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…”

OH 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 realised 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 were 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 understood each other better for my sake.” Jaivanta sighed, making Ajabdeh look at her with worry. “Leave it, I'm 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 had 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 pockets 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 in surprise.

“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.

“Oh 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 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 pockets.

“He’s yours.” He studied her face, going from a night lamp spark to a thousand light bulbs glittering.

“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 on 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 feels?

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

“Goodnight”, she giggled back.

“Woof!”

“Ha, good night to you too,” he said, making 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!

My Everything

Kunwar Pratap stormed into the Mahal at Gogunda amidst uncertainty and chaos. Happy faces of the chieftains and soldiers welcomed him as Rawat Chundawat, and some other chieftains stopped the ongoing Raj Tilak. A visibly scared Kunwar Jagmal looked clueless at a visibly angry Kunwar Pratap. Rani Dheerbai Bhatiyani hadn't expected Kunwar Pratap to show up, that too, despite her conveying to him his father's last wish of crowning Kunwar Jagmal. Twenty-one days after Udai Singh's death, she was finally close to a dream she had dared to dream since Jagmal was born. He was not informed about the Raj Tilak as per Dheerbai's instructions. She eyed Rawat Ji. He must have assembled the chiefs to this revolt against her son, against the dead king. 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 was directed at her. She could stoop down so low? For the first time, an anger...

His Wife

" Where is the Kesar, Rama? And the Kalash?" Ajabdeh looked visibly displeased at the ladies who ran around. " They are at the fort gates, and nothing is ready yet!" She exclaimed. She was clad in a red lehenga and the jewellery she had inherited as the first Kunwarani of the crown prince. Little Amar ran down the hallway towards his mother. " Maasa Maasa... 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., " Ajabdeh." 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!" ...

Purnota: Chapter Forty Four

Aniruddha tapped his black loafers on the Italian marble floor of the entrance as he eyed his watch. It was almost half past five. He checked himself in the full-size mirror beside the coat hanger, looking fresh as he shaved and bathed, set his hair, chose a white summer blazer over his black shirt and trousers and abandoned the idea of a tie. He cleaned his glasses with the handkerchief, contemplating whether he should knock at Asha’s door, telling Bondita to hurry. He wondered what the women were doing there for such a long time. He could hear them giggling and gossiping as he walked past the room. He wondered what huge deal a party was that a woman needed another to help her dress up. He took out his phone and wondered if he should call her downstairs instead to avoid the awkwardness of knocking on the door. It was then that Aniruddha heard footsteps on the stairs and looked up in a reflex. He would give her a piece of his mind for wasting precious moments, especially when they...

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 in a winning situation thanks to their new Senapati. He was just sixteen, 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 ...

Purnota: Chapter Forty Three

Trilochon and Kalindi were having tea in the morning in their living room when Binoy walked downstairs in his Pajama Panjabi, pipe in hand and found them. Watching him unusually in his home attire, Trilochon frowned. “Are you sick? I thought you had already left.” Binoy sat down on the single chaise chair beside the couch as Kalindi poured some tea for him. “ I told you, Dada, I am here to retire.” He said, putting his pipe in his pocket. “Today, Som is going alone. We will see how that goes.” Their conversation was interrupted by Asha coming into the house in a white and red saree, with a red sindoor Teep on her forehead. She had a basket with her, and Koeli was accompanying her as she offered them the sweets she had taken as Prasad. “Since it’s his first day at the new position, we went to the temple together.” Asha narrated to Kalindi. “He left for work from there.” “Do you not have school today?” Kalindi enquired as Asha shook her head. She smiled, eyeing Trilochon, who narra...

Purnota: Chapter Forty One

Kalindi stood looking at the Ganga in the distance as Trilochon watched her. It was later in the night, and the stars were veiling the clear summer sky. A cool breeze blew from the Ganga, relaxing Kalindi’s restless heart as she took a stroll. Trilochon had spotted her in the garden from his balcony and walked up to her. She did not turn as he came up behind her and cleared his throat. “I apologise for storming off like that.” He was the first to speak. Kalindi inhaled. “Have you heard that she went to borrow a saree from Bouma to wear to some party?” Kalindi spoke rather monotonously. “Yes, Bouma said so.” Trilochon cleared his throat. He left out the part where Asha enthusiastically told him about Bondita blushing and her idea of telling Bondita to confess her feelings. Instead, Trilochon added, “The senior is very influential. He can have some good contacts for Bondita. Perhaps enough for her to get a job in Kolkata, like you wanted.” Kalindi could hear through his unconvincing...

AAYA TERE DAR PAR DEEWANA

Pratap was outside the gates of Meera Girls College in Udaipur by the next afternoon, unsure of whether to go in and ask for her. He spotted a few girls walking out, and one of them kept staring at him suspiciously before approaching him. He stood in his spot, still awkward as she asked, “Aren’t you that ASI guy that Roshni met?” “I… what?” Pratap narrowed his eyes “I am sorry, I don’t remember you.” “I am Mahek.” The girl waved her hand and smiled, “I was with her at Chawand.” “Oh, I see.” Pratap sighed. “I found some information that might help her …err… project.” He stopped at Mahek’s suspicious frown. “So I thought…” “You came all the way here to give her some information about her project?” Pratap cursed himself inwardly. Indeed, that sounded lame when she repeated it. “Why didn’t you call her?” “I…” He cleared his throat “I lost her number, so… I was hoping that she would be interested in an on-field internship…” “Oh, wait, I will give you her number. But she isn’t here, and I do...

Purnota: Chapter Forty Five

Aniruddha stared at the clock on his chamber wall for the third time and verified its working condition by checking it with his watch. He had asked Bondita to come to his chambers at six. It was almost six-ten and there was no sign of her. The peon he had sent to call her in had also left. He wondered if she had gone home earlier than usual. But then would she not have informed him? He eyed the partnership deed he had prepared to be signed, going through the terms one last time before he decided to go downstairs and see where she was for himself. As soon as Aniruddha got up, taking the coat from behind his chair to go, gathering the paperwork of the deed, a knock resonated on the door as he straightened his glasses and found his most professional voice to ask her to come in. Bondita looked a little breathless as though she had run up the stairs and apologised in a hurry, “Sorry, sorry… Meghna had some issues with her computer.” “There is a tech guy for that.” He narrowed his brows slig...

The Adventure of PI Ved: The Case in London

There is something funny about the phrase “as dead as a doornail.” Why? Because I am dead and I don’t look like a nail of any sort. I lie on my living room carpet, hands stretched out, the knife stuck to my back...such a backstabber. I hated them all my life! And what is the purpose of killing me? It is not like I would have lived much longer, I was eighty-five, for God’s sake! I lay here, the blood turning thick as I stared at the painting on the wall. It is such a hideous painting. I bought it for so much money, I was duped. I am waiting for the morning when my caregiver arrives to discover me on the floor. But I feel they are still around, looking for something. Searching every room. It is around 7 AM that she rings the bell. She bangs the door. She yells out, “Mr Smith!” Oh no, she is going back. Come back here, you fool! The criminal must still be upstairs. I hear them come down the wooden staircase and exit from the back door. Now the useless caregiver lady is back. Oh, she ...

Towards You

The Afghans, after Sher Shah Suri's untimely demise, were at loggerheads for power. Their troops near Mewar were now led by Mehmood Shah. They secretly captured territories in the forests and waited to attack Mewari camps when the time was right. Rawat Chundawat and his spies had confirmed the news, and Udai Singh sent a warning to Mehmood Shah to withdraw his troops from Mewar in vain. Now that it was out in the open, it was time they declared war. Mehmood Shah had limited resources in Mewar. His internal rebellion against his commander did not help his cause. 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. It was then that one of his aides suggested a perfect plan. Maharani Jaivanta Bai had decided to go to the Mahakaleshwar Temple near the outskirts of Chittorgarh, in the forestlands of Bhilwara. They had travelled a long way and across the Gambhiri river that meandered during...

RAABTA

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