles, pin and colourful balls of wool, as she knit a pair of mittens while waiting for Trilochon to join her. Bondita hurried out of their place and stopped at the sight of her sitting alone, unsurely. “Do you need something?” Kalindi raised her eyes briefly from the wool and asked as she shook her head. “I was hoping to talk to Jyatha Moshai…” She shivered a little as Kalindi scolded her to find a sweater first. She rushed indoors as Kalindi spotted Trilochon in a thermal t-shirt, a pair of pants and a shawl walking towards her with the cane in hand. He stopped as he watched her kn...
Read More

Purnota: Chapter Twenty Three

By
“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 ...
Read More

Purnota: Chapter Twenty Six

By
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...
Read More

Purnota: Chapter Twenty Eight

By
“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...
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