The One

“Where are you going?” Ajabdeh stopped, alerted by the voice behind her. She turned to find Heer asking the question as she stood at the threshold of the entrance to the palace in her riding pants and boots.

“I... it’s 6AM, it is...”

“Jija. Tomorrow is my engagement party and you want to go riding?” Heer asked almost with a hint of disappointment in her voice “It can wait till I get engaged. I need you now. Besides, the stables are being cleaned.”

“I will be back in a few minutes Heer.” Ajabdeh shrugged “I have just developed a habit to start my day by meeting Chetak. As long as I am here...” She stopped as Heer’s smile faded.

“He can wait till later Jija when the guests come; you take them to the stables and show off Chetak as much as you want.” Heer smiled holding her by her hand, “Come with me now.”

Chundawat had called on every employee who worked in and around the palace, in the morning, briefing them about the extra hours they needed to work till the engagement which may include work other than what they were supposed to do. He said the Punwars were known for their warm hospitality and that no one should leave a place for the Solankis or any other guest to complain. Nodding their heads, the employees dispersed from the lawn. Pratap was about to go when Chundawat called him “Pratap. I may really need some help with the accounts and for conducting tours around the place for the guests, from you, since you can speak English fluently... several people are flying down from London and other parts of the world.” Pratap nodded his head and walked away towards the stable.

 “I am telling you Jija, this will look beautiful on you.” Heer insisted holding up the very exclusive designer lehenga she had taken the liberty of ordering for her sister “You need to dress up for my engagement.”

“Heer.” Ajabdeh shook her head, “It is your day. The guests are here for you, what will I do...”

“No one can take their eyes off you when you wear this.” Heer smiled making her stare at her sister.

“Really?” Ajabdeh smiled rather amused.”Let’s see how that works then.” Her words made Heer smile and give her a hug leaving the lehenga hanging from her wardrobe.

“Bhaiya I heard a lot of people will be coming for the engagement.” Patta seemed excited and chirpy. Pratap nodded in silence, satisfied with the way he and Patta had cleaned up the stable. “There will be a grand party; I can’t wait to see that,” Patta said moving aside the hay stacks.

“Are you invited?” Pratap had a hint of amusement in his voice but it escaped Patta’s enthusiasm “We can ask for duties at the party, to attend to the guests.”

“I don’t think I want to. I will rather be at home.” Pratap said plainly.

“We will get paid and get to see people in all kinds of clothes like they wear in cinemas.” Patta gushed “I wonder how the princesses will look!” His words made Pratap stop and stare at him.

“Get me Chetak’s saddle and reign Patta, he needs a run.” The boy dashed out to get what he was told and Pratap stood up touching Chetak’s nose softly with his fingers. The horse nodded its head making him smile.

“No boy, she is not coming today.” Pratap said softly “It’s you and me... from now on.” He patted Chetak as he neighed. Patta came back with the saddle and watched Pratap put it on and ride to the meadows while he stood watching.

Heer startled Ajabdeh by dragging her by her hand almost running through the corridor to a jharokha.

“See that is him.” She blushed. Ajabdeh looked at the crowd of guests being welcomed by her parents near the guest wing. The one to whom Heer pointed was a handsome man with tall physic and a charming smile.

“He looks too tall for you.” Ajabdeh frowned.

“Oh, that’s not him.” Heer shook her head “That’s his friend; he is the one in blue.” Ajabdeh nodded staring at Heer's smile.

Shakti Singh Solanki was the sole heir of the Solanki Industries. Known to be a ladies’ man, he was always a charmer, no less than a prince. From his mother’s side, he was indeed a royal. And when his father wanted an alliance for him, he gathered it would mean the end of his life. Shakti saw Heer at a friend’s party and was bowled over by her beauty. And the moment he heard of the probability of this alliance he had agreed. They had met and hung out in London over the last month, and he had started liking the girl, much to his surprise.

“Are we just going to sit around and do nothing?” He stared at his friend shrug. Prithviraj was his best friend since high school and it was expected of him. The only reason he agreed to come to India for this wedding was that he wanted to explore the place. He wasn’t ready to sit back and enjoy just the wedding.

“What do you want to do?” Shakti asked with a frown. “You know I can’t just roam around here.”

“You can’t but I can!” He had smirked. And before Shakti knew he had gathered his phone and shades and walked out of the room. “Don’t land me in trouble Prithvi.” He had called after him in vain.

Ajabdeh opened the door of her chamber and stepped out, hoping that Heer or her parents were nowhere around. She had seen them take Mr Solanki and his wife on a tour of the estate and knew they won’t be back before an hour. She was free.

“Excuse me.” She had frowned at the stranger inspecting a vase in the corridor “Who are you?” She frowned “How did you get in?”

“I don’t get it.” He shrugged “These people have all their doors open. Anyone can get in.” He turned to see the girl staring at him in suspicion.”Who are you?” He frowned.

“This is my....” She stopped and shook her head. She now recognized him from the morning. “I am the bride’s sister.”

“I am the groom’s best friend. Prithviraj.” He extended his hand and Ajabdeh took it for a shake. “Ajabdeh.”

“You are extremely beautiful Princess.” He smiled making Ajabdeh stare “And definitely talented to be heiress to such an amazing estate.”

“That... was flattering.” Ajabdeh smiled awkwardly and looked away.

“I would really like to know you better.” He put his hands in his pocket and smiled “Maybe this wedding will....”

“...I have to go...” Ajabdeh shrugged.

“But... at least tell me where we can have a chat perhaps?” He asked blocking her way.

“At the party maybe?” Ajabdeh suggested.

“Well, don’t mind me asking, your sister is getting married, when do you plan to...?” He half smiled making Ajabdeh breathe in.

“I live in the moment.” She said, “Now excuse me.”

“I was actually trying to find out what to do around here...” He shrugged “Sorry if I...”

“Oh, it’s okay.” She smiled politely walking past him when he frowned at her boots.

“Going riding?” He asked as Ajabdeh half turned to see him smile “Can I come along?”

“You know how to...” She asked.

“I play polo. So try me.” He bowed in the most charming manner Ajabdeh ever saw.

“But I...” She suddenly stopped and looked up at him. Tall, dark, and handsome, he was no less than a hero of some classic romance. She smiled the most charming smile she could find. “Come along. I can do with some company.” Prithviraj stared at her like he had won the lottery.

“Please call me Prithvi, Princess.” He smiled.

“And I prefer Ajabdeh.” She smiled back at him. “The stable is this way.”

Pratap had stopped Chetak in the middle of the ground as his heart skipped a beat. He watched Ajabdeh walk out, to the fences in her riding pants and shades, her hair falling over her shoulder, and alongside her was a man. A man, who could give any man a complex. Pratap’s jaws tightened. He got down from Chetak as Ajabdeh pointed at them and told something, almost in the man’s ear to which he smiled at her. Something raged in Pratap like a fire. He tightened his grip around Chetak’s reign as he neighed in response.

Ajabdeh watched Chetak neigh and Pratap with his emotionless face, drag the horse to her.

“Prithvi, meet the love of my life.” Pratap stared at her a little startled as she smiled at the man “Chetak!” Her call made the horse neigh as she went across to pat him. Pratap carefully moved out of her way.

“He is of the finest breed.” Prithviraj smiled.

“I see you know a lot about horses.” Ajabdeh complimented. “Why don’t you ride with me?”

“Chetak is very choosy about his...” Pratap stopped as Ajabdeh removed her sunglasses and stared at him, a hint of accomplishment on her face. In a moment, Pratap understood what she was trying to do.

“Look, what’s your name?” Prithvi walked up to Pratap.

“Pratap, sir.”

“Pratap. I know how to handle horses; I can do that since I was a teen. I know some horses are stubborn but I ....”

“Prithvi.” Ajabdeh walked up to him, placing a hand gently on his shoulder, which did not escape Pratap’s glance. “Why don’t you try Chetak?” She offered.

“But...” Pratap frowned as Prithvi walked up to Chetak like a challenge. Ajabdeh came up to stand beside a worried Pratap with a smile.

“Let him try.” Her words were firm.

“He can get hurt.” Pratap frowned “He is a guest and...”

“You warned him. He didn’t listen.” She shrugged. “Let Chetak handle him.”Pratap shook his head at her words.

“Do you know what you are doing?” He asked looking at Prithviraj trying to hold Chetak’s reign in vain as Chetak put his front feet up in the air and neighed, throwing him off guard.

“Yes. The right thing.” She shrugged making his jaws stiffen “Watch me.”

As Chetak’s neigh grabbed Patta’s attention he rushed out of the stable to find a man on the ground, holding his knee and almost wailing in pain as Pratap calmed an agitated Chetak and Ajabdeh knelt by the side of the man.

“Oh no. You are hurt?” Pratap frowned and turned to see Ajabdeh put up a worried face at the man rolling on the ground.

“Your horse is stubborn. Who the hell tamed him?” Prithvi said staring at Chetak in disbelief.

“I guess someone better than you are as a rider.” Pratap snapped under his breath only to see Ajabdeh frowning at his words. “Sir, let me help you up.” He gave the man his hand, as Ajabdeh shook her head.

“You sit here.” She directed Prithvi to a haystack, and turned to Patta “Bring the first aid box please Patta.” Patta was about to run when she added “And oh, get a maid to do his first aid.” Patta nodded and left as Pratap stared at her patting Prithvi on his back with condolence. He shook his head and was about to take Chetak inside when Ajabdeh walked up to them.

 “Prithvi what happened?!” Ajabdeh turned at this new voice as Shakti walked up to his friend, accompanied by Heer.

“It was just... nothing...” Prithvi smiled. “I am fine.”

“He just fell off a horse.” Ajabdeh shrugged matter of factly that making Shakti chuckle while his friend gave him disapproving glances.

“I assume he was trying to impress you, sorry for the trouble.” Shakti shook her hand as he smiled “Shakti.”

“Ajabdeh.” She smiled back as Heer held Shakti’s hand in hers and corrected “Jija.”

“Jija.” Shakti repeated staring at her and back at Ajabdeh “Right. I have heard so much about you.”

“Same here.” She nodded.

“Come, baby, let me show you my horse.” Heer smiled “Patta? Patta!”

“I will get Badal Ma’am.” Pratap spoke in a hurry “Patta has gone to get first aid.” He is a reflex pushed Chetak’s reign into Ajabdeh’s hand and walked away. Pratap came back with the horse as Heer turned to Shakti and said “He is Pratap. The one who tamed that horse.”

“Oh yes, you have become quite famous.” Shakti smiled as Pratap nodded appreciatively at Heer. “She keeps telling me that you took care of her sister while she was here alone.” Almost like a reflex, Pratap stared at Ajabdeh and she back at him when he turned to Shakti and said “It is what I got paid for, a part of my job Sir.” Ajabdeh saw Patta approaching with the first aid and a maid when she snatched the box from his hand.

“Let me do that.” Her words made Shakti stare at an equally surprised Prithvi and at Heer. Ajabdeh walked up to Prithviraj and asked rather plainly “Where does it hurt?”

“Excuse me, Ma’am.” Heer nodded as Pratap walked away towards the meadow again with Chetak. As soon as he left, Ajabdeh shrugged “I can’t understand how to do this, you do it, Rama.” She handed the box over to the maid and turned to Heer “Enjoy your ride.” Heer nodded and watched her go, her smile fading into a frown as she turned back to see Pratap ride away on Chetak. While Shakti was busy overseeing his friend’s injury, Heer turned to Patta and said “Let me take Badal for a ride.”

“Yes, Baisa Hukum.” Patta nodded readily.

“Ummm... where did Pratap go?” She asked not being able to spot him.

“Bhaiya vanishes just like that.” Patta shrugged walking alongside the pony, “He must be roaming somewhere on his bike.”

“Where does he stay?” Heer asked.

“You don’t know Rajkunwarisa?” Patta asked surprised “He is Guruma’s nephew.” Heer frowned at his words.

“But Jija said he is from Jodhpur.”

“He stays there.” Patta nodded. “You can ask Baisa Hukum. She will know better.”

“Why do you say that?” Heer asked.

“Because she keeps talking to him, he is the one who helped her when the factory....”

Pratap let Chetak pick up speed and run across the meadow and into the orchards. His temple was wet with sweat and his heart raced as Chetak’s hooves made a rhythmic sound against the path. It was almost when they reached the walls that he made Chetak stop. Getting down from him, amidst the tall trees Pratap sat down on the ground, leaning against a tree trunk. He stared at Chetak, his eyes twinkling with teardrops.

“I... can’t be weak.” He said almost in a murmur shaking his head. “She just wants me to break and I cannot.” He stood up to mount on Chetak again and stared ahead a little startled to find Heer, on Badal, riding towards him.

“Where is Patta?” he frowned “You should not ride into the orchards alone Ma’am.”

“Here, take my reign, we will ride back together.” Heer offered as Pratap tied it to Chetak’s giving his reign a pull.

“What were you doing here?” Heer asked as Pratap looked away.

“Chetak was just riding....”

“I heard about the factory incident, and that you helped Jija,” Heer spoke as he stared at her.

“I ...”

“Thank you, Pratap, you looked out for her.” Heer smiled as he nodded “...beyond your job and payment. I appreciate it.”

“Ma’am...” Pratap nodded at the princess who watched him ride with Chetak.

 “Have you seen her mingle with the heir of the Chauhans?” Raoji spoke to Hansa as she smiled nodding at him “If she does like him it can be beneficial to...” He had stopped at his wife’s stare.

“I will just be happy for her,” Hansa said plainly and got back to checking the gifts for the guests.

“Yes... me too..... I saw them talking in the hall just now.” Ramrakh smiled at Hansa “The predictions...”

“Raoji, let’s not talk of all that now. Guruma said everything is fine. There is nothing to worry about.” He nodded at her words. “I can see hopes here.”

“Jija you here?” Heer knocked softly and peeped in.

Ajabdeh sat up on her bed, gathering the locks of her hair up for a bun.

“Jija.” Heer sat down on her bed and stared at her through the reflection in the mirror. “There is anything you want to talk of or I should know?” Heer asked softly. Ajabdeh turned to her and nodded affirmatively.

“You know you can tell me anything Jija.” Heer held her hands making Ajabdeh stare at her.

“This Prithvi guy really pisses me off Heer,” Ajabdeh said in a serious tone, breaking into a chuckle as Heer stared at her laugh. She then shook her head, smiled at Ajabdeh’s laughter and asked in a low tone “Then why were you flirting with him?”

“Just.” Ajabdeh shrugged. “You said I should try remember?”

“Jija.” Heer asked studying her face “Are you sure that is your only reason?”

“What other reason do I possibly have?” Ajabdeh shrugged at Heer as she shook her head. “Go now. I want to be alone.”

The next morning Pratap arrived at the stable to find Chetak missing. He frowned at Patta who pointed at the ground with a rather surprised face.

“That man came back with Baisa Hukum. I don’t know what he did. He is so stubborn that even Chetak gave in.” Pratap suddenly felt a rush of blood in his veins as he walked to the fences to catch a glimpse of Prithviraj on Chetak, while Ajabdeh sat in front of him, in her riding gears, smiling appreciatively at his skills. Even Chetak seemed comfortable.

“He is a prince of somewhere and into the hotel business,” Patta spoke behind him matter-of-factly. “You think there will be another royal wedding soon?” His words suddenly made Pratap’s heartache.

“I... I don’t know. But... it looks like I am not needed today so I will come back tomorrow.” He said it in a hurry and turned to leave.

“Pratap!” It was Prithviraj who called him to make him stop and Ajabdeh stare in his direction, her smile intact on her face.

“Yes, Hukum.” He had stopped to watch Prithviraj get down and give Ajabdeh his hand. She took it, to get down as Pratap looked away trying in vain not to show some disapproval on his face.

“I told you I can tame him.” Prithviraj said with a hint of pride “It just needed love like Ajab said.” He had smiled at Ajabdeh who smiled back appreciatively. Pratap nodded looking away.

“Now I will go for my breakfast, care to join me?” Prithviraj flashed the most charming smile at Ajabdeh.

“You go on.” She shook her head “I have an hour with him.” Pratap looked up at her words. Prithviraj left with a shrug as Pratap held Chetak’s reign.

Ajabdeh got up and patted the horse “Let’s go.” Pratap silently led them to the ground.

“So ... Once I learn to ride on my own I can go riding any time with anyone, Chetak?” She patted the horse and frowned at the silence.

“I am making new friends.” She spoke again, a little louder “He is so good with horses.”

“He took a silly risk to ride with you.” Pratap snapped “If Chetak protested, like that day, it could risk your ...”

“You were scared for this reason then, that day?” her question was met with silence. “That I will be hurt?” He had led Chetak almost to the far end of the meadow and he murmured “Let’s go back.”

 “You didn’t answer me.” She asked again “Is that what scared you, Pratap?” She frowned as Pratap stopped Chetak on the tracks. He took a deep breath and stared at her saying “No. I was scared to lose you.” Ajabdeh’s heart skipped a beat as her hand tightened around Chetak’s reign. His brown eyes were intense, and they shone slightly in the sunlight. Ajabdeh’s heart made a funny leap. She barely found her voice to say, “Pratap....I...”

“No. Let me complete.” He spoke looking away, dragging Chetak along while she looked a little worried.

“I have always been straightforward, and I think I should tell you this. I know the things that can’t be; I didn’t want a job where my father was fired, I took it because you insisted. I didn’t want to talk about anything beyond my profession with you, you insisted. I knew I shouldn’t have gone to places, but I did because you were alone. And somewhere, so was I.  I know you and I could never be friends and you insisted. I agreed to that too, knowing that you needed me, and perhaps I needed you. I know it is useless running from things.” He stopped again and this time he looked away to make sure she had no idea that his eyes were teary. “You said I am sorted.” He spoke as she was about to get down from her horse.

“Don’t.” His words made her stop, almost frozen where she was. “I was sorted until you came along. Now, I don’t know what to do anymore. But I do know I have dared to cross certain limits I shouldn’t have.”

“Pratap...” Her voice was hurting as he sighed, dragging Chetak back to the stables. “Listen to me...”

“No, you listen to me. You and I can never be anything. Now if you want me to work here, promise me we will never talk of this ever again, and if you can’t, then I will leave. I will do the right thing.”

He had led Chetak almost to the stables and stopped him as she got down. She walked across to face him as he chose to look away and she shook her head with a faint smile “Is forgetting that simple?”

Eyes met as Ajabdeh for the first time, saw that he was hurt, wounded perhaps. “It is what is good for everyone.” He walked past her, dragging Chetak to his stable. Something in Ajabdeh felt hot like her inside was fuming at his words.

“I promise you then.” Ajabdeh spoke firmly, in the daring tone he had witnessed before, making him stop in his tracks “I will do the right thing, and you and Chetak will be my witness to that.” She watched him go as she dragged herself back to her room.

Ajabdeh sat down, holding the cushion close to her chest, trying to find some solace. His words still hurt like a dagger in her chest. He said what he wanted to. At once he admitted what he felt and took it away at the same time. Ajabdeh wiped away her tears. He did not even wait to ask her what she wanted. Maybe because he knew her too well, to know what she wanted and it scared him.

Heer knocked on her door when Ajabdeh wiped away her tears and opened it.

“Jija, I heard you have taken the albums, can we see them together?” Heer smiled at her as she agreed. Heer was busy, telling her stories she had heard behind every picture and Ajabdeh felt restless. She did not want to hurt Heer but at the same time, she wanted to be alone, to mourn a loss she perhaps never had.

Heer walked away to the threshold as she saw Ajabdeh scrutinising an old picture. “Can I tell you something Jija?” She held open the door, stopped and half turned to her sibling and said “Anyone who knows you even a little and saw you that day would know what your reason was. To flirt with Prithvi.” Her words made Ajabdeh stop and stare at her, threatened perhaps at how easily she could be read. “I had a feeling and I was right Jija, Pratap...” Ajabdeh stared at Heer in shock as she smiled. She walked up to pull Heer inside and shut the door behind her.

“Heer...” Ajabdeh did not know what to say. “I... we... “

“He loves you more than I ever saw anyone love someone.” Heer took a deep breath and stared at Ajabdeh’s twinkling eyes “You are lucky to have known such a love.”

“I am not...” Ajabdeh shook her head “It is not that simple Heer, you don’t understand.”

“He pushed you away didn’t he?” Heer asked making her stare at Heer’s unreadable face.

“And you are hurt, and as usual, you are hiding it.” Heer held her cold hands firmly in her warm ones “You don’t have to hide anything Jija, for I am here, for you, maybe this once. And whatever you feel right, I will be here, with you.”

Heer’s words made Ajabdeh hug her tightly as tears wet her cheeks. She was not wrong. Even her sister could see how much he felt for her. In that way, Ajabdeh felt blessed. Heer hugged her back and let her cry in silence.

Sitting down on the edge of the bed, Heer wiped away her tears and said with a sigh “Jija, you know he did the right thing. Right?”

 She frowned as Ajabdeh nodded, but in her eyes, Heer saw the sparks of a warrior she was scared of.

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