Kunwar Partap was impressed with the kind of welcome the Bijoliya palace gave him and Kunwar Shakti. The streets were clean and decorated with makeshift gates of flowers and lamps, the main entrance had a Toran hoisted with the freshly cleaned idol of Lord Ganesha over it, smeared with Haldi and Kumkum and as their horses entered the guarded gates, attendants stood on either side sprinkling scented perfumes. From atop the entrance, maids sprinkled flower petals on the princes as conch shells blew, and they could now see Rao Ramrakh Punwar himself at the entrance of the palace, flanked on either side by his kin and chieftains. Kunwar Partap dismounted from his horse as Kunwar Shakti followed him up the couple of stairs to the main entrance of the Bijoliya palace, watching Kunwar Partap fold his hands as Raoji did the same. Soon, Ramrakh Punwar stepped aside, letting his wife come forward, her veil drawn to her forehead, as she smiled at the princes and welcomed them with Aarti. Her hand trembled a little in nervousness as she placed the Kesar Tilak on both the prince's forehead and welcomed them inside. As soon as Kunwar Partap entered the familiar-looking Durbar where two highchairs were placed for them, his eyes immediately hovered on the Jharokhas atop the Durbar hall. He could sense being watched by the curious women of the palace. Kunwar Shakti took his seat as a servant cleaned his feet with sandalwood and rosewater, and Kunwar Partap was requested to do the same. He followed his brother, allowing the servant to remove his shoes and massage his feet.
Rajkumari Ajbante Kanwar tiptoed away from the Jharokha as soon as he looked up. Her heart skipped a beat as she wondered whose eyes his were searching for. A part of her could not believe what her heart said. She let her stepmother, siblings and friends hover around the Jharokha gossiping as Hansa Bai led the maids in to serve them refreshments. Kunwar Partap sipped the cool buttermilk and realised he was hungry and tired. But unlike him, Kunwar Shakti did not keep that feeling to himself as he asserted with full authority that he wanted to rest. Rao Ramrakh obliged.
“Let me show you to your guest room, Hukum.” He offered.
“Please, Raoji, you don’t have to. Let anyone else accompany us.” Kunwar Partap intervened. It was awkward for him to make Rao Ramrakh himself walk them to their guest wing.
“Very well.” Rao Ramrakh smiled. “Hansa?” His wife nodded, leading them inside the premises, through the well-decorated corridors, laid with new carpets, into the guest wing. All the while, when maids passed by, bowing to them, Kunwar Partap’s eyes hovered around the half-open rooms and empty hallways.
“Looking for something?” Kunwar Shakti made him jolt as he shook his head.
“Why will I…” That was the first time it dawned on Kunwar Partap that he was, in fact, looking… for someone.
As soon as they entered the guest room, Shakti ordered the attendant to help him freshen up and wanted to take a nap. Kunwar Partap walked up to the balustrade, looking over the inner courtyard of the guest wing, and his eyes fell on the sky-blue carpet and the flowers in the vases. There was an odd feeling he could not explain. A feeling that someone who knew his choices set the room for him. Perhaps Hansa Baiji did. He should thank her. He looked around to watch Shakti indulge in an oil massage in their private washroom as he shook his head and murmured that he was going for a walk around the guest house to check the other rooms. So he did, making his way down from the third to the first floor, inspecting every open room, recently cleaned and made fit for guests. His stomach churned as he felt hungry and wondered if he should go back to his room and indulge in some nuts and fruits like Shakti suggested. He turned on his heel to make his way back to the top floor when he heard a faint sound of anklets. He eyed the first-floor corridor, and it was empty. Except for the maids. Their anklets did not make that sound. He turned a corner that led to the second floor. Maybe the sound was coming from the upper storey. Curiosity got the better of him. He walked up the spiral staircase to the next floor. The corridors appeared empty. He eyed the open doors of the guest rooms where maids and servants were going to and fro, taking things to clean or replace. He shook his head, thinking he had imagined things in his tiredness as he turned to walk back to his room. That was when he heard it again and stopped on his track, because the sound appeared to come nearer to him from the staircase leading above. He stopped at the turn of the stairs as she appeared startled by his shadow. A pair of surprised, widened eyes drawn with Kohl stared back at him as she stopped a step above where he stood and appeared to be breathing heavily from running around.
“Kshama Kijiye…” She stammered a soft apology as she looked away from his curious face. His eyes had a smile that his lips did not, and he knew she saw that.
“Rajkumarisa.” He smiled, folding his hands. “How are you?” She nodded, folding her hands, as she smiled back, briefly looking up at him and then at the walls surrounding them. The corridor was narrow, and it was almost impossible for two people to cross each other. She was wondering if she should lead him back to his floor when he said, “I was looking for you.” Ajbante Kanwar’s heart skipped a beat. Not only did he remember her, but her observations at the Durbar were right.
“I… am not allowed to make appearances.” She bit her lips. He frowned a little cluelessly.
“Why?” He made her look a little conscious. “Umm… Maasa says I can’t make public appearances without Purdah till I am married…” Kunwar Partap, at her words, realised his mistake, cleared his throat awkwardly, and for the first time, in the light and shadow of the staircase, he noticed Ajbante Kanwar looked far more grown up than how his memory served him about her.
“Why… were you looking for me?” She asked, as he was suddenly at a loss for words.
“Umm… to thank you for the room.” Kunwar Partap blurted. He had no idea why. Ajbante Kanwar looked taken aback for a brief moment before she nodded. “It's our pleasure to host you, Hukum.”
Kunwar Partap’s smile faded a little. “I wish you the best for your alliance. Is he from Mewar?” Rajkumari Ajbante Kanwar looked a little puzzled as she shook her head with a smile. “No, no. I am not… Daata is still looking.”
“Oh, that’s good.” He smiled, nodding at her.
“Pardon?” Her brows narrowed.
“I mean, I am sure you will find a good match.” He nodded. Ajbante Kanwar looked a little red as she nodded, “Let me take you back to your chambers, Kunwarsa.”
“I can…” Before Kunwar Partap could speak, she turned and walked up the stairs, as he followed behind her, hearing her anklets make music. She appeared at the threshold of the chamber and gestured at him before turning to leave.
“Wait… I…” Kunwar Partap cleared his throat. “Wait here.” She nodded, confused. He walked in to watch Shakti tugging his dagger on his waist after he had changed into another angrakha, his hair still messy, as the servant brought the clothes for the pagdi.
“Here’s someone I would like you to meet, Bhai.” Kunwar Partap gestured at Ajbante Kanwar to enter the chamber, as she looked unsure and was watching a woman at their threshold. Kunwar Shakti consciously brushed his hair with his fingers.
“This is Rajkumari Ajbante Kanwar of Bijoliya.” Kunwar Partap, introduced as Ajbante Kanwar, bowed slightly to the prince. “This is Kunwar Shakti.”
“Dadabhai!” Kunwar Shakti exclaimed, “You should give a warning before bringing a woman in while I am dressing…” He laughed as Ajbante felt a little awkward. “Pleased to meet you, Rajkumarisa.”
“If you have any complaints or needs, you can address them with me, Kunwarsa.” She smiled.
“The only question I have now is when will lunch be served?” He smiled as Ajbante Kanwar looked a little shocked. “Nobody invited you for lunch yet?” She looked troubled. “Rama, make preparations immediately.” The maid rushed out at her words. “Would you like to have lunch here or with Daata?” She asked. “I would prefer it here, but Dadabhai…” He eyed his brother. “Oh, you can have it here. I will take Kunwarsa downstairs.” Ajbante Kanwar suggested as Kunwar Partap sighed, visibly shaking his head at his brother’s sheepish smile. “Oh. I like that. You are kind, Rajkumarisa.” Shakti sat down by the balustrade. “Is there anything exciting happening in Bijoliya lately?”
“Yes, our sister’s wedding.” Kunwar Partap said firmly as Ajbante Kanwar pressed her lips, watching the brothers banter.
“No, I mean besides that. That I am sure you will manage fine with, Dadabhai. You don’t need me. You have her.” Two pairs of eyes widened at him briefly before looking away.
“Yes, unlike you, Rajkumarisa can be trusted with responsibility.” He shook his head.
“Now you sound like Ranima.” Shakti smiled as the maids brought in plates of food, and the aroma filled the air. “Ah, finally.” Kunwar Partap watched his brother dig in as he eyed Ajbante Kanwar, looking amused. She stopped smiling at his stare and softly suggested he come down for lunch. He followed her out of the room and into the corridor as he smiled.
“You see, now it's up to you to help me with whatever I need.”
“It will be my honour, Kunwarsa.” She smiled reassuringly at him. “If Kunwar Shakti wants to be entertained, there is a fair just outside the city.” Kunwar Partap shook his head. “I am sure he will find out about it soon enough.”
“A fair?” Kunwar Shakti looked eager. “I want to go. But Dadabhai…”
“Hukum, if I may suggest… your presence will create a ruckus around the fair. They will flock to see you there.” The servant was scared of losing his job because he mentioned the fair.
“Not if we go as commoners. Who will recognise us?” Shakti’s mind ran. “I just somehow need to convince Dadabhai…”
“The food is delicious, Ranisa.” Kunwar Partap praised as Hansa Bai smiled at him. “You must try the sweets, Ajbante made sure they were all your favourites.” His hand stopped at the morsel as he wondered how she knew. Hansa Bai was unsure if he was offended, so she added that during her stay, Maharani Jivanta Bai had told her daughter. Kunwar Partap thanked Raoji for the meal and decided to go to the stables once to inspect his horse before resting for a while. As he walked to the stable, through the familiar corridors, he watched Sarang, his black horse, being stationed at the stable, being attended to by a stable boy. The horse neighed at his sight as the stable boy bowed, and he patted his horse. Then he made his way to Bijli’s stable, where Kaka was feeding her. It would be an understatement to say Kaka was shocked to realise the stable boy who worked under him, as Kika, was in fact the prince. It took Kunwar Partap some time to convince him to keep it undercover. The old man opened Bijli’s unit, and Kunwar Partap stood beside the agitated mare. Bijli seemed uncomfortable at the sight of a stranger. Kaka warned him. Kunwar Partap placed his hand firmly between Bijli’s eyes on her forehead and patted her. Her agitation decreased as Kaka looked surprised. “Seems like she remembers you, Hukum.” Kunwar Partap smiled as he unhooked Bijli from the rope.
“What are you doing?”
“Bring me the reign, Kaka.” The old man looked unsure of the prince.
“Rajkumarisa, come quickly. Kunwar Partap is riding Bijli.” Ajbante Kanwar’s hand stopped, alarmed at the garland she was weaving, and before she could react, Ratan Kanwar and her friends ran to the jharokhas looking over the stable meadows. Ajbante Kanwar placed the garland down carefully and placed her dupatta over her head before she walked out. She could hear her sisters and friends gasp and giggle at the jharokhas as she walked past them down to the stable. Kaka bowed as she stood by him and watched Kunwar Partap with Bijli. He galloped her around the meadow, slow and fast, made her stop and run and finally reached the stables. That was when he spotted the Rajkumari there.
“She remembers me.” He said with a child-like enthusiasm as she nodded with a smile, and Kaka led the mare away. “I am sure she does. Who would forget …” She stopped at his stare as she looked away. “After all, nobody else tamed him.” She added. He smiled at her praise as he gestured her towards his horse. “Meet Sarang.” She smiled unsurely as the horse neighed at his name. “He accompanies me everywhere.”
“Even to wars?” She wondered aloud. He nodded as he showed her a scar on Sarang’s body. Ajbante Kanwar looked troubled at his display of valour. The proud smile vanished from his lips as he watched her pat the healed wound gently and look troubled.
“Don’t worry, it doesn’t hurt him anymore.” He reassured her. “I… was thinking…” Ajbante waited for him to talk. He made suggestions for some more preparations till the guests arrived, arrangement of live music and merriment for the groom’s party and a feast.
“Um… do you want dancing girls too?” Ajbante Kanwar asked a little awkwardly. She did not want to sound judgmental if the princes indulged in such things. Kunwar Partap looked a little aware as she failed at her tone.
“I… no… maybe if the guests request it.” Kunwar Partap exhaled. “Not for us.” She nodded at him. “If you need any of those, for the guests… You can tell Manmatha, he is in charge of the Mardana Mahal.” He nodded at her words and then, to do away with the awkwardness the conversation brought, he changed the subject.
“When Daata Hukum said I would be coming here, I was glad that now I can keep my promise to you.” Ajbante Kanwar eyed him, a little surprised at his words. “If you don’t have a problem learning from me.”
“I…” Rajkumari Ajbante Kanwar was so overwhelmed that he remembered their little conversation. She wanted to say yes, but the palace protocols forbade her. “But…” He could read her mind as he nodded.
“I tell you what, if you can come by the Mahakal Math at dawn…” he suggested. Rajkumari Ajbante Kanwar looked up at his words. She could visit Menal, with the excuse of visiting the Math and temples there, walk away from her entourage to the other side of the temples, looking over the waterfalls and lush green forests. He could bring Bijli there. The desire to learn from him was immense. But was she that brave to defy the norms for him? Kunwar Partap observed her scared face as he smiled faintly. “It’s alright, you can refuse.” He shook his head and turned to leave. Rajkumari Ajbante Kanwar suddenly felt judged by him. Like she was not brave enough to put in the effort to bond with Bijli.
“I will come.” She made him stop as he smiled faintly. “At Brahma Muhurta near the waterfall.” He nodded at her words.
Rajkumari Ajbante Kanwar could not concentrate for the rest of the day. She made silly mistakes in her everyday chores and got scolded by her mother. She was scared of lying to everyone around her. What if they found out and blamed her? Would he protect her then? Something told her he would. He was the kind to protect the weak and honour women. It was he who offered, so how could she refuse? But if anyone found out she was meeting the prince of Mewar secretly, it could amount to a different kind of gossip. Would that potentially ruin her chances at alliance and stain her character? She wondered whom she could talk to about these fears. The only person that came to mind was Kunwar Partap himself. She was suddenly in two minds about the agreement. She made up her mind to go the next day, explain her position to him and refuse politely. He would understand.
Kunwar Partap walked into his chambers, visibly pleased, to find Kunwar Shakti dressed in a commoner’s attire. “What are you…”
“Quick, Dadabhai, wear this.” He suggested at a servant’s attire. “We are going to the Mela in secret.” Kunwar Partap protested. He said he had tons of chores, supervision and safety issues. Kunwar Shakti convinced him with one suggestion. “You can buy Churi for Maharanima and Ranima, they will be pleased.” It worked, as the brothers, with the servant's help, made their way out of the servant’s entrance and made their way on foot to the fairgrounds.
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