Chapter 1

"Par hum aise hi khush hai na Ranima!"

He said a bit irritated by the constant attempts of everyone to get him married.

"Aap bhi jaante hai, hum apna jeevan apni Matrubhumi ko samarpit kar chuke hai." And he replied one more time with the hint of sparing him in his tone.

Kunwar Pratap Singh Sisodiya, the eldest son of the Sisodiyan royal family, was the most loved, pampered and the most matured prince of his age. His valour, patriotism and sheer bravery had made him the mightiest warrior with will.

His pride and attachment towards their motherland flew in his veins. Such handsome, humble and glorious prince was the most eligible bachelor in the whole Rajputana.

"Yeh hum sab jaante hai. Par ek baar hamari baat sun to lijiye..."

Chakrapani Mishra was the chief pandit, warrior and the best friend of Pratap. He recently got married to Bhagya, a confidently simple girl, who changed his point of view to see the life and made him feel the love.

"Har kisi ko koi na koi sath ki aavashyakta padti hi hai Baujiraj"

"Sab ko lautne ke liye ghar ki aavashyakta padti hai." His mother said.

Maharaani JaiwantaBai, the chief consort of king Rana Udai Singh Sisodiya and mother to the crowned prince of Chittor, was indeed a perfect combination of a maharani of their people, wife to the king and mother of an heir to name a few.

"Rannbhumi aur akhaade ke alawa bhi koi jagah hoti hai Baujiraj, jisse 'Ghar' kehte hai!?"

Chakri put his hand on his shoulder, only to take it back on his glare.

He had taken up the responsibility to save the honour, freedom and prosperity of his land and people at the very young age. Fighting for his motherland and people, Pratap had forgot, even his personal life did exist. Even if he remembered, he had no time to.

"Aapke jeevan mein jab koi ladki aayegi, tab aap kahiyega jeevan ka arth."

Chakri smiled goofy as Pratap cut in making a face

"Ladkiyaan hoti hi musibat hai. Unke aane se jeevan mushkil ban jata hai."

He added tapping Chakri's forehead "Buddhi bhramit ho jaati hai"

"Haww" Chakri opened his mouth to counter it but stopped at Ranisa's chuckle.

"Aisi koi ladki bani hi nahi hogi, jo hume badhne ki or rukne ki prerna ek sath de paaye"

"Woh aap abhi se kaise keh sakte hai?" She smiled mischievously.

"Kyun ki... hume pata hai." He looked away "Sab aapke jaise nahi ho sakte Ranima."

"Hamari prathmikta samajna sab ke liye aasan nahi." And then added stubbornly.

"Woh aapke iss ladaaku hraday ko prem karna sikhayegi" Chakri popped up with another one.

Pratap tried to argue, while his mother shook head, agreeing with Chakri.

"Wahi to" She said, as Chakri scratched back of his head. Pratap raised his eyebrow, making him stop.

Pratap thought urgently to say something when another point was shot to him.

"Weh woh sab hogi jiski aapne kabhi kalpana bhi nahi kari hogi" Chakri smiled, attempting one more time.

"Aur hum?"

His tone turned a bit soft as his body stiffened a bit.

"Aur hum kya honge?" facing them straight, he asked them both.

"Jaise sidhe aur surakshit jeevan ki apekhsha weh karengi, kya hum woh de paayenge?" He looked at Chakri adding

"Woh to sab honge Ranima, par kya hum woh sab ban paayenge, jinke who hakkdaar honge?"

His calm and valorous stare made them both speechless. He had a point.

He knew his priorities well and responsibilities too. If he got married to someone, that will bring another set of responsibilities and complexities with her. 

He didn't want to compromise, neither with his motherland nor with the person, who will come in his life leaving her everything, just for him.

"Woh sab aap unhi se puch lijiyega" 

Jaiwantabai spoke leaving the efforts to convince him and concluded with the same calmness.

"Ab yeh sab chhodiye..." She said

"Iss teej ko hum Bijoliya jaa rahe, aap bhi hamare sath chaliyega."

She declared taking the edge of her pallu in hand and a victorious smile on her face. Though Pratap didn't like to go to such gatherings, he agreed half-hearted.

His mother left with authority of a maharani, leaving stuck Pratap and excited Chakri, who went on to call Bhagya to get ready for the new venture trip.

*****

The whole Bijoliya palace was decorated like some bride. There was another level of enthusiasm as this time, Rana Udaisinghji and Maharani Jaiwantabaiji, with Yuvraaj was the chief guest of the sacred celebration.

Rao Ramrakh Punwar, chief Samant of Mevar with his wife Hansabaiji, heartily welcomed the royals. Maharanisa and Hansabai ji were the childhood best friends, who were honoured have them, to be the part of the festival.

As Pratap humbly obliged Raoji and Hansa masiji, his mother's eyes wandered here and there, searching for someone else.

"Hamari beti kaha hai?" She asked excited. Raoji glared at Hansabaiji that despite telling her to be there on time, she was nowhere to be seen.

"Woh hukum..." He was about to answer when

"Yaha Maharanisa!" A soft feminine voice was heard coming from the entrance, as a simply beautiful girl, with simply royal ghaghra choli and minimal accessories stood in front of the queen.

"Khamma ghani" She folded hands with a bright smile.

"Kshama kijiye... hume der ho gayi" She touched the feet of king and queen and handed them the Prasad she brought from the temple she just visited.

"Yeh aapke liye"

"Ajabde!!" Jaiwantabaiji hugged her delighted.

Her unique name tinkled his mind. He didn't pay much attention when Ranima told him about her. But now...

Pratap stared at the duo, the girl was so alike his mother. The simplicity, calmness, elegance and to top of all... her smile! He shook off the thought.

It was the first time, he looked at or thought of a girl, for more than a moment.

"Baujiraj ko bhi to Prasad dijiye" Raoji smiled bringing Pratap back to the scene.

The young lady offered him the Prasad, he forwarded his right hand but the moment their eyes met they got trailed off. Jaiwantabaiji and Hansabaiji shared a knowing glance, while Raoji invited them to come in.

"Yaha tekdiwale Shiv mandir gaye the?" Jaiwantabaiji asked excited as she nodded

"Hum bhi chalna chahenge" She patted her head smiling as they moved in the palace.

"Dekh lo! Hum nahi kehte the Jaiwanataji... pata nahi kaise, par bilkul aap pe gayi hai yeh." Hansa masiji gushed as the others laughed.

"Zaroor Maharanisa. Sham ko aarti ke samay chalenge" She smiled back with the same tinkle in her eyes.

"Maharanisa hum baaki sab ke liye hai. Aap hume..." She thought for a moment

"Haan... Ranima bula sakte hai." The warmth in her voice was so overwhelming.

"Par Ranima, Aapko... keval hum Ranima bulate hai" Possessive side of Pratap pouted making others suppress their chuckles.

"To aaj se yeh bhi bulayenge." Jaiwantabaiji smiled.

"Thik hai Ajab?" She asked her.

'Bolo, ab inhe upnaam bhi de diya' He thought making a face.

"Ji Maharan..." She stopped at her raised eyebrow "Ji Ran..ima"

She fumbled making others smile... except one, of course.

*

Soon everyone dispersed for some rest. They would break the fast post the evening pooja. Chakri had gone to his in-laws place, as Bhagya was the daughter of rajgor of Bijoliya and the only friend of Ajabde. Soon the family would join in the festivity in the palace.

The Samant couple took the royal couple with them, while Ajabde had to make sure that the prince felt comfortable there.

With such a precision, she made his room and kept everything as he would like. How? May be Hansamasiji would have told her.

The aura around her was so captivating that left him utterly surprised and astonished. Every little thing she took care of, agitated him to remember his mother. Again he brushed the thoughts off.

*

The next evening, Raoji and Ranaji were roaming around the palace garden to get some fresh air. Pratap and Chakri joined them a step back.

Chakri was continuously saying something, to which Pratap was totally obligated. 

Yesterday pooja's events were rerunning in his mind in a loop. Lest the place, he didn't feel a bit uncomfortable or awkward around her. Ajabde! She was as unique as her name.

The way she handled the entire pooja and preparations, it was like she owned everything.

Unknowingly a proud smile flickered on his face when she sang the bhajan and aarti with his mother. The same sweet, melodious voice he was used to, to listen to every morning!

The same tinkling voice of anklets brought him back to senses, as he saw her return from the temple with both of their mothers and Bhagya.

They greeted everyone with a smile. Her every little gestures were so captivating and pure as Pratap got lost for a moment as how she cared for everyone and everything.

They headed towards dining area, as men followed them for the dinner. He stopped at the first spoonful of Kheer. He couldn't digest with ease, how tasty and alike was the Prasad and food, she herself prepared for the occasion.

Chakri chuckled amused as for the first time he saw his prince to confusingly lose track of his own self.

Ufff! Why his thoughts are revolving around her only! He kept on getting the glimpse of his mother in her every action.

He ruffled his hair, laughing on his own thought.

*****

Pratap and Chakri were guided by Ajabde and Bhagya in the well known fair of Bijoliya. All kinds of variety of shops were there. Some for sale, some for entertainment.

Bhagya and Chakri stopped at the bangles shop as Pratap looked for armaments and Ajabde was busy shopping for her mother and Ranima.

He didn't want to think, but nowadays his thoughts didn't take his orders!!

Sharing their childhood memories of fair, shopping and fun they had, the girls went a little ahead as the young men lost the track.

A sudden hoot of dacaits entering the fair area, created confused chaos. Frightened people started running here and there to save their valuables and lives.

In an instant Pratap and Chakri took position to defeat the entourage. They tackled the whole lot, when their chief tried to escape with the potli of valuables he looted then.

Pratap dashed after him, as Chakri blocked the remaining few men. As Pratap reached the end of the fair, he saw the man flying and falling to the ground on his face! Confused he saw the direction from where he came and got shockingly surprised.

There she was, posing like a saviour, with a matka in her hand, shoe in another. She first, threw the shoe on dacait and then punched him with the matka, making him fly in the air to the ground. Her hair moved with her in sync, as her face shown the bright glow of a Rajputaani.

Pratap stopped on his track, admiring the brave beauty. He was still lost, when she elegantly went to the man and took the potli back. Chakri and Bhagya came running there, backing the brave baisa, as the dacait saved his life, running from there.

Pratap couldn't react for his unconscious self was feeling confusingly relieved and proud of the person in front, like whom he would love to have by his side forever!

He got frightened of the feel for a moment. 'What was he thinking about!? What was he up to!? Does he have a right to imagine someone as such, despite of knowing fully well his duties and roles'

'Ohho! Chup bhi rahiye!' He urged to his inner self.

*

Back in the mahal, Ajabde was showing everyone gifts they brought from fair, while Chakri and Bhagya were narrating the whole incident that happened there and how tactfully Ajabde got down the dacait to everyone.

Raoji and Hansabaiji were busy thanking Kunwarsa to save their people on time, while Ranaji and Jaiwantabaiji were busy praising Ajabde to use her presence of mind.

Pratap was somewhat silent since the incident. Ajabde just smiled.

Her smile spoke volumes, so did her actions. Day by day he was getting mesmerised by the talents she had and the ways she handled situations. And Pratap couldn't be more proud.

Though it was yet to acknowledge, but the undefeatable Yuvraaj Pratap Singh Sisodiya, had lost himself to a girl!

*****

Everyone was happy preparing for the faldaan vidhi, following the ring ceremony of Kunwar Pratap Singh and Ajabde Baisa!

Her parents could not be more happy and honoured, when Ranaji himself asked for Ajabde's hand for his son.

Jaiwantabaiji had kept an eye on her son's changing feels and actions, so did other elders.

Days passed as her warm and caring self won over his doubtful and uncertain one. It won't be wrong to say that Pratap had fallen for her, on the first sight.

She was the one, who broke his rigidity about girls. The perfect package, he didn't think exist!

Noticing their son's thoughts and dilemma, it was all the parents' plan to spend some time together to get him the clearer idea of the one, they found perfect for the yuvraaj and the future of Mewar.

And they declared it on the right note. Pratap couldn't oppose this time, as he found nothing to reject the proposal of his parents. She certainly was the one, anybody would want in their life, including him!

*

Pratap was sure; Ajabde would never accept this relationship. She was not the one to go after name, fame or positions one held. The faldaan was to take place just the next day, and nothing came from her side to call the ceremony off.

She's wise, she's sensible. Why would she choose such a deal? Other than being the future king of Mewar, who was he? The thought made it all the more complicated, happy and sad at the same time.

Mere a thought of having her by his side for the lifetime, made his heart fill with joy. But her silence and the glow on her face left him confused. She looked happy!

Chakri was excitedly preparing for the engagement ceremony of his best friend. But Pratap was feeling suffocated from his own unanswered popping concerns.

Away from the hustles, he moved to the terrace for some peace. He was pacing hence and forth, when she came to feed the birds. 

*

"Kuch kehna hai Kunwarsa?" Ajabde approached the restless prince. He frowned, staring her peaceful self.

"Kyun kar rahi hai aap yeh sab?"

After a pause of complete five minutes, he finally gathered words. His words were simple, but covered with all the complex feels, as he gathered what was he upto and what should be done.

She simply looked at his changing expressions with a faint smile.

"Kshama kijiye, Ajabde!"

He could say with another brief pause, with his face as plain as possible. But his voice had all the pain his heart may be feeling when he said this... That she deserved someone much better than him!

His eyes lightly brimmed with every passing moment as the eyes betrayed to show and support his words. Ajabde was still calm and patiently waited for him to continue.

He couldn't get whether she got him or not. It was getting difficult to face her, so he looked away.

"Hum ek sainik hai Ajabde. Hamare kartavya aur zimmedaari...Hume thehrne ki aagya nahi dete." He inhaled, gathering the strenghth from his own words and duties.

"Hum apni Matrubhumi ke liye Jeete hai. Ranima bhi hamari Mabhom ke baad aate hai. Hamari prathmikta saaf aur saral hai. Inke baad hi hum kisi sneh ya samband ke baare mein soch paayenge." He made it straight and to the point.

"Hamare jeevan ka koi thikana nahi hai, na bharosa." He turned to her, as now it had became most important to let her know his state, if she didn't.

"Inke baad hum sampoorna aapke honge... Par hum har dukh mein apna kandha dene aapke paas shayad na reh paaye. Aapki khushiyon mein gale lagane ke liye shayad hum waha na ho." He swollowed a little lump that formed in his throat.

"Hum chah kar bhi hamari bhavnaao ko hamari agrata ke bich nahi laa sakte" his voice turned low.

"Hum hai... tab tak Koi aapka baal bhi banka nahi kar sakta... Par" He exhaled "Hum kab tak honge... hum woh bhi nahi jaante"

Her eyes were strong of god knows what! But her homely smile was enough to bring him required strength.

"Hum aapko raani bana kar rakhenge Ajab..." His eyes twinkled with firm confidence, as her blinked once on her name. But his eyes turned glimmery the next moment

"Par Agar Hume kuch ho gaya... to hum aapko unn anishchittaao ki aag mein akele jalne ke liye nahi chhod sakte." He nearly choked at a meer thought of it.

"Hume kshama kar dijiye Ajab!"

He stopped for a moment

"Abhi bhi waqt hai. Hamare sang na judne ke liye aazad hai aap." He looked deep into her eyes, his eyes showering feels he couldn't say more.

*

"Yeh Mewar ke Yuvraaj bol rahe hai, aur agar hum... Kunwar Pratap kya chahte hai, yeh sunna chahe... to?"

She broke the silence, and asked with her signature patient smile. He just stared her for a moment. 'Did she get what all he just said!?'

"To aap bhi to iss vivah prastaav ko le kar mana nahi kar rahe, kyu ki hum Mewar ke Yuvraaj hai... Yeh sahi nahi hai?"

He raised his eyebrows, finally asking the question that bothered him the most.

"Abhi abhi jo kuch humne kaha, kya aap woh sab nahi jaanti? Nahi samajti?"

He stepped a step forward

"Fir bhi aap hume haan kaise keh sakti hai?" A little urgency rushed in his voice.

"Hmm. Samajte hai hum." She said it short, now confusing him again.

"Par jo humne jaana hai... woh jaanne ke baad, hum kaise mana kare?" Warmth in her voice made him little calm.

"Apni matrubhumi ki raksha ke liye, apne hi daajiraaj ke aadesh ke viruddh jaate baalak yuvraaj ko jaante hai hum."

Her voice was strong.

"Aur unhi daajiraaj ke samman ke liye, Sampurna Afghan Sena se akele ladte putra ko bhi dekha hai humne" He stared at the pride in her eyes.

"Keval apni raanima ki icchha ke khatir, bilkul Mann na hone ke baavjud, Bijoliya aate Putra Ko dekha hai humne!" He got flabbergasted at how she knew he didn't approve to come there first!

"Ladkiyan musibat lagne ke baavjud, apne mitra Chakri ki Khushi ke liye, unka Vivah Bhagya se karvane wale Mitra ko do dekha hai humne!"

'Acchha! To unhe yeh bhi pata hai... Saras!' Well Bhagya was her friend, right?;)

"Khud ki bhavnaao se adhik, hamare bhavishya ki, hamari garima ki, hamari aashao ki aur pida ki chinta karne wale, Sathi ko dekha hai humne..."

She lowered her lashes, as her cheeks shown with lighter shed of pink. Even his lips curved a bit, as he blushed listening to her intently.

"Insaan ke bhaav unki aankhon me jhalakte hai Kunwarsa" She blushed as her eyes rested down.

"Jitne Sneh aur surakhshitta ki kaamna ek ladki karti hai apne Jeevan mein, usse kai adhik maan aur Prem, aapke aankhon aur vichaaro se chhalakte hai!"

She looked straight in his moist eyes with the heartwhelming smile and reddened cheeks.

"Kadachit aap Sahi keh rahe hai" she said in a bit serious tone, making his heart skip a beat.

"Hum Jis rishte mein judenge... waha se apni raah kuch alag avashya ho sakti hai." her words confused him more, as though without words, he stepped in, in a proximity taht spoke it all.

"Par ji Raaste juda hone se, Manzile nahi badalti." Now she stepped a step ahead, as he exhaled elated.

"Vishwaas rakhiye... Hum dono ki manzil ek hi hai" his intense gaze, brought back her beautiful smile.

"Hum bhi issi dharti ki putri hai Kunwarsa" She said with confidence, as an excited spark played in her eyes.

"Rajputaani hai hum!" her head held high.

"Hum na hi aapki zimmedaari ke raste mein aayenge, na hamari manzil ke..." She said firm

"Sathi hai hum... Aap chahe to sath zaroor chal sakte hai..." 

Her words did wonders. He couldn't expect and accept, how easily she dismissed his uncertainties. But his warrior self, wanted to clear once more.

"Aapke sath, Hume to sab kuch mil jaayega... Par, aapko kya milega?"

Her beaming face and the form of grace left him speechless. Her eagerness to be together in any circumstances; her smile gave him the confidence, relieving him of the unavoidable complexities of reality.

May be she's the strength, Raanima was talking about. May be she's the home, Chakri was talking about. May be she's the answer to his questioning mind.

The way she understood, supported, accepted and the way she inspired, was the content and courage, he craved for. May be she's the one, his heart waited for.

"Jab itne sawaal puchhe hai... To ek sawal aur puch le hum?" He asked modestly in the royal posture.

'Aur bhi kuch...!?' She thought, looking at his serious face.

"Mevar ke Yuvraj to aapke sath ke liye tatpar hai Baisa. Par Ajab! Kya aap iss Pratap ki sangini banenge?"

He asked, answering her unasked questions.

Her smile reached to the eyes, as she nodded, blinking away the wonderingtear in her eyes.

Pratap stopped to hold her in his embrace, staring at her mere an inch apart. But she moved forward, resting her head on his chest. With the peace in heart, the enjoyed the feel of completeness with each other. 

"Kal ke faldaan vidhi ki taiyaariyaan kariye Rajputani Sahiba!" 

He grinned with pride,

"Hamare sath, sampoorna Mevar apni Kunwaranisa ke swagat ke liye intezaar kar raha hai"

Finally the gorgeous smile curved up on their faces, as he tightened the grip around her. Side by side, holding hands; togetherness smiled for life!

***********