A Call to Make

"Nandini?" Ajabdeh sounded alarmed at the phone call. "Are you alright?" She asked.

"I am. I called to congratulate you. And also … we are planning a family. I wanted a child, so Laura and I decided to get a donor. I have conceived."

"Wow." Ajabdeh sank back in her chair. "That's great. Congratulations."

"So what's up with you?" Nandini queried.

"The business is slowly making up for the losses and …"

"No, no." Nandini interrupted. "I heard about you and Dadabhai." She sounded excited. "Congratulations."

"Oh." Ajabdeh sounded awkward "Thank you."

"Honestly, I knew it the moment I saw you two together." She gushed at a much surprised Ajabdeh. "Oh, he held your hand and whisked you away when we were escaping. It was so romantic."

"We were helping you." Ajabdeh reminded her rather plainly.

"Yes, and then you fell in love."

Ajabdeh's heart skipped a beat at the word. A lot has been happening that day. She had just spent the morning at a doctor's clinic that was bigger than her old apartment. For the first time, she had lied to Pratap about her plans for the day. The man had asked her rather uncomfortable questions about her sex life, or rather the lack of it, in front of Sajja. She knew all the information would travel back to Jaivanta. The doctor wrote down some tests that were run, and the results would arrive in the evening.

As little as she cared about it all, Ajabdeh felt anxious. She hoped everything was fine with her. Not that she ever wanted to indulge in their ideas. But it's been ages since she had ever thought of her own health or functionality. Her periods were timely, and that was just about it.

"Nandini, I am at work. Can I call you back?" She tried hard to shake off her sudden feeling of overwhelm.

"I actually needed you." She said, "I told my parents that I was pregnant. I think they are ready to accept us back."

"That's…"

"They will also host a proper reception for us. Will you do it for me?" Ajabdeh wanted to refuse. She had no will to face his aunt or their drama.

"My mom will talk to Badi Mausi if you want…"

"No, that's not needed. Let me know the date, and I will see what I can do." She said politely.

She sat down at work and couldn't concentrate. She felt like she had deceived Pratap that day. In some way or the other, talking about their private life behind his back, even if it's about the lack of it, to a professional seemed like a violation of trust. There was nobody she could talk to about it. Nobody who would understand her justification for staying out of trouble with Jaivanta would mean lying to Pratap. Right now, she was willing to choose that for her peace of mind. She knew Pratap would react if he learnt about his mother's intrusions. He would shout and accuse, and disrupt the peace of the house. She would furthermore lose the little connection she made with Jaivanta. She couldn't get the two years' time out of her head.

Jaivanta had called them to her chambers. Ajabdeh received her test results, which were normal, and felt relieved. Especially under the scrutiny, she would have faced if she were not physically fit. However, when Jaivanta summoned them, she thought she was going to discuss the results with Pratap. She waited for Pratap to arrive back home late that night and informed him. He dropped his things and strolled to her study, followed by Ajabdeh in tow.

Jaivanta was waiting for them. In her nightgown, perhaps made of the finest silk Ajabdeh had seen, she removed her reading glasses and looked up at her son.

"Did you just come from your office?" She gave him a disapproving glance.

"It's late. I didn't want you to wait for me." He explained. "You wanted to talk about something?"

"Oh yes." Jaivanta looked past him at Ajabdeh, which made her heart skip a beat. "Do sit down."

"No, we are fine." He spoke, "Tell me. Is everything okay?"

"Everything is just fine." She nodded, "Your Mausi called me to inform me that Nandini is expecting a child." She said, almost disgusted, "Now god knows whose."

"It's a doner." It was Ajabdeh who spoke out of turn, making Jaivanta stare at her. "It's a method where the donor… umm… donates the sperm…. Like in the case of IVF or surrogacy, there are... different methods..."

"How dare you speak of such things in front of your mother-in-law?" Jaivanta's scolding almost shocked Ajabdeh. She narrowed her eyes. A week ago, this lady was dictating to her when to conceive, and now she is embarrassed to discuss the methods with her. Ajabdeh stopped. Pratap looked like he had lost his patience.

"So?" He asked, hoping Jaivanta would come straight to the point. "So she wants Ajabdeh to do a reception event, and I said yes."

Pratap looked a bit disappointed at his mother's choice of words.

"It's her professional matter and choice, what she wants to do." Ajabdeh was glad that he spoke for her, though she didn't approve of his tone.

"This is a family matter. That's my sister. She can't refuse…"

"She can refuse whoever she wants to. Especially someone who broke into her office." Jaivanta's lips trembled a little at Pratap's words. This was getting out of hand.

"It's okay. I talked to Nandini." Ajabdeh said, hoping to defuse the situation, "I told her to send in the dates."

"Good. She has clearly more senses on this than you." Jaivanta spoke. "Also, I decided that Ajabdeh needs a proper introduction into the society as a member of the Sisodiya house." Pratap was quiet, but Ajabdeh felt conscious. She remembered all the gossip that was talked of about her.

"So I proposed a social marriage of you two to Udai. He thinks it's a good idea, too."

"There is no need for anything of that sort." Pratap protested, "What matters is the legal one and…"

" You don't decide that." Jaivanta snapped. "To live in a society, one must follow certain rules. She can't go about without vermilion, and you with your theories all your life."

"I am not participating in a circus wedding to show off to random people that we are already married." He retorted.

"Okay." Jaivanta looked calm. She knew that she needed to get this done. "But you need to do this so that you can start a normal married life. After Nandini's reception, you and Ajabdeh choose what you want to keep and omit, but some rituals need to be done. I don't want an argument on that." She looked at Ajabdeh "We can always reach a middle ground." She nodded.

Back in the room, Pratap looked cross. Whether it was because he was against them marrying for a show-off or about them being married socially, she couldn't tell. Ajabdeh waited a while for him to start a conversation as he went about his routine, then walked through the connecting door to his coffee machines. He stopped putting his wet towel on the bed the moment he realised she was in his room.

"I thought of something for Nandini." She said. Pratap expected her to talk about their expected social wedding instead. But then this was Ajabdeh being herself.

"Is that so?" He asked. "What is that?"

"We can plan our first event at Bijoliya mansion with that one." Her eyes sparkled. "The place holds memories for them, and it is a family occasion for close ones, so the Mansion would have a more personal touch. Don't you think?" She managed to make him smile.

"Can I ask you something?" He asked, taking the coffee from her hand. "Is this a business idea or an emotional one?"

"What makes you ask this?" She looked surprised.

"Well, if it's a business idea, it's a brilliant one. If it's an emotional idea, I am honestly surprised at something so romantic coming from you." There was a hint of amusement in his voice.

"Let's stick with the business idea, then. I like to believe I am brilliant." She smiled. He smiled in agreement.

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...

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...

Purnota: Chapter Thirty Eight

Trilochon was so overwhelmed that Binoy came for the Pujo and Kirtan on Dol Purnima. Their neighbours, friends and acquaintances had all gathered in the Thakur Dalan, first for the pujo when the idol of Sree Radha and Sree Krishna were worshipped in the Dalan, and Horir Loot of Batasha and Naru were distributed. Unlike in the village, people here, especially children, did not fight over the Horir Loot . Bondita and Batuk took part in the ritual like they used to as kids, counting the number of Batasha each of them had, amusing the elders who reminisced about their childhood and how Batuk snatched Bondita’s share and ran as she chased after him, shouting. The Kirtan followed the pujo, the tales of Sree Krishna’s prowess, his Leela and Radha’s sacrifice were sung with the sounds of Dhol and Khanjani . It followed the devotional songs praising Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and his praises to Lord Krishna. Bondita not only liked the stories of Kirtan but also how the crowd joined in the singing and...

Purnota: Chapter Thirty Seven

“Why will Bondita not come for Holi?” Asha asked as she inspected the colours, Abir, Pichkiri and balloons Somnath had ordered from Baro Bazaar. He shrugged. “She is scared of colours, I think.” Asha smiled, a little amused at her clueless husband. “She is not ten anymore.” He looked up at her words with a sheepish smile, “Well, I never saw her play Holi, perhaps Dadabhai knows the reason.” Asha contemplated her husband’s words. She did not share a relationship with Aniruddha frank enough for him to share things about Bondita. It would be easier for her to ask Bondita instead. “If you wish for her to come,” Som said, like he could almost read her mind, “Perhaps you can invite her. She won’t say no to you.” Asha nodded. “It will be good to have the whole family together. It's not been so since the wedding.” She smiled. Som agreed as he matched the list with the things. “Yes, and Baba will be coming too, he told me not to tell Jethu, but I was surprised by that.” “Maybe because he an...

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 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...

To Protect You

Kunwar Pratap was in the 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 Surat. " Daajiraj, 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. Ajabdeh was making a drink 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. " Ajabdeh Baisa." Her words let out a silent gasp from the lesser queens who stood witness. Calm and composed, Ajabdeh walke...

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...

Life and You

" Maharanisa! Maharanisa!" The maid-in-waiting ran through the quiet Rani Mahal as Jaivanta Bai, who was sitting in front of the Lord in her room ever since she was back, rushed out of her room, followed by Sajjabai and Veerbai. " What happened?" She asked, her voice calm, but her heart thumping. " Kunwarsa is here... with Kunwarani... She... She...." The maid sobbed as Jaivanta Bai rushed to the room. She stood at the door as her eyes could not believe what she saw. Kunwar Pratap was soaked in her blood as he laid her down on the bed, shouting, " Quick. Rajvaidya..." His eyes stopped at the door as Jaivanta Bai rushed to be beside the unconscious Ajabdeh. The Daasis and Sevaks were running about soon enough. Sajja Bai gasped at the scene. So much blood. Kunwar Pratap had not noticed anything except her calm, unconscious face. Now that he noticed his blood-soaked, red hands, he stared at them as though in a trance. "Kunwar Pratap! Tell me w...

Eternally Yours

Ajabdeh 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 out 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 worry. Maybe something urgent has come up. She walked to the Puja room and was shocked. Her garlands were made, the Chandan was in plac...

RAABTA

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