Once the planning was done, Kunwar Partap, somewhat satisfied, looked at his father who was confident that it was only a matter of time till Mewar won the battle. He excused himself to leave the meeting only to find the Prince of Bundi chatting with some chieftains outside the tent. He joined them.
“We are grateful to be at your service, Kunwarsa.” Toranmal cleared his throat as Kunwar Partap nodded. Something bothered him about the man. There was nothing apparently wrong with him. He was a good-looking man with sincere intentions. But why did that bother him? The fact that Toranmal was more decent than he expected him to be. He called upon his friend Veni, asking him for a background check on Toranmal in secret.
“Why Baojiraj?” Veni looked perplexed. “Is he a spy?” He shook his head. “This has nothing to do with the war.” He eyed his friend as he added “I was thinking of giving him an important post in Bhilwara after the war and needed his background checked.” Veni seemed convinced as Kunwar Partap walked up to the bonfire where the soldiers sat around, embalming their wounds, singing songs of hope and win, and chatting. He eyed Toranmal sharing a laugh with one of the chieftains. The man had just arrived and taken everyone into confidence. Rawat Chundawat found Kunwar Partap alone and walked up to him, clearing his throat.
“Baojiraj, if I may…” He made Kunwar Partap nod. “I think the chieftains who arrived today and the Rajakumar of Bundi should be given priority in tomorrow’s formation.” He watched Kunwar Partap think as he added “After all they are not tired from today’s battle nor wounded so…”
“That is a good idea.” Kunwar Partap agreed. “Perhaps the right wing will be a good start. Make sure the Rajkumar of Bundi is at the back of the formation and chieftains surround him.”
“Who do you suggest should control the outer lines?” Rawat Chundawat asked.
“What do you think of Toranmal?” Kunwar Partap eyed the man. Rawat Chundawat looked unsure.
“Well, he has not been to any major war…”
“How old is he?” Kunwar Partap interrupted. “He seems older than me.” Rawat Chundawat agreed. Kunwar Partap made his way to his tent where the servant had just kept down ink, paper and seals for the scrolls of letters to be sent home.
“Hukum, Kunwar Shakti told me to bring you some of the equipment for writing a letter back home.” He thanked the man and eyed the scrolls as he paced the room restlessly. He had a thousand things to be bothered about. But his mind was fixated on Toranmal since he saw him. Was he taking too much risk by putting him on the right wing? Why did he appear so perfect? Most importantly, he should be happy that he was, protecting the potential match the Rajkumari of Bijoliya deserved. Instead, he was hoping to see the man fail, hoping he sustained injuries and his pride and perfection were shattered. Kunwar Partap had never felt so selfish in his life.
He sat down at the desk to write. To whom should he write to? Of course Ranima. When had he ever written a letter from the war front to anybody else? He sighed and started by dipping the quill in the ink. After three sentences he had nothing more to say so he sealed the scroll. He took out another paper and sat staring at it for a while. Should he write to her that Toranmal was indeed a good match for her or should he wait for the war to end? He heard footsteps and stood up alarmed. Veni parted the curtains of his tent and entered with a bow.
“Toranmal is the eldest son of the chief of Bhilwara, he is also a good swordsman. I heard he can use a double-sided sword well. But he had never been in a major war before. His work in Bhilwara is mainly financed.”
“Is he married?” Veni smiled a little amused at Kunwar Partap’s question. Since when did he take an interest in others' personal lives? His smile made Kunwar Partap awkward as he looked away.
“I… wanted to make sure…” He fumbled. If Veni had noticed in the light of the torch his face was red.
“He has a wife and a daughter, yes. He is looking for a second wife to have an heir.” Kunwar Partap’s jaws tightened as he dismissed Veni.
A letter had arrived at Bijolia in Rajkumari Ajbante Kanwar’s name and she had checked it for the lack of seal. While her mother read aloud her father’s scroll to the family she stepped away silently to her room and opened the letter.
Ajbante,
Did you know Toranmal is already married with a daughter? He wants to have a second wife for the sake of an heir. I met him at the war front and he doesn’t quite seem fine to me. Think about it. Kika.
Ajbante Kanwar frowned at the letter in her hand. It appeared to have been written in a hurry. She expected more news from the war front, most importantly about his thoughts and injuries. This made her frown. Of course, she knew he had a wife and daughter but when had that been a deal breaker in alliances across the land? She was unsure of whether she should reply to him or wait for the war to be over. She decided to write a reply with the thoughts that came to her mind but not send it through. He had better things to worry about.
Kika, Thank you for thinking of me in such times. I am grateful to have a friend who looks out for me. Yes, I was aware of his marital situation when Daata declared that he would make a good prospect for me. I don’t really understand your cause of worry. Earlier marriages have never quite been a deal breaker in alliances, have they? It may come as a shock to you because you never see things from a woman’s perspective. No offence intended, but women’s pride and ego are not like those of men. We share homes and lives with other women, raise children together and survive the odds just like men are brothers in arms on battlefields. I don’t know how much sense this makes to you but a woman alone can’t go through everything we face. We are each other’s support system. I really hoped your letter would talk of your injuries and the war situation more than my marital alliance. Right now, what is important is Mewar and its safety. Everything else can wait. If you deem the man in question unfit for any other reason, feel free to let Daata know. Ajbante.
The day’s war had not gone Mewar’s way. A dozen cavalry were lost due to a miscommunication in formation; men were feared to have been captured. One of them was a chieftain and everyone feared he would leak vital information to stay alive. Rana Udai Singh had retired to his room without sparing a word so it was up to Kunwar Partap to address the tired soldiers and put some encouragement in their tired souls after fifteen days of being at battle. Kunwar Partap knew that most of these men, especially the Rawats and Samanths were aware of the war situation more than he was letting on. Truth be said, the war had reached a point of stalemate. There was no way out of this unholy loop of unnecessary bloodshed and the news coming from Sher Shah’s old general Hemu’s territory disturbed him more. It was a rumour he feared to be true soon enough. Jalaluddin Mohammad who had barely been a self-proclaimed king without a land a few months back was gathering troops under Bairam Khan to challenge Hemu. The odds seem to be against him but the way he had stirred up the entire continent across the Yamuna and Ganga bothered Kunwar Partap. In this time what was needed was for powerful allies like Mewar and Marwar to stick together. If rumours were true, if Jalal did manage to oust Hemu he would soon turn his eyes to Rajputana, especially the states which refused to help his fleeing father once upon a time. The last thing Kunwar Partap needed was to bow to yet another powerful force after Sher Shah and accept their supremacy. But who could he explain this to? So he did what he was supposed to do. Falsely reassure his troops that the next day will be theirs, the sun will shine on their fate.
Kunwar Partap asked for an audience with his father and upon entering the tent he realised his father was not alone. Three women, who did not look like attendants by their attires, were massaging his tired limbs. Rana Udai Singh seemed amused at his son’s awkwardness. Soon he was going to be married, yet he seemed very awkward around beauties. Kunwar Partap cleared his throat and let his father know his thoughts.
“We should ask Rao Maldeo for a meeting. Talk about the stalemate.”
“What stalemate?” Rana Udai Singh looked displeased. “Tomorrow by Shree Eklingnath Ji’s grace, the day will be ours.”
“Then? The one after that?” Kunwar Partap enquired with a frown. Rana Udai Singh inhaled. “Where is your pride, Kunwar Partap? You are the future king of Mewar. You want to extend such cowardly gestures towards the enemy?” Frustrated with his words, Kunwar Partap seemed agitated. “I am looking at the bigger picture, tomorrow a bigger force can be at the gates of Chittorgarh.”
“And how do you know that? Are you an astrologer?” His father rebuked him. “You cannot bow your head today for what you imagine about tomorrow.”
“I am sure Rao Maldeo doesn’t want unnecessary war either and treaty talks are never about bowing heads, it's about avoiding…”
Udai Singh stood up in his tone. “You don’t speak to me like that, Kunwarsa.” He looked up at his father as the women looked intimidated and moved away. “I am still your king.” At that moment, Kunwar Partap knew he had two thoughts in mind. The man who stood in just a white piece of cloth wrapped around his torso before him was a coward who could never fight his own battles and he wished he could speak to Rao Maldeo despite his king’s warnings. He took the experienced older man as a lot more intelligent person when it came to politics. Kunwar Partap silently bowed and left. Udai Singh still looked baffled at his audacity as he shouted behind him, “You have no regard for Rani Veer Bai’s respect?” Kunwar Partap heard him and did not wish to indulge anymore. His thoughts were running. He wanted to speak to Rawat Chundawat about going behind the back of the incompetent Rana and speaking to Marwar. Would that be treason to the king? He wondered. He always had to do what was best for Mewar. He served the land and its people, not the person on the throne for his personal pride.
Kunwar Partap had entered his tent to be greeted by a scroll of letters from different quarters. He checked the seals and opened the one Ranima wrote while asking the attendant to take the political ones to Rawat ji for scrutiny. With the war between the two great forces many smaller kingdoms have been writing with a wish to be an ally. Rawat Ji could scrutinize their needs and wants better. His hand stopped at an unsealed scroll. He eyed the attendant and guards and picked it up, leaving Ranima’s scroll. He opened it and it was from whom he had expected. His jaws tightened at her words as he could not help but remember his father’s accusations. For the first time, Kunwar Partap wondered what Veer Bai, the one accused of being the cause of this war, wanted. What she thought of her husband jeopardizing the lives of thousands for his own benefit. Kunwar Partap sat down as his eyes hovered on her neatly written lines. He brought the scroll up to his nose and smelled it. It was not perfumed but he could oddly feel the way he felt when she was around. A sense of calm. Kunwar Partap inhaled as he put the scroll away and opened Ranima’s. He knew what he had to do.
Rawat Chundawat eyed the Princes of Mewar, with a hint of doubt and pride. Kunwar Partap had asked for his opinion of what was best for Mewar and everyone in the room agreed that the war was at stalemate. Kunwar Shakti paced the tent agitated as he mumbled, “Today is our day, tomorrow is theirs, there is no end to it.”
“Should someone not talk to Ranaji?” The Prince of Bundi suggested. “Give him perspective?” Kunwar Partap shook his head. He did not want to speak of it. Kunwar Shakti stopped pacing, “What if Rajkumar Surjan did that?”
“Ranaji will attack Bundi next?” Surjan Singh shook his head. “ My father clearly instructed me to stay out of the decision-making.” Kunwar Partap and Rawatji agreed.
“I have an idea.” Rawat Chundawat made the princes stare. “There is a Bhairav Mahadev temple near the forestland. Rao Maldeo visits there every dawn before the battle.”
“We can’t ask for the peace talk without a royal seal.” Kunwar Shakti reminded him as he pumped his fist in frustration “He is not going to…”
“What if we meet him there by accident?” Rawat Chundawat smiled, “I mean anyone can go to the temple.” Kunwar Partap’s eyes shone at the idea. “Not we, me.” He suggested. Rawat Chundawat shook his head. “You are the future of Mewar, I can’t let you go alone.” Kunwar Shakti agreed.
“If you are attacked things will get worse.”
“I think Rao Maldeo knows that.” Kunwar Partap shrugged. “I will take Rao Ramrakh with me.”
“I can go.” Rawatji insisted. Kunwar Partap shook his head. “It should not look planned.”
It would be an understatement to say Rana Udai Singh was relieved when Rao Maldeo asked for truce. He did not know how the miracle happened or who convinced a man of such massive ego to reach this conclusion but he was glad that he did. As the troops prepared to leave from the war front, Rao Ramrakh came by the tent of the king with a request.
“Ranaji, I am aware that you will come with the Bundi troops to their palace for a day or two.”
“Yes, the king invited me, Padmavati has some good news and celebrations are due.”
“Congratulations, Your Highness.” Rao Ramrakh smiled. “If I may… invite you…” Udai Singh waited for him to speak, “To stop by Bijoliya and bless us with your gracious presence and let us serve you.” Rana Udai Singh looked reluctant. He was getting delayed at Bundi, an invitation he could not refuse. But refusing the chieftain would also be wrong.
“I… have to reach Chittorgarh. Kunwar Partap can keep the invitation.” He suggested as Rao Ramrakh agreed. “He can do with some time away from work before he goes back to Kelwara.” Udai Singh said assertively.
Kunwar Partap had taken the orders from his father and reached the empty practice arena. The soldiers seemed relieved to have abandoned their weapons for a while now. Kunwar Partap was lost in the thought of reaching home late, which would surely upset Ranima who was waiting to see him before he moved to Kelwara again. He was jealous of Kunwar Shakti whose mother had travelled to Baasi to stay with him for a few days. Unlike Sajja Bai, Maharani Jivanta Bai was the queen consort who could not up and go at her will. If she could he would take her along. His restless mind pondered upon Rao Ramrakh’s invitation. Was it because he wanted Ranaji to be present when he offered Toranmal Ajbante Kanwar’s hand? He knew the man was invited too. The words from her letter came back to his mind and made him restless. Ajbante Kanwar was fine with the idea of settling and it rattled him to the core. Kunwar Partap was suddenly angry at his lack of concentration. Angrily swinging a sword, he smashed a pot over a pole that was kept for practice. He did not stop as its pieces shattered around the arena. He swung at another target and the ivory handle tucked awkwardly at the Rudraksha Mala on his neck and it tore. Kunwar Partap stopped, breathing heavily as he immediately abandoned his sword, alarmed and picked up the Rudraksha seeds from the ground. He suddenly remembered how she promised Mala would keep him safe. It did. Oddly, even in the worst situations, he found himself sustaining minimum injuries. He touched the torn Mala to his forehead with a soft prayer as Veni appeared behind him.
“I will see you in Chittorgarh, Baojiraj.” He turned, sweating and breathing heavily, holding the torn Mala in his hand as he eyed the smile Veni wore. “I wrote back home, she will be waiting for me. I don’t want to delay…” He looked a little coy as Kunwar Partap nodded with a reassuring smile. “All the while I am on the battlefield, she prays for me.” He blurted “I can’t make her wait any longer.” Kunwar Partap suddenly remembered an odd conversation from long back when he had suggested people pray for their own safety not others. His grip tightened on the Rudraksha he held in his hand as he nodded at his friend. “Trust me Baojiraj, it is good to have a reason to return home after battles.” He watched Veni leave as the thought of visiting Bijoliya because of his father’s orders came to mind. Raoji was suggesting a week and he had said he was in a hurry to see Ranima so he could stay only a few days. It had disappointed Raoji. He turned to leave, to find Ramrakh Punwar when he chanced upon Toranmal. He was wiping the sword he held in the wrong hand, letting it shine under the sunlight. He noticed the prince and immediately bowed.
“What are you doing?” Kunwar Partap asked. “I am preparing to leave for Bijoliya. I heard Rao invited you too, Kunwarsa.” The man smiled. “It will be a pleasure travelling with you.” Kunwar Partap nodded reluctantly watching the man hum a tune.
“Are you not in a hurry to reach home?” He asked as the man shook his head. “You have a family, right?” Kunwar Partap tried to sound aloof like he was making small talk. The man smiled sheepishly.
“They can wait a few more weeks. It's important to keep up appearances for the sake of our own good, isn’t it Kunwarsa?” He looked confident, “Going home early to a wife would not earn me any bravery awards.” Kunwar Partap’s jaws tightened as he nodded. He walked past the man and stopped to turn.
“Actually, Toranmal. You are right. I am afraid you can’t go to Bijoliya to keep Rao Ji’s invitation.” The man looked perplexed at his words.
“Have I upset you, Kunwarsa?” He asked as Kunwar Partap shook his head. “No, in fact, I have been so impressed with you that I want you to go to Anchalgarh immediately and take up a post.” The man’s eyes shone.
“Achalgarh? A promotion?” He bowed and thanked the prince. “It’s far on the other side from Bundi and Bijoliya, so I will prepare to leave immediately.”
“Yes, you do that.” Kunwar Partap exhaled as a sudden relief ran through his nerves.
Rajkumarisa,
Rao Ramrakh Ji has invited me to stay for a few days in Bijoliya before I make my way to Chittorgarh. Initially, I had thought of staying only a couple days but when Rawatji suggested I needed some time off I took it up with Daajiraj and agreed to stay for a longer time. I hope that you have been taking Bijli out and practising your sword, enough for me to scrutinise your progress. I will accompany Raoji back to the palace. Unfortunately, Toranmal who was supposed to come with us has been posted at Achalgarh and is needed to report there immediately. He seems over-ambitious in his skills and has a blatant disregard for his waiting wife and child. You asked me to talk to Raoji if something bothered me so I put forward my concern mildly. He seems worried about your prospects. I reassured him as I do you, you will find what you deserve.
You asked about my injuries so I want to convey my thanks to you for the Mala that protected me throughout. Unfortunately, I tore it during the last day of practising here. I hope you can mend the broken strings. It is fine if you can’t, I will expect a new one the next time I am summoned at war. I think your prayers were heard by Lord Eklingnath Ji. Thank you for your selfless prayers for my well-being. I am glad that the war is finally over and I can be home.
I have some good news after a long time. Bundi is expecting its first heir from Padmavati and Daajiraj and I will join the celebrations when that happens. I will see you soon.
Kika.
Ajbante Kanwar’s hand trembled at the letter in her hand as she heard her mother’s voice in the corridor. “Everyone should make sure each corner is cleaned and decorated. Replace the curtains. Add some more torches. Kunwar Partap is arriving in a few days. We have to make sure he can relax here for as long as he wants.
