Dear Readers,
Thank you all for your comments and likes.
This post is dedicated to Anukriti (Dhakkanmaster on IF) who probably will not read this post, for she has quit being on IF.
This dedication is my heartfelt thanks to her for translating several weeks ago the verses of the Rajasthani song that I have quoted in this chapter🤗. Anu has been one of my staunch supporters and I will miss reading her comments on my works. Anu, miss you yaar!😭
On to Teej and the intensifying love between our lead pair. Read, comment and hit like
Pyaar in the Pink City(English)
Disclaimer: I do not own any rights to the pictures or the songs used in this tory. All credits to the original owners and uploaders. The pictures have been procured from publicly available internet sources.
Part 22
Teej
Lukk - chipp na javo ji , manney deed karavo ji
Rae kyun tarsavey ho , manney sakal dikhavo ji
Thaari saraarat sabb jaanu main chaudhari
Mahaarey se levo na panngaji main kahan lagi
Mahaarey hivdhey mein jaagi dhaunkani
Rae chandaa main thaari chandni
Maney daaman mein baandhi khusi
Rae jhoom , jhoom ... Jhoom jhoom baa jhoom
~ Lyrics of the song Chaudhary
Link to the Song: http://www.saavn.com/s/#!/s/song/hindi/Coke_Studio_India_Season_2_-_Episode_3/Chaudhary/IjshUBFBWkE
The eastern skies were awakening to a rosy dawn, dispelling the velvety cloak of darkness, inch by inch. Maya's eyes fluttered open and she was wide awake in a trice. Her lips curved in a generous smile at her first thought of the day, "Today is Teej."
Owing to the fact that she hailed from Deep South, she had never experienced the rituals associated with this festival. She had been counting down to this day looking forward to all the festivities about which she had been hounding Garimaji, Naniji, Buaji and Khushiji for the past few days. Since it was her first Teej ever and since it was for her beloved Nandu, she wanted it be perfect and had aquainted herself with all the details so she wouldn't blunder inadvertently.
With some expert wiggling she managed to turn on to her side despite the deadlock of NK's arm around her waist. "Nandu, Nandu darling''. She cooed lovingly in his ear, her fingers tracing his lips.
NK smiled in his sleep and nuzzled her neck sinking into deeper sleep.
"Endiru Nandu. Na inda naal kaga evvalavu kathirunden(Wake up Nandu. I have been waiting impatiently for today)." She shook him a little this time, breaking out in her native dialect as she was apt to do when excited, angry, or emotional.
"Maya, don't talk nonsense da chellam(chellam = dear in Tamil) first thing in the morning" NK replied petulantly, seeking her lips with his in his semi-sleepy state; but Maya proved to be too quick for him.
She dodged his lips and cooed shrilly in his ear. NK sat bolt upright, his eyes wide open the next instance, while Maya rolled over with laughter.
************
In the room across, Payal gasped as she felt her wrist being encircled in a firm grip just as she was about to climb out of bed. The next second she was crashing against Akash's chest and being imprisoned in the tight circle of his arms.
"Payal, Don't even think about it. Aa ha, don't move a muscle either. Where are my daily dues?" He demanded in a voice heavy with sleep and desire.
"Aanya's papa, you have become increasingly shameless" mocked Payal casting a quick look at her sleeping baby while assuming a fifties bollywood drawl in her voice.
"Today is Teej, which means you have to wait until after the pooja this evening. Till then it's fasting time all around. Now, let me go" she smiled, while a warm blush colored her face at the pleading look on her husband's face.
************
Arnav woke to a steady stream of sleep slurred mumblings emanating somewhere near the crook of his neck.
"What the---" he muttered half rising.
Comprehension dawned and a lazy smirk played on his lips at the sight of his lovely wife clutching his nightshirt in a deathgrip. She had her nose buried in his throat as she dreamt of all the things she was not allowed to eat till the pooja that evening.
"Poori aloo! Yummm Golgappa! Eating one wouldn't hurt now. Would it Buaji? Anyway, Arnavji does not believe in all this fasting. Ooh! Look at that jalebi. Hey Devimayya, you are the one to create all these rules regarding fasting, and yet you choose to tempt with all these delicious dishes." she protested in her sleep.
"Crazy, filmy wife of mine" muttered Arnav before planting a firm kiss on his wife's pouting lips.
Khushi hummed with pleasure, her lips awakening under Arnav's mobile mouth and the rest of her following suit under his touch. The languid warmth from his drugging kiss spread through her veins enervating every inch of her and just as it reached her brain, her eyes flew open and she pushed him away in a fluid move.
"What the Khushi? Is this the way to treat your husband on Teej. That too after I have just woken you with such love" grumbled Arnav.
"Arnavji, It's because today is Teej. It's a day of fasting. Fasting till the evening's pooja and rituals are complete. You do understand what fasting signifies. Don't you? Hey Devi mayya! "She exclaimed, quickly rolling off the bed and began pacing the floor.
"Relax Khushi. In anycase, all this Pooja and Fasting is for me right? So no big deal" placated Arnav, drawing her in a comforting hug, steeling himself for yet another torrent of words to come when his wife looked around and discovered all the empty dishes that were full of her favorite food last night.
That is before she had worked her way through them, fortifying herself for the day long fast ahead. The thought brought forth a smile to his lips and a warm fuzzy feeling to his heart.
************
In the floor below, Anjali turned in her sleep and yelped as her cheek came in contact with something sharp. She blinked her eyes banishing the last remnants of sleep, and stared at the small bunch of sharpened pencils hand-tied with twine, and scented with a length of the fragrant raat-ki-raani creeper whose blooms had faded through the night but whose fragrance had not.
A small smile bloomed on her lips at last night's memory. Anjali had been desperate to meet Ajay upon her return from their little shopping trip the previous evening. But as luck would have it, there were too many details to attend to in preparation for Teej afoot at home and she could not find a moment alone with him all evening. Finally, as soon as the elders retired for the night, she had quietly slipped away to look for him.
Her first stop had been Tashi's room. She had hoped to catch him while he read to her. But she found Tashi fast asleep, snug as a bug in her bed. She had then taken the elevator to his studio on the fourth floor, for she could not deal with the delay of dragging her feet up four flights of sweeping stairs. To her utter disappointment, she had found the studio bereft of his presence. She bit back a heavy sigh and headed towards the library without much luck.
"Were you not the one to challenge Ajay that you would stay away from him? So why are you upset now?" taunted her inner Anjali as she dragged her feet back to her room her heart heavy and her eyes brimming with tears of disappointment. Just as she was about to plop on her bed, she had noticed the neatly tied pencils with the flowery creeper and a note on her pillow. Her heart had tumbled in her breast before beginning its beat to an unsteady drum, while she extended shaky fingers to pick up the note.
Rathod wrote with a bold and dashing hand, "Sugar Queen, I could not help but notice the dreamy look on your face when you were huddled with the ladies watching Tom Hanks message Meg Ryan that he would send her a bouquet of sharpened pencils if he only knew her name and address. I know your name and address and besides when a line works why invent a new one."
An indulgent smile curved her lips as she continued reading "So, here I am my dear, offering you a bouquet of sharpened pencils to remind you to keep sketching. You have a natural talent and it's a shame to lock it up. I wanted to look into your lovely eyes when I gave these to you, but oh well! This will have to do for now. Good night sugar and dream of me."
She held the clutch of pencils to her breast and let her tears roll while her face had a silly grin plastered on it. "Oh! What am I going to do? I am in love and don't have the faintest idea of what to do about it!"
Pulling herself back to the present she pressed her lips to the unconventional bouquet and sandwiched the wispy creeper with its flowers between the pages of her voluminous copy of Pride and Prejudice. As she stepped down from her bed her face shone with a radiance brought on by love and her heart sang with hope and happiness.
************
All of Jaipur was agog with Teej festivities. Not only was it one of the chief traditional festivals, it also was one of the main tourist attractions of Jaipur with the tourism department having planned several events in and around the city to last for two days.
Tashi was quite wound up with excitement and hop skipped and jumped her way through the haveli, while Viren chacha was besides himself with joy. The haveli had not been this alive in many years and he kept reminiscing past memories from time to time throughout the day. All the household help were busy in the kitchens, or at the Rathod's Shiv Mandir(Temple) by the lake where the evening pooja was to take place and were hurrying about their chores under the careful scrutiny of the methodical Ramu kaka.
The entire haveli was adorned with floral garlands, yards and yards of shimmering fabric, and fairy lights. Several swings were hung in the courtyard. Ramu Kaka had explained that they were called 'Sawan ke Jhoole'(Swings of Monsoon) and that during the monsoon month, on Teej, the women would adorn themselves and swing on these to declare their happiness.
Garima ji and Buaji's beaming faces had a story of their own to tell. Shashi ji had been enrolled under the treatment of Dr. Prithvi Shenoy, who had pronounced with confidence that almost hundred percent of his physical mobility and seventy to eighty percent of his vocal abilities could be recovered within a span of six to nine months. Teej had indeed taken on a fresh color of hope as far as Garimaji was concerned.
Anjali completed her arti with aplomb while Payal distributed the Prasad. She felt acutely conscious of everyone's gaze and wondered if they could see her heart's desire written on her face. She could barely meet Ajay's eyes that morning and busied herself with unnecessary details, catching stolen glimpses of him the entire day. She told herself it was ridiculous but could not help shying away nevertheless.
Soon after Arti, Naaniji distributed the traditional 'shrinjhara' to Payal, Khushi and Maya. Viren chacha insisted on adding his gifts to all of them claiming that they were all daughters of his haveli from that day going forward and that he would be honored if they could all adorn themselves with his gifts just as they did with the ones handed out by Devyaniji.
Every gesture took on a fresh new meaning to Anjali's lovelorn mind. She trailed her fingers on the gift basket she had received from Viren chacha in the privacy of her room. Her first traditional gift from the head of the Rathod family. "Oh stop daydreaming and open it up chided her twin inner voices in unison." It held lovely lac bangles, the customary sindoor and a saree in the prettiest shade of blue paired with a coral blouse beautifuly embroidered with floral creepers. She saw the discreet tag that declared it as a 'Sakhi Creation' and recalled the shop girl's comment about a large order being delivered to the Haveli the previous day.
The afternoon flew by as the family explored the colorful Jaipur market and gathered by evening at an especially reserved area for the Rathod family across from City Palace to watch the beginning of the procession of 'Teej Mata'. Ajay had opted to skip the procession and had planned on meeting them up at the temple on Malhar's grounds later that evening, where the Rathods had set up elaborate festivities in honor of the visiting Raizadas and Guptas.
Anjali's initial disappointment gave way to undiluted joy as she took in the festive streets, colorfully decked people and the pomp and grandeur of the ceremonial procession itself with its antique gilt palanquins, bullock carts pulling cannons, chariots, bedecked elephants, horses, camels, brass bands, and flamboyant dancers. Gair, kalbeliya and chakri dances were displayed by the artistes who swayed and swirled their way with energy and abandon right behind the elephant carrying the symbolic flag and preceeded the Goddess's palanquin. Eight men all dressed in red carried the Goddess Parvati or 'Teej Mata' in a fabulously decorated palanquin.
The beautiful Pink City celebrations had even managed to distract Khushiji to an extent that she forgot she had not eaten a morsel since day break. Tashi had found perfect buddies in Khushiji and Mayaji and the three of them had a ball imitating the dancers in the procession as they mimicked their swirling dance till Tashi was too giddy to stand on her feet and had to be picked up before she hit the ground by Arnav, much to her delight.
Viren chacha had kept up a running commentary detailing out the salient features of the customs and traditions while NK captured precious memories in his trusted SSLR. Anjali grew increasingly wistful and yearned to reach the Haveli as they started posing for pictures.
Unknown to her, Maya, NK and Khushi were concocting several schemes, each one wilder than the previous one for bringing Ajay and Anjali together that evening during the pooja at the temple. She would have melted of sheer embarrassment had she realized that these meddlesome threesome had seen straight through her clever attempts to dissemble and had hit on the truth that she was yet to spell out herself. And being who they were, they had decided to nudge things a bit to speed up matters.
************
The men had reached the Shiv Mandir(Temple) at the lake on the grounds of Malhar first and awaited the arrival of the women. A soft drizzle during the procession had cooled the air and the parched land emanated a rich earthy fragrance that seemed to stoke the fire in his heart as Ajay attempted small talk with the Guptas and NK, while his eyes constantly flitted to the distant horizon on the lookout for the cars that were to fetch the ladies from the Haveli. Nitin and Radhika had been invited along with their parents to join in the festivities.
The temple was lit with oil lamps along its perimeter. The tiny niches along the railings of the steps leading up to the temple housed more lamps and fairy lights twinkled on the temple spires as well as along the marble structures of the Gazebo in the lake across. Set against the purple and orange twilight sky, the Temple and the Gazebo resplendent in twinkling lights with their beauty reflecting in the waters of the lake rivaled the grandeur of the erstwhile Maharajah's gardens and palaces.
The colors, the smells, the fading sun, the newly emerging canopy of stars against a velvety purple sky and the beautiful temple with the handsome men waiting for them by the steps stole Anjali's breath. "What more could any woman want" thought Anjali with a sigh that was answered by a collective sigh from Payalji, Mayaji and Khushiji who had suddenly gone blind to every other sight save that of their respective husbands who were now smiling at them.
Tashi who looked like a little princess in her first ever lehanga(traditional skirt) and choli (short blouse) had reached her dad at the top of the stairs in the space of a heart beat and had moved on to twirl in the center of the temple after giving him a tight hug.
Anjali slowly moved towards the temple her hand holding on to the thal, the tiny anklets on her silver waist belt tinkling in time to her footsteps. She looked on as each of her brothers secretly caressed their wives and led them in. She smiled at Buaji and Naaniji and grinned widely at Radhika and Nitin who were waving to her. She looked everywhere except at a pair of dark eyes in a ruggedly handsome face that had zoned in on her the minute she had stepped out of the car. She simply couldn't. Her heart would probably give way and drop at his very feet going by the pace at which it was beating.
Ajay stood rooted to his spot at the top of the stairs no longer bothering to disguise his intent. Anjali had worn the very Saree he had picked for her and looked absolutely stunning, like a vision that had somehow escaped his dreams and stepped into reality. His words struck in his throat as she drew nearer and a dull ache developed in his chest. He held his hand out as she took her final step towards him, his eyes never leaving her face willing her to lift hers to him.
A slight frown creased Arnav's handsome brow while his Khushi squeezed his hand in suppressed excitement at the sight of an enthralled Rathod helping a spell bound Anjali up the final couple of steps leading to the temple.
"How I wish my Anjali accepts what is obvious to all of us and has the courage to embrace what is in her heart." Sighed Devyani ji while Viren Chacha surreptitiously wiped the tears of joy clouding his vision.
Panditji blew the conch and commenced the evening prayers narrating the story behind Teej. Goddess Parvati was born a hundred and eight times and had prayed for a hundred and eight days before Lord Shiva had accepted her as his beloved and his wife. And hence all the unmarried women fasted to obtain a husband like Shiva, while the married ones observed fast for the long life and prosperity of their husbands, he explained, and soon followed the story with the evening Arti.
Anjali moved as if in a dream, she smiled and chatted but was aware of nothing but the acute warmth of Ajay's eyes on her where ever she went. Soon it was time for the women to break their fast with the customary sip of water. Anjali set her pooja-plate aside and watched while her handsome brothers dutifully lifted the silver vessel containg water to their wives' lips. She chuckled at Arnav's expression as he fulfilled the ritual and Khushiji's squeal of happiness the minute she took a mouthful of 'Gewar'(Traditional Rajasthani sweet especially prepared during Teej) and moaned in delight.
When everyone had broken their fast she turned around to break her's, but lo and behold! Her silver glass of water had disappeared from her thal. Anjali gasped and looked around her anxiously. Khushi and NK rushed to her side and professed to help her find it while secretly exchanging a conspiratorial smile.
Presently Maya arrived at the scene and placed the glass in Ajay's hand. "Ajayji, I guess, Anjali Di is looking for this very glass of water. She probably has forgotten that she had left it over there a while back. Would you please take it to her?" She asked in her honey-sweet voice.
Ajay gave her a knowing smile as he accepted the glass of water and headed towards Anjali. "Looking for this Sugar Queen" he said huskily causing Anjali to spin around in astonishment.
"Y-Yes. But how did you?" She stammered in confusion.
"Never mind how. Now, go on and break your fast", he urged handing it to her with a guileless smile that sent the dimple in his cheek on a merry dance.
Anjali blushed furiously as she took the glass from his hands and took a tiny sip praying fervently for strength to get through the night with her dignity intact, while NK, Maya and Khushi Hi-fived behind her back much to Arnav's chagrin and Akash's endless amusement.
Nitin and Radhika's parents were older versions of their kids in temperament and had quickly bonded with the Guptas. Right after breaking their fast, the family shifted to the softly illuminated gazebo for dinner and further musical treats. Ajay had arranged for a group of artists from the village he sponsored, to perform the various Rajasthani folk dances and ballads.
They settled in pairs and groups on the comfortable plush floor cushions sprinkled in a staggered multi row semi-circle facing the artists ensuring everyone had an unhindered view. Anjali glanced around; the elders had elected to occupy the first row, while her brothers and their wives along with Radhika and Nitin had settled down in pairs behind them. Tashi was curled up on one of the cushions to the side with Ramukaka sitting protectively next to her. Anjali sensed Ajay emerge next to her, guiding her to one of the larger cushions at the far end. Each cushion had a tiny little hurricane lamp placed in front of it that enveloped the viewers in a subtle soft glow, leaving the spotlight to be trained on the singers.
The air filled with the rich voices of the folk singers and everyone settled in to enjoy even as Viren chacha's deep voice reverberated through the night air as he translated the verses or introduced each segment. The air around them shimmered with color, and music and a soothing languor pervaded the senses of the audience as the final segment neared.
Viren Chacha cleared his throat and began, "This ballad speaks of the haunting love between the powerful Chaudhary of the village and alovely lissome lass."
Anjali risked glancing at Rathod who sat next to her. He leaned in, resting on his elbow and looking straight into her eyes, added his bit to the introduction, "The Choudhry is a powerful, restrained and successful man who falls hopelessly in love with a young girl. He displays his feeling of helplessness, of giving into an emotion so strong, that one cannot even dream of fighting it!"
As if on cue, music filled the air as Ajay finished his sentence and Anjali gulped unable to tear her eyes away from Rathod's, unsaid emotions hanging silently in the air between them. She was no longer aware of the rest of the family, It was as if they were the only two people in the world.
Ajay continued to translate the words in a low husky voice that pulled her into a deeper trance from where she had no wish to return.
Lukk - chipp na javo ji , manney deed karavo ji
"The chaudhary is beseeching his beloved to stop hiding from him and is imploring her to indulge him" whispered Ajay close to Anjali's ears sending a quick shiver through her heart.
Rae kyun tarsavey ho , manney sakal dikhavo ji
"Why are you tantalizing me in this manner, do show me your lovely face" Ajay continued, letting his gaze roam over her upturned face
Thaari saraarat sabb jaanu main chaudhari
"I know all about your naughty and playful ways because i am the powerful chaudhary of the village"
Mahaarey se levo na panngaji main kahan lagi
"He warns his lady love ' Do not dare me in this matter for I will win." Ajay's eyes glinted and his lips curved in a half smile that made Anjali quiver even as her eye lashes lowered a tad and the color in her cheeks heightened.
Mahaarey hivdhey mein jaagi dhaunkani
"My heart is ignited with passion for you" Ajay said reaching for her hand by his side, his voice in dead earnest now and his eyes darkening to smoldering coals
Rae chandaa main thaari chandni
"I am your moon my dear moonlight"
Maney daaman mein baandhi khusi
"Happiness has come to me and is here to stay because of you"
Rae jhoom , jhoom ... Jhoom jhoom baa jhoom
"My heart and I are dancing in joy------ because of you and my love for you" Ajay declared on a lingering note, with his gaze unwaveringly on her, seducing her heart, mind and soul while the rest of the song played out cocooning them with its haunting lyrics and music of ageless love and passion.
"Oh dear Lord" she thought melting under Ajay's gaze, "I don't have a prayer against my rebellious heart and this romantic Rathod!"
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Edited by ForLoveofBarun - 11 years ago
Cricket
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