Struggles and Tests

Kunwar Pratap ran to hug his mother. Jaivanta Bai smiled pleased looking at him. Sajja Bai had accompanied her here with the Bhattiyani queen and had reached out to her sister in Marwar 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 Mehrangarh.” 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.

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

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

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

“ Your room Maharanisa.”

“Ajabde, call me Mausi orelse the daasis will…”

“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 Ajabde who was too happy to help. She watched Ajabde go about her work when she wondered aloud “Where is Pratap?”

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

“Wah, you seem to know his routines well.” Jaivanta Bai smiled as Ajabde stopped.

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

“I should leave.” She hurried past him as Jaivanta ordered “Stop.”

Ajabde 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 Ajabde 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. Ajabde 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 the ones who take law in their hands. Any Public who can provide the authority with any information will be rewarded. The culprits are Sakha…” Kunwar Pratap stopped as Ajabde’s eyes widened.

“ 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 Daajiraj 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…”

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

Ajabde 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 are her.”

“Ji?” Ajabde 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 faces froze and turned red as Jaivanta Bai hugged a taken-aback Ajabde. 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.”

Late at night, almost near 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.

She did his aarti and tilak. 

“ Go teach Boondi’s soldiers and Rao Surtan 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 sat atop Sarang. She pulled her horse to tie him to Sarang’s reign and climbed up in front of him. He smiled remembering their first meeting.

“Hyah!” Sarang ran across the forest.

The dawn broke with two voices filling the peace of the first light. Kunwar Pratap smiled. Ranima and she were so much alike. He wore 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. She turned around with a smile as well as Jaivanta Bai did his Tilak.

“Vijayibhava, Jyasasree Bhava.” She blessed her son and walked away as eyes met.

“ Chalte Hai.”

“Take care of… yourself.” She managed without a tremble in her voice. 

He nodded. Yes. 

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” indicated the war was near. Ajabde 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 up 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 if any attack happens. After all, Surtan was active nearby in the border villages.

Jaivanta Bai watched Ajabde 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.

“Ajabde, all the details have been taken care of I can see. You can go and rest.”

“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 talents of 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 Marwar. 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. Ajabde is very special.”

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

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 was left there. He hadn’t questioned his punishment or even written to his father.

Udai Singh was clueless as to why Jaivanta Bai had decided to be so harsh. What surprised him more was that he 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 two weeks that he had no 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 Bundi had allied with the Mughals and hence Surtan is this fearless. And some Sakhaveer and Baijilal apparently irked him.”

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

“They are… very helpful for the people of Daajiraj.”

“Maybe they are, but no one can take the law in 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 Bundi, 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. Ajabde stood worried hoping there was some news. 

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

“ Ranima?”

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

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

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

“Ajabde, he fears that Surtan would attack here.” Jaivanta Bai looked worried.

“Then we should be prepared.” Ajabde looked strong as Jaivanta Bai nodded adding “Don’t tell Sajja Bai or Hansa Bai, they will be scared.” She nodded.

Ajabde ran to her room with the letter in hand.

“Ajab, you can know the war news I send 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 Surtan getting down from his horse. All the plights of the villagers, the way he looked at Baijilal came as flashes before his eyes as he raised his sword angrily.

“Jhunjhaar Singh! Save me from Kunwar Pratap!” Rao Surtan ran, as he chased. Jhunjhar Singh came in between as swords clashed. After a duel, Jhunjhar realized he is 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 bends 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 Ajabde didn’t have insecurities over her relationship. She was scared he would eventually realize it was a mistake and maybe childishness. His letters kept coming and reducing her fear time and again.

“Ajabde 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.

Ajabde 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 is not lonely.

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

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

The war was slowly turning to Mewar’s side much to Surtan’s dismay. He handed a letter to his special messenger who took it to Marwar.

“Your plans are failing, we cannot kill Pratap. What next?” Dheer Bai threw the letter in anger. “Worthless aide this Surtan!”

“You cannot kill Pratap then hurt him like he would never rise again, his mother is in Bijolia Palace, and you know what I mean?” Dheer Bai gathered killing off Jaivanta Bai would devastate both Ranaji and Kunwar Pratap and their pain would be her power.

The dawn broke with a knock on her door as Ajabde rushed out.

“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 field.

Kunwar Pratap was at the field slashing enemy soldiers as his eyes searched Surtan Singh.

A messenger reached Kunwar Pratap mid-war. 

“Ajabde Baisa sends me.” He froze for a second before asking “What happened?”

He turned his horse towards Bijolia as Shakti wondered “Where is Dadabhai going?” and followed him.

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