An early update for all...Just note that the next update will take place on Sunday as I'm going to be traveling and will not have access to the net so please bear with me for the next two days
Hope you guys enjoy the update
Chapter 32
The rest of night was relatively peaceful all the girls stayed in Pratap's room as the entire ladies chambers was being checked and beefed up for security. Pratap showed the jewels to Rawatji who took care of them and ordered the spies to figure out who sent placed them in Ajabde's room.
Next morning all the women gathered and began preps for the grand wedding and all the festivities began with the mehndi ceremony. Ajabde was taken for the ceremony by her mother, JB and SB who all wanted to be there for all her ceremonies but the main reason for their presence was that all the men including Pratap and his brothers had gone to witness Parvat Das's execution. They had all gathered in the courtyard where the sentence was to take place when a soldier came running towards them and uttered Parvat Das has been murdered Hukum!!!
Everyone runs to check out the prison where Parvat Das was found lying on the floor with his throat sliced open as well as his stomach and all his fingers were cut out it was a gruesome site to behold. The murder weapon was a dagger which was left behind by his side but the murderer also left behind a clue for it identity
Rawatji: Who could have done such a thing? Such an act could be performed by a man more powerful than him
Pratap: Rawatji the murderer was not a man but a woman someone who knew Parvat Das well enough to gain access to him and then using an opportunity killed him
Rawatji: A woman Baujiraj?
Shakti: If it is a woman then could it be?
Pratap: Looks like Choti Ma is back
Everyone looks tensed Rana Uday Singh tells them not to say a word to the ladies till they figure out where DheerBai is hiding. He then tells Pratap to go and prepare for the festivities as that evening the Punwar Puja would take place where he would be handed over the ancestral weapons and shield
Pratap along with his brother and friends take their leave when he runs into Vikram who seems to be hiding something and on seeing his brother he gives his most innocent smile to get away with his mischief
Shakti: Bhai Vikram may I know what you are hiding behind your back?
Vikram: I'm not hiding anything. I was just going to my room to get ready...yes I was going to go and get ready
Shakti stares at him and says Vikram
Vikram hides behind Pratap: Dada Bhai look he is scaring me and them shows his tongue to Shakti
Pratap stops his brothers from fighting and requests Vikram to show them what he was hiding. Vikram then brings out a pretty necklace he had found that he was taking to Sajja Bai ji to take his permission to gift it Bhabisa he wanted it to be a surprise but it was the necklace that Pratap was staring at and gently took it from him
Pratap: Vikram where did you get this necklace from?
Vikram: A lady was selling some jewels in the market so I got it from there and it even came for a really good bargain that lady did nothing but talk about your wedding Dada Bhai and also about Bhabisa and how beautiful she would look in this piece
Shakti and the others shared a look and took off towards the market scaring Vikram
Vikram: Did I do something wrong Dada Bhai? I just wanted to give a present to Bhabisa so I was saving money for it. I sold two of my best paintings as well and got the necklace but everyone looks worried he sounded sad
Pratap patted his head and said: No you did nothing wrong in getting a gift for your Bhabisa but next time take an elder with you alright as you are small so people might take advantage of your goodness. Now as far as present goes I'm sure your Badi Ma would be able to help you out there
Vikram goes to meet JB and SB. Pratap gives some instructions to the soldiers and tightens the security and goes to get dressed for the puja
Chapter 33
DheerBai had gained entrance to the palace it was quiet easy for her to gain access using her charms and the sleeping draught came in handy to. She had got all the information she needed from those foolish guards and even the youngest prince Vikram had helped her by answering all of her queries with regards to the wedding and his would be Bhabisa
Her plan was already set in motion that Parvat Das was nothing but a dispensable tool who needed to die and so she went to meet him under the guise of freeing him but killed him and took his fingers as a gift for the lovely bride. She could not wait to see Rajkumari Ajabde's reaction on receiving her gift of flesh and blood after all it was a reminder that she would meet the same end
The fingers were kept in a box gift wrapped to be given to Ajabde specifically after the puja was done and she knew that once the fingers were on display they would increase the security and send out people in all direction making sure that Ajabde was in her room where she would be safe but what they would not know is that Ajabde would not be alone in that room DheerBai would be waiting for her and then she would have her revenge after she was done with Ajabde she would leave as the entire palace would be on fire burning everyone inside it
Everyone had gathered for the puja Pratap was already settled down and carried a calm composure but he kept on checking out everyone and every corner constantly as did his friends, brother and brother-in-laws. Rao Mamrakh ji stepped forward to begin the ceremony by doing his Tilak and then Rawatji did the same as he was Ajabde's Mamasa
Raj Purohitji reminded them all the significance of the puja and told Pratap the responsibility he was taking upon as the protector he would always place the safety, welfare of his mother land first and it included the entire Rajputana community that fell under Mewar as well as some neighbouring areas. He would always step up to protect and fight whenever there was a danger lurking around whether internal or external and most importantly as the Shakti herself chose him to be the protector he will always keep her safe and make sure of her happiness
Pratap performed all the rituals and them Rao Mamrakh ji presented him the ancestral weapons and shield after which he was asked to dress in them for the final ritual. Ajabde joined them dressed in her royal attire including jewellery passed down by the ancestors she looked every bit of the Shakti as she was proclaimed to be and Pratap looked dashing dressed as a warrior. Both of them did the Aarti together followed by feeding the cow (our dear Lakshmi) and offered water to the elements.
The puja went off smoothly followed by the feast and then time came for presents. Ajabde received a lot of presents but when Vikram came forward with a picture of her family she was really touched and Shakti gave her a dagger (a brand new one with the strongest blade he swore) everyone chuckled at that gift
Everyone was having a gala time when the box came up to the couple Ajabde looked around trying to figure out who brought it but on everyone's insistence opened it up and unwrapped it - the box fell out of her hand as a scream tore of her as the fingers fell on the ground and scattered all over. Ajabde was hyperventilating she was scared somebody sent her fingers- all bloodied and rotting she was surrounded by her mother, JB, SB, Phool and Subhagyawati when Vikram spoke up
This is the same box I saw it with the jewellery lady Dada Bhai
Chapter 34
Everyone knew that DheerBai was back and maybe she was in the palace but where? No one had any clue on her hiding place but they knew she would not rest until she got her hands on Ajabde. Pratap had changed his clothes and was seen talking with the elders on the security issue whereas Ajabde was taken away from the place to allow her to recover from the shock
Rawatji was speaking to Vikram about the lady and was sure it was DheerBai in disguise
HansaBai was praying for her children's safety and happiness so was JB and SB. Ajabde decided to rest in her room she was accompanied by Phool and Subhagyawati. They entered her room when Ajabde felt like something was odd she did a mental check of her room and realised some of the things were not in their place which made her uneasy. She requested Subhagyawati to get her some water as she was not feeling well and Phool decided to get her some medicinal herbs so that she could feel better as they both stepped out DheerBai came out of her hiding place and said
I must say you are a clever girl Ajabde you sensed my presence and sent away your only hope for help so in that sense you are not clever but rather foolish
Ajabde took in Dheer Bai's appearance gone was the beautiful third queen who could make men turn and stare at her in awe instead in front of her standing was a vicious lady who had lost her glow and only fairness remained, her smooth skin carried marks, her once dark black hair had tints of white and were no longer thick but were thinning from the ends
On the other hand JB, SB, HB were with Ranaji and the others as they were thinking of maybe moving the wedding to some other place when Shakti brought up the issue of the jewels in Ajabde's room. JB requested to have a look at the jewellery as they might have an idea if they came as presents from Chittor so all the jewels were brought out but on seeing them both JB and SB faces paled on further enquiry SB said, the jewels are from Chittor Ranaji from the treasury and these belonged to DheerBai ji. Suddenly a servant comes running in and utters the words
Hukum a dancer's body has been discovered. Her throat was slit with a dagger and left in the storage room
The revelation created chaos as it cemented the fact of DB's presence in the palace. All the guards were rounded up, women and children were being sent to the safety rooms. Phool and Subhagyawati were also being taken when Phool notices Ajabde's absence. They inform the others how she had sent them to get her some water and herbs as she did not feel well as she waited for them in her room. Pratap took off after Ajabde when a loud explosion was heard and then screams ran into the air Fire!! Fire!!! the palace is on fire!!!
Chapter 35
The loud explosion caused Ajabde to look at the direction it came from and all she saw were flames rising from one of the towers of the palace. People were running in all directions when another explosion shook the palace this time it was the weaponry
DB had an evil smile on her face as she took in the burning flames and then looked at Ajabde
Poor Ajabde how will you save yourself now? Look everyone must be busy evacuating the palace and in such a rush they will not even notice your absence
Ajabde: Kunwar Pratap will come for me and save me but what about you DheerBai ji even if you survive the fire you will be taken as a prisoner then what do you plan on doing?
DB: Don't worry about me you silly girl as far as your Kunwar Pratap goes do you actually think he would survive this carnage I have cost he may survive the fire but not the assassins I have sent after him. You see he killed their leader and they all despise him to the end so they will kill Pratap for their revenge and maybe along with him your other family members also might meet their ends
Ajabde's dream had transformed into the worst sort of nightmare which was coming true. In a day she was supposed to get dressed as a bride and marry her prince but the way things were going and if DB's words were true then Pratap's life was in danger and she herself was trapped inside her room with a delusional woman.
Don't even think of escaping Rajkumarisa DB taunted I will have my revenge and it has already begun look your palace decorated as a bride is burning up and sow ill you and your Pratap won't be able to do a single thing
The assassins had gained entry into the palace during the chaos of fire it was them who started it and now they were going to proceed with their plan "To kill Kunwar Pratap and everyone who stood in their way be it men, women or children"
Pratap was stuck trying to make his way towards Ajabde's room but the fire was increasing due the winds and the smoke had already spread over the hallways. He just wanted to reach the chamber when out of nowhere he was struck making him fall down hard on the ground. He tried to stand up but was kicked again from two sides at the same time. Pratap injured shoulder was not yet fully healed so the fall re-opened his wound making him groan in pain but he was Kunwar Pratap so he got up and said Stop fighting like cowards if you do wish to fight me then show yourselves
The assassins came from all four directions circling him like a prey before they could advance on him an arrow came and stopped their attack - Shakti, Balwant, Patta and his friends had reached and were all taking their own positions to fight the assassins. One of fools decided to attack Pratap but one strong kick and a slice of his sword had the guy lying dead on the floor. The attack brought everyone to action and the fight began. Shakti took care of his brother's next attacker and told him to go to Ajabde
Pratap runs off in Ajabde's direction. Ajabde tries to make an escape but DB stops her and held her captive. She taunts her by telling her how she intended to exact revenge from her and everything about the afghan attack as well. She also asked her about the gift she sent those bloodied fingers of Parvat Das making Ajabde feel nauseated
Ajabde did not want to hurt the woman who had caused them so much of pain because she knew that at one time Pratap considered her to be his mother besides she thought that even if she was successful in injuring her she would come back again to haunt them later on.
She decided to use DB's weapon against her and as the flames around the palace were increasing and moving towards them Ajabde feigned an escape and as DB tackled her, the Diya on her temple fell on the curtains making them catch fire. DB was scared she never thought that she would be stuck in the fire that was not her plan but Ajabde she did it on purpose. I will kill you DB roared and went after Ajabde who dodged her attacks but her lehenga got caught in a nail making her trip and fall down
Ajabde tried to get up but DB was on top of her when the doors to her room burst open and Pratap entered
Kunwar Pratap Ajabde said his name they both had an eye-lock but DB got angry seeing her step-son alive so in her anger she kicked Ajabde with the wooden decorative piece that was on the ground near her making Ajabde lose her consciousness
Chapter 36
Ajabde he screamed seeing blood flow out of the wound on her head. He then turned his angry gaze on the woman whom he once adored and respected
How could you stoop so low DheerBai ji he asked did we not love you enough? I loved you respected you considered you my mother, did everything you asked me to do and yet you go and cheat on us all. You never gave a thought about what would happen after your true colours were exposed
DB looked at him and in a cold manner responded you were never my son- you were the obstacle in my son's happiness because as long as you were there Kunwar Jagmal would have never ascended the throne. Everything I did was for my son but you always came in between - no matter what I did you survived but look today you will lose Kunwar Pratap today only DheerBai Bhatiyani would win and no one would be able to stop me from having my revenge and then she looks down at the unconscious girl lying on the floor and then back at Pratap's worried face
Pratap knew he would have to deal with DB through his words only and from the way she was talking about Jagmal he felt that she did not know the truth
DB looks at him and goes on about her delusion I will see my son sit on the throne of Mewar, he will be the next Rana and not you. My son my Kunwar Jagmal I can do anything for him go to any extent for him I only love him and nobody else
Pratap stares at the insane woman in front of him and says Kunwar Jagmal is dead DheerBai ji. He died after you escaped with Uma Devi
DB is stunned and screams NO!!! My son is not dead. You are lying to save Ajabde,
Pratap: I would never lie to you Choti Ma you know that, bhai Jagmal was killed by the killers you sent for us
DB: No you are lying
Pratap: The killers you sent had no idea where I was going to be, they thought they had the right person but in fact they had captured Jagmal. I tried my best to reach to them before he got hurt but his last deed was done to protect me, Jagmal took on the attack meant for me he died saving me. It was you who killed Jagmal in my eyes you are nothing but a murderer just like you killed your sister
DB loses control and goes into a rage screaming she did not kill her son giving Pratap the opportunity to reach Ajabde who wakes up due to the loud noises and sees Pratap near her, she hold him tight but as she hugs him she saw DB coming from the back to attack before she could cry out for Pratap DB falls into a heap on the floor. The noise makes Pratap look back he sees DB's body lying on the floor with the dagger in her hand and blood pooling around her then he takes a look at the man standing behind her
Are you alright Bhai? Shakti asked he was breathing heavily all the while staring at the dead woman. Pratap gets up and helps Ajabde when the thunders roll in and rains fall heavily down on the palace calming the raging fire. All three make their way out of the room and into the central courtyard where the entire family was gathered standing under the shed protected from the rains but as soon as Pratap, Shakti and Ajabde came into view they all ran towards them. Ajabde went with her mother surrounded by her brothers to get her wound tended, Shakti stood silently under the rains staring at the palace he was overwhelmed by his action - he killed a woman in cold blood and not any woman but someone who was a part of their family. He may have not liked her but she still was her father's wife. So engrossed he was in those morose thoughts he did not realise Vikram was calling him
Dada Bhai don't stand in the rain you will fall sick. Dada Bhai come we need to get Badi Ma look at your wounds. Dada Bhai please answer me you are scaring me
Vikram looks at Pratap with rains falling on his face dissolving his tears Pratap holds Shakti in his embrace and allows him to forget everything it is alright Bhai. I'm safe. You saved me and Ajabde from getting harmed, it is alright
The scene was seen by everyone Ranaji understood what may have taken place and went to get his sons under the roof so that they could be checked out. Shakti looked pale, Vikram was sad on seeing his elder brother in such a way and Pratap he was trying to be brave for his brothers. The mothers had already prepared relaxing drinks while assisting Vaidji treat all the wounded, Ajabde was being treated by her mother and her brothers were constantly asking questions to make sure she was alright. Phool had seen Shakti but did not want to overstep her limits so went with Subhagyawati to look after the food arrangements for all
The rains had descended in all their glory and the fire was now calm. They say that one can get honour by doing honourable deeds- deeds that allow for the development of society, betterment of the people especially the weak but one thing that is of utmost importance is the presence of Blood - shed your blood for your motherland you will get glory, shed your blood to protect your family and you will get glory but if you take blood from others for the wrong reasons then you will be remembered as a monster and not a warrior because Blood & Glory are two partners that cannot exist without the other
Edited by twilightlover29 - 10 years ago