RAABTA

Jalal’s car had brought the girls to their favourite   cafe  near their school and they were chatting over a latte each while Pratap and Jalal sat at his office discussing paperwork. Pratap saw Jalal bite on a sandwich rather hungrily when he cleared his throat to ask… “Umm, what's with her?” “Who? Ajabdeh?” Jalal asked back making him rub his hands together. “No. Ruqaiya.” Pratap tried to study his face. “She is nice.” “Yeah, good thing they are friends huh?” Jalal gulped down his bite. “yeah, but that’s not what I mean.” Pratap studied his face with a smile. “Jalal is nice?” Ajabdeh sipped at her Latte as Ruqaiya stopped at hers. “Hmm.” Ruqaiya studied her smiling face. “He’s handsome too.” Ajabdeh smiled thoughtfully “And rich and successful.” “Where are you going with this?” Ruqaiya frowned. “I am thinking of proposing to him!” Ajabdeh sounded serious as Ruqaiya choked on her drink. “What do you mean then?” Jalal frowned. “Not every girl calls K...

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...

Ajabdeh sat staring at the wall full of pictures in Jaivanta’s room. She smiled at the larger frame of Pratap and Shakti on ponies, as kids. Jaivanta followed her eyes to the wall. “I didn't even realise when they grew up so fast.” Made her stare at Ranisa. “You know Ajabdeh… After Pratap, I wanted a daughter. Then Shakti came and my health deteriorated. We even considered adopting when my mother-in-law said Bahu will be like your daughter….” O shit! Ajabdeh gulped as a bell rang in her mind making her want to jump up and leave but she was glued to her spot. “My sons, are my pillars of strength. They made me proud. I have no complaints about them no matter what the world says…” She stopped reluctantly as Ajabdeh realized she should speak. “Umm…. I understand Ranisa.” Do I? “ Please Beta.” Jaivanta smiled “Call me Ranima” In her head, Ajabdeh could hear ambulance alerts. She needed to do something real quick! “Ranisa I wanted to tell you something.” She spoke in...

The Surajgarh Haveli had a lot of people running around the central hall which was decorated wonderfully with marigold strands, lamps and petals. The huge rangoli in the doorway welcomed people into the large hall the farthest corner of which had the marble-carved statue of Maata Laxmi and Narayan sitting on the Sesh Naga. A large silver Kalash was placed before her, along with everything required for the Pujas, The Bhog, the flowers, Sandalwood, leaves of the Mango tree and Tulsi that were considered auspicious. The other corner was placed with sofas and cushions for the people to sit on.  The guests were to arrive shortly after the pujas, or so Uai Singh informed Ramrakh. “The other royals, our kin and the local ministers. They come on every puja and this one is special because they will meet Kunwarani Ajabdeh too.” Udai had smiled at Jaivanta’s nod as Ramrakh and Hansa shared a worried glance. Hansa and Jaivanta were sitting with the Panditji to check if he needed someth...