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Chapter 6
Ajabdeh was sure that if she made one more transit stop, she was going to completely lose sense of time ... closing her eyes, she shook her head vigorously to shake off the sleepy cobwebs in her brain - she needed to stay awake. For the last 48 hours, they had been through several different airports... Ajabdeh looked around to find that she was now in the waiting lounge of the Singapore Airport. Her mother, and brother both seemed to be in a similar state of mind.
~~FLASHBACK~~ two days ago
As soon as Ajabdeh reached their hotel, her mother told her that they were leaving for the airport. Even as she said this, her mother had started packing their luggage. Her Maa, Hansa Punwar, who was, under normal circumstances a very careful packer, looked like she was haphazardly throwing everything in the bags as quickly as she cold. Ajabdeh realized that this was a reaction to the phone call from her Dad. "Your father said we needed to leave immediately", her Maa told her, and then looking around their hotel room once as though to make sure there was no one other than the three of them present in their hotel room, she continued, "Our journey back home is going to be routed through multiple stops"... 'to ensure that we shake-off anyone tailing/following us' her mother didn't say, but Ajabdeh understood.
She realised there was very little time for her to do what she needed to do. She quickly opened her cell phone, accessed the encoded software Patta had given her the last time they met and quickly sent him a private message. The message was encrypted by a software Patta had personally developed, so that Ajabdeh and Patta could get in touch with each other safely, whenever they needed to, without any third-party interference. The message to Patta was simple: <find Shums Khan> <find Hukum Singh>.
She didn't need to explain to Patta that this was a matter of national security. Patta was a smart boy, well, he was more of a prodigy, and a tech wizard. The fact that she was using their private highly encrypted network would be indication enough for him. He was a magician when it came to accessing information. It was the reason why Patta was training at an undisclosed location of the Rajput Defense Academy - the branch that had one of the most advanced programs on software management and information systems in the world and was deemed to be too important for everyone to know its specific location. Ajabdeh knew that his branch of the Academy premises were guarded by the military and students were not allowed to bring in any downloading/uploading enabled softwares from outside. So Patta had developed his own software and given it to Ajabdeh. 'For emergencies', he had said and Ajabdeh knew this was an emergency.
Ajabdeh guessed that Patta would need some time before he could get back to her. Getting information on people was easy and difficult at the same time in the digital age. 'People can now change their identities like one changes clothes', Patta had said to her once. Considering the conversation she heard in Dubai, she was sure that the two names she had given Patta were EXACTLY the kind of people who would constantly change identities to achieve their goals'.
~~flashback ends~~
Shaking her head out of the jumble of thoughts, Ajabdeh decided she needed to get herself a cup of coffee. Looking at her Maa and bhai, she sighed inwardly. They both looked exhausted. Her Maa had developed dark circles under her eyes and her brother looked ready to doze off any instant. She decided she herself must look no different and instantaneously decided that she would get them some coffee too. "I'll go get us some coffee, Maa", she told her mother. "Don't go alone", her mother said. "Yeah Di, we'll go with you", Bal said, both beginning to get up off the seat when Ajabdeh put a hand on her Maa's shoulder. "Maa please, sit down. You and bhai are exhausted. Please relax. I'll be back in a few minutes", her mother nodded giving in. Bal sat back reluctantly. Even though he was the younger brother, he was very protective of Ajabdeh just as she was of him. The fact that they both agreed to wait was an indication of just how exhausted from the constant travel and moving around their luggage from one terminal to another...
Ajabdeh located a map of the airport and found the nearest Starbucks. On the way, she noticed a section of free-access airport computers. She placed her orders at the Starbucks, and while waiting for her drinks, she decided to access her personal e-mail on the airport computers. The access was free only for a limited time, so she quickly logged into her inbox and found she had received two e-mails- one was from her close friend Sau and another email from the Rajput Defense Academy: Mewar. With her heart beating loudly inside her rib cage, Ajabdeh opened the second e-mail:
Dear Ms. Punwar,
I'm pleased to inform you that among the many candidates that applied for the exchange student program, you have been selected for this year's student exchange program. You will need to report to the Academy in Mewar on 15th June, with the remaining exchange students, for your orientation session starting at 7:00am in the Main Hall. You will also be given access to your hostel room during the orientation.
I would also like to inform you that this year, we will be celebrating the quinquennial Academy Cup tournament that is held once every five years. We will be welcoming student representatives and faculty delegates from various Academy branches. Since you will be in Mewar as an exchange student, you are free to participate in the tournament as either a Mewar student or a Delhi student since that is the branch you are enrolled in - if you would so desire, you can act as a representative of both the branches and any awards you win will be shared by the two branches.
I would once again like to welcome you on behalf of the faculty, students, and support staff of Rajput Defense Academy: Mewar. I look forward to meeting you soon.
Prof. Raghav Indra
Headmaster,
Rajput Defense Academy
Mewar, Rajputana
India
As Ajabdeh read through the e-mail, she could not believe her luck! She was accepted to be part of the exchange program to Mewar!! For two years, Ajabdeh had prepared for this program and now she was in - she would see, study, and live in the Academy where the Rajput Defense Academy was founded! While the Academy had branches all over the country, and each of the branches offered world-class education, the Mewar branch was special. Because the Headmaster of the Academy at Mewar was also a genius of a man, the man responsible for bringing the Academy to it's current standard, the man who single-handedly had managed to re-establish the system of Gurukul education in India - the same man who had signed off on her acceptance letter for the exchange program - Dr. Raghav Indra. He was also the designer of the exchange program. Every year, he handpicked 5 students from the hundreds of applications. Every year, students from the Mewar branch also went to different branches of the Academy to experience a new learning environment.
For a few precious moments, Ajabdeh forgot all about her worries and a simple, sweet smile graced her face, and brightened up her whole persona. She was so happy and relieved. She felt like she was about to actually live her dreams! Suddenly she realized that the barista was waving at her vigorously - she had forgotten about the coffee! She quickly logged out, and ran to collect the three cups of coffee and rushed back to her Maa and Bhai. As she handed them their cups, her Maa looked at her and said, "What is it Ajabdeh? You seem really excited!" "I'm in, Maa, I'm in!! I just received confirmation from Prof. Indra. I am going to officially attend the upcoming academic year at the Mewar branch of the Academy!!" she gushed excitedly. Bal shot up from his seat with a wide grin, "Congratulations Di! You deserve it!! That is so exciting!!" and hugged her. Her Maa hugged her too with a happy smile. Suddenly, all three of them, didn't look or feel tired. Just then, they heard the airline representative announce that the flight to Mewar was now boarding. All three of them hurried off to the boarding gate with their coffee.
Chapter 7
Mewar, India
As Pratap walked through the nearly empty hallways of the Academy, he couldn't help but wonder - why had Professor suddenly asked to meet him? The start of the year was still a week away. The day after his visit to Talhetti, Pratap received an unexpected call from the gurukul. Mr. Shantanu, Prof. Indra's secretary, had called him saying that the Professor wanted to meet him the next day, and Pratap agreed immediately. The whole day, his Maa sa had kept him so preoccupied with house chores that he had not had a moment to think about anything. Now, however, at his gurukul, quickly making his way to headmaster's office, his mind kept wondering about the reason behind this unexpected call. Still, it must be important. 'After all, Prof. Indra never does anything without a very good reason', Pratap thought to himself. Still, he couldn't shake off the feeling that he must have messed up somehow... he always got a little nervous when it came to facing his favorite professor. And it wasn't because the professor's mere presence commanded respect from everyone. But the first time Pratap met him, Pratap had instinctively felt that here was a man for whom Pratap's head would bow in respect and obeisance, like one's does in the presence of their guru. It was not even like they met in very 'ideal' conditions. Pratap still got embarrassed when he remembered his first meeting and Pratap did remember that meeting like it was yesterday... he really wasn't at his best that day, and that memory still made him nervous when facing his professor.
~~FLASHBACK (Seven years ago)~~
Eleven year old Pratap Singh felt like he was on the top of the world. He had beat his cousin Shakti and his friends at every single game they had at the gaming arcade. Why Shakti always felt the need to compete with Pratap, Pratap had no idea. Still, it felt good to win. But he had really felt proud when the crowds, who didn't even personally know him, had cheered for him.
He wanted to run to his Maa sa and tell her all about his achievement. But she wasn't here, she was Sajja Maasi on the lower floor of the mall while the Arcade was located on the uppermost floor of the mall. Pratap looked around, still high on his victory, ran towards what looked like the nearest exit, situated across a small bridge, while the centre island of the floor was the gaming arcade. In his excitement, Pratap didn't even hear Shakti calling out to him "No Dadabhai! Wait! That bridge is broken! DADABHAI!" Pratap's foot had gone through one of the loose floorboards on the bridge and Pratap fell but somehow managed to hang on to a steel rod sticking out of the fallen floorboard. The crowds started to scream, and Pratap looked down to see that broken floorboard fall all the way down to the ground floor of the Mall. There was nothing in the middle to break his fall. He was screaming for help, he could feel his grip begin to slacken and his breathing quickened, a voice rang out, "Stop screaming. And stop looking down. Look up. Look at me... slowly, no sudden movement", as Pratap slowly looked up he saw a man with sharp features, long hair, and no-nonsense look about him. "Good", the man said in a soft but commanding voice. There was no trace of fear, or strain in the man's voice. "Now, slowly, let go of the rod with your left hand, and reach out to me. Here... No! Not the right hand boy, the left hand. What if we don't manage to get you up in the first go? Your left hand's grip is weak, you will fall immediately. Listen to me carefully, hold on with the right hand, and reach out with your left. Excellent."
Ten minutes later, Pratap was standing with his head hanging and trying to find a way to face his furious Maa sa. The man who had pulled him up, stood a few feet away, watching the whole scene. "What were you thinking Pratap?! What was so important that you couldn't see the big "DO NOT ENTER" sign right next to that bridge?" his Maa sa asked. "I.. I... Maa sa... I just wanted to tell you about all the games I won ... I was really excited ..." "You nearly died, Pratap! Why? Because you wanted to tell me how you beat your cousin at some games?? Had it not been for this gentleman, he risked his life to save you ..." she broke off and turned to the man who had saved Pratap. "I really don't know how to thank you." She folded her hands and said, "Thank you... thank you so much." The man folded his hands in namaste' as well, "Really, ma'am. There is no need for thanks. It was my duty." Then, he had turned to Pratap and looked him straight in the eyes and said "Pratap... you bear the name of one of our country's first freedom fighters. Did you know that?" Pratap nodded. He had heard that story from his Maa sa countless times. The man folded his hands behind his back. He wore a simple white shirt tucked inside black pants and yet, from his posture, one could tell that he was a powerful man and the power came from both, his physical and mental strength. "Then you know what Maharana Pratap fought for, all his life. He fought for his country, his people, and their freedom. Life should have a greater purpose than winning a few arcade games against your brother, don't you think?" he asked. "I'm sorry, I really am", Pratap said folding his hands to the man and his Maa sa. "Thank you so much for saving my life" he continued, turning to the man. "You are a young boy. The future of our country. For me, protecting my country's future is my single most important duty. So, I was only doing my duty. You should figure out yours", with that he folded his hands in namaste to Pratap's Maa sa and walked away. One week later, when Pratap went for his first day at the Rajput Defense Academy, he discovered that the man who had saved his life at the arcade was the headmaster of the Academy, Dr. Raghav Indra.
~~ Flashback ends ~~
As Pratap reached the office, he knocked on the wooden door, and heard a familiar voice say, "Come in." Prof. Indra was standing at the window at the opposite end of the door, behind his large desk, with his hands folded behind his back. He looked exactly like he did the day he first met Pratap. "Good morning Professor", Pratap greeted. "It is", as Pratap looked at him confused. "A good morning. It is indeed a good morning. A little windy, but I like the wind", Indra said indicating at the beautiful view outside with his hand and smiled. Pratap smiled back. "Good of you to come here so early on my request, Pratap" he said smiling. "Please sit. I have a very important matter to discuss with you."
Pratap took a seat opposite the desk. "I hope you have an idea of why I asked to meet you now" he looked at Pratap enquiringly. Pratap shook his head. "Hmm... well, I suppose, I shouldn't be surprised. We had this discussion nearly a year ago, I suppose it slipped your mind. I will tell you. This year, we will be hosting the quinquennial Academy Cup tournament." Pratap couldn't believe he had forgotten about the upcoming tournament! He nearly slapped his palm on his head, "Of course. I'm so sorry Professor. We did have a discussion about this on the day I got elected as the SR last year." "Oh, you do remember then. Then you also remember that as the official representative of all the final year students, as well as an ambassador for the Mewar branch of the Academy, you are expected to take the majority of the responsibility to organise and prepare the school for this event..?" Pratap nodded. "Good. You will have the help and support of all the staff and faculty members and, of course me. You will need to start your preparations immediately. You can appoint members of the student body to take up or perform different tasks. But Pratap, please remember that this is a very important event for the Academy. You have to ensure that the visiting students and faculty delegates experience no discomfort. The tournament is to encourage intra-Academy relations, promote tolerance and acceptance of different cultures and ideas, and build a strong, united community. It should promote healthy competition, not animosity and resentment. Do you understand what I'm saying Pratap?" , he asked looking into Pratap's eyes intently, like he was urging Pratap to understand his meaning. "I do, Sir", Pratap said, even though he felt like he was missing something.
"Good", the Professor said. Just then, his phone rang and he answered. "Yes, Shantanu?" Pause. "I'm already in a meeting, Shantanu." Pause. A quick sideways look at Pratap. "Alright. Send her in." Then he turned around to Pratap and said, "A volunteer of a local NGO is here. Let's talk to her. Consider this your first meeting with regards to the organisation of the tournament."
A knock came on the door. "Come in", the prof said, standing up. Pratap stood up as well, and moved around to stand on the right of Prof. Indra. A woman who looked to be in her 50's walked in, she had kind eyes and a small smile. "Namaste, Mrs. Panna, is it? Please take a seat. My secretary tells me you are here regarding the upcoming tournament at the Academy." With that the Prof. sat down. "Yes Sir. I work with Aasha, the local NGO." "The same one that helps poor women around Rajputana, to generate an income for their families through selling their hand-made crafts and items?" Pratap asked. He had heard about it from his Maa sa. She was a member of the NGO and went to their centres quite frequently to help. The professor nodded for Mrs. Panna to continue. "We know that you are hosting the big tournament this year and require a lot of preparations for all the different competitions and performances. I'm here to request you to consider buying or purchasing items from our NGO for this purpose. Look, here, I have a booklet of hand-made paper samples that the women have made. I have a whole box of them outside - please take a look", and she pushed a massive booklet towards the professor. He, in turn, pushed the folder towards Pratap, and said, "Please allow me to introduce Pratap. This is Pratap Singh, and he is the student representative. He will be handling the majority of the responsibility of organizing this event." Pratap folded his hands in namaste' at Mrs. Verma and she smiled.
"So Pratap. What do you think? Do we have use for something like this in the tournament?" Prof Indra asked, looking at him. His eyes held a look that said that this was a test for Pratap. Pratap looked at the booklet. He thought the patterns and colors looked beautiful - some papers had a look of papyrus while others were feather-light and had a sheen... whoever had made these different patterns and colors for the paper, had really made it with a lot of love and hard-work. Pratap looked up to see Mrs. Verma looking at him with kind, hopeful eyes. He turned to face his professor "Yes sir. I think we do have a use for these. We need paper in a thousand different places, throughout the year. We can definitely use these. These are beautiful, Mrs. Panna", Pratap said, giving her a smile and she smiled back.
"So what do you say then, Sir?" she asked. "Oh. You heard our SR. We have a thousand different uses for these", and looked at Pratap with twinkling and challenging eyes. Uh, oh, that is not a good look for me', thought Pratap. "So, we can definitely use these. For now, please leave the box that you have brought, with Pratap. Once we get an idea of how we are going to use it, we will know how much more we need of it. Also, kindly leave a list of all the items your NGO sells with Pratap. That way, if he needs to, he can order more items, directly. And please tell Shantanu so he can issue you a cheque in the name of your NGO for the cost of this box of hand-made paper. It was nice to meet you. Namaste." "Namaste" said Mrs. Panna, and she walked out looking very pleased.
"I think we have covered everything we needed to talk about for now, Pratap. You can go now. And, don't forget to collect the box and the list from Shantanu's desk. Oh, and I want to see a list, and preferably actual implementation, of at least FIVE different uses of that paper, by tomorrow morning" the professor concluded. Pratap nodded and folded his hands in namaste "Good day, Sir" and left.
At the same time, Mrs. Panna who had reached the exit of the building nearly tripped on the stairs and instinctively closed her eyes to brace for the fall but it never came. She opened her eyes to see a young girl with beautiful eyes, steadying her, and looking at her with worry. "Are you ok, Ma'am? Did you twist your leg? Does it hurt?" "No my dear girl. I'm completely fine, thanks to you. What is your name?" she asked. "Ajabdeh", the girl said, smiling. "Are you sure you are okay? Should I come with you till the gate?" Ajabdeh asked, again with a worried expression. "No.. no. I'm absolutely fine. Thank you so much, my dear girl. May Eklingji bless you with all the happiness" she said putting her hand on Ajabdeh's head as a blessing and left.
Walking away from the professor's cabin with the box of hand-made paper that looked like a saree box, Pratap was muttering to himself "Why? Why did I have to open my big mouth and say 'thousand different uses'? Why did I have to exaggerate? What do I know where you use this paper..? All I know is it looks beautiful..Well... I couldn't say no, could I?... Maa sa says the NGO helps so many... UFFF", said Pratap.
He had been so busy muttering to himself that he had turned a corner and walked straight into someone. The box of paper went flying out of his hands and the rush of wind from the foyer entrance made the papers fly all around the him. The beautiful, colourful, feather-light paper sheets were floating and flying all around him... He looked down to see whom he had bumped into and saw a girl who had just covered nearly her whole face with her hands in reaction, but her familiar kajal-lined eyes were tracing the path of all the papers flying around, in worry and shock. As she looked down, their eyes met, and the expression in her eyes changed from worry to wonder and dawning realisation.
Till then please read and comment,
Lots of love and creativity,
RuVa
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