Pratap was putting the reins on Chetak when he heard not one but two pairs of footsteps at the stable. Patta bowed with a smile, “Choti Rajkunwarisa Khamma Ghani," and he turned to see Ajabdeh being accompanied by another lady who acknowledged Patta. She looked nothing like Ajabdeh, except for the smile they shared, and she was indeed more beautiful. The village gossip was that she got engaged because she was prettier, and it hadn’t escaped Pratap’s ears. She looked far more timid and less confident than Ajabdeh. “This is Pratap.” Ajabdeh flashed a smile, making him bow slightly to the lady. “The man who tamed Chetak.” Heer smiled, appreciating as Pratap looked at her, a little taken aback and at Ajabdeh, who smiled at her sister. “This is my sister, Heer.” Ajabdeh stared at Pratap, who immediately withdrew his eyes from her. “Congratulations on your engagement, Rajkunwarisa.” He smiled at Heer. “Ma’am, the horse is ready.” Ajabdeh frowned at his formality as he avoided ...
Ajabdeh stared at the grand clock in the hallway, ticking away to half past six; she checked the porch for the umpteenth time for any signs. Then she changed into a salwar of Heer’s, put the dupatta over her face, and walked out to the back gate. Pratap woke up a little later than usual to find Meera humming something to herself. She was out on the porch, and he frowned, bringing her a shawl to wrap around as she hugged him. “Did you sleep?” She asked, looking at his tired face. “Yes.” He lied. “I will go make you some tea.” He said, turning only to hear the gate open. “Make that two cups. Rajkunwarisa. What brought you here?” Meera smiled at the figure approaching them “Good morning.” “Guruma, I heard you were running a fever. How are you?” Ajabdeh touched her feet as Pratap walked back inside to make tea. He could hear them speak. “You should think of yourself. Let that nephew of yours take good care of you.” “I guess it must be the change of weather.” Meera coughed sl...
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Ajabdeh had been awake all night. As dawn cleared the darkness, she stood in front of the mirror and promised herself that she would never again 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. “He is never ...
Pratap felt her hand on his shoulder as soon as the bike was on the village road. But he didn’t stiffen at her touch. It was midday, and village women who were coming back home with water and cattle watched them zoom past, and so did the children at play. He had insisted on her putting on the helmet for safety. She had frowned, saying it hurt her where the Mang tika was placed, but she had obliged. For once, he meant it only for safety. For once, he didn’t care for all the people who spotted him zooming away with a girl on the back of his bike. A turn from the short way, and they were on the fairly empty highway as the board of Surajgarh disappeared behind them. “Where are we going?” He asked at last, as she removed her helmet, making the dupatta fly slightly in the wind. “Where do you want to go?” She asked, looking at him through the side glasses. “Anywhere is fine with me.” He shrugged. As long as you are there. “Then we will first have lunch at a roadside Dhaba.” She insist...
“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 in 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 upon 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 ...
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Last updated: February 4, 2026.
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