Skip to main content

Responsibilities

"Suno! Suno! Suno!
Rana Udai Singh has Surtan Singh captured. Kunwar Pratap Singh, our crown prince is marrying Rajkumari Ajabde Baisa of Bijolia this week. And in this happy event, Sakhaveer and Baijilal being our saviours have been declared heroes of the state by Ranaji for helping capture Jalam Singh. Suno! Suno! Suno!"
The messengers went around Mewar, rolling the drums as people rejoiced the good news.

That night, when a group of goons attacked a village, Sakhaveer appeared alone and scared them away. As the news reached the palace a proud sister smiled. Sajja Bai looked confused.
"But Kunwarsa was here." She said aloud as Jaivanta Bai and Ajabde stared at her. "Who is this Sakhaveer?" Everyone present in the dining hall had the same question. 
"Majhli Maasa." Kunwar Pratap interrupted as Ajabde looked away.
"Sakhaveer and Baijilal are no two persons, they are the thoughts and ideals of a true Rajput, anyone can be Sakhaveer." Ajabde nodded approval as everyone smiled at the thought.
"Waise Kunwar Pratap." Udai Singh smiled. "Something tells me you know this Sakhaveer." Kunwar Pratap just smiled at his father and then back at Ajabde.

As Ajabde turned off the last lights in her room, a knock at the door made her frown. She opened it to go wide eyes as he stood smiling. 
"Kunwarsa! But..."
"You chose right." He smiled proudly.
"What?" She asked cluelessly.
"Patta, he is..." 
"Perfect for the role, I know." She smiled. "But... he is alone..."
"Sakhaveer can handle anyone alone." He teased with a vain smile that made Ajabde frown.
"Ohh really? Baijilal was never needed?" She asked clearly displeased.
"No, I guess not." He shrugged hiding a smile, seeing her fume.
"Then... Then.... what was Baijilal doing?" She asked.
"Umm... following Sakhaveer?" He questioned.
"Wha... No... I... Baijilal doesn't follow anyone! It was you who came after me that ..." She protested.
" I went to save Mewar." He shrugged again.
"Fine! Baijilal was never needed." Ajabde was about to shut her door when his hands stopped her.
"What?" She fumed. "Now what?"
"Ajabde." He chuckled. "You are so easily miffed by me."
"No, I am not!" She protested rubbing her hands together realizing he was teasing. " I am... Subhratri..."
"Wait!" He held her hand as she looked nervously at the empty corridor.
"Sakhaveer always needs his Baijilal with him." He smiled as his eyes teased her. "Remember that!" He pulled a lock of hair away from her face with a smile as her heart skipped a beat then walked away.

The dawn in Mewar arrived with the Bijolia Palace decked up for the wedding. Flowers, drapes and lamps were everywhere and guests arrived from all over Rajputana. The Tilak was to be done followed by the wedding. Kunwar Pratap was in his chambers getting ready for the Tilak when a Sevak walked in. "A boy is here to meet you." He said at the threshold.
"Boy?" Kunwar Pratap asked surprised.
"yes. He says he needs to talk urgently." 
Patta! "Send him in."

Patta arrived a little awkward and tensed as Kunwar Pratap ordered "Ekanth."
"Kunwarsa. There is bad news." He looked anxious. "I don't think you know this... Ranaji had instructed not to tell..."
"What is it, Patta?" He frowned.
"Surtan had escaped."
"He has what?" He looked wide-eyed. "How?"
"Someone helped him. Someone... In the palace." He looked awkward spelling out the last words.
"What? In the palace?" Kunwar Pratap looked bothered.
"That is not all. I was ... out..."
"Tell everything clearly Patta!"
"Surtan Singh is in the Mewar Jungles itself. Some people apparently spotted a man matching his ..."
"We need to go." Kunwar Pratap took his sword. Patta looked surprised.
"But... your tilak?" He feared.
"Listen to me very carefully." Kunwar Pratap held his shoulders firmly.

"Jija." Ratan walked in and declared "Ekanth." Ajabde was putting on her jewellery when she frowned at Ratan's serious face.
"What happened?" She asked.
"Woh... I overheard Patta and Kunwarsa...."

"Someone call Kunwarsa to meet the guests," Ranaji instructed in the Baithak as Sajja Bai ji got up. She knocked at the closed door, and Patta gulped nervously. Another knock and he answered, "Kunwarsa is getting ready."
"Tell him people are waiting."
SajjaBai walked across the corridor to Ajabde's closed door.
"Ji?" Ratan asked with a pale face.
"Ajabde?"
"I am bringing her down in... umm...." She was nervous. Jija! Come back fast!

Sajja Bai walked into the Baithak to sit beside Jaivanta Bai.
"Pratap?" She asked.
"Woh... both are... getting ready." Jaivanta Bai frowned. 
"Did you see them?" She asked immediately.
"No, the door was...." Jaivanta Bai's eyes went wide.

"What happened? Why are we all here?" Raoji asked surprised as Dheerbai smiled.
"Where are the bride and groom Raoji?" Her question made Udai Singh look at Jaivanta Bai who looked away.
"What do you mean Dheer Bai ji?" Ranaji asked. Sajja Bai and Hansa Bai looked scared as Balwant dragged a scared Ratana and a nervous Patta by the hands into the room. 
"Tell them." Dheerbai looked at Ratan.
"Woh... Woh..." She gulped.
"Sakhaveer and Baijilal went to capture Surtan," Patta said without a pause.
"What? " Everyone looked at the duo in shock.
"Ratan, why didn't you stop her?" Hansa scolded.
"Well, your daughter is so stubborn she never listens maybe," Dheerbai spoke up. "A bride is doing this on her wedding if anyone knows, the family names...."
"Dheerbai ji." Udai Singh interrupted. "Kunwar Pratap went first I guess. He is the more stubborn one. He could tell me, we have an army."
" Shama Hukum," Patta spoke up. "He said he could trust no one as somebody helped him escape. Somebody our own. From the palace." As he spoke the last line he stared coldly at Dheerbai ji making her heart skip a beat. What did this kid know?

"Sakhaveer." Her call made him stop midway in the jungle he turned back wide-eyed to see Baijilal on her brown horse. 
"Baijilal is not needed?" She fumed.
"Aja... Baijilal! What are you doing here? They will search for you."
"And they won't for you?" She taunted.
"I put Patta on..."
"I have Ratan, Let's move." She rode ahead as he followed with a shake of a head.
"Who gave you this news?" He whispered looking around.
"Next time, make sure no one is at the closed doors, and don't speak so loud." She smiled faintly.
"I will remember that for sure." He murmured.
"Where are we headed?" She asked.
"Well, your spies didn't tell you that?" He teased.
"My brother told you, so tell me!" She ordered. 
"Do you know who you are ordering?" He frowned.
"Yes! My...." She stopped to check herself.
"Your?" A teasing smile she could read in his eyes made her blush.
"Where are we headed?" She asked seriously.
"There is a tila across the lake, He is there, in a cave, Patta saw him sneak in, with about twenty soldiers."
"Why didn't he attack?" She frowned.
"Don't get so hard on him." He spoke softly. "He is a beginner." 

They kept their horses a few feet away and stealthily moved towards the cave opening. They spotted two men in commoner's attires at the mouth of the cave.
"They have daggers." She whispered.
"Bundi soldiers" He added. With an approving nod to each other, they attacked. 
Baijilal was holding three soldiers at bay when she saw Surtan move to Sakhaveer's back as he engaged in war with two more.
"Look out!" She shouted as he turned and slayed Surtan across his chest. The soldiers ran. 
Sakhaveer held Surtan's head as he breathed his last.
"Tell me who helped you. Tell me who told you about Maharanisa being in Bijolia and who helped you escape." Kunwar Pratap needed to know the traitor.
"Mah... Maha...."
"Speak Up!" He fumed. Baijilal put her hand on his shoulder. 
"Let go, Sakhaveer, He is dying!" She insisted.
"Say!" He seemed miffed.
"Dhee ... Dhee..." Surtan breathed his last as Sakhaveer got up wide-eyed. Baijilal looked at his eyes for a reaction. They were calm.
"I need to go tell Daaji..." He turned around to walk as she shouted "Stop." He looked back at her surprised.
"Don't!" She said calmly.
"What?" He looked surprised.
"Don't! We have no proof, a dying enemy's words are not proof enough." She looked at Surtan lying cold. He knew she was right.
"Besides..." She added. " We will need her for talks with Marwar. Don't forget Jalam Singh." She reminded him as he nodded.
"You always think ahead." He praised as eyes met.
"Let's go back before anyone finds out that we are missing." She spoke up as he approved.

" A traitor amongst us?" Raoji asked surprised. "What are you saying Patta?"
"I am saying right, Raoji. Someone let Surtan know Maharanisa was in Bijolia when Jija saved them, how did they know when no one except the Royals did? How did he escape?" Patta spoke up as everyone approved.
"Listen to me. Today onward, Baijilal, Sakhaveer, Kunwar Shakti, and Kunwar Pratap everyone will only report directly to me. No one else. Is that clear?" Ranaji spoke up. " And no discussions will take place anywhere except the strategy room under guards."

"Climb up." Kunwar Pratap held the drapes he used as a rope as she nodded, he looked around to keep an eye as she climbed up and to the room through the open balcony. Stepping into the room Baijilal froze wide-eyed. Kunwar Pratap climbed up the rope and jumped into the room saying "I don't think anyone..." with a smile but soon it faded as he looked at the crowd in front of him. Then at her. 

"Welcome back Sakhaveer and Baijilal." Balwant hid a smile as they looked at each other through the corner of their eyes. In the room were Ranaji, Raoji, Jaivanta Bai, Sajja Bai, Patta and Ratan with Balwant. Ajabde gave a cold stare at Ratan. She looked nervous. 
"What's the news?" Ranaji asked as they looked up.
"Surtan is dead," Sakhaveer answered. "And he said there is someone who helped him." He shot a glance at Baijilal who softly nodded "Don't."
Ranaji looked disturbed. 

"All right my saviours. Now that the work is done can we get back to the rituals?" Jaivanta Bai smiled as she stepped forward to take Ajabde's hand. 
"And can we expect that the bride and groom will arrive at the wedding on time and not go on a rescue mission?" Sajjabai teased and smiled.
"Yes." He looked away awkwardly as she blushed.
"Let's take her for the Puja jija." Sajjabai smiled as Jaivanta approved.

The Golden Sword was in the Puja room when Ajabde appeared elegant in her bridal orange lehenga and the traditional jewellery gifted by Jaivanta Bai. She folded her hands while the Rajpurohit did the Bhavani Puja.
“Jai Bhavani.” 
The ladies folded their hands as Ajabde took the sword and looked up at the idol.
“Let this sword protect my motherland.” She whispered a prayer.
“Say protect me, that’s the rule“ Dheerbai interrupted.
“Chotima, if it protects Mewar, then I will be protected too.” Her words made everyone smile.
She gave the sword to Rawatji and made a slow exit until she would be called again.

Kunwar Pratap walked in, dressed in a royal golden and orange sherwani. Rawatji was instructed to give him the sword.
“Kunwarsa accept this for the Tilak.”
“But Rawatji why is giving a sword necessary?” He asked curiously.

“ Because you are a Rajput.” Jaivanta Bai explained. “ Because you will protect your motherland and her honour with the sword.”
“If that’s the reason then I have no right to receive this alone Ranima.” He smiled. 
Udai Singh nodded as Sajja Bai went to bring Ajabde who looked utterly confused at a hall full of people staring at her. Kunwar Pratap stood with the sword smiling as she approached him.

“Ajabde.” Jaivanta Bai spoke up. “We want you to receive the sword on his behalf.”
“Me?” She asked surprised.
“No. Baijilal.” Kunwar Pratap’s words made her and everyone smiles as he handed her the sword. Holding both ends together they stared at the idol of Maa Bhavani.

“ We promise. To Protect. And Honor.” They stared at each other with content smiles.


READ CHAPTERS HERE
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Of Faith and Fate

Series Announcement! Historical Fictions are special, so here is one, short but special tale close to my heart after a really long time! This story is a special one because it is completely historical fiction with very little connection to the fan fiction I have written previously. However, I have maintained the sequence of events, reading history books on the context.  This is not a story of a man and a woman, their love and trust. This one is about the tests time often puts people through, forcing them to change. My protagonists in this one are hence, two princesses of the same age. Ajabdeh Punwar or Ajbante Kanwar Baisa, as she is locally called is the princess of a very significant district of Bijolia in Mewar. Bijolia lies in the seat of political events, at the border of Bundi and Mewar. Having her lineage from the mighty Chauhans, her forefathers once ruled Mewar. Her father is an officer in the army of Mewar under Rana Udai Singh and she is a lady of princip...
Post a Comment
Read More

Preparation

It has been a tradition since time immemorial in the face of the earth that the men marched to war, seeking glory for their states and kings, adorning their bodies with bruises no less gaudy than the most precious gems of the land, while the women waited and prayed for their safe return. No war was easy or certain. At least that is what they grew up learning. But does it stop the war? Or the need for power? Absolutely not. The royal blood demands shedding it. Kumar Viraj could have left Maanwari as a child but Maanwari had not left his veins. That was perhaps why he was braver and more skilful than men his age. When Adhiraja Ishaan Dev offered him Neelambargarh’s mighty troops to capture Maanwari, he knew they would surely outnumber his uncle’s one by hundreds. But he made sure he refused Adhiraja's personal help. Battles made Ishaan Dev’s adrenaline rush. He wanted to lead Kumar Viraj to victory. But when Kumar Viraj said that it would only demean his claim to be ready for the thr...
Post a Comment
Read More

Eternally Yours

Ajabde 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 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 a worry. Maybe something urgent has come up. She walked to the Puja room and was shocked. Her garlands were made, the Chandan was in place and ...
7 comments
Read More

The New Capital

“Some dreams are once broken often come back as haunting nightmares.” The Padishah Begum received the news of the birth of a baby boy to Harka Bai at Sikri. She had arranged for a feast and celebration at Lahore and thanked the Almighty herself for this happiness. She prayed that the boy was safe. Hamida Banu had herself sent a messenger to the Padishah Begum at Lahore. The ladies celebrated for a week. The Padishah Begum had given away coins, and clothes to the needy and new clothes to the kin. The Emperor was on his way to Sikri as well. She had smiled at the happy faces savouring the wine and sweet dishes. She greeted and congratulated everyone around the Harem. The Timurid blood would be safe on the throne.   Jalal had visited once in the past few months, giving her the good news of Harka Bai conceiving again. He feared that people were conspiring at Agra. Hence, Harka Bai’s firstborns died, unnaturally. Ridiculous rumours were spread, about the Emperor killing his o...
Post a Comment
Read More

What If...

Ajabdeh, played all night with the newfound puppy who was already keeping her on her toes. First, he jumps into the trolley bags and inspected her clothes, alarming Heer and making her laugh. He had fallen in love with a pink lingerie Ajabdeh tied to his head like a bow, laughing harder as he tried to open it, going in rounds. Heer saw her carefree laughter with a smile. She may not like the guy, but he did make her sister laugh. Heer shook her head. Something in her felt really awkward as she cleared her throat to ask "Jija??" "Hmm?" "Do you... umm... like Kunwar Pratap?" Heer looked scared to ask. "What?" She frowned and then smiled as the puppy licked her face. "Of course I like him! He is a friend." "Jija I meant..." "Good night Heeriye." She hugged her sister then picked the pup up and snuggled in her blanket as Heer stood watching. "Let's name you baby?" She heard Ajabdeh talk. "Umm...
Post a Comment
Read More

Understandings

After counting days, Ajabde was happy that she was going to Bijolia. She knew how eager her mother and Ratan would be to know about her new life. She couldn't wait to hug her mother and feel like... Home. She was selecting gifts for her parents and her siblings as per Ranima's instructions. Then suddenly an idea struck her mind. Her new family welcomed her with so much love and support. Especially Ranima and Majhli Maa Sa. She wanted to give them something. Suddenly she remembered that Ranima had loved her embroidery work on dupattas back in Bijolia so she called a Dasi and ordered some plain Chunris and embroidery threads. She had a lot of work to finish in a day before leaving.   Kunwar Pratap came back into the room to see her on the floor, right in the middle of the room with red, green, yellow, and pink all sorts of dupattas scattered. " What's all this?" He asked not sure if he should be asking. " I am making gifts. For Ranima, Majhli ma, Rani Dheer Bai...
2 comments
Read More

Neelambargarh

  The fort of Neelambargarh was named so because it stood on a cliff above the low-lying plains surrounding it as if it was ready to touch the sky. The fort was surrounded by hilly forestland on three sides and extensive plain lands used for agriculture on another. The road winding up to Neelambargarh was guarded by three gateways and a secret tunnel, known only to the Neelambargarh royal family, led down from the five-storey palace to the river in the forestland. The kingdom of Neelambargarh was known across the land beyond the Heemdevi Mountains for its art and architecture. True indeed, like the myths it held, the stone walls of the fort and the castles shone in the sun like fire swayed by the wind. The gateways had extensive architecture and tales of Neelambargarh’s rich past and kings, engraved in stones, alongside nymphs and the several forms of their chief deity, The Wind, and his tales of miracles. Above the gate in local scriptures was poetry written in honour of the past ...
Post a Comment
Read More

Sadh Puron

  Rasmo ka mela yaha pe khel rahe hai saare Aaja shamil ho isme zara thoda muskura de Seven months into her pregnancy, Bondita realised, almost to her amusement, that there were certain prejudices that even Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury gave in to. Ever since Koeli arrived, to help her out, as instructed by Kakababu, to her utter surprise Aniruddha gave in to Koeli putting a kajal tika behind her ear every time she stepped out, to avoid bad omens. He even willingly gave up the bedroom at one phone call from Trilochan insisting that the woman needs her space during her pregnancy. He ended up having a makeshift mattress as a bed, in the middle of the living room in the apartment, and he was more than willing to sleep there while Koeli stayed with Bondita. Although she liked to have the entire bed to herself, she sometimes missed their pillow talks. Aniruddha also made sure the household never ran out of supplies of pickles and sweets. Koeli didn’t lose a turn to tease Bondita about how th...
Post a Comment
Read More

Patralekha

Mujhse ye rishta jo, aa usse hai sawaare Chal sayane se thoda nadan bann ja tu Ashapurna walked out of the room with questioning eyes as Somnath shook his head. He had called Aniruddha as soon as Bondita complained of pain and uneasiness. He was already off to court and his house owner had reassured him that the news would reach him soon. He was supposed to come with the allopathic doctor. “I think it is time.” Ashapurna almost whispered to Somnath as Koeli rushed in with wet towels to comfort Bondita who appeared in a lot of pain. “Talk to Jetha Shoshur Moshai, please.” Somnath nodded and rushed downstairs where Batuk paced the room as Trilochan and Binoy sat on the couch. Ashapurna’s mother had taken Ashutosh with her for the day as soon as she heard.  “What do we do now?” Somnath broke the silence. “She was not due so soon.” Batuk frowned as his uncle gave him a disapproving stare making him stop. “Som, go and call Dai.” He insisted as Somnath remained frozen in his place. “We c...
Post a Comment
Read More

Trouble In Paradise

Kyun na jaane teri chinta ho rahi hai mujhe Har ghadi ab kyun hai dhyan tera. "Eyes on the road." Aniruddha scolded almost in a reflex, putting his right hand vigilantly over the steering wheel. Bondita's painted hands were on the wheel but her eyes kept wandering to the cattle on either side of the road. "You can't be distracted while driving. You will kill someone." He said in a rather monotonous voice. His hand didn't leave the steering wheel nor did his eyes leave the road. But he made sure instinctively that his hands stayed furthest away from her touch. Bondita breathed in as the morning breeze hit her face. She had removed the saree from over her head when they had stopped by the road to exchange places.  "If you push the car into a tree again, it's your last lesson." He had warned while she giggled.  Bondita couldn't tell Aniruddha why she was distracted the last time. It was almost dusk and while he instructed her on the wheel,...
Post a Comment
Read More