Skip to main content

Memories



Pratap felt her hand on his shoulder as soon as the bike was on the village road. But he didn’t stiffen at her touch. It was midday, and many women were coming back home with water and cattle, watched them zoom past, and so did the children at play. He had insisted on her putting on the helmet, for safety. She had frowned saying it hurt her where the mang tika was placed but she had obliged. For once, he meant it only for safety. For once, he didn’t care for all the people who spotted him zoom away with a girl at the back of his bike. A turn from the short way and they were on the fairly empty highway as the board of Surajgarh disappeared behind them.
“Where are we going?” He asked at last, as she removed her helmet, making the dupatta fly slightly in the wind.
“Where do you want to go?” She asked looking at him through the side glasses.
“Anywhere is fine with me.” He shrugged. As long as you are there.
“Then we will first have lunch at a roadside Dhaba.” She insisted “I am hungry.”
“Where did the kheer go?” He smiled amused eyeing her in the side view mirror.
He felt a soft slap of her hand, where she held his shoulder. He stopped at a fairly empty Dhaba and parked his bike. She got down to look around and walked to an empty table.
“Ghani Khamma.” A boy smiled at them “What do you want?”
“What do you have?” She asked smiling as Pratap placed down the keys and helmet on the table and sat across from her.
“Lunch thali, rice, roti, gate ki sabzi, kadi khichdi, Mawa khichdi, laal maas, ghevar, dilkhush, gujia...”
“Too many options.” Ajabdeh shrugged staring at Pratap.
“Bring two lunch thalis.” He smiled at the boy watching him go. “You are sure you can have this without fainting and vomiting?” He stared at Ajabdeh who frowned.
“I am just making sure....” He shrugged as the wonderful aroma of food filled the air and the boy placed two steel dishes full of food in front of them.
“Dig in!!” She said, using her hand on the roti as he followed.
A group of musicians soon arrived at the Dhaba making Ajabdeh stare at them eagerly.
“These people are usually very poor, they travel from place to place, with their families, the men sing, the women dance, and they earn free food with entertainment.” He stopped as Ajabdeh stared longingly at them setting up their mats.
“I wish I lived like that.” She said almost in a reflex. “With nothing to hold me back yet.... having everything.”
“You have no idea how tough their lives are.” He shrugged at her innocence.
“I feel, nothing is hard, as long as the people who matter are with you. In the journey.” He looked at her walk up to them as he followed.
“I think if we are done here we should...”
“Stay and listen to them sing.” She made him stare at her smile. “We can for some time at least.”
“We can.” He agreed and watched her smile and stand at a corner, a little away from the newly gathered crowd of onlookers.
Luk Chipp na Javo ji, manne deed karavoji, Pratap stepped up beside Ajabdeh in a corner of the crowd, carefully placing him between the crowd of onlookers and her, as she almost danced to the beats, Aree Kyun tarsavey ho, manne Sakal dikhav ji. He had never seen Ajabdeh smile so content. It made him smile as she stared back at him. Thaari Shararat sab jaanu main Chaudhari, Mahaarey se levo na pangaaji main kehan lagi, She smiled back as he removed his eyes off her and to the dancing women and girls. One of them was pulling people from the crowd to join them, and she came up to him. He shook his head making Ajabdeh frown. Maahrey hivdhey mein jaagi dhaunkani, Rae chandaa main thaari chandni he saw Ajabdeh readily go with the girl, as he stared a little wide-eyed smiling amusedly as she tried in vain to match steps with them. Maney daaman mein baandhi khusi, Rae jhoom, jhoom, jhoom jhoom baa jhoomi!
“You had no idea what you were doing right?” He smiled amused as she handed the girl some money.
“But it was fun, why didn’t you join?” She asked shrugging.
“Because it makes me self-conscious.” He shrugged.
She frowned at his words and said “Let’s go.”
“Where to, now?” He asked.
“I chose the Dhaba, your turn.” She shrugged.
Pratap smiled. He knew exactly where he could take her.
“This is beautiful.” She stood looking up at the waterfalls in awe. “In the middle of the jungle! I didn’t know such a place exists.” The pool at the foot of the waterfall gave way to a narrow stream and on the other bank, were two swans, frolicking.
“Neither did I” He shrugged “Patta told me a legend and I asked him where this was.”
“Legend?” She sat down on a rock with her feet dangling in the cool water of the stream.
“Yes.” He came to sit on the rock beside her, but she shifted a little, making enough place for him, beside her. “Of a hero in disguise who saved the villagers from bad people, someone by the name Sakhaveer.”
“Superhero!” She smiled. “And?”
“He used to meet his partner here. She was a warrior in disguise too. Baijilal.”
“Sounds like too good a plot to be true.” She frowned “Although I wish I could do something like that!”
“Save people in disguise?” he frowned surprised.
“No, meet someone like that.” She stared at the waterfalls “In disguise.”
“Excuse me?” he stared at her with a hint of disbelief in his voice “What exactly is the princess of Surajgarh doing now?”
She stared back at him realizing what he said and her eyebrows arched up with a little hint of amusement. “Oh. Ohh.” She smiled, amused, and chuckled at herself as he shook his head and smiled watching her laugh at herself. She stopped laughing watching him stare and her smile slowly faded into a blush. At that moment, Pratap looked away, at the waters.
“But I didn’t get you a thank-you gift, for all the efforts here.” He said. “This is perhaps the most memorable birthday I will ever have.”
“How are you so sure?” She frowned “The next can be better.”
“I don’t think so.” He shrugged. “So tell me what I can do for you as a return gift?”
Ajabdeh stared at him with a twinkle in her eyes that made him suddenly aware of some impending danger.
“Dance with me.” She said. “Let me see how conscious you are.”
“What?” He frowned “No. I ...” She held him by the wrist in an attempt to pull him up and failed to make him move an inch from his place. “Come on... “ She sulked “Be a sport.” She poked suddenly at his waist making him jump up at the ticklish feeling as she chuckled.
“What are you doing?” He frowned “I can’t dance!”
“Let me teach you then!” She said, “It is very easy.” She insisted on facing him, holding both his arms, putting one on her waist.
Almost like a reflex as his hand touched her bare skin, Pratap moved it away and stepped back. She frowned at him. “Come on. Can’t you just let go, for one day, for me?” Her words made his heart beat faster. He could, perhaps. He could take this day, each and every moment, and turn them into lifelong memories. He nodded much to her surprise, giving her his hand. Ajabdeh took it firmly, with a smile lingering on her lips.
“But music?” He smiled slightly as she shook her head.
“Pratap Singh!” She suddenly came closer making his smile fade “Here.” She took his hand, in hers and pressed his palm against the fast beats of his own heart, thumping in his chest. “That’s our music.”
“I will teach you how to dance also.” She clapped her hands, as he frowned at her words.
“I don’t like that, it is girly.” He snapped. “And you said we can play.”
“We can play, ride, and dance.” She smiled “Now that we are friends, we have all the time in the world.”
“We have?” he asked surprised.
“Of course. I will see you the day after tomorrow once the swing is ready.” He had nodded at her hopeful smile.
Ajabdeh had looked up at him, her eyes smiling at his. She stepped back, making him step forward, smiling, and covering the distance between them and his eyes were not hesitant to meet hers. His cold fingers touched her smooth bare waist, as they trembled a little perhaps against her feel, making her shudder. So she grabbed his hands, in hers, perhaps to ease the hesitance in his conscience. She twirled holding his hand and he pulled her back, towards him, their eyes twinkling. He had stepped back, giving her both his hands, as she took them firmly, and then held his collar, as he put his hand back on her waist, a little more confidently. Ajabdeh could feel his breath on her skin. Her cheeks reacted with sudden warmth. Pratap could smell the lavender shampoo on her hair now. It made him breathe heavily, made him want to hold on, to the feeling and her. He dreaded his own thoughts. All of a sudden, he had realised they were so closely entwined that an onlooker would think they were in an embrace. Ajabdeh’s eyes twinkled, as he stared at them. He had suddenly let go of her hand making her stare as he turned with his back to her and stopped. She held him back, by his wrist, coming closer, with a faint smile. He half turned to her and looked into her eyes, scared, if he stayed here a minute longer, it would make him weak, it would perhaps make him say and do things he would end up regretting. She read his fears like her own perhaps, as gently she let go of his wrist.
“We should...” He cleared his throat. “We should... go back?” His voice was hoarse and a little rough and she stared at him, as he repeated “Let’s go back.” More firmly making her smile. She had expected this.
“Okay.” Ajabdeh agreed to watch him hurry to his bike and hold the helmet out for her. She took it, and sat all the way back to the back gate of the palace, in silence, holding his shoulders, firmly.



READ ALL CHAPTERS HERE

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Of Faith and Fate

Series Announcement! Historical Fictions are special, so here is one, short but special tale close to my heart after a really long time! This story is a special one because it is completely historical fiction with very little connection to the fan fiction I have written previously. However, I have maintained the sequence of events, reading history books on the context.  This is not a story of a man and a woman, their love and trust. This one is about the tests time often puts people through, forcing them to change. My protagonists in this one are hence, two princesses of the same age. Ajabdeh Punwar or Ajbante Kanwar Baisa, as she is locally called is the princess of a very significant district of Bijolia in Mewar. Bijolia lies in the seat of political events, at the border of Bundi and Mewar. Having her lineage from the mighty Chauhans, her forefathers once ruled Mewar. Her father is an officer in the army of Mewar under Rana Udai Singh and she is a lady of princip...
Post a Comment
Read More

Preparation

It has been a tradition since time immemorial in the face of the earth that the men marched to war, seeking glory for their states and kings, adorning their bodies with bruises no less gaudy than the most precious gems of the land, while the women waited and prayed for their safe return. No war was easy or certain. At least that is what they grew up learning. But does it stop the war? Or the need for power? Absolutely not. The royal blood demands shedding it. Kumar Viraj could have left Maanwari as a child but Maanwari had not left his veins. That was perhaps why he was braver and more skilful than men his age. When Adhiraja Ishaan Dev offered him Neelambargarh’s mighty troops to capture Maanwari, he knew they would surely outnumber his uncle’s one by hundreds. But he made sure he refused Adhiraja's personal help. Battles made Ishaan Dev’s adrenaline rush. He wanted to lead Kumar Viraj to victory. But when Kumar Viraj said that it would only demean his claim to be ready for the thr...
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

The New Capital

“Some dreams are once broken often come back as haunting nightmares.” The Padishah Begum received the news of the birth of a baby boy to Harka Bai at Sikri. She had arranged for a feast and celebration at Lahore and thanked the Almighty herself for this happiness. She prayed that the boy was safe. Hamida Banu had herself sent a messenger to the Padishah Begum at Lahore. The ladies celebrated for a week. The Padishah Begum had given away coins, and clothes to the needy and new clothes to the kin. The Emperor was on his way to Sikri as well. She had smiled at the happy faces savouring the wine and sweet dishes. She greeted and congratulated everyone around the Harem. The Timurid blood would be safe on the throne.   Jalal had visited once in the past few months, giving her the good news of Harka Bai conceiving again. He feared that people were conspiring at Agra. Hence, Harka Bai’s firstborns died, unnaturally. Ridiculous rumours were spread, about the Emperor killing his o...
Post a Comment
Read More

What If...

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...
Post a Comment
Read More

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...
2 comments
Read More

Neelambargarh

  The fort of Neelambargarh was named so because it stood on a cliff above the low-lying plains surrounding it as if it was ready to touch the sky. The fort was surrounded by hilly forestland on three sides and extensive plain lands used for agriculture on another. The road winding up to Neelambargarh was guarded by three gateways and a secret tunnel, known only to the Neelambargarh royal family, led down from the five-storey palace to the river in the forestland. The kingdom of Neelambargarh was known across the land beyond the Heemdevi Mountains for its art and architecture. True indeed, like the myths it held, the stone walls of the fort and the castles shone in the sun like fire swayed by the wind. The gateways had extensive architecture and tales of Neelambargarh’s rich past and kings, engraved in stones, alongside nymphs and the several forms of their chief deity, The Wind, and his tales of miracles. Above the gate in local scriptures was poetry written in honour of the past ...
Post a Comment
Read More

Sadh Puron

  Rasmo ka mela yaha pe khel rahe hai saare Aaja shamil ho isme zara thoda muskura de Seven months into her pregnancy, Bondita realised, almost to her amusement, that there were certain prejudices that even Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury gave in to. Ever since Koeli arrived, to help her out, as instructed by Kakababu, to her utter surprise Aniruddha gave in to Koeli putting a kajal tika behind her ear every time she stepped out, to avoid bad omens. He even willingly gave up the bedroom at one phone call from Trilochan insisting that the woman needs her space during her pregnancy. He ended up having a makeshift mattress as a bed, in the middle of the living room in the apartment, and he was more than willing to sleep there while Koeli stayed with Bondita. Although she liked to have the entire bed to herself, she sometimes missed their pillow talks. Aniruddha also made sure the household never ran out of supplies of pickles and sweets. Koeli didn’t lose a turn to tease Bondita about how th...
Post a Comment
Read More

Patralekha

Mujhse ye rishta jo, aa usse hai sawaare Chal sayane se thoda nadan bann ja tu Ashapurna walked out of the room with questioning eyes as Somnath shook his head. He had called Aniruddha as soon as Bondita complained of pain and uneasiness. He was already off to court and his house owner had reassured him that the news would reach him soon. He was supposed to come with the allopathic doctor. “I think it is time.” Ashapurna almost whispered to Somnath as Koeli rushed in with wet towels to comfort Bondita who appeared in a lot of pain. “Talk to Jetha Shoshur Moshai, please.” Somnath nodded and rushed downstairs where Batuk paced the room as Trilochan and Binoy sat on the couch. Ashapurna’s mother had taken Ashutosh with her for the day as soon as she heard.  “What do we do now?” Somnath broke the silence. “She was not due so soon.” Batuk frowned as his uncle gave him a disapproving stare making him stop. “Som, go and call Dai.” He insisted as Somnath remained frozen in his place. “We c...
Post a Comment
Read More

Trouble In Paradise

Kyun na jaane teri chinta ho rahi hai mujhe Har ghadi ab kyun hai dhyan tera. "Eyes on the road." Aniruddha scolded almost in a reflex, putting his right hand vigilantly over the steering wheel. Bondita's painted hands were on the wheel but her eyes kept wandering to the cattle on either side of the road. "You can't be distracted while driving. You will kill someone." He said in a rather monotonous voice. His hand didn't leave the steering wheel nor did his eyes leave the road. But he made sure instinctively that his hands stayed furthest away from her touch. Bondita breathed in as the morning breeze hit her face. She had removed the saree from over her head when they had stopped by the road to exchange places.  "If you push the car into a tree again, it's your last lesson." He had warned while she giggled.  Bondita couldn't tell Aniruddha why she was distracted the last time. It was almost dusk and while he instructed her on the wheel,...
Post a Comment
Read More