PrAja- New Beginnings Disguised As Painful Endings

Chapter 3: The Prophecy And Impending Announcements

As everyone reentered the temple courtyard, they witnessed a profoundly unsettling sight. The pandit knelt on the ground, tears streaming down his face, his eyes closed tightly. The atmosphere was tense, and a heavy silence enveloped the gathering. Padma instinctively pulled her baby closer to her chest, cradling the child protectively as a wave of unease washed over the crowd.

Rana Vijay gestured to Vaibhav to check on the pandit, who hadn't moved an inch. Vaibhav carefully approached the pandit and his hand on the the pandit's shoulder to rouse him. The pandit slowly opened his eyes, blinking as he took in his surroundings, momentarily disoriented. After gathering his thoughts, he rose and walked with measured steps towards Padma and the infant cradled in her arms. 

Standing before Padma, the pandit clasped his hands together and bowed, showing his respect. He then gently reached out to touch the tiny, precious feet of Kunwar Ajay. Connecting the tips of the baby's feet to his forehead, a soft whimper escaped his lips as he bowed in front of the legend.

Everyone was amused as the scene unfolded before their eyes. "Panditji," Rajmata Kalyani said softly, breaking the silence. "Is something amiss?"

The pandit slowly shook his head, his expression remaining grave and contemplative. "Not amiss, Rajmata, but... unexpected. It seems the ancient prophecy is being fulfilled: Maharana Pratap has returned to Mewar."

Time seemed to stand still as it felt like the ground had slipped from everyone's feet. Kalpana was the first to speak up, "The prophecy...how is it possible! I thought that the prophecy was a myth!" 

The pandit proclaimed with conviction, "The prophecy is not merely a myth; it is destiny. Our ancestral manuscripts state that Mewar will witness the return of Maharana Pratap, he shall return to complete the quests he had left undone.  In my experience of studying horoscopes, I can confidently state that I have never encountered a sign as compelling as this one. Such a rare alignment is extraordinary," the pandit emphasized, his voice resonating with reverence. He announced, "Hukum, your son is the reincarnation of Maharana Pratap himself."

Rajmata Kalyani stated firmly, "We cannot afford to discuss such a sensitive matter in public, Vijay. You never know who might be listening. We shall return to the palace immediately." Vijay nodded in agreement. "Dadisa, we must summon Pandit Jyotiraj Maharaj for his guidance, this is an extremely fragile matter" 

"I agree with Hukum. Rajmata, you must request Guruji's presence—no one can provide you with better counsel than him," the pandit asserted. "I shall take my leave then Hukum I am eternally grateful that I got to experience Ranaji's majestic presence, I am forever indebted, Hukum," the pandit said then left the venue taking his dakshina.

Rajmata nodded decisively. "Vaibhav and Mayank, you are to leave for Kashi right now. Vaibhav, prepare the jet and ensure that Jyotiraj Maharaj is brought here with the utmost respect as soon as possible. Make it a priority to explain the entire situation to him in detail." Vaibhav nodded firmly and made a few calls, " Daadisa, I and Mayank are leaving for Kashi we will hopefully be back in 5-6 hours"

"Have a safe journey, my child, and return accomplished. It's time for all of us to move towards the palace. Yashwant, I expect you to come along as well. Thakoreji, there's no need for me to request you further." 

Padma's father replied by pressing his hands together, "Please don't make us feel ashamed; after all, we are family." 

Yashwant smiled at this display of kinship. "Kakisa, You and the children head to the palace. Rajeshwari and I will take care of everything here and join you later." 

"That's very thoughtful of you, my child. Let's proceed. Padma, Vijay, Aradhana, and Sagar, you'll take one car, and I, along with Vidya and Kalpana, will take the other."  Everyone agreed to the travel plan and left the venue.