­
Skip to main content

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!


Labels

Labels:

Popular Posts

Offerings

Ajbante Kanwar walked into the temple premises, a dupatta drawn over her head, carrying her basket of freshly picked flowers when she spotted Kunwar Partap waiting by the entrance. Ajbante Kanwar was suddenly aware of the maids following her as she nodded at his smile and he gestured at her to enter the temple. The maids stayed back outside the temple as the priest greeted them. He took the flowers from Ajbante Kanwar to make the day’s garland for the Lord as he stepped out and they folded their hands in front of the Phallus God.  “The Mahapuja happens on the grounds.” She made him nod as he followed her, keeping a distance of formality. Her anklets and kamarbandh had small tinkling bells on them that made music as she walked out of the temple shrine and pointed. “There the priests sit, here near the Kund the women sit. Daata or whoever will conduct the puja sits under that Chatri. But you have to start here, bathe the Lord, offer prayers and then proceed to the Havan Kund. There w...
Post a Comment
Read More

Festive Hearts

Rajkumari Ajbante Kanwar had been busy arranging for the Shravan festival. It was a huge task at hand, with the temple premises needing supervision and decorations underway. Rao Ramrakh Punwar had hand-picked the chosen honoured families who would set up their stalls while the lakeside fairgrounds opened its doors to the public. The arrangements for the Mahapuja needed the utmost concentration from Ajbante Kanwar. That meant she could not go about her usual routines. She barely saw her siblings now that she missed her Maasa’s story sessions and had to hurry through her morning chores to spend the rest of the day at the temple premises of Mahakal. She could not meet Bijli or take her lessons and she reminded herself it was a matter of a few days. Hansa Bai had relieved her from her cooking duties because the priests needed her assistance. This also meant that although Kunwar Partap was around, for a few days till the Pujas they barely crossed paths.  Kunwar Partap was adjusting to t...
Post a Comment
Read More

Mystique of Fate

Ajbante Kanwar was standing on the balustrade of her room, looking over the horizon. It was midnight and a veil of stars covered the sky twinkling like precious diamonds. She had just blown out her lamp after reading for a while. She had quietly stepped out on the balustrade, her hair free and dancing in the gentle breeze, her heavy jewellery and lehenga abandoned for the day and she had a calm smile on her face as she lifted her eyes to watch the stars. She reminisced about the day while she stood there with a coy smile on her face.  Kunwar Partap had taken an interest in teaching Akhil and Balwant some basic skills that would help them defeat the enemy. While Akhil who went to Gurukul had a proper sword, Balwant who was now five, used a wooden sword but was adamant to learn. They had followed Kunwar Partap to the arena when he talked about sword practice during a meal. Rao Ramrakh resisted their idea but Kunwar Partap insisted he was happy to teach them. He eyed the veiled face s...
Post a Comment
Read More

Longing of the Heart

  Kunwar Partap had woken up in the darkest hour of the night, taken his bath and made his way to the Mahakal temple complex. It was relatively empty at that hour of the day, just before dawn, as the birds chirped around them and the sky looked a little grey with rain clouds. He looked up noticing the clouds pass by slowly, praying for a good amount of rain that year that would help the farmers. He approached the temple, walking across the premises near the Mandakini Kund, and found the old royal priest lighting the lamp on the feet of the Lord. Watching him approach the man smiled as he took his blessings and the priest left him to pray. He wondered if she was around the moment he finished his prayers and walked out to the main premises. He smiled slightly remembering how the embarrassed princess did not show herself in front of him for the rest of the day after she complained about the sweets. He was glad at her informality even when she feared otherwise. Kunwar Partap saw a few ...
Post a Comment
Read More

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...
6 comments
Read More

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...
Post a Comment
Read More

Rishta Tera Mera: Prologue

  Chal raho pe ek nayi rah banaye Department of Law, University of Calcutta Class of 1942 She adjusted the black satin gown over her saree and straightened it. Her excitement knew no bounds. She was anxious, excited, sleep deprived and happy. They say, dreams only become true if you dare to dream with open eyes. That she did. She had big dreams, bigger than what was offered to her. Everyone happened to see success in a success story. What about the journey? The hurdles and abuses? What does a person leave or face for a dream that’s big? They don’t matter any more once someone succeeds. People look up to them. But then, the person remembers each and every moment like it was yesterday. Who had faith in them and who didn’t, who supported them, and who didn’t? Everything in life comes in a flash in front of their eyes. Today was such a  day for her. If she believed in rebirth, she would have believed that this was her moment of being reborn. To fly and reach the skies. "She is our...
Post a Comment
Read More

Protectors

Rao Surtan was at the Palace gates as the soldiers tried in vain to attack with arrows. His army was stronger and more competent than the one Balwant headed at the Bijolia Fort Gates. “Break the door” he ordered. “Where is Ajabde?” Hansa looked around the cellar. “Jija!” Ratan exclaimed. “She was on the roof last I saw.” “Ajabde.” Hansa Bai opened the cellar door and stepped out followed by Ratan who was equally worried. “Stay back!” Sajja Bai called in vain as Jaivanta Bai too walked out and up the stairs to the corridors of the Ranimahal in search of Ajabde.  Meanwhile, Surtan’s army had entered the palace and he made his way to the Ranimahal. He was having different thoughts now. Killing Jaivanta Bai won't yield him anything… Maybe capturing a few young maidens… Ratan froze in the corridor seeing the man approach. Behind her were her mother and Jaivanta Bai with the same reaction. “ Jee Bavro ho gayo!” Surtan Singh took out his sword. Ratan took two ste...
Post a Comment
Read More

Introspection

  Tolte rishta jo aa unhe dikha de Zid kya hoti hai zid karke ye bata de.  The Thakur dalan and courtyard were overcrowded with married women from the village participating in the Thakur boron before the immersion of the idol. Bina, in a white and red Dhakai saree, inspected the Paan, Mishti and Boron Dala carefully before asking the priests.  "The time is right." They nodded as she smiled searching the crowd.  "Boro Bouma? Mejo Bouma? Start the rituals." She picked up the boron dala. Asha walked up to the Thakur Dalan first. She then turned to search for Bondita. After all, she had the right over it first.  Bondita, clad in a red Kantha stitch saree, took the boron dala as Bina explained "Climb up the ladder, do it thrice, wipe Her tears with your anchol, give Her Paan and Mishti and whisper into Her ears to come by next year." Bondita nodded. She walked up the ladder carefully. Aniruddha looked across the dalan as she caught his attention towering o...
Post a Comment
Read More

Eternally Yours

Ajabde woke up to find neither the pillow nor the husband beside her. That was really unusual. Has she overslept? No, it was dark and the first birds were singing. She sat up to find that he had neatly arranged the pillows and made his side of the bed and put his blanket over her. She checked the changing room. No, he was not there, but unlike other days his clothes were not in a mess. She freshened up and reached the dressing table. His brooch was not there. Where is he? Has the war... Her heart skipped a beat. What if he had left and not even woken her up? " Daasi? Daasi?" She called as one of them walked in. " Ji Kuwaranisa?" " Where is Kunwarsa?" " He left early in the morning for Dangal and then a visit to the village. Do you need anything?" " No, You may go now." She put on the sindoor in a worry. Maybe something urgent has come up. She walked to the Puja room and was shocked. Her garlands were made, the Chandan was in place and ...
7 comments
Read More