Express

The fashion during those days was that during the winter holidays, people of Calcutta used to go to villages for a change. Aniruddha's first friend in advocacy life was Shekhar Mukherjee. He is the son of a business family in Calcutta. Their gold business had been around for a long time. Since Aniruddha told him about Tulsipur, Shekhar wanted to go and spend a few days there. First, Aniruddha avoided it. He did not know how Shekhar would view his family and village life, and apart from that, he did not tell his friend anything about Bondita as well. All he knew was that Aniruddha was married. Aniruddha didn't want Shekhar to see their relationship wrongly after hearing about his friend's child marriage and not understanding his situation. But Shekhar was adamant about going to Tulsipur. Hence, Aniruddha was forced to tell him everything. But his reaction was unexpected. Shekhar understood that Aniruddha's married life was not normal, even though he didn't say it. It suddenly occurred to him that this newfound friend had a lifelong deprivation of pleasure and lust, and he needed to change that. He invited Aniruddha to a Baijibari in Chitpur. He suppressed his purpose of the invite from Aniruddha.

Aniruddha heard that his father sometimes travelled to these Mehfils. He had a strong desire to know how these events were. He heard from his friends that the Baijis are very beautiful, their voices like nymphs and their Kathak dance performances rich. But if someone in Tulsipur came to know he went there? Jethamoshai would be angry. He did not like the taste of his younger brother in this case. Aniruddha also stayed away from alcohol. That was the real thing in these events.
"No, you don't have to do that." Shekhar insisted. “You go, see, learn, what else? If you understand, it is also an experience.” Aniruddha agreed, deciding not to tell Bondita where he was going. She did not enquire if he said there was a party, he would stay at Shekhar's house for the night. Shekhar secretly thought of formulating his plan.

The junction of Chitpur led to a narrow bylane. A hired carriage stopped there. After settling his fare, Aniruddha followed Shekhar. Shekhar told him one should not come to Baiji Para wearing pants and a shirt. So Aniruddha settled for the Dhuti Panjabi for the real experience. Aniruddha said he had an invite at home in Calcutta. Bondita put his money bag and perfume handkerchief neatly for him. She did not ask her husband a single question. Aniruddha felt suffocated by her trust that day. He came out of the house hurriedly. Shekhar stopped in front of a house. The sound of music was coming from inside. Two stair steps were barely visible in the dim light. Suddenly, a woman stood there and asked, "Did you bring this new Babu today?"

"He's my friend," Shekhar replied as Anirudha felt uncomfortable at the observation of this woman. "Babah! He is red with embarrassment." The woman laughed. She offered garlands of Bel. Shekhar bound one around his wrist, and Aniruddha followed after him. He then followed the woman to the third floor. There was a girl who suddenly spread watered perfume on them. The strong smell made Aniruddha feel like he would have a headache. The event was in a large room. First, an older woman sang; she was the main Baiji and then came the dance performance. To be honest, Aniruddha liked it. How many Ragas, how many dance forms, and how many unknown resources of Hindustan culture survived in the house of these Baijis? For whatever reason, they do this; they have immense respect for their art. In the middle of the night, Aniruddha checked his watch. Shekhar was busy drinking.

"Say, let's get up now?" Aniruddha asked Shekhar, close to his ear. Shekhar laughed. "Wait, my friend, I have prepared something special for you." Shekhar staggered and took Aniruddha to another Kothi house next door. Aniruddha followed because he did not find it wise to leave him alone. Shekhar went to a girl about his age and stood there. He gave the girl some money. She was wearing a Benarasi and jewellery as if she were a new bride.

"Go ahead with her, I'm coming," Shekhar said to a confused Aniruddha.

"Where?" Aniruddha asked. The girl came forward with a smile, "Are you afraid, Babu, I will harm you?" Before he could say anything, the girl entered a room holding Aniruddha's hand and closed the door.

“What is this? What are you doing?” Aniruddha protested.

"What your friend told me to do." The girl laughed and threw her garland at him. "You don't have any experience at this age?" She sounded amused. Aniruddha's jaw tightened. Shekhar brought him for this? Did he mean this in his words? "Is there a wife at home? No?"

"Yes." Aniruddha didn’t know why he could not disrespect the girl as he replied. The girl smiled again, "She is that young, is she?" He remembered Bondita’s face. Suddenly, Aniruddha couldn't stand in that room anymore. As if he were disrespecting their relationship.

Aniruddha walked out of the house, not wanting to know where Shekhar was. He came to the street and took a Tanga. All through the journey, Aniruddha kept wondering, was Shekhar wrong? It's normal to have desires like Shekhar did at his age. But more important than fulfilling that need was Bondita’s trust in him. She might be young, but she was his wedded wife. Aniruddha had the maturity to know what their relationship was like, even if eleven-year-old Bondita did not. He could not knowingly commit any wrongdoing towards Bondita. What if Anirudha had lost control of his emotions after listening to Shekhar for a moment? Could he ever forgive himself? Could he ever become worthy of Bondita again? And if Bondita came to know when she understood, wouldn't her respect for him decrease? Could he live with that? For the first time, Anirudha was afraid of losing his wife because of his actions.

When Aniruddha returned home, Bondita was lying on the bed with a book. She suddenly stood up when she saw him. "You?" Worry swept across her face. “You were supposed to come tomorrow. Are you sick?” Aniruddha’s sudden hug made her stop. Bondita was surprised. She only held Aniruddha like that when she was afraid. She had never seen Aniruddha do that. But what was he afraid of?

"Are you also afraid of something?" Questioned Bondita. Aniruddha sighed, looking into her eyes.

"I was terrified, I've never felt anything like this before," Aniruddha says, putting his hand on her head.

"Are you not braver than anyone else?" Bondita questioned with undying faith.

"No matter how brave," said Aniruddha, bowing slightly to her height, "everyone is afraid of losing some precious things." Knowing that the meaning of his words would not be understood, Aniruddha could speak his mind to Bondita more easily. Bondita nodded wisely.

“Don't worry, Barristra Babu. Bondita will not let you lose anything valuable.” Aniruddha was overwhelmed by her assurance.

The next day, he informed Shekhar by telegram that he would not be coming to Tulsipur.

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!" ...

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 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...

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 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...

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...

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...

Embracing Truths

Rana Udai Singh had sent his Senapati Kunwar Partap back to Chittorgarh because Dungarpur had summoned them to the battlefield. How did a friendly visit culminate in a war? Rumours spread faster than wildfires in Mewar. Rana Udai Singh was attending a Mehfil where he liked one of the King’s best dancers. He wanted to take her back to Chittorgarh, and the king, who took pride in art, refused to part with his best dancer. Udai Singh, at the height of intoxication, abused the king, insulted his dynasty and almost forced the dancer girl to follow him, leading to an altercation. What he expected now was for Kunwar Partap to lead an army to Dungarpur, wage a war and force the king to apologise. Kunwar Partap was appalled by what he heard from the soldier. Could the Rana not understand that he could not make any more enemies? He asked his troops to prepare to leave and informed Raoji. Ajbante Kanwar ran down the corridor to her chambers as fast as she could. She did not care if anyone saw her...

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...

RAABTA

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