Impressed?

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 a hurry “We…”

“You know why I chose you for him beta?” made her stop and stare. No, she didn’t. Something in her wanted to know the answer. She waited for it as Ranisa smiled.

“Because the moment I saw you, I knew you are a dreamer, you dare to follow your heart, much like my Pratap.” Jaivanta’s words made her skip a beat as her fake smile faded into a frown.

“Because I knew not many understand his priorities, but he’s not wrong, he needs someone to understand him, and you are perfect in that. I feel you two will understand each other best and today, hearing you explain the one proved me right.”

Oops! Pratap is going to kill me! I impressed her. Shit!

“Umm, Ranisa…”

“Ranima…” she corrected.

“ I didn’t…”

“You said it like you believed in it Ajabdeh, we all saw that, even Pratap.”
Did I? She frowned. I don’t even believe in such…. She stopped her thought. Anymore...

“My child is a dreamer but he dreams for others first. Mostly us.” Jaivanta caressed the frame with his and her picture on it making Ajabdeh smile.
“ I always wanted him to have someone he could dream with you know Ajabdeh… he has a lot of potential… only different from what his father wants from him.”

“I know.” Ajabdeh blurted. “I mean…”

“I wish his Papa could see what you and I see in him.” Jaivanta’s sigh made her frown.

“Pra… Kunwarsa doesn’t tell Ranaji his dreams? But why?” She asked.

“He never shares his dreams or his good deeds with anyone on his own… and his social works and all don’t impress Ranaji. He wants business skills.”

“But he has business skills. I saw his…” Ajabdeh stopped wide-eyed at Jaivanta’s stare. “I mean… Jalal said…”

“I wish the father and son understand each other better for my sake.” Jaivanta sighed making Ajabdeh look at her with worry. “Leave it, am ranting. Aren't you tired?” Jaivanta got up.

Ajabdeh got up to leave “Goodnight Rani…ma” Jaivanta hugged her in a warm embrace that made her feel heavy inside.

Pratap arrived at the palace to know from Shakti that nothing happened except that he spotted Ranima smile and talk to Ajabdeh and she in turn was unusually quiet. They had left for the cottages before he arrived back home.

“Woof!”

“What’s that sound?” Shakti sounded alarmed as Pratap inhaled feeling absolutely stupid, in the “excitement” of breaking the marriage he had forgotten the pup.

“Umm wait… I will be back.” He dashed off to the car again.

“Where are you off to now?” Shakti frowned.

“I need to… go… I will be back….”

“Kika?” He was about to get into the car when Jalal stopped him.

“Jalal?” He turned.

“Are you sure everything is fine?” He frowned as Pratap flashed a smile.

“Yes, I wanted to tell you something.” Pratap put his hands in his pocket with a shrug.

“Yes?” Jalal waited for it.

“ We need a meeting with you tomorrow at your Udaipur office.” Pratap's words made him frown.

“We?” He raised his eyebrows.

“Ajab… umm… I wanted Ajabdeh to come along and I want to start that project ASAP.”

“Oh...kay.” Jalal narrowed his eyes and studied his face. “What’s the hurry?”

“Umm… I don’t know… I just felt…” He stopped. Motivated by her?

“You felt?” Jalal asked.

“That we should plan it, get the basic layouts of the hotels and heritage plaza at least.” He shrugged.

“All right.” Jalal stopped to think.
“Come by at ten with Ajabdeh. I will also call my architectural and interior team heads over to give their inputs since you don’t want Udai Uncle’s team.”

“Yes, let us keep it a surprise for them” Jalal nodded.

Woof!

Jalal stared at the closed window of the back door of the car as the pup jumped making him stare surprised.

“Is that a dog?” Jalal asked amused. “You got a dog.”

“It’s a pup and It’s not for me. I will see you tomorrow.” Ignoring Jalal’s judgmental looks at him he drove off to the Cottages.

Heer frowned as the car stopped. She stared at the one sleeping like a log and back at the car.

“Jija!” She gave a gentle push.

“Ummm let me sleep…. Five more minutes.” was the mumble.

“Ohho Jija Kunwarsa is here.” She pushed again.

“What?” she frowned eyes closed.

“Pratap.” Made her rub her eyes and sit up. "Where?"

“Heer pulled her up. “Outside, go now!”

Woof! The pup jumped making Ajabdeh jump harder in surprise as she opened the cottage door.

“Oh my god.!” Ajabdeh sat on her knees as the pup pulled at her Mini mouse-drawn pyjamas. “Puppy!!!!!!” She caressed his neck making him roll over as she laughed. Pratap stood at the door staring at the scene before interrupting with “Can we talk?”

“Where did you find him?” She picked up the pup like a baby as it licked her hands.

“Chavand.” His answer made her frown.

“Is everything okay?” Her voice was concerned.

“Why do you ask?” He narrowed his eyes.

“Chavand….” She raised her eyebrows.

“I went to tell him… about the project… meeting… tomorrow.” He stared at the pup and not at her.

“Oh haa! When are we going?” She asked excitedly.

“We will leave at eight AM. And reach around ten” He smiled at her excitement.

“Okay. Am so happy you are doing it.” She smiled.

“Me too.” He smiled back.

“Okay, good night.” She extended the pup back to Pratap who put his hands in his pocket.

“He’s yours.” He studied her face going from a night lamp spark to thousand light bulb glitters.

“What?” Ajabdeh asked with a silly smile.

“Yes, yours, gift hai.” He smiled shrugging.

“But… why?” She stared at the pup which was busy chewing at the top, but she didn't mind.

“Because… “ he paused “He needs a home. You can give him... A home... and Love.” She smiled at him as it reached her eyes and Pratap smiled back staring into them. His smile didn’t reach his eyes, Ajabdeh noticed.
"Something I... can't" His voice trailed off as he patted the pup making it growl at him. He was already in love with Ajabdeh it seemed. Or her top!

“Are you sure you are okay?” She frowned.

“Ha, babah.” He smiled. “Why is everyone asking me that!"
"Who else?" Ajabdeh raised her eyebrows.
"Jalal" Pratap shook his head, "Waise why did Ranima call you?”

“She was telling about….umm… the family and she wanted a daughter and…” she stopped.

“I hope it wasn't emotional and awkward,” Pratap smirked. “She has that habit.”

“No not that…” she saw him turn to leave.

“Pratap…” he stopped to turn back.

“Hmm?”

“We are not going to hurt everyone are we?” Her worried face made him walk back to the porch.

“Ajab.” He held her shoulders, puppy in between. “That momentary pain will be better than our lifelong compromises right?”

Her mouth went dry as she said “Right.” She shook her head to make the heavy feeling go but it didn't. Is that how guilt felt like?

“Goodnight.” He smiled “and stop worrying. You sound better as carefree!”

“Goodnight” she giggled back.

“Woof!”

“Ha good night to you too.” made her laugh. He smiled back waving, She saw the car drive away.

“Come, baby! now, let’s meet Heer Mausi and think of a name for you!” She led the pup inside.

“She will be stunned to see you!” Ajabdeh giggled. "Or scared" she grinned.

And I need to think of a return gift as well for Princy!

READ CHAPTERS HERE

Comments

My Everything

Kunwar Pratap stormed into the Mahal at Gogunda. Happy faces of the chieftains and soldiers welcomed him as Rao Ramrakh and Rawatji stopped the ongoing Raj tilak. A visibly scared Kunwar Jagmal looked clueless at a visibly angry Kunwar Pratap. Rani Dheerbai Bhattiyani hadn't expected this son of Mewar to show up that too twenty-one days after his father's death. He was not informed as per Dheerbai's instructions. She looked at Rawat Ji. He must have gone to Raoji at Bijolia. No one except them knew where Kunwar Pratap was staying. It was for the safety of his family. " What are you doing Chotima?" A disappointed voice came. She could stoop down so low? " We were about to inform you..." She spoke up in her defence. " When Dheerbai ji?" Maharani Jaivanta Bai, clad in white entered the hall as people bowed before her. " After your son's coronation?" " I did nothing Badima I swear!" A low voice came from Jagmal. " Maha

His Wife

" Where is the Kesar, Rama? And the Kalash?" Ajabde looked visibly displeased at the daasi who ran. " They are at the fort gates and nothing is ready yet!" She exclaimed. She was clad in a red Jora and the jewellery she had inherited as the first Kunwarani of the crown prince. Little Amar ran down the hallway towards his mother. " Maa sa Maa sa... who is coming with Daajiraj?" His innocent question made her heart sink. " Bhanwar Ji." Sajja Bai called out to him. " Come here I will tell you." Amar rushed to his Majhli Dadisa. " Ajabde." She turned at Jaivanta Bai's call. "They are here." " M... My Aarti thali..." Ajabde looked lost like never before. Jaivanta Bai held her stone-cold hands, making her stop. She patted her head and gave her a hug. The hug gave her the comfort she was looking for as her racing heart calmed down. Jaivanta Bai left her alone with her thaal. " Maa sa!" Amar exclaimed

To Protect You

Kunwar Pratap was in court with Rana Udai Singh. The Mughals were conquering a huge part of the north courtesy of Bairam Khan and Mewar on their routes to the ports of Gujarat. " Dajiraj we need to secure the roads leading to Agra and also towards the west. The attack-prone areas should always be under surveillance." " Yes Ranaji. Baojiraj is right." Rawatji agreed. In the Rani Mahal, everyone was preparing for a grand lunch. Ajabde was making a sweet dish for the princes and princesses and in a hurry, she forgot to add the Kesar and Badam on top. As she served the smaller princes including Kunwar Jagmal, Dheerbai came to inspect her eldest son's food. " What is this? Who made this? Kokoiaji?" She stormed to the kitchen with a bowl of sweet dishes. " Kunwaranisa did." Came a scary answer, from Veer Bai. " Ajabde Baisa." Her words let out a silent gasp from the lesser queens who stood witness. Calm and composed, Ajabde walked up

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

Destiny

The war was almost won. A few of Marwar’s soldiers were left on the field along with Rao Maldeo Singh Rathore, their king and leader. He was thinking of retreating at the end of this day. As his sword clashed with one of the opponent generals as he eyed the opponent King now open and prone to attack. A little hope flickered in his mind as his eyes instructed his closest aide. The opponent was quite in a winning situation thanks to their new Senapati. He was just 16 yet his bravery and valour reflected his blood and upbringing. He mesmerised the opponents and even Rao Maldeo with his clever war strategies and sword skills. As Maldeo’s aide swung his sword at a taken aback Udai Singh, someone’s sword defended it as his body acted like a shield for the king. He killed the man in one go. “ Ranaji are you okay?” “ Haan Raoji.” He nodded gratefully. By half the day, the Marwar army had retreated as the air filled with “ Jai Mewar! Jai Eklingji!” From the triumphant soldiers. Rana Udai Si

Towards You

Kunwar Pratap and Ajabde were friends. He didn't feel awkward sharing his plans and thoughts with her anymore. She was more than happy to advise him on everything. She was happy he listened to her advice before taking or discarding them, be it on what to wear to Padmavati's Sagai or how to befriend the revolting Bhils. He loved the way Ajabde always used metaphors from Puranas and Ramayanas to explain the toughest things so easily. She expressed herself so well, so easily that it amazed him. The Afghans were now led by Mehmood Shah. They have made secret territories in the forests and waited to attack. Rawatji and his spies had confirmed the news and Udai Singh had warned Mehmood Shah to withdraw his troops from Mewar in vain. Now, it was time they declared war. Mehmood Shah had limited resources in Mewar. And his spies clearly suggested that in no way could he win, especially with Kunwar Pratap leading his troops. He was having second thoughts about the war. One of his aides

Friends?

Early morning, Ajabde walked into Saubhagyawati’s house as the Panditji looked relieved. “Baisa you are here now I don’t need to look after anything.” She walked into Saubhagyawati’s room and found her braiding her hair nervously. Her lehenga looked beautiful and only the maangtika was about to be put so Ajabde did the honours. Saubhagyawati held her hand and took a deep breath. “Ajabde have a confession.” “What is it Bhago?” She looked worried. “Are you scared?” “No no Ajabde it’s not that. I… met him… before…” “Whom?” “The one who is coming to see me.” She looked away scared. “What? How…” Ajabde looked at her with wide eyes. “woh… Both nights when I waited for you in the…” “Hai Bhagwan Bhago! What if he says that seeing you in front of your father?” Ajabde spoke up as Bhago looked shocked. Why didn’t she think that before? “What will we do now?” Bhago asked worriedly. Ajabde was lost in thoughts. No way could people know. The groom had arrived with

Chapter Three: Pedigree

The Imperial Police work was a tough job. The family had no idea what Superintendent Animesh Kumar Mukhopadhyay went through to provide for his family and their luxurious lives. Abhaya’s father never failed to let his family know that. Every time he drank down his sins. Every time he came home drunk. Every time he beat his wife. Abhaya would often sit awake all night, her pillow pressed against her ears as she sobbed silently, hoping that her mother’s begging sobs and father’s lewd language would stop. One day she had opened the door of her room slightly and was about to step out when her sister-in-law intervened. Her face was dark as she coldly told Abhaya to return to her room. She would be punished if her elder brothers found out about her trying to get out of her chambers at night. Abhaya at twelve knew one truth greater than others. Men were like this, women had to tiptoe around them to serve them as they demanded. She was intimidated by the regular chores the women of the hous

Love Struck

A new dawn was about to break in Mewar. Kunwar Pratap shifted in his bed, as the lamp shone in the darkness. He was now facing her sleeping figure. Her hand rested on the pillow between them, the pillow he chose to keep there in the first place but now it seemed like the symbol of the distance he wanted to bridge between their hearts. He stared at it lost in thoughts. I promised myself to make you mine, But how? What if you... He stared at the sleeping figure admitting in silence that no one, even the bravest enemy scared him like her calm composed self did. I am thinking like a typical husband. He smiled. What to do now Ajabde? I am terrible with my words unlike you. Pratap Singh! You need to learn a few things! He looked back at the ceiling in his thoughts. What if I drop hints? She knows me so well, maybe she will understand without me actually speaking for myself. The thoughts made his face light up. Yes, Yes that will be perfect. Let's try this. But... First thing first... so

Changing Thoughts

" Ajabde." Jaivanta Bai hugged her as Kunwar Pratap unknowingly smiled at the duo. He didn't realise he was not feeling jealous of Ranima's affection for her anymore. " It's so good that you are back." Sajja smiled. " Now you will help us with the Teej preparations." Ajabde smiled nodding as Kunwar Pratap said " I will go to the arena, I will be there after... I mean....at Lunch." He left in haste as Jaivanta Bai stared at Ajabde who had a little pink blush on her cheeks. Jaivanta Bai smiled as she was not sure if Pratap said that to her or his wife. All through the day, Ajabde helped by going through the smallest details of the Teej Preparations until lunchtime. All the Ranis were impressed by how she knew everything so easily. She walked into her room post lunch and gasped at the scene. The maps, the books, and his things were all scattered where they were not meant to be. The Daasis were apparently too scared to touch his import

RAABTA

Search This Blog