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...

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 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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

RAABTA

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