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Showing posts with the label baijilal

Shadows

Kunwar Pratap had indeed found his shadow in Ajabdeh. Their love, understanding and respect for each other were the talk of the Rani Mahal Baithak. Kunwar Pratap was now the Senapati of Mewar again, and all his political decisions reflected her calm opinions and firm beliefs. Udai Singh had honoured Patta and Ajabdeh in secret for their bravery, much to Ajabdeh's relief. Ajabdeh's growing influence forced Dheerbai to stay low until her favourable time came. Kunwar Pratap would always talk about his missions with her. Ajabdeh would always wait months, praying for his safety and awaiting his return. He always asked her for advice on political matters. Ajabdeh found peace in her books and Kanha Ji and Ranima’s bhajans while he stayed busy. Ranima forced Ajabdeh to teach the princesses some sword skills. Sometimes Kunwar Pratap enjoyed watching her in secret, not knowing she was fully aware of his glares. When Chittorgarh received the good news of an heir, Ajabdeh was sent to...

Marital Bliss

The dawn arrived as the Fort of Bijolia witnessed Kunwar Pratap's troop and procession, ready to leave for Chittorgarh soon. Ajabdeh Baisa was going to stay here, was the buzz. "He will be back in three days to take Baisa back." A palace Dasi gossiped with her friend in the market. "Baisa? Kunwaranisa!" Her friend corrected. "She looks happy?" " A lot." The Dasi smiled. A man was buying grains opposite them in a commoner's attire. He smiled at what he heard. In the western forests of Bijolia, a secret camp was set up. Badshah Khan was enjoying a hearty meal when this man came running. "Huzoor! Huzoor!" He was breathless. Badshah Khan stopped eating, a little irritated. "What is it, Mansoor?" "Huzoor, Partap! He is ... leaving his Begum here for two days." "What?" Badshah Khan couldn't believe his luck. Finally, after hiding here for almost a week, he had the good news he hoped for. He ...

Big day

Rao Ram Rakh and Hansa Bai were at the gates of the Bijolia Mahal to welcome the newlyweds. Patta was present too, along with Balwant and Ratan, at the gates. The commoners had gathered for a glimpse of the newlyweds. At the horizon, a red and gold Mewari flag appeared, followed by Kunwar Pratap on Sarang. "Kunwar Pratap Ki jai!" He acknowledged the crowd with a smile. But his eyes were hawk-eyed the faces in the crowd for something usual. Behind Sarang was a palanquin where Ajabdeh sat, her face hidden in the maroon dupatta, embroidered with gold by the Royal Tailor. As the procession stopped, Kunwar Pratap got down from the horse, smiling at the family waiting, then turned to see if she had gotten out of the palanquin. As Ajabdeh stepped out, slowly and gracefully, the crowd erupted with "Kunwarani Ajabdeh Baisa Ki Jai." She acknowledged the crowd with folded hands. Hansa stood at the threshold with the aarti thaal in hand, happy at the love and respect Ajabd...

Her Protector

Kunwar Pratap walked up to his mothers as his eyes searched the crowd in vain. "Jaivanta Bai, your son has yet again proved that he is Mewar's protector." Udai Singh smiled proudly as Jaivanta Bai did the aarti. Sajja Bai smiled at Kunwar Pratap's searching eyes. "Kunwarsa." She smiled as he realised he was caught. " Patience." She giggled as she stopped watching Ranaji and Jaivanta Bai's serious faces. Dheer Bai smiled. "Seems like your son is not yours anymore, Jija." She smiled. "His eyes search for someone else." " Well, Dheerbai, from where I see, he is still standing here waiting for Jija's orders." Sajja smiled again at Jaivanta Bai. "Pratap, go with the sevaks and change before you go to your room." Jaivanta Bai spoke to her son. " Ha, Kunwarsa, your dinner will be served in your room." Sajja smiled at a blushing Kunwar Pratap. He was soon dressed in his white angrakha and...

Home

Ajabdeh looked around the unfamiliar surroundings nervously. The last two days have passed like a dream. The Marriage, the Vidai and the arrival at Chittorgarh. She was now sitting in the room she called her own, yet seemed so unfamiliar. She got up to see whether anyone was there keeping an eye on her. A little relieved, she took the lota from the centre table and placed it on the bedside table.  As soon as she placed it, three Dasis appeared at the door asking, “You need something, Kunwaranisa?” Eyes wide and nervous, she replied, “N…No… I was just…” “Maharanisa has told us to be at your service for every need.” “I… don’t… need….” She was scared at the thought that three Dasis will be at their toes for her needs. “Disperse now.” Sajja Bai’s voice made her feel relieved. “I will get Kunwaranisa dressed for Kunwarsa’s arrival.” She smiled at a nervous, happy bride. Kunwar Pratap’s eyes were not easy to outsmart. He caught Rawatji in the corridor, running out of Ra...

Failed Attempts

The ladies were all sitting around the bride in the evening, planning about the big day the next day, as the bride sat unmindfully, and the women played the Dhol and danced around her. "Bindni must be thinking of Kunwarsa ", someone teased. "Or the wedding ", another woman added. Jaivanta Bai observed an absent-minded Ajabdeh. After the guests retired after some singing and dancing, she took her hand and led her out of the hall to her chambers. "What happened?" She asked, closing the door behind her. "Ji?" She asked, surprised. "Why are you tense?" Jaivanta urged her to speak. "Ranima woh...." A knock made her stop as Kunwar Pratap appeared at the door. Patta followed him cluelessly and bowed to the queen. "Ranima, you called..." his eyes stopped on her worried face, then back at his mother. "Yes, I think Baijilal needs some talking to here." She left with a smile, closing the door behind h...

Responsibilities

"Suno! Suno! Suno! Kunwar Pratap Singh, our crown prince, is marrying Rajkumari Ajabdeh Baisa of Bijolia this week. And in this happy event, Sakhaveer and Baijilal, being our saviours, have been declared heroes of the state by Ranaji for helping capture Jalam Singh. Suno! Suno! Suno! The messengers went around Mewar, rolling the drums as people rejoiced in the good news. That night, when a group of goons attacked a village, Sakhaveer appeared alone and managed to scare them away. As the news reached the palace, a proud sister smiled. Sajja Bai looked confused. "But Kunwarsa was here." She said aloud as Jaivanta Bai and Ajabdeh stared at her. "Who is this Sakhaveer?" Everyone present in the dining hall had the same question.  "Majhli Maasa." Kunwar Pratap interrupted. "Sakhaveer and Baijilal are no two persons; they are the thoughts and ideals of a true Rajput. Anyone can be Sakhaveer." Ajabdeh nodded approval as everyone smile...