Silent Communications - Two
Ajabde somehow felt different entering the gates of her own palace. For the first time in all these years she was unsure of herself. She had changed herself into someone who was strong and determined, some who stood for herself and her people no matter what. But when Fattah brought the news of Hukum and Kunwar Pratap arriving at the Bijolia palace after the battle she had felt like that little girl outside the temple whose heart was broken by the person she trusted and loved most. It took her while but she composed herself, being surrounded by people, helping them through difficult times helped her forget her sorrows. But you can't run away from truth for too long. It was almost night time and her mother will start worrying about her soon. And she will not give up on her duties. Her king and her prince were at her home and she will give them the respect that should be given to a king and the prince of a country. After all they had fought this battle for the people of Bijolia. She will not be weak. They are here to rest. They will rest and leave. She will not expect anything else. She will not make herself vulnerable to more pain. He was safe and he was home. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, strengthen her resolved and opened her eyes only to meet Kunwar Pratap's eyes.
There she was dressed simply, without any jewelry and her hair done in a simple braid. The dasis around looked more dressed up than her. Pratap mind flashed back to two months back when she had put a sword to his neck when she had thought that he was trying to kill Fattah. At point he could have never imagined that the girl who had the courage to put a sword to his neck could be his sweet Ajabde who could not even lift his sword on their wedding day. Pride filled his heart on her accomplishments. His love was brave and valiant. And then a dasi asked Ajabde what took her so long that reminded him why he was angry with her. He looked at her carefully. There were no visible signs of her being her hurt. But this was not acceptable at all. He was about to launch into lecture mode when Chakrapani put a hand to his shoulder and said, "Be careful what you say Bhaujiraj. We are here to make amends and being angry at her is not a step forward in that direction."
Pratap turned to Chakrapani, "You truly are my savior Chakrapani. I will be careful of what I say." Saying this he turned and his eyes met hers.
They both walked towards each other. Both of them had so many things to say to each other and neither of them knew where to begin? What emotion to express first? Love or anger? Launch into apologies first or complaints? They were only a foot apart from each other when they stopped. It was as if the time has also stopped to see both these lovers to talk to each other after such a long time. Love shining through their eyes they communicated silently. The time which has been the ultimate witness to their love also wanted to see who will say what first. Pratap finally broke that silence, "Ajabde it is not safe for you to stay out this late in such conditions. Victorious or not a battle brings a lot of grief and grief is never reasonable. You could have been hurt." Pratap said reasonably.
Fire came into her eyes for an instant. After all these years to pain that he has given her, he dares to say that to her, "I can take care of myself Kunwar sa. I do not get hurt easily now. I have a lot of practice dealing with hurt." Ajabde answered politely trying to walk past him.
Pratap stepped in her way getting an inch closer to her, "I and Dajiraj have been waiting for you Ajabde. We have been here since morning. You were not here for our vijay tilak. Do you no longer rejoice my victories?" Pratap asked quietly looking straight into her eyes.
He said her name with such authority as if it was only his right to call him Ajabde. He said her name as a husband would say his wife's name. It was as if he was making up for not saying it all these years. Ajabde's heart skipped a beat and her lashes covered her eyes, "If I had known before that you and Hukum are coming to Bijolia I would have definitely been here for the tilak Kunwar sa. But there was no such news sent and my subjects were expecting me. I did not want to let them down. I know too well how it feels to be let down." Ajabde replied calmly, taking a step back.
Pratap took another step in her direction, "You have every right to complain Ajabde and to be angry but that does not mean that you should put your life in danger. Your life is very precious to me. Please do not punish yourself for my mistakes."
"There is nothing new in me being punished for your mistakes Kunwar sa and I have learnt a long time ago that I have to right to complain to anyone. Yours actions do not match your words Kunwar sa so there is no way for me to know what you hold precious. What you worry about or don't is no my concern. Now if you will leave my path I have to go to royal kitchen and supervise the preparations of the feast for tonight. After all our Hukum and Kunwar sa have returned victorious from battle." Ajabde replied.
She won't even say his name. No Pratap not even Kunwar Pratap just Kunwar sa. "If you are not concerned about me Ajabde the why are not dressed in your royal attire, why have you not done any shingar? Where is all your Jewelry?" Pratap challenged. Her words had hit their mark.
"I always keep my promises Kunwar sa," Ajabde said simply.
"You will not step out of the house when I am away." Pratap said smiling, "That was also a part of same promise as I recall purohit ji saying."
"I have also promised you that I will keep your people and country above all. People of Bijolia are also your people right Kunwar sa?" Ajabde asked challenging him. "They needed me today to get through this day. May be you should recall some of your vows Kunwar sa," saying that Ajabde ran past him into the palace.
"Ajabde," Pratap yelled her name stopping her in her tracks but she did not turn. He walked towards her and stood in front of her only an inch away from her "Thank you for the suggestion." Pratap said humbly "Also if I am going to eat food tonight I will be the food cooked by you not supervised by you or I will not eat at all," saying that he left her standing there with a secret smile on his face.
Okay here it is. I usually do write longer parts but this is all I can manage today and I had promised to update on the weekend. Reviews, comments and complaints all welcome in replies. Next one will be longer and I really hope Pratap recognizes Ajabde in the show soon. I know that I am being impatient but I dont care😉😳.!!!! Oooh and apologies in advance if I miss a pm Please send me a buddy request if you want me to send you a PM. That goes for everyone if got a pm today or not. thank you.
Blues
CID
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
