RAABTA

Ajabdeh had been awake all night. As dawn cleared the darkness, she had stood in front of the mirror and promised herself that she was never again going to let her guard down in front of Pratap. She was not naive to the fact that it led nowhere in the future and that he could be in danger because of her impulsiveness, if anyone found out. This was Surajgarh, and the rules were different in this world. Ajabdeh promised herself, clenching her jaw, to stop her tears, that she would be the strong girl that she always has been, shutting people out of her life. She was sure Pratap would want just that; he had made it clear with his actions that he wanted to be here for Badimaasa and wanted no trouble. Patta had fastened Chetak’s saddle and waited for Pratap to come, but there was no sign of him. Ajabdeh arrived at the stable to find Patta alone, and it was past 6AM. Her heart skipped a beat. “Where is he?” Patta shook his head with a shrug. Ajabdeh dialled his number in vain and frowned. “...

“What’s the occasion, Bhaiya?” Patta asked as Pratap offered him some sweets from the temple. “It’s... my mother’s death anniversary today.” He said nonchalantly. “I usually go to the Chamunda Devi Temple at Jodhpur each year, but this year Badima took me to the Hara Gauri Temple in the village.” “I am sorry...” Patta spoke, taking the sweet “I also miss my father...” Pratap nodded in silence, giving him a caring pat on his shoulder. The sound of footsteps behind them made Patta rush on with his work of cleaning, while Pratap saw the figure approach him with a smile, and her smile faded into a question, seeing the sweets in his hand. “It’s my mother’s death anniversary today, so... I went to the temple.” He said as he placed a bit of the blessing on her palm. He then turned to go about his work and take Chetak out while she waited by the fences. Ajabdeh patted Chetak with a smile as he put on the saddle. She got up on his back, as Pratap held her hand firmly, and let go as so...