EPISODE 24
At the Parnagarh Haveli
Kalgiakka had always thought of herself as very brave. She had always been fearless. But standing in the luxurious yet official looking cabinet in the presence of the master of the haveli, she understood what feeling intimidated meant. He was seated in a chair across a table, the light from the lateral bay window illuminating his distinguished features. The brown wavy hair seemed to have a golden halo about them. The looks in his eyes was solemn staid and straight at her, she felt rather into her. In his hands were some papers which Kalgiakka had no idea about nor did she dare to venture a guess in her mind as she would have done had she been in a more normal stateof mind. The man in whose hands was relief or pain to bestow...Kalgiakka stood in complete awe.
"Didn't you hear our Mansabdar's question...did you make any new changes in your farm workers, or the delivery staff?" Ibrahim spoke a little louder in an attempt to get her out of her daze.
"Yes Sahib, i mean no Sahib. The same old lot." Kalgiakka managed to collect herself.
"You are friends with Ms.Peanutaker, i presume." The Mansabdar said.
"Yes Sahib, she is my bestest, i mean best friend. She can vouch for my loyalty to Parnagarh Sahib. I would do nothing to harm anyone here Sir." Kalgiakka didn't know why her eyes were wet.
"No no. We do not suspect you. We have checked your records. You have been supplying flowers for a long time. We are only trying to reach out to the culprit."
Inspite of Ibrahim's reassurance, Kalgiakka still felt choked.
"What can you tell us about Jaswant, we understand he has made friendship with you in a very short time." The Mansabdar's words were like a whiplash to Kalgiakka. How did he know? Was Jaswant the suspect then? The doubts that had formed in her mind since last night reinforced themselves and clouded her mind.
"Is he good or bad Sahib?"
"Well, you should tell us that. He is your friend." Ibrahim smiled.
"Friend, no no Sahib. Just an acquaintance. I showed him the way to the haveli on the day he arrived and he is an educated friendly sort of person. Thats all." Kalgiakka managed to offer an explanation.
Should she tell them of their conversations or his overhearing hers with Lana. Would that implicate her in any way if he was a suspect. Kalgiakka was thinking fast.
Khan Sahib stood up and nodded to Ibrahim.
"Do inform us if you stumble upon something. And for some time, we will send the boys to collect the flowers from your farm after checking. We are not cancelling orders of someone who has served the haveli for long. You may leave." Ibrahim told her.
Kalgiakka felt a huge relief and had tears rolling down her cheeks as she turned to leave. They trusted her and her business will not face any setback. Her baisa and her husband were such good people. No wonder Lana always sang praises of them. She would do anything to help them and find the person who tried to harm them. If indeed Jaswant's intentions were malicious, God save him from her. She would not let anyone harm her Parnagarh.
She had reached the gates, when she felt a tiny nag if she ought to have revealed her suspicions to the Mansabdar. Should she go back...no...she couldn't summon the courage to face the Mansabdar again. She had expressed her doubts in the letter and Lana will take care.
In Lana's mansion
"A note? But where is the damsel herself? Hopefully not in any distress!" Jaswant wondered! "On a more serious note, i had meant to have a look at your artefacts as Kalgi might have informed you. And if possible hope to have a chat with your staff who were very friendly during the birthday celebrations. But if Kalgi is not here and you are otherwise engaged, i think i must take leave. I have some work to finish and a report to submit by evening to the Mansabdar. That is why i dropped in a little earlier than i intended to. But if it is an inconvenience..."
Lana could not disappoint a friend of her friend and someone chosen by Khan Sahib.
"No, not at all. I was just searching for something missing... hence the worry...but it is fine. Come, i'll take you to the mini -gallery."
"Everyone in Parnagarh is ever so friendly and helpful. Thank you so much sweet lady." Jaswant was profuse in his thanks.
In the gallery
"This is an awesome good collection ma'am. Are you an avid collector yourself?"
"No it was my grandfather. He used to tell me stories behind each of these things when i was a little girl. And i used to repeat them to Kalgi..." Lana smiled for the first time since morning.
"Did you see that silver coin...it is more than a thousand years old. Belongs to the Gupta period...and it contains the symbol of a peacock! Now that is very rare. I have half a dozen coins with the garuda inscribed, but this is good, really good. The golden coins then called dinaras had the symbol of the Emperor who issued them on one side and a goddess on the other..."
Jaswant's enthusiasm was contagious. Soon Lana was happily discussing about various things. Lana showed her a terracotta monkey that Kalgiakka was scared of as a child.
Lana was so engrossed with the conversation that she completely forgot about the keys.
"What an engaging conversationalist...So gentle and so knowledgeable and cheerful at the same time." Lana thought to herself. He certainly did not have the aura of Khan Sahib. But was interesting nevertheless. Kalgiakka was a lucky girl.
"Were you looking for these madam?" Jaswant's voice snapped her from her thoughts. He was holding a key. "It was lying on the floor here. " he pointed just below the stands that held different types of vessels.
Lana was very much relieved. She had come to the gallery yesterday with the keys. Did she drop it then? But she had looked in the place this morning. How did she miss it if it was so obvious to the Jaswant? May be she had overlooked in her worry.
"Thank you so much Sir. I was looking for it all morning."
In the haveli library
The two dainty ladies were walking up the corridors that led to the library as the tender morning sunlight bathed the haveli in its comforting warmth, waking the chirping birds from their slumber and collecting the dew drops from the leaves and flowers in the garden that night had lent them.
"There is a huge collection of books on the history of the haveli. You can have a look at them, while i have to pick up my book on special concotions." Heera smiled. The ladies were soon engrossed in their works in the sweet silence of the early morning hours when a sudden movement at the other side made them both turn around simultaneously. Seeing a person there, Lashy reached for a bound volume nearby and aimed at the supposed intruder.
"Ouch" he turned around.
"Hari Baisa, it is you...Lashy, this is Ratan Kaka's son. You were out of town. When did you return and what are you doing here so early?"
"Was back last night. Mansabdar Sahib wanted the old records of the haveli employees. So started work a little early."
"I thought you'd be back only next week."
"I wound up the work soon. How could i not be back... it is Rakshabandhan the day after tomorrow and the Baisas of Parnagarh have always been kind enough to consider their employee's son as worthy of their Rakhis." The young man smiled with gratitude. "Here, i've found the record. Mirza Sahib is waiting for me. Salutations Sahibas."
Heera was lost in thoughts. "Every year we used to celebrate the festival with cheer. But for the first time, Jiji..."
"Life goes on and you have new friends...new brothers...cheer up dear, my cousin will be devaststed seeing you in tears if he does." Lashy consoled. " One celebration... is in order when i am here. Is it not? And i'm thinking of writing a story on this place and its enigmatic Mansabdar and its lovely Sahiba. More the fun, more colours in the story... "
"Story...dhat." Heera blushed.
"Now this was so much like Bindup. Now are we on with the celebrations?"
"May be we should. But with the goings on in the haveli..."
"Oh! Akbar's life is a series of hazards and adventures. Lets have some festivities. I'll talk to my cousin."
"Lashy, Akbar is your cousin, may be you would like to tie a Rakhi on his hands." Heera liked her idea a lot.
"Never." Snapped a startled Lashy and tried her best to retained an innocent countenance. "I mean, i'm not sure, if i can...our practices you see, ...may be my frien d Bindup would love to. I'll ask her...But i would love to take part in the festivities. I'll help you plan and prepare. "
"I'll ask Khan Sahib first. We'll keep it low key. Just invite near ones and close friends."
"And may be our boys' sweethearts too."
In Lana's mansion
Jaswant's company was very engaging and interesting. He was genial and good humoured. Not just to the mistress of the mansion, but to the cook, the gardener, page boys and everyone else present whom he had befriended on Kalgiakka's birthday. Refreshments were served and soon it was fore noon.
"Oh! Time has just flown. Thank you Sahiba for being such a fantastic host. It would have been more joy if Kalgi had joined us. But i must leave. "
"Do drop in with her once more before you leave. The entire household has taken a liking to you." Lana was at her cheerful best as she bade him goodbye.
In Kuki's house
Afzal was happily munching away the aloo parathas.
"Didi, you cook so well. Maharaj Kakasa is an expert. But you are good in your own way too. But where were you all these days? I was put on duty and couldn't take time off. But used to look up whenever i passed by here and it was dark. This evening when i saw the lights i just made a dash. And i am free as well."
"I went to the nearby town and...and got caught...i mean...well Azeez dropped me back last night. Will you have one more"
"I'm really full..."
The sound of muffled footsteps were heard and they both paused. Was it approaching the cottage or going away. Both of them got up to take a look in the garden. Afzal picked up a stick and Kuki her trustworthy pan, and they both stepped into the spreading darkness outside kept at bay by a couple of blazing torches.
"Who lighted and placed them here?" Kuki wondered
Jhanak
Geet - Hui Sabse Parayee
