A Royal Accident

Wild Flowers

It was almost evening, when Pratap entered his father's chamber at the palace, after a site inspection at the hospital.

" Papa, there's a problem." 

" What is it?"

" The invited ministers and Royals for the college inauguration...The problem is that there is a Eurasian Business Meet in London starting next week, so no one is available for a long time after that. I think it's best to hold the inauguration program this week itself. "

" That's ... I understand ... But..."

A servant interrupted. " Ranaji Ajabdeh Baisa is here to see you, she is saying it's urgent!" Udai and Pratap stared at each other as he opened his mouth to say, "I... I... Have to..."

" Stay." His father's words stopped him. " Bring her in."

She walked in, in yellow jeans and a white floral printed brown top. Her hair was bunned up.

Sunflower... The thought crossed his mind, making him smile. She ignored his existence completely.

" Ranaji, I have been doing some surveys in the villages."

" What survey?" Ranaji was about to ask the same but it surprisingly came from Pratap.

" I was asking them about their problems, water, basic needs and all... and I have a serious issue here!" The way she said it made it sound like a world war.

" What issues Ajabdeh?" Ranaji asked calmly.

" Here!" She took out a paper. "It's a people's petition. They want their children to study but their poverty is a factor that is pushing them to labour. What's the use of the college if no one passes school to go there? Only the Royal Employees and families are not enough!"

" What are you suggesting?" Udai was engrossed in conversation as Pratap picked up the paper.

" I think you should arrange scholarships, for the brightest ten or something, through exams. So that they get a chance at education."

" That's good..." Udai Singh was impressed as Pratap took the paper from her hand.

" These have no names!" Pratap interrupted. 

" Excuse me?" Ajabdeh asked.

" These fingerprint signs...they should have their names written beside them." He pointed out.

" I... Oh shit! The first one is Pappu's father and the rest... I... " She thought a little, "I have to go back!" She was about to rush out when Udai stopped her. " It's okay, it's fine, I don't need them, I will let you know tomorrow!" She smiled and nodded before leaving.

He walked out and saw her in the garden scolding the gardener. " Kya Kaka? Bola tha na humne, yeh kya kiya apne?"

" Sorry Baisa woh..."

" Kya hua hai?" Pratap interrupted.

" Mere rose plants, mere baby baby rose plants ko Kaka ne paani daal daal ke doob marwaya!"

" Baisa..."

" Aap jaiye kaka kuch nahi hua!" Pratap let the man go. 

" Kaise kuch nahi hua, mere baby plants marr gaye!" She frowned.

" Dusra la denge woh." 

" Kya dusra la denge!!"

" Tum bhi kya haar kaam perfect karti ho? Bina naam ke anguthe chaap ka kya kaam?" Pratap looked amused.

" Ab jo likhna na jaane, kaise likhe woh naam?" She shrugged.

" Tum bhi likhna nahi janti kya?"

" Ohho! Yeh kya ho raha hai?" Ranima interrupted. " Ab kis baat ki ladai ho raha hai yaha?"