Going Home

Bondita's Mama came to Tulsipur to meet his daughter. He was a poor man and wore a short dhoti and a Batik shirt. It was wrong to come empty-handed to the daughter's house, so two pots of sweets accompanied him. Reluctantly, he had to go to Roy Chowdhury's house. They were the Zamindar of Tulsipur, the master of the father-in-law of Sampoorna, and they needed to be respected. Apart from that, the fate of the sister and niece whom he was reluctant to shelter and spent day and night rebuking them about had turned; the same sister now handed over some money to him by the end of the month, because of the kindness of Aniruddha Babu. He did not have the luxury of pushing Lakshmi away. Hence, it was necessary to come to the landlord's house to meet his niece. In their house, servants also dressed better than he; Look at the fate of the girl. Where he had arranged for her to stay in a corner of an old man's house, now Bondita was living a queen’s life.

Zamindar Trilochan Roy Chowdhury did not hesitate to show it to anyone if he didn't like them. Bondita's uncle was one of those people. Trilochan Babu was shocked by what he heard from Bouma's mouth about how they treated her, and then even more surprised at seeing Bouma's affection towards them. But they were family. What could be done if someone arrived at his doorstep with sweets? It is not in the landlord's taste to disrespect a guest. Bondita took her uncle’s blessing and asked about her mother. How was she doing? Was she worried about Bondita and what Mama should tell her? Trilochanbabu knew that Bouma had not seen her mother for a long time.
"Then, Bouma, go with your Mama, come back in a few days." Trilochan's words make Bondita's eyes sparkle.
"Really, can I go?" Bondita asked in disbelief. Trilochan nodded his head. "If he doesn’t object..."
"No, no, why will I..." Bondita’s uncle smiled sheepishly, "If she wants to come..."
"Wait, Mama, I'll be right back." Bondita ran inside. While tying the bundle, her hand stopped once. Should she tell Barristra Babu? Should she ask his permission? Her ego got the better of her. He didn't want her to stay, didn't trust her, and Jyatha Shoshur Moshai told her to go. Why bother asking him again? She would go to stay with her mother. He would be fine, perhaps better off without her. He would not find his things; that would be good. He wouldn’t have to see her face, not stay out of the house angry with her, and he could sleep in his bed. He would be fine.

Absent-mindedly packing her things, Bondita did not realise when Aniruddha came and stood behind her. For a long time, he watched her pack a bundle, a frown on his face, fear in his heart. After that day, they didn't talk about anything but unavoidable things. He tried many times but couldn’t understand what to say to Bondita.

"Where are you taking these things?" Bondita was startled by his words. The comb fell out of her hand. Glancing over her shoulder, she saw Aniruddha picking up the comb from the floor, a look of displeasure on his face.

“You? Why are you up?” Bondita suddenly asked, "So early?"

"Bihari said, Mama... what are these?"

"I will go home with Mama."

"Why?" Aniruddha tried hard not to sound agitated as Bondita jolted back.

"I mean, Jyathamoshai said I can go to see Mother..."

"You're not going anywhere." Aniruddha suddenly started taking things out of her bundle. "You don't need to go with uncle, I said I will take you to meet her." Bondita got angry at his demeanour. She forgot her vow to be grateful to him and stopped him. After so many years of a habit of arguing with her, Barristra Babu got the better of her.

"Why won’t I go?" Aniruddha stopped and looked at her, suddenly relieved by the tone in Bondita’s voice. It had a hint of right towards him, "Why won't I go to my mother with my uncle?" Bondita tried to snatch the bundle from his hand in vain.

"I said I will take you," Aniruddha said, lifting the bundle on his head, beyond her reach.

"Yes, you are taking today and tomorrow too. Give me back my things. Jetha's Shoshur Moshai told me to go." Bondita taunted.

"I said you are not going."

"So, are you preventing me from meeting my mother?"

“No. You know very well why I am stopping you.” His stare made her look away.

"No, I don't know." Protests erupted more strongly in Bondita’s voice. "You're acting like a madman."

"What?" Even Bondita was shocked at the words that came out of her mouth as Aniruddha looked flabbergasted. She was afraid that she had successfully angered him more.

"You called me crazy for your stubbornness?" Aniruddha's voice sounded bitter. "Bondita, you know well why you are insisting and why I don't accept that insistence."

"What's going on?" Seeing Trilochanbabu outside the threshold, Bondita pulled her Ghomta on her head quickly, realising it had fallen off in the middle of the argument. Aniruddha dropped the bundle, and a look of awkwardness was reflected on both of their faces. Trilochan Roy Chowdhury cleared his throat. He knew that the ghost of stubbornness often danced on these two, leading them to meaningless arguments he could never make sense of, but arguing like this, especially when there was a guest at home, what was wrong with them?

"Look, he won't let me go to my mother." Bondita startled Aniruddha with a complaint.

"No... I mean," Aniruddha looked a little lost for words in front of his uncle. “I say, why bother, Mama, I will take her.”

"When?" Bondita snapped. ”How many times have you said this in the past year? Did you take me there once?"

"Bouma is right, let her go with her uncle. You have been busy. And he is her Mama, it won’t bother him. You go and pick her up in a day or two, what's the harm?”

"He doesn’t have to go."Bondita protested. "He's so busy he can't bring me home, so you must send Bihari."

"I can. I can bring you home.” Aniruddha protested firmly, and Bondita eyed him.

"Then what is the problem? Get her the day after tomorrow. Bouma, come quickly, your uncle says the train will leave if you don’t go now.” Trilochan Babu still did not understand why his son was protesting like this. But he never tried to understand all that he did or said. What's the point? "And Aniruddha, you should make Bouma a lawyer." He jokingly added, "She can argue better than you."

Before Aniruddha could understand, Bondita snatched the bundle of clothes from his hand and packed the rest of the things in a hurry. Standing with folded hands for a while, Anirudha watched her. Then she took out a saree to change into, took the key from the lock, and said, "I will put it in this drawer; you will need it." She went to the washroom to change her saree. Aniruddha tied some loose change in a handkerchief, "You may find it useful." He said, offering it to Bondita, raising his eyes and observing his wife’s pale face.

"Believe me, I will go there myself. I will bring you back." Bondita lifted her eyes at him briefly. "Everything you think is not true. I... ” Suddenly afraid of what Aniruddha wanted to talk about the subject Bondita stepped back.

"It's getting late, I need to go." Suddenly, she took his blessing, interrupting him mid-thought and left the room. Aniruddha sighed and stood there for a while. "Dugga Dugga." He said to himself.

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...

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!" ...

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 ...

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...

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...

Endless

Kunwar Pratap reached the Dangal. Ranima had ordered Ajabdeh to practise regularly. She was nowhere around since he woke up that morning. He had assumed she was with Ranima for the morning prayers, but then she was not in the Dangal on time, either. Ajabdeh was never late. He felt a little uneasy as he picked up the sword. A thunder made him look up at the gloomy sky as he felt the first drop of rain. A little wet, he ran through the corridors. Ajabdeh had woken up feeling unwell. He was sleeping after a tiring day, so she decided against calling him and, more, worrying him. She bathed, hoping to feel better, performed her puja and went to the gardens for some fresh air. Still feeling uneasy in the gloomy weather, she decided that playing with Parvati might make her feel better. After some talk with Bhago and playing with Parvati, she stood up from the floor and felt dizzy. Bhago caught her hand. " Are you all right?" " I just felt a little dizzy. I don't know why...

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...

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

“ Ei Bondita,” Asha called her from the stairs as Bondita placed down some papers Aniruddha wanted from the office and was leaving the house. “Come up to my room.” She waved. “ Aschi, Boudi.” Bondita walked up to her room, removing the waistcoat from over her Kurti. She sat down on the edge of Asha’s bed and closed the door. Bondita looked perplexed. “What… is wrong?” “Where is Dadabhai? Is he here?” Bondita shook her head. He was probably still working. “Sir.” The newly recruited junior knocked on the chamber door of Aniruddha’s office as he looked up from the screen. “Your father is here.” Aniruddha frowned a little at his words. Binoy never visited the office. He asked the man to bring him in. Binoy walked in, in a polo-necked navy blue t-shirt over a pair of beige pants, as Aniruddha observed him remove his glasses and look around. “What brought you here?” He enquired after waiting a little in vain for him to speak. “Just came by… for a chat.” Binoy sat down on the seat acros...

RAABTA

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