Struggles and Tests

Kunwar Pratap hugged his mother. He had missed her warmth and the feeling of home. Jaivanta Bai smiled observantly at him. It had been a while since she saw her son. Sajja Bai had accompanied her here with the Bhattiyani queen and had reached out to her brother in Jaisalmer for shelter with the princesses until the war ended. She refused to stay like a commoner at Samant’s house.

“Majhli Maasa.” Kunwar Pratap touched her feet and got a hug in return. “ Where is Chotima?”

“She went to Jaisalmer to her Bhai Raimal.” Jaivanta Bai replied. Dressed simply in a blue lehenga and silver jewellery, she still looked elegant. The sound of payal made everyone turn as Hansa smiled at her daughter, approaching with refreshments.

“This is Ajabdeh. My eldest.” Ajabdeh stepped forward to touch the queen’s feet while Kunwar Pratap stepped back carefully, watching with a smile. Jaivanta Bai cupped her face and blessed her as she noticed her son’s reaction in silence.

“Ajabdeh, show them the guest rooms.” After the refreshments, Hansa Bai instructed her. Kunwar Pratap left in a hurry to oversee the troops, followed by Balwant, who now kind of worshipped him.

Ajabdeh directed Sajja Bai to her room and then Jaivanta Bai to the largest one.

“ Your room, Maharanisa.” She spoke while fixing the curtains on the jharokha window.

“Ajabdeh, call me Mausi or else the dasis will…” Jaivanta Bai reminded her gently.

“Shama kijiye woh….” Jaivanta noticed how she rubbed her hands in nervousness like she did. It made her smile.

“Help me set up the Mandir for my Girdhar.” She smiled at Ajabdeh, who was too happy to help. She watched Ajabdeh go about her work when she wondered aloud, “Where is Pratap?”

“He must be at the Dangal,” Ajabdeh replied unmindfully, lighting the lamps.

“You seem to know his routines well.” Jaivanta Bai smiled as Ajabdeh stopped, alarmed.

“Wo… I…” She was making an excuse when Kunwar Pratap entered and was startled to see her there.

“I should see the.” She hurried past him as Jaivanta ordered, “Stop.”

Ajabdeh froze in her position while Kunwar Pratap looked confused. His gaze followed his mother as she went to close the door and come back, holding Ajabdeh by the hand and positioning her beside him. They looked at each other, confused. Jaivanta Bai walked to her trunk and took out a letter.

“Pratap read this.” He came forward to take the letter. Ajabdeh stood confused, rubbing her hands together.

“ By the order of Rana Udai Singh II of Mewar, the Dewan of Sree Ekling Nath Ji, the State orders the immediate arrest of those who take the law into their own hands. Any Public who can provide the authority with any information will be rewarded. The culprits are Sakha…” Kunwar Pratap stopped as Ajabdeh’s eyes widened. She was unsure why she was told to stay back in what looked like a Royal matter between mother and son. Had he told his mother something she didn't know of?

“ Read on.” Jaivanta Bai spoke calmly.

“Umm… Sakhaveer, mid-teens, male. And Baijilal. Mid-teens. Female. Faces unknown.” He stopped. “ Ranima I….”

“First, tell me one thing, Pratap, do you think your Dajiraj ordered this?” A frown appeared on his face as he shook his head with a small “No.”

“There is someone who wants to expose Sakhaveer, and also knows or guesses who he is.” Jaivanta Bai’s indication was clear as Kunwar Pratap looked up at his mother’s face.

“Ranima, I was going to…” He tried to explain.

“Sakhaveer needs to save both himself and Baijilal from this person.” She smiled at her son.

Ajabdeh stared at her and back at a smiling Kunwar Pratap, confused as Jaivanta Bai approached her.

“I know my son, what he is capable of and what not. What stunned me was that a girl shared the same thoughts and bravery. The moment you came, I knew you were her.”

“Ji?” Ajabdeh looked scared.

Jaivanta Bai cupped her face and smiled. “ I am glad Sakhaveer found Baijilal. And I am glad Kunwar Pratap chose his reflection.” 

Both of them froze and turned red as Jaivanta Bai hugged a taken-aback Ajabdeh. A smile curved Kunwar Pratap’s face as Jaivanta Bai said, “You can get a hug too.” And pulled him in, saying, “Once the war is over, I will talk to Ranaji.”

Almost at dawn, Baijilal was at the Mahanal Temple, the deserted complex, waiting for sunrise. She did the puja and was about to turn when she heard footsteps behind her. A smile lit up her eyes as she turned to see the saffron attire.

“They won’t come after us here.” He assured.

“Ever since Daata left, the mission to capture us has been put on hold.”She smiled.

"But Surtan might use this opportunity to strike." He sounded worried. She nodded at him. "If he does, Baijilal's intel will let her know."

"I want you to be very careful without me." He sounded unsure. She narrowed her brows slightly.

"Sakhaveer, for your information, Baijilal roamed the forests of Bhimlat much before you came here. She can take care of a few goons. For the rest, some soldiers will be ordered by the palace."

"As long as Ranima is in charge, there is nothing to worry about that matter." He nodded. She took out the kesar she had brought with her and tiptoed to do his Tilak like she promised.

“ Go teach Marwar's soldiers and Rao Maldeo a lesson he will never forget.”

“Protect yourself and others.”He replied. 

She nodded, “Ranima is my responsibility.”

“Did you just say…” 

His eyes widened as she looked away “She told me to.”

A smile curved his face as he said, “Tonight, can Sarang give Baijilal a ride home?”

“Yes.” 

She smiled as he mounted Sarang and gave her his hand. She pulled her horse to tie him to Sarang’s reign and climbed up in front of him, accepting his helping hand. He smiled, remembering their first meeting.

“Hyah!” Sarang ran across the forest.

The dawn broke with two musical voices breaking the silence of the night. Kunwar Pratap smiled. Ranima and she were so much alike. He geared up in his armour and walked out first to Hansa Mausi and Majhli Ma. Then he walked to where the voices came from.

“Pratap.” Her mother looked behind her with a smile as he stood silent, waiting for the Bhajan to end. Ajabdeh turned around with a smile, as did Jaivanta Bai with his Tilak and Aarti.

“Vijayibhava, Jyasasree Bhava.” She blessed her son and walked away to give everyone the Prasad as eyes met.

“ Chalte Hai.”

“Take care of… yourself.” Ajabdeh managed without a tremble in her voice. He nodded. He wanted to hug her, but all he could do now was walk away. He did not look back, afraid he might lose his composure. She rushed up the stairs to the roof while “Har Har Mahadev” filled the air. Ajabdeh silently wiped away a tear, watching the horses go.

She came back to the Palace and instructed the guards to be posted where she needed them. She set major meeting points in case of emergency and also alerted the Messengers who would bring news from the front and back. She sent alarms to all the ladies of the fort to be prepared for an attack. After all, Surtan was active nearby in the border villages.

Jaivanta Bai watched Ajabdeh order Balwant to know his troops and assign them. She watched her brother run down the corridor as she sighed and turned to see the Maharani.

“Ajabdeh, all the details have been taken care of, I can see. You can go and rest.” She was reassuring as Ajabdeh smiled, embarrassed.

“She won’t rest.” Hansa walked up to them with a smile. “She is always alert and in charge whenever her Daata is not home.”

“She has the talent for techniques, I can see that. “ Jaivanta Bai praised as she blushed a little with a faint smile before walking away.

“I worry for her.” Hansa Bai said, watching her daughter go.

“ Why?” Jaivanta Bai frowned a little at Hansa’s words.

“ A marriage proposal had come with great difficulty from Bhilwara. We were going ahead with it. But… Sakhaveer and Baijilal scared them away.” She looked worried.

“Sakhaveer and Baijilal scared them?” Jaivanta Bai managed to hide a smile before adding, “I am sure better options will come her way. Ajabdeh is very special.”

“Kunwarsa also said this.” Hansa Bai smiled faintly as Jaivanta Bai’s face lit up with a wider smile.

Kunwar Pratap reached the war front and got off his horse.

“Dadabhai.”

A call from behind pleased him as he turned to see his younger brother, Shakti, and he smiled. It felt like ages since they had met. He hugged his brother as Chundawatji came from behind.

“Ranaji is waiting for you.”

Controlling his emotions, Kunwar Pratap entered the Khema and saw his father standing with Raoji. Watching him come in, Raoji left, while he looked at the floor, checking himself. The last time he met his father was at Telhati when he left home. He hadn’t questioned why he was posted away or even written to his father.

Udai Singh was surprised that he had left Kunwar Pratap at Telhati, and Rawatji’s spies informed him that Kunwar Pratap had left for somewhere unknown to them after he helped the Bhils there. It had now been weeks since he had any trace of his son. Udai Singh’s spies had no idea where he was until this emergency situation came up, and Jaivanta Bai informed him that he was sent to Bijolia by her. 

Kunwar Pratap seemed to have matured a lot in these few months by the looks of it. He came to touch his father’s feet in full composure, while Udai Singh chose to hug him instead.

“ Daajiraj, what’re your orders for me?” He asked like a true warrior, and Udai Singh couldn’t be prouder.

“ Well, we tried peace talks but in vain. My spies say Marwar had allied with the Mughals, and hence Rao Maldeo is this fearless.” He stopped, "I also heard Surtan is creating trouble in Bijoliya from Raoji. Some Sakhaveer and Baijilal are angering him with vigilante activities."

Kunwar Pratap suddenly remembered Ajabdeh’s plea to convince Udai Singh.

“They are… very helpful for the people, Daajiraj.” He managed.

“Maybe they are, but no one can take the law into their hands. If we let them do this, many more will rise to question the system. We cannot let that happen. As an administration, no matter how much we appreciate them, we cannot let them go.” Kunwar Pratap understood that politically Udai Singh’s hands were tied.

“ Ranima and Majhli ma are doing well at Raoji’s place.” He smiled as his father nodded.

“Let’s get to the strategy room.” Everyone in Mewar’s army was pleased to see the father-son duo together, especially with the rumours of a rift flying. This would be a perfect answer to Marwar, letting Kunwar Pratap lead the war.

A letter arrived in Bijolia for Maharani Jaivanta Bai. It was from her son. As the messenger declared so, Jaivanta Bai took the letter and walked into her room. Ajabdeh stood worried, hoping there was some news. 

In a minute, a maid came and said, “The guest had called for Baisa. She needs water.” Ajabdeh smiled at the indications as she nodded.

“ Ranima?”

“Close the door.” She did what she was told.

“Here. This one is yours.” She handed Ajabdeh a letter, hidden in the larger one. “ He’s Senapati, leading the army.”

“But, such an important war and…” Ajabdeh bit her lips, knowing she had crossed her limits to question the Royals.

“Ajabdeh, he fears that Surtan would attack here.” Jaivanta Bai looked worried. "His spies tell him so." For a brief moment, Ajabdeh contemplated. Her intel saw nothing out of the ordinary.

“Then we should be prepared.” Ajabdeh sounded determined as Jaivanta Bai nodded, adding, “Don’t tell Sajja Bai or Hansa Bai, they will be scared.” She nodded. Ajabdeh ran to her room with the letter in hand.

“Ajab, you can know the war news that I sent Ranima. I am writing to you about a very important task. My spies say that somehow Surtan knows Ranima and Majhli Ma are there. Someone leaked the news… I need you to do what is needed to protect Bijolia with Balwant’s help. If you are in danger, send out some kind of message to reach me. And… Don’t let Baijilal attack the Bundi Soldiers.” 

The last line made her smile as she knew his instructions. Kunwar Pratap had trusted her with the responsibilities, and she won’t let them down.

The armies met at the battleground at dawn, as Mewar’s flag flew high. Swords clashed and the air filled with the sound of hooves, and footsteps, and Har Har Mahadev! At the end of the day, under Kunwar Pratap’s able leadership results seemed positive. Kunwar Pratap slashed a soldier and headed towards Rao Maldeo, getting down from his horse.

Jhunjhar Singh came in between as swords clashed. After a duel, Jhunjhar realised he was no match for the crown prince Pratap, so he tried to escape and ended up behind a big rock not far from the battlefield. Kunwar Pratap chased him. Jhunjhar hatched a plan to attack him from behind and hurt him.

He went out through the other side while Kunwar Pratap came up the front. Suddenly, Pratap’s Maala got stuck in the thorn bush, and he bent down to free it. Jhunjhar thus miscalculated the timing, and Kunwar Pratap lost no time to answer with his sword, resulting in Jhunjhar’s death.

 “Ajab, today your Maala saved me…” brought tears to her eyes as she said a soft prayer thanking the lord. It would be wrong to say Ajabdeh did not have insecurities over her relationship. She was scared he would eventually realise it was a mistake and impulsiveness that he had promised her his heart. His letters reassured her otherwise.

“Ajabdeh is very able in administration.” Sajja Bai spoke to Hansa Bai while making garlands, while Jaivanta Bai looked on.

“Yes, she handles the home well, too.” Hansa smiled.

“You have thought of her marriage as of yet?” Sajja asked as Hansa looked worried.

Ajabdeh entered the room carrying the flowers she picked for Ranima. Kunwar Pratap had instructed her to do everything he used to do for Ranima and make sure she was not lonely.

“Aree wah Jija, she seems to know what you want and how you want it well.” Sajja smiled as Ajabdeh looked awkward and red.

“Yes, and I am sure you will find someone perfect for her, someone equally talented.”Jaivanta Bai smiled at Ajabdeh, who blushed and left.

The war was slowly turning to Mewar’s side, much to Maldeo’s dismay. He handed a letter to his special messenger, who took it to Haji Khan. He would be diplomatic and promise Haji Khan something more than what Udai Singh gave him. If Haji Khan changed sides, Mewar would lose the battle.

Surtan Singh was drinking wine from a cup as a woman danced in front of him when his soldier came with an unsealed letter.

“The Maharani of Mewar is in Bijoliya. Kunwar Pratap is already at war. What next?” Surtan rolled up the scroll and held it by the lamp.

"If you don't have patience, why don't you do it yourself?" Dheer Bai threw the letter in anger as she fumed. “Worthless, this Surtan!” Had she played her hand wrong in taking his help? Dheer Bai gathered that killing off Jaivanta Bai would devastate both Ranaji and Kunwar Pratap, and their pain would be her power. She could persuade Ranaji to consider Jagmal and force Pratap out much more easily from the capital, without his mother there to protect him.

The dawn broke with a knock on her door as Ajabdeh rushed out. The bells were ringing in warning, and soldiers ran through the corridor. “The Bundi soldiers are here.” She grabbed her sword and told Balwant to escort the ladies to the underground chambers and alert the guards.

She sends out a messenger through the back door fast, and he rode away towards the battlefield. It would take half a day, if not more. She did not have time.

Kunwar Pratap was in the field, slashing enemy soldiers as his eyes searched Maldeo. Haji Khan did not sound promising in the last meeting. His reluctance worried Pratap that something bigger was at play here. Before he changed his mind, Pratap needed the war to be over.

A messenger reached Kunwar Pratap by afternoon.  

“Ajabdeh Baisa sends me.” He froze for a second before asking, “What happened?” He had no time to inform his father of the impending danger to Ranima or make him understand that a peace talk would be beneficial after Haji changed sides. He briefed Rawat ji quickly as he turned his horse towards Bijolia, as Shakti wondered, “Where is Dadabhai going?” and followed him.