­
Skip to main content

Harsh Truths of Life

Ajbante Kanwar found herself by the Menal waterfall that made enough noise for her to not hear Kunwar Partap approaching with the horses. She was lost in thoughts. 


After two days of playing host to the royals of Bundi, yesterday the king had informed her father that they would start their journey to Chittorgarh early in the morning. As she snuck out of the palace she saw the pompous procession of elephants decorated with gold ornaments and horses with golden quilts over their seat being led out by the Bundi soldiers. The palace was awake earlier than she anticipated and she had to squeeze in a little time and excuse herself for her “prayers”. But as she sat by the waterfall she was unsure whether he could come. She looked up at the sky clearing into dawn as she sighed and shook her head. He must be preparing to leave. Rajkumari Ajbante Kanwar stood up, brushing her lehenga as she turned to leave. If she wasted more time, Daata would scold her. She had not worn her warrior attire under her lehenga, fully aware that they would have no time to practice. She wanted to promise him to continue her training with Bijli after he was gone. Something felt heavy in her heart as she played with her bangles and breathed in. She was about to turn when she was jolted by his presence behind her.

“You should be more aware of your surroundings.” He frowned at her shocked face as she lowered her eyes from his and nodded silently. “Do you know about self defence?” She nodded unsurely, rubbing her hands together. “Umm… yes. My Guruji taught me to use the Khanjar…”

“What about the sword?” She looked reluctant and visibly shocked as she shook her head. “You should learn that too, god forbid you need to protect yourself from multiple people, the Khanjar may not be a good option.” She nodded silently as he managed a faint smile. “The next time I come around I will teach you.” She looked a little perplexed at his words. “I will tell Guruji…”

“Can I not teach you?” He asked, sounding a little bruised. “Do you know how many people call me the best swordsman in the land? I can fight with both hands.” She looked up briefly at his words as her lips parted. So that rumour was true. “It’s not that…” She bit her lower lip unsurely. She wanted to say she would not wait for him to return in some distant future but learn to save herself like he suggested, before Daata got her married. She was not even sure she would still be in Bijoliya the next time he was there. But she kept quiet as his brows narrowed.


“Can we sit down?” He did not wait for her approval as he let the horses graze and chose a dry rock to perch himself on. With one hand on his sword, and another resting on his thigh, he eyed the surroundings for onlookers. Ajbante Kanwar observed him with a faint smile. He sat like a king almost instinctively. Replace the rock with a throne and his red pagri with a crown jewelled one and he would be perfect. Her heart skipped a beat as he caught her staring. He gestured at the rock beside his as she nodded and sat down on it, straightening her lehenga and the dupatta on her head.

“I may come back when they leave for Bundi…” He said, staring at the water, “Or not. I am not sure how the tradition goes.” He smiled sheepishly. She nodded. “I suppose … that… that the Bidai procession doesn’t involve people from the Bride’s side except the maids travelling with her.” He nodded at her words as she stared at the water. The sky was filled with the red hue of the sun rising from behind the forest horizon as the hue reflected on her calm face. He eyed her, staring at the water, her breath slow, lips quivering as if unsure of what more to say. Her hands were together on her lap, fidgeting with her bangles. He turned his gaze towards her and sank in the view as if he was going to remember it for a long time. Ajbante Kanwar shifted a little at his gaze, her hand touching the dupatta and her hair unsurely to check why he was staring. His eyes did not shift from his gaze as she cleared her throat.

“So, your father has someone in mind?” His question made her stare back at him, brows furrowed cluelessly. “Pardon?”

“For your marriage?” He asked as she looked away. Perhaps she was shy about the topic as her cheek flushed. A coy smile appeared on her face as she lowered her face briefly to shake her head. “He says it should be an alliance that… umm…”

“Benefits Mewar?” He sounded almost amused. “So all fathers think the same, I suppose.” He almost murmured to himself, thinking of the times when Padmavati was betrothed to the prince of Bundi. Rajkumari Ajbante Kanwar looked up at his words as he looked back at the water, throwing a few pebbles he hand collected from the soil, skipping them. 

“He says a chieftain family from Marwar or Bundi would be good. Especially with the Turks…” She bit her lips as he smiled.

“And you agree to that?” She had no idea she could have a choice. She looked confused. “Pardon?”

“You agree that marriages should be about alliances and benefits to the state?” He repeated. Ajbante Kanwar gulped because he sounded displeased. For all she had heard from her friends, she was not sure anymore. She shook her head. “I don’t know what marriages should be about.” She said truthfully. He shrugged. “You have seen them around you.”

“My parents… had an alliance, so did Daata with his other wives. They seem… happy.”

“Happy?” Kunwar Partap asked. “And what is this happiness?” Ajbante Kanwar looked confused again but she continued.

“Umm… they have understanding children, Maa sa takes care of the palace while he takes care of Bijoliya. They have an understanding about alliances and…” She could see his displeasure as he grunted inwardly but she continued. “She prays when he is at war.”

“Don’t you think women do that because if the men die or lose the war their future is plunged into darkness?” He eyed her gasp. “And not because of love or care?”

“I feel they have respect for each other and the relationship. I guess that care comes with it. I mean everyone prays during wars, even if their loved ones are not fighting the battle.” He shook his head. “I don’t think so. But then I don’t think you witness men the way I do.”

“Meaning?” She enquired. He was unsure whether to introduce Ajbante Kanwar to the reality of men she was oblivious to. But should she not know now that she was supposed to be married?

“Are you sure you want to know?” He asked unsurely. “The truth may make you lose respect for a lot of people.” He was firm, “Including your king.” His words made her look up. “Then I guess it's your choice whether or not you want to…”

“Soldiers are not the only people who travel to the war front.” He stared at the water as he continued. “And they are not the only collateral damage of war.” She waited for him to speak again. 

“Women, dancing girls, concubines, young, old, traded often for their flesh, are served to soldiers, chieftains and kings, exchanged or captured during wars, tortured, killed, forced to…” He eyed her unsure of how much details he could allow himself to give out. “There is no mercy or respect for any woman of any age, caste, class or kind.” Ajbante Kanwar surprisingly did not look dazed by this.

“I am aware of it.” She nodded.

“Who told you?” He asked with a frown. She smiled faintly.

“Nobody tells women the details of such things, but we know. We know when men indulge, when men stray, when they lose respect.” She eyed him “We know from the moment we are born, to save ourselves from the world. From our own people, let alone others.” She paused as he looked impressed. “But I am not sure why you want to tell me…”

“Because I want you to know that is the cost of alliance, not love.” He sounded a little agitated and her calm voice helped him compose himself as she smiled faintly and asked, “Love? Is that not a concept for Bards and Poets, books and novels?”

“So you think it doesn’t exist between two people beyond the realms of stories?” She looked away from his piercing gaze.

“I do not know, Kunwarsa. I have not seen the world as much as you have.”

“I have a friend, Veni.” He said abruptly. “He chose to save a girl who was being attacked by the Chambal by goons. He decided to marry her. She was an orphan.” Ajbante Kanwar nodded. “He brought her home and claimed that he loved her.”

“And?” She enquired.

“And I have never seen him look at another woman since, let alone indulge at the war front.” He looked up at her observing him. “To me, that is love.”

“Do you… umm…” Ajbante regretted starting the sentence without second thoughts. “Want that? Yes.” He said without blinking. “But as an heir to the throne I have to do what everyone before me did, everyone expects me to do.” There was a sense of longing in his voice. The sudden cracked voice of a peacock in the forest rang through the air beating the chirping of birds. It jolted Ajbante Kanwar.

“I must leave. Maasa will be looking for me.” She stood up, unsure of whether to bow, wait for him to leave, or walk away. He eyed her as he got up and sighed.

“Write to me.” His words made her look up at him, “When your alliance gets through.” He added. She nodded. “Daata will send an invite…”

“No.” He shook his head firmly. “You will write to me about what you actually feel about the alliance.” She looked confused. “I can’t write to the heir of…” She was aware of the code of royal conduct and did not want gossip.

“Write to Kika, it will reach me.” He interrupted. “And I will tell you how the wedding was.” He made her smile with a nod. “When I make friends on my travels I intend to keep in touch.” he took the reins of the horses, “I must take your leave now.”

“Friends?” She almost whispered as her eyes widened. He nodded, “What are we if not friends?” Ajbante Kanwar stood there, watching him leave.





Popular Posts

Touch of Reality

  “Baisa, there is a letter for you.” Kasturi, Rajkumari Ajbante Kanwar’s personal attendant, had a scroll in her hand as she frowned. The only people who wrote to her were her friend Saubhagyawati and Daata from war. Both of them were in Bijoliya. She took the scroll from Kasturi as a shiver ran down her spine.  Rao Ramrakh Punwar attended the celebration of Rajkumari Padmavati's grand wedding. He had come home and told stories of the grandeur. He had received a sweetmeat gift to take back home as well. As the children indulged in it, Ajbante Kanwar had thought that maybe the celebration had caught up with Kunwar Partap and he was unable to write the letter he had promised. But a week had passed since the Bidai entourage had left Bijoliya and she had not heard from him. Ajbante Kanwar cursed her expectations of taking his words literally and found herself in tears one night. She had been scared when she realised that the lack of communication hurt her. She attributed it to he...

Scrutiny of His Keen Eyes

Rao Ramrakh Punwar had walked into the camp tent upon the declaration of his arrival and bowed to the Rana of Mewar. Rana Udai Singh was sitting on a makeshift throne inside the tent with a spread of fresh fruits, wine and nuts on the carpet before him. He gestured at Rao Ramrakh as one of the servants offered him grapes that he politely refused. He eyed Rawat Chundawat, standing by the king, his hands folded across his chest, his face looking worried, the bushy brows narrowed and his long oiled and combed beard looking neat as he eyed Rao Ramrakh. Almost as if he could read his mind, the Samanth of Bijoliya knew that like himself the Rawat of Salumber did not quite agree to the need of this battle. Yet here they were. Rao Ramrakh realised they were probably waiting for the Senapati, Kunwar Partap as some soldiers came and spread some maps of the terrain as instructed by Rawat Chundawat. The guards declared the arrival of the prince of Bundi as Rana stood up to welcome his son-in-law. ...

Reassuring Gift

 “I got these for you.”  Rajkumari Ajbante Kanwar had just made her way to the other side of the temple premises, with her dupatta hiding her face, while her guards, attendants and palanquin waited at the other end of the Math premises at Menal. The moment she spotted Kunwar Partap across the temple complex near the forest with Bijli he straightened himself and held out a bundle of glass bangles. Ajbante Kanwar looked perplexed at his reassuring nod. “Me?” She asked, unsure of what she heard. He nodded again. “Bhai Shakti dragged me to the fair yesterday and I brought green bangles for Ranima so I thought…” He cleared his throat looking unsurely at the Magenta bangles on his hand. “Why?” Her question interrupted his chain of thoughts as his smile faded. “Did you not like it?” He looked unsure. He had never bought anything for anyone before except for Ranima. Ranima never disliked anything he chose for her. While Kunwar Partap scanned the shop, looking for a perfect bangle for ...

Towards You

Kunwar Pratap and Ajabde were friends. He didn't feel awkward sharing his plans and thoughts with her anymore. She was more than happy to advise him on everything. She was happy he listened to her advice before taking or discarding them, be it on what to wear to Padmavati's Sagai or how to befriend the revolting Bhils. He loved the way Ajabde always used metaphors from Puranas and Ramayanas to explain the toughest things so easily. She expressed herself so well, so easily that it amazed him.   The Afghans were now led by Mehmood Shah. They have made secret territories in the forests and waited to attack. Rawatji and his spies had confirmed the news and Udai Singh had warned Mehmood Shah to withdraw his troops from Mewar in vain. Now, it was time they declared war. Mehmood Shah had limited resources in Mewar. And 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. One of his aides...

See You Soon

Kunwar Partap entered the relatively quiet stable premises at the break of dawn checking on Bijli who was asleep, when he heard the sound of anklets near the cow shed. He walked up to the entrance of the stable, from where he could see her, her dupatta placed loosely over her wet hair, devoid of jewellery the way he never saw a royal lady, with a basket of flowers in one hand and a plate of sweets on the other. She was distributing sweets to the cow keepers, veterinarians and everyone who came by on the occasion of Lakshmi giving birth to her calf. “What will you name her, Hukum?” an old man asked. She smiled shyly, pressing her lips together. “Mandakini, Kakasa.” The old man smiled at her suggestion. “Like the kund? Very nice.” Kunwar Partap walked up to Lakshmi’s shed only after most people had dispersed to their work. Ajbante Kanwar heard footsteps behind her and turned with the plate that now had one sweetmeat left. Alarmed at his sight and at the lack of options she could offer fr...

Vows

Pratap was staring at the Havan Kund that was lit up for the wedding as he sat in the mandap doing the Ganesh Puja. Two days and so many rituals he had to do. All he knew was like an obedient and ideal son he had followed every ritual his mothers and the Panditji told him to do. They said he didn't understand the significance of many rituals now, he would later on. He didn't actually care. All he wanted was to get over the wedding really fast so that he could consider the other important things in life. Did I just think others are important? No, the most important. The Turk Invader was surely going to use his diversion for his own profit. Somehow he could read Akbar's mind too well. He had been teased beyond his imagination by Shakti as Chakrapani accidentally told him about the Mandir incident. He swore to make his friend pay once when he was back home.   " She is here." Hansa Bai's voice made him look up as people stared to his right. Ajabde's hands and...

Prologue: Impulsive Hearts

1576 CE. The dark clouds circled over the Haveli of the Chieftain at Avadgadh, one of the unimportant posts on the western borders of Mewar, Rajputana. It was the arrival of the rainy season, with occasional downpours over the green veil of the Aravallis on the horizon and the streams that often meandered around the hills now surged like rivers. The monotonous life in the little settlement was stirred by the arrival of guests in the Haveli. It was not usual for the old chieftain to receive so many guests, especially women and it sparked curiosity and rumours among the villagers. Who were these people? Some of them looked like royal ladies and some not. In the inner palace of Avadgadh, on a balustrade that was designed with Jali, nymphs adorning its pillars that looked over the Aravallis in a distance, covered with dark clouds, the gusty wind blew the new curtains almost toppling a vase kept by the window. She caught it, alarmed, almost out of the force of habit to be alert about her su...

Survival

Ye woh dandal hai ke jisse Tu nikalega mujhko Tu hi rakshak Tu hi sathi mera. "Pishima." Prabhavati applied oil on Sadhana Debi's knees as she spoke "I was wondering, now that the Bouma is here to take care of the house, the Roy Chowdhury mansion will no longer miss Didi." She smiled faintly "After her, things would fall apart… if not for Trilochan da…" Sadhana shook her head. "It's been two days. Don't even compare them to Shubhra." She almost snapped. "Especially that girl." Prabhavati looked up. "She acts like she has been caged. She is always interested more in the outside world of men. That's not a good sign." She shook her head. "There is a saying, Khay day Pakhiti boner dike Akhiti ." Sadhana fussed "She is like that." Prabhavati smiled silently. "Mejo Bouma is educated too, isn't she?" Sadhana looked suspicious. "I bet she will also be pushed to it. You know my mo...

The Fallen Queen

Hansa Baisa had never imagined in her lifetime that she would see the princess of Jalore, the queen of Mewar in a dimly lit hut on the outskirts of her fort. She felt anxious and guilty. She could not bow even when she wished to, for the maid who came with her knew that she was coming to meet a poor friend of hers who needed help. “You look just like you used to when we were children.” Maharani Jivanta Bai said with a smile. Hansa Bai looked up at her words, quick to realise the act and played along. “You look well too…” She lied. “Parvati Baisa.” Hansa was seeing Jivanta Bai for the first time in her life. She was nervous and weak on her knees. The queen of Mewar wore a simple cotton lehenga, with a bandhani dupatta and the room barely had any furniture. Jivanta gestured at the only piece of furniture, a makeshift bed, and told Hansa to sit. Hansa ordered her maids to wait outside the door as she sat down, holding her breath. She was a little alarmed, sitting away from Jivanta as she ...