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Shadows

By
Kunwar Pratap had indeed found his shadow in Ajabdeh. Their love, understanding and respect for each other were the talk of the Rani Mahal Baithak. Kunwar Pratap was now the Senapati of Mewar again, and all his political decisions reflected her calm opinions and firm beliefs. Udai Singh had honoured Patta and Ajabdeh in secret for their bravery, much to Ajabdeh's relief. Ajabdeh's growing influence forced Dheerbai to stay low until her favourable time came. Kunwar Pratap would always talk about his missions with her. Ajabdeh would always wait months, praying for his safety and awaiting his return. He always asked her for advice on political matters. Ajabdeh found peace in her books and Kanha Ji and Ranima’s bhajans while he stayed busy. Ranima forced Ajabdeh to teach the princesses some sword skills. Sometimes Kunwar Pratap enjoyed watching her in secret, not knowing she was fully aware of his glares.

When Chittorgarh received the good news of an heir, Ajabdeh was sent to Bijolia by Ranima for her safety and that of the heir. In those months, Ajabdeh decided to utilise her time training Balwant in leading, much to Kunwar Pratap's pride and everyone's anxiety. Jaivanta Bai knew now that Ajabdeh was competent enough to protect the heir. 

That spring, Chittorgarh celebrated the birth of their first child, Amar Pratap Singh Sisodia. Amar Singh lay in a cradle while his mother told him the valiant stories of his forefathers.
"One day you have to grow up to surpass them in valour, Amar." Kunwar Pratap smiled at her words as he entered in relative silence.
"First, be as brave as Baijilal, Amar!" Made her frown.
" He will never know", came a stern order for her husband. 
"But why?"
"Because I wish so. I wish to be his mother and not Baijilal."

Mewar now slept in peace. The Children heard the folklore of the brave deeds of Baijilal and Sakhaveer and idolised them. People said Sakhaveer still patrolled the borders at night, and the goons were scared to even reach Mewar. Patta was indeed doing his job well as far as the news reached Kunwar Pratap.  Dheerbai now concentrated on making Jagmal competent for the throne.

One and a Half Years Later.

Ajabdeh was in Bijolia after a long, long time, and the occasion made her happier. It was Balwant's wedding day, with the Samant Putri of Kumbhelmer. Amar was finding it difficult to adjust to his new surroundings and clung to Ajabdeh and Saubhagyawati. Ratan and grown and mature enough to handle the house like Ajabdeh once did, and Patta was there to help. Kunwar Pratap was helping his father inspect the new Mahal at Lake Pichola, but he couldn't make it to the wedding. But Ajabdeh had no complaints. She knew nothing came before their duties.

On the eve of the wedding, a group of travellers entered Bijolia. They were here on a special task. To end Mewar's future, and warn Udai Singh not to raise his head against the Mughals. Amar Singh was here, an infant and unprotected in his father's absence, or so they thought.

Dressed as dacoits, the special assassins entered the palace through the roof. A soldier's alert woke Ajabdeh. The women were running to the secret dungeon.
"Where is Amar?" Hansa cried to Ratan in the commotion.
"Jija?" Ratan appeared scared as she called to the crowd, alarmed, "Patta! Patta!"

Ajabdeh picked up the engraved dagger he had gifted her. She remembered two things.
"A weapon is not a weapon until it tastes blood." Kunwar Pratap always said.
" We Rajputanis protect our heirs with our blood." Ranima had always reminded her. She looked at Amar's sleeping figure and picked him up. Rubbing his eyes, Amar rested his head on his mother's neck. Ajabdeh could feel his breath. Suddenly, for the first time, the mother in her was scared to open that door. She closed her eyes. She remembered how she insisted she could protect him. She insisted that a hundred soldiers were not needed; she was competent. Ranaji believed her, Kunwarsa believed her, Ranima... Baijilal had no place for emotion. She put the dagger in her waist belt and picked up the sword.
"Jai Bhavani." She kissed Amar's forehead and tied him to her belly with a dupatta. She removed her jewellery and tied her hair up.

Opening the door, she found a dark, empty corridor. There was commotion downstairs. Patta and Balwant were leading the troops at the front and back, and Raoji was at the fort gates. She heard faint footsteps. She turned.  The shadow hid behind the pillar. She closed her eyes. She could sense there was more than one.

Kunwar Pratap was on his way back to Chittor when Rawatji's messenger surprised him. He read the letter.
" Baojiraj, my spies inform me that Bijolia is in threat..." He could read no more.
" Amar..." He whispered in anxiety.

The men didn't expect the Kunwarani to be fierce fighters. She not only startled them but scared them as well. First one, then two, then both together. Her sword answered them as Amar cried in fear. She held her baby tight, then turned to throw the dagger at the one from the back.

Kunwar Pratap reached to find the Bijolia soldiers hurt, Balwant lay bleeding as he managed to say " Jija is... still in the...." He rushed in sword out; he could hear the wail of Amar, which suddenly haunted him. Like something had happened to her. He rushed towards the noise. He stood like a stone at the sight. Four men lay dead as Ajabdeh picked her dagger out of the fifth one and held Amar tighter. He was crying in fear. She could feel someone at the end of the corridor and took her stance, alarmed. That was when she saw him.

She put Amar down as he toddled his way to Kunwar Pratap, who picked him up and held him tightly as he sobbed. They stared at each other, each of their eyes spoke fear, fear they had never seen in each other, but the parents in them gave in to the warriors. They hugged each other, crushing Amar in between as she could no longer hold back her tears.
"Hush! I am proud of you." He whispered.
"Where are Patta and Daata?" She sounded alarmed.
" Jija," Patta called from her back as they looked anxious. " Everyone is fine."
A relieved smile filled her face as she took Amar from Kunwar Pratap and kissed him again and again. Kunwar Pratap walked away to make sure the intruders were all dead, his blood boiling with rage.

"A war is on," He tightened his fist as he did her bandage, seeing her wounds made him angry.
"No. We are not ready." She replied calmly.
" I am. I can fight them one-on-one."
"Then what? You want Mewar to lose its only hope?"
"I don't want to lose you." His voice trembled.
"I am fine, Baijilal can protect herself."

A few years passed by in Chittorgarh,
“Bhanwarji?” She frowned, looking around. “Where is the boy?” 
She thought she heard a giggle at the Dangal. Taking the plate of food in hand, she stepped down the spiral stairs into the empty dangal.
“Bhanwarji?” She frowned again.
“So Baijilal taught Surtan a lesson?” She heard the familiar voice giggle softly.
“Yes, and he never dared to fight again.” His father smiled.

“Bhanwarji! Kunwarsa!” She looked angry. The duo was a perfect resemblance to one another. They stared at her wide-eyed and then at each other.
“Hai Eklingji!” They exclaimed in unison. “Maasa is angry again.”
“This is no time for stories! I was looking all over for you! Bhanwarji. Finish your food.” 
She handed the frowning boy his half-eaten plate. “Don’t you run off like that again!”

As she scolded the boy, the father was trying to make a hasty escape.
“Kunwarsa!” She made him freeze as the boy giggled.
“Ji?” He asked with a confused face.
“Where are you going? Do you know what time it is? Who will have lunch?”
“I will?” He raised his brows.
“Good.” She smiled. “Rama?”
“Ji Kunwaranisa," A Dasi appeared.
“Take Bhanwarji to rest and make sure he finishes the food.”
“Ji.”
Kunwar Pratap stared at the boy, making a frowning face, then straightened himself as his mother gave him a cold stare.
" You see, Amar! Your Daajiraj can lead like a hundred troops, but at home, Maa sa is the ..." He stopped at her cold stare as the boy giggled, amused.

She walked into the room as he followed in silence.
“You and your son will always keep me on my toes all day; none of you listens to me! And you Kunwarsa! You are who he learns from.”
“Me?” He protested. “He wanted Baijilal’s story.”
“Things he shouldn’t know.” She shook her head, setting his plate.
“Things he should know and be proud of.” He smiled at his wife. She turned to serve when he held her hand.
“Ajabdeh.” She shook to take her hand off in vain. “Eat with me.”
“I…””
“You… are looking for an excuse.” He made her sit down and set her plate as she stared with a smile.
“What?” he asked, frowning.
“Nothing.” She shook her head, smiling. “I'm watching The Kunwar Pratap serve his wife.” 

She giggled. “Some more Ghevar, please!” 
He frowned at her and added, “You made this, didn’t you?”
“How did you…”
“I see your cooking, and I know it’s you.” He smiled, holding a little Ghevar at her lips. She ate it and smiled.

“ Daajiraj Daajiraj!” Made them stare at the door as a frowning Amar entered. 
“Can I play with Chetak, please?”
“Now? You are going to rest…” His mother scolded.
“Ajab, let him. Go on.” He smiled at the boy.

“He reminds me of you.” She smiled, watching Amar run through the corridor.
“And me of you.” 
They smiled at memories as he held her hand and stared at her ever-smiling face. She was his reason to call a palace home; he was the reason she loved Mewar more. In silence, she held his hand as he entwined his fingers. They watched Amar ride Chetak from the Jharokhas.

People knew and learnt the tales of Kunwar Pratap Singh and Kuwarani Ajabdeh Baisa, who became Maharana Pratap and Maharani Ajabdeh Bai for their people. As for Sakhaveer and Baijilal, people’s imagination and mere folktales. Folktales or facts, Sakhaveer and Baijilal are alive in our hearts; the strength of fighting for what is right and what you believe in lives on. All we need to do at times is to take out the Sakhaveer and Baijilal in each one of us and fight the obstacles to win over Life.

The End





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