The dusk was
falling on the dusty Shergarh.
Raja Shoor Vir Singh
has retired to the third floor bed room with his trusted friends. He had
decided to marry his two daughters after careful deliberations and scrutiny of
few legible prospective suiters.
All the
arrangements have been made meticulously, details worked out and duties
assigned to trusted close relatives and assistants. No one will be allowed to disturb
him till the marriage was over and guests had departed.
Only very important
guests will be allowed to see and enquire about his health. He has not been
keeping well and was advised to refrain from the daily bottle of
whiskey.
Rajaji was supposed
to have alcohol instead of blood flowing in his royal veins. He was too proud
of his blue-blooded ancestry and considered neighboring Rajas lower origins. The
crumbling fort was hurriedly given a fresh coat of paint and some of its old
glory was restored. But only on the imposing front portion visible from the
main road. The marriage party would be immensely proud to enter its
imposing gate adorned with a sparkling large family
insignia. Its old brass glimmered as new after decades of dirt was washed off
and diligently polished.
The distant drum
beats and trumpets signaled imminent arrival of the Barat. A group of
balladeers were singing to welcome the marriage procession.
They sang
beautifully and all felt lost and immersed in poetry full of romance and
longings. The folk songs hoped about how the groom will take care of the
bride...how the coy girl will respond to her paramour and they will live
happily afterwards.
Against doctor’s
advice Rajaji has already consumed a full bottle of potent whiskey and lay
slumped in his favorite high back throne like chair in the large hall. His
child hood chums Meethu Ram and Banke Bihari were summoned to give him company
on the important but a difficult day.
Only a few hours
ago he had regally announced an important decision to amazed close relatives and
friends. The decision was very important, involved his heart felt aversion to
welcome the approaching marriage procession.
It was a well though
out decision that would spare him the dishonor of bowing his head.
He loved to keep
his head held high and has not bowed before any one except His
High Highness the Maharaja. Few other exceptions were the respectable
elders of the family.
The onerous duty
has now befallen on his pliable younger brother the Chote Raja. He happily
looked forward to welcome the marriage procession and did not mind bowing his
head before the father of the groom and guests. It was one of the few important
duties assigned to him in years. Chote Rajaji looked important and enjoyed his
few hours of power and prestige.
All the important
decisions were always made by Rajaji, his feared and arrogant elder brother,
the patriarch.
The marriage party
was believed to have few savage troublemakers and old family enemies. They
would not spare any effort to make things difficult and uncomfortable for the
family of girls. They would not get such a golden opportunity again to settle
old scores and would behave as they pleased. It was a perfect
opportunity to make fun of any real and imaginary shortcomings in the
arrangements.
Rajaji was aware of
such grave dangers and let his displeasure known to the father of grooms.
The strategic
decision of farsighted Rajaji to marry off both the girls together was made to
take care of such future troubles. To suffer ignobility once would be certainly
far better than attending two horrendously drunken marriages parties and
tolerate their unreasonable behavior.
Rajaji had
carefully looked in to the future and applied his fertile mind to reduce the
expected future burdens in many ways. The master stroke to marry off his two
daughters to two brothers reduced to a minimum the number of haughty guests and
their tantrums. The minimized future expenses of numerous gifts to be given and
attending to guests from grooms' family would be far more manageable and
economical than otherwise possible.
The dwindling
incomes did force a few compulsions to economize.
Rajaji had lived a
far more glamorous life and seen better days. He has married thrice to produce
an elusive male heir to further his generations of legacy.
On the second floor
his three Ranis were seized of few grave situations too. The crafty
moneylender Seduram Lahoti has refused to part with the family heirloom held
surety for regular loans. It was done to meet the ever mounting expenses of the
large household and luxuries they could not live with out.
He has taken the
money sent to get few important ornaments back but released nothing for the
important occasion.
"He will meet
a gory death soon. Dogs will eat his rotting corpse. It’s my curse...it never
goes empty...you know."
The childless Bari
Rani aged about forty five; spat
venom as she relished another large gulp of whiskey, secretly enjoying the
torment faced by her younger competitors.
“I will ask my
brother to teach him a befitting lesson, if your
highness permit's me". The Beechali
Rani was more vehement and did not
seem to really care for the permission of the old infertile cow
She was about
forty, mother of elder girl being married and deeply aware of the older Rani’s malicious enjoyment at her
plight.
She looked for
support at the Choti Rani, mother of
younger one being married.
“Don’t be
silly...that will not be a right action...Rajaji would be very angry...I must
warn you two."
The tall Bari Rani gracefully advised her younger
rivals. She wanted to retire to her floor and laugh her heart out.
These younger women had stolen her man and made her live like a nun through her
youth. Rajaji had only married these low boned women to produce an heir and
what they have gave him in return? Only two daughters to marry off and force
Rajaji to bow his head before people of low ancestry!
She was from a
highly illustrious family than of these younger women.
"Don’t you
dare to warn us about the anger of Rajaji...he never visited you even
once for last fifteen years... and hell with your witchcraft and
curses...I know how happy you are...you always wanted our daughters to be
unhappy...like you.... stop this ugly drama. You old bitch…don’t try to fool
me...! Baanjh...just keep your dirty mouth shut..."
The youngest more
vocal Choti Rani gave her piece of
her mind. Being adored by Rajaji, she could afford to speak whatever
she wanted. The Bari Rani closed her large
almond shaped eyes and immensely relished the angry out burst of her young
rival. The more venom spewed by her enemies meant how unsure and fragile they
are.
“My dear sister I
have heard these words before.... but I know one thing now.... for
sure..."
"Forgive her
please. She is out of her mind...only you know how to deal with this
crisis!" The Beechli Rani
pleaded with folded hands.
“Let me think my
dear...sister why don't you fill my glass... now I can compete with
Rajaji...one whole bottle...you know?"
She started to
laugh loudly which slowly turned in to hiccups and muted weeping.
"I want to
die...so much pain.... loneliness...loveless life...everyone hates me...makes
fun of me...treats me like dirt...to hear what she just said to me right
now.... what is there for me...haven't I suffered enough? I don’t want any more
pain... my dear...mix poison in my drink...want to kill my self....but lack
courage...I will write a suicide note to save you...please sister ..let me be
free....help me please…I don’t want to live any more...and now I have a good
reason to die...yes I have to...help me please.."
Her slurred voice
betrayed her state of intoxication.
"Please hold
your self.... and help us ...you have to." The Beechli Rani slumped to floor, held her to feet and
pleaded.
“Yes I will help
you.... if you promise to help me.... free me of my pain..." The older
Rani was now incoherent with grief.
"We will be always
very grateful.... sorry I am so foolish to say those horrible things to
you...forgive me please...for the young girls." Choti Rani immediately come
to her senses and pleaded touching the feet of the older Rani.
"Don’t waste
time the Baraat is approaching fast ...send for that rascal moneylender now…he
will obey me...he will have to..."
The Choti Rani
rushed down stairs to send a servant to fetch the moneylender and the Bari Rani caressed her stomach and
laughed again loudly.
"Everyone
calls me a...baanjh....but I am not....you see...I must tell you a
secret before my death...a life is growing in my womb...come feel it
sister...but won't live and grow...will die with me...so unfortunate...but have
to save a few honors...shouldn't
I...?"
"Oh
my god...what have you done...and who is it…?" The horrified Beechli Rani cried in utter disbelief.
“It doesn’t matter
from whom I got pregnant...poor fallow...I gave him money and sent away…"
"Oh…but
why…?"
"
Don’t you know why... it was easy for you to have a child...and I just had to always
dream...wondered about it...how it felt to have a life growing inside.... for
so long...now I feel it...and it feels so good...like a woman...a complete
woman... was it my fault that Rajaji stopped coming to me…?"
“I
told you in details how it was felt...till birth...yet you chose to…"
“I
wanted to die in peace...not with a big hole in my soul...don’t care about
others. I just don’t give a damn…you are like my younger sister…that’s why I am
telling my secret…"
“You
didn’t even care for the honor so dear to Rajaji and all of us...how could you
be so mean and shameless?"
“Don’t
worry sister, I will do all I have to, to hold the family honor high...just
attend to the urgent business of marriage…there is so much that needs your attention...
and don’t forget to send Phooli to me for company…she too is not allowed to witness
the marriage... a banjh...we will just get lost in our woes...do not
worry... honor of Rajaji and all of you is dear to me...please go now…leave me
alone…"
As the marriage
party neared the fort, Banke Bihari and Meethu Ram helped Rajaji to the large
regal bed. The satin covered large pillows were carefully propped under his
shoulders to keep his head raised. Numerous glass vials containing medicines
were neatly arranged on a large side table. The whiskey bottle and goblets were
immediately shifted to an anteroom.
Rajaji was immensely pleased and smiled at his
child hood friends for their help. He asked for one more shot of whiskey before
he would be ready to receive the guests.
“ I never wanted to
see this wretched day…but it is here with us…see how I am dealing with it to
save my honor…being terminally ill…” Rajaji smiled.
“ Annadata
you are a genius…” Banke Bihari admired him.
The marriage party
was given a rousing reception as expected. The hurriedly repaired ancient guns
were fired. The thundering booms caused the old fort structure to shudder,
showering the guests with fine lime and dust from the high ceiling of the huge
gate. The beaming father of the grooms was elated but noticed and enquired
about absence of Rajaji.
Chote Rajaji
hurriedly informed him about the serious indisposition of Rajaji. Doctor Ganguli was signaled to brief him about
the life threatening royal ailments of the patriarch with a befitting grave
face. Raja Vijay Raj Singh of Rupangarh was concerned and wanted to see the
ailing Rajaji right away, if that was in order.
Doctor Ganguli was
thoughtful and indecisive as the guest waited patiently.
“I will enquire
right now and see if it’s possible.” Doctor Ganguli said after careful deliberations
and proceeded upstairs.
·
Rajaji fell silent
and drank regally.
“I did not want the
girls to live…but could not prevail upon the emotional Ranis…a man can’t live
with out women and they twist and turn him to be a fool…so easily”
“Yes anndata…we
are aware…” Meethu Ram said carefully.
“No… you are
not…how could you be…?”
His friends fell
silent respectfully.
“Can you think of Raja Shoor Vir Singh of
Shergarh bowing his head before people of low ancestry?”
“No anndata that’s
impossible for us to even imagine such a dishonor…” Banke Bihari said with
folded hands.
“Are you sure those
idiots of Lal Singh will be suitably dealt with?”
“Yes anndata… Shamshad Ali and his boys will take care of
those fools.
“I don’t want any
goof up today…there is too much at stake…my honor…how that fool could could
even think of such a silly plan…?”
“He has turned
mad…what else could explain his stupidity?”
“I am sure he will
go insane today…those who underestimate me always pay heavily…”
“Please be assured,
he will be a more troubled man than ever before…”
“Sounds good but
make sure every thing happens the way I want…or you know there will be no
mercy…”
“Today is very
auspicious for you anndata. All the known and unknown enemies will be
humbled…” Banke Bihari assured him.
“What about the
unknown enemy…. who is it…?” Rajaji was curious.
“A woman, she will
come to her senses and won’t be able to cause any
trouble…” Banke
Bihari spoke with hesitation.
“Can you tell more
about her…?” Raja Shoor Vir Singh now seemed impatient.
Banke Bihari turned
serious and spoke carefully measuring each word.
“She’s married…
it’s her first pregnancy…not from her husband… both she and her child could be
a source of dishonor…”
A hushed dark
silence descended in the large hall.
Banke Bihari felt
sweat breaking loose and tracing his shaking spine. For the first time in his
life he trembled in mortal fear.
“Anndata I will consult the
astrologer again and will get more information tomorrow…”
“No, you fool. Call
that astrologer right now; I want to talk to him immediately …” Rajaji suddenly
sat up and shouted.
A shadow of fear
appeared in his blood shot eyes.
·
Doctor Ganguli
briskly entered with a grave face, looked around, carefully pushed Rajaji back
on pillows and seemed satisfied with result. He produced a syringe and an
injection bottle from a cupboard and sat down on edge of a chair near the bed.
“Anndata
are you ready to receive the guests…?”
He asked with a
faint smile.
Rajaji brooded for
long time slowly emptied the glass, tossed away it and nodded.
Meethu Ram
skillfully cached the delicate Belgian glass and put it in the cupboard.
“Yes, doctor I am ready…Banke get going fast now…you
have only half an hour to produce that astrologer”.
Banke Bihari
immediately proceeded downstairs.
Thakur Lal Singh vengefully
surveyed the gaiety of the marriage celebrations. With a palpable seething
anger he remembered the insults and agonies heaped on his late father right here
in this wretched fort by the devious arrogant Rajaji.
Today he would
take the much-awaited noble revenge and make the life of the despised
host absolutely miserable. Being maternal uncle of the grooms his status was very special. He
had patiently waited for such an opportunity for years and didn’t
leave any thing to chances. It was he, who carefully played the behind the scene role of the
matchmaker. Though the matches were good and in order indeed, he had his own
personal objectives far beyond the mundane importance of the ongoing marriages.
He looked indulgently at his feared gang of
mischief-makers led by legendry Bhand Chailiya. They had expertise to
make fun of any one with a large unmatched repertory of jokes and antics; highly
sought after during marriage season and were indeed expensive.
Chailiya had listened to his desires and demanded special place
along with the grooms and assured him of devastating results.
He had personally
briefed him about weak spots and floating rumors concerning the hosts, especially about
the ladies. Being highly creative and innovative they were capable of causing
acute harassments endlessly.
Thakur Lal Singh had
shared his revenge plans with some of his relatives and close
friends. As expected they wished him good luck and now waited for the show to
begin.
They too looked
forward to witness the arrogant Rajaji turning helpless and publicly apologize
for his past sins. He would demand an open apology from arrogant Rajaji to
cease the onslaught of his feared army.
He had been
drinking heavily to ward off any attempts to influence him when his army got going.
His trusted servant Sitaram hurriedly came and whispered the devastating news.
The canny Raja Shoor Vir Singh had played a deft stroke and made his plans
look utterly childish. His serpentine anger made him recoil with deep helplessness.
He gave Sitaram a
resounding hard slap for giving him the bad news. His trusted servant bowed
respectfully and stepped back with an expressionless face. Many chose not to
notice the master punishing his trusted servant. Sitaram was privy
to the grand revenge plans and understood and shared his master’s acute disappointment.
Raja Vijai Raj Singh along with the grooms, Thakur Sher Singh and other
close relatives entered through the low door, bowing their heads. It was a
small gate made to allow only one man at a time. Such gates with narrow winding
alleys formed part of the royal security plans. In past heads of many enemies
and trespassers were chopped off with one clean sweep of swords.
Raja Shoor Veer
Singh smiled at the sight of the guests entering with bowed heads and
felt a surge of pride seeping through his intoxicated brain. He lay still with
half closed eyes, seeing all but pretending to be ill.
All were silent for
a brief
period.
Doctor Ganguli cleared his throat loudly and
announced the
arrival of the esteemed guests.
Rajaji opened his
eyes and smiled at Raja Vijai Raj Singh.
The handsome grooms
in royal finery bowed and stood respectfully.
Doctor Ganguli
continued.
“Unfortunately Annadata
has developed grave complications; cannot move his hands and I am afraid
will not be able to speak at all…”
“I am so sorry to
know that and wish for a fast recovery …” The guest looked suitably concerned.
“We have called a few
doctors from Bombay
too.” Doctor Ganguli said with a grave face.
“His Excellency we
wish you a long life and hope to see you back, hitting few sixes in the cricket
match soon.”[2]
Raja Shoor Veer Singh smiled and
caught Thakur Lal Singh looking at him with intense visible hatred. Rajaji felt
pleased at his archenemy’s blood shot defeated eyes and raised one mocking
eyebrow to torment him further.
·
A
troubled moneylender Seduram Lahoti was ushered in
the hall and told to wait for the Bari rani to appear behind the curtain.
He felt dizzy and slowly sat down on the
carpet with an acute sinking feeling over powering his senses. His brains were
working hard to find an elusive escape strategy fast. It was now well over five
years ago that she had called him. He respected and feared her, an expert
negotiator who would not mind telling him about the timely help given to his
father to ward off a serious life-threatening crisis. His whole family always
felt greatly indebted to her.
He some how realized it was the
pay back time. There will be no turning back now but to honor a commitment his
immensely grateful father had made years ago.
He hurriedly got up on hearing
movements behind curtain, bowed his head in respect and noticed there was no
maid to announce her arrival. That conveyed a private meeting, his felt heart
beat quickening.
“Ghanee khamma anndata...”
He spoke respectfully.
“How is your family?” Her voice felt worn out and intoxicated.
“Every thing is well due to
your grace, your highness.”
“I am in a hurry… wont waste
any time and would come to the point…”
“Hukam anndata..” He
felt numb.
“I need all the ornaments back
for few days…is that clear?” Her now authoritative tone conveyed the finality
of her wishes beyond scope of any negotiations.
“Hukum anndata..”
Seduram Lahoti said with a sinking heart.
“I know you feel very
troubled…but don’t be…it’s my commitment…
I will honor my commitment…till
I am alive…I always did…didn’t I…?”
“Hukum anndata...”
“Excellent…you see those papers
and pen there on the table …write a note asking your brother to immediately
release all the ornaments and sign it…and stay back to witness the handover..”
Sedu Ram Lahoti walked those
few steps to the writing table with great difficulty. His legs felt very heavy,
immobile, mind was numb…the sinking feeling revived.
“Don’t worry…you have my
word…benefit will be far more than any risk you might presume right now…” Her
voice betrayed impatience on his hesitation.
“Hukum anndata…but it
is the biggest decision so far of me…please let me collect my courage…”
“Oh I see…. you need to gather
courage to honor the commitment your late father made to me?” She challenged
him.
"Are you sure of your
calculations pundit?" Rajaji watched
him with his blood shot eyes.
“Hukum annadata..." the
gray haired Pandit Brij Kishore felt a chill gripping him.
"Who is she…?" The question acquired a sinister tone.
Pandit kept a pregnant silence.
His eyes conveyed a faint tinge of hesitation.
"I need more details…who
is she…how old…tell me all with out fear…you will be rewarded."
“What happened, your highness?
Did he agree?" A worried Beechali Rani come running.
"Here are all the
ornaments…choose what you would like …” Bari Rani smiled and affectionately
patted her cheek.
“Oh my god…that's wonderful…I
was so nervous…thanks a lot…how did you make him agree?"
“He had to honor a commitment his late father made
to me years ago." Senior Rani sat down on her favorite rocking chair.
"Oh God…so good he
did…otherwise he has been such a rascal.." Beechali rani almost shrieked happily.
Senior rani put her head on the
rest, rocked the chair and spoke gravely.
"Yes…he has been a
rascal…but did honor his commitment…oh where is my glass… Phooli…need few more
tonight. I feel exhausted…but so happy for the girls and for you…it’s
now celebration time…"!
"Oh …haven't you still had
enough…?" The Beechali Rani cut her short.
"No…I haven't had enough
yet…don't know what tomorrow might bring…want to get terribly drunk just
now…” Senior’s voice displayed pain and helplessness.
"No please. I won’t let
you have it…" Beechali Rani tried feebly.
Bari Rani twisted her lips,
gave a mock smile and started to laugh.
"Oh …really…what would you
not let me have…? The pain or it’s medicine…tell me…be frank…yes …come on…I
need to listen…"
Beechali Rani remained silent respectful of her while
the senior rani continued after long pause.
"You never really bothered
about my pain? No you didn't…I begged you to help me meet Rajaji…and
explain…. but I don't blame you…who would have cared for me…and you feared that
scheming young bitch junior rani…she could have made you suffer…I expected a
lot from you…got deceived…my fault…I thought you were strong enough…"
Tears rolled down the large
eyes of Beechali Rani. She slumped to
the floor and clutched the feet of Bari rani.
"Hey Phooli…you bitch…didn't you listen…get
me one more…now…"! Bari rani shouted at her maid.
A terrified Phooli bowed,
filled a glass, and handed it over respectfully. She moved back wards
and stood in the shadows.
Beechali Rani wept loudly now, hitting her forehead at
her feet.
"Please forgive me
sister…I had no courage…yes you are right…she could have made me suffer…as she
did to you…I didn't have guts to bear so much of suffering…you are so strong…I
am weak… sorry…please… I beg of you… please forgive me... "
“I already have..." Voice
of Bari rani was distanced.
"Oh… have you… thank you
sister…a heavy load is lifted from my heart and soul…" Beechali rani
kissed her hand and raised her self up with great effort, feeling drained.
Bari rani remained silent;
drinking slowly and suddenly spoke. Her voice betrayed agitation.
"I am told she has managed
to get pregnant after so many years…”?
"Yes your highness."
Bari rani felt her heart sinking.
“I am amazed at God’s will…look
at me…and at her…I keep silent to suffer and she schemes to prosper … …"
“Yes your highness…I feel same…”
“She is planning to get an
heir…isn’t she?” The rocking chair
gathered motion.
“Looks like…she is always
scheming a lot…what you think…. will she be able to succeed…and become the
queen mother?”
Voice of Beechali rani was
laced with intense hatred. She shuddered to think of her future, being controlled
by a monstrous greedy woman.
Bari rani stopped rocking her
chair and opened her blood shot eyes.
“Oh no she can never …no…she is
such a merciless cunning bitch, busy plotting her rotten ascent… I fail because
I care…can’t cause hurt…she is heartless and so wins …wouldn’t mind killing
few…but now enough is enough… I wont let it happen again…it was she who made
Rajaji stop coming to me… he used to love me and was crazy about me…adored
me…but that bitch stole my man…not any more…nothing is left to be afraid of?”
Beechali rani listened attentively.
“I do not fear now…what is there to fear…?”
The tone of Bari rani seemed profoundly changed.
“What you have in mind your
highness?” Beechali rani whispered
expectantly and looked straight at the half close eyes of senior.
The tormented Bari rani fell
silent, weighing limited options and closed her eyes, deciding against sharing
thoughts. The rocking chair conveyed her agitated mind.
“Its nothing sister…I feel
deeply tormented…my plight is becoming unbearable… Phooli…produce Mushya right
now.” Phooli bowed and ran out.
“Why don’t you go now and take
care of the marriage…?”
Bari rani held her hand as Beechali
Rani bowed and started to move.
"Now, remember your commitments…
must keep secrete…and there by my honor…"
“Yes your highness…I promise…”
“Are you sure and remember what is to be
done?” Shamshad Ali sternly asked.
A
green horn bhand Bhanwaria felt immensely elated to be the chosen one.
It was going to be his first big professional assignment, to lure the legendry bhand
Chailia and take him to a secluded room, where his nemesis would be waiting. A
success would catapult him to high status, big money and honors. A defeat would
throw him back to the well-known intensely despised fringes of a crawling
existence. He was dressed as a desirable bejeweled woman reeking of a heady
exotic perfume, attired in body hugging Ghaghra choli.
“Yes ustad.” Bhanwaria replied with
confidence.
“Beta, you know the importance of the
assignment tonight… I wont repeat…more than that… it is going to be your
hour…to announce your arrival…and change your life forever…only few who are
preordained for name and great fame are bestowed with such chances…I was not so
fortunate…. and could only made a mark much later…I hope you understand what is
being told…its gist of my own life experiences…I had no body to guide me…but
you have had me… I gave you all of my learning…now it’s your foremost duty to
bring honor for yourself and thereby to me too…god blesses you.”
A satisfied but shaky Shamshad Ali
admired at his creation once more.
“Ok let’s go my son, move.”
·
“What is going on… what did the astrologer say?”
The Bari rani asked as Mushya bowed his head in respect.
“One pregnant woman might bring dishonor to
Rajaji…” Mushya whispered, as the sounds of songs and dances in the courtyard
below grew louder.
“One what…. say it again…Phooli bring one faster…”
She didn’t believe what her ears heard from her resourceful and trusted
aid. Mushya repeated little more loudly
but halted seeing Phooli come with glass. The senior rani drank half in one
gulp and closed her large eyes.
“Who is she Mushya..?” Her voice sounded weak and
drained out.
“I have no idea yet your highness…please gives me
some time and will find out.”
“Don’t take the trouble…because I know her very
well…”
·
Thakur Lal Singh seethed with serpentine anger as
he reluctantly rejoined his now tipsy friends and relatives. They smiled and
looked at him seemingly with huge expectations. But the coveted revenge plan
was crashing making his senses mad-extremely mad.
How could he under estimate the arch foe?
The crafty Rajaji has played a deft trick to make
his painful and costly labor to take revenge so amateurish. By simply feigning
illness and enjoying his easy victory with his famous devilish grins.
Some thing has to
be done to salvage the looming damage and acute embarrassments.
He has invited so many to witness his long awaited
revenge. His honor was at stake and must be saved. The group of bhands led
by legendry Chailiya will surely have an ace up their sleeve to deal with the
crisis. They have to do their job well. But he was acutely aware of many
problems slowly surfacing.
“What is happening Thakur
saa…all are waiting for the show to begin?”
His old friend and accomplish Thakur
Shaitan Singh probed his uneasy bearing with concern, closely related to Rajaji
but has always resented haughty manners of the hated patriarch. He suggested
the revenge plan and introduced the famous bhand Chailiya to bring havoc
during the marriage cerebrations. He was not a trusted friend but the idea was
too appealing to be discarded on mere suspicion.
“Rajaji is feigning illness and
won’t be here…that’s what I hate…some one has betrayed me… they are prepared…”
Thakur Shaitan Singh judged his
troubled face and waved away the mounting suspicion with expertise.
“These things are never a secret forever you
know…those excited bhands are after all loud mouth rascals and must have
boasted. Do not bother…let the show get going and hold the grooms going to the mandap
before Rajaji offers an apology for his past misdeed.”
“There are problems…I may not get
approval from my brother in law…he would over rule me…I know him…won’t agree.
It would have been different…if it was a surprise and Rajaji was present…he
would have had no option…but now it looks tedious…” Thakur Lal Singh replied
gravely.
“You will loose honor…there are
so many here…specially come to see Rajaji slump to his knees…”
A shaken Thakur Lal Singh
slowly slumped on a nearby chair; his blood shot eyes were indecisive and
clouded with thick strains of a looming defeat.
Thakur Shaitan Singh waited for him to settle
down and whispered after a pregnant pause.
“I advise no back tracking… but
a full frontal attack…come what may…I know how much pains you have taken for
this day and the costs involved…it will be your defeat…I think you need a stiff
drink to be decisive…and be sure there will be no second chance available…”
He signaled a servant hovering
around; making sure Thakur Lal Singh was tormented enough to be pushed hard to
make more foolish moves.
He had promised that to a
suspicious Rajaji who wants to demolish his foe forever. The promised reward he
daftly negotiated has to be earned now.
The servant bowed and asked his
preference, raced to the table and come back to offer the drink. Thakur Lal
Singh emptied the glass at once and lifted another immediately.
Thakur Shaitan Singh smiled and
waited for his friend to take the awaited decision.
And that would deliver the reward.
·
Choti rani looked at her
daughter princess Parwati being prepared for the marriage ceremony. Her heart
felt heavy as the realization of the child going away forever dawned on her.
She had made sure that the most fabulous ornaments adorn her only child, who
looked so beautiful and full of innocence.
Parwati sat demurely and let
maids and the groups of girl friends prepare her for the great occasion. They
whispered gossip and secrete of married life repeatedly and merrily laughed at
her discomfort.
Choti rani smiled at the girls and come out to
inspect arrangements. She felt elated after success in cornering bulk of prime
ornaments for Parwati. The difference will be visible to all and reconfirm her
higher stature to any one who cares to see and she was sure there are many who
would notice. She knew the middle rani would have come to know about it by now
and must be very angry at one more defeat. It was a pleasure to defeat her
foes repeatedly and come always
victorious.
Ramkudi come running and almost
collided with her.
“Oh. You blind Bitch …and
what’s the hurry?” She shouted at her maid, who broke her blissful reverie.
“Ghanee khamma anndata…there
are two big black snakes… lying on your highness bed… now both have slithered
to the ante room.”
A terrified Ramkudi broke the
horrific news haltingly; her face was washed in sweat.
“Two snakes on my bed? Are you sure
bitch…or you will get few hard lashes.”
She warned her mischievous
favorite maid as fear of bad omen come rushing to her mind. It was indeed a bad
omen on an auspicious occasion. She terribly feared snakes and two lying on her
bed was too scary a sight. And the damn snakes were supposed to be hidden in
the anteroom, holding her secret treasure. It was unthinkable. She will ask
servants to lock and guard till the marriage was over. It will not be possible
to announce catastrophic presence of snakes during the marriage. She decided to
deal with the feared reptiles later and continue undisturbed with marriage
festivities. She chose to entrust the onerous responsibility on her loyal
servant Jassu.
“Produce Jassu fast…and bitch
don’t you dare to tell any one about snakes…is that clear?”
“Hokum anndata... “Ramkudi looked at her with fearful excitement and
looked crestfallen on being forbidden to disclose her great discovery.
·
“The grooms are tall and very
hand some anndata…” An excited Phooli turned back to tell Bari rani, who
lay slumped in the still rocking chair.
“Be careful raand…someone
must be keeping a vigil on us…we are not supposed to cast our unfortunate gaze
on grooms, brides and on the mandap in the courtyard below…”
“ What will happen now anndata…I
am been doing that and telling your highness what I see…I don’t want any harm
come to them…because of me…’
Bari rani didn’t answer and closed her eyes. The
feeble light from a small earthen lamp made them almost invisible ghostly
shadows. Both childless baanjh women were supposed to keep away from the
fun and gaiety of the marriage, and retire early. Their dinner has been served
from the kitchen and lay covered, in sparkling silver on table for rani and one
on floor for Phooli in brass. They silently heard noisy children’s laughter’s,
marriages songs and cacophony of celebrations. The low piercing notes of shainai floated in the background.
“Anndata…forgive me…I don’t
want to look at them any more…I go back to my own marriage and…all the pains it
has given me…I don’t want that to happen to Baisa and Banra…someone
told me that you suffered because of me too…because you allow me to be present
in your marriage and see what has happened…no your highness I wont look out
tonight again...please forgive me…” Phooli turned back and sat on floor.
“You want to drink raand…don’t you?” Senior rani asked.
“If your highness permits…” A
sad Phooli replied eagerly.
“Go have as many as you
want…and use a glass.” Bari rani dropped the glass on floor; it rolled away and
rested against leg of a chair.
Phooli got up walked to the
table carefully in dark, poured a drink and sat down on floor facing senior
rani.
“What will happen to brides and
grooms anndata? I have looked at the handsome grooms…will they be able to
father kids…” Phooli took a sip and asked with fear.
“Yes...don’t worry…they will be
able to…it is big nonsense...” Bari Rani laughed wryly.
“Then why are you being kept
away from marriage celebrations your highness? I hate it… and that raand Ramkudi was teasing me about it …
I almost slapped her…”
“Yes I know…it’s all because of
Choti Rani…but I don’t care…”
“She creates so many troubles
for you and yet your highness got all those ornaments back for girls…”
“Yes I care for girls…like my
own…”
Phooli emptied her glass, got
up for another fill. She left the bottle opened, gulped one fast, poured
another stiff one and sat near the table and decided to confront her mistress.
“You continue to do so much for
thankless people and get deceived often …so much pain and sufferings and yet
you are good…you have to change anndata…I cant bear it any more…I want to go
back to my village and wait for the death to relieve me of pain and humiliating
life…I can bear my pain but not yours any more…please forgive me…I am feeling
mad…If you permit I will kill that heartless scheming woman….”
“Oh raand…I know how much you care for me…”
“Yes I do your highness…. its
enough of pains and every day torturous life…I wonder how you tolerate and
why…just tell me and she will be dead…think about it your highness… no more
humiliations…a peaceful life…but I suspect you love to suffer…but I cant see
you suffering any more…?”
A brooding Bari Rani remained
silent. Her big diamond nose ring sparked and sent a ring of rays on the darkened
walls. An expectant Phooli waited eagerly for a reply. The earthen lamp
flickered violently and died. They sat still in complete darkness as rest of
the fort bathed in lights.
Phooli filled her glass again.
“You are going too fast raand…hold it.” Bari Rani warned her
softly in barely audible voice.
“I don’t care your highness.
Say some thing your highness…did what I say makes any sense…?”
“I don’t know…my senses are
numb with humiliation and intoxication...you are a wise bitch and so brave…
wish I had that clarity and strength...”
“Anndata please forgive
me …I just could not tolerate any more and did some thing…I don’t know what
will happen…hope every thing will be all right…”
“What are you talking about raand…what you did?” Bai Rani opened her
eyes and looked around to locate her maid.
Phooli emptied her glass and stared to weep,
keeping her voice low.
“It’s nothing your highness… I
am talking nonsense…. just drunk after having too many…of this angrezi
sharaab…believe me it’s nothing…”
Both remained silent for long as melodious
marriage songs wafted through the stone grills and heavy curtains.
“How do I thank you Phooli…
… for feeling so much for me…you take so
much of risks…for understanding and being with me…in lonely tormenting
nights…how could I have lived without you
raand?”
“Your highness it my duty…to
always think and do good for you…even if I die doing that…I was told clearly by
my mother...when she gave me away to be with you…. and I have to honor what she
said long back…”
“I feel tired now…. want to
sleep to never get up again.”
“Don’t say that your
highness…think of the life you are nurturing…and what will happen to me with
out you?
Bari Rani remained silent.
“Should I serve you dinner,
your highness?”
“No I don’t feel hungry.”
“No anndata you have
to…so much of sharaab… must eat…should not drink now…you are not alone…
the child.”
“Shut up raand…what do I think of the child who won’t live?”
“Every thing is possible…if you
gather your strength! Let me light the lamp…and forgive me, I won’t listen to
your no.”
“Oh yes light the damn lamp
fast…let me see around...I hate and fear darkness.”
Phooli slowly moved around
holding furniture to guide her locate the matchbox. She laughed mockingly and
lighted a match.
“Oh no your highness…I think
you love darkness and fear light.”
“Shut up raand…you don’t lecture …and make me sadder than I am.”
·
It was customary that the
groups of bhands from both sides will have drinks and dinner together
before the grand competition.
Shamshad Ali chose the venue
for stay of his guests with great planning. The visiting party was put up in
the secluded part of the fort; lost in a bewildering maze of serpentine dark alleys.
Only few knowledgeable could reach out in dark. There were stories of few
drunken unfortunate who chose to wonder and were found dead, some from snake
bites and others fallen in to deep wells.
Separate quarters were allotted for males and
females with a hall in middle to hold the rehearsals. An apt place for the
artists to practice unhindered whenever they wanted.
The feast boasted of few specialties
prepared for the leader of the group, the legendry bhand Chailiya.
“Shamshad bhai tonight you have no chance…I will
win…” A drunken Chailiya laughed loudly.
“That is up to the almighty to
decide who will win…. isn’t it? I just try to do my job well and never bother
about results.” Shamshad Ali smiled at his drunken pray.
“Well…. I don’t take things
lightly as you do…and mind it… it’s not about the usual song and dance
stuff…that being handled by my boys and girls.”
“What are you trying to say? Be
more candid now…I know very well that you have some aces up your sleeve
tonight…don’t you?”
“Let that moment come… will
see…and you won’t be able do any thing bhai…I pity you…” Chailiya laughed
filling his glass to brim.
An alert Shamshad carefully
looked at his ace rival, the legendry bhand. He has to act bewildered to
lower competitor’s guard and present the devastatingly alluring Bhanwaria at an
opportune moment. Precious time was running out and he has to make Chailiya
incapacitate to act out his formidable repertory lampooning weaknesses of the
bride’s family.
“Oh…I am aware you might
win…even after consuming a full bottle of potent angrezi sharaab?”
“Are you joking Shamshad bhai…?
I can manage one and half bottle and still remain deadly sober.”
Chailiya loved to boast his
great capacity to drink.
“ I am sure you do bhai…let me
offer you a rare hundred year old potent brew…it has great effect on mind and
body…its always been an honor to talk to you…I would have never accepted this
assignment but for Rajaji.”
Shamshad Ali signaled an aid to
produce the gift.
“Well Rajaji is going to be very angry on the defeat after I get going… and you would
not know where to hide face and how to save your honor…I am sorry but cant help
it now…its too late…. oh”
Chailiya stopped boasting, as the bejeweled
Bhanwaria emerged swaying seductively holding a silver tray with an embroidered
cover. He liked what he saw and smelled from distance.
“It is my great honor to serve
you ustad…” Bhanwaria bowed, tantalizingly neared his victim and
delicately deposited the tray on the table. His dupatta slipped to expose the
stuffed bust and rested on amazed face of Chailiya, who smelled the heady
perfume making his senses foggy.
“Bhanwaria is very talented and
wanted to meet you for long…” Shamshad said causally.
“Oh I see?” Chailiya looked
closely at the perfumed allurement and felt his pulse racing.
“Yes…since I saw you last year…performing
at Lalgarh…hai daiya I am so happy
serving you tonight…” Husky voice and swaying body of Bhanwaria left nothing to
imagination.
“Excuse me Bhai…need to see the
arrangements…take your time…and taste my gift…the ceremony will start late
after midnight…”
Shamshad left the dimly lighted
room and signaled musicians sitting behind a heavy curtain.
Bhanwaria poured a stiff drink for a dazed
Chailiya. The fiery sting of the hundred year old exotic liquor electrified his
foggy senses.
Bhanwaria started to dance
sensually, his Ghaghara bellowing wide and
high.
Chailiya watched transfixed. And
it has been a while; when he had let his guard lower and enjoyed an
intoxicating company. His mind wondered about what lay ahead. Deep in his mind
he sensed a clever trap to make him go astray and loose focus.
·
“Tell me what you actually did…?”
Bari Rani asked sternly.
“I did nothing anndata….”
Phooli was distanced and humming.
“I must know…now come on, tell
me raand…”
“Anndata you have not
eaten much…please take more…”
“Shut up, don’t fool me…you
don’t look normal…” An agitated Bari Rani pressed ahead. She suspected Phooli
had done something to harm Choti Rani.
“Choti si umar main…parnaee re babo sa….”
Phooli sang a folk song softly, lamenting her heart felt angst about being
married off young, by an ignorant father, tears streaming down her cheeks.
“Tell me Phooli…I must know…”
An anxious Bari Rani whispered.
“There is nothing to tell anndata…I
have always wished that foul woman is
dead…and that would make your life so glorious…you will be the Rani Maa…and now
I just live to see that wonderful day…” Phooli spoke haltingly as in a trance.
Rani pushed bowl of dry fruits
way.
“Anndata you have eaten nothing…”
Phooli stopped humming.
“For the first time, I feel you
are hiding something from me…why…and
what…?”
“No anndata…I am hiding
nothing…I just prayed deeply… that your life turns for better…I prayed for
death of Choti Rani.” Phooli started to laugh keeping her voice low.
Rani closed her eyes and
brooded over words of her maid.
“Stop dreaming raand…nothing
ever has happened as per our wishes…”
“You have been so cruel to
yourself by suffering…but don’t be cruel to the child…you must take stock of
your life and his as well…”
“How can I do that…don’t talk
nonsense raand..”
“Every day is
different…something might happen now…we have had enough of pains…now our lives
must change….” Phooli continued dreamily,
“My younger brother Balvir come
to meet me…I told him about my wishes…he is very brave and resourceful…he felt
so unhappy and sad about my painful life…he will do anything for my happiness…”
“And….?” Rani asked alarmingly.
“He said, everything will be
alright…told me to wait for better days to begin…”
“What he will do…tell me …I
must know…” Rani sat upright in her chair.
“I don’t know anndata…I
don’t like you being ignored and humiliated…”
Rani slumped back in her chair
and it gathered motion. She spoke lost in her thoughts.
‘What are your wishes raand…?”
“You are happy and powerful
Rani Maa… and all my woes too will vanish …”
“Do you know how that is
possible…?”
“Yes anndata…I have few
ideas…but won’t tell you…because I don’t want you to know….such gory secrets…”
“Enough of this nonsense…Shut
up and give me a drink raand.”
“Anndata…isn’t
it too much for the night….forgive me….but
please wait for next dark night to descend…let me help you to the bed now..”
“No…not
so early… serve my dinner...”
“Hukum
anndata…”
·
Shamshad Ali smiled when an aid
whispered about a drunken Chailiya lustfully following Bhanwaria in serpentine
dark alleys.
He gleefully signaled his group
to end the performance at midnight. It had been a cake walk for him, as his
feared rival was found to be untraceable after many futile attempts. He
earnestly wished Chailiya would live to see the next day. So many thieves and
enemies had been devoured by deep pits of dark alleys and snake bites. It would
indeed be so great to confront a defeated rival who gloated so much. He could
only hope.
A satisfied Thakur Shaitan
Singh looked at the defeated, shrunken frame of Thakur Lal Singh, who was now
mumbling incoherently, lying slumped halfway on the floor. An empty glass
lolled on his heaving, wet midriff. He got up, staggered and proceeded upstairs
to declare success to the waiting Rajaji. An alert aide rushed to help him
climb up the treacherously narrow steps towards his reward.
·
Tragedies stuck Shergarh in
quick succession, a few days after the marriage ceremonies were over and all
the guests had departed.
A half-eaten headless body was
discovered by shepherds in the sand dunes, their hungry dogs must have traced
the smell of blood and rotting flesh. The greatly respected astrologer Pundit
Brij Kishor had met a gory end, presumably looted and beheaded by a band of
nomadic criminal tribe, lately seen in the area.
Only a day before, the learned
astrologer had written his will. He must have predicted his own terrible death
and was prepared.
The ailing Raja Shoor Vir Singh
died after coughing blood for a day. He could never give up his daily bottle of
scotch whiskey. A sad Doctor Ganguli frantically tried to revive him but
failed.
But that was not enough. Only the next dark night, a terribly broken
Choti Rani slipped on the winding staircase to her instant death. Early
morning, she was found lying in pool of caked blood by her favorite maid
Ramkudi. The large earthen lamp had broken and its oil flowed down smearing the
already slippery stone steps. Many weeping maids lamented about ignoring the
sounds of cats fighting at night. The quarreling cats must have toppled the
lamp, which was always filled to brim to last till dawn.
The grieving small town was in
the news as the press, curious onlookers, friends, relatives and other royalty
poured from far and wide to attend the funeral.
·
After about six months from these terrible
events, Shergarh found a good reason to rejoice.
Bari Rani gave birth to a male
child. An heir at last had arrived to
continue the legacy left by late Raja Shoor Vir Singh.
******************************************
Madhav Singh asserts his moral
right as writer of this fictional story.
Emai: cyberdynamix@gmail.com
Glossary of Rajasthani words:
Rajaji: The King
Rani: The Queen
Anndata: The provider
Ghani Khamma: I seek your
forgiveness
Hukum: I am pleased to be
present, your highness
Yes, your highness,
You are right, your highness
Bari: Senior
Beechali: Middle
Choti: Junior
Raand: Can be an
abuse and endearment as well, depending on the context and relationship. Used as an expression
for variety of meanings for a girl child, a woman, promiscuousness and a whore.
Bhands: Also called Mirasis are traditional performers, born satirists and stand-up comedians who still perform at marriages and birth of a son ...
Bhands: Also called Mirasis are traditional performers, born satirists and stand-up comedians who still perform at marriages and birth of a son ...
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