CoS 23- A TALK

The book got me back. The part two was over. Half an hour break and then story will proceed. This half an hour I spent by talking to ranimaa. The book took me back.

The wedding night had different rituals one after the other, all for the couple but one was played by to be married couple, Pratap and Ajabde alongside the newly wed.

The game was of finding a ring in the milk. First round was played by Chakrapani and Saubhagyawati with great enthusiasm. Sides were strong; one side was cheered by Pratap and the men there while other was cheered by Ajabde and the women there. The first round was won by the men.

The second round was forcefully played by Pratap and Ajabde. On request by the male Pratap accepted the challenge while all the ladies forced Ajabde to play against Pratap. All these were beneficial for Pratap to tell Ajabde that he loves her. The game was in his side right now. Ajabde found it rather strange because over and over again they both were brought together whether in front of all or not.

The game was simple but the game went on and on, Pratap being a warrior had not tasted defeat so was not ready to lose the game and Ajabde just to help her bestie, played to win. Inside in order to win Pratap held Ajabde’s hands for a while so that her confidence goes down but Ajabde being a determined girl came out of his clutches and tries to get the ring when Pratap is still recovering from the shock that she came out of his , his clutches.

And there goes the second round was won by the ladies and a draw was declared. On request by both the sides Pratap and Ajabde continue the game to decide the winner. Now Pratap knew that to win Ajabde he had to forgo his ambition of winning everything therefore in the third and final round even though he got the ring he did not show but gave it in Ajabde’s hand. She was surprised to get the ring from her opponent. And then the ladies won it. Ajabde thanked pratap for handing the ring to her by a simile.

Then on request by all the ladies the astrologer Chakrapani predicted Pratap’s life and Ajabde’s too.

Baujiraj apko kisi se haar svikar karna padega…kisi kanya se

Ajabde ka bhi batao na…

Jo aagya kaki

Baisa kisi ko pane ke liye kisi ko khona padega…kisi aisi cheez ko joh apko sabse pyaara lagta ho

Dhanyawad Chakrapani

After few days...

Gangaur had approached. All were busy. Many princesses were invited from all parts of Rajputana. Princesses arrived with their mothers. A festival that was considered very important for women as well as the unmarried girls was this.

All the ladies in the palace were engrossed in making the clay models of Shiv and Parvati. Everything was done extensively. Pratap did not have any interest in all this but Ajabde. He waited all day for her to be free but she was so engrossed in all this did not come out.

The models were made by all. In the mean while more princesses came in, one of them was the well-known Rao Maldev’s granddaughter, Phool Kanwar. She was also known then in Rajputana for her beauty. As soon as she came her talks started, she explained every one about her secrets and her story, and Ajabde being a simple girl did not bother to hear all this. Phool was impressed from her sincerity and so befriended her. 

The evening of Gangaur was a one with hustle bustle. All the women were rushing to dress up and reach the hall. It was a very important festival for the royals. All ladies observed for their marital bliss while unmarried observed this for getting a groom of their choice.

Phool Kanwar was busy dressing up when a message arrived that a dance teacher will be arriving at Bijolia from Marwar for her training. Ajabde on the other hand was not bothered about decking up but made sure that all the guests were served properly.

Pratap could not tolerate all this. He immediately decided to take a scroll in the garden. The walk was not a normal walk. He was followed by all the princesses. He knew this but did not react. They continued to come behind him. He did not like this, he had lost his heart to Ajabde even though she did not know all this. He wanted to give a clear cut idea to Ajabde before he revealed all this.

The room was decorated with red and yellow drapes, there was an artificial lake made by the builder of the fort for the festival. Flowers were hanging here and there and everywhere. The roof was open for the sun’s light to reach the ground.

All the ladies came in dressed up with their daughters. Jaiwanta bai brought Ajabde after getting her readied. She was looking like an angel. She was indeed looking like seraph descended from the heaven.

Saubhagyawati and Chakrapani had also come to participate in this festival. The rituals began. All princesses and unmarried girls took their positions around the lake. The lamps were lit, the girls prayed and floated the lamps in the lakes with eyes closed.

Pratap just entered the room to meet his mother when Ajabde opened her closed eyes. To her surprise pratap was seen on the water. Her hopes were refreshed, she was happy that she would not be punished for the crime she did. According to the customs followed the person seen on the water during ganguar will be the girl’s groom. She was on the ninth cloud.

But her mind did not allow her to stay there anymore. She rushed towards the exit with her pooja plate when she collides with him, Pratap; her water pot fell down pouring all the water on Pratap’s leg signifying they were made for one other. Ajabde did not know how to react. She just found her way out followed by Saubhagyawati.

The book got me back for a break. This time I did not know what should I do but then Pratap called.

Kyunki tum hi ho
Ab tum hi ho
Zindagi ab tum hi ho
Chain bhi, mera dard bhi
Meri aashiqui ab tum hi ho

Ajab

Pratap…

How are you??

Me fine…you??

Not fine

Why?? Are you all well??

Yea…but

But??

But not well coz you are not there na

Sir you better concentrate on your work…it’s just a matter of a few days.

No Ajab….

No means???

Actually the meeting has extended for one more week so I would not be able to come back till then

What??

Yea…where are you staying??

At our home

Why?? Go stay with ranimaa…atleast you will enjoy

I will see

Ohk…Ajab give me one

What??

You know na give na

No…no

Please…

No means no

Then you don’t love me na…

No…I do love you

Then give

Ohk fine

Take

Thank you

I love you Ajab

I love you too

The call disconnects and then I wait for the book to take me back.