Eternal Love

To Be Wed

Dheerbai was in Udai Singh's chambers with a purpose.

" Ranaji I have been very embarrassed about my past behaviour with Ajabde. I would like to do something for Pratap's wedding so that I can ask her for forgiveness. "

" What are you saying... Ajabde is mature enough to know your motherly concerns for Pratap. You don't need to apologize. "

" Still I want to... Can I take charge of decorating the wedding halls?"

" But Jaivanta bai has already instructed to keep it simple."

" Ranaji, Pratap is a child. He may not know our traditions. Ajabde had never seen royal weddings. But Jija? Doesn't she know how a royal wedding of the future king is done in Mewar?"

" All right, you are also his mother. Am sure Jaivanta bai won't mind if you do something for them" She left pleased.

Jaivanta bai and Sajja bai were helping Pratap with his royal wedding attire. Golden sherwani, traditional family jewellery and a red stole made him look like some dream. Sajjabai did his nazar uthrao Rasm. Shakti came in wearing the attire Pratap had chosen for him. Bright orange sherwani with a cream-white pagri.

" Maa Sa tell me how I look?" He wanted Sajjabai's attention. But all her attention was on Pratap.

" Wait for a little, Kunwarsa, let us get the groom ready first." Shakti looked at Pratap with a smile, who said, " Aree, now you are here, you changed sides in the morning na Bhai Shakti? Now, what happened?"

" What sides? You and Bhabisa are on the same side, Dadabhai" His words made Pratap nod his head and smile as Jaivanta Bai brought the pagdi. She asked Sajjabai to help her tie it.

Heer was getting dressed when Dheerbai came in.

" Chotima?"

" Here Heer, wear this jewellery. You should look no less than the bride herself." She smiled at Heer. She was alarmed at how this girl helped Pratap in the morning. She was her key, she needed to be in favour. Heer was too happy to look as pretty and stylish as the Dheerbai herself. She completed her makeup with a bindi and rushed out towards Pratap's room.

Her Payal made everyone turn as Shakti looked at her wide-eyed from head to toe and back. She never dressed so gaudily and looked so pretty. Her lehenga was as pink as her cheeks. Sajjabai gave her a kajal tika begin her ear. Pratap chuckled, " Aree Heer, you remember you are not the bride right?"

" Dadabhai, stop pulling my leg."

Dheerbai came in to talk to Pratap as everyone exchanged glances. Jaivanta Bai had already noticed Heer's jewellery. She knew who gave it to her. But she chose to ignore it for the sake of the occasion. Dheerbai walked up to Pratap who touched her feet.

" Kunwar Pratap I can't believe when you became so big. You were a toddler when I first saw you. I used to play with you and Kunwar Shakti in the Rani Bagh. Remember?"

" Yes Chotima then Bhai Jagmal was born and you didn't notice when we grew up," Shakti replied with a smile. There was a hint of sarcasm in his tone. Pratap's look stopped him.

" Pratap." Dheerbai held his hand." I know I have been the one who opposed your match with Ajabde. But I think you understand why. It was not personal. It was just my affection and duty. I like Ajabde a lot. And am sure she will make a great wife. I just want to apologize to her."

" You don't need to Chotima. You are here and you are blessing us that is all we want. She will be glad you blessed her. Am glad my family is with me in this together. " he looked around at the happy faces. Jaivanta bai looked at a smiling Dheerbai and managed a smile.