Entwined Fate: A Pratap Ajabdeh Story

Shadows

Kunwar Pratap had indeed found his shadow in her, or so everyone said. Their love, understanding and respect for each other were the talks of the Ranimahal Baithaks. Kunwar Pratap was now the Senapati of Mewar again and all his political decisions reflected her calm opinions and firmly believed. Udai Singh had honoured Patta and Ajabde in secret for their bravery, much to Ajabde's relief. Ajabde's growing influence forced Dheerbai to stay low until her favourable time came. Kunwar Pratap would always talk about his missions with her. Ajabde would always wait months praying for his safety and awaiting his return. He always asked her for advice on political matters. Ajabde found peace In her books and Kanha Ji and Ranima's bhajans while he stayed busy. Ranima forced Ajabde to teach the princesses some sword skills. Sometimes Kunwar Pratap enjoyed watching her in secret not knowing she was fully aware of his glares.When Chittorgarh received the good news of an heir, Ajabde was sent to Bijolia by Ranima for her safety and that of the heir. In those months, Ajabde decided to utilize her time training Balwant in leading, much to Kunwar Pratap's pride and everyone's anxiety. Jaivanta Bai knew now that Ajabde was competent enough to protect the heir. On the 16th of March 1559, Chittorgarh celebrated the birth of their first child Amar Pratap Singh Sisodia. Amar Singh lay in a cradle while his mother told him the valiant stories of his forefathers."One day you have to grow up to surpass them in valour Amar." Kunwar Pratap smiled at her words as he entered in relative silence."First be as brave as Baijilal Amar!" Made her frown." He will never know" came a stern "order" for her husband. "But why?""Because I wish so. I wish to be his mother and not Baijilal."Mewar now slept in peace. The Children heard the folklore of the brave deeds of Baijilal and Sakhaveer and idolized them. People said Sakhaveer still patrolled the borders at night and the goons were scared to even reach Mewar. Patta was indeed doing his job well as far as the news reached Kunwar Pratap. Dheerbai now concentrated on making Jagmal competent for the throne.

One and a Half Year Later.

Ajabde was in Bijolia after a long long time, and the occasion made her happier. It was Balwant's wedding day, with the Samant Putri of Kumbhelmer. Amar was finding it difficult to adjust to his new surroundings and clung to Ajabde and Saubhagyawati. Ratan and grown and mature enough to handle the house like Ajabde once did, and Patta was there, to help. Kunwar Pratap was helping his father inspect the new Mahal at Lake Pichola, but he couldn't make it to the wedding. But Ajabde had no complaints. She knew nothing came before their duties.

On the eve of the wedding, a group of travellers entered Bijolia. They were here on a special task. To end Mewar's future, and warn Udai Singh not to raise his head against the Mughals. Amar Singh was here, an infant and unprotected in his father's absence or so they thought.

Dressed as dacoits the special assassins entered the palace through the roof. A soldier's alert woke Ajabde. The women were running to the secret dungeon.
"Where is Amar?" Hansa cried to Ratan in the commotion.
"Jija?" Ratan appeared scared as she called to the crowd alarmed "Patta!Patta!"

Ajabde saw the engraved dagger he had gifted her. She remembered two things.
"A weapon is not a weapon until it tastes blood." Kunwar Pratap always said.
" We Rajaputanis protect our heirs with our blood." Ranima had always reminded her. She looked at Amar's sleeping figure and picked him up. Rubbing his eyes Amar rested his head on his mother's neck. Ajabde could feel his breath. Suddenly, for the first time, the mother in her was scared, scared to open that door. She closed her eyes. She remembered how she insisted she could protect him. She insisted that a hundred soldiers were not needed, she was competent. Ranaji believed her, Kunwarsa believed her, Ranima... Baijilal had no place for emotion. She put the dagger in her waist belt and picked up the sword.
"Jai Bhavani." She kissed Amar's forehead and tied him to her belly with a dupatta. She removed her jewellery and tied her hair up.